Well, he
won't know anything about that now, thank God!" There was the slightest
tremor in his voice as he spoke.
Mary did not take the candle. "I've said some hard things to you, Mr.
Beaumaroy. I dare say I've sounded very self-righteous." He raised his
hand in protest, but she went on: "So I should like to say one different
thing to you, since we're to part after to-night. You've shown yourself a
good friend, good and true as a man could have."
"I loved my old man," said Beaumaroy.
It was his only plea. To Mary it seemed a good one. He had loved his poor
old madman; and he had served him faithfully. "Yes, the old man found a
good friend in you; I hope you will find good friends too. Oh, I do hope
it! Because that's what you want."
"I should be very glad if I could think that, in spite of everything, I
had found one here in this place--even although she can be a friend only
in memory."
Mary paused for a moment, then gave him her hand. "I know you much
better after tonight. My memory of you will be a kind one. Now to
our work!"
"Yes--and thank you.
Pages:
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193