I have read in the newspapers many and many sad things coming over whole families, such as they call 'shocking tragedies;' but none of them, to my mind, could be more galling than what I had to see with my very own eyes.
"It must have been close upon the middle of September when old Lord Castlewood came himself to see his son's house and family at Shoxford.
We heard that he came down a little on the sudden to see to the truth of some rumors which had reached him about our style of living.

It was the first time he had ever been there; for although he had very often been invited, he could not bear to be under the roof of the daughter, as he said, of his enemy.

The Captain, just happening to come home on leave for his autumn holiday, met his father quite at his own door--the very last place to expect him.

He afterward acknowledged that he was not pleased for his father to come 'like a thief in the night.' However, they took him in and made him welcome, and covered up their feelings nicely, as high-bred people do.
"What passed among them was unknown to any but themselves, except so far as now I tell you.

A better dinner than usual for two was ready, to celebrate the master's return and the beginning of his holiday; and the old lord, having travelled far that day, was persuaded to sit down with them.