ISHMAEL; Or, IN THE DEPTHS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 465, 23 April 1890, Page 3

ISHMAEL; Or, IN THE DEPTHS.

By MRS EMMA D. E. N. SOUTHWORTH, Author of “Self-Raised,” “Fair Play.” “The Missinf? Bride,” “A Noble Lord,” “ How He Won Her.” “The Prince f Darkness,” “Tried for Her Life,” Etc.. Etc.

CHAPTER XLIII

THE HEIRESS. Trust me, Clara de Vere, From yon blue heavens above us bent. The grand old gardener and his wife Smile at the claims of long descent. Howe’er it be, it seems to me, ’Tis only noble to be good; Kind hearts are more than coronets. And simple faith than Norman blood. TENNYSON. Almost any other youth than Ishmael Worth would have died of such injuries as he had sustained. But owing to that indestructible vitality and irrepressible elasticity of organisation, which had carried him safely through the deadly perils of his miserable infancy, he survived. About the fourth day of his illness, the irritative fever of his wounds having been subdued, Judge Merlin was admitted to see and converse with him.

Up to this morning, the judgehadthought of the victim only as the overseer’s nephew, a poor,labouring youth about the estate, who had got hurt in doing his duty and stopping Miss Merlin’s runaway horses ; and he supposed that he, Judge Merlin, had done his partin simply taking the suffering youth into his own house, and having him properly attended to. And now the judge went to the patient with the intention of praising his courage and offering him some proper reward for his service—as, for instance, a permanent situation to work on the estate for good wages. And so Judge Merlin entered the sickchamber, which was no longer darkened, but had all the windows open to admit the light and air. He took a chair and seated himself by the bedside of the patient, and for the first time took a good look at him. Ishmael’s handsome face, no longer distorted by sußering, was calm and clear ; his eyes were closed in repose but not in sleep, for the moment the judge ‘ hemmed ’ he raised his eyelids and greeted his host with a gentle smile and nod. Judge Merlin could not but be struck with the delicacy, refinement and intellectuality of Ishmael’B countenance. ‘How do you feel yourself this morning, my lad ?’ he inquired, putting the usual commonplace question. 4 Much easier; thank you, sir,’ replied the youth, in the pure, sweet, modulated tones of a highly-cultivated nature. The judge was surprised, but did not show that he was so ; he said :

‘You have done my daughter a great service ; but at the cost of much suffering to yourself, I fear, my lad.’ ‘ I consider myself very fortunate and happy, sir, in having had the privilege of rendering Miss Merlin any service, at whatever cost to myself,’ replied Ishmael with grateful courtesy. More and more astonished at the words and manner of the young workman, the judge continued : ‘ Thank you, young man : very properly Bpoken—very properly : but for all that I must find some way of rewarding you.’ • Sir,’ said Ishmael, with gentle dignity, • I must beg you will not speak to me of reward for a simple act of instinctive gallantry that any man, worthy of the name, would have performed.’ ‘ But with you, young man, the case was different,’ said the judge, loftily. ‘True, sir,’ replied our youth, with a sweet and courteous dignity, 4 with me the case was different, because, with me, it was a matter of self-interest; for the service rendered to Miss Merlin was rendered to myself.' ‘ I do not understand you, young man,’ said the judge, haughtily. ‘ Pardon me, sir; —l mean that in saving Miss Merlin from injury I saved my self from despair. If any harm had befallen her I should have been miserable ; so you perceive, sir, that the act you are good enough to term a great service, was too natmral and too selfish to be praised or rewarded ; and so I beseech you to speak of ib in that relation no more.’

‘ Bub what was my daughter to you that you should risk your life for her, more than for another ? or that her maimed limbs or broken neck should affect you more than others ?’

* Sir, we were old acquaintances ; I saw her every day when I went to Mr Middleton’s, and she was ever exceedingly kind to me,’ replied Ishmael. ‘ Oh! and you lived in that neighbourhood?’ inquired Judge Merlin, who immediately jumped to the conclusion bhat Ishmael had been employed as a labourer on Mr Middleton's estate ; though Btill he could not possibly account for the refinement of Isbmael’s manner nor the excellence of his language. ‘ I lived in that neighbourhood with my aunt Hannah, until Uncle Reuben married her, when I accompanied them to this place,’ answered Ishmael. *Ah ! and you saw a great deal of Mr Middleton and—and his family ?’ ‘1 saw them every day, sir ; they were very, very kind to me.’ ‘ Every day! then you must have been employed about the house,’ said the judge. An arch smile beamed in the eyes of Ishmael as he answered :

‘Yes, sir, I was employed about the house - that is to say, in the school-room.’ ‘Ah ! to sweep it out and keep it in order, I suppose ; and, doubtless, there was where you contracted your superior tone of manners and conversation,’ thought the judge to himself, but he replied aloud: ‘ Well, young man, we will say no more of rewards, since the word is distasteful to you ; but as soon as you get strong again, J should be pleased to give you work about the place at fair wages. Our miller wants a white boy to go around with the grist. Would you like the place ?’ ‘lthank you, sir, no; my plans for the future are fixed ; that is, as nearly as those of short-sighted mortals can be,’ smiled Ishmael. ‘Ah, indeed !’ exclaimed the judge, raising his eyebrows, ‘and may I, a 6 one interested in your welfare, inquire what those plans may be ?’ ‘Certainly, sir, and thank you very much for the interest you express, as well as for all your kindness to me.’ Ishmael paused for a moment and then added : ' ‘ On the first of September I shall open the Rushy Shore school-house, for the reception of day pupils.’ ‘ Whe-ew !’ said the judge, with a low whistle, * and do you really mean to be a schoolmaster ?’ ‘ For the present, sir, until a better canbe found to fill the place ; then, indeed, I shall feel bound in honour and conscience to resign my post, for I do not believe teaching to be my true vocation.'

