The old man was so angry that he did not answer her. He remained near the door, doubtful whether to retire or to come forward. He had not expected to meet his son there, and was unprepared for an interview; though hardly regretting it, for, in his bitter and resentful spirit he was willing that Anthony should hear from his own lips what he designed--learn to the full the completeness of the severance between them. "Whatever persuasion you may attempt," said he, looking at Julian, "comes at a wrong time, after you have shown me that you are a person who, not respecting herself, deserves no respect from another, and after you have grossly insulted me. But I will listen to you, though, I tell you, what you say will not weigh with me as a feather." "If that be so," laughed Julian, "I will spare myself the trouble. But look at your son; look at him calmly, and tell me whether I was wrong in pitying him, ay, and if, in consideration of old, tried friendship, that has been almost cousinship--so well have we known each other since childhood--was I so very wrong in lightly touching his brow with my lips, for from my heart I was sorry for him. Think what it would have been for you, when you married, had your father lived and treated you as you have treated Anthony! Is a man to be cast out of every home because he has committed one folly? I dare stake my word that Anthony has rued his act almost daily; and is all his regret to count for nothing?" "A man must take the consequences of what he has done." "Julian, I do not wish you to plead my cause," said Anthony, coming before his father; "I will speak to him myself. I want to ask of him a question or two." "I will answer them," said the old man. "Say on." "I desire to know for certain whether you intend to give Bessie to Fox Crymes?" "Yes, I do." "And she consents?" "All are not so disobedient as yourself." "And if she refuses?" "She will not refuse. I can but let her go, as I let you go. But she will not refuse; I have that to say to her which will make her give way." "Then if she takes Fox, do you intend to take him into Hall?" "Yes, I do." "And under my name?" "Certainly. He changes his name of Crymes to that of Cleverdon when he becomes my son." "Then I tell you it shall not be. There shall not be another Anthony Cleverdon in Hall. I give you and Fox fair warning. There cannot--there shall not--be a supplanter in Hall bearing my name." "We shall see." "Yes you shall see. Tell Fox what I have said." "Tell him yourself. I will be no bearer of messages between you." "Mr. Cleverdon," said Julian, "I cannot let you meet and part in my presence, spoiling all my pleasure in this little room forever with the remembrance of this scene, without one more effort to bring you to agreement. Come, now--what if Anthony returns to you?" "Returns to me?"