"And I think you would be all the better for a visit to your rooms, papa. Come, I will show you the way, for I am as much at home here as ever I was at dear old Tanglewood. James," she said, turning to the footman who had brought the message, "you need not wait. I will show my papa his rooms; but you may order breakfast for him, for I dare say he has had none. Come, papa!"
And so saying Claudia marshaled her father upstairs to the handsome suite of apartments that had been made ready for him. When he had renovated his toilet, he declared himself ready to go below and be presented to his hostess. Claudia conducted him downstairs and into "my lady's little drawing room."
CHAPTER XL.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER.
How deep, how thorough felt the glow
Of rapture, kindling out of woe;
How exquisite one single drop
Of bliss, that sparkling to the top
Of misery's cup, is keenly quaffed
Though death must follow soon the draught.
—Moore.
The countess was sitting on one of the armchairs near the fire when
Claudia led the judge up before her, saying only:
"Lady Hurstmonceux, my father."
The countess arose and held out her hand with a smile of welcome, saying:
"It gives me much joy to see you safe, after all your dangers, Judge
Merlin. Pray sit near the fire."
The judge retained her hand in his own for a moment, while he bowed over it and answered: