The letter from Piet Cradock was not again referred to by either Nan or her father.

The latter answered it in his own way after the lapse of a few weeks.

He was of a peaceable, easy-going nature himself, and he did not anticipate any trouble with Nan's husband.

After all, the child's reluctance to leave her home was perfectly natural.

He, for his part, had never fully understood the attraction which his son-in-law had exercised upon her.