I could wish that your position were more secure;--but that now cannot be helped.' 'My bed is as I have made it.

I quite understand that, sir.' 'Thinking of all this, I have endeavoured to reconcile myself to your going.' Then he paused a moment, considering what he should next say.
And his son was silent, knowing that something further was to come.

'Had you remained in England we could hardly have lived together as father and son should live.

You would have been dependent on me, and would have rebelled against that submission which a state of dependence demands.
There would have been nothing for you but to have waited,--and almost to have wished, for my death.' 'No, sir; never; never that.' 'It would have been no more than natural.

I shall hear from you sometimes ?' 'Certainly, sir.' 'It will give an interest to my life if you will write occasionally.
Whither do you go to-morrow ?' It had certainly been presumed, though never said, that this last visit to the old home was to be only for one day.