His heart remained young, capable of being thrilled in instant response to any appeal of high and delicate quality.

It thrilled very sensibly, now, in response to the appeal of Damaris' hand, emphasizing her tender pleading regarding her father.

She touched, she charmed him to an extent which obliged him rather sharply to call his senses to order.

Hadn't he known her ever since she was a babe a span long?
Wasn't she, according to all reason, a babe still, in as far as any decently minded male being of his mature age could be concerned?
He told himself, at once humorously and sternly, he ought to feel so, think so--whether he did or not.

And ought, in his case, was a word not to be played fast and loose with.