Tom strove in vain to render his own tones as quiet. "What is there to prevent my refusing? What is to prevent my acceptance of Aunt Milly's offer of adoption?"
"Nothing," answered Mr. Hegan, as quietly as before. "Your Aunt Milly would be glad to take you back on any terms, pleasant or offensive to me, and once back with her, I assure you I would not move a finger to dislodge you."
In spite of his resentment at fatherly control, this announced indifference cut the son to the quick. He flung back his head.
"I will go at once," he said.
"No," replied Mr. Hegan, "you will not."
"Why not?" asked Tom, and could have choked himself for the involuntary question.
"You will not go simply because I forbid it."
At the simple words Tom's heart stood still. A quick conviction seized him that he would for some unknown reason have to obey this calm command as absolutely as it was given. At the bare mental suggestion a great anger and defiance surged within him. He knew then that he had touched the crisis. It was then or never—freedom or bondage. Hot words that were to cut him loose from all authority were on his tongue, and he opened his lips to say them. Mr. Hegan's calm eyes were fixed on his face. To the boy's amazement, defiant words would not come. In their place, as he gasped in his effort, there was something else—a wordless, voiceless sound tearing its way through his throat and choking an outlet at his lips. Tom was leaning against the window opposite his father, sobbing like a beaten child. In the depths of his mortification, the confusion of his abrupt downfall, he heard his father's footsteps pass by him, leaving the hall. For the first time in his prosperous life Tom had been knocked down flat—in spirit. He was quivering in every nerve with the shock of failure, yet he felt a strange new sense of power. He had measured his strength for the first time against a more powerful nature, and, though beaten, he was stronger for the struggle, and he knew it. There was something in the experience that had developed while it humbled him.
In the Bishop's study Joan was also taking her first lesson in the new life, but she had a different teacher, and her lesson was shorter. He had always been easy for her to talk with, and a few questions drew forth the true state of the case.