And meanwhile Hannah packed a hamper full of food and drink to solace the traveler on his night journey.

In half an hour from his first notice to go, Sam drove the carriage up to the cottage gate, received his hamper of provisions and his final orders, and departed.

Hannah and Reuben, leaning over the gate, watched him out of sight, and then sat down in front of their cottage door, to enjoy the coolness of the summer evening, and talk of the judge’s expected arrival.

Ishmael went up to his room, lighted a candle, and sat down to try to compose his agitated heart and apply his mind to study.  But in vain; his eyes wandered over the pages of his book; his mind could not take in the meaning.  The thought of Claudia filled his whole soul, absorbed his every faculty to the exclusion of every other idea.

“Oh, this will never, never do!  It is weakness, folly, madness!  What have I to do with Miss Merlin that she takes possession of my whole being in this manner!  I must, I will conquer this passion!” he exclaimed, at last, starting up, throwing aside his book, and pacing the floor.

“Yes, with the Lord’s help, I will overcome this infatuation!” he repeated, as he paused in his hasty walk, bowed his head, and folded his hands in prayer to God for deliverance from the power of inordinate and vain affections.

This done, he returned to his studies with more success.  And long after he heard Hannah and Reuben re-enter the cottage and retire to their room, he continued to sit up and read.  He read on perseveringly, until he had wearied himself out enough to be able to sleep.  And his last resolution on seeking his bed was: 

“By the Lord’s help I will conquer this passion!  I will combat it with prayer, and study, and work!”

CHAPTER XLI.

CLAUDIA.

  But she in those fond feelings had no share;
  Her sighs were not for him; to her he was
  Even as a brother; but no more; ’twas much,
  For brotherless she was save in the name
  Her girlish friendship had bestowed on him;
  Herself the solitary scion left
  Of a time-honored race.

  —­Byron’s Dream.

Ishmael applied himself diligently to active outdoor work during the morning and to study during the evening hours.

Thus several days passed.  Nothing was heard from Sam, the carriage, or the judge.

Reuben Gray expressed great anxiety—­not upon account of the judge, or Miss Merlin, who, he averred, were both capable of taking care of themselves and each other, but on account of Sam and his valuable charge that he feared had in some way or other come to harm.

Ishmael tried to reassure him by declaring his own opinion that all was right, and that Sam was only waiting at Baymouth for the arrival of his master.

Reuben Gray only shook his head and predicted all sorts of misfortunes.