Hapgood bowed respectfully. “Mr. Hungerford is in the drawing-room, ma'am,” he said.
To the drawing-room moved Serena, followed by her husband.
“Good evening, Mr. Hungerford,” said the lady, with a partially successful attempt at calmness. “How do you do? My husband and I--”
She paused. The expression on Mr. Hungerford's face was an odd one. She turned to Daniel, and his expression was odder still. He was standing in the doorway gazing at the visitor, his eyes opening wider and wider.
Mr. Percy Hungerford was the young man whom his friend had addressed as “Tacks,” the young man with whom Captain Dan had exchanged repartee in the Rathskeller of the Palatine Hotel.
Of the two men, Mr. Hungerford was the first to recover presence of mind. Presence of mind was one of the qualities upon which he prided himself, and it was a very awkward situation to which he could not rise. For just an instant the color rushed to his cheeks as he recognized the captain and saw that the latter recognized him. Then:
“Why, how do you do, Captain Dott?” he said. “By Jove, this is extraordinary, isn't it! Strange that relatives shouldn't know each other when they meet. How do you do?”
He stepped forward with extended hand. Captain Dan, who had expected almost anything but this bland cordiality, scarcely knew what to say or do. He took the proffered hand mechanically and dropped it again.
“Well!” he stammered. “Well!--I declare I--I didn't expect to--”
He paused. Mrs. Dott, who had been watching this scene in bewilderment, spoke before he could finish his sentence.
“Why, what is it?” she asked. “Have you--”
Mr. Hungerford smiled. “Your husband and I have met before,” he explained. “Just a casual meeting and we weren't aware of each other's identity. I'm afraid I was not as cordial as I might have been on that occasion, Captain. I was a bit tired and rather out of sorts. I hope you'll forgive me, I'm sure.”
“Why, I guess I can forgive my half if you can yours,” he said slowly.
Before the puzzled Serena could ask another question the visitor turned to her.
“I'm sure you must be very much surprised to see me here,” he said. “I'm somewhat surprised to be here myself. I've spent a greater part of the past month in New York and have only just returned--that is, to stay. I fully intended to call before, and should if I had been in town. How are you getting on? How do you like the dear old place? Ah!” with a sigh, as he seated himself and looked about him, “how familiar it all seems!”