They were not aware of him; but he stopped a moment to watch the young figures disappearing under the green shade.

A look of pleasure was in his blue eyes.

It seemed to him that things were going well in that direction.

And he wished them to go well.

He had known Geoffrey since he was a little chap in his first breeches; had watched him through Winchester and Oxford, had taken as semi-paternal pride in the young man's distinguished war record, and had helped him with his election expenses.