But a moment of anger, even a caprice, may deprive me of everything." With such ideas in his brain, the duke could not love his son.
He hated him.
He passionately envied him all the advantages he possessed--his youth, his millions, his physical beauty, and his talents, which were really of a superior order.
We meet every day mothers who are jealous of their daughters, and some fathers! This was one of those cases.
The duke, however, showed no sign of mental disquietude; and if Martial had possessed less penetration, he would have believed that his father adored him.

But if he had detected the duke's secret, he did not allow him to discover it, nor did he abuse his power.
Their manner toward each other was perfect.

The duke was kind even to weakness; Martial full of deference.

But their relations were not those of father and son.

One was in constant fear of displeasing the other; the other was a little too sure of his power.