The rain drops pattered against the large picture window, overlooking the immaculate front lawn. The evening had already fallen and the darkness filled the skies.
Suddenly a rapping was heard on the large oak door at the end of the foyer. “Someone is outside” the master of the house thought to himself.
As he entered the hallway he stopped for a moment, and then as the knocking returned, he wrapped his hand around the brass knob and turned it. He gently opened the heavy door and gave a quick glance out on to the porch.
The darkness only highlighted the features of the man standing waiting outside the door to the mansion. He was tall, and finely attired; his face handsome and kindly; his mannerism was that of a finely educated gentleman.
The master in a quiet, yet firm voice said, “Yes? May I help you?”
The man, a rather stately sort, spoke straight up, in a voice of high confidence and with boldness stated, “Yes, sir. Please let me come into to your home as so I may live with you.”
The master, stood tall and straight and with a rather puzzled looked stated; “Sir, why should I allow you to come and live in my home?”
“Well, sir,” the man on the porch replied, “I am a very good man, I assure you.” He pulled his hat from his head and bowed slightly in a grand Victorian manner. “I have never killed anyone, nor have stolen. I have never cheated on my wife, nor have I ever told so much as a white lie.” He smiled broadly and straightened upright.
The master of the house was little impressed with the man’s answer. “That is all well and good, my fair man, but that does not answer my question.”
“To be sure, my fine gentleman, I have often done many fine works of charity I am sure as well.” The man’s smile broadened.
About the moment a young woman stepped timidly up the steps. She was in tattered clothes and her face was covered with dirt and filth. Her eyes were downcast as her tiny mouth quivered with great sobs. “I have come home, Daddy. That is if you will have me.”
The master’s face glowed with a great deal of excitement and his voice was joyful as he welcomed his daughter into his home with a hug and a kiss.
To the man at the door he looked at him again and said, “Sir, I do not know you; you must go away now.”
The man said, “But, I do not understand. That woman, the one you call daughter, is but a prostitute, a liar and thief.” He paused for effect; and continued, “And I understand she murdered a man as well. Yet, I have done nothing so vile. How can you welcome her into your home, but not me? I am a much better person than she.”
The master stated as he closed the door, “I know all of that. But she is my daughter and you, I know not.”
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