"You are thinking of the deed of attorney—I have heard of it already," said Hugh. A cold smile played on his compressed lips.
"It was all that was left to do," said Paul, his voice hardly stronger than a whisper. His proud spirit was humbled, and his challenge dead.
"Paul, you have robbed me of my inheritance, consciously, deliberately. You have stood in my place. You stand there still. And you leave me your pitiful deed by way of amends!"
A black frown crossed Hugh Ritson's face.
"Atonement! Are you not ashamed of such mockery? What atonement is there for a wrong like that?"
"I did it for the best; God knows I did!" said Paul, his head fell on the table.
Hugh Ritson stood over him, pale with suppressed wrath.
"Was it best to hold my place until my place was no longer worth holding, and then to leave it with an empty show of generosity? Power of attorney! What right have you to expect that I will take that from you? Take my own from the man who robbed me of it, and to receive it back on my knees! To accept it as a gift, whereof the generosity of giving is yours, and the humility of receiving is mine!"
A strong shudder passed over Paul's shoulders.
"I was helpless—I was helpless!" he said.