stood the
secret of this affection; Ishmael did not. The father, otherwise
childless, naturally loved the one gifted son of his youth, and loved
him the more that he durst not acknowledge him. And Ishmael, in his
genial nature, loved in return the stranger who showed so much
affectionate interest in him. No one perceived the likeness that was
said by the viscount to exist between the two except the viscount
himself; and since he had seen them together he had ceased to comment
upon the subject.

Reuben Gray and his family had returned home, so that Mr. Brudenell got
no farther opportunity of talking with Hannah.

The Washington season, prolonged by an extra session of Congress, was at
length drawing to a close; and it was finished off with a succession of
very brilliant parties. Ishmael Worth was now included in every
invitation sent to the family of Judge Merlin, and in compliance with
the urgent advice of the judge he accepted many of these invitations,
and appeared in some of the most exclusive drawing rooms in Washington,
where his handsome person, polished manners, and distinguished talents
made him welcome.

But none among these brilliant parties equaled in splendor the ball
given early in the season by the Merlins.

"And since no one has been able to eclipse my ball, I will eclipse it
myself by a still more splendid one--a final grand display at the end of
the season, like a final grand tableau at the close of the pantomime,"
said Claudia.

"My dear, you will ruin yourself," expostulated Mrs. Middleton.

"My aunt, I shall be a viscountess," replied Miss Merlin.

And preparations for the great party were immediately commenced. More
than two hundred invitations were sent out. And the aid of the three
great ministers of fashion--Vourienne, Devizac, and Dureezie--were
called in, and each was furnished with a carte-blanche as to expenses.
And as to squander the money of the prodigal heiress was to illustrate
their own arts, they availed themselves of the privilege in the freest
manner.

For a few days the house was closed to visitors, and given up to suffer
the will of the decorator Vourienne and his attendant magicians, who
soon contrived to transform the sober mansion of the American judge into
something very like the gorgeous palace of an Oriental prince. And as if
they would not be prodigal enough if left to themselves, Claudia
continually interfered to instigate them to new extravagances.

Meanwhile no