He promised to take out the east window--which was just a patchwork of common glass, like a cucumber frame--and replace it with sound mullions and stained glass, in memory of his only daughter, Honoria's mother.

She had run away from Tredinnis House, and married a penniless captain; and Honoria's surname was Callastair, though nobody uttered it in the old man's hearing.

Husband and wife had died in India, of cholera, within three years of their marriage; and the old man had sent for the child.

Having relented so far, he went on to do it thoroughly, in his own fashion.

He neglected Honoria; but she might have anything she wanted for the asking.