Mr. Wynne saw in Ishmael the likeness to both his parents, and noted how happily nature had distinguished him with the best points of each. And he was wondering at the miracle of seeing that the all- forsaken child, born to poverty, shame, and obscurity, was by the Lord's blessing on his own persevering efforts certainly rising to wealth, honor, and fame. Mr. Wynne renewed his pressing invitation to Judge Merlin and Mr. Worth to accompany him home to dinner. And as they accepted the minister's hospitality the whole party moved off towards the parsonage, which was situated in another clearing of the forest about a quarter of a mile behind the church. The parson was blessed with the parson's luck of a large family, consisting of a wife, several sisters and sisters-in-law, and nieces, and so many sons and daughters of all ages, from one month old to twenty years, that the judge, after counting thirteen before he came to the end of the list, gave up the job in despair. Notwithstanding, or perhaps because of, this, for "the more, the merrier," you know, the family dinner passed off pleasantly. And after dinner they all returned to church to attend the afternoon service. And when that was ended Judge Merlin and Ishmael took leave of the parson and his family and returned home. When they reached Tanglewood and alighted, the judge, who was first out, was accosted by his servant Jim, who spoke a few words in a low tone, which had the effect of hurrying the judge into the house. Ishmael followed at his leisure. He entered the drawing room and was walking slowly and thoughtfully up and down the room, when the sound of voices in the adjoining library caught his ear and transfixed him to the spot. "Yes, papa, I am here, and alone--strange as this may seem!" It was the voice of Claudia that spoke these words. CHAPTER VIII. WHY CLAUDIA WAS ALONE. Be not amazed at life. 'Tis still The mode of God with his elect: Their hopes exactly to fulfill, In times and ways they least expect. Who marry as they choose, and choose, Not as they ought, they mock the priest, And leaving out obedience, lose The finest flavor of the feast. --_Coventry Patmore_. Ishmael stood transfixed to the spot--for a moment, and then, breaking the spell with which the sound of Claudia's voice had bound him, he passed into the hall, took his hat from the rack, and said to Jim, who was still in attendance there: "Give my respects to your master, and say that I have an engagement this evening that obliges me to withdraw. And give him my adieus." "But, Mr. Ishmael, sir, you will wait for tea. Lady Vincent is here, sir, just arrived--" began Jim, with the affectionate freedom of a petted servant. But Ishmael had left the hall, to keep his promise of spending the evening with Reuben and Hannah.