Her tone was abrupt and scornful. Deronda, in his pained feeling, and under the solemn urgency of the moment, had to keep a clutching remembrance of their relationship, lest his words should become cruel. He began in a deep entreating tone:
"Mother, don't say that I feel myself wise. We are set in the midst of difficulties. I see no other way to get any clearness than by being truthful--not by keeping back facts which may--which should carry obligation within them--which should make the only guidance toward duty. No wonder if such facts come to reveal themselves in spite of concealments. The effects prepared by generations are likely to triumph over a contrivance which would bend them all to the satisfaction of self. Your will was strong, but my grandfather's trust which you accepted and did not fulfill--what you call his yoke--is the expression of something stronger, with deeper, farther-spreading roots, knit into the foundations of sacredness for all men. You renounced me--you still banish me--as a son"--there was an involuntary movement of indignation in Deronda's voice--"But that stronger Something has determined that I shall be all the more the grandson whom also you willed to annihilate."

Her tone was abrupt and scornful. Deronda, pained, had to remember their relationship, lest his words should become cruel.
"Mother, don't say that I feel myself wise. I think only the truth can bring us guidance toward duty. Your will was strong, but my grandfather's trust in you - what you call his yoke - is the expression of something stronger, with deeper roots. You renounced me - you banish me as a son"- there was an involuntary indignation in Deronda's voice- "but that stronger Something has determined that I shall be the grandson whom you willed to annihilate."
