“No, no,” he said. “I must see it through.”

I bent forward to steady the lamp, and at the same time I turned it lower.

“Mind the wick,” he said.

“Oh, father,” I cried, “do you mean that she may want to kiss me?”

“Oh, Augustus,” he said, “or even more.”

“Oh, father,” I cried. “Is there anything more?”

He swallowed once or twice.

“Oh, Augustus,” he said.


I fear this chapter must remain unfinished.