To be sure, some smoke still lingered, but out where the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the distances.
That afternoon it occured to Chester that the relationship now existing between him and Lucy called for a further understanding with the father.
He knew, of course, that the father's attitude toward him had changed; Lucy's words and the father's actions justified him in the thought.
Chester managed to accompany the father in his stroll in the park that afternoon, and without delay, he broached the subject so near his heart.
The minister listened quietly to the young man plead his case, not interrupting until he had finished.

They seated themselves on a bench by the grass.

The father looked down at the figures he was drawing with his cane on the ground and mused for a moment.

Then he said: "Yes; I have given my consent, by my actions, at least.

I have no objection to you.