Guy Wetmore Carryl

“ Vane, than you ever have been, or than you’re ever likely to be again. There’s just one thing against which I’ve never been able to secure myself, and that is the possibility of some sudden, overmastering emotion in those whom I’m forced to trust. I’ve never been so unfortunate as to run foul of it before, but when you were trumpeting remorse, and self-sacrifice, and atonement, and so forth, a moment ago, I confess I thought you had the odd trick. With hysteria, all things are possible, and a majority probable. ”

“ You can flay me alive, if you like, or send me to the galleys, or ruin me in any fashion in your power. I’ve seen the picture of the woman I wronged, and I’ve seen my way to make good. From somewhere, perhaps, she’ll see and understand. He’s my son! Do as you think best — you’ll never harm him. ”

“ Vicot had straightened himself, and met his eyes with a kind of boldness which he had never shown before.
“He is my son!” he repeated presently. “Sit down, Radwalader. You may as well hear the whole story. My name’s no more Vicot than yours is. It’s John Vane, and twenty-five years ago it was as respected as any in Boston. I’d everything to live for, as the saying is, and I might have realized it all; but, except for about a year, just after I left college, I never seemed to get a grip on things. ”