This naturally gave an aid to comprehension, and
he did not take into account that Michael was not so blessed as he, and
indeed lacked this very superior individual enlightenment. But his own
words kindled the flame of this illumination, and without noticing the
blank stolidity of Michael's face he went on with gathering confidence:
"I am sure you are high-minded, my dear Michael," he said. "And it is to
your high-mindedness that I--yes, I don't mind saying it--that I appeal.
In a moment of unreflectiveness you have thrown overboard what I am sure
is real to you, the sense, broadly speaking, that you are English and of
the highest English class, and have intended to devote yourself to more
selfish and pleasure-loving aims, and to dwell in a tinkle of pleasant
sounds that please your ear; and I'm sure I don't wonder, because, as
your mother and I both know, you play charmingly. But I feel confident
that your better mind does not really confuse the mere diversions of
life with its serious issues."
Michael suddenly rose to his feet.
"Father, I'm afraid this is no use at all," he said. "All that I feel,
and all that I can't say, I know is unintelligible to you. You have
called it rubbish once, and you think it is rubbish still.
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