But this display of want
of feeling on the part of a son toward a father absolutely chilled his
blood. In a few minutes M. Gandelu appeared with a calmer expression
upon his face.
"I will tell you how matters now stand," said he, in a voice that
quivered in spite of his efforts. "My son is locked up in his room,
and a trustworthy servant whom he cannot corrupt has mounted guard over
him."
"Do you not fear, sir, that in his excitement and anger he may----?"
The contractor shrugged his shoulders.
"You do not know him," answered he, "if you imagine that he resembles
me in any way. What do you think that he is doing now? Lying on his bed,
face downward, yelling for his Zora. Zora, indeed! As if that was a name
fit for a Christian. How is it that these creatures are enabled to drug
our boys and lead them anywhere? Had his mother not been a saint on
earth, I should scarcely believe that he was my son."
The contractor sank into a chair and buried his face in his hands.
"You are in pain, sir?" said Andre.
"Yes; my heart is deeply wounded. Up to this time I have only felt as a
father; now I feel as a man. To-morrow I send for my family and consult
with them; and I shall advertise that for the future I will not be
responsible for any debts that my son may contract.
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