The two thus exchanging glances and pretty speeches across the table were too much occupied with themselves to think of anything else. And no one heard Law’s approach till he pushed open the door, and with a “Hillo!” of absolute amazement, stood thunderstruck, gazing upon this astonishing spectacle. The sight that Law beheld was not a disagreeable sight in itself: the table, all bright with its bouquet of crimson leaves, which the Captain had pushed to one side in order that he might see his wife--and the three faces round it, two of them beaming with triumph and satisfaction. The young man stood at the door and took it all in, with a stare at first, of dismay. Opposite to him sat Lottie, put out of her place, looking stunned, as if she had fallen from a height and did not know where she was. As he stood there she lifted her eyes to him with a look of wondering and bewildered misery which went to Law’s heart; but the next moment he burst into a loud laugh, in spite of himself. To see the governor casting languishing looks at Polly was more than his gravity could bear. He could think of nothing, after the first shock, but “what a joke” it was. A man in love, especially a man in the first imbecility of matrimonial bliss, is a joke at any time; but when it’s your governor, Law said to himself! He gave a great roar of laughter. “Polly, by Jove!” he said; “so you’ve been and done it!” It had alarmed him much beforehand, and no doubt it might be tragical enough after; but for the moment it was the best joke that Law had encountered for years. “Yes, we’ve been and done it,” said Polly, rising and holding out her hand to him. “Come here and kiss me, my son. I am delighted to see you. It’s so nice to hear a good laugh, and see a bright face. Lottie, Law, hasn’t found her tongue yet. She hasn’t a word to throw at a dog, much less her new mamma. But you, it’s a pleasure to see you. Ah!” said Polly, with effusion, “the gentlemen for me! Ladies, they’re spiteful, and they’re jealous, and they’re stuck up; but gentlemen does you justice. You mustn’t call me Polly, however, though I forgive you the first time. You must know that =I= am your mamma.” Law laughed again, but it was not a pleasant laugh; and he grasped the hand which his father held out to him with a desire to crush it, if he could, which was natural enough. Law thought it a joke, it is true; but he was angry at bottom, though amused on the surface. And he did hurt his father’s somewhat flabby, unworking hand. The Captain, however, would not complain. He was glad even to be met with a semblance of cordiality at such a moment. He helped Law largely to the beef, in the satisfaction of this family union, and this was a sign of anxiety which Law did not despise.