He had already promised that he would see the young man, and Caldigate was shown into the little room.

He soon told his story, and was soon clever enough to perceive that the telling of his story was at any rate permitted.

The old father did not receive him with astonishment and displeasure combined, as the young mother had done.

Of course he made difficulties, and spoke of the thing as being beyond the bounds of probability.

But objection no stronger than that may be taken as amounting almost to encouragement in such circumstances.