The visitor offered his hand.

The old man took it coldly enough, and seemed to prefer his jaws, to which he returned as soon as he could.
'I doubt if your mother will approve of your coming home on the Sabbath, Arthur,' he said, shaking his head warily.
'You wouldn't have me go away again ?' 'Oh! I?
I?
I am not the master.

It's not what _I_ would have.

I have stood between your father and mother for a number of years.

I don't pretend to stand between your mother and you.' 'Will you tell her that I have come home ?' 'Yes, Arthur, yes.