But the next day came a messenger express from London, with a letter from Mr.Parchmount that arrested for the moment even the fierce current of love.
When the task had been completed,--the will signed, sealed, and delivered,--the old man had felt a load lifted from his heart.

Three or four of his old friends, bons vivants like himself, had seen his arrival duly proclaimed in the newspapers, and had hastened to welcome him.
Warmed by the genial sight of faces associated with the frank joys of his youth, Sir Miles, if he did not forget the prudent counsels of Dalibard, conceived a proud bitterness of joy in despising them.

Why take such care of the worn-out carcass?
His will was made.

What was left to life so peculiarly attractive?
He invited his friends to a feast worthy of old.

Seasoned revellers were they, with a free gout for a vent to all indulgence.