Of course he had himself to blame,--himself only; but still it was strange to him that a father should feel no tenderness at parting with an only son.

While he had been in the room he had constrained himself manfully; not a drop of moisture had glittered in his eye; not a tone of feeling had thrilled in his voice; his features had never failed him.

There had always been that look of audacity on his brow joined to a certain manliness of good-humour in his mouth, as though he had been thoroughly master of himself and the situation.

But now, as he pushed his hat from off his forehead, he rubbed his hand across his eyes to dash away the tears.

He felt almost inclined to rush back to the house and fall on his knees before his father, and kiss the old man's hands, and beg the old man's blessing.