She must never
know--the world therefore must never know. You did an unmanly thing; you
are suffering a manly remorse. Now let it end here--but I swear it
shall," he said in sharp tones, as the other shook his head negatively:
"I would have let you die at Manitou Mountain, if I had thought you would
dare to take away your wife's peace--your children's respect."
"I have no children; our baby died."
Hume softened again. "Can you not see, Lepage? The thing cannot be
mended. I bury it all, and so must you. You will begin the world again,
and so shall I. Keep your wife's love. Henceforth you will deserve it."
Lepage raised moist eyes to the other and said: "But you will take back
the money I got for that?"
There was a pause, then Hume replied: "Yes, upon such terms, times, and
conditions as I shall hereafter fix. You have no child, Lepage?" he
gently added.
"We have no child; it died with my fame."
Hume looked steadily into the eyes of the man who had wronged him.
"Remember, Lepage, you begin the world again. I am going now. By the
memory of old days, good-bye." He held out his hand. Lepage took it, rose
tremblingly to his feet, and said, "You are a good man, Hume.
Pages:
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63