"Sir!" exclaimed the latter.
"It is for you, my boy."
"Oh, sir, I couldn't take it, indeed! It is only another way of paying me for a common civility," said Ishmael, shrinking from the gift, yet longing for the book.
"It is not; it is a testimonial of my regard for you, my boy! Receive it as such."
"I do not deserve such a testimonial, and cannot receive it, sir," persisted Ishmael.
"There, uncle, I told you so!" exclaimed Claudia, springing from the carriage and taking the book from the hand of Mr. Middleton.
She went to the side of Ishmael, put her arm around his neck, drew his head down against hers, leaned her bright cheek against his, and said:
"Come, now, take the book; I know you want it; take it like a good boy; take it for my sake,"
Still Ishmael hesitated a little.
Then she raised the parcel and pressed it to her lips and handed it to him again, saying: