When my work is done I shall return." Through the window came sounds of revelry from the house near by.
"You are not of these cattle," he said, pointing through the window.
"Your mother was a lady.

Be worthy of her, boy.

Now farewell." The boy stood without word, without motion, without tear, his light blue eyes fixed upon his father's face, his fair skin white but for a faint spot of red on his cheek.
"Obey your sister, Kalman, and defend her.

And listen, boy." His voice deepened into a harsh snarl, his fingers sank into the boy's shoulder, but the boy winced not.

"If any man does her wrong, you will kill him.