'This is a sad occasion,' he said, as he
advanced to give her his hand.
'A very sad occasion, Louis.'
'I do not know what you may have heard of what has occurred, Lady
Rowley. It is natural, however, to suppose that you must have heard me
spoken of with censure.'
'I think my child has been ill used, Louis,' she replied.
'Of course you do. I could not expect that it should be otherwise. When
it was arranged that I should meet you here, I was quite aware that you
would have taken the side against me before you had heard my story. It
is I that have been ill used--cruelly misused; but I do not expect that
you should believe me. I do not wish you to do. I would not for worlds
separate the mother from her daughter.'
'But why have you separated your own wife from her child?'
'Because it was my duty. What! Is a father not to have the charge of
his own son. I have done nothing, Lady Rowley, to justify a separation
which is contrary to the laws of nature.'
'Where is the boy, Louis?'
'Ah that is just what I am not prepared to tell any one who has taken
my wife's side till I know that my wife has consented to pay to me that
obedience which I, as her husband, have a right to demand.
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