was mobile and expressive. “Mr. Stretton, why — why! David — Mr. Stretton, David Thryng — ”

“Ah, Mr. Thryng. I am most happy to find you here.”

“Doctor Thryng — over here on this side, you know.”

“Ah, yes. I had really forgotten. But speaking of titles — I must give this young man his correctly. Lord Thryng — allow me to congratulate you, my lord.”

“I fear you mistake me for my cousin, sir,” said David, smiling. “I hope you have no ill news from my good uncle; but I am not the David who inherits. I think he is in South Africa — or was by the latest home letters.”

Mr. Stretton did not reply directly, but continued smiling, as his manner was, and turned toward David’s