“He left to do my errand.
“In half an hour he returned, followed by some one with a firm footstep. I thought it was Anglesea, and flushed with indignation.
“‘A gentleman to see madame,’ said the waiter, throwing open the door.
“‘Did I not forbid you——’ I began, but stopped suddenly and aghast.
“It was my father who stood before me.”
CHAPTER XXXIV
FATHER AND DAUGHTER
“Yes, it was my father who stood before me.
“He was dressed in deep mourning, and he looked older by twenty years than when I had seen him last. As I gazed on his worn face, on which there was no trace of anger, but only sorrow—I was suddenly smitten with remorse for all I had done to him; wrongs of which I never realized the enormity until now.
“The cry of the prodigal son rose in agony to my lips:
“‘Father! forgive me!’