“'Who's that with you?'
“'Mr. Treffry.'
“'Let him come in!' I went in. The old fellow was in bed, quite still on his pillows, a candle by his side; to look at him you'd think nothing of him but his eyes were alive. It was queer being there with those two old men!”
Dan paused, seemed to listen, then went on doggedly.
“'Sit down, gentleman,' said old Pearse. 'What may you want to see my son for?' John Ford begged his pardon, he had something to say, he said, that wouldn't wait.
“They were very polite to one another,” muttered Dan ....
“'Will you leave your message with me?' said Pearse.
“'What I have to say to your son is private.'
“'I'm his father.'
“'I'm my girl's grandfather; and her only stand-by.'