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Show 12-P or he would say that Oath and come home!" The words were a staggering blow to Lathrop who had been under the impression that the family had been managing without him. He stood paralyzed at the sight of his children who had appeared as though almost coming to blows, physical as well as emotional. Benjamen had been the first to see his father. "Father!" he declared for all to hear. An instant silence permeated the room. Benjamen ran to his father and dropped to his knees, bowing his head in respect. Each child, recovering from the shock of seeing his father, also dropped to his knees respectfully. Barbara stood defiantly looking at her father for a moment, but then she too was overcome with respect and slowly knelt. Leaving the prison guard stationed by the front door, Lathrop passed by his children, not speaking a word. He stopped for a moment at the open, empty cupboards, then proceeded to walk toward the bedroom where he expected to find Hannah. The hearts of the children were rent as they watched the bearded old man shuffle forward. Gone was his august stature. Gone was his dignity. Gone was his image and essence of patriarchy. Life in Newgate had stripped him. He opened the door to Hannah's room. "I've been expecting you," the words were soft as they fell from Hannah's lips. |
