He apologized: "Oh, excuse me--I didn't quite catch what you were saying." She said nothing, wondering what had happened to render him so absent-minded.

He read the question in her face, for, turning towards her, he exclaimed: "For the first time in my life I am face to face with defeat--defeat of the most ignominious kind--incapacity--inability to regulate my own internal affairs.

I can rule a government, but I can't manage my own family--my own son.

I'm a failure.

Tell me," he added, appealing to her, "why can't I rule my own household, why can't I govern my own child ?" "Why can't you govern yourself ?" said Shirley quietly.
Ryder looked keenly at her for a moment without answering her question; then, as if prompted by a sudden inspiration, he said: "You can help me, but not by preaching at me.