Percy in turn told what he knew of his Jeffreys; and putting the two stories together, it seemed pretty clear it was a history of parent and son.
Early next morning the colonel was at Clarges Street, seated in the study with his two old college friends.
"Well," said he, "here's a case of we three meeting again with a vengeance.

And what have you been up to, Halgrove, these twenty years?
No good, I'll be bound." "I have at least managed to keep clear of matrimony," said Mr Halgrove, "which is more than either of you virtuous family men can say." "Ah, well," said the colonel, with a sigh, "that's not all misfortune-- witness my sweet daughter and Rimbolt's fine boy.

What have you got to show against that ?" "Nothing, I confess." "By the way, though, haven't you?
The last I heard of you was in the papers; a record of a generous act on your part.

You had adopted the son of an unfortunate partner of yours who had died.

Is he still with you ?" "No," said Mr Halgrove; "that turned out an unfortunate speculation in every way." "Did the boy bolt ?" "Not exactly.