Bartholomeo Belvidero, the father of Don Juan, was an old man of ninety, who had devoted his life to business. Having traveled the world, he had acquired great wealth and learning that was more precious than gold or diamonds, to which he no longer gave more than a passing thought. This good father loved to hear Don Juan relate his youthful adventures, and would say, banteringly, as he lavished money upon him: "Only amuse yourself, my dear child!" Never did an old man find such pleasure in watching a young man.
At the age of sixty, Belvidero had become enamored of an angel of peace and beauty and Don Juan was his only son. Fifteen years the good man had mourned the loss of his dear Juana. His many servants attributed the strange habits he had contracted to this grief. Bartholomeo lodged himself in the most uncomfortable wing of his palace and rarely went out, and even Don Juan could not intrude into his father's apartment without first obtaining permission. If this voluntary recluse came or went in the palace or in the streets he seemed to be searching for something which he could not find. He walked dreamily, undecidedly, preoccupied like a man battling with an idea or with a memory. While Don Juan gave magnificent entertainments and the palace re-echoed his mirth, Bartholomeo ate seven ounces of bread a day and drank water. If he asked for a little poultry it was merely that he might give the bones to a black spaniel, his faithful companion. He never complained of the noise. If the blast of horns or the barking of dogs interrupted his sleep, he only said: "Ah, Don Juan has come home." Never before was so untroublesome and indulgent a father to be found on this earth; consequently, Don Juan, accustomed to treat him without ceremony, had all the faults of a spoiled child. His attitude toward Bartholomeo was capricious and dismissive, passing off an impertinence with a smile. In recalling his youth, Don Juan recognized that it would be difficult to find an instance in which his father's goodness had failed him. He felt a newborn remorse while he traversed the corridor, and he very nearly forgave his father for having lived so long. He reverted to feelings of filial piety, as a thief returns to honesty in the prospect of enjoying a well-stolen million.
8
It can be concluded from the passage that
A.
Bartholomeo criticizes his son's rudeness and selfish behavior.
B.
Bartholomeo encourages his son's adventurous and expensive ways.
C.
Bartholomeo hopes his son will learn the value of money by spending it.
D.
Bartholomeo appreciates his son's thrifty spending and kind demeanor.