‘ No ! I should think not, indeed !’ replied Judge Merlin, who of course supposed the overseer’s nephew, notwithstanding the grace and courtesy of his speech and manner, to bo fit for nothing but manual labour. ‘ Whatever induces you to try school-keep-ing?’ he inquired. ‘ I am driven to it by my own necessities, and drawn to it by the necessities of others. In other words, I needed employment, and the neighbourhood needed a teacher-—and I think, sir, that one who conscientiously does his best, is better than none at all. Those are the reasons, sir, why I have taken the school, with the intention of keeping it until a person more competent than myself to discharge its duties shall be found; when I shall give it up; for, as I said before, teaching is not my ultimate vocation.’

‘ Whatis your “ultimate vocation,” young man ? for I should like to help you to it,’ said the judge, still thinking only of manual labour in all its varieties — 4 what is it ?’

4 Jurisprudence,’ answered Ishmael. ‘Juris— what ?’ demanded the judge, as if he had not heard aright. 4 Jurisprudence—the science of human justice; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and rights of man in communities; the study above all others most necessary to the due administration of justice in human affairs, and even in divine, and second only to that of theology,’ replied Ishmael, with grave enthusiasm. 4 But—you don’t mean to say that you Intend to become a lawyer ?’ exclaimed the judge, in a state of astonishment that bordered on consternation.

4 Yes, sir; I intend to be a lawyer, if it please the Lord to bless my earnest efforts,’ replied the youth, reverently. ‘ Why—l am a lawyer !’ exclaimed the judge. 4 1 am aware that you. are a very distinguished one, sir, having risen to the bench of the Supreme Court of your native State,’ replied the youth, respectfully. The judge remained in a sort of panic of astonishment. The thought in his mind was this : What— you? you , the nephew of my overseer, have you the astounding impudence, the madness, to think that you can enter a profession of which I am a member ?

Ishmael saw that thought reflected in his countenance and smiled to himself. ‘ But—how do you propose ever to become a lawyer?’ inquired the judge, aloud.

4 By reading law,’ answered Ishmael, simply. 4 What! upon your own responsibility ?’ 4 Upon my own responsibility for a while. I shall try afterwards to enter the office of some lawyer. I shall use every faculty, try every means and improve every opportunity that Heaven grants me for this end. And thus I hope to succeed,’ said Ishmael, gravely. ‘Are you aware,’ inquired the judge, with a little sarcasm in his tone, 4 that some knowledge of the classics is absolutely necessary to the success of a lawyer?’ 4 I am aware that a knowledge of the classics is very desirable in each and all of what are termed the “ learned professions but I did not know and I ao not think that ib can be absolutely necessary in every grade of each of these ; bub, if so, ib is well for me that I have a fair knowledge of Latin and Greek,’ replied Ishmael.

4 What did you say ?’ inquired the judge, with ever-increasing wonder. Ishmael blushed at the perception that while he only meant to state a fact, he might be suspected of making a boast. 4 Did you say that you knew anything of Latin and Greek ?’ inquired the judge, in amazement.

4 Something of both, sir,’ replied Ishmael, modestly. 4 Bub surely you never picked up a smattering of the classics while sweeping out Middleton’s family school-room ?’ 4 Oh, no, sir !’ laughed Ishmael. 4 Where then ?’

Ishmael’s reply was lost in the bustling entrance of Doctor Jarvis, whom Judge Merlin arose to receive. The doctor examined the condition of his patient, found him with an accession of fever, prescribed complete repose for the remainder of the day, left some medicine with directions for its administration, and departed. The judge accompanied the doctor to the door. 4 That is a rather remarkable boy,’ observed Judge Merlin, as they went out together. 4 A very remarkable one ! Who is he ?’ asked Doctor Jarvis.

‘The nephew of my overseer, Reuben Gray. That is absolutely all I know about it.’

‘ The nephew of Gray ? Can it be so ? Why, Gray is but an ignorant boor, while this youth has the manners and education of a gentleman—a polished gentleman !’ exclaimed the doctor, in astonishment. ‘lt is true, and I can make nothing of it,’ said Judge Merlin, shaking his head. ‘How very strange,’ mused the doctor, as he mounted his horse, bowed, and rode away. CHAPTER XLIV. claodia’s perplexities. Oh. face most fair, shall tny beauty compare With affect : on’s glowing light? riches and pride, how fade ye beside Love’s wealth, serene and bright, Martin F. Tupper. Judge Merlin went into his well-ordered library, rang the bell and sent a servant to call his daughter. The messenger found Claudia walking impatiently up and down the drawingroom floor and turning herself at each wall with an angry jerk. Claudia had not yet been admitted to see Ishmael. She had just been refused again by old Katie, who acted upon the doctor’s authority, and Claudia was unreasonably furious with everybody. Claudia instantly obeyed the summons. She entered the library with hasty steps, closed the door with a bang, and stood before her father with flushed cheeks, sparkliner eyes and heaving bosom. * Hey, dey ! what’s. the matter ?’ asked the judge, taking his pipe from his mouth and staring at his daughter. ‘ You sent for me, papa ! I hope it is to take me in to see that poor, half-crushed boy ! What does old Katie mean by for ever denying me entrance ? It is not every day that a poor lad risks hiß life and gets himself crushed nearly to death in my services, that I should be made to appear to neglect him in this way! What must the boy think of me? What does old Katie mean, I ask ?’ ‘ If your nature requires a vehemenb expression, of course I am nob the one to repress it! Still in my opinion, vehemence is unworthy of a rational being, at all times, and especially when, as now, there is not the slightest occasion for it. You have not wilfully neglected the young man ; it is not of the least consequence whether he thinks jou have, or not; and, finally, Katie means to obey the doctor’s orders, which are bo keep every living soul out of the sick-room to secure the patient needful repose. I believe I have answered you, Miss Merlin,’ replied the judge, smiling and coolly replacing his pipe in his mouth. ‘ Papa, what a disagreeable web blankeb you are, to be sure !’

4 lt is my nature to be so, my dear ; and I am just what you need to dampen the fire of your temperament.’ 4 Are those the orders of the doctor ?’ 4 What, wot blankets for yon ?’ 4 No ; bub that everybody must be excluded from Ishmael’s room ?’

4 Yes ; his most peremptory orders, including even me for the present.’ 4 Then I suppose they must be submitted to ?’

4 For the present, certainly.’ Claudia shrugged her shoulders with an impatient gesture, and then said : 4 You sent for me, papa. Was it tor anything: particular ?’ 4 Yes ; to question you. Have you been long acquainted with this Ishmael Gray?’ 4 Ishmael Worth, papa 1 Yes, I have known him well ever since you placed me with ray aunt Middleton,’ replied Claudia, throwing herself into a chair.

The judge was slowly walking up and down the library, and he continued his walk as he conversed with his daughter. 4 Who is this Ishmael Worth, then

4 You know, papa ; the nephew of Reuben Gray, or rather his wife ; but it is the same thing,’ ‘I know he is the nephew of Gray ; but that explains nothing ! Gray is a rude, ignorant, though well-meaning boor ; bub this lad is a refined, graceful and cultivated young man.’ Glaudia made no comment upon this. 4 Now, if you have known him so many years you ought to be able to explain this inconsistency. One does not expect to find nightingales in crows’ nests,’ said the judge. Still Miss Merlin was silent. 4 Why don’t you speak, my dear ?’ Claudia blushed over her face, neck and bosom as she answered : 4 Papa, what shall I say ? You force me bo remember things I would like to forget. Socially, Ishmael Worth was born the lowest of all the low. Naturally, he was endowed with the highest moral and intellectual gifts. He is in a great measure self-educated. In worldly position he is beneath our feet; in wisdom and goodness he is far, far above our heads. He is one of nature’s princes, but one of society’s outcasts.’

* But how has the youth contrived to procure the means of such education as be has ?’ inquired the judge, seating himself opposite his daughter. 4 Papa, I will tell you all I know about him,’ repliod Claudia. And she commenced and related the history of Ishmael’s struggles, trials and triumphs, from the hour of her first meeting with him in front of Hamlin's book shop to that of Ins selfimmolation to save her from death. Claudia spoke with deep feeling. As she concluded her bosom was heaving, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes tearful with emotion.

4 And now, papa,' she said, as she finished her narrative, 4 you will understand why it is that I cannot, must not, will not neglect him ! As soon as he can bear visitors I must bo admitted bo his room, to do for him all that a young sister might do for her brother ; no one could reasonably Gavil at that. Papa, Ishmael believes in me more than anyone else in the world does. He thinks more highly of me than others do. He knows that there is something better in me than this mere outside beauty that others praise so foolishly. And I would not like to lose his good opinion, papa. I could not bear to have him think me cold, selfish or ungrateful. So I must and I will help to nurse him.’ 4 Miss Merlin, you have grown up very much as my trees have, with every natural eccentricity of growth untrimmed ; but I hope you will nob let your graceful branches trail upon the earth.’ 4 What do you mean, papa ?’ 4 1 hope you do not mean to play Catherine to this boy’s Huon in a new version of the drama of “ Love ; or, The Countess and the Serf J” ’

‘Papa! how can you say such things to your motherless daughter? You know that I would die first!’ exclaimed the imperious girl, indignantly, as she bounced up and flung herself into a passion and out of the room. She left the door wide open ; but had scarcely disappeared before her place in the doorway was filled up by the tall, gaunt figure, grey head and smiling face of Reuben. 4 Well, Gray ?’ 4 Well, sir, I have brought the farm books all made up to the first of this month, sir,’ said the overseer, laying the volumes on the table before his master.

‘ And very neatly and accurately done, too,’ remarked the judge, as he turned over the pages and examined the items. ‘ lb is nob your handwiiting. Gray ?' ‘ Dear, no, sir ! not likely !’ ‘ Nor little Kitty’s ?’ ‘ Why, law, sir ! little Kitty has been in Californy a year or more ! How did you like the ’rangement of your liber-airy, sir ?’ inquired Gray, with apparent irrelevance, as he glanced around upon the book-lined walls.

‘ Very much, indeed, Gray ! I never bad my books so well classified. It was the work of young Ramsay, the schoolmaster, I suppose, and furnished him with employment during the midsummer holidays. You must tell him that I am very much pleased with the work and that he must send in his account immediately.’

1 Law bless you, sir; it was nob Master Ramsay as did it,’ said Gray with a broad grin. ‘ Who, then ? Whoever it was, it is all the same to me; lam pleased with the work, and willing to testify my approval by a liberal payment.’ •lb was the same hand, sir, as made out the farm-books.’ * And who was that ?’

* lb was my nephew, Ishmael Worth, sir,’ replied Reuben, with a little pardonable pride. ‘lshmael Worth again!’ exclaimed the judge. ‘Yes, sir ; he done ’em both.’ ‘ That is an intelligent lad of yours, Gray.' ‘ Well, sir, he is just a wonder.' ‘ How do you account for his being so different from—from— ’ * From me and Hannah ?’ inquired simple Reuben, helping the judge out of his difficulty. ‘Well, sir, 1 suppose as how his natur’ were diffenb, and so he growed up difi’enb accordin’ to his natur’. Human creeters differ like wegetables, sir ; some one sort and some another. Me an’ Hannah, sir, we’se like plain ’tatoes ; but Ishmael, sir, is like a rich, bright, blooming peach ! That’s the onliesb way as I can explain it, sir.’ ‘ A very satisfactory explanation, Gray ! How are Hannah and those wonderful twins ?’

