ISHMAEL OR IN THE DEPTHS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 453, 12 March 1890, Page 3

ISHMAEL OR IN THE DEPTHS.

BY MRS EMMA D. E. N. SOUTH WORTH,

Author o£ "Self-Raised,” “Fair Play,” “Tho Missing trifle,” “ A Noble Lord,” “How He Won Her,” “ The Prince of Darkness,’ " Tried for Her Life.” Etc., Etc.

CHAPTER XXVII. (Continued)

‘Well, you are to be “cursed with a granted prayer,” you young Don Quixote. You are to come here to school, and I am to foot the bills. You are to come next Monday, which being the first of April and all-fools’-day, I consider an appropriate day tor a beginning. You are to tilt with certain giants, called Grammar, Geography, and History. And if you succeed with them, you are to combat certain dragons and griffins, named Virgil, Euclid, and so forth. And if you conquer them, you may eventually rise above your present humble sphere, and perhaps become a parish clerk or a constable —who knows ? Mako good use of your opportunities, my lad ! Pursue the path of learning, and there is no knowing where it may carry you. “ Big streams from little fountains flow ; Great oaks from little acorns grow and so forth. Goodbye ! and God bless you, my lad,’ said the commodore, rising to take his leave. Ishmael bowed very low, and attempted to thank his friend, but tears arose to his eyes, and swelling emotion choked his voice; and before he could sDeak, the commodore walked up to Mr Middleton, and said :

‘I hope your favour to this lad will not seriously affect your school; but we will talk further of tho matter on some future occasion. I have an engagement this morning. Good-bye ! Oh, by the way—l had nearly forgotten : Mervin, and Turner, and the other old boys are coming down to my place lor an oyster roast on Thursday night. 1 won’t ask you if you will come. I say to you that you must do so ; and I will not stop to hear any denial. Good-bye !’ and the commodore shook Mr Middleton’s hand and departed. Ishmael stood the very picture of perplexity, until Mr Middleton addressed him.

‘ Come here,my brave little lad. You are to do as the commodore has directed you, and present yourself here on Monday next. Do you understand ?’ ‘ Yes, sir, I understand very well ; but—’ 4 But—what, my lad ? Wouldn’t you like to come?’

4 Oh,'yes, sir ! more than anything in the world. I would like it, but —’ What, my boy?’ ‘lt would bo taking something for.nothing ; and I do not like to do that, sir.’ 4 You are mistaken, Ishmael ! It would be taking what you have a right to take ! It would be taking what you have earned a hundred-fold. You risked your life to save Commodore Burghe’s two sons, and you did save them.’

4 Sir, that was only my duty.’ 4 Then it is equally the commodore’s duty to do all that he can for you. And it is also your duty to accept his offers.' 4 Do yon look at it in that light, sir ?’ 4 Certainly I do !’ 4 And—do you think John Hancock and Patrick Henry would hsve looked at it in that light ?’ Mr Middleton laughed. No one could have helped laughing at the solemn, little, pale visage of Ishmael, as ho gravely put this question.

‘ Why, assuredly, my boy ' Every hero and martyr in sacred or profane history would view the matter as the commodore and myself do.’ ‘ Oh, then, sir, I am so glad ! and indeed, indeed, I will do my very best to profit by my opportunities, and to show my thankfulness to the commodore and you,' said Ishmael, fervently. ‘ Quite right! lam sure you will! And now, my boy, yon may retire,’ said Mr Middleton, kindly giving Ishmael his hand. Our lad bowed deeply and turned towards the professor, who, with a sweeping obeisance to all the literary shelves, left the room.

‘ Your everlastin’ fortin’s made, young Ishmael ! You will learn the classematics, and all the fine arts ; and it depends on yourself alone, whether you do not rise to be a sexton or a clerk ?’ said the professor, as they went out into the lawn. 1 They went around to the smoking ruins of the burnt wing, where all the field negroes were collected under the superintendence of the overseer, Grainger, and engaged in clearing away the rubbish. ‘ I have a hundred and fifty things to do,’ said the professor ; ‘ but still, if my assistance is required here it must be given. Do you Wtint my help, Mr Grainger?’

‘ No, Morris, not until the rubbish is cleared away. Then, I think, we shall want you to put down a temporary covering to keep the cellar from filling with rain until the builder comes,’ was the reply. ‘Come along, then, young Ishmael; I gues3 I will not linger here any longer ; and as for going over to Mr Martindale’s, to begin to dig his well to-day, it is too late to think of such a thing. So I will just walk over home with you, to see how Hannah receives your good news,’ said the professor, leading the way rapidly down the narrow path through the wooded valley. When they reached the'but!they found Hannah sitting in her chair before the fire, crying. In a moment Ishmael’s thin arm was around her neck and his gentle voice in her ear, inquiring : ‘ What is the matter V

‘ Starvation is the matter, my child ! I cannot weave. It hurts my arms too much. What we are to do for bread I cannot tell ! for of course the poor little dollar -a week that you earn is not going to Support us,’ said Hannah, sobbing. Ishmael looked distressed ; the professor dismayed! The same thought occurred to both—Hannah unable to work, Tshmael’s ‘poor little dollar a week’ would not support them ; but yet neither could it be dispensed with, since it would be the only thing to keep them both from famine, amd since this was the case, Ishmael would be obliged to continue to earn that small stipend, and to do so he must give up all hopes of going to school—at least for the present, perhaps for ever. Tt was a bitter disappointment, but when was the boy ever known to hesitate between right and wrong ? He swallowed his rising tears and kissed his weeping relative, saying :• ‘Never mind, aunt Hannah > Don’t Cry ; maybe if I work hard I may be able to earn more.’ ■ ■

‘ Yes ; times is brisk ; I dare say, youp.g Ishmael will be able to bring you as much as two dollars a week for a while/ chimed in the professor. Hannah dropped her coarse handkerchief and lifted her weeping face to ask : * What did they want with you up at the Hall, my dear ?’ ‘ The commodore wanted to send me to school, Aunt Hannah ; but it don’t matter,’ Baid Ishmael, firmly. Hannah sighed.' ' the professor, knowing now that he

should have no pleasure in seeing Hannah’s delight in her nephew’s advancement, since the school plan was nipped in the bud, took up his hat to depart. 4 Well, young Ishmael, I shall start for Mr Martindale’s to-morrow, to dig that well. I shall have a plenty for you to do, so you must be at my house as usual at six o’clock in the morning,’ he said. 4 Professor, 1 think I will walk with you. I ought to tell Mr Middleton at once. And I shall have no more time after to-day,’ replied the boy, rising. They went out together and in silence retraced their steps to Brudenell Heights. Both were brooding over Ishmael’s defeated hopes, and over that strange fatality in the lot of tho poor that makes them miss great fortunes for tho lack of small means.

The professor parted with his companion at life own cottage door, But Ishmael, with his hands in his pockets, walked slowly and thoughtfully on towards Brudenell Heights.

To have the cup of happiness dashed to the ground the moment it was raised to his lips ! It was a cruel disappointment. He could not resign himself to it. All his nature was in arms to resist it. His mind was labouring with the means to reconcile his duty and his desire. His intense longing to go to school, his burning thirst for knowledge; the eagerness of his hungry and restless intellect for food and action can scarcely be appreciated by less gifted beings. While, earnestly searching for the way by which he might supply Hannah with the means of living without sacrificing his hopes of school, he suddenly hit upon a plan. Ho quickened his footsteps to put it into instant execution. He arrived at Brudene’l Hall and asked to see Mrs Middleton, A servant took up his petition and soon returned to conduct him to that lady’s presence. They wont up two flights of stairs, when the man, turning to the left, opened a door, and admitted the boy to the bedchamber of Mrs Middleton.

The lady, wrapped in a dressing-grown and shawl, reclined in an arm-chair in the chimney-corner. 4 Come here, mvdear, she said, in a sweet voice. And when Ishmael had advanced and made his bow, she took his hand kindly and said : 4 You are the only visitor whom I would have received to-day, for I have taken a very bad cold from last night’s exposure my dear ; bub you £ could not refuse, Now sit down in that chair opposite me, and tell me what I can do for you. I hear you are coming to school here; lam glad of it.’ 4 1 was , ma’am ; but I do know that I am ,’ replied the boy. 4 Why, how is that?’ 4 1 hope you won’t be displeasedwith me, ma’am—’

‘Certainly not, my boy. What is it that you wish to say ?’ 4 Well, ma’am, my aunt Hannah cannot weave now, because her wrists are crippled with rheumatism ; and, as she cannot earn any money in that way, I shall be obliged to give up school—unless —’ Ishmael hesitated.

4 Unless what, my boy ?’ 4 Unless she can get some work that she can do. She can knit and sew very nicely, and I thought maybe, ma’am—l hope you won’t be offended—’

4 Certainly not.’ 4 I thought then, maybe you might have same sewing or some knitting to put out.’. 4 Why, Ishmael, I have been looking in vain for a seamstress for the last three or four weeks. And I thought I really should have to go to the trouble and expense of sending to Baltimore or Washington for one ; for all out spring and summer sewing is yet to do. I am sure I could keep one woman in lino needlework all the year round.’

‘ Oh, ma’am, how glad I would be if aunt Hannah would suit vou.’

: I can easily tell that. Does she make your clothes ?’ ‘ All of them, ma’am, and her own too.’ ‘ Come here, then, and let me look at her sewing.’ Ishmael went to the lady, who took, his arm and carefully examined the stitchingof his jacket and shirt-sleeve. •• ‘She sews beautifully. That will do,my. boy. King that bell for me.’ Ishmael obeyed and a servant answered the summons.

‘Jane,’she said, ‘hand me that roll of linen from the wardrobe.’

The woman complied, and the mistress put the bundle in the hands of Ishmael, saying : ‘ Here, my boy : here are a dozen shirts already cut out, with the sewing cotton, buttons, and so forth, rolled up in them. Take them to your aunt. Ask her if she can do them, and tell her that I pay a dollar apiece. ’ ‘ Oh, thank you, thank you, ma’am ! I know aunt Hannah will do them very nicely !’ exclaimed the boy in delight, as he made his bow and his exit.

He ran home, leaping and jumping as he went.

He rushed into the hut, and threw the bundle on the table, exclaiming, gleefully : ‘ There, aunt Hannah ! I have done it !‘ ‘ Done what, you crazy fellow ?’ cried Hannah, looking up from the frying pan in which she was turning savoury rashers of bacon for their second meal.

‘ I have got you—“an engagement,” as the proiessor calls a big lot of work to do. I’ve got it for you, aunt; and I begin to think a body may get any reasonable thing in this world if they will only try hard enough for it!’ exclaimed Ishmael. Hannah set down her frying pan and approached the table, saying : ‘ Will you try to be sensible now, Ishmael; and cell me where this bundle of linen came from ?’

