The Pariah (Volume 3) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ...had more gratitude " "Perhaps they couldn't help themselves--I mean, going away so suddenly," suggested Allen; it was what he wanted to believe himself, and anything that was a reflection on Margot gave him a curious pain. The suggestion, however, drew down his father's anger upon his own head. "Couldn't help themselves? You don't know what you are talking about I tell you they could have helped themselves if they'd chosen to. And now I come to think of it, it's as likely as not that that precious affair at the Casino last night did the business " "But," stammered Allen, "didn't you say Miss Margot came and told you to come to me? There was no disgrace in what I did " "The mother may have got hold of some garbled account She's a proud tempered woman, and naturally she wouldn't like her daughter to be seen going about with a fellow who'd got himself mixed up in a public row at the Casino. About a few paltry francs, too " he burst out, allowing his wrath to escape by this convenient channel. "I wish to God you could break yourself of these low ways and behave more like a gentleman I'd have paid you the money ten times over sooner than have this happen What's the good of my going and making acquaintances if you drive 'em out of the place?" This was the first time that Mr. Chadwick had spoken to his son in anger, and the first time, also, that he had ever seemed to show any consciousness of his son's deficiencies. Allen was silent, stunned almost by this tirade; but what affected him chiefly was a terrible fear that his father was right. The blow had been bitter enough as it was;...