I had to laugh, and then I apologized. "There is a good deal of truth in what you say," said I. "The actor struts, and just as you do, to impress the unthinking. But let us drop it. I'm sorry I offended you. But, really, I don't like your interference."
"It is not an interference. I am an old servant of that family. Look here!" He snatched his hand from the lamp-post and folded his arms. "What do you intend shall be the outcome?"
"I don't know—I don't see—"
"Don't see the end," he interposed. "But don't you think that the end of everything ought to be kept well in view?"
"Yes, I do. But sometimes a beginning is so delightful that we are afraid to look toward the end. But I realize my own selfishness, and I acknowledge to you that in spite of what you may term the immoral atmosphere of a player's life—I confess, or, rather, I affirm, that in my blood there is a strong current of good old English puritanism; and I will swear to you that I would cut my own throat rather than to bring disgrace upon that family."
He put his mighty hands upon my shoulders, and, turning my face to the light, he looked hard into my eyes.
"No man could say more, Mr. Belford. But what are you going to do?"
"I am going to stay away from—from her."
"When, Mr. Belford; when will you begin to stay away?"
"I have promised to go fox-hunting day after to-morrow."