ISHMAEL; Or, IN THE DEPTHS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 463, 16 April 1890, Page 6

ISHMAEL; Or, IN THE DEPTHS.

By MRS EMMA D. E. N. SOUTH WORTH, Author of “Self-Raised,” “Fair Play.” “Ihe Missing Bride.” “A Noble Lord,” “How He Won Her." “The Prince of Darkness,” “Tried for Her Life.” Etc., Etc. CHAPTER XLI. CLAUDIA. But she in those fond feelings had no share; Her sighs were not for him; to her he was Even as a brother ; but no more ; ’t was much, For brotherlcss she was save in the name Her girlish frendship had bestowed on him; Herself the solitary scion loft Of a time-honoured race.— Byrons Dream. Sam was found loitering near the front gate. When told what he was to do, he grinned and started with alacrity to put the horses to the carriage and prepare the horse feed to take along with him. And meanwhile Hannah packed a hamper full of food and drink to solace the traveller on his night journey. In half an hour from his first notice to go, Sam drove the carriage up to the cottage gate, received his hamper of provisions and his final orders and departed. Hannah and Reuben, leaning over the gate, watched him out of sight, and then sat down in front of their cottage door, to enjoy the coolness of the summer evening, and talk of the judge's expected ai rival. Ishmael went up to his room, lighted his candle, and sat down to try and compose his agitated heart and apply his mind to study. But in vain his eyes wandered over the pages of his book ; his mind could not take in the meaning. The thought of Claudia filled his whole soul, absorbed his every faculty, to the exclusion of every other idea.

‘ Oh, this will never, never do ! It is weakness, folly, madness ! Whar, have I to do with Miss Merlin that she takes possession of my whole being in this manner? I must, I will conquer this passion!’ he exclaimed, at last, starting up, throwing aside his book, and pacing the floor. * Ye 3, with the Lord’s help, I will overcome this infatuation !’ he repeated, as he paused in his hasty walk, bowed his head, and folded his hand* in prayer to God for deliverance from the power of inordinate and vain affections.

•This done, he returned to his studies with more success. And long after he heard Hannah and Reuben re-enter the cottage and retire to their room, he continued to sit up and read. He read on perseveringly, until he had wearied himself out enough to be able to sleep. And his last resolution on seeking his bed was :

‘By the Lord’s help I will conquer this passion ! I will combat it with prayer, and study, and work !’ Ishmael applied himself diligently to active out-door work during the morning and to study during the evening hours. Thus several days passed. Nothing was heard from Sam, the carriage or the judge. Reuben Gray expressed great anxiety—not upon account of the judge, or Miss Merlin, who, he averred, were both capable of taking care of themselves and each other ; but upon account of Sam and his valuable charge that he feared had in some way or other come to harm. Ishmael tried to reassure him by declaring his own opinion that all was right, and that Sam was only waiting at Baymouth for the arrival of his master.

Reuben Gray only shook his head and predicted all sorts of misfortunes. But Ishmael’s supposition was proved to be correct, when late Wednesday night, or rather—for it was aft9r midnight—early Thursday morning, the unusual sound of carriage wheels passing the road before the cottage waked up all its inmates, and announced to them the arrival of the judge and his daughter. Reuben Gray started up and hurried on his clothes.

Ishmael sprang oufcof bed andlookedforth from the window. But the carriage without pausing for a moment rolled on its way to Tanglewood House. The startled sleepers finding their services nob required, returned to bed again. Early that morning, while the family were at the breakfast table, Sam made his appearance and formally announced the ar rival of the judge and Miss Merlin at Tanglewood. ‘ How long did you have to wait for them at Baymouth ?’ inquired Reuben Gray. ‘ Not an hour, sar. I arrove about sunrise at the “Planter’s” just as the “ Powhatan ” was steaming up to the wharf ; and soldruveontode wharf to seeif dejudge and his darter was a-board, and sure nuff dero dey was ! And mightily ’stonished was dey to see me and de carriage and de horses ; and mightily pleased, too. So de judge he put his darter inter de inside, while I piled on de luggage a-hind and a top; and so we goes back to de “ Planter's,” ' said Sam.

‘But what kept you so long at Baymouth ?’

