"You have been explaining me all wrong.

For instance, I don't regard music as a diversion.

That is the only explanation there is of me." "And as regards my wishes and my authority ?" asked his father.
Michael squared his shoulders and his mind.
"I am exceedingly sorry to disappoint you in the matter of your wishes," he said; "but in the matter of your authority I can't recognise it when the question of my whole life is at stake.

I know that I am your son, and I want to be dutiful, but I have my own individuality as well.

That only recognises the authority of my own conscience." That seemed to Lord Ashbridge both tragic and ludicrous.