Seeing that I was really distressing him by my pertinacity, I at last allowed him to close the door and to turn the key upon the outside.

I shall always reproach myself for my want of firmness.

But what can you do when your own father refuses your assistance or co-operation?
You cannot force yourself upon him." "I am sure that you did all you could do," my sister said.
"I meant to, dear Esther, but, God help me, it was hard to tell what was right.

He left me, and I heard his footsteps die away down the long corridor.

It was then about ten o'clock, or a little after.