"
Mr. Benson did not speak. He could not, till he had gathered some
peace from looking at the ineffable repose of the Dead. Then,
before he answered, he covered up her face; and in his voice
there was the stillness of ice.
"Leonard is not unprovided for. Those that honoured his mother
will take care of him. He shall never touch a penny of your
money. Every offer of service you have made, I reject in his
name, and in her presence," said he, bending towards the Dead.
"Men may call such actions as yours youthful follies! There is
another name for them with God. Sir! I will follow you
downstairs."
All the way down, Mr. Benson heard Mr. Donne's voice urging and
entreating, but the words he could not recognise for the thoughts
that filled his brain--the rapid putting together of events that
was going on there. And when Mr. Donne turned at the door, to
speak again, and repeat his offers of service to Leonard, Mr.
Benson made answer, without well knowing whether the answer
fitted the question or not--
"I thank God, you have no right, legal or otherwise, over the
child. And for her sake, I will spare him the shame of ever
hearing your name as his father." He shut the door in Mr. Donne's
face.
"An ill-bred, puritanical old fellow! He may have the boy, I am
sure, for aught I care. I have done my duty, and will get out of
this abominable place as soon as I can. I wish my last
remembrance of my beautiful Ruth was not mixed up with all these
people.
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