Whatever the old man might have against his son-in-law there was no doubt as to his feeling for the boy.
"He is gone," he said, with a grave nod, in response to his daughter's questioning look.

"But I misdoubt him.

You had much better come with me to Belfontaine for a time, Rachel." She shook her head doubtfully.
"He's an angry man, and if he should get back--" said her father.
"In his right mind he would be sorry--" "I misdoubt him," he said again, with a sombre nod.

"I shall have no peace if you are here all alone...." But she shook her head dismally, with no sign of yielding.
"It has been very lonely," he said.

"You and the boy--" And she looked up at him, and the hunger of his face seemed to strike her suddenly.