I didn't know
he cared--"
"It's evident he cares very much!" said Howard, gravely. "If you were
the Prodigal Son he couldn't have felt it more."
"And yet they say--that bagman said--" muttered Stafford with
smouldering rage and indignation.
"There are few things in my life that I regret, my dear Staff; but till
my dying day I shall regret that I did not turn and rend that bagman!
He's a splendid fellow--splendid! Now I've seen him I don't wonder at
his success. Envy is not one of my numerous vices, Staff; but frankly I
envy you your father! Wake up, old man! We mustn't keep him waiting!
What quarters!" He looked round the room as he moved to go. "Fit for a
prince! But you _are_ a prince! Why, dash it, I feel like a prince
myself! How are you, Measom? Got down all right, then?--I'll give you a
knock when I'm ready, Stafford!"
Stafford dressed quickly, thinking all the while of his father; of his
good looks, his deep, pleasant voice, his affectionate welcome; and
thrusting from him the unfavourable impression which the ornate
splendour of the place had made.
Howard knocked presently and the two men went down.
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