“If I only thought we were going to have a feast, Davy, I 'd have made her light a fire in the parlor,” said the old man, apologetically. “We're better here, sir; it's cosier and homelier, and I know you think so. Keep your own corner, father, and I 'll sit here.” With appetites sharpened by the sea air and a long fast, they seated themselves at table and eat heartily. If their eyes met, a smile of pleasant recognition was exchanged; for while the old man gazed almost rapturously on his illustrious son, Dunn bent a look of scarcely inferior admiration on that patriarchal face, whereon time seemed but to mellow the traits that marked its wisdom. “And what name do they give this, Davy?” said he, as he held up his glass to the light. “Burgundy, father,--the king of wines. The wine-merchant names this Chambertin, which was the favorite drinking of the great Napoleon.” “I wonder at that, now,” said the old man, sententiously. “Wonder at it! And why so, father?--is it not admirable wine?” “It's just for that reason, Davy; every sup I swallow sets me a-dreaming of wonderful notions,--things I know the next minute is quite impossible,--but I feel when the wine is on my lips as if they were all easy and practicable.” “After all, father, just remember that you cannot imagine anything one half so strange as the change in our own actual condition. There you sit, with your own clear head, to remind you of when and how you began life, and here am I!--for I am, as sure as if I held my patent in my hand, the Right Honorable Lord Castledunn.” “To your Lordship's good health and long life,” said the old man, fervently. “And now to a worthier toast, father,--Lady Castledunn that is to be.” [Illustration: 255] “With all my heart. Lady Castledunn, whoever she is.” “I said, 'that is to be,' father; and I have given you her name,--the Lady Augusta Arden.” “I never heard of her,” muttered the old man, dreamily. “An Earl's daughter, sir; the ninth Earl of Glengariff,” said Dunn, pompously. “What 's her fortune, Davy? She ought to bring you a good fortune.” “Say rather, sir, it is I that should make a splendid settlement,--so proud a connection should meet its suitable acknowledgment.” “I understand little about them things, Davy; but there's one thing I do know, there never was the woman born I 'd make independent of me if she was my wife. It is n't in nature, and it isn't in reason.” “I can only say, sir, that with _your_ principles you would not marry into the peerage.” “Maybe I 'd find one would suit me as well elsewhere.” “That is very possible, sir,” was the dry reply. “And if she cost less, maybe she'd wear as well,” said the old man, peevishly; “but I suppose your Lordship knows best what suits your Lordship's station.” “That also is possible, sir,” said Dunn, coldly. The old man's brow darkened, he pushed his glass from him, and looked offended and displeased.