21/42 I want to talk about YOU." Ralph had drawn nearer to the bed; he sat leaning forward with his hand on his father's. "You had better select a brighter topic." "You were always bright; I used to be proud of your brightness. I should like so much to think you'd do something." "If you leave us," said Ralph, "I shall do nothing but miss you." "That's just what I don't want; it's what I want to talk about. You must get a new interest." "I don't want a new interest, daddy. I have more old ones than I know what to do with." The old man lay there looking at his son; his face was the face of the dying, but his eyes were the eyes of Daniel Touchett. |