FIRST MEETING OF FATHER AND SON.
While Mr. Brudenell still ruminated over these affairs the second dinner-bell rang, and almost at the same moment Judge Merlin rapped and entered the chamber, with old-fashioned hospitality, to show his guest the way to the drawing room.
"You feel better, I hope, Brudenell?" he inquired.
"Yes, thank you, judge."
"Come then. We will go down. We are a little behind time at best this evening, upon account of our young friend's long-winded address. It was a splendid affair, though. Worth waiting to hear, was it not?" proudly inquired the judge as they descended the stairs.
They entered the drawing room.
It was a family party that was assembled there, with the sole exception of the Viscount Vincent, who indeed had become a daily visitor, a recognized suitor of Miss Merlin, and almost one of their set.
As soon as Mr. Brudenell had paid his respects to each member of the family, Lord Vincent advanced frankly and cordially to greet him as an old acquaintance, saying:
"I had just learned from Miss Merlin of your arrival. You must have left London very soon after I did."
Before Mr. Brudenell could reply, Judge Merlin came up with Ishmael and said: