ission, his purpose was
forestalled by the door being softly opened by Bee, who stood with a
shaded taper behind it.

"Oh, Bee!"

"Oh, Ishmael!"

Both spoke at once, and in a tone of irrepressible emotion.

"Come in, Ishmael," she next said kindly.

"You know, Bee?" he asked sadly, as he entered.

"Yes, Ishmael! Forgive me for knowing, for it prevented others finding
out. And your secret could not rest safer, or with a truer heart than
mine."

"I know it, dear Bee! dear sister, I know it. And Bee, listen! That
glass of brandy was only the third of any sort of spirituous liquor that
I ever tasted in my life. And I solemnly swear in the presence of Heaven
and before you that it shall be the very last! Never, no, never, even as
a medicine, will I place the fatal poison to my lips again."

"I believe you, Ishmael. And I am very happy. Thank God!" she said,
giving him her hand.

"Dear Bee! Holy angel! I am scarcely worthy to touch it," he said,
bowing reverently over that little white hand.

"'There shall be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than
over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.' Good-night,
Ishmael!" said Bee sweetly, as she put the taper in his hand and glided
like a spirit from his presence.

She was soon sleeping beside her baby sister.

And Ishmael went upstairs to bed. And the troubled night closed in
peace.

The further career of Ishmael, together with the after fate of all the
characters mentioned in this work, will be found in the sequel to and
final conclusion of this volume, entitled, "Self-Raised; or, From the
Depths."

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ISHMAEL***

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