A change passed over his handsome face: he frowned, and his color
deepened as he looked up at the light in his father's window.
"I'll slip out again to-night, and see life," he muttered doggedly to
himself, approaching the door. "The more I'm bullied at home, the
oftener I'll go out on the sly."
This rebellious speech was occasioned by the recollection of a domestic
scene, which had contributed, early that evening, to swell the list of
the Tribulations of Zack. Mr. Thorpe had moral objections to Mr.
Blyth's profession, and moral doubts on the subject of Mr. Blyth
himself--these last being strengthened by that gentleman's own refusal
to explain away the mystery which enveloped the birth and parentage of
his adopted child. As a necessary consequence, Mr. Thorpe considered
the painter to be no fit companion for a devout young man; and
expressed, severely enough, his unmeasured surprise at finding that his
son had accepted an invitation from a person of doubtful character.
Zack's rejoinder to his father's reproof was decisive, if it was
nothing else. He denied everything alleged or suggested against his
friend's reputation--lost his temper on being sharply rebuked for the
"indecent vehemence" of his language--and left the paternal tea-table
in defiance, to go and cultivate the Fine Arts in the doubtful company
of Mr.
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