Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/528

 your father capable of sending you such a thing. I give you my word that I never left your father’s side all that night. The money to cancel the forged draft, and the money for your journey came from me, but of this horrible thing I knew nothing.

John.—But I tell you all this is folly! It was a boy’s joke to test his will power.

Julia.—Such jokes are sometimes called removing obstacles, is it not?

John.—I did offer him the vial, but if Julia had not destroyed it just now, I should have swallowed the contents myself to prove it was nothing harmful. Laudanum from the back yard pump! And he carried it over three quartrsquarters [sic] of the globe. Ha! Ha! Ha! That’s good!

Dean.—John, do you really think that any one of us four will ever believe that?

John.—You may all believe what you wish.

Dean.—Be still! The more you talk the more clear it is that silence would serve you best. (To .) My poor boy! From henceforth I shall neither praise nor blame the deed with which you ruined your own career and the family honor. The arrow which was meant for you alone has struck beside you. I regret the words I spoke a while ago in refusing to welcome you. You have been robbed of more than you may ever know. So again after ten years, I bid you welcome.

Hans.—And he, the robber, is to be permitted to sit on his booty? He robbed me of everything—of my father, of my heritage, and almost of my life.

Dean.—Peace, peace, Hans! Consider well your motives, and their consequences. If you try to repair your fortunes now, you will not only ruin yourself but others as well. You might even erase the name of Karvan forever from the archives of Potsedin. Forgive and forget, even though he is unworthy. There, there!

John.—If it is necessary I can buy out the business with cash.

Dean.—And return to your newly adopted country. You no longer belong here, God be with you, Jan! I should like to remain and hear the last word between you two, but I feel that this night has cut deep into the roots of my own life. I cannot stand much any more. (Kisses him.) If I should not live till morning, God bless you! I beg that Andrew escort me a little on the way. (He waves a blessing toward the lodge, and leads him off.)