‘ Why, law bless you, de judgo, lie had wisits to pay in de neighbourhood ; and having of me an’ do carriage dere made it all de more corivenienter. O’ Monday we went over to a place called de Burrow and dined long of one Marse Commodore Burghe; and o’ Tuesday we went and dined at Brudenell Hall with young Mr Herman Brudenell.’ At this name Hannah started and turned pale; bubalmost immediately recovered her composure. Sam continued :

* And o’ Wednesday, that is yesterday morning airly, we started for home. We laid by during the heat of the day at Horse-head, and started again late in de arternoon ; dat made it one o’clock when we arrove at home last night, or leastways this morning.’ * Well, and what brought you down here? Has the judge sent any message to me ?’ * Yes, he have ; he want you to come right to de house and fetch de farm books, so he can see how the ’counts stands.’

‘Very well; they’re all right!’ said Reuben, confidently, as he arose from the table, put on his hat, took two accountbooks from the shelf, and went out followed by Sam. Ishmael as usual went into the garden to work, and tried to keep his thoughts from dwelling on Claudia. At dinner-time Gray returned, and Ishmael met him at the table. And Gray could talk of nothing bub the improvement, beauty, and the grac6 of Miss Merlin. ‘ She is just too beautiful for this world, Hannah,’ he concluded, after having exhausted all his powers of description upon His subject. ! After dinner Ishmael went upstairs to his books, and Hannah took advantage of his absence to say to Gray: . ‘Reuben, -I: wish you would"never mention Miss Claudia Merlin’s name before Ishmael.’ /‘.Law! why?’ inquired Gray. ‘Because I want him to forget her.’ •‘But why so?’

‘Oh, Reuben, how dull you are ! Well, if I muet tell you, ho likes her.’ ‘ Well, so do I! and so do everyone,’ said honest Reuben.

* But he likes her too well! he loves her, Reuben !’

* What! ! Ishmael love Judge Merlin’s daughter—L-a-w ! ! Why, I should as soon think of falling in love with a royal princess !’ exclaimed the honest man in extreme astonishment. ‘ Reuben, hush ! I hate to speak of it; but it is true. Pray, never let him know that we even suspect this truth ; and be careful not to mention her name in his presence. I can see that he is struggling to conquer his feelings ; but he can never do it while you continue to ding her name into his ears everlasting.’ ‘l’ll be mum ! Ishmael in love with Miss Merlin ! I should as soon suspicion him of being in love with the Queen of Spain ! Good gracious ! how angry she’d be if she knew it.’

After this conversation Reuben Gray was very careful to avoid all mention of Claudia Merlin in the hearing of Ishmael. The month of August was drawing to a close. Ishmael had not once set eyes on Claudia, though he had chanced to see the judge on horseback at a distance several times. Ishmael busied himself in seeking out a room in the neighbourhood, in which to open a school on the first of September. He hud not as yet succeeded in his object, when one day an incident occurred that,'as he used it, had a signal effect on his future life.

It was a rather cool morning, in the latter part of-August, when the youth, after spending an hour or two at work in the garden, dressed himself in his best clothes and set off to walk to Rushy Shore farm, where he heal'd there was a small schoolhouse ready furnished with rough benches and desks, to be had at a low rent. His road lay aloDg the high banks of the river, above the sands. He had gone about a mile on his way, when he heard the sound of carriage wheels behind him, and in a few minutes caught a glimpse of an. open barouche, drawn by a pair of fine, spirited, grey horses, as it flashed by him. Quickly as the carriage passed, he recognised in the distinguished-looking young lady seated within it—Claudia ; —recognised her with an electric shock that thrilled his whole being, paralysed him where he stood and bound him to the spot! He gazed after the flying vehicle until it vanished from his sight. Then he sank down where he stood and covered his face with his hands and strove to calm the rising emotion that swelled his bosom. It was minutes before he recovered self-possession enough to arise and go on his way. In due time he reached the farm - Rushy Shore—where the school-house was for rent. It was a plain little log house close to the river side and shaded by cedars. It had been built for the use of a poor country master who had worn out his life in teaching for small pay the humbler class of country children, He rested from his earthly labours and the school was without a teacher. Ishmael saw only the overseer of the farm, who informed him that he had authority to let the school-room only until Christmas, as the whole estate had just been sold and the new owner was to take possession at the beginning of the new year. ‘ Who is the new owner?’ inquired Ishmael.

