He put his hand up to his eyes, a moment; somehow, he felt as though this was something too sacred for him to see.
"I know, sir," he said; "I--I see." "I trust," Mr.Denner continued, in a relieved voice, "there is no impropriety in mentioning this to you, though you are still a youth.

You have seemed older these last few days, more--ah--sedate, if I may so express it.

They--they frequently speak as though you were quite a youth, whereas it appears to me you should be considered the head of the family,--yes, the head of the family.

And therefore it seemed to me fitting that I should mention this to you, because I wished to request you to dispose of the miniature.

It would have been scarcely proper to do otherwise, scarcely honorable, sir." "I am grateful to you for doing so," Gifford replied gently.