‘Fine, sir; fine, thank Heaven! Miss Claudia was so good as to send word as how she would come to see Hannah as soon as she was able to see company. Now Hannah is able to-day, sir, and would be proud to see Miss Claudia and show her the babbies.’

‘ Very well, Gray! I will let my daughter know,’ said the judge, rising from his chair.

Reuben took this as a hint that his departure was desirable, and so he made his bow and his exit. In another moment, however, he re-ap-peared, holding his hat in his hand and saying

4 1 beg your pardon, sir.’ ‘ Well, what now ? what is it, Gray ? What’s forgotten ?’ 4 lf you please, sir, to give my duty to Miss Claudia, and beg her not to let poor Hannah know as Ishmael has been so badly hurt. When she missed him we told her how he was staying up here long of your honor, and she naterally thinks how he is a-doing of some more liber-airy work for you ; and we dar’n’b tell her any better, or how the truth is, for fear of heaving of her back, sir.’ 4 Very well ; I will caution Miss Merlin.’ 4 And I hope, sir, as you and Miss Claudia will pardon the liberty I take in mentioning of the matter ; which I wouldn’t go for to do ib, if poor Hannah’s safety were not involved.' 4 Ceitainly, certainly, Gray ; I can appreciate your feelings as a husband and father.’ ‘Thank your honor,’ said Reuben, and once more he bowed himself out. The judge kept his word to the overseer and the same hour conveyed to his daughter the invitation and the caution.

Claudia was moped half to death and desired nothing better than a little amusement. So the same afternoon she set out on her walk to Woodside, followed by her own maid Mattie, carrying a large basket filled with fine laces, ribbons and beads to 1 deck the babies, and wines, cordials and jellies to nourish the mother. On arriving at Woodside Cottage, Miss Merlin was-,met by Sally, the coloured maid of all work, and shown immediately into a neat bedroom on the ground floor, where she found Hannah sitting in state in her resting-chair beside her bed, and contemplating with maternal satisfaction the infant prodigies that lay in a cradle at her feet. 4 Do not attempt to rise ! lam so glad to see you looking so well, Mrs Gray ! I am Miss Merlin,’ was Claudia’s frank greeting as she approached Hannah, and held out her hand. ‘Thank you, miss ; you are very good to come ; and I am glad to see you,’ said the proud mother, heartily shaking the hand offered by the visitor. 4 1 wish you much joy of your fine children, Mrs Gray.’ 4 Thank you very much, miss. Pray sit down. Sally, hand a chair.’ The maid of all work brought one, which Claudia book, saying : 4 Now let me see the twins.’ Hannah stooped and raised the white dimity coverlet, and proudly displayed her treasures —two fab, round, red-faced babies, calmly sleeping side by side. What woman or girl ever looked upon sleeping infancy wibhoutpleasure? Claudia’s face brightened into beaming smiles as she contemplated these children, and exclaimed :

‘They are beauties! I want you to let me help dress them up tine, Mrs Gray ! I have no little brothers and sisters, nor nephews and nieces ; and I should like so much to have a part property in these 1’ 4 You are too good, Miss Merlin.’ 4 1 am not good at all. I like to have my own way. I should like to pet and dress these babies. I declare, for the want of a little brother or sister to pet, I could find ib in my heart to dress a doll! See, now, what I have brought for these babies ! Let the basket down, Mattie, and take the things out.’ Miss Merlin’s maid obeyed, and displayed to the astonished eyes of Hannah yards of cambric, muslin and lawn, rolls of lace, ribbon and beads, and lots of other finery. Hannah’s eyes sparkled. That good woman had never been covetous for herslf, bub for those children she could become so ! She had too much surly pride to accept favours for herself, but for those children she could do so ; not, however, without some becoming hesitation and reluctance, 4 lt is too much, Miss Merlin. All these articles are much too costly for me to accept, or for the children to wear,’ she began, But Claudia silenced her with—

4 Nonsense ! I know very well that you do nob in your heart think that there is anything on earth too fine for those babies to wear ! And as for their being costly, that is my business. Mattie, lay all these things on Mrs Gray’s bureau.’ Again Mattie obeyed her mistress, and then sot the empty basket down on the floor. 4 Now, Mattie, the other basket.’

Mattie brought it. ‘ Mrs Gray, these wines, cordials and jellies are all of domestic manufacture — Katie’s own make,and she declares them to be the best possible supports for invalids in your condition,’ said Miss Merlin, uncover ing the second basket. * But really and indeed, miss, you are too kind. I cannot think of accepting all these good things from you.’ ‘ Mattie, arrange all those pots, jars and bottles on the mantel shelf, until somebody comes to take them away,’ said Claudia, without paying the least attention to Hannah’s remonstrances.

When this order was also obeyed, and Mattie stood with both empty baskets on her arms, waiting further instructions, Miss Merlin arose, saying : ‘And now, Mrs Gray, I must bid you good-afternoon. I cannot keep papa waiting dinner for me. But I will come to see you again to-morrow, if you will allow me to do so. ’

* Miss Merlin, I should be proud and happy to see you as often as you think fib to come.’

,And, mind, I am to stand god-mother to the twins.’

‘Certainly, miss, if you please to do so.’ ‘ By the way, what is to be their names?' ‘John and Mary, miss—after Reuben’s father and my mother.’

