Out of the Past — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

24 Out of the Past. “No, I will not,” cried Benedict, “but I would you had not shown that you have been so unhappy with us.” “Indeed I am sorry,” returned Robert. “But I feel old here. Your life would turn me into a gravestone.”’ “Can you not stay and bear with us for another year?” “T cannot,” he replied. “Did you ever think how little there will be left to me after my youth is gone?” “What can you mean?” “TI mean that I must not live as others do. I must live alone. I cannot marry.” “This is foolish.” “Not so foolish, Pater,” said the young man, avoiding Benedict’s eyes. “I have no name to offer but the one you have chosen for me—a name for convenience, but not my own. I want something of my own. I will not live lost in the world like an empty cask drifting in the sea.” Benedict was long silent. “What is your desire?” “A name of which I shall not be ashamed. And if I had a son he could be proud of it.” “How vehement thou art! In the reality of life, the names of things matter little.” “And honor?” asked Robert, softly. “Honor does not rest in the deeds of your father, but in your own. This name you bear is honorable because you have made us love and respect it.” CONNIE OOOKS =: