What could he say--before Falconer, the girl's father?
"You did not tell me.

But I don't complain, my boy," said Sir Stephen." You were right to choose your own time--young people like to keep their secret to themselves as long as possible." Falconer looked from one to the other with an impassive countenance.
"I feel that I am rather _de trop_," he said; "that I have spoken rather prematurely; but my hand was forced, Orme.

I wanted to set your mind at rest, to show you that even if I hankered after revenge, it was impossible under the circumstances." He glanced at Stafford.

"It's not the first time in history that the young people have played the part of peace-makers.

This is a kind of Romeo and Juliet business, isn't it?
I'll leave you and Mr.Stafford to talk it over!" He moved to the door, but, with his hand upon it, paused and looked round at them again.
"I ought to aid that, like most modern fathers, I am entirely in the hands of my daughter.