es! I have not forgotten your rescue of Alf and Ben Burghe," said the
heiress emphatically, yet a little coldly, as if, while anxious to give
him the fullest credit and the greatest honor 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 rather 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 not displeased me, Ishmael! How could you, you who have
just risked and almost sacrificed your life to save mine! No, you have
not displeased; but 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 not talk any more about me! Talk of yourself. Tell
me how you are, and where you feel pain."

"Nowhere much, Miss Merlin."

"Papa told 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 together
again 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 not find it so."

"Ah! your face shows what you endure. It is 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 I am permitted to visit you, I shall
come every day. But they have limited me to fifteen minutes' stay this
morning, and my time is up. Good-morning, Ishmael."

"Good-morning, Miss Merlin. May the Lord bless you," said Ishmael,
respectfully pressing the hand she gave him.

"I will come again t