"
Maurice felt that he could not endure this longer without breaking out
into words which he should afterward repent. He rose at once.
"Will you permit me to retire?" he said. "I shall be glad of your
answer to my request for leave of absence, but I cannot go on with this
conversation."
The other stretched out his hand with a gesture infinitely tender.
"My son!" he entreated. "Do not stray into the wilderness!"
Maurice looked at the outstretched hand. His eyes moistened, but he
could not yield. He felt tenderness for Father Frontford, but he was
more and more at war with the Father Superior. For an instant they
remained thus, and then the thin hand dropped.
"You are then still resolute in asking leave?" the Father said, in his
coldest voice.
"It seems to me my duty to see that if possible the last wishes of my
aunt be carried out."
"Is that your only motive?"
Maurice flushed hotly, but he looked the other boldly in the face.
"I must allow you to impute to me any motive you please. The point is
whether I am to have your permission."
"Under the circumstances I do not feel justified in granting it.
Pages:
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399