. In this home her looks
were seldom alluded to in any way, and vanity was not in her. She had
her lovelinesses; her hair was long and fair, her eyes were beautiful,
and her skin was of exquisite purity, like her eyes. Her charm lay in
her modesty and quaint dignity, her grave and gentle gaze, and in her
glorious voice.

The Reverend Excell was pleased to hear that his son was bearing
confinement very well, and made another effort to see him. Simply
because Mary wished it, Harold consented to see his father, and they
held a long conversation, at least the father talked and the boy
listened. In effect, the minister said:

"My son, I have forfeited your good will--that I know--but I think you
do me an injustice. I know you think I am a liar and a hypocrite because
you have seen me in rages and because I have profaned God in your
presence. My boy, let me tell you, in every man there are two natures.
When one is uppermost, actions impossible to the other nature become
easy. You will know this, you should know it now, for in you there is
the same murderous madman that is in me. You must fight him down. I love
you, my son," he said, and his voice was deep and tremulous, "and it
hurts me to have you stand aloof from me. I have tried to do my duty. I
have almost succeeded in putting my worst self under my feet, and I
think if you were to come to understand me you would not be so hard
toward me. It is not a little thing to me that you, my only son, turn
your face away from me. On the day of your trial I thought we came
nearer to an understanding than in many years."

Harold felt the justice of his father's plea and his heart swelled with
emotion, but something arose up between his heart and his lips and he
remained silent.

Mr. Excell bent his great, handsome head and plead as a lover pleads,
but the pale lad, with bitter and sullen mien, listened in silence. At
last the father ended; there was a pause.

"I want you to come home when your term ends," he said. "Will you
promise that?"

Harold said, "No, I can't do that. I'm going out West."

"I shall not prevent you, my son, but I want you to come and take your
place at the table just once. There is a special reason for this. Will
you come for a single day?"

Harold forced himself to answer, "Yes."

Mr. Excell raised his head.

"Let us shake hands over your promise, my boy."

Harold arose and they shook hands. The father's eyes were wet with
tears. "I can't afford