He loved his child with deep tenderness, and, as he said in the letter, this was the reason of his solicitude.

It had always been the secret pride of the Admiral's life that Gerald Bereford should wed Lady Rosamond, but he kept his favorite plans closely guarded until means were offered to aid him.

Many times Sir Thomas fancied that Gerald Bereford admired his lovely cousin, and had a faint hope in the realization of his wishes.

When the climax was reached, by those avowals on the part of the suitor, the great joy of the solicitous parent knew no bounds.

He seemed to view the matter as one which would give entire happiness to all parties.