One afternoon he was adding a chapter to the book, when a card was brought to him. Derrington nearly jumped from his seat when he read the name of George Brendon. At first he was inclined to tear up the card and send the pieces out to the insolent young man who thus dared to trespass on his privacy. But on second thoughts he decided to accord him an interview. He knew that by this time Mr. Bawdsey must have informed George that his grandfather knew him as Brendon, and the old autocrat wished to see if George would behave as pluckily at their second interview as he had done at the first. Moreover, he could not forget the good looks and clever conversation of the young man. It would be absurd to say that Derrington's heart yearned over this unacknowledged twig of the family tree, for according to common report he had no heart. But he certainly felt an unwonted emotion when Brendon, tall and handsome, composed and ready for battle, stepped into the room. Derrington knew that the young man was ready for battle, for he saw the light of war in his eyes. When the door was closed and the two were alone, Derrington took his station on the hearth-rug with an impassive expression of countenance. He waited for George to open the war of words, and after a polite greeting he waited in silence. George was not at all embarrassed. He knew perfectly well that he had a difficult task before him, and did not choose to shirk it. With the family obstinacy he was determined on obtaining his birthright, and if he set all London alight with scandal he was bent upon gaining his end. The two men stared coolly at one another like two fencers, but at the outset the buttons were off the foils. "I am sure you are not surprised to see me, Lord Derrington," said Brendon with his eyes fixed on the old man's grim face. "Not half so surprised as you were at seeing Bawdsey," said Derrington, not to be outdone in coolness. George smiled. "I was not at all surprised at seeing the man," he said calmly. "It was my happy lot to rescue him from an accident, and it was my intention to call on him." "For what reason?" asked Derrington, who could not help betraying astonishment, in spite of his self-control. "You must excuse my not answering that question." "Oh, certainly," replied Lord Derrington, with ironical politeness; "but you are not so diplomatic as I thought." "Because I decline a reply?" "Because you allow me to see that you are on good terms with the man I employ. A clever diplomatist would have allowed me to think that Bawdsey was hostile and so have used the man against me." "There is no need for me to stoop to such crooked ways," said Brendon, with some scorn, "and I always find the truth tells in the long run." "Ah! You've never been an ambassador." "When I am, I shall still tell the truth." Derrington smiled grimly. "Oh, then, it is your intention to enter political life?" "I think we discussed that fully the other evening."