I have not seen him for some days. I have been
to London."
"You should have contrived your story better: you contradict yourself."
"I am not aware that I do."
"You have the man's horse!"
"His horse is in my stable; he is not himself at home."
"Fled from justice! It shall not avail him!"
"It may avail you though, madam! It is sometimes prudent to let well
alone. May I not suggest that a hostile attempt on your part, might lead
to awkward revelations?"
"Ah, where could the seed of slander find fitter soil than the heart of a
son with whom the prayer of his mother is powerless!"
To all appearance she had thoroughly regained her composure, and looked
at him with a quite artistic reproach.
"The prayer of a mother that never prayed in her life!" returned John;
"--of a woman that never had an anxiety but for herself!--I don't believe
you are my mother. If I was born of you, there must have been some
juggling with my soul in antenatal regions! I disown you!" cried John
with indignation that grew as he gave it issue.
Her face turned ashy white; but whether it was from conscience or fear,
or only with rage, who could tell!
She was silent for a moment. Then again recovering herself,--
"And what, pray, would you make of me?" she said coolly. "Your slave?"
"I would have you an honest woman! I would die for that!--Oh, mother!
mother!" he cried bitterly.
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