22/27 The latter element mingled largely, it is presumed, in all of them. He no longer played the lover to a cold and distant mistress, but carried himself haughtily at times--captiously at times--and always with an air of indifference. All affection seemed transferred to his boy, who was growing self-willed, passionate, and daring. These qualities were never repressed by his father, but rather encouraged and strengthened. On learning that his next heir was a daughter, he expressed impatience, and muttered something about its being strangled at birth. |