Presently the British minister and another gentleman were seen approaching the sofa where sat the President, Judge Merlin, Miss Merlin, and Mr. and Mrs. Middleton. They paused immediately before the President, when the minister said:
"Your Excellency, permit me to present to you the Viscount Vincent, late from London."
The President arose and heartily shook hands with the young foreigner, cordially saying:
"I am happy to see you, my lord; happy to welcome you to Washington."
The viscount bowed low before the gray-haired old hero, saying, in a low tone:
"I am glad to see the President of the United States; but I am proud to shake the hand of the conqueror of—of——"
The viscount paused, his memory suddenly failed him, for the life and soul of him he could not remember the names of those bloody fields where the General had won his laurels.
The President gracefully covered the hesitation of the viscount and evaded the compliment at the same time by turning to the ladies of his party and presenting his guest, saying:
"Mrs. Middleton, Lord Vincent. Miss Merlin, Lord Vincent."
The viscount bowed low to these ladies, who courtesied in turn and resumed their seats.