Isabel was firm; and Newton, who did not think himself authorised to interfere, was a silent witness to the continued persuasions and expostulations of the two elder, and the refusal of the younger sister.

Nearly half an hour thus passed away, when Charlotte and Laura decided that they would go, and send back the carriage for Isabel, who by that time would have come to her senses.

The heartless, unthinking girls tripped gaily down to the carriage, and drove off.

Newton, who had escorted them, retraced his steps, with a beating heart, to the room where he had left Isabel.
She was in tears.
"Do I intrude, Miss Revel ?" said Newton, who could not repress his emotion at the sight.
"Oh, no! I expected and wished that you would return, Mr Forster.

Do you think that you could find Captain Drawlock?
I should feel much obliged if you would take that trouble for me." "I will immediately go in search of him, if you wish it.