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
herself, but for those children she could become so. She had too much
surly pride to accept favors for herself, but for those children she
could do so; not, however, without some becoming hesitation and
reluctance.

"It 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:

"Nonsense! I know very well that you do not 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 these things on
Mrs. Gray's bureau."

Again Mattie obeyed her mistress, and then set the empty basket down on
the floor.

"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,
uncovering 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 baskets on
her arms, waiting for 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 fit 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!
Good-by, Mrs. Gray."

"Good-by, 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, miss; but I hear my nephew, Ishmael Worth, is up at
the house, doing so