Later in the evening Judge Merlin was informed of the engagement. And after congratulating the betrothed pair he turned to Mr. and Mrs. Middleton and said: "Heaven knows how I envy you your son-in-law." The gratified parents smiled, for they were proud of Ishmael, and what he would become. But Walter Middleton grinned and said: "Heaven may know that, Uncle Merlin; but I know one thing!" "What is that, Jackanapes?" "I know they may thank Bee for their son-in-law, for she did all the courting!" The panic-stricken party remained silent for a moment, and then Judge Merlin said: "Well, sir! I know another thing!" "And what is that, uncle?" "That it will be a long time before you find a young lady to do you such an honor!" Everybody laughed, not at the brilliancy of the joke, for the joke was not brilliant, but because they were happy; and when people are happy they do honor to very indifferent jests. But Bee turned a ludicrously appalled look upon her lover and whispered: "Oh, Ishmael! suppose he had known about that little bit of white cambric. He would have said that I had 'thrown the handkerchief' to you! And so I did! it is a dreadful reflection!" "That handkerchief was a plank thrown to the drowning, Bee. It saved me from being whelmed in the waves of ruin. Oh, dearest, under heaven, you were my salvation!" said Ishmael, with emotion. "Your comfort, Ishmael--only your comfort. Your own right- mindedness, 'under heaven,' would have saved you." This was the last and the happiest evening they all spent at the city home together. Early in the morning they separated. Judge Merlin and his servants started for Tanglewood, and Mr. and Mrs. Middleton and their family for The Beacon, where Ishmael promised as soon as possible to join them. Walter Middleton left for Saratoga. And, last of all, Ishmael locked up the empty house, took charge of the key, and departed to take possession of his new lodgings--alone, but blessed and happy. CHAPTER VI. AT WOODSIDE. Who can describe the sweets of country life But those blest men that do enjoy and taste them? Plain husbandmen, though far below our pitch Of fortune placed, enjoy a wealth above us: They breathe a fresh and uncorrupted air, And in sweet homes enjoy untroubled sleep. Their state is fearless and secure, enriched With several blessings such as greatest kings Might in true justice envy, and themselves Would count too happy if they truly knew them. --_May._ Ishmael was settled in his new apartments on the first floor of a comfortable house on Louisiana Avenue. The front room opening upon the street, and having his name and profession engraved upon a silver plate attached to the door, was his public office; the middle room was his private office; and the back room, which opened upon a pleasant porch leading into the garden, was his bed-chamber.