He shook his hand affectionately, at the same time holding him by the shoulder, as if to make more sure of him.
"I am very glad myself," said Tredennis. "It is a great pleasure to see you again."
"And it took you eight years to get round to us," said the professor, looking at him thoughtfully, and turning him round a trifle more to the light. "Eight years! That's a slice out of a man's life, too."
"But you are no older, professor," said Tredennis. "I am older, but not you."
The professor nodded acquiescence.
"Yes, yes, I know all about that," he said. "You're an old fellow, now; I was an old fellow myself forty years ago. There, sit down, and tell me all about it. That is the chair you sat in when you were here last. You sat in it the night—the night we talked about Bertha."
CHAPTER IV.
"How is Bertha?" Tredennis asked.