I have tried to do my duty.

I have almost succeeded in putting my worst self under my feet, and I think if you were to come to understand me you would not be so hard toward me.

It is not a little thing to me that you, my only son, turn your face away from me.

On the day of your trial I thought we came nearer to an understanding than in many years." Harold felt the justice of his father's plea and his heart swelled with emotion, but something arose up between his heart and his lips and he remained silent.
Mr.Excell bent his great, handsome head and plead as a lover pleads, but the pale lad, with bitter and sullen mien, listened in silence.

At last the father ended; there was a pause.
"I want you to come home when your term ends," he said.