‘ Well, sir, his name is Middleton—Mr James Middleton, from St. Mary’s County : though I think I did hear as he was first of all from Virginia.’ ‘Mr Middleton ! Mr James Middleton !’ exclaimed Ishmael, catching his breath for joy. ‘ Yes, sir ; that is the gentleman ; did you happen to know him ?’ ‘ Yes : intimately ; he is one of the best and most honoured friends I have in the world !’ said Ishmael warmly. * Then, sir, maybe he wouldn’t be for turning you out of the school-house even when the time we can let it for is up ?’ ‘No, I don’t think he would,’ said Ishmael, smiling, as he took his leave and started on his return. He walked rapidly on his way homeward, thinking of the strange destiny that threw him again among the friends of his childhood, when he was startled by a sound as of the sudden rush of wheels. He raised his head and beheld a fearful sight! Plunging madly towards the very brink of the high bank rushed the horses of Claudia’s returning carriage. The coachman had dropped the reins, which were trailing on the ground, sprung from his seat and was left some distance behind. Claudia retained hers, holding by the sides of the carriage ; but her face was white as marble ; her eyes were starting from their sockets ; her teeth were firmly set; her lips drawn back; her hat lost and her black hair streaming behind her! On rushed tho maddened boasts towards the brink of the precipice ! another moment, and they would have dashed down into certain destruction !

Ishmael saw and hurled himself furiously forward between the rushing horses and the edge of the precipice, seizing the reins as the horses dashed up to him, and threw all his strength into the effort to turn them aside from their fate. He did turn them from the brink of destruction, but alas ! alas ! as they were suddenly and violently whirled around, they threw him down and passed, dragging the carriage with them, over the prostrate body !

At the same moment some fishermen on the sands below, who had seen the impending catastrophe, rushed up the bank, headed the maddened horses and succeeded in stopping them. Then Miss Merlin jumped from the carriage, and ran to the side of Ishmael. In that instant of deadly peril she had recognised him ; bub all had passed so instantaneously that she had not had time to speak, scarcely to breathe.

Now she kneeled by his side and raised his head. He was mangled, bleeding, pallid and insensible. ‘ Oh, for the love of God, leave those horses and come here, men ! Como instantly !’ cried Claudia, who with trembling hands was seeking on the boy’s face and bosom for some signs of life. Two of the men remained with the horses, bub three rushed to the side of the young lady. ‘ Oh, heaven! he is crushed to death, I fear! He was trampled down by the horses, and the whole carriage seemed to have passed over him ! Oh tell me ! tell me ! is he killed ? is he quite, quite dead ?’ cried Claudia, breathlessly, wringing her hands in anguish, as she arose from her kneeling posture to make room for the men.

The three got down beside him and began to examine his condition. ‘ls he dead ? Oh ! is he dead ?’ cried Claudia.

‘ It’s impossible to tell, miss,’ answered one of the men, who had his hand on Ishmael’s wrist; ‘bub he hain’b got no pulse.’ ‘ And his leg is broken, to begin with,’ said another, who waß busy feeling the poor fellow’s limbs. ‘ And I think his ribs be broken, too,’ added the third man, who had his hand in the boy’s bosom. With a piercing scream, Claudia threw herself down on the ground, bent over the fallen body, raised the poor, ghastly head

in her arms, supported it on hor bosom, snatched a vial of aromatic vinegar from her pocket, and began hastily to bathe the blanched face ; her tears falling faet as she cried : ‘He must not die! Oh, he shall not die ! Oh, God have mercy on me, and spare his life 1 Oh, Saviour of the world, save him ! Sweet angels in heaven, come to his aid. Oh, Ishmael, my brother ! my treasure ! my own, dear boy, do not die ! Better I had died than you. Come back ! come back to me, my own ! my good and beautiful boy, come back to me! You are mine !’

Her tears fell like rain ; and utterly careless of the eyes gazing in wonder upon her, she covered his cold, white face with kisses.

Those warm tears, those thrilling kisses, falling on his lifeless face, might have called back the boy’s spirit had it been waiting at the gates of Heaven ! To Claudia’s unutterable joy, his sensitive features quivered, his pale cheeks flushed, his large, blue eyes opened, and with a smile of ineffable satisfaction he recognised the face that was bending over him. Then the pallid lips trembled and unclosed with the faintly-uttered inquiry : * You are safe, Miss Merlin ?’

‘ Quite safe, my own dear boy ! but oh ! at what a cost to you '.’ she answered, impulsively and fervently. He closed his eyes, and while that look of ineffable bliss deepened on his face, he murmured some faint words that she stooped to catch : ‘ I am so happy—so happy—l could wish to die now !’ he breathed.

