But there was Ishmael.
As she went up to him slowly and fearfully, every vein and artery in her body seemed to throb with the agony of her heart. She tried to speak; but could utter no articulate sound. She held out her hand; but he did not take it; then she lifted her beautiful eyes to his, with a glance so helpless, so anguished, so imploring, as if silently praying from him some kind word before she should go, that Ishmael's generous heart was melted and he took her hand and pressing it while he spoke, said in low and fervent tones:
"God bless you, Lady Vincent. God shield you from all evil. God save you in every crisis of your life."
And she bowed her head, lowly and humbly, to receive this benediction as though it had been uttered by an authorized minister of God.
CHAPTER LXVII.
BEE'S HANDKERCHIEF.
But a mist fell before Ishmael's eyes, and when it cleared away Claudia was gone.
The young bridesmaids were chattering gayly in a low, melodious tone with each other, and with the gentlemen of the party filling the room with a musical hum of many happy voices.
But all this seemed unreal and dreadful, like the illusions of troubled sleep. And so Ishmael left the drawing room and went up to the office, to see if perhaps he could find real life there.