A Daughter of Delilah — page 199: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

190 A FATHER’S THREAT. early and late, and there was an eager restlessness in his manner that convinced Billings that the young man was overdoing things. } ‘‘We shall make a man of you yet,’’ his father told him. ‘“‘Hdgar, you cannot estimate what joy this change for the better gives to me. My boy,’’—he spoke nervously—‘‘I intend retiring from the firm. Iam growing old, while you are full of youth and vigor. I have wasted the best years of my manhood, but it is not too late to try and © make amends. Of course, when the old ship needs my hand at the helm in times of storm, I shall be within call, but that will not. be often.”’ He paced the carpeted floor restlessly, and averted his eyes from those of his son. _ “This is most unexpected, father,’’ Edgar replied. ‘‘I wonder that you dare place so much confidence in me— after—after——’’ **Don’t mention it, my boy—don't mention it. I have been hard, callous, cruel! I have made no allowance for the fire that is natural to young blood. Again, I cannot but admire your courage, upon finding that your latest— ah—love affair did not——’’ ‘Father, if you love me,’’ Edgar interrupted, ‘‘never mention that wanton to me again! T have rooted the she- devil out of my heart!”’ Jabez Alston held up one hand imploringly. “There, there,’’ he said. ‘‘You will forgive her some day.’”’ | ‘Never! Curse her!’ the young man answered, vehem- ently. ‘‘Now, father, let us understand each other,’ once and for all. At last I realize my duty to myself—to you, Eomicbooks (E(0)