Mr. Van Tassel, however, had been glad of an opening for the question. He listened with veiled eagerness for his son’s reply, and was disappointed that none came. When he spoke again, it was with new seriousness and a shade of embarrassment. "You must have met many charming women, during the past four years, who are strangers to me," he said. "Yes, I’ve met a lot of women," returned Jack with a patient sigh at this irrelevance. What were charming women to a man who was saying good-by to his crew! "But old friends are best still?" persisted his father. "Yes, no doubt," responded the other, vaguely courteous. "You haven’t forgotten the girls at home?" said Mr. Van Tassel. "No,—no indeed," replied his son, shaking himself together with the realization that he was playing poorly the part of host to this kindest of fathers, for whom it was impossible in the nature of things to enter into the subjects which were uppermost in Jack’s interest just now. "How"—with spasmodic eagerness—"how are they all?" "Who? Anybody in particular?" The young man stirred restlessly. This was persecution. "Oh no, my Hyde Park friends generally." "There is no especial news, I believe. Mrs. Bryant fails very slowly, I think; but of course I do not dare hint such a thing to her devoted daughter." "H’m. Aren’t they all devoted?" asked Jack with waning vigor. "Oh, Clover is the chief one. She is son and daughter both, in that family. All responsibility falls on her. A fine girl," said Mr. Van Tassel emphatically. "A pretty one, too," returned his son, stifling a yawn. "Mildred is coming along, though. I thought she was after Clover pretty sharp, the last time I was at home. Growing to her hands and feet, you know, and all that." "You will be glad to see Clover again," said Mr. Van Tassel tentatively. "Yes, very glad to see them all," was the reply, delivered with conscientious heartiness. "Not especially glad to see Clover?" continued Mr. Van Tassel; and now it was impossible even for the preoccupied graduate not to see that his father was, in his own words "driving at something." He looked in surprise at the strong face thrown out against the dark blue cushions of the chair, and straight into the steady gaze of the gray eyes that had never looked unkindly on him. Before he could speak, the older man continued:— "I had an idea that there was a boy and girl attachment between yourself and Clover Bryant,—a preference on your part, perhaps on hers"— Mr. Van Tassel’s face had never looked more attractive to his son than now. Its expression was so loving, so earnest, that Jack forebore to laugh, as he at first felt inclined to do. His father did not appear to think this a laughing matter. Moreover his attitude gave promise of consent and sanction in case such compliance was called for. "No, sir. You were mistaken," answered the young man respectfully. "There was never any sentiment there."