Ishmael grew sober in an instant, and made a very clear statement of his afternoon’s errand, and its success, ending as he had begun, by saying : 4 1 do believe in my soul, Aunt Hannah, that anybody can get any reasonable thing in the world they want, if they only try hard enough for it! And now, dear aunt Hannah, I would not be so selfish as to go to school and leave all the burden of getting a living upon your shoulders, if I did nob-know that it would be better even for you by-and-by ! For if Igo to school and get some little educational shall be able to work at something better than our odd jobbing. The professor and Mr Middleton, and even*the commodore’ him* self, thinks that if-X persevere, I may come to bo county constable, or parish clerk, or schoolmaster, or something of-that sort; and if I do, you know, aunt Hannah, we can live in a house with three or foiir rooms, and I can keep you in splendour. So you won’t think your boy selfish in wanting to go to school, will you, aunt Hannah ?’

* No, my darling, no. I love you dearly, my Ishmael. Only my temper is tried when you run your precious head into the fire, as you did last night.’ ‘ But, aunt Hannah, Israel Putnam, or Francis— ’

‘ Now, now, Ishmael—don’t! If you did but know how I hate the very sound of those old dead and gone men’s names,- you wouldn’t be for everlasting dinging of them into my eai-a !’ said Hannah, nervously. * Well, aunt Hannah—l’ll try to remember nob to name them to you again. Bub for all that i must follow where they lead me >’ said this young aspirant arid unconscious prophet. 1 For I have elsewhere said, what I now with emphasis repeat

that “ Aspirations are Prophecies,” which it requires only Faith to fulfli).' Hannah made no reply. She was busy setting the table for the supper, which the aunt and nephew presently enjoyed with the appreciation only to be felt by those who seldom sib down to a satisfactory meal.

When it was over, and the table was cleared, Hannah, who never lost time, took the bundle of linen, unrolled it, sat down, and commenced sewing. Ishmael, with his book of heroes, sat opposito to her. Ihe plain deal table, scrubbed white as cream, stood between them, lighted by one tallow candle.

* Aunt Hannah,’ said the boy, as he watched her arranging her work, 4 is that easier than weaving?’ ‘Very much easier, Ishmael.’

4 And is it as profitable bo you ?’ ‘ About twice as profitable, my dear ; so, if tho lady really can keep me in work all the year round, there will be no need of your poor little wages, earned by your hard labour,’ answered Hannah. 1 Oh, I didn't think it hard at all,you see, because Isteal Put— 1 beg your pardon, aunt Hannah—l won’t forget again,’ said the boy, correcting himself in time and returning to the silent reading of his book. Some time after he closed the book, and looked up. 4 Aunt Hannah !’ 4 Weil, Ishmael?’ 4 You often talk to me of my dear mother in Heaven, but never of my father. Who was my father, aunt Hannah ?’ For all answer Hannah arose and boxed his ears. CHAPTER XXVIII. ISHMAEL AND CLAUDIA. I saw two children intertwine Their arms about each other, Like the lithe tendrils of the vine Around its nearest brother; And over and anon, r- s gayly they ran on. Each looked into the other’s face, Anticipating an embrace. Richard Monckton Milnes. Punctually at nine o’clock on Monday morning Ishmael Worth rendered himself at Brudenell Hall. Mr Middleton’s school was just such a one as can seldom, if ever, be met with out of the Southern States. Mr Middleton had been a professor of languages in one of the Southern universities ; and by his salary had supported and educated a large family .of sons and daughters until the death of a distant relative enriched him with the inheritance of a large funded property. He immediately resigned his position in the university, and—as he did not wish to commit himself h .stily to a fixed abode in any particular neighbourhood by the purchase of an estate —he leased the whole ready-made establishment at Brudenell Hall, all furnished and officered as it was There he conveyed his wife and ten childdren—that is, five girls and five boys ranging from the age of one year up to fifteen years of age. Added to these was the motherless daughter of his deceased sister, Beatrice Merlin, who had been the wife of' the chief-justice of the supreme court of the State.

Claudia Merlin had been confided to the cure of her uncle and aunt in preference to being sent to a boarding-school during her father's absence on official duty at the capital. Mr and Mrs Middleton had found, on coming to Brudenell Hall, that there was no proper school in the neighbourhood to which they could send their sons and daughters.” They had besides a strong prejudice in favour of educating their children under their own eyes. Mr Middleton, in his capacity of professor, had seen too much of the temptation of college life to be willing to trust his boys too early to its dangers. And as for sending, the girls away from home, Mrs Middleton would not hear of it for an instant.

After grappling with the difficulty for a while, they conquered it by concluding to engage a graduate of the university as tutor, td.ground young people in what are called bherfundamental parts ol an English education, together with the classics and mathematics ; and also to employ an accomplished lady to instruct them in music and drawing; This school was always.under the immediate supervision of the master and mistress of the house. One or the other was almost always present in the school-room. And then if-this had nob been so, the strictest propriety must have been preserved ; for the governess was a discreet woman,, near fifty years of age; and the tutor,’ though but twenby-five, was the gravest of all grave young men.

The class-room was arranged in a spare back parlour on the first floor—a spacious apartment whose windows looked out upon the near shrubberies and the distant woods. Here on the right hand were seated the five boys under their tutor ; and on the left were gathered, the girls under their governess, But when a class was called up for recitation, bcfor.e the tutor, boys and girls engaged in the same studies and in the same stage of progress stood up together, that their minds might be stimulated by mutual emulation.

Often Mrs Middleton occupied a seat in an armchair near one of the pleasant windows overlooking the shrubberies, and employed herself with, some fine needlework while superintending the school. Sometimes, also, Mr Middleton came in with his book or paper, and occasionally, from force of habit, he would take a classbook and hear a recitation. It was to keep bis hand in, he said, lest, some unexpected turn of the wheel of fortune should sets, him back to his old profession again, ’ Thus, this was in all respects a family school. ,

Bub when, the neighbours became acquainted with its admirable working, they begged as a favour the privilege of sending their children as day pupils ; and Mr Middleton, in his cordial kindness, agreed to receive the new pupils ; but only on condition that their tuiton fees should be paid to augment the salaries of the tutor and the governess, as; he—Mr Middleton—did not wish, and would not receive, a profit from his school.

Among the new comers were the sons of Commodore Burghe. Like the other new pupils, they, were only day scholars. For bad conduct they had once been warned away from the school; - bub had been pardoned and received back at the earnest entreaty of their father.

Their presence at Brudenell Hall on the nearly fatal night of the fire had been accidental. The night had been stormy, and Mrs Middleton had insisted upon their remaining in the house. These boys ■ were now regular attendants at the school, and their manners and morals were perceptibly improving. They now sat with the Middleton boys and shared their studies.

Into this pleasant family school-room, on the first Monday in April, young Ishmael Worth was introduced. His own heroic conduct bad won him a place in the most select and exclusive little school in the State. 7r‘‘ ■/' ' E-V”.

Ishmael was now thirteen years of age, a tall, slender boy,with a broad, full forehead, large prominent blue eyes, a straight,' wellshaped hose, full, sweet,'smiling lips, thin, wasted-looking cheeks, a round chin and fair complexion. • His bands and feet were small and symmetrical, but roughened with

hard usage. He was perfectly clean and heat in hisappearance. Htsthh, paleface was as delicately fair as any lady’s ; his flaxen hair was parted at the left side and brushed smoothly away from his big forehead ; his coarse linen was as white as snow, and his coarser homespun blue cloth jacket and trousers wore spotless ; his shoes wore also clean.

Altogether, Nora’s son was a pleasing lad to look upon as he stood smilingly but modestly, hat in hand, at the school-room door, to which he had been brought by •j ovial.

The pupils were all assembled—the boys gathered around their tutor, on the right; the girls hovering about their governess on the left.

Mr and Mrs Middleton were both present, sitting near a pleasant window, that the mild spring morning had invited them to open. They 7 were both expecting Ishmael, and both rose to meet him.

Mrs Middleton silently shook his hand. Mr Middleton presented him to the school, saying.: 4 Young gentlemen, this is your new companion, Master Ishmael Worth, as worthy a youth as it has aver been my pleasure to know. I hope you will all make him welcome among you.’ There was an instant and mysterious putting together of heads and buzzing of voice* among the pupils. 4 Walter, come here,’ said Mr Middleton. A youth of about fiteen years of age arose and approached. ‘lshmael, this is my eldest son, Walter. I hope you two may be good friends. Walter, take Ishmael to a seat beside you ; and when the recreation hour comes, make him well acquainted with your companions. Mind, Walter, I commit him to your charge.’ Walter Middleton smiled, shook hands with Ishmael and led him away to share his own double desk. Mr Middleton then called the school to order and opened the exercises with the reading of the Scripture and prayer. This over, he came to Ishinael and laid an elementary geography before him with the first lesson marked out on it saying : 4 There, my lad ; commit this to memory as soon as you can and then take your book up for recital ion to Mr Green. He will hear you singly for some time until you overtake the first class, which I am sure you will do very soon ; it will depend upon yourself how soon.’

And with these kind words Mr Middleton left the room.

How happy was Ishmael! The schoolroom seemed an elysium ! It is true that this was no ordinary school-room ; but one of the pleasantest places of the kind to be imagined; and very difierentfrom thesmall, dar*, poor hut. Ishmael was delighted with its snow-white walls, its polished oak floor, its clear open windows with their outlook upon the blue sky and the green trees and variegated shrubs. He was pleased with his shining mahogany desk, with neat little compartments for slate, books, pen, pencils, ink, etc. He was in love with his new book with its gayly-coloured maps and pictures and the wonders revealed to him in the lessons. He soon left off revelling in the sights and sounds of the cheerful school-room to devote himself to his book; To him study was not a task, it was an allabsorbing rapture. His thirsty in tellectdrank up the knowledge in that book as eagerly as ever parched lips quaffed cold water. He soon mastered the first easy lesson, and v ould have gone up immediately for recitation, only that Mr Careen was engaged with a But Ishmael could not stop ; he went on t« the second lesson and then to the third, and had committed tho three to memory-before Mr Green was disengaged. ’Then he went up to recite. At the end of the first lesson Mr Green praised his accuracy and began to mark the second.

‘lf you please, sir, I have got that into my head, and also the third one,’ said Ishmael, interrupting him. ‘ What ! do you mean bo say that you have committed three of these lessons to memory ?’ inquired the surprised tutor. * Yes, sir, while I was waiting for you to be at leisure.’ ‘ Extraordinary ! Well, I. will see if you can recite them,’ said Mr Green, opening the book. Ishmael was perfect in his recitation. All school-masters delight .in quick and intelligent pupils ; bub Mr Green especially did so; for he had a true vocation for his profession. He smiled radiantly upan Ishmael, as he asked : ‘ Do you think, now, you can take thiee of these ordinary lessons for one every day ?’ * Oh, yes, sir ; if it would nob be too much trouble for you to hear me,’ answered the boy. ‘ . *lt will be a real pleasure; I shall feel an interest in seeing how fast a bright and willing lad like yourself can get on. Now, then, put away your geography, and bring me the Universal History that you will find in your desk.’ In joy, Ishmael went back to his seat, lifted the lid of his desk, and found in the inside a row of books, a large slate, a copybook, pens, ink and pencils, all neatly arranged.

‘Am I to use these?’ he inquired of Waller Middleton.

4 Oh, yes ; they are all yours ; my mother put them all in there for you this morning. You will find your name written on every one of them,’ replied the youth.

What a treasure Ishmael had! He could scarcely believe in his wealth and happiness! He ’selected his Universal, History, and took it up to the tutor, who, in consideration of his pupil's capacity and desire, set him a very long lesson. In an hour Ishmael had mastered this task'also and taken’*it up to his teacher. Histhird book that morning was Murray’s English Grammar. 4 1 do not think I shall set you a lesson of more than the ordinary length this time, Ishmael, 1 cannot allow-you to devour grammar in such large quantities as you have taken of geography and history at a meal ! For grammar requires to be digested as well as swallowed, in other words, it needs to be understood as well as remembered,’ said Mr Green, as lie marked the lesson for his pupil. Ishmael smiled as he went back to his seat.

To ordinary boys the study of grammar is very dry work. Not so to Ishmael. For his rare, fine, intellectual mind, the analysis of language bad a strange fascination. He soon conquered the difficulties of his initiatory lesson in this science, and recited to the perfect satisfaction of his teacher. ; . And then the morning's lessons were all over. .. ■" "A

This had been a forenoon of varied pleasures to Ishmael. The gates of the Temple of Knowledge had been thrown open to him. All three of his studies had charmed him : the marvellous description of the earth s surface, the wonderful history of the human race, the curious analysis of. language—each had in its turn delighted him. And now came the recreation to refresh him. ■•-'-‘Vi’*- -

The girls all went to walk on the lawn in front of the house. The boys all went into the shrubberies in the rear: and the day pupils began to open their dinner baskets.-

Ishmael took a piece of'bread from'his pocket. That was to be Ms dinner. But presently a servant came out of the

house and spoke to Walter Middleton; and Walter called our boy,-saying : ‘ Come, Ishmael: ray father has sent for you.’ Ishmael put his piece of bread in his pocket, and accompanied the youth into the house, and to the dining-room, where a plain, substantial dinner of roast mutton, vegetables and padding, was-provided for the children of the family:.

‘ You are to dine with my children every day, Ishmael,’ said Mr Middleton, in those tones of calm authority that admitted of no appeal from their decision. Ishmael took the chair that was pointed out to him, and you may be sure he did lull justice to the nourishing food placed before him.

When dinner was over, the boys had another hour’s recreation in the grounds, and then they returned to the school-room for afternoon exercise. These were very properly of a lighter nature than, those of the morning—being only penmanship, elocution and drawing. At six o’clock tlie school was dismissed, and Jshmael went homo enchanted with his new life, but wondering where little Claudia could be ; he had not seen her that day. And thus ended his first day at school.

When Ishmael reached the hut, Hannah had supper ready on the table. ‘ Well, Ishmael, how did you get on ?’ she asked.

‘Oh, aunt Hannah, 1 have had such a happy day!’ exclaimed the boy. And thereupon he commenced and pourod upon her in a torrent of words a description of the schoolroom, the teachers, the studies, the dinner, the recreations, and, in short, the history of the whole day’s experiences. ‘ And so you are charmed?’ said Hannah. • Oh, aunt, so much !’ smiled the boy. ‘ Hope it may last, that’s all ! for / never yet saw the' lad that liked school after the first novelty wore off,’ observed the woman. The next morning Ishmael awoke with the dawn, and sprang from his pallet in the loft as a lark from its nest in the tree. He hurried down-stairs, to help Hannah with the morning work before he should prepare for school. He cut wood, and brought water enough to last her throughout the day, and then ate his frugal breakfast and set off for school. He arrived there early—almost too early, for none of the day pupils had come and there was no one in the schoolroom but the young Middletons and Claudia Merlin. She was sitting in her seat with her desk open before her, and her black ringletted bead half buried in it. But as soon as she heard the door open she glanced up, and seeing Ishmael, shut down the desk and flew to meet him.

‘lam so glad you come to school, Ishmael ! I wasn’t here yesterday, because I had a cold ; but I knew you were ! And oh,.how nice you do look. Indeed, if I did not know better, I should take yo u bo be the young gentleman, and those Burghes to be workman’s sons !’ she said, as she held his hand, and looked approvingly upon his smooth, light hair, his fair, broad forehead, clear, blue eyes, and delicate features ; and upon his erect figure, and neat dress. ‘ Thank you, miss,’ answered Ishmael, with boyish embarrassment. * Come here, Bee, and look at him,’ said Miss Merlin, addressing some unknown little party, who did not at once obey the behest.