* Very well; I will be spiritually responsible for John and Mary 1 Good-bye, Mrs Gray.’ ‘ Good-bye, and thank you, Miss Merlin.’ Claudia shook hands and departed. She had scarcely got beyond the threshold of the chamber door, when she heard the voice of Hannah calling her back : ‘ Miss Merlin !’ Claudia returned.

‘ I beg your pardon, mies ; but I hear my nephew, Ishmael Worth, is up at the Houso, doing something for the judge.’ ‘He is up there,’ answered Claudia, evasively. ‘ Well, do pray tell him, my dear Miss Merlin, if you please, that I want to see him as soon as he can possibly get home. Oh ! I beg your pardon a thousand times for taking the liberty of asking you, miss.’

‘I will tell him,’ said Claudia, smiling and retiring. When Mies Merlin bad gone, Hannah stooped and contemplated her own two children with a mother’s insatiable pride and love. Suddenly she burst into penitential tears and wept. Why ? She was gazing upon her own two fine, healthful, handsome babies, that were so much admired, so well beloved, and so tenderly cared for ; and she was remembering little .Ishmael in his poor, orphaned infancy—so pale, thin, and sickly, so disliked, avoided, and neglected ! At this remembrance her penitent heart melted in remorseful tenderness. The advent of her own children had shown to Hannah by retrospective action all the cruelty and hard-

ness of heart she had once felt and shown towards Ishmael.

* But I will make it all up to him poor, dear boy ! I will make it all up to him in the future ! Oh, how hard my heart was towards him, as if he could have helped being born, poor fellow ! How badly I treated him ! Suppose now, as a punishment for my sin, l was to die and leave my children to be despised and neglected, and wished dead by them as had the care of ’em. How would I feel ? although my children are so much healthier and stronger, and better able to bear neglect than ever Ishmael was, poor, poor fellow ! It is a wonder he ever lived through it all. Surely only God sustained him, for he was bereft of nearly all human help ! Oh, Nora ! Nora ! I never did my duty to your boy ; but I will do it now, if God will only forgive and spare me for the work !’ concluded Hannah, as she raised both her own children to her lap. Meanwhile, attended by her maid, Miss Merlin went on her way homeward. She reached Tanglewood in time for dinner, at six o’clock.

At table the judge said to her : ‘Well, Claudia ! the doctor has been here on hie evening visit, and he says that you may see our young patient in the morning, after he has had his broakfast; but that no visitor must be admitted to his chamber at any later hour of the day.’ ‘ Very well, papa. 1 hope you will-give old Katie to understand that, so that she may not give me any trouble when I apply at the door,’ smiled Claudia. ‘ Katie understands it all, my dear,’ said the judge. And so it was .arranged that Claudia should visit her young preserver on the following morning. CHAPTER XLV. THE INTERVIEW. The lady of his love re-entered there: She was serene and smiling then, and She know she was by him beloved—she knew, I<’or quickly comes such knowledge, that his heart Was darken’d by her shadow ; and she saw That ho was wretched ; but she saw not all. He took her hand, a moment o’er liis face A tablet of unutterable thoughts Was traced, and then it faded as it came.

Byron. It was as yet early morning; but as the day promised to be sultry, all the windows of Ishmael’B chamber were open to facilitate the freest passage of air. Ishmael lay motionless upon his cool, white bed, letting his glances wander abroad, whither his broken limbs could no longer carry him. His room, being a corner one, rejoiced in four large windows, two looking east and two north. Close up to these windows grew the clustering woods. Amid their branches, even the wildest birds built nests, and tbeir strange songs mingled with the rustle of golden leaves as they glimmered in the morning sun and breeze. It was a singular combination, that comfortable room, abounding in all the elegancies of the highest civilisation, and that untrodden wilderness iu which the whip-poor-Will cried and the wild eagle screamed.

And Ishmael, as he looked through the dainty, white-draped windows into the tremulous shadows of the wood, understood how the descendant of Powhatan, weary of endless brick walls, dusty streets, and crowded thoroughfares, should, as soon as he was free from official duties, fly to the opposite extreme of all these—to his lodge in this unbroken forest, where scarcely a woodman’s axe had sounded, where scarcely a human foot had fallen. He sympathised with the ‘ monomania ’ of Randolph Merlin in not permitting a thicket to be thinned out, a road to be opened, or a tree to be trimmed on- his wild woodland estate ; so that here, at least, Nature should have her own way, with no hint of the world’s labour and struggle to disturb her vital repose.

As these reveries floated through the clear, active brain of the invalid youth, the door of his chamber softly opened. Why did Ishmael's heart bound in his bosom, and every pulse throb ? She stood within the doorway ! How lovely she looked, with her soft, white muslin morning dress floating freely around her graceful form, and her glittering jet black ringlets shading her snowy forehead, shadowy eyes and damask cheeks ! She closed the door as softly as she had opened it and advanced into the room.

Old Katie arose from some obscure corner and placed a chair for her near the head of lehmael’B bed on his right side. Claudia sank gently into this seat and turned her face towards lehmael, and attempted to speak ; but a sudden, hysterical rising in her throat choked her voice. Her eyes had taken in all at a glance—the splintered leg, the bandaged arm, the plastered chest, the ashen complexion, the sunken cheeks and the hollow eyes of the poor youth—and utterance failed her ! But Ishmael gently and respectfully pressed the hand she had given him, and smiled as he said :

‘ It is very kind of you to come and see me, Miss Merlin. I thank you earnestly.' For, however strong Ishmael’s emotions might have been, he possessed the selfcontrolling power of an exalted nature.

