Part 46 (2/2)
”You think so?”
”I am sure of it. There is a moral order that never varies. Don't you make any mistake, my boy. G.o.d is at the head of affairs, though you may think the world is run without a head.”
”I don't know that I have ever said that.”
”Well, not in so many words, perhaps. But you've drifted a long way.
I've been awfully sorry. I'm sorry still. But you'll get back. I've never lost faith in you. You've always been better than your philosophy.
But I'm not going to blame you.”
”You need not be afraid that I shall be offended.”
”No, 'tisn't that. I know what it is to doubt, myself. I fancy sometimes it's only the people who never think who never doubt. The way into the Kingdom is through tribulation. So long as a man is honest in his doubts, I don't mind. It is the blatant scepticism of ignorance that one resents. I am sure you have been anxious to find the truth.”
”I am still.”
”Light will come in good time, my boy. Only be patient and humble,” and Captain Tom turned away.
”One word more before you go,” Rufus said, eagerly.
”Yes, sonny, a dozen if you like.”
”I referred just now to my damaged reputation.”
”You did. But you'll be able to live that down.”
”That is not the point exactly. I was cruelly slandered in that matter.
I was never drunk in my life, never, in the smallest degree, the worse for drink; and it would be a comfort to me if you could accept my word of honour on that point.”
”Then it was not a momentary weakness--a sudden lapse as it were?”
”It was not. I have never tasted a drop of intoxicants since my leg was broken, and then it was given to me as a medicine by the doctor.”
”But why should three men swear you were drunk?”
”One to damage my character. The other two were bribed.”
”Have you proof of that?”
”No.”
”Then you had better keep a still tongue.”
”I have done so; but you have shown yourself so friendly that I could not help speaking. Besides, it is hard to keep silent under so great a wrong.”
”But why should any man--especially a man in the young Squire's position--bribe others to swear your character away?”
”Because he feared I was coming between him and the girl he wanted to marry.”
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