He cursed me at first for an unnatural son who left unheeded the dictates of our blood.

But anon, when on my knees I had urged my cause with all the eloquent fervour that is but of youth--youth that loves--my father cursed no more.

His thoughts went back maybe to the days of his own youth, and he bade me rise and go a-wooing as I listed.

Nay, more than that he did.

The first of our name was he out of ten generations to set foot across the threshold of the hall; he went on my behalf to sue for their cousin's hand.
"Then was their hour.