Hermann; I am not used to be spoken to in that
manner."
"Nor is it an ordinary occasion on which I address madame," said her
new son-in-law, rising. "I am aware that I have transgressed many
codes, but my anxiety to secure my treasure must plead for me; and
she assured me that she might trust to the goodness of the best of
mothers."
"There is such a thing as abusing such goodness," said Bobus.
"Sir," said Hermann, "I understand that you have rights as eldest
son, but I await my sentence from the lips of madame herself."
"No, he is not the eldest," interrupted Janet. "This is Allen-—
Allen, you were always good-natured. Cannot you say one friendly
word?"
Something in the more childish, eager tone of Janet's address
softened Allen, and he answered—-
"It is for mother to decide on what terms we are to stand, Janet, and
strange as all this has been, I have no desire to be at enmity."
Caroline had by this time been able to recover herself and spoke.
"Mr. Hermann can hardly expect a welcome in the family into which he
has entered so unexpectedly, and-—and without any knowledge of his
antecedents. But what is done cannot be undone; I don't want to be
harsh and unforgiving. I should like to understand all about
everything, and of course to be friends; as to the rest, it must
depend on how they go on, and a great deal besides.
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