“Wolf ith going to work on the other thide, and that’th the only time we could catch him. What did you hit me for?” demanded the scion, rubbing his sore head with his hand.
“I did not know it was you, Waddie,” answered my father, meekly. “You came into my room in the dark, when I was asleep.”
“It wathn’t your room. It wath Wolf’th room. What were you doing in there?”
“It’s my own house, and I have a right to occupy any room I please,” said my father, with more spirit than before.
“You were boothy latht night and didn’t know what you were about.”
My father’s brow contracted, and his lips were compressed. To be told that he was intoxicated galled him sorely. Waddie declared that he had struck him on purpose, and that he should suffer for it. The doctor then took him into his chaise, and conveyed him to his home. My father was not satisfied with the situation. He went to the pump, and drank a large mug of water. He walked up and down the kitchen in silence for a moment, and then said he must see Colonel Wimpleton at once. He went, and by going through the grove he could reach the house as soon as the doctor.
I did not see him again that night, and he did not come out of his room till eight o’clock the next morning. I was very anxious to know how he would regard me, after the hard words he had spoken the night before. I was also curious to learn what had passed at Colonel Wimpleton’s during his visit. Our relations with the magnate were certainly very singular and perplexing. As nearly as I could judge, my father stood exactly in my own position in regard to him. Neither of us had intended to insult or injure the great man or his son, but both had incurred his displeasure; for it would be impossible for the colonel to forgive the unwitting blow my father had struck.
“Wolf,” said my father, after he had eaten his breakfast, “your mother tells me you have an offer on the other side.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You may accept it, and go to work to-day, if you wish.”