I can at least hear it.' The old man bowed and went on: 'I could not but notice that you have some great grief bearing upon you; and from one thing or another--I can tell you the data if you wish me to do so--I have come to the conclusion that you are leaving your native land because of it.' Here Harold, wakened to amazement by the readiness with which his secret had been divined, said quickly, rather as an exclamation than interrogation: 'How on earth did you know that!' His companion, taking it as a query, answered: 'Sir, at your age and with your strength life should be a joy; and yet you are sad: Companionship should be a pleasure; yet you prefer solitude.
That you are brave and unselfish I know; I have reason, thank God! to know it.

That you are kindly and tolerant is apparent from your bearing to my little child this morning; as well as your goodness of last night, the remembrance of which her mother and I will bear to our graves; and to me now.

I have not lived all these years without having had trouble in my own heart; and although the happiness of late years has made it dim, my gratitude to you who are so sad brings it all back to me.' He bowed, and Harold, wishing to avoid speaking of his sorrow, said: 'You are quite right so far as I have a sorrow; and it is because of it I have turned my back on home.

Let it rest at that!' His companion bowed gravely and went on.
'I take it that you are going to begin life afresh in the new country.

In such case I have a proposition to make.