‘ Oh, Ishmael !’ was all that Claudia found ability to say ; her voice was choked, her bosom heaving, her face pallid. ‘Pray, pray, do not disturb yourself, Miss Merlin ; indeed I am doing very well,’ said the youth, smiling. The next instant he turned away his face ; it was to conceal a spasm of agony that suddenly sharpened all his features, blanched his lips and forced the cold sweat out upon his brow. But Claudia had seen it all. ‘ Oh, I fear you suffer very much,’ she said. The spasm had passed as quickly as it came. He turned to her his smiling eyes. ‘ I fear you suffer very, very much,’ she repeated, looking at him. * Oh, no, not much ; see how soon the pain passed away.’ ‘Ah ! but it was so severe while it lasted ! I saw that it caught your breath away ! I saw it, though you tried to hide it ! Ah ! you do suffer, Ishmael! and for me ! me !' she cried, forgetting her pride in the excess of her sympathy. The smile in Ishmael’s dark blue eyes deepened to ineffable tenderness and beauty, as he answered softly: ‘lt is very, very sweet to suffer for—one we esteem and honour.’

* I am not worth an hour of your pain !’ exclaimed Claudia, with something very like self-reproach. ‘ Oh, Miss Merlin, if you knew how little I should value my life in comparison with your safety.’ Ishmael paused ; for he felt that perhaps he was going too far. ‘ I think that you have well proved how ready you are to sacrifice your life for the preservation, not only of your friends, but of your foes ! I have not forgotten your rescue of Alf and Ben Burghe,’ said the heiress, emphatically, yet a little coldly, as if, while she was anxious to give him the fullest credit and the greatest honour for courage, generosity and magnanimity, she was desirous to disclaim any personal interest he might feel for herself. ‘ There is a difference, Miss Merlin,’ said Ishmael, with gentle dignity. ‘ Oh, I suppose there is; one would

ratber risk one’s life for a friend than for an enemy,’ replied Claudia, icily. ‘ I have displeased you, Miss Merlin ; I am very sorry for it. Pray, forgive me,” said Ishmael, with a certain suave and stately courtesy, for which the youth was beginning to be noted. ' Oh, you have nob displeased me, Ishmael ! How could you ? You, who Lave just risked and almost sacrificed your life to save mine! No, you have nob displeased, bub you have surprised me ! I would not have had you run any risk for me, Ishmael, that you would not have run for the humblest negro on my father’s plantation ; that is all.’ ‘ Miss Merlin, I would have run any risk to save anyone at need ; but I might not have borne the after consequences in all cases with equal patience—equal pleasure. Ah, Miss Merlin, forgive me, if I am now happy in my pain ! forgive me this presumption, for it is the only question at issue between us,’ said the youth, with a pleading glance. * Oh, Ishmael, let us nob talk any more about me ! Talk of yourself. Tell me how you are, and where you feel pain.’ * Nowhere much, Miss Merlin.’

‘Papa bold me that two of your limbs were broken and your chest injured, and now I see all that for myself.’ *My injuries are doing very well. My broken bones are knitting as fast as they possibly can, my physician says.’ ‘But that is a very painful process, I fear,’ said Claudia, compassionately. ‘ Indeed, no ; I do nob find it so.’ 1 Ah ! your face snows what you endure. Is it your chest, then, that hurts you ?’ ‘My chest is healing very rapidly. Do not distress your kind heart, Miss Merlin ; indeed, I am doing very well.’ * You are very patient, and therefore you will do well, if you are not doing so now. Ishmael, now that lam permitted to visit you, I shall come every day. Bub they have limited me to fifteen minutes’ stay this morning, and my time is up. Good morning, Ishmael.’ ‘ Gocd-morning, Miss Merlin. May the Lord bless you,’ said Ishmael, respectfully pressing the hand she gave him. ‘ I will come again to-morrow ; and then if you continue to grow better, I may be allowed to remain with you for half-an-hour,’ she said, rising. ‘ Thank you, Miss Merlin ; I shall try to grow better ; you have given roe a great incentive to improvement.’ Claudia's face grew grave again. She bowed coldly and left the room.

As soon as the door had closed behind her, Ishmaol’s long-strained nerves became relaxed, and his countenance changed again in ono of those awful spasms of pain bo which he was now so subject. The paroxysm, kept off by force of will, for Claudia’s sake, during her stay, now took its revenge by holding its victim longer in its grasp. A minute or two of mortal agony and then it was past, and the patient was relieved.

‘ I don’ know what you call pain ; but if dis ’ere ain’t pain, I don’t want to see no worser de longest day as ever I live !’ exclaimed Katie, who stood bj the bedside wiping the deathly dew from the icy brow of the sufferer.

‘ But you see—it lasts so short a time—it is already gone,’ gasped Ishmael, faintly. ‘ It is no sooner come than gone,’ he added, with a smile.

‘ And no sooner gone, nor come again ! And a-most taking of your life when it do come 1’ said Katie, placing a cordial to the ashen lips of the sufferer. The stimulant revived his strength, brought colour to his cheeks and light to his eyes.

Ishmael’s next visitor was Reuben Gray, who was admitted to see him for a few minutes only. This was Reuben’s first visit to the invalid, and as under the transient influence of the stimulant Ishmael looked brighter than usual, Reuben thought that he must be getting on remarkably well, and congratulated him accordingly. Ishmael smilingly returned the compliment by wishing Grey joy of his son and daughter. . Reuben grinned with delight, and expatiated on their beauty, until it was time for him to take leave. ‘ Your aunt Hannah don’t know as you’ve been hurt, my boy ; we dar’n’b tell her, for fear of the consequences. But now as you really do seem to be getting on so well, and as she is getting strong so fast, and continerally asking arter you, I think I will just go and tell her about it, and as how there is no cause to bo alarmed no more,’ said Reuben, as he stood, hat in hand, by Ishmael’s bed. ‘ Yes, do, Uncle Reuben, else she will think I neglect her,’ pleaded Ishmael. Reuben promised, and then took his departure. That was the last visit Ishmael received that day. Reuben kept his word, and as soon as he got home he gradually broke to Hannah the news of Ishmaels accident, softening the matter as much as possible, softening it out of all truth, for when the anxious woman insisted on knowing exactly the extent of her nephew’s injuries, poor Reuben, alarmed for the effect upon his wife’s health, boldly affirmed that there was nothing worse in Ishmael’s case than a badly-sprained ankle, that confined him to the house ! And it was weeks longer before Hannah heard the truth of the affair.