‘But you shall not die, dear Ishmael! God heard my cry and sent you back to me ! You shall live !’

Then, turning to the gaping men, she said :

* Raise him gently, and lay him in the barouche. Stop a moment ! —I will get in first and arrange the cushions for him.’ And with that she tenderly laid the boy’s head back upon the ground, an I entered the carriage, and with her own hands took all the cushions from the tops of the seats, and arranged them so as to make a level bed for the hurt boy. Then she placed herself in the back seat, and as they lifted him into the carriage, she took his head and shoulders and supported them upon her lap. But Ishmael had fainted from the pain of being moved. And oh ! what a mangled form he seemed, as she held him in her arms upon her bosom, while his broken limbs lay out upon tho pile of cushions.

‘ One of you now take the horses by the head, and lead them slowly, by the river road, towards Tanglewood House. It is the longest road, but the smoothest,’ said Miss Merlin.

Two of the men started to obey this order, saying that it might take more than one to manage the horses if they should grow restive again. ‘ That is very true; besides you can relieve each other in leading the horses. And now one of the others must run directly to the house of the overseer Gray, and tell him what has happened, and direct him to rideoff immediately to Shelton, and fetch Ur. Jarvis to Tanglewood.’

All three of the remaining men started off zealously upon this errand. Meanwhile Sam, the craven coachman, came up with a crestfallen air to the side of the carriage, whimpering: ‘ Miss Claudia, I hope nobody was dangerous hurt?’

‘ Nobody dangerously hurt ? Ishmael Worth is killed for aught I know ! Keep out my way, you cowardly villain !’ exclaimed Claudia, angrily, for you know the heiress was no angel. ‘’Deed and ’deed, Miss Claudia, I didn’t know what I was a-doing of no more than the dead when I jumped out’n the b’rouche ! ’Clare to my Marster in Heben I didn't!’ whined Sam.

* Perhaps not; but keep out of my way !’ repeated Claudia, with her eyes kindling, ‘ But please, Miss, mayn't I drive you home now ?’

‘ What? after nearly breaking my neck, which was saved only at the cost of this poor boy’s life, perhaps ?’ ‘ Please, Miss Claudia, I’ll bo careful another time—’

‘ Careful of your own life !’ ‘ Please, miss, let me drive you home this once.’

‘ Not to save your soul !’ ‘ But what'll ole Marse say V cried Sam, in utter dismay. ‘ That is your affair. I advise you to keep out of his way also ! Begone from my sight! Go on, men !’ finally ordered Miss Merlin.

Sara, more ashamed of himself than ever, slunk away. And the fishermen started to lead the horses and carriage towards Tanglewood. Meanwhile the messengers despatched by Claudia hurried on towards Reuben Gray’s cottage. But before they gob in sight of the house they came full upon Reuben, who was mounted on hi 3 white cob, and riding as if for a wager.

‘ Hey ! hallo 1 stop !’ cried the foremost man, throwing up his arms before the horse, which immediately started and shied. ‘ Hush, can’t ye ! Don’t stop me now ! I’m in a desp’ab’ hurry ! I’m off for the doctor ! My wife’s taken bad, and may die before I get back !’ exclaimed Reuben, with a scared visage, as he tried to pass the messengers. ‘Going for the doctor! There’s just where we were going to send you ! Go as fast as you can, and if your wife isn’t very bad indeed, send him first of all to Tanglewood. where he is wanted immediately.’ ‘ Who is ill there ?’ inquired Reuben, anxiously.

‘ Nobody ! but your nephew has been knocked down and trampled nearly to death while stopping Miss Merlin’s horses that were running away with her.’ * Ishmael hurt! * Good gracious ! there’s nothing bub trouble in this world ! Where is the poor lad ?’ ‘ Miss Merlin has taken him to Tanglewood. The doctor is wanted there.’ ‘ I’ll send him as soon as ever I can ; bub I must get him bo Hannah first! I must indeed !’ And with that Reuben put whip to his horse and rode away; bub in a moment he wheeled again and rode back to the fishermen, saying : * Hallo, Simpson 1 are you going past our place?’ ‘ Yes,’ replied the man.’ ‘ Well, then, mind and don’t breathe a word about Ishmael’s accident to Hannah, or to anybody about the place as might tell her ; because she’s very ill, and the shock might be her death, you know,’ said Reuben, anxiously.

‘ All right! we’ll be careful,’ replied the man. And Reuben rode off.

He was so fortunate as to find Doctor Jarvis at his office and get him to come immediately to Woodside. Bub nob until the docter had seen Hannah and had given her a little alleviative medicine, and declared that his farther services would not be required by her for several hours yet, did Reuben mention to him the other case that awaited his attention at Tanglewood. And Doctor Jarvis, with a movement of- impatience at the unnecessary delay, hurried hitther.

CHAPTER XLII. ISHMAEL AT TANGLEWOOD.

There was an ancient mansion, and before Its walls there was a steed caparisoned. Within an antique oratory lay The boy of whom I spake; he was alone, And pale and tossing to and fro. . . Byron. Meanwhile, the carriage travelling slowly reached Tanglewood. Pacing up and down tho long piazza in front of the house was Judge Merlin. He was a rather singularlooking man of about forty-five years of age. He was very tall, thin, and bony, with high, aquiline features, dork complexion, and iron grey hair, which he wore long and parted in the middle. He was habited in a loose jacket, vest and trousers of brown linen, and wore a broadbrimmed straw hat on his head, and large slinpers, down at the heel, on his feet. He carried in his hand a lighted pipe of common clay, and he walked with a slow, swinging gait, and an air of careless indifference all around him. Altogether, he presented the idea of a civilised Indian chief, rather than that of a Christian gentleman. Tradition said that the blood of King Powhatan flowed in Randolph Merlin’s veins, and certainly his personal appearance, character, tastes, habits, and manners, favoured the legend. On seeing the carriage approach he had taken the clay pipe from his mouth and sauntered forward. On seeing the strange burden that his daughter supported in her arms, he came down to the side of the carriage, exclaiming : # t * Who have you got there, Claudia ? « Oh, papa, it is Ishmael Worth ! He has killed himself, 1 fear, in saving me ! My horses ran away, ran directly towards the steeps above the river, and would have plunged over if he had not started forward and turned their heads in time ; but the horses, as they turned, knocked him down and ran over him !’ cried Claudia, in almost breathless vehemonce.

* What was Sam doing all that time ?’ inquired the judge, as he stood contemplating the insensible hoy. ‘ Oh, papa, he sprang from tho carriage as soon as the horses became unmanageable and ran away ! But don’t stop here asking useless questions ! Lift him out and take him into the house ! Gently, papa, gently,’ said Claudia, as Judge Merlin slipped his long arms under the youth’s body and lifted him from the carriage. ‘ Now, then, what do you expect me to do with him?’ inquired Judge Merlin, looking around as if for a convenient place to lay him on the grass. ‘ Oh, papa, take him right into the spare bedroom on the lower floor, and lay him on the bed ! I have sent for a doctor to attend him here,’ answered Claudia, as she sprang from the carriage and led the way into the very room she had indicated. ‘ He is rather badly hurt,’ said the judge, as he laid Ishmael upon the bed and arranged his broken limbs as easily as he could.

‘ “ Rather badly ! he is crushed nearly to death ! I told you the whole carriage passed over him !’ cried Claudia, with a hysterical sob, as she bent over the boy. * Worse than I thought,’ continued the judge as he proceeded to unbutton Ishmael’s coat and loosen his clothes. ‘ Did you say you sent for a doctor;?’ ‘ Yes ! as soon as it happened !’ He ought to be here in an hour from this !’ replied Claudia, wringing her hands. ‘ His clothes must be cut away from him;it might do his fractured limbs irreparable injury to try to draw off his coat and trousers in the usual manner. Leave him to me, Claudia, and go and tell old Katie to come here and bring a pair of sharp shears with her,’ ordered the judge. Claudia stooped down quickly, gave one wistful, longing, compassionate gaze at the still, cold, white face of the sufferer, and then hurried out to obey her father’s directions. She sent old Katie in, and then threw off her hat and mantle, and sat down on the step of the door to watch for the doctor’s approach, and also to be at hand to hear any tidings that might come from the room of the wounded boy. More than an hour Claudia remained on the watch without seeing anyone. Then, when suspense grew intolerable, she impulsively sprang up and silently hastened to the door of the sick-room and softly rapped. The judge came and opened it. ‘ Oh, papa, how is he ?’ ‘ Breathing, Claudia, that is all! I wish to Heaven the doctor would come ! Are you sure the messenger went after him ?’ ‘Oh, yes, papa, I am sure ! Do let me come in and see him !’

‘lt is no place for you, Claudia ; he is partially undressed; I will take care of him.’

And with these words the judge gently closed the door in his daughter’s face. Claudia went back to her post. ‘ Why don’t the doctor come ? And oh ! why don’t Reuben Gray or Hannah come ? It is dreadful to sit here and wait !’ she exclaimed, as with a sudden resolution she sprang up again, seized her hat and ran out of the house with the intention of proceeding directly to the Grays’ cottage. But a few paces from the house she met the doctor’s gig. ‘Oh, Doctor Jarvis, I am so glad you have come at last !’ she cried. ‘ Who is it that is hurt ?’ inquired the doctor. ‘ Ishmael Worth, our overseer’s nephew !’ ‘How did it happen ?’ ‘Didn’t they tell you ?’ ‘No.’ ‘ Oh, poor boy ! He threw himself before my horses to stop them as they were running down the steeps over the river; and he turned them aside, but they knocked him down and ran over him !’ < Bad ! very bad ! poor fellow !’ said the doctor, jumping from his gig as he drew up before the house. Claudia ran in before him, leading the way to the sick-chamber, at the door of which she rapped to announce the arrival. This time old Katie opened the door, and admitted the doctor.

Claudia, excluded from entrance, walked up and down the hall in a fever of anxiety. Once old Katie came out and Claudia arrested her.

‘ What does the doctor say, Katie ?’ ‘ He don’t say nothing satisfactory, Miss Claudia. Don’t stop me, please ! I’m sent for bandages and things !’ And Katie hurried on her errand, and presently re-appeared with her arms full of linen and other articles, which she carried into the sick-room. Later, the doctor came out, attended by the judge. Claudia waylaid them with the questions : ‘What is the nature of his injuiies ? are they fatal ?’ ‘Not fatal; bub very serious. One leg and arm are broken ; and he is very badly bruised ; but worst of all is the great shock to his very sensitive nervous system,’ was the reply of Doctor Jarvis. _ , ‘ When will you see him again, sir ? anxiously inquired Claudia. *ln the course of the evening. lam not going back home for some hours, perhaps nob for the night ; I have a case at Gray’s.’ ‘ Indeed! that is the reason, then, I suppose, why no one has answered my message to come up and Bee Ishmael. Bub who is sick there t’ inquired Claudia.

* Mrs Gray. Good afternoon, Miss Merlin,’ said the doctor, shortly, as he walked out of the house attended by the judge.

Claudia went to the door of Ishmael’s room and wrapped softly.

Old Katie answered the summons. ‘Can I come in vow, Katie?’ asked Miss Merlin, a little impatiently. ‘ Oh, yes, I s’pose so ; I s’pose you’d die, if you didn’t!’ answered this privileged old servant, holding open the door for Claudia’s admittance.

She passed softly into the darkened room, and approached the bedside. Ishmael lay there swathed in linen bandages and extended at full length, more like a shrouded corpse than a living boy. His eyes were closed and his face was livid. ‘ls he asleep ?’ inquired Claudia, in a tone scarcely above her breath. ‘ Sort o’sleep. You see, arter de doctor done set his arm an’ leg, an’ splintered of ’em up, an’ boun’ up his wounds an’bruises, he gib him some’ab to ’pose his nerves and make him sleep, an’ it done hev him into dis state ; which you see yourse'f is nyder sleep nor wake nor dead nor libe.’ Claudia saw indeed that he \va§ under the effects of morphia. And with a deep sigh of strangely-blended relief and apprehension, Claudia sank into a chair beside his bed.

And old Katie took that opportunity to slip out and eat her ‘ bit of dinner,’ leaving Claudia watching. At the expiration of an hour, Katie returned to her post. But Claudia did not therefore quit hers. She remained seated beside the wounded boy. All that day he lay quietly, under the influence of morphia. Once the judge looked in to inquire the state of the patient, and on being told that the boy still slept, he went off again. Late in the afternoon the doctor came again, saw that his patient was at ease, left directions for his treatment as soon as he should awake, and then prepared to depart. ‘How is the sick woman at Gray’s ?’ inquired Claudia. ‘Extremely ill. lam going immediately back there to remain until all is over ; it I should be particularly wanted here, send there for me,’ said the doctor. * Yes ; but I am very sorry Mrs Gray is so ill! She is Ishmael’s aunt. What is the matter with her?’

