g over the rail that fenced the stage, Alfred cried out, "My
father! my father!" and, throwing his arms around him, pressed him to
his heart. As for the old man, he stood stunned and speechless for a
moment, and then burst into tears.

CHAPTER XLV. OF BYGONES

Were we at the outset instead of the close of our journey, we could not
help dwelling on the scene the lecture-room presented as the discovery
became whispered throughout the crowd. Our goal is, however, now almost
in sight, and we must not tarry. We will but record one thought, as
we say that they who were accustomed to associate the idea of fine
sympathies with fine clothes and elegance of manner, would have been
astonished at the instinctive delicacy and good breeding of that dense
mass of men. Many were disappointed at the abrupt conclusion of a
great enjoyment, nearly all were moved by intense curiosity to know the
history of those so strangely brought together again, and yet not one
murmured a complaint, not one obtruded a question; but with a few words
of kindly greeting, a good wish, or a blessing, they stole quietly away
and left the spot.

Seated side by side in a room of the inn, old Layton and his son
remained till nigh daybreak. How much had they to ask and answer of
each other! Amidst the flood of questions poured forth, anything like
narrative made but sorry progress; but at length Alfred came to hear
how his father had been duped by a pretended friend, cheated out of
his discovery, robbed of his hard-won success, and then denounced as an
impostor.

"This made me violent, and then they called me mad. A little more of
such persecution and their words might have come true.

"I scarcely yet know to what I am indebted for my liberation. I was a
patient in Swift's Hospital, when one day came the Viceroy to visit
it, and with him came a man I had met before in society, but not over
amicably, nor with such memories as could gratify. 'Who is this?' cried
he, as he saw me at work in the garden. 'I think I remember his face.'
The keeper whispered something, and he replied, 'Ah! indeed!' while he
drew near where I was digging. 'What do you grow here?' asked he of me,
in a half-careless tone. 'Madder,' shouted I, with a yell that made
him start; and then, recovering himself, he hastened off to report the
answer to the Viceroy.

"They both came soon after to where I was. The Viceroy, with that
incaution which makes some people talk before the insane