"All right; thank you, sir; I will be ready." And Ishmael shook hands with the professor and departed, leaving him hopeful and happy. At the dinner-table that day, being questioned by his father, Ishmael told him of the retainer he had engaged. "Ah, my dear boy, it is just like you to burden yourself with the presence and support of that poor old man, and persuade him--and yourself, too, perhaps--that you are securing the services of an invaluable assistant. And all with no other motive than his welfare," said Mr. Brudenell. "Indeed, sir, I think it will add to my happiness to have Morris with me. I like and esteem the old man, and I believe that he really will be of much use to me," replied the son. "Well, I hope so, Ishmael; I hope so." There was through all his talk a preoccupied air about Mr. Brudenell that troubled his son, who at last said: "I hope, sir, that you have received no unpleasant news by this mail?" "Oh, no; no, Ishmael! but I have had on my mind for several days something of which I wish to speak to you--" "Yes, sir?" "Ishmael, since I have been down here I have followed your counsel. I have gone about among my tenants and dependents, and--without making inquiries--I have led them to speak of the long period of my absence from my little kingdom, and of the manner in which Lady Hurstmonceux administered its affairs. And, Ishmael, I have heard but one account of her. With one voice the community here accord her the highest praise." "I told you so, sir." "As a wife, though an abandoned one, as mistress of the house, and as lady of the manor, she seems to have performed all her duties in the most unexceptionable manner." "Everyone knows that, sir." "But still remains the charge not yet refuted." "Because you have given her no chance to refute it, sir. Be just! Put her on her defense, and my word for it, she will exonerate herself," said Ishmael earnestly. Mr. Brudenell shook his head. "There are some things, Ishmael, that on the very face of them admit of no defense," said Mr. Brudenell, with an emphasis that put an end to the conversation. Punctually at seven o'clock Saturday the professor, accoutered for a journey, with knapsack on his back, presented himself at the servant's door at Brudenell Hall. His arrival being announced, Ishmael came out to meet him. "Well, here I am, Mr. Worth; though how I am to travel I don't know. I have walked, by faith, so far!" he said. "All right, professor. Mr. Brudenell will lend me an extra horse." And father and son took leave of each other with earnest wishes for their mutual good. CHAPTER XII. THE JOURNEY.