And it is even a greater pity that the son could not have searched as well the secret places of the man's heart: such clearings out of doubts and misgivings make for peace and good fellowship and righteousness in this world of misunderstanding.
That a certain rest had come into Rutter's soul could be seen in his face--a peace that had not settled on his features for years--but, if the truth must be told, he was far from happy.

Somehow the joy he had anticipated at the boy's home-coming had not been realized.

With the warmth of Harry's grasp still lingering in his own and the tones of his voice still sounding in his ears, try as he might, he yet felt aloof from him--outside--far off.

Something had snapped in the years they had been apart--something he knew could never be repaired.

Where there had once been boyish love there was now only filial regard.