He placed his hands together, palm to palm, and bowed his proud head in humble entreaty. Bopaul once more turned his back upon the company and strode towards one of the windows. The sight of Pantulu's grief and distress pained him more than he cared to admit. Ananda did not hear the appeal unmoved. Tears sprang into his eyes, and he too averted his gaze from a sight that sent a sharp knife through his heart; but, like all weak natures, he possessed a strain of obstinacy that came now to his assistance. Bopaul, who had more force of character, could not have listened to such an appeal from his father without wavering in his determination, no matter how great might have been his courage. With Ananda it had a contrary effect. It distressed and pained him beyond expression; but it strengthened rather than weakened his resolve, and created a desire to justify his action. He answered firmly and decisively, and in that answer his father recognised the obstinacy of the perverse boy who so often succeeded in getting his own way in spite of his timid nature. "It is true. I am a Christian, and I intend to remain a Christian. I am sorry if it hurts you, my father; but I have arrived at man's estate and must judge for myself. I have taken the step deliberately and with due thought and consideration." "This is the Professor's doing, him to whom I entrusted you!" cried Pantulu, his wrath rising hotly. "No, it is not! The Professor had nothing to do with it!" replied Ananda, in a sharp, clear voice. He turned to Bopaul, who was still standing with his back to them. "Reassure my father on this point, please. Had Professor Twyford or his family anything to do with the step I have taken?" "To the best of my belief, none. He showed as much astonishment when you announced the change as I felt myself. What was more, he was terribly disturbed by the news." Pantulu made no comment on this confirmation of his son's story, and Ananda began again. "It happened in this way----" "Silence!" thundered his father, in a voice that made them all start. "When the dhoby's donkey falls into the tank, does it bring him to life again to explain what caused his foot to slip? Thou art cursed! cursed! cursed! No longer shalt thou be a son of mine! I am childless! Go from my sight, and never let my eyes fall upon thee again!" He used the language usually addressed to inferiors, and it stung. "Let me explain, most excellent father----" "Call me not father, son of a dog!" "If you would only let me speak, I can----" "Sooner would I listen to the 'untouchable' who cleans the gutters and carries away the contents of the dustbin! Go!" He moved towards him threateningly. Ananda stepped back a pace or two, but did not show any sign of leaving the room.