“Are you aware,” inquired the judge, with a little sarcasm in his tone, “that some knowledge of the classics is absolutely necessary to the success of a lawyer?”

“I am aware that a knowledge of the classics is very desirable in each and all of what are termed the ‘learned professions’; but I did not know, and I do not think, that it can be absolutely necessary in every grade of each of these; but if so, it is well for me that I have a fair knowledge of Latin and Greek,” replied Ishmael.

“What did you say?” inquired the judge, with ever-increasing wonder.

Ishmael blushed at the perception that while he only meant to state a fact, he might be suspected of making a boast.

“Did you say that you knew anything of Latin and Greek?” inquired the judge, in amazement.

“Something of both, sir,” replied Ishmael modestly.

“But surely you never picked up a smattering of the classics while sweeping out Middleton’s family schoolroom!”

“Oh, no, sir!” laughed Ishmael.

“Where then?”

Ishmael’s reply was lost in the bustling entrance of Doctor Jarvis, whom Judge Merlin arose to receive.

The doctor examined the condition of his patient, found him with an accession of fever, prescribed a complete repose for the remainder of the day, left some medicine with directions for its administration, and departed.  The judge accompanied the doctor to the door.

“That is a rather remarkable boy,” observed Judge Merlin, as they went out together.

“A very remarkable one!  Who is he?” asked Doctor Jarvis.

“The nephew of my overseer, Reuben Gray.  That is absolutely all I know about it.”

“The nephew of Gray?  Can it be so?  Why, Gray is but an ignorant boor, while this youth has the manners and education of a gentleman—­a polished gentleman!” exclaimed the doctor, in astonishment.

“It is true, and I can make nothing of it,” said Judge Merlin, shaking his head.

“How very strange,” mused the doctor, as he mounted his horse, bowed and rode away.

CHAPTER XLIV.

CLAUDIA’S PERPLEXITIES.

  Oh, face most fair, shall thy beauty compare
    With affection’s glowing light? 
  Oh, riches and pride, how fade ye beside
  Love’s wealth, serene and bright.

  —­Martin F. Tupper.

Judge Merlin went into his well-ordered library, rang the bell, and sent a servant to call his daughter.

The messenger found Claudia walking impatiently up and down the drawing-room floor and turning herself at each wall with an angry jerk.  Claudia had not yet been admitted to see Ishmael.  She had just been refused again by old Katie, who acted upon the doctor’s authority, and Claudia was unreasonably furious with everybody.

Claudia instantly obeyed the summons.  She entered the library with hasty steps, closed the door with a bang, and stood before her father with flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes, and heaving bosom.