As, indeed, might the whole epistle: very significant of the mind and temper of Jerome Otway.
To Piers, the style was too familiar to suggest reflections besides, he had a loyal mind towards his father, and never criticised the old man's dealing with him.

The confirmation of Daniel's report about the legacy concerned him little in itself; he had no immediate need of money, and so small a sum could not affect the course of his life; but, this being true, it seemed probable that Daniel's other piece of information was equally well founded.

If so, what matter?
Already he had asked himself why the story about his mother should have caused him a shock.

His father, in all likelihood, would now never speak of that; and, indeed, why should he?
The story no longer affected either of them, and to worry oneself about it was mere "philistinism," a favourite term with Piers at that day.
In replying, which he did this same night, he decided to make no mention of Daniel.

The name would give his father no pleasure.
When he rang to have his tea-things taken away, Mrs.Hannaford presented herself.