Had he been able at this moment to look beyond the fences which
his fear had reared, he would have seen at either gate a silent
figure guarding the walk, and recalled, perhaps, the horror of
other days when at the contemplation of such a prospect, his
spirit recoiled upon itself in unimaginable horror and revolt. And
yet, who knows! Life's passions fade when the heart is at peace.
And Archibald Ostrander's heart was at peace. Why, his next words
will show.
"Oliver"--his voice was low but very distinct, "never have a
secret; never hide within your bosom a thought you fear the world
to know. If you've done wrong--if you have disobeyed the law
either of God or man--seek not to hide what can never be hidden so
long as God reigns or men make laws. I have suffered, as few men
have suffered and kept their reason intact. Now that my wickedness
is known, the whole page of my life defaced, content has come
again. I am no longer a deceiver, my very worst is known."
"Oliver?"--This some minutes later. "Are we alone?"
"Quite alone, father. Mrs. Scoville is busy and Reuther--Reuther
is in the room above. I can hear her light step overhead."
The judge was silent. He was gazing wistfully at the wall where
hung the portrait of his young wife. He was no longer in his own
room, but in the cheery front parlour. This Deborah had insisted
upon. There was, therefore, nothing to distract him from the
contemplation I have mentioned.
"There are things I want to say to you.
Pages:
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330