And truly, in all my life I had never seen such a convulsion pass over my father's face.

It was like as if some one had touched and revived the torment of a long-hidden, but never-to-be-healed wound.
Not till years after did I understand the full meaning of John's gaze, or why he was so patient with my father.
The torment passed--ended in violent anger.
"Out with it.

Who is deluding thee?
Is it a matter of wedlock, or only--" "Stop!" John cried; his face all on fire.

"The lady--" "It is a 'lady'! Now I see why thee would fain be a gentleman." "Oh, father--how can you ?" "So thee knowest it too--I see it in thy face--Wouldst thee be led away by him a second time! But thee shall not.

I'll put thee under lock and key before thee shalt ruin thyself and disgrace thy father." This was hard to bear; but I believe--it was John's teaching--that one ought to bear anything, however hard, from a just and worthy parent.
And it was John himself who now grasped my hand, and whispered patience.