'I think it is hardest of all to hear you defend my mother to me.'
'I know it—it is bitterly hard. Do you think I don't feel for you? But, Blake, before we leave Rutherford, there is another duty, and a still more painful one. Surely you intend to see your father?'
'I do not see the necessity, Captain Burnett; my father is nothing to me nor I to him.'
'You are wrong,' returned Michael warmly; 'you are altogether wrong. Will you let me tell you something?'
And then he repeated the substance of his conversation with Mat O'Brien. He thought Cyril seemed a little touched, but he merely said:
'I think I need hardly see him at present;' and he added in a low voice, 'Am I in a fit state to see anyone?'
'Perhaps not; but you may not soon have another opportunity, my dear fellow. Will you put aside your feelings and do this thing for my satisfaction? I have given my word to Mr. O'Brien that I will do my best to bring you together, and if you refuse I shall accuse myself of failure.'
'Oh, if you put it in that light, I do not see my way to refuse.'
'Thanks—shall we go together, or would you prefer going alone?'
'I could not bring myself to go alone.'