‘ Humph !’ answered the doctor. * Good night, Miss Claudia. You will know where to send for me if I am wanted here.’

‘ Yes ; but lam so sorry about Gray’s wife ? Is she in danger ?’ persisted Claudia. • Yes.’ ‘I am very sorry; but what ails her ? persevered Claudia. ‘ Good-evening, Miss Merlin,’ repiied the doctor, lifting his hat and departing. * The man is half asleep; he has not answered my question,’ grumbled Claudia, as she returned to her seat by the sick bed. Just then the bell rang for the late dinner, and Claudia went out and crossed the hall to the dining-room, where she joined her father. And while at dinner she gave him a more detailed account of her late danger, and the manner in which she had been saved. Once more in the course of that evening Claudia looked in upon the wounded boy, to ascertain his condition before retiring to her room. He was still sleeping. ‘ If he should wake up, you must call me, no matter what time of night it is, Katie,’ said Miss Merlin, as she left the sickchamber.

‘ Yes, miss,’ answered Katie, who nevertheless made up her mind to use her own discretion in the matter of obedience to this order.

Claudia Merlin was not, as Ishmael was, of a religious disposition, yet, nevertheless, before she retired to bed she did kneel and pray for his restoration to life and health ; for, somehow, the well-being of the peasant youth was very precious to the heiress. Claudia could not sleep ; she lay tumbling and tossing upon a restless and feverish couch. The image of that mangled and bleeding youth as she first saw him on the river bank, was ever before her. The gaze of his intensely earnest eyes as he raised them to hers, when he inquired, ‘ Are you safe?’—and the deep smile of joy with which they closed again when she answered, ‘lam safe ’ —haunted her memory and troubled her spirit. Those looks, those tones, had made a revelation to Claudit That the peasant boy presumed to love he; ! —her ! Claudia Merlin, the heiress, angel born, who scarcely deemed there was in all democratic America a fitting match fo her !

During the excitement and terror of the day, while the extent of Ishmael’s injuries was still unknown and his life seemed in extreme danger, Claudia had not had leisure to receive the fact of Ishmael’s love, much less to reflect upon its consequences. But now that all was known and suspense was over, now in the bed-chamber, the images and impressions of the day returned to her with all their revelations and tendencies, and filled the mind of Claudia with astonishment and consternation! That Ishmael Worth should be capable of loving her, seemed to Miss Merlin as miraculous as it would be for Fido to be capable of taking to her ! And in the wonder of the affair she almost lost sight of its presumption !

But how should she deal with this presuming peasant boy, who had dared to love her, to risk his life to save hers, and to let the secret of his love escape him ? For a long time Claudia could not satisfactorily answer this question. And this was what kept her awake all night. To neglect him, to absent herself from his sick-room, or while in it to treat him with coldness would be a cruel return for the sacrifice he had made for her and the service he had rendered her ; it would be, besides, making the affair of too much importance; and finally, it would be ‘against the grain ’ of Claudia’s own heart; for, in a queenly way, she loved this Ishmael very dearly indeed ; much more dearly than she loved Fido or any four-footed pet she possessed ; and if he had happened to have been killed in her service, Claudia would have abandoned herself to grief for weeks afterwards, and she would have had a headstone recording his heroism placed over his grave. After wearying herself out with conjectures as to what would be the becoming line of conduct in a young prince s who should discover that a brave peasant had fallen in love with her, Claudia at length determined to ignore the fact that had come to her knowledge and act just as if she had never discovered or even.suspected its existence.

*My dignity cannot suffer from hie presumptuous folly, so long as I do not permit him to see that I know it; and as for the rest, this love may do his character good ; may elevate it!’ And having laid this balm to her wounded pride, Claudia closed her eyes. So near sunrise was it when Miss Merlin dropped off, that, once asleep, she continued to sleep on until late in the day. Meanwhile all the rest of the family were up and astir. The doctor came early and went in to see his patient. The judge breakfasted alone, and then joined the doctor in the sick-room. Ishmael was awake, but pale, languid and suffering. The doctor was seated by him. ' He had just finished dressing his wounds, and had ordered some light nourishment, which old Katie had left the room to bring.

‘ How is your patient getting along, doctor ?’ inquired the judge. ' ‘Oh, he is doing very well—very well indeed,’ replied the doctor, putting the best face on a bad affair, after the manner of his class.