With a reddening cheek, Ishmael gently essayed to pass to his seat; but the imperi ous little lady held fast his hand, as with a more peremptory tone she said : ‘ Stop ! I want Bee to see you ! Come here, Bee, this instant, and look at Ishmael !’ , This time a little golden-haired, fairfaced girl came from the group of children collected at the window, and stood before Claudia. ‘ There, now. Bee, look at the new pupil ! Does he look like a common boy, a poor labourer’s son ?’ The little girl addressed as Bee was evidently afraid to disobey Claudia and ashamed to obey her. She therefore stood in embarrassment. ‘ Look at him, can’t you ? he won’t bite you !’ said Miss Claudia. Ishmael felt reassured by the very shyness of the little new acquaintance that was being forced upon him, and he said, very gently : ‘ I will not frighten yon, little girl ; I atn not a rude boy.’ ‘I know you will not; it is not that,’ murmured the little maiden, encouraged by the sweet voice, and stealing a glance at the gentle intellectual countenance of our lad.

‘ There, now labourer’s sou ?’ inquired Claudia. ‘ No,’ murmured Bee. ‘ But he in, for all that! He is the son of—of— I forget; but some relation of Hannah Worth, the weaver. Who ivcis your father, Ishmael? I never heard ; or if I did I have forgotten. Who was he ?’

Ishmael’s face grew crimson ; yet he could not have told, because he did not know, why this question caused his brow to burn as though it had been smitten by a red-hot iron.

‘ Who was your father, I ask you, Ishmael?’ persisted the imperious little girl. ‘I do not remember my father, Miss Claudia,’ answered the boy, in a low, halfstilled voice.

‘ And now you have hurt his feelings, Claudia ; let him alone,’ whispered the fair child, in a very low voice, as the tears of a vague but deep sympathy, felt but not understood, arose to her eyes. r Before another word could be said, Mrs Middleton entered the room.

‘ Ah, Bee, so you are making acquaintance with your new school-mate ! This is my olde-st daughter, Miss Beatrice, Ishmael. We call her Bee, because it is the abbreviation'of Beatrice, and because she is such a busy, helpful little lady,’ she raid, as she shook hands with the boy and patted the little girl on the head.

The entrance ot the teachers and the day pupils broke up this little group ; the children took their seats and the school was opened, as. before, with prayer. This morning the - tutor led the exercises. Mr Middleton was absent on business. The day was passed much as the previous one, except that at its close, there was Claudia to shake hands ■ with Ishmael; to tell him that he was a bright, intelligent boy, and that she was proud of him ; and all with the air of a princess rewarding some deserving peasant.

CHAPTER XXIX. YOUNG LOVE. s Have you been out some starry night, And found it joy to bend . Your eyes to one particular light Till it became a friend ? Aid then so lovel that glistening spot, That whether it were far, Or more,'or Jess, it mattered not— It s till was yonr own star? Thus; and thus onlv, can you know How I, even lowly I, Can live in love though set so low And my lady-love so high! Richard Monckton Milnes. Ishmael’s Improvement w r as marked and rapid, both as to his bodily and mental growth and progress. His happiness in his studies : his regular morning and evening walks to and from school; his abundant and nutritious . noontide meals with the young Middletons, even his wood-cutting at the huthis whole manner of life, in fact, had tended to promote the

best development of his physical organisation. He grew taller, stronger and broader shouldered ;■ he held himself erect, and his pale complexion cleared and became fair. He no longer ate with a canine rapacity ; his appetite was moderate, and his habits temperate, because his body was well nourished and his health was sound.

His mental progress was quite equal to his bodily, growth. He quickly mastered the elementary branches of education, and was initiated into the rudiments of Latin, Greek, and mathematics. He soon overtook the two Burghes, and was placed in the same class with them and with John and James Middleton—Mr Middleton’s second and third sons. When ho entered the class, of course he was placed at the foot: but he first got above Ben Burghe and then above Alfred Burghe, and he was evidently resolved to remain above them, and to watch for an opportunity of getting above James and John Middleton, who were equally resolved that no such opportunity should be afforded him. This was a generous emulation en couraged by Mr Middleton, who was accustomed to say, laughiugly, to his boys: •Take care, my sons! You know Ishmael is a dead shot ! Let him once bring you down and you will never get up again !’ And to Ishmael:

‘ Persevere, my lad ! Some fine day you will catch them tripping, and take a seep higher in the class.’ And he declared to Mrs Middleton that his own sons had never progressed so rapidly in their studies as now that they had found in Ishmael Worth a worth}- competitor to spur them on. Upon that very account, he said, the boy was invaluable to the school.

Well, John and James had all Ishmael’s industry and ambition, but they had not his genius; consequently they were.soon distanced in the race by our boy. Ishmael got above James and kept his place ; then he got above John, at the head of the class, and kept that place also; and finally he got so far ahead of all his classmates that, not to retard his progress, Mr Middleton felt obliged to advance him a step higher and place him beside Walter, who, up to this.time, had stood alone, unapproached and unapproachable, at the head of the school.

John and James, being generous rivals, saw this well-merited advancement without ‘envy, hatred, or malice;’ but to Alfred and Benjamin Burghe it was gall and wormwood.

Walter was, of course, as yet much in advance of Ishmael, but in placingt’i 3 boys together, Mr Middleton had said : ‘Now, Walter, you are about to be put upon your very best metal. Ishmael will certainly soon overtake you, and if you are not very careful he will soon surpass you.’ The noble boy laughed as he replied : ‘ After what I have seen of Ishmael for the last two*or three years, father, I dare not make any promises ! I think I am a fair match for most youths of my own age; and I should not mind competing with industry alone, or talent alone, or with a moderate amount of both united in one boy ; but, really, when it comes to competing with invincible genius combined with indomitable perseverance, I do not enter into the contest with any very sanguine hopes of success.’ The youth’s previsions proved true. Before the year was out Ishmael Worth stood by his side, his equal, and bidding fair to become his superior. . Mr Middleton had too much magnanimity to feel any little paternal jealousy on this account. He knew that his own son was highly gifted in moral and intellectual endowments, and he was salislied ; and if Ishmael Worth was even his son’s superior in these respects, the generous man only rejoiced the more in contemplating the higher excellence. Commodore Burghe was also proud of his protdge. He was not very well pleased that his own sons were eclipsed by the brighter talents of the peasant boy ; but he only shruggtd his shoulders as he said ; ‘ You know the Bible says that “gifts are divers,” my friend. Well, my two boys will never be brilliant scholars, that is certain ; but I hope, for that reason, Alf may make the braver soldier and Ben the bolder sailor.’ And having laid this flattering unction to his soul, the old man felt no malice against our boy for outshining his own sons.

Not so the boys themselves. Their natures were essentially low ; and this low nature betrayed itself in their faces, forms, and manners. They were short and thickset, with bull necks, bullet heads, shocks of thick black hair, low foreheads, large mouths, dark complexions and sullen expressions. They were very much alike in person and in character, the only difference being that Alt' was the bigger and the wickeder and Ben the weaker. Against I'hmael they had many grudges, the least one of which was cause enough with them for lifelong malice. First, on that memorable occasion of the robbed carriage, he had exposed their theft and their falsehood. Secondly, he had had the good luck to save their lives and win everlasting renown for the brave act; and this, to churlish, thankless and insolent natures like theirs, was the greater offence of the two ; and now he had had the unpardonable impudence to eclipse them in school. lit! the object of their father’s bounty, as they called him. They lost no opportunity of sneering at him, whenever they dared do so. Ishmael Worth could very well afford to practise forbearance towards these ill-con-ditioned lads. He wasino longer the poor, sickly and self-doubting child he had been a year previous. Though still delicate as to his physique, it was elegant and refined rather than a feeble and sickly delicacy. He grew very much like his father, who was one of the handsomest men of his day ; but it was from his mother that he derived his sweet, sweet voice, and his beautiful peculiarity of smiling only with his eyes. His school-life had, besides, taught him more than book learning ; it had taught him self-knowledge. He had been forced to measure himself with others and find out his relative moral and intellectual standing. His success at school, and the appreciation he received from others; had endowed him with a self-respect and confidence easily noticeable in the modest dignity and grace of his air and manner. In these respects also his deportment formed a favourable contrast to the shame-laced, half-defiant behaviour of the Burghes. These boys were the only enemies Ishmael possessed in the school; his sweetness of spirit had, on the contrary, made him many friends. He was ever ready to do any kindness to anyone ; to give up his own pleasure for the convenience of others ; to help forward a backward pupil, or to enlighten a dull ono. This goodness gained him grateful partisans among tho boys, but he had, also, disinterested ones among the girls. Claudia and Beatrice were his self-consti-tuted little lady-patronesses. The Burghes did hot dare to sneer at;lshmael’s humble position in their presence. For, upon the very first occasion that Alfred had ventured a sarcasm.at the expense of Ishmael, in lier hearing, Claudia had so shamed him for insulting a youth to .whose 'bravery he was indebted for his life, that even master

Alfred had had the grace to blush, andevir afterward had avoided exposing himself to a similar scorching. In this little world of the school-room there wa3 a little unconscious drama beginning to be performed, 1 said that Claudia and Beatrice had constituted themselves the little lady-patron-esses of the poor boy. But there was a difference in their manner towards their protege.

The dark-eyed, dark-haired, imperious young heiress patronised him in a right royal manner, trotting hirtfStat, as it were, for the inspection of her friends, and calling their attention to his merits—so surprising in a boy of his station ; very much, I say, as she would have exhibited the accomplishments of her dog, Fido, so wonderful in a brute! very much, ah! as duchesses patronise promising young poets.

This was at times so humiliating to Ishmael that his self-respect must have suffered terribly, fatally, but for Beatrice. The fair haired, blue-eyed and gentle Bee had a much finer, more delicate, sensitive and susceptible nature than her cousin; she understood Ishmael better, and sympathised with him more than Claudia could. She loved and respected him as an elder brother, and indeed more than she did her elder brothers; for lie wa9 much superior to both in physical, moral and intellectual beauty. Bee felt all this so deeply that she honoured in Ishmael iier ideal of what a boy ought to be, and what she wished her brothers to become.

