and motioned him to a seat, which the other accordingly took. Lindsay
certainly was, as Barney Casey had said, a very fine-looking man for his
years. He was tall, erect, and portly, somewhat inclined to corpulency,
of a handsome, but florid countenance, in which might be read a large
expression of cheerfulness and good humor, together with that peculiar
tinge which results from conviviality. Indeed, there could scarcely
be witnessed a more striking contrast than that between his open,
kind-looking features, and the sharp, disagreeable symmetry which marked
those of his step-son with such a dark and unpleasant character.

"My servant tells me," said Lindsay, courteously, "that you wished to
see me."

"I did, sir," replied Woodward; "in that, he spoke correctly; I wished
to see you, and I am glad to see you."

"I thank you, sir," replied the other, bowing again; "but--ahem--in the
meantime, sir, you have the advantage of me."

"And intend to keep it, sir, for a little," replied Woodward with one of
his cold smiles. "I came to speak to you, sir, concerning your son who
is abroad, and to ask if you have recently heard from himself or his
uncle."

"O, then, I presume, sir," replied Lindsay, "you are an acquaintance
or friend of his; if so, allow me to bid you welcome; nothing, I assure
you, could afford either myself or my family greater pleasure than to
meet and show attention to any friend of his. Unfortunately, we have
heard nothing from him or his uncle for nearly the last year and a half;
but, you will be doubly welcome, sir, if you can assure us that they are