‘ How do you feel, my lad ?’ inquired the judge, bending over the patient. * In some pain ; but no more than I can very well bear, thank you, sir,’ said Ishmael, courteously. But his white and quivering lip betrayed the extremity of his suffering, and the difficulty he experienced in speaking at all. ‘ I must beg, sir, that you will not talk to him ; he must be left in perfect quietness,’ whispered the doctor. At this moment old Katie returned with a little light jelly on a plate. The doctor slowly administered a few teaspoonfuls to his patient, and then returned the plate to the nurse.

‘ Miss Claudia ordered me to call her as soon as the young man woke ; and now as his wounds is dressed, and he has had somethin’ to eat, I might s well go call her,’ suggested Katie. At the hearing of Claudia’s name, lahmael’s eyes flew open, and a hectic spot blazed upon his pale cheek. The doctor, who had his eye upon his patient, noticed this, as he replied to Kate : ‘Upon no account! Neither Miss Merlin, nor anyone else, must bo permitted to enter his room for days to come—not until I give leave. You will see this obeyed, judge?’ he inquired, turning to his host. * Assuredly,’ replied the latter. At these words the colour faded from Ishmael’s face and the light from his eyes. The doctor arose and took leave.

The judge attended him to the door, saw him depart, and was in the act of turning into his own house, when he perceived Reuben Gray approaching. Judge Merlin paused to wait for his overseer. Reuben Gray came up, took off his hat, and stood before his employer, with the comical blending of emotions on his weather-beaten countenance, where joy, grief, satisfaction and anxiety seemed to strive for the mastery. ‘Well, Gray! what is it?’ inquired the judge. * Please, sir, how is Ishmael ?’ entreated Reuben, anxiety getting the upper hand for the moment.

‘ He is badly hurt, Gray ; but doing very well, the doctor says.’ * Please, sir, can I see him ?’ * Not upon any account for the present; he must be left in. perfect quiet. Bub why haven’t you been up to inquire?’ * Ah, sir, the state of my wife.’ ‘ Oh, yes, I heard she was ill; but did not know that she was so ill as bo prevent your coming to see after your poor boy. 1 hope she is better now ?’ ‘ Yes, sir, thank Heaven, she is well over t !’ said Reuben, satisfaction now expressed n every lineament of his honest face. ‘ What was blje matter with her ? Was it the cholera morbus, that is so prevalent at this season ?’

Reuben grinned from ear to ear ; but did not immediately reply. The judge looked as if he still expected an answer. Reuben scratched his grey head, and looked up from the corner of his eye, as he at length replied : ‘ lb was a boy and a gall, sir !’ ‘ A what ?’ questioned the judge, in perplexity. * A boy and a gall, sir ; twins, sir, they is,’replied Reuben Gray, joy getting the mastery over other expression in his beaming countenance. ‘ Why—you don’t mean to tell me that your wife has presented you with twins?’ exclaimed the judge, both surprised and amused at the announcement.

‘ Well, yes, sir,’ said Reuben proudly. * But—you are such an elderly couple !’ laughed the judge. ‘ Well, yes, sir, so we is ! And that, I take it, is the very reason on’t. You see, I think, sir, because we married very late in life—poor Hannah and me—Natur’ took a consideration on to it, and, as we hadn’t much time before us, she sent us two ar, once ! at least, if that ain’t the reason, I can’t account for them both in any other way !’ said Reuben, looking up. ‘ That's it! You’ve hit it, Reuben !’ said the judge, laughing. * And mind, if they live, I’ll stand godfather to the babies at the christening. Are they fine, healthy children ?’

‘ As bouncing babies, sir, as ever you set eyes on !’ answered Reuben, triumphantly. ‘ Count on me, then, Gray.’ ‘ Thank you, sir ! And, your honour—’ ‘Well, Gray?’ * Soon as ever Ishmael is able to hear the news, tell him, will you, please ? I think it will set him up, and help him on towards his recovery.’ * 1 think so, too,’ said the judge. Reuben touched his hat and withdrew. And the judge returned to the house. Claudia had come down and breakfasted, but was in a state of great annoyance because she was denied admittance to the bedside of her suffering favourite. The judge, to divert her thoughts told her of the bountiful present Nature had made to Hannah and Reuben Gray. At which Miss Clauc’ia was so pleased that she got up and went to hunt through all her finery for presents for the children. (To be Continued. )