"Good-day, my little friend. You seem an innocent little fellow enough. Therefore I hope that you will never again be led into the sinful folly of carrying a challenge to fight a duel, especially to a gray-headed chief justice."
And so saying, Judge Merlin bowed his visitor out.
And it is scarcely necessary to say that Judge Merlin heard no more of "the satisfaction of a gentleman."
The story, however, got out, and Captain Burghe and his second were so mercilessly laughed at, that they voluntarily shortened their own furlough and speedily left Washington.
The remainder of that week the house was again closed to company, during the process of dismantling the reception rooms of their festive decorations and restoring them to their ordinarily sober aspect.
By Saturday afternoon this transformation was effected, and the household felt themselves at home again.
Early that evening Ishmael joined the family circle perfectly radiant with good news.
"What is it, Ishmael?" inquired the judge.
"Well, sir, the hard-fought battle is over at length, and we have the victory. The case of Cobham versus Hanley is decided. The jury came into court this afternoon with a verdict for the plaintiff."
"Good!" said the judge.