The next day Claudia Merlin repeated her visit to Ishmael, and remained with him for half an hour. And from that time she visitsd his room daily, increasing each day the length of her stay.

Ishmael’s convalescence was vory protracted. The severe injuries that must have caused the death of any less highly vitalised human creature really confined Ishmael for weeks to his bed and for months to the house. It was four weeks before he could leave bis bed for a sofa. And it was about that time that Hannah got out again ; and incredulous, anxious and angry all at once walked up to Tanglewood to find out for herself whether it was a ‘ sprained ankle ’ only that kept her nephew confined there.

Mrs Gray was shown at once to the convalescent’s room, where Ishmael, whose very breath was pure truth, being asked, told her all about his injuries. Poor Hannah wept tears of retrospective pity; but did not in her utmost heart blame Gray for the ‘ pious fraud ’ he had practised with the view of saving her own feelings at a critical time. She would have had Ishmael conveyed immediately to Woodside, that she might nurse him herself ; but neither the doctor, the judge, nor the heiress would consent to his removal; and so Hannah had to submit to their will and leave her nephew where he was. But she consoled herself by walking over every afternoon to see Ishmael.

Claudia usually spent several hours of the forenoon in Ishmael’s company. He was still very weak, pale and thin. His arm was in a sling, and as it was hia right arm, as well as his left leg that had been Droken, he could not use a crutch ; so that ho was confined all day to the sofa or the easy-chair, in which his nurse would place him in the morning. Claudia devoted herself to his amusement with all a sister’s care. She read to him ; sang to him, accompanying her song with the guitar; and she played chess; —Ish-

mael using his left hand to move the pieces. Claudia knew that this gifted boy worshipped her with a passionate love, thab was growieg deeper, stronger and more ardent every day. She knew that probably his peace of mind would bo utterly wrecked by this fatal passion. She knew all this, and yet she would not withdraw herself, either suddenly or gradually. The adoration of this young, pure, exalted soul was an intoxicating incense that had become a daily habit and necessity to tho heiress. But she tacitly required it to be a silent offering. So long as her lover worshipped her only with his eyes, tones and manners, she was satisfied, gracious and cordial ; but the instant ho was betrayed into any words of admiration or interest in her. she grew cold and haughty, and chilled and repelled him. And yet she did not mean to trifle with his affections or destroy his peace.; but—it was very dull in the country and—Claudia had nothing else to occupy and interest her mind and heart. Besides, she really did appreciate and admire the wonderfully endowed peasant boy as much as she possibly could, in the case of one so immeasurably far beneath her in rank. And she really did take more,pride and delight in the society of Ishmael than in that of any other human being sbe had ever met. And yet, had it been possible thab Ishmael should have been acknowledged by his father and invested with the name, arms and estate of Brudenell, Claudia Merlin, in her present mood of mind, would have died and seen him die, before she would have given her hand to one upon whose birth a single shade of reproach was even suspected to rest.

Meanwhile Ishmael revelled in what would have been a fool’s paradise to most young men in similar circumstances; dreaming those dreams of youth, tho realisation of which would have been impossible to nine hundred and ninety-nine in a thousand, situated as he was; bub which intellect and will made quite probable for him. With his master mind and heart he read Claudia Merlin thoroughly, and understood her better than she understood herself. In bis secret soul he knew thab every inch of progress made in her favour was a permanent conquest never to be yielded up. And loving her as loyally as ever knight loved lady, he let her deceive herself by thinking she wa3 amusing herself at his expense, for he was certain of ultimate victory. Other thoughts also occupied Ishmael. The first of September, the time for opening the Rushy Shore school, had come, and the youth was still unable to walk. Under the circumstances, he wrote a note to the agent, Brown, and told him that ife would be wrong.to leave the school shut up while the children in the neighbourhood remained untaught, and requested him to seek another teacher.

It cost the youth some self-sacrifice to give up this last chance of employment; bub we already know that Ishmael never hesitated a moment between duty and selfinterest.

September passed. Those who have watched surgical cases in military hospitals know how long it takes a crushed and broken human body to recover the use of its members. It was late in October before Ishmael’s right arm was strong enough to support the crutch that was needed to relieve the pressure upon his right leg when he attempted to walk. It was about this time thab Judge Merlin was heard often to complain of the great accumulation of correspondence upon his hands.

Ishmael, ever ready to be useful, modestly tendered his services to assist.

After a little hesitation, the judge thanked the youth and accepted bis offer. And the next day Ishmael was installed in a comfortable leather chair in the library, with his crutch beside him and a writingtable covered with letters to be read and answered before him. These letters were all open, and each had a word or a lino pencilled upon it indicating the character of the answer that was to be given. Upon some was simply the word ‘ No;’ upon others, * Yes;’ upon some, ‘ Will think of it;’ upon others, again, ‘Call on me when I come to town ;’ and so forth. All this, of course, Ishmael had to pub into courteous language, using his own judgment after reading the letters.

