She had not been gone many minutes when a servant entered, bearing a tray, on which was arranged a most tempting lunch. “Madam directed this to be served,” explained the servant; and again Earle wondered who this cultivated woman could be, who was evidently a power in the house. He partook of the lunch, however, with evident relish, for he was hungry, having been too eager and excited to do justice to his breakfast that morning. Half an hour later madam returned, saying that Mr. Dalton was ready and anxious to see him. He arose and followed her to the sick man’s chamber, and almost wondering if it could be true that he was about to stand at his own father’s death-bed, and if ever before a son stood in such strange relations toward a parent. He was shocked at the change in Mr. Dalton. Ghastly, wan, and panting with every breath, he lay bolstered up with pillows, and Earle knew at a glance that he could not live many days. An expression of pain convulsed his features as the door opened and his anxious eyes rested upon the young man’s handsome face and noble form; and then, with a slight motion of his head, he signified his wish for him to come and sit beside him. It was a strange, sad meeting of a father and son. The one so strong and manly, and in full vigor of life; the other pale, emaciated, and dying, and neither experiencing nor expressing any natural regard for the other. Earle’s humanity was touched as soon as he saw the sufferer. He forgot all his past bitterness, he forgot that this was one who claimed to be an implacable foe, who had said he “hated him and all that ever belonged to him.” He only thought of him now as a sick and dying man who needed sympathy and care. “You did not expect when you went away that when next we met you would find your enemy laid so low, did you?” Mr. Dalton asked, in a hollow voice, when Earle was seated, and searching his face with a keen glance. “I have never wished you any ill, sir,” he replied, respectfully. “I cannot say the same regarding you, for there was nothing I would not have done, for the sake of the hatred I bore your mother, to have hurled you from the proud position you occupy.” “Shall we not drop all this now and forever?” Earle interrupted, gently, fearing he would become excited if this topic was renewed. “No; I must have my say out now. I’ve been saving my strength for this, and I have much to tell you, and the sooner it is over with, the better for me. One’s sentiments change when a body feels life slipping from his grasp, and I felt that I would like you to know before I die that I realize at last, instead of injuring others only, I have been my own worst enemy. I don’t know _why_ I should always have hated others for what has really been my own fault; for all through my life my folly has been the cause of all my disappointments.