Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic]

'The Reverend Paul was knocked headlong into the arms of Bushell senior.'

[ocr errors][ocr errors]

in his own youth, on slighter provocation, to feel that he had any great right to be severe about this matter. Yet he felt keenly that an outrage had been committed, and that it must in some way be atoned for. He was angry, but he was puzzled, and, as his readiest refuge from bewilderment, he looked angrier than he was. As for young Joe, he began to feel that he was dangerous and incendiary. He had knocked down two men in one day, and he was now bitterly ashamed of the achievement. One of the men was his closest friend, and the other was elderly and was laid under professional obligations not to fight. But the more ashamed he grew, the more shameful his last misdeed seemed likely to appear in the eyes of others, and the more necessary it became to shroud himself in a sort of cloak of tacit scorn of everybody, and be sulky in as dignified a way as came easily.

The rustle of a silk dress was heard, and Mrs. Bushell stood in the doorway, by her husband's side. At the bare sight of his mother young Joe recognised the hopelessness of any defence, and threw himself upon the sofa.

'What's the matter?' asked Mrs. Bushell.

Your son,' said the Reverend Paul Screed, removing the handkerchief, has answered the solemn word of warning you desired me to address to him by blows.'

'Not blows,' said the culprit from the sofa, hardening himself, 'a blow.'

'I do not know,' said the minister, whether I received one blow or more. I am still a little shaken by his violence.'

'Joseph,' said Mrs. Bushell, advancing, 'leave this house, and never come back to it again.'

'Very well,' said the young man, rising. Even at that moment the mother's heart yearned over him, but she must acquit herself of duty first and be tender afterwards. She knew her husband would interfere, and she never dreamed that her only child would leave her, even though she ordered him away.

If it's anybody's

'Rot an' nonsense!' said the old man angrily. business to order my son out o' my house, it's mine. Fair play's a jewel. Joe's done wrong, but we do' know-' (meaning 'don't know') the rights o' this business yet. Now, parson, it's your turn. Say thy say.'

Mr. Screed answered nothing, and Mrs. Bushell, still confident in her husband's interference, turned again upon her son.

Leave the house, Joseph.'

'Very well,' said young Joe again, and passing from the room went upstairs, and began to pack his belongings together. Mean

« PreviousContinue »