As he was leaving the room his father took a letter from the table, held it up and dropped it.
"You'll be wanting to buy a little present for your lady-love, Stafford," he said.

"I am placing a thousand pounds to your credit at your bank, I don't know whether you'll think that is enough--" "Quite enough," said Stafford, in a low voice.

"Thank you! You are very generous--" Sir Stephen winced and held up his hand.
"What is mine is yours from this moment, my dear Stafford," he said.
Stafford went out by the door at the other end of the hall, and made his way to the stables.

Just as he was crossing the lawn the temptation to ride over to Heron Hall and leave the note himself assailed him strongly.

He took the letter from his pocket and looked at it wistfully.