He then put away the amulet,
and his face resumed the look of placid content it usually wore. He
was feeling the facets of the mysterious 'Moonlight Cross'!
The most marvellous thing is this, however: his old relations towards
me were at once resumed. He never alluded to the subject of his first
wife again, and I soon found it difficult to believe that the
conversation just recorded ever took place at all. Evidently his
monomania only rose up to a passionate expression when fanned into
sudden flame by talking about the cross. It was as though the shock
of his first wife's death had severed his consciousness and his life
in twain.
II
Naturally this visit to Switzerland cemented our intimacy, and it
was on our return home that he suggested my accompanying him on one
of his 'rubbing expeditions.'
'Henry,' he said, 'your mother has of late frequently discussed with
me the question of your future calling in life. She suggests a
Parliamentary career. I confess that I find questions about careers
exceedingly disturbing.'
'There is only one profession I should like, father,' I said, 'and
that is a painter's.
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