Grateful, however, for his successful
intervention, Faith now held out her hand.
"I must take my father away, or it will be sunset before we reach the
Meeting-house," she said. "Goodbye-friend," she added gently.
For an instant Luke Claridge stared at her, scarce comprehending that his
movements were being directed by any one save himself. Truth was, Faith
had come to her cross-roads in life. For the first time in her memory she
had seen her father speak to an Eglington without harshness; and, as he
weakened for a moment, she moved to take command of that weakness, though
she meant it to seem like leading. While loving her and David profoundly,
her father had ever been quietly imperious. If she could but gain
ascendency even in a little, it might lead to a more open book of life
for them both.
Eglington held out his hand to the old man. "I have kept you too long,
sir. Good-bye--if you will."
The offered hand was not taken, but Faith slid hers into the old man's
palm, and pressed it, and he said quietly to Eglington:
"Good evening, friend.
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