"
Harold started at once for home. He hoped rather against hope that he
might talk his mother over; but her aspect was not encouraging when he
met her face to face.
No tragedy-queen could have assumed more scorn. Mrs. Purling, having
thrown herself into several attitudes, fell at length into a chair.
"I never thought it," she said; "not from my own and only child. The
serpent's tooth hath not such fangs, such power to sting, as the base
ingratitude of one undutiful boy. But this fills the cup. I have done
with you--for ever, unless you give me your sacred word of honour now,
at this minute, never to speak to Dolly Driver again."
"Such a promise would be quite impossible under any circumstances, but
I distinctly refuse to give it--upon compulsion."
"Then you have fair warning. Not one penny of my money shall you ever
possess. I will never see you again."
"I sincerely trust the last is only an empty threat, my dearest
mother."
She made a gesture as though she were not to be beguiled by soft
words.
"As for the money, it matters little. Thank God, I have my
profession."
"At which you will starve."
"By which I shall earn my bread as my father did. Besides, I can fall
back upon the reputation of the Family Pills."
"I see you wish to goad me beyond endurance, Harold.
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