She has generously forgiven me. Myself I shall
never forgive. If she will honor me with her friendship hereafter,
I pledge you my word that no act of mine, so far as I can help it,
shall ever cause you anxiety for one in whom you have so strong
and natural an interest."
Mr. Eltinge's manner changed decidedly, and when Van Berg concluded
he extended his hand and said cordially:
"After such manly, straightforward words I can give you the right
hand of respect and confidence, if not of fellowship. To tell you
the truth, sir, I was inclined to believe that my little friend
here had a better opinion of you than you deserved, but now I can
welcome you instead of scolding her for bringing you."
At the reference to herself Ida, seemingly, had an impulse to pluck
a flower that was blooming at a little distance. The moment he
was unobserved Van Berg seized the old gentleman's hand and said,
earnestly, while tears sprang to his eyes:
"God bless you for the words you spoke to that poor child. I owe
you more than she does. You have saved me from a life that I would
dread more than death," and then he, too, turned away hastily and
pretended to be very busy in finding the materials for his sketch.
Pages:
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529