"
"I must bear it, father; the deed was my own," said Ronald.
"We will end this scene," said Lord Earle, turning from his
unhappy wife, who was weeping passionately. "Look at your
mother, Ronald; kiss her for the last time and go from her; bear
with you the memory of her love and of her tenderness, and of how
you have repaid them. Take your last look at me. I have loved
you--I have been proud of you, hopeful for you; now I dismiss
you from my presence, unworthy son of a noble race. The same
roof will never shelter us again. Make what arrangements you
will. You have some little fortune; it must maintain you. I
will never contribute one farthing to the support of my lodge
keeper's daughter. Go where you like--do as you like. You have
chosen your own path. Some day you must return to Earlescourt as
its master. I thank Heaven it will be when the degradation of my
home and the dishonor of my race can not touch me. Go now; I
shall expect you to have quitted the Hall before tomorrow
morning."
"You can not mean it, father," cried Ronald. "Send me from you
punish me--I deserve it; but let me see you again!"
"Never in life," said Lord Earle, calmly.
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