In a word, the child-woman had already set up an idol in her heart, an idol never, never, in all the changes and chances of this world, to be thrown from its altar. Already she unconsciously identified herself with his successes. He was now the class-mate, equal and competitor of her eldest brother; yet in the literary - and scholastic rivalship and struggle between the two, it was not for Walter, but for Ishmael that she secretly trembled ; and in their alternate triumphs and defeats, it was not with Walter, but with Ishmael that she silently sorrowed or rejoiced. Bee was her mother’s right hand in all household affairs ; she would have been the favourite, if Mrs Middleton’s strict sense of justice had permitted her to have one among the children. It was Bee who was always by her mother’s side in the early morning, helping her to prepare the light, nutritious puddings for dinner. On these occasions Bee would often beg for some special kind of tart or pie, not for the gratification of her own appetite, but becouse she had noticed that Ishmael liked that dish. So early she became his little household guardian. And Ishmael? He was now nearly sixteen years old, and thoughtful beyond his years. Was he grateful for this little creature’s earnest affection ? Very grateful he was indeed ! He had no sister ; but as the dearest of all dear sisters he loved this little woman of twelve summers.

But she was not his idol ! Oh, no ! The star of his boyish worship was Claudia ! Whether it was from youthful perversity, or from prior association, or. as is. most likely, by the attraction of antagonism; the fair, gentle, intellectual peasant boy adored the dark, fiery, imperious young patrician, who loved, petted and patronised him only as if he had been a wonderfully learned pig, or very accomplished parrot! Bee knew this ; but the pure love of her sweet spirit vvas incapablo of jealousy, and when she saw that Ishmael loved Claudia best, she herself saw reason in that for esteeming her cousin higher than she had ever done before! U Ishmael loved Claudia so much, then Claudia must be more worthy than ever she had supposed her to be ! Such was the reasoning of Beatrice.

Did Mr and Mrs Middleton observe this little domestic drama ? , ■Ves, but tlioy attached no importance to it ! They considered it all the harmless, shallow, transient friendships of childhood, They had left their own youth so far behind, that they forget what serious mabters-rr sometimes affecting the happiness of many years, sometimes deciding the destiny of a life—are commenced in the school-room.

Ishmael was felt to be perfectly trustworthy ; therefore he was allowed the privilege of free association with these little girls—an honour not accorded toother day pupils. This ‘unjust partiality’ as they called the well-merited confidence bestowed upon our boy, greatly incensed the Burghes, and increased their enmity against Ishmael. Master Alfred, who was now a very forward youth of eighteen, fancied himself to be smitten with the charms of the little beauty of fifteen. Whether he really was so or not it is impossible to say ; but it is extremely probable that he was more alive to the fortune of the heiress than to the beauty of the girl. Avarice is not exclusively the passion of the aged, nor is it a whit less powerful than the passion of love. Thus young Alfred Burghe was as jealous of Ishmael’s approach to Claudia, as if he— Alfred—had loved tho girl instead of coveting hei wealth. Early, very early marriages were customary in that neighbourhood ; so that there was nothing very extravagant in the dream of that fast young gentleman, that in another year—namely, when he should be nineteen and she sixteen —he might marry the heiress, and revel in her riches. But how was he to marry her if he could not court her? And how was he to court her if he was never permitted to associate with her? He was forbidden to approach her, while ‘ that cur of a weaver boy’ was freely admitted to her society ! He did not reflect that the ‘ weaver boy ’ had earned his ow’n position ; had established a character for truth, honour, and fidelity; was pure in spirit, word, and deed, and so was fit company for the young. But Alfred was quite incapable of appreciating all this ; he thought the preference shown to Ishmael unjust, indecent, outrageous, and he resolved to be revenged upon his rival by exposing, taunting, and humiliating him in the presence of Claudia, the very first time chance should throw them all three together. Satan, who always assists his own,-soon seut the opportunity. It was near the first of August; there was to be an examination, exhibition and distribution of prizes at the school. And the parents, guardians and friends of the pupils were invited to attend. Walter Middleton and Ishmael Worth were, at the head of the school, and would compete for the first prizes with. equal chance of success. The highest prize—a gold watch—was to be awarded to the best written Greek thesis. Walter and Ishmael were both ordered to write for this prize, and for weeks previous to the examination all the leisure time was bestowed upon this work. The day before the examination each completed his own composition. And then, like good, confidential, unenvying friends as they were, they exchanged papers and gave each other a sight of their work. When each had read and returned his rival's thesis, Walter said with a sigh : J It will be just as I foreboded, Ishmael. 1 said you would take the prize, and now I know it,’

Ishmael paused some time before he answered calmly: ‘No, Walter; I will not take it.’ . . ‘ Not take it.! nonsense ! if you take it, it will he because .the examiners do not know their business 1 Why,' Ishmael, there can be no question as to the relative

rnerit| of,,your ; composition and mine ! Mine, will not bear an instant’s comparison with yours. * Your thesis is perfectly correct; there is nob a .mistake in it,’ said Ishmael, encouragingly. ‘Oh, yes, it is correct enough; but yours, JsfimaeJ, is not only that, but more ! for it is strong, logical, eloquent! Now I can be accurate enough, for that matter; but 1 cannot be anything more ! I cannot be strong, logical, or eloquent in my own native and Jiving language, much less in a foreign and a dead one. So, Ishmael, you will'gain the prize. • * I am quite sure that I shall not,’ replied our boy. ) ' >:■■■ y ‘ Then it will bo because our examiners will know no more of Greek Mian I do, and not so much as yourself !, And as that cannot possibly be the case, they must award you the prize, my boy. And you shall be welcome to it for me ! I have done my duty n doing the very best I could ; and if you excel me by doing better still, Heaven forbid that I should be so base as to grudge you tlie reward you have so well eained. So God bles3 you, old boy,’ said Walter, as he parted from his friend. . (To be contin tied. )