So, to-day, as soon as the
stiffness is gone from me, I shall go back to them, sirs, for even
Ignorance has ears."
Now whereupon, the Viscount got upon his legs, rather unsteadily,
and bowed.
"Sir," said he, "I humbly ask your pardon; surely so brave an
apostle should do great works."
"Then," said the stranger, drawing nearer, "if such is your thought,
let me see you two clasp hands."
"But, sir," said the Viscount, somewhat taken aback, "indeed we
have--scarcely begun--"
"So much the better," returned the teacher of forgiveness with his
gentle smile, and laying a hand upon the arm of each.
"But, sir, I went so far as to give this gentleman the lie!" resumed
the Viscount.
"Which I went so far as to--return," said Barnabas.
"But surely the matter can be explained?" inquired the stranger.
"Possibly!" nodded the Viscount, "though I generally leave
explanations until afterwards."
"Then," said the stranger, glancing from one proud young face to
the other, "in this instance, shake hands first. Hate and anger
are human attributes, but to forgive is Godlike. Therefore now,
forget yourselves and in this thing be gods.
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