Yet he ventured upon no warning; there is, indeed, a certain assured manner about the man of the world who has passed middle age, which a country parson, however good or earnest he may be, would no more attempt to pierce than he would attempt a thrust of his pen through ice.
Their conversation, after the first greetings, naturally centres upon Adèle. Maverick is relieved to find that she knows, even now, the worst; but he is grievously pained to learn that she is still in doubt, by reason of that strange episode which had grown out of the presence and death of Madame Arles,—an episode which, even now, he is at a loss to explain.
"She will be unwilling to return with me then," said Maverick, in a troubled manner.
"No," said the Doctor, "she expects that. You will find in her, Maverick, a beautiful respect for your authority; and, I think, a still higher respect for the truth."
So it was with disturbed and conflicting feelings that Maverick made his way to the present home of Adèle.
The windows and doors of the Elderkin mansion were all open upon that July day. Adèle had seen him, even as he entered the little gate, and, recognizing him on the instant, had rushed down to meet him in the hall.
"Papa! papa!" and she had buried her face upon his bosom.
"Adèle, darling! you are glad to welcome me then?"
"Delighted, papa."
And Maverick kissed, again and again, that fair face of which he was so proud.