eir keen appreciation of the piece; only,
at those passages at which Hannah and Ishmael only smiled, Reuben rubbed
his knees, and laughed aloud, startling all the audience.

"It's a good thing I don't live in the city, Hannah, my dear, for I
would go to the play every night!" said Reuben, as they left the theater
at the close of the performance.

"And it is a good thing you don't, Reuben, for it would be the ruination
of you!" admitted Hannah.

They went back to the Plow, where the Christmas supper was served for
them in the plain little private sitting room. After partaking
moderately of its delicacies, Ishmael bade them good-night, and returned
home.

Reuben and Hannah stayed a week in the city. Reuben took her about to
see all the sights and to shop in all the stores. And on New Year's day,
when the President received the public, Reuben took Hannah to the White
House, to "pay their duty" to the chief magistrate of the nation. And
the day after New Year's day they took leave of Ishmael and of all their
friends, and returned home, delighted with the memory of their pleasant
visit to the city.

Ishmael, after all these interruptions, returned with new zest to his
duties, and, as before, worked diligently day and night.

Claudia went deeper into her preparations for her first appearance in
society at the President's first drawing room of the season.

The night of nights for the heiress came. After dinner Claudia indulged
herself in a long nap, so that she might be quite fresh in the evening.
When she woke up she took a cup of tea, and immediately retired to her
chamber to dress.

Mrs. Middleton superintended her toilet.

Claudia wore a rich point-lace dress over a white satin skirt. The
wreath that crowned her head, the necklace that reposed upon her bosom,
the bracelets that clasped her arms, the girdle that enclosed her waist,
and the bunches of flowers that festooned her upper lace dress, were all
of the same rich pattern--lilies of the valley, whose blossoms were
formed of pearl, whose leaves were of emeralds, and whose dew was of
diamonds. Snowy gloves and snowy shoes completed this toilet, the effect
of which was rich, chaste, and elegant beyond description. Mrs.
Middleton wore a superb dress of ruby-colored velvet.

When they were both quite ready, they went down into the drawing room,
where Judge Merlin, Mr. Middleton, and Ishmael were awaiting them, and
where Claudia's splendid presence suddenly dazz