s, Cyril, when I stretched out the right
hand of fellowship to you, I meant every word that I said. I was
teaching myself to regard you as a son; as far as any man could do such
a thing, I intended to take your future under my care. In all this I did
you no wrong.'

'You have never wronged me, sir,' and with a low but distinct emphasis:
'God forbid that I should wrong either you or her.'

'No! My heart was always full of kindness to you. Young as you
were--young in years and in work--you had won my entire respect and
esteem. I thank you, Cyril--I thank you in my own and in my wife's
name--that I can respect you as highly as ever.'

Dr. Ross's voice faltered with emotion, and the hand that still lay on
Cyril's shoulder trembled visibly; but there was no answering gleam of
emotion on the young man's face.

'You mean it kindly, Dr. Ross, but I have not deserved this praise.' He
spoke coldly, proudly. 'Have I an unsullied name to offer any woman? And
even if this difficulty could be got over, do I not know that my career
is over? Would you--would any other man, do you think--employ me as a
master? I have been facing this question all night, and I know that, as
far as my worldly prospects are concerned, I am practically ruined.'

'No, no; you must not say that. There are plenty of openings for a
clever man. You shall have my help. I will employ my influence; I have
powerful friends. We might find you a secretaryship.'

'I think a clerkship will be more likely,' returned Cyril, in the same
hard voice, though the pent-up pain threatened to suffocate him. 'I may
have some difficulty even there; people like their clerks to be
respectably connected, and when one's father has been in prison----'

But Dr. Ross would not let him proceed.

'My poor boy, your father's sin is not yours. No one can rob you of your
self-respect and stainless honour. If it were not for Audrey, I might
even venture to brave public opinion and keep you myself. It might bring
me into trouble with Charrington, but, as you know, I am my own master.
I could have talked him over and got him to hush it up, and we could
have moved your mother to a little distance. Yes, Cyril, I would have
done it; you should have fought out your battle at my side, if it were
not for my child.'

'I do not know how to thank you for saying this;' and Cyril's rigidity
relaxed and he spoke more naturally. 'I shall never forget this, Dr.
Ross--never, never! But'--here his voic