In my present circumstances, not to be absolutely truthful would be to be weak.

So I stood up to the difficulty before me; always bearing in mind, however, that my words might affect Margaret's happiness through her love for her father.

I went on: "In conversation at a place and time and amid surroundings so pleasing, and in a solitude inviting to confidence, I got a glimpse of her inner life.

Such a glimpse as a man of my years and experience may get from a young girl!" The father's face grew graver as I went on; but he said nothing.

I was committed now to a definite line of speech, and went on with such mastery of my mind as I could exercise.