This almost formal abdication of fatherhood hurt him.

The morning light fell on a face which worked with real emotion.

Nothing so false as penitence moved him; but genuine paternal feeling, and that melancholy of 'never again.' He moistened his lips; and complete irresolution for a moment paralysed his legs in their check trousers.

It was hard--hard to be thus compelled to leave his home! "D---nit!" he muttered, "I never thought it would come to this." Noises above warned him that the maids were beginning to get up.

And grasping the two valises, he tiptoed on downstairs.