“I might have known it,” thought Ishmael, with an undefined feeling of self-reproach.  “I might have known that she would not forget me, even though I forgot myself.  What would my life be at home without this dear little sister?  Sweet sister! dear sister!  Yes, I will follow her advice; I will eat and drink for her sake, because I know she will question Powers and be disappointed if she finds that I have not done justice to this repast.”

“Will you have more light, sir?” asked the footman.

“No, no, thank you,” replied Ishmael, rising and seating himself in a chair beside the stand.

The tea was strong and fragrant, the cream rich, the sugar crystalline, and a single cup of the beverage refreshed him.  The toast was crisp and yellow, the butter fresh, and the shavings of chipped beef crimson and tender.  And so, despite his heartache and headache, Ishmael found his healthy and youthful appetite stimulated by all this.  And the meal that was begun for Bee’s sake was finished for his own.

“Tour head is better now, I hope, sir?” respectfully inquired Powers, as he prepared to remove the service.

“Much, thank you.  Tell Miss Middleton so, with my respects, and say how grateful I feel to her for this kind attention.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And, Powers, you may bring me lights now.”

And a few minutes later, when Powers had returned with two lighted candles and placed them on the table, Ishmael, who knew that not an over tasked brain, but an undisciplined heart, was the secret of his malady, set himself to work as to a severe discipline, and worked away for three or four hours with great advantage; for, when at twelve o’clock he retired to bed, he fell asleep and slept soundly until morning.

That is what work did for Ishmael.  And work will do as much for anyone who will try it.

It is true in the morning he awoke to a new sense of woe; but the day had also its work to discipline him.  He breakfasted with Bee and her father and the judge, who were the only members of the family present at the table; and then he went to the City Hall, where he had an appointment with the District Attorney.

That morning the engagement between Lord Vincent and Claudia was formally announced to the family circle.  And Bee understood the secret of Ishmael’s sudden illness.  The marriage was appointed to take place on the first of the ensuing month, and so the preparations for the event were at once commenced.

Mrs. Middleton and Claudia went to New York to order the wedding outfit.  They were gone a week, and when they returned Claudia, though much thinner in flesh, seemed to have recovered the gloom that had been frightened away by the viscount’s first kiss.

The great responsibility of the home preparations fell upon Bee.  The house had to be prepared for visitors; not only for the wedding guests; but also for friends and relatives of the family, who were coming from a distance and would remain for several days.  For the last mentioned, new rooms had to be made ready.  And all this was to be done under the immediate supervision of Beatrice.