But Adrian need not have the interview to which his host had summoned him. Mr. Dutton’s face was a little graver than usual but his manner was even more kind. He was a man to whom justice seemed the highest good, who had himself suffered most bitterly from . He was forcing himself to be fair with the lad and it was even with a smile that he motioned toward an easy-chair opposite himself. The chair stood in the direct light of the lamp, but Adrian did not notice that.  
“Do not fear me, Adrian, though for a moment I forgot myself. For you personally—personally—I have only great good will. But—— Will you answer my questions, believing that it is a painful necessity which compels them?”
 
[Pg 110]
 
“Certainly.”
 
“One word more. Beyond the fact, which you to Margot, that you were a I know no details of your past life. I have wished not to know and have refrained from any . I must now break that silence. What—is your father’s name?”
 
As he the man’s hands gripped the arms of his chair more tightly, like one prepared for an unpleasant answer.
 
“Malachi Wadislaw.”
 
The questioner waited a moment, during which he seemed to be thinking profoundly. Then he rallied his own . It was an name, but there might be two men bearing it. That was not impossible.
 
“Where does he live?”
 
“Number —, Madison Avenue, New York.”
 
A longer silence than before, broken by a long : “A-ah!” There might, indeed, be two men of one name, but not two residing at that once familiar locality.
 
“Adrian, when you asked my niece that [Pg 111]question about her father, did you—had you—— Tell me what was in your mind.”
 
The lad’s face showed nothing but frank .
 
“Why, nothing, sir, beyond an idle curiosity. And I’m no end sorry for my thoughtlessness. I’ve seen how tenderly you both watch her mother’s grave and I wondered where her father’s was. That was all. I had no business to have done it——”
 
“It was natural. It was nothing wrong, in itself. But—unfortunately, it suggested to Margot what I have studiously kept from her. For reasons which I think best to keep to myself, it is impossible to run the risk of other questions which may rouse other in her mind. I have been truly glad that she could for a time, at least, have the companionship of one nearer her own age than Angelique or me, but now——”
 
He paused significantly, and Adrian hastened to complete the unfinished sentence.
 
“Now it is time for her to return to her ordinary [Pg 112]way of life. I understand you, of course. And I am going away at once. Indeed, I did start, not meaning to come back, but—I will—how can I do so, sir? If I could swim——”
 
Mr. Dutton’s drawn face into something like a smile; and again, most gently, he motioned the excited boy to resume his seat. As he did so, he opened a drawer of the table and produced a purse that seemed to be well filled.
 
“Wait. There is no such haste, nor are you in such need as you seem to think. You have worked well and faithfully and relieved me of much hard that I have not, somehow, felt just equal to. I have kept an account for you and, if you will be good enough to see if it is right, I will hand you the amount due you.”
 
He pushed a paper toward Adrian who would not, at first, touch it.
 
“You owe me nothing, sir, nor can I take anything. I thank you for your hospitality [Pg 113]and some time——” he stopped, choked, and made a telling gesture. It said plainly enough that his pride was just then deeply but that he would have his revenge at some future day.
 
“Sit down, lad. I do not wonder at your feeling, nor would you at mine if you knew all. Under other circumstances we should have been the best of friends. It is impossible for me to be more , and it hurts my pride as much to bid you go as yours to be sent. Some time—but no matter. What we have in hand is to arrange for your departure as speedily and comfortably as possible. I would suggest——” but his words had the force of a command—“that Pierre convey you to the nearest town from which, by stage or railway, you can reach any further place you choose. If I were to offer advice, it would be to go home. Make your peace there; and then, if you desire a life in the woods, seek such with the consent and approval of those to whom your duty is due.”
 
[Pg 114]
 
Adrian said nothing at first; then remarked:
 
“Pierre need not go so far. Across the lake, to the mainland is enough. I can travel on foot , and I know more about the forest now than when I lost myself and you, or Margot, found me. I owe my life to you. I am sorry I have given you pain. Sorry for many things.”
 
“There are few who have not something to regret; for anything that has happened here no apology is necessary. As for saving life, that was by God’s will. Now—to busi............