"All well, sir. Walk in, sir. Won't they be delighted to see you!" said the old man, opening a side door leading into the lighted drawing room, and announcing: "Mr. Worth!" There was a general jumping up of the party around the fireside, and a hasty rushing towards the visitor. Mr. Middleton was foremost, holding out both his hands, and exclaiming: "Why, how do you do? Is this you? This is a surprise! Where did you drop from?" "Washington, sir," replied Ishmael, returning the handshaking, and then passing on to meet the ready welcome of Mrs. Middleton and the young folks. "How do you do, Mrs. Middleton? Dearest Bee--it is such joy to meet you!" he said, as he returned the lady's greeting, and pressed the maiden's hand to his lips. Bee was fairer, fresher, and lovelier than ever, as she stood there, blushing, but delighted to see him. "How do you do, Worth?" spoke another deep voice. Ishmael looked up suddenly, and saw his father standing before him. The latter had approached from a distant part of the room. "Mr. Brudenell--you here? This is indeed a pleasant surprise!" said the young man joyfully. "Mutually so, I assure you, Ishmael." "When did you arrive, sir?" "Only this afternoon. I came up to take the Shelton boat, that goes to Washington on Monday. My dislike to Sunday traveling decided me to come up to-day, and quarter myself on our friend Middleton for the Sabbath, so as to be in readiness to catch the 'Errand Boy' on Monday." "You were coming to see me, I hope, sir?" "Not purposely, my dear fellow. I had other business, less pleasant but more pressing. I should have called on you, however, though I could not have stayed long; for I must go by the Monday evening train to Boston, in order to catch the 'Oceana,' that sails on Wednesday morning. I am off by her." "Indeed, sir!" exclaimed Ishmael, in surprise and delight. "Why, I am going to Europe by the 'Oceana '!" "You!" responded the elder man, in equal surprise and pleasure. "Why, what on earth should take you to Europe?" "I go on strictly confidential business with Judge Merlin." "Merlin going to England, too? Oh, I see!" The last three words were uttered in a low tone, and with a total change of manner, that struck Ishmael with the suspicion that Mr. Brudenell knew more of Lady Vincent's troubles than anyone on this side of the ocean, except her father and himself, was supposed to know. "Going to Europe, Ishmael? you and the judge? Well, Merlin did start off at a tangent yesterday from Tanglewood. I suppose he is pining after his child, and has taken a sudden freak to rush over and see her. And as you are the staff of his age, of course, he would not think of undertaking so long a journey without the support of your company. Am I right?" inquired Mr. Middleton jollily. "Judge Merlin is going to see Lady Vincent, and has invited me to accompany him, and I have accepted the invitation," answered the young man.