Judge Merlin shook hands with his hostess and presented Ishmael to her, and then, leaving them speaking together, he advanced to embrace his daughter.
"My dearest Claudia, all is well. We have settled the whole party, the viscount, the valet, and the woman. They are lodged in jail, and are safe to meet the punishment of their crimes," he said, as he folded her to his bosom.
But oh! why did her heart beat so wildly, throbbing almost audibly against her father's breast?
He held her there for a few seconds; it was as long as he decently could, and then, gently releasing her, he turned towards Ishmael, and beckoning him to approach, said:
"My daughter, here is an old friend come to see you. Welcome him."
Ishmael advanced and bowed gravely.
"I am glad to see you, Mr. Worth," said Claudia in a low voice, as she held out her hand.
He took it, bowed over it, and said:
"I hope I find you well, Lady Vincent."
And then as he raised his head their eyes met; his eyes—those sweet, truthful, earnest, dark eyes, inherited from his mother—were full of the most respectful sympathy. But hers—oh, hers!