70 WITH NO REGRETS

My father was a well built man of average
height though he always gave one the impression
of being very tall. He had a fine intellectual face,
eyes that seemed to read your innermost thoughts,
a magnificent head, and a charming personality.
He was already a little grey when I was born; but
by the time I was fifteen his head was a stock of
snow-white hair which suited him enormously. He
was rather stern-looking and most people stood in
great awe of him but they little knew that beneath
his gruff exterior was a heart of gold, soft and un-
derstanding and easily won over if one knew how
to do it. He loved little children and they in turn
adored him. I never came across a child who did
not immediately take to him and became attached
to him. His own children he loved with a surpass-
ing love, but even to them he seldom made a de-
monstration of it. As a child, I stood rather in awe
of my father though I loved him dearly. As I grew
up and learnt to know him better my awe of him
disappeared completely. As the years went by we
became great friends, and he was the best friend
I ever had. Father had a strong overpowering per-
sonality and a kingliness which made him stand
apart from all others in any gathering in which he
was present. To us his children and many others
dependent upon him, he was a tower of strength.
And I am afraid we took full advantage of the fact.

Father was never happier than when surround-
ed by his family, but we were seldom allowed to be
just by ourselves. Friends and relations used to
drop in in the evenings for that was the only leisure
hour father had when he could relax and talk to
them. All day long and sometimes late into the
night he worked. I remember so vividly even now
my father at the dinner hour after a tiring day's
work. Sitting at the head of the table amongst
those he loved, paying attention to each and every-