The Forsyte Saga - Volume 1

But as young Jolyon had in his constitution the elements of

impartiality, he reflected that to stigmatize as barbarity that which

was merely lack of imagination must be wrong; for none who held these

views had been placed in a similar position to the animals they caged,

and could not, therefore, be expected to enter into their sensations. It

was not until they were leaving the gardens--Jolly and Holly in a state

of blissful delirium--that old Jolyon found an opportunity of speaking

to his son on the matter next his heart. "I don't know what to make of

it," he said; "if she's to go on as she's going on now, I can't tell

what's to come. I wanted her to see the doctor, but she won't. She's not

a bit like me. She's your mother all over. Obstinate as a mule! If she

doesn't want to do a thing, she won't, and there's an end of it!"

Young Jolyon smiled; his eyes had wandered to his father's chin. 'A pair

of you,' he thought, but he said nothing.

"And then," went on old Jolyon, "there's this Bosinney. I should like to

punch the fellow's head, but I can't, I suppose, though--I don't see why

you shouldn't," he added doubtfully.

"What has he done? Far better that it should come to an end, if they

don't hit it off!"

Old Jolyon looked at his son. Now they had actually come to discuss

a subject connected with the relations between the sexes he felt

distrustful. Jo would be sure to hold some loose view or other.

"Well, I don't know what you think," he said; "I dare say your

sympathy's with him--shouldn't be surprised; but I think he's behaving

precious badly, and if he comes my way I shall tell him so." He dropped

the subject.

It was impossible to discuss with his son the true nature and meaning of

Bosinney's defection. Had not his son done the very same thing (worse,

if possible) fifteen years ago? There seemed no end to the consequences

of that piece of folly.

Young Jolyon also was silent; he had quickly penetrated his father's

thought, for, dethroned from the high seat of an obvious and

uncomplicated view of things, he had become both perceptive and subtle.

The attitude he had adopted towards sexual matters fifteen years before,

however, was too different from his father's. There was no bridging the

gulf.

He said coolly: "I suppose he's fallen in love with some other woman?"

Old Jolyon gave him a dubious look: "I can't tell," he said; "they say

so!"

"Then, it's probably true," remarked young Jolyon unexpectedly; "and I

suppose they've told you who she is?"