d himself to Miss Merlin,
standing behind her chair like a lord in waiting.

Ishmael was also present with this group ostensibly in attendance upon
Beatrice, but really and truly waiting every turn of Claudia's
countenance or conversation.

While they were all standing, grouped in this way, to receive all
comers, Judge Merlin approached, smiling, and accompanied by an officer
in the uniform of the United States army, whom he presented in these
words:

"Claudia, my love, I bring you an old acquaintance--a very old
acquaintance--Captain Burghe."

Claudia bowed as haughtily and distantly as it was possible to do; and
then, without speaking, glanced inquiringly at her father as if to
ask--"How came this person here?"

Judge Merlin replied to that mute question by saying:

"I was so lucky as to meet our young friend on the Avenue to-day; he is
but just arrived. I told him what was going on here this evening and
begged him to waive ceremony and come to us. And he was so good as to
take me at my word! Bee, my dear, don't you remember your old playmate,
Alfred Burghe?" said the judge, appealing for relief to his amiable
niece.

Now, Bee was too kind-hearted to hurt anyone's feelings, and yet too
truthful to make professions she did not feel. She could not positively
say that she was glad to see Alfred Burghe; but she could give him her
hand and say:

"I hope you are well, Mr. Burghe."

"Captain! Captain, my dear! he commands a company now! Lord Vincent
permit me--Captain Burghe."

A haughty bow from the viscount and a reverential one from the captain
acknowledged this presentation.

Then Mrs. Middleton kindly shook hands with the unwelcome visitor.

And finally Claudia unbent a little from her hauteur and condescended to
address a few commonplace remarks to him. But at length her eyes flashed
upon Ishmael standing behind Bee.

"You are acquainted with Mr. Worth, I presume, Captain Burghe?" she
inquired.

"I have not that honor," said Alfred Burghe arrogantly.

"Then I will confer it upon you!" said Claudia very gravely. "Mr. Worth,
I hope you will permit me to present to you Captain Burghe. Captain
Burghe, Mr. Worth, of the Washington bar."

Ishmael bowed with courtesy; but Alfred Burghe grew violently red in the
face, and with a short nod turned away.

"Captain Burghe has a bad memory, my lord!" said Claudia, turning to the
viscount. "The gentleman to whom I have just presented him once saved
his life a