It flattered him to find that
he should be almost patronizing his Superior.
Father Frontford regarded Maurice with a look in which were mingled
surprise, disapprobation, and regret. As the two sat holding each
other's eyes, the face of the older man changed and softened. Into it
came a smile of high and spiritual beauty, of nobility and
unworldliness, of tenderness most touching. All that was most winning
in the character of the man was embodied in the look which he fixed
upon his recreant disciple, a look pleading and wistful, yet full of
dignity and strength. He leaned forward, laying the tips of his thin
fingers almost caressingly on the arm of the other.
"My son," he said, "it is not what I have done that you remember; it is
what I represent. The truth and sweetness of religion is what has
touched you. I am only the representative; and no one knows better how
unworthy I am to be so looked on. If the grace of divine love seems to
you good shining through me, think what it is in itself. Oh, my son,"
he went on, the tears coming into his eyes, "I have loved you, and I
love you more now that I see you tempted and bewildered.
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