This diagnosis
of the case struck me as highly reasonable. Indeed, I have constantly
said to myself that, provided the dear child managed to escape
indictment, I had every reason to be contented that she was living up
to her lights to the top of her bent. So altogether you can see that
my home was a happy one, and that I desired no change.
My two sons-in-law! I see them in my mind's eye walking on either side
of me, the one short and slim with a spiritual countenance; the other
tall, handsome, and impressive-looking. Their main object in life
seems to be to help me on with my overcoat, and to guide my senile
steps over street-crossings, though Dr. Meredith tells me that I am
good for twenty years yet, and that I haven't an unsound organ in my
body. They disagree with me in politics so politely that I am fool
enough to open my best wine when they come to dinner. They dog my
footsteps; they silently pass judgment upon me, and I shall never be
able to shake them off until I am dead. Why did they come to worry us?
We were so happy before we knew of their existence. Out upon them both!
Alas, poor philosopher! Shall I begrudge to my darlings the happiness
that I have known in the too swiftly fleeting years of our married
life? Love has come to claim my flesh and blood even as it claimed me
and Josephine a quarter of a century ago never to loose us from his
silken chains.
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