The judge was slowly walking up and down the library, and he continued his walk as he conversed with his daughter.
"Who is this Ishmael Worth, then?"
"You know, papa; the nephew of Reuben Gray, or rather of his wife; but it is the same thing."
"I know he is the nephew of Reuben Gray; but that explains nothing! Gray is a rude, ignorant, though well-meaning boor; but this lad is a refined, graceful, and cultivated young man."
Claudia made no comment upon this.
"Now, if you have known him so many years, you ought to be able to explain this inconsistency. One does not expect to find nightingales in crows' nests," said the judge.
Still Miss Merlin was silent.
"Why don't you speak, my dear?"
Claudia blushed over her face, neck, and bosom as she answered:
"Papa, what shall I say? You force me to remember things I would like to forget. Socially, Ishmael Worth was born the lowest of all the low. Naturally, he was endowed with the highest moral and intellectual gifts. He is in a great measure self-educated. In worldly position he is beneath our feet: in wisdom and goodness he is far, far above our heads. He is one of nature's princes, but one of society's outcasts."