"Why, how do you do? Is this you? This is a surprise! Where did you drop from?"
"Washington, sir," replied Ishmael, returning the handshaking, and then passing on to meet the ready welcome of Mrs. Middleton and the young folks.
"How do you do, Mrs. Middleton? Dearest Bee—it is such joy to meet you!" he said, as he returned the lady's greeting, and pressed the maiden's hand to his lips.
Bee was fairer, fresher, and lovelier than ever, as she stood there, blushing, but delighted to see him.
"How do you do, Worth?" spoke another deep voice.
Ishmael looked up suddenly, and saw his father standing before him.
The latter had approached from a distant part of the room.
"Mr. Brudenell—you here? This is indeed a pleasant surprise!" said the young man joyfully.
"Mutually so, I assure you, Ishmael."
"When did you arrive, sir?"
"Only this afternoon. I came up to take the Shelton boat, that goes to Washington on Monday. My dislike to Sunday traveling decided me to come up to-day, and quarter myself on our friend Middleton for the Sabbath, so as to be in readiness to catch the 'Errand Boy' on Monday."