In the meanwhile, Mrs.Tollmidge and her family must not be sufferers by my loss: I shall pay the money again." She paused, and pressed Isabel's hand with affectionate fervor.

"My child," she said, "one last word to you, and I have done.

You remain here, with my trust in you, and my love for you, absolutely unshaken.

When you think of what has been said here to-day, never forget that." Isabel bent her head, and kissed the kind hand that still held hers.

The high spirit that was in her, inspired by