ill never, never do! It is weakness, folly, madness! What
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.

"Yes, 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
hands 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!"

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; 'twas much,
For brotherless she was save in the name
Her girlish friendship had bestowed on him;
Herself the solitary scion left
Of a time-honored race.

--_Byron's Dream_.

Ishmael applied himself diligently to active outdoor 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 on 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 after 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 out of bed and looked forth from the window. But the
carriage without pausing for a moment rolled on its way to Tanglewoo