I am studying 'Kent's Commentaries,'" answered the young man.

"I wish you would study your own health a little more, Ishmael! Why are
you not down with us?"

"My dear Bee, I am better here."

"Nonsense, Ishmael! You are here too much. You confine yourself too
closely to study. You should remember the plain old proverb--proverbs
are the wisdom of nations, you know--the old proverb which says: 'All
work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Come!"

"My dear friend, Bee, you must excuse me."

"But I will not."

"Bee--"

"I insist upon your coming, Ishmael."

"Bee, do not. I should be the wrong man in the wrong place."

"Now, why do you say that?"

"Because I have no business in a ballroom, Bee."

"You have as much business there as anyone else."

"What should I do there, Bee?"

"Dance! waltz! polka! At our school balls you were one of the best
dancers we had, I recollect. Now, with your memory and your ear for
music, you would do as well as then."

"But who would dance with me in Washington, dear Bee? I am a total
stranger to everyone out of this family. And I have no right to ask an
introduction to any of the belles," said Ishmael.

"I will dance with you, Ishmael, to begin with, if you will accept me as
a partner. And I do not think you will venture to refuse your little
adopted sister and old playmate. Come, Ishmael."

"Dearest little sister, do you know that I declined Judge Merlin's
invitation?"

"Yes; he told me so, and sent me here to say to you, that he will not
excuse you, that he insists upon your coming. Come, Ishmael!"

"Dear Bee, you constrain me. I will come. Yes, I confess I am glad to be
'constrained.' Sometimes, dear, we require to be compelled to do as we
like; or, in other words, our consciences require just excuses for
yielding certain points to our inclinations. I have been secretly
wishing to be with you all the evening. The distant sound of the music
has been alluring me very persuasively. (That is a magnificent band of
Dureezie's, by the way.) I have been longing to join the festivities.
And I am glad, my little liege lady, that you lay your royal commands on
me to do so."

"That is right, Ishmael. I must say that you yield gracefully. Well, I
will leave you now to prepare your toilet. And--Ishmael?"

"Yes, Bee?"

"Ring for more light! You will never be able to render yourself
irresistible with the aid of a single candle on one side of your glass,"
said Bee, as she made he