but they were not properly his, for he accepted them merely as
conclusions and without the premisses, and it was often even a little
annoying to hear him express some free opinion on religious questions
in a way which showed that it was not a growth but something picked
up. Mr Palmer, senior, sometimes recoiled into intolerance and
orthodoxy, and bewildered his son who, to use one of his own phrases,
'hardly knew where his father was.' Partly the reaction was due to
the oscillation which accompanies serious and independent thought,
but mainly it was caused by Mr Palmer's discontent with Frank's
appropriation of a sentiment or doctrine of which he was not the
lawful owner. Frank, however, was so hearty, so affectionate, and so
cheerful, that it was impossible not to love him dearly.

In his visits to Fenmarket, Frank had often noticed Madge, for the
'Crown and Sceptre' was his headquarters, and Madge was well enough
aware that she had been noticed. He had inquired casually who it was
who lived next door, and when the waiter told him the name, and that
Mr Hopgood was formerly the bank manager, Frank remembered that he
had often heard his father speak of a Mr Hopgood, a clerk in a bank
in London, as one of his best friends. He did not fail to ask his
father about this friend, and to obtain an introduction to the widow.
He had now brought it to Fenmarket, and within half an hour after he
had alighted, he had presented it.

Mrs Hopgood, of course, recollected Mr Palmer perfectly, and the
welcome to Frank was naturally very warm. It was delightful to
connect earlier and happier days with the present, and she was proud
in the possession of a relationship which had lasted so long. Clara
and Madge, too, were both excited and pleased. To say nothing of
Frank's appearance, of his unsnobbish, deferential behaviour which