"The same, sir."
"You are surprised to see me here?"
"Yes, sir—now."
"Why now?" was the quick question that followed like the snap of a trigger.
"Years and years ago, when I was a lad, I fancied that you might visit here, and make an effort to bridge over an ugly gulf, sir."
"Years and years ago, young man, I had too much upon my mind, and, it was just possible, more pride in my heart than to make the first advances."
"You were the richer man—and you had done the wrong."
"Wrong, sir!" replied the other; "there was no wrong done that I am aware of. I was a man careful of my money, and your father was a man improvident with his. Was it wrong to object to an alliance?"
"I have but a dim knowledge of the story, sir. My father does not care to dwell upon it."
"I will tell it you."