"
"It is the innocence which survives experience that I value, not
the innocence which dies with it," Alan answered gravely.
"I don't understand these delicate distinctions," Dr. Merrick
interposed with a polite sneer. "I gather from what you said just
now that the lady is shortly expecting her confinement; and as she
isn't married, you tell me, I naturally infer that SOMEBODY must
have seduced her--either you, or some other man."
It was Alan's turn now to draw himself up very stiffly.
"I beg your pardon," he answered; "you have no right to speak in
such a tone about a lady in Miss Barton's position. Miss Barton
has conscientious scruples about the marriage-tie, which in theory
I share with her; she was unwilling to enter into any relations
with me except in terms of perfect freedom."
"I see," the old man went on with provoking calmness. "She
preferred, in fact, to be, not your wife, but your mistress."
Alan rose indignantly. "Father," he said, with just wrath, "if you
insist upon discussing this matter with me in such a spirit, I must
refuse to stay here.
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