itting-room, sir," she
announced, opening the door. "A gentleman to see you, sir."

Burton looked up from his writing-table for a moment somewhat vaguely.
Mr. Bomford, who had withdrawn his glove, held out his hand.

"I trust, Mr. Burton, that you have not entirely forgotten me," he
said. "I had the pleasure of dining with you a short time ago at
Professor Cowper's. You will doubtless remember our conversation?"

Burton welcomed his visitor civilly and motioned him to a seat. He was
conscious of feeling a little disturbed. Mr. Bomford brought him once
more into touch with memories which were ever assailing him by night and
by day.

"I have taken the liberty of calling upon you, Mr. Burton," the
newcomer continued, setting down his silk hat upon a corner of the
table, and lifting his coat-tails preparatory to sinking into a chair,
"because I believe that in the excitement of our conversation a few
nights ago, we did not do adequate justice to the sentiments
which--er--provoked our offer to you."

Mr. Bomford sat down with the air of a man who has spoken well. He was
thoroughly pleased with his opening sentence.

"It did not occur to me," Burton replied, "that there was any
possibility of misunderstanding anything you or Professor Cowper said.
Still, it is very kind of you to come and see me."

Alfred, who was drawing in colored chalks at the other end of the room,
rose up and approached his father.

"Would you like me to go into the other room, father?" he asked. "I can
leave my work quite easily for a time, and I have several books there."

Mr. Bomford screwed an eyeglass into his eye and looked across at the
child.

"What an extraordinarily--forgive my remark, Mr. Burton--but what an
extraordinarily well-behaved child! Is it possible that this is your
boy?"

Alfred turned his head and there was no doubt about the relationship.
He, too, possessed the deep-set eyes with their strange, intense glow,
the quivering mouth, the same sensitiveness of outline.

"Yes, this is my son," Burton admitted, quietly. "Go and shake hands
with Mr. Bomford, Alfred."

The child crossed the room and held out his hand with grave
self-possession.

"It is very kind of you to come and see father," he said. "I am afraid
that sometimes he is very lonely here. I will go away and leave you to
talk."

Mr. Bomford fumbled in his pocket.

"Dear me!" he exclaimed. "Dear me! Ah, here is a half-crown! You must
buy some chocolates or