raising his voice, spoke sternly and powerfully, as he was accustomed to speak with penitents:
"I am aware that you are under the impression that I have been the cause of Vera's death. Reflect, however, did I love her less than you loved her? You reason absurdly. I have been stern; did that prevent her from doing as she wished. I have forfeited the dignity of a father, I humbly bent my neck, when she defied my malediction and departed—hence. And you—did you not entreat her to remain, until I command you to be silent. Did I beget cruelty in her? Did I not teach her about God, about humility, about love?"
Father Ignatius quickly glanced into the eyes of his wife, and turned away.
"What was there for me to do when she did not wish to reveal her sorrow? Did I not command her? Did I not entreat her? I suppose, in your opinion, I should have dropped on my knees before the maid, and cried like an old woman! How should I know what was going on in her head! Cruel, heartless daughter!"
Father Ignatius hit his knees with his fist.
"There was no love in her—that's what! As far as I'm concerned, that's settled, of
21
