In another moment, however, he reappeared, holding his hat in his hand and saying: "I beg your pardon, sir." "Well, what now? what is it, Gray? What's forgotten?" "If you please, sir, to give my duty to Miss Claudia, and beg her not to let poor Hannah know as Ishmael has been so badly hurt. When she missed him we told her how he was staying up here long of your honor, and she naturally thinks how he is a-doing some more liber-airy work for you; and we dar'n't tell her any better or how the truth is, for fear of heaving of her back, sir." "Very well; I will caution Miss Merlin." "And I hope, sir, as you and Miss Claudia will pardon the liberty I take in mentioning of the matter; which I wouldn't go for to do it, if poor Hannah's safety were not involved." "Certainly, certainly, Gray, I can appreciate your feelings as a husband and father." "Thank your honor," said Reuben, as he departed. The judge kept his word to the overseer, and the same hour conveyed to his daughter the invitation and the caution. Claudia was moped half to death, and desired nothing better than a little amusement. So the same afternoon she set out on her walk to Woodside, followed by her own maid Mattie, carrying a large basket filled with fine laces, ribbons, and beads to deck the babies, and wines, cordials, and jellies to nourish the mother. On arriving at Woodside Cottage Miss Merlin was met by Sally, the colored maid of all work, and shown immediately into a neat bedroom on the ground floor, where she found Hannah sitting in state in her resting-chair beside her bed, and contemplating with maternal satisfaction the infant prodigies that lay in a cradle at her feet. "Do not attempt to rise! I am so glad to see you looking so well, Mrs. Gray! I am Miss Merlin," was Claudia's frank greeting, as she approached Hannah, and held out her hand. "Thank you, miss; you are very good to come; and I am glad to see you," said the proud mother, heartily shaking the hand offered by the visitor. "I wish you much joy of your fine children, Mrs. Gray." "Thank you very much, miss. Pray sit down. Sally, hand a chair." The maid of all work brought one, which Claudia took, saying: "Now let me see the twins." Hannah stooped and raised the white dimity coverlet, and proudly displayed her treasures--two fat, round, red-faced babies, calmly sleeping side by side. What woman or girl ever looked upon sleeping infancy without pleasure? Claudia's face brightened into beaming smiles as she contemplated these children, and exclaimed: "They are beauties! I want you to let me help to dress them up fine, Mrs. Gray! I have no little brothers and sisters, nor nephews and nieces; and I should like so much to have a part property in these!" "You are too good, Miss Merlin."