It is something to me to know that a man whom I respect so much as the Emperor doesn't feel as I do about it, but that doesn't alter my view." "I understand," said Michael.
"The next is about your mother," he said.

"Do you notice any change in her ?" "Yes," said Michael.
"Can you describe it at all ?" Michael hesitated.
"She shows quite a new affection for myself," he said.

"She came and talked to me last night in a way she had never done before." The irritation which Michael's mere presence produced on his father was beginning to make itself felt.

The fact that Michael was squat and long-armed and ugly had always a side-blow to deal at Lord Ashbridge in the reminder that he was his father.

He tried to disregard this--he tried to bring his mind into an impartial attitude, without seeing for a moment the bitter irony of considering impartiality the ideal quality when dealing with his son.