I do hope that you will give me your hand." All the others who had held aloof from Bathurst came forward and expressed their deep regret for what had occurred.
Bathurst heard them in silence.
"I do not feel that there is anything to forgive," he said quietly.

"I am glad to hear what you say, and I know you mean it, and I accept the hands you offer, but what you felt towards me has affected me but little, for your contempt for me was as nothing to my contempt of myself.

Nothing can alter the fact that here, where every man's hand was wanted to defend the ladies and children, my hand was paralyzed; that whatever I may be at other times, in the hour of battle I fail hopelessly; nothing that I can do can wipe out, from my own consciousness, that disgrace." "You exaggerate it altogether, Bathurst," Wilson broke in hotly.

"It is nonsense your talking like that, after the way you jumped down into the middle of them with that mace of yours.

It was splendid." "More than that, Mr.Bathurst," Mrs.Doolan said, "I think we women know what true courage is; and there is not one of us but has, since this siege began, been helped and strengthened by your calmness--not one but has reason to be grateful for your kindness to our children during this terrible time.