Of course it was the least important parb of his correspondence thab Judge Merlin put into his young assistant’s hands ; bub notwithstanding that, the trust was a very responsible one. Even Ishmael doubted whether he could discharge such unfamilar duties with satisfaction to his employer. He worked diligently all that day, however, and completed the task that had been laid out for him before the bell rung for the late dinner. Then he arose and respectfully called the judge’s attention to the finished work, and bowed and left the room.

With something like curiosity and doubt, the judge went up to the table and opened and read three or four of the letters written for him by his young amanuensis. And, as he read, surprise and pleasure lighted up his countenance.

‘ The boy is a born diplomatist! I should not wonder if the world should hear of him some day, after all !’ he said, as he read letter after letter that had been left unsealed for his optional perusal. In these letters lie found his own hard ‘ No’s ’ expressed with a courtesy that softened them even to the most bitterly disappointed ; his arrogant ‘ Yes’s ’ with a delicacy thab could not wound the self-love of the most sensitive petitioner; and his intermediate, doubtful answers, rendered with a clearness of which by their very nature they seemed incapable. ‘ The boy is a born diplomatist,' repeated the judge in an accession of astonishment.

But he was wrong in his judgment of Ishmael. If the youth’s style of writing was gracious, courteous, delicate, it was because his inmost nature was pure, refined and benignant. If his letters denying favours soothed rather than offended the applicant, and if those granting favours flattered rather than humiliated the petitioner, it was because of that angelic attribute of Ishmael's soul that made it so painful to him to give pain, so delightful to impart delight. There was no thought of diplomatic dealing in all Ishmael’s truthful soul.

The judge was excessively pleased with his young assistant. Judge Merlin was an excellent lawyer, bub nq orator, he never had been nor could be one. He had not himself the gift of eloquence either in speaking or writing ; and, therefore, perhaps he was the more astonished and pleased to find it in the possession of hia letter-writer. Ho was pleased to have his correspondence well written, for it reflected credit upon himself. Under the influence of his surprise and pleasure he took up his hand full of letters and went directly to Ishmael’s room. He found the youth seated in bis arm-chair by the window engaged in reading. ‘ What have you there?’ inquired Judge Merlin.

Ishmael smiled and turned the title page to his questioner. ‘Humph! ‘Coke upon Lyttleton.’ Lay it down, Ishmael, and attend to me,’ said the judge, drawing a chair and seating himself beside the youth.

Ishinael immediately closed the book and gave the most respectful attention. ‘I am very much pleased with tho manner in which you have accomplished your task, Ishmael. You have done your work remarkably well ! So well that I should like to give you longer employment,’ be said. Ishmaol’s heart leaped in his bosom. ‘ Thankyou, sir ; lam very glad you aro satisfied with me,’ he replied. ‘ Let us see now ; this is the fifteenth of October; I shall remain here until the first of December, when we go to town ; a matter of six weeks; and I shall be glad, Ishmael, during the interval of my stay here, to retain you as my assistant. What say you ?’ ‘ Indeed, sir, I shall feel honoured and happy in serving you.’ ‘ I will give you what I consider a fair compensation for so young a beginner. By the way, how old are you ?’ ‘I shall be nineteen in December.’ •Very well; I will give you twenty dollars a month and your board.’ ‘Judge Merlin,’ said Ishmael, as his pale face flushed crimson, 1 1 shall feel honoured and happy in serving you ; but from you I cannot consent to receive any compensation.’ The judge stared at the speaker with astonishment that took all power to reply away ; but Ishmael continued : ‘Consider, sir, the heavy obligations under which I already rest towards you, and permit me to do what I can to lighten , the load.’ * What do you mean ? What the deuce are you talking about V at last asked the judge. * Sir, I have been an inmate of your house for nearly three months, nursed, tended and cared for as if I had been a son of the family. What can I render you for all these benefits ? Sir, my gratitude and services are due to you, are your own. Pray, therefore, do not mention compensation to me again,’ replied the youth. * Young man, you surprise me beyond measure. Your gratitude and services due to lie ? For what pray ? For taking care of you when you were so dangerously injured in my service ? Did you not receive all your injuries in saving my daughter from a violent death ? After that, who shouid have taken care of you but me ? “Taken care of you ?” I Bhould take care of all your future ! I should give you a fortune, or a profession, or some other substantial and permanent compensation for your great service, to clear accounts between us !’ exclaimed the judge. Ishmael bowed his head. Oh, bitterest of all bitter mortifications ! To hear her father speak to him of reward for saving Claudia’s life ! To think how every one was so far from knowing that in saving Claudia ho had saved himself! He had a right to risk his life to save Claudia ; and no one, not even her father, had a right to Insult him by speaking of reward ! Claudia was his own ; Ishmael knew it, though no one on earth, not even tho heiress herself, suspected it. The judge watched the youth as be sat with his fine young forehead bowed thoughtfully upon his hand; and Judge Merlin understood Ishmael’s x’eluctance to receive pay ; but did not understand the cause of it.’ ‘ Come, my boy,’ ho said; ' you are young and inexperienced. You cannot know much of life. lam an old man of the world, capable of advisiug you. You should follow my advice. * Indeed, I will gratefully do so, sir/ said Ishmael, raising his head, glad, amid all his humiliation, to be advised by Claudia’s father. * Then, my boy, you must reflect that ti would be very improper for me to avail myself of your really valuable assistance without giving you a reasonable compensation ; and that in short, I could not do it,’ said the judge, firmly. *Do you regard the question in that light, sir ? inquired Ishmael, doubtingly. ‘Most assuredly. It is the only true light in which to regard it.’ ‘ Then I have no option but to accept your own terms, sir. I will serve you gladly and gratefully, to the best of my ability,’ concluded the youth. And the affair was settled to their mutual satisfaction. (To be Continued.)