It became in fact to Robert Darnley a matter of conscience to rectify all misunderstandings as early as possible. Without therefore affecting to enter into any elaborate discussion with his father, he merely replied to what had been said: "I cannot say that I view this affair in the same light that you do, sir; and I am satisfied that if you had a knowledge of all the facts, you would not have reason to blame Miss Primrose. I will not pretend to argue with you, or to presume to put my knowledge of the world in competition with yours. But I must take the liberty to say firmly, though respectfully, that it is my intention to see Mr and Miss Primrose, and if I find that Penelope is still the same amiable and pure-minded young woman as she was when I first made her an offer of my hand, I will repeat that offer; and I am convinced your prejudice will wear off, if not by my arguments, at least they will give way to the young lady's real excellence of character." Mr Darnley was not accustomed to be contradicted. Neither his wife nor his daughters ever disputed his will, or affected to oppose their logic to his determinations. Of his son's obedience and gentleness of disposition he had always entertained the highest opinion, and with reason: but he forgot that everything has its limits, and there is a point beyond which compliance and obedience cannot go. If Mr Darnley had said at the close of his son's last speech, "I am astonished," he would have spoken truly. He was indeed astonished, but he was not frightened out of his propriety; he was rather frightened into propriety. For a few seconds he was absolutely speechless and almost breathless. But soon respiration returned, and the power of speech returned with it; and his momentary gasp of astonishment gave him time for consideration. He considered in that brief interval that he had no more power over his son than his son chose to give him, and he thought it a pity to endanger his influence by attempting to retain his authority. Subduing himself, he replied: "If you will be obstinate there is no help for it. But I could wish that you would listen to reason." Thus speaking, Mr Darnley left the apartment, angry but endeavouring to keep himself calm. CHAPTER XVII. Mr Darnley's study overlooked the avenue which led to the house. For a study it was not well situated, inasmuch as it was next to impossible for any one but a person of great powers of abstraction to keep himself free from interruption. The situation however was very well adapted to the humour of the rector of Neverden; for thus he could observe every one who approached the house, and exercise a continual superintendance over his establishment, seeing that no one could enter or leave the house without his knowledge.