We all dined together, and I could see that poor Art was trying to make the best of things. Van Helsing had been silent all dinnertime; but when we had lit our cigars he said⁠—

“Lord⁠—”; but Arthur interrupted him:⁠—

“No, no, not that, for God’s sake! not yet at any rate. Forgive me, sir: I did not mean to speak offensively; it is only because my loss is so recent.”

The Professor answered very sweetly:⁠—

“I only used that name because I was in doubt. I must not call you ‘ Mr. ,’ and I have grown to love you⁠—yes, my dear boy, to love you⁠—as Arthur.”

Arthur held out his hand, and took the old man’s warmly.