rs. Middleton, and in fact all the family, to
come and spend the season with them in Washington. He says that he has
taken the old Washington House, which is large enough to accommodate our
united families, and ten times as many."

"And you will go?" inquired Ishmael anxiously.

"Well, yes--I think so. You see, this place, so pre-eminently healthy
during eight months of the year, is rather too much exposed and too
bleak in the depth of winter to suit my wife. She begins to cough
already. And as Claudia really does need a matronly friend near her, and
as the judge is very anxious for us to come, I think all interests will
be best served by our going."

"I hope you will go very soon," said Ishmael.

"In a week or ten days," replied Mr. Middleton.

Ishmael soon after arose and took his leave, for he had a long walk
before him, and a momentous interview with Hannah to brave at the end of
it.

After tea that evening Ishmael broke the news to Reuben and Hannah. Both
were considerably startled and bewildered, for they, no more than the
Middletons, had received any previous hint of the young man's
intentions. And now they really did not know whether to congratulate
Ishmael on going to seek his fortune or to condole with him for leaving
home. Reuben heartily shook hands with Ishmael and said how sorry he
should be to part with him, but how glad he was that the young man was
going to do something handsome for himself.

Hannah cried heartily, but for the life of her, could not have told
whether it was for joy or sorrow. To her apprehension, to go to
Washington and be Judge Merlin's clerk seemed to be one of the greatest
honors that any young man could attain; so she was perfectly delighted
with that part of the affair. But, on the other hand, Ishmael had been
to her like the most affectionate and dearest of sons, and to part with
him seemed more than she could bear; so she wept vehemently and clung to
her boy.

Reuben sought to console her.

"Never mind, Hannah, woman, never mind. It is the law of nature that the
young bird must leave his nest and the young man his home. But never you
mind! Washing-town-city aint out'n the world, and any time as you want
to see your boy very bad, I'll just put Dobbin to the wagon and cart you
and the young uns up there for a day or two. Law, Hannah, my dear, you
never should shed a tear if I could help it. 'Cause I feel kind o'
guilty when you cry, Hannah, as if I ought to help it someh