“It means what I have told you, Charley, and nothing more.”

“That’s not true,” said the boy in a violent tone, “and you know it’s not. It means your precious Mr. Wrayburn; that’s what it means.”

“Charley! If you remember any old days of ours together, forbear!”

“But you shall not disgrace me,” doggedly pursued the boy. “I am determined that after I have climbed up out of the mire, you shall not pull me down. You can’t disgrace me if I have nothing to do with you, and I will have nothing to do with you for the future.”

“Charley! On many a night like this, and many a worse night, I have sat on the stones of the street, hushing you in my arms. Unsay those words without even saying you are sorry for them, and my arms are open to you still, and so is my heart.”