"My dear Mr. Worth," said the elder lady, approaching and taking his
hand, "we hear that you are going to Europe. How sudden, and how we
shall miss you! But we hope that you will have a pleasant time."

"Yes, indeed!" joined in her sister, coming up to shake hands; "we
do so! and I am sure in church, yesterday, when we came to that part
of the litany in which we pray for 'all who travel by land or by
water,' I thought of you and bore you up on that prayer. And I shall
continue to do it until you get back safe."

"And so shall I," added the elder.

"Thank you! thank you!" said Ishmael, fervently shaking both their
hands. "I am sure if your good wishes and pious prayers can effect
it, I shall have a pleasant and prosperous voyage."

"That you will," they simultaneously and cordially responded.

"And now permit me to introduce my friends: Judge Merlin, Mr. Smith,
Mr. Jones."

The gentlemen bowed and the ladies courtesied, and they presently
sat down to supper. The conversation turned on the projected voyage.

"Judge, you will have an unexpected fellow-passenger--an old
friend," said Ishmael.

"Ah! who is he?" sighed the judge, who never spoke now without a
sigh.