Fires of St. John Part 20

George.

You ask me that question? When one day I came here, during vacation from college, you insisted upon my attending your church. I refused.

You gave me my choice, either to do as you asked, or have my allowance cut off. Then I resolved in my mind never to comply with your command, in spite of everything. Oh, it is no pleasure to hunger, as I was forced to do then; but you may believe me, as I stand before you now, a free and independent man, I owe all of it to my stubborn confidence in myself, looking neither to right nor left, but straight ahead, without concessions, without falsehoods, always able to look every man straight in the face. And this good conscience is my proudest possession. From it do I draw all my strength, and I will never give it up.

Brauer.

Well, who the devil asked you to give it up?

George.

And one thing more. Of course, I belong to this house; fate has made it my lot. Therefore it has ever been far from my mind to seek a wife elsewhere, so strongly attached do I feel myself to this house; and that would have been impossible, had I not from that day been a free man. And now, dear uncle, you are at heart a good and kind man; but your hand is heavy, and it must not lie upon me again as that of the master. For that reason do I refuse to touch even one penny of the dowry, now or any other time.

Brauer.

So, so! Then you are really afraid of me?

George.

Afraid of you? Bah!!!

Brauer.

And at heart you are nothing but a coward!!

George.

Uncle, I forbid you----

Brauer.

_You_ forbid me? Ha! This is my house, and here I am the master!

[George _shrugs his shoulders_.]

Brauer.

Yes, yes; it seems to annoy you to have any one keep an eye on you and your conduct----

George.

My life has been as an open book to this day.

Brauer.

But after to-day--what about that? Who can look into the future? Who can look into your heart and read your thoughts? Who knows what may happen over night, eh?

George.

Uncle, these are insults I will not endure, even from you----

Brauer.

_Well_! What then! Come on! [_Jumps up, facing him, ready to fight_.]

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Enters, ready to go out, dressed_.] Henry, what on earth have you done to Gertrude? She is in her room, crying as if her heart would break.

[Marie _has also come in with_ Mrs. Brauer.]

Brauer.

How is the eggnog getting on, Marie?

Marie.

It is not quite done, papa!

Brauer.

Then let her have her cry; she can bring it up later.

Marie.

Yes, papa.

Mrs. Brauer.

And are you ready?

Brauer.

Ready for what?

Mrs. Brauer.

Are you ready to go now?

Brauer.

Well, wait for me out on the veranda; we have something to settle first, we two!

Mrs. Brauer.

What's the matter with George?

Brauer.