"I am sure, sir," said Inglefield, wondering, "anything I can do to serve you--"
"The truth will serve me; nothing less. How long is it since you saw my son, Kingsley?"
"A great many years," replied Inglefield, with a fainting heart.
Here was another unforeseen danger threatening him, for there was nothing of harshness or severity in Mr. Manners's voice; it was, indeed, gentle and tender.
"How long since you have heard of him?"
"Nearly as long. I never corresponded with him, you know. It was enough for me that he offended and deceived you--you, the best of men and fathers!"
Mr. Manners gazed at Mark Inglefield in surprise. This reference to himself as the best of men and fathers was new to him, and from such a quarter quite unexpected.
"I do not deserve your good opinion," he said; "I am not the best of men, and have not been the best of fathers."
"Let others judge," murmured Inglefield.
"They would condemn me, but not more strongly than I condemn myself."