First Meeting of Father and Son

Oh, Christ! that thus a son should stand
Before a father's face.

--Byron.

While Mr. Brudenell still ruminated over these affairs the second
dinner-bell rang, and almost at the same moment Judge Merlin rapped and
entered the chamber, with old-fashioned hospitality, to show his guest
the way to the drawing room.

"You feel better, I hope, Brudenell?" he inquired.

"Yes, thank you, judge."

"Come then. We will go down. We are a little behind time at best this
evening, upon account of our young friend's long-winded address. It was
a splendid affair, though. Worth waiting to hear, was it not?" proudly
inquired the judge as they descended the stairs.

They entered the drawing room.

It was a family party that was assembled there, with the sole exception
of the Viscount Vincent, who indeed had become a daily visitor, a
recognized suitor of Miss Merlin, and almost one of their set.

As soon as Mr. Brudenell had paid his respects to each member of the
family, Lord Vincent advanced frankly and cordially to greet him as an
old acquaintance, saying: "I had just learned from Miss Merlin of your arrival. You must have left
London very soon after I did."

Before Mr. Brudenell could reply, Judge Merlin came up with Ishmael and
said: "Lord Vincent, excuse me. Mr. Brudenell, permit me--Mr. Worth, of the
Washington bar."

Herman Brudenell turned and confronted Ishmael Worth. And father and son
stood face to face.

Herman's face was quivering with irrepressible yet unspeakable emotion;
Ishmael's countenance was serene and smiling.