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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

. . I love your strength, Martin, your
happiness, your youth--all the things I've never had. And you're not
going to leave me, not though Amy married a hundred Thurstons . . ."
Mr. Warlock's grip on his son's shoulder was iron.
Martin bent down and sat on the arm of his dusty leather chair to
bring himself on to the same level. He put his arm round his father
and drew him close to him. Maggie, Life, Money, Adventure--
everything seemed to draw away from him and he saw himself, a little
boy, pattering on bare feet down the aisle towards the font--just as
though a spell had been cast over him.
They sat close together in silence. Then slowly the thought of
Thurston came back again. Martin drew away a little.
"All the same, father," he said, "Thurston mustn't marry Amy."
"They're only engaged. There's no question of marriage yet."
"Then they are engaged?" Martin drew right away, standing up again.
"Oh, yes, they're engaged."
"Then I'm not going to stand it. I tell you I won't stay here if
Thurston marries Amy."
Mr. Warlock sighed. "Well then, let's leave it, my boy. I daresay
they'll never marry.


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