While they were all standing, grouped in this way, to receive all comers, Judge Merlin approached, smiling, and accompanied by an officer in the uniform of the United States army, whom he presented in these words:
"Claudia, my love, I bring you an old acquaintance—a very old acquaintance—Captain Burghe."
Claudia bowed as haughtily and distantly as it was possible to do; and then, without speaking, glanced inquiringly at her father as if to ask—"How came this person here?"
Judge Merlin replied to that mute question by saying:
"I was so lucky as to meet our young friend on the Avenue to-day; he is but just arrived. I told him what was going on here this evening and begged him to waive ceremony and come to us. And he was so good as to take me at my word! Bee, my dear, don't you remember your old playmate, Alfred Burghe?" said the judge, appealing for relief to his amiable niece.
Now, Bee was too kind-hearted to hurt anyone's feelings, and yet too truthful to make professions she did not feel. She could not positively say that she was glad to see Alfred Burghe; but she could give him her hand and say:
"I hope you are well, Mr. Burghe."
"Captain! Captain, my dear! he commands a company now! Lord Vincent permit me—Captain Burghe."
A haughty bow from the viscount and a reverential one from the captain acknowledged this presentation.
Then Mrs. Middleton kindly shook hands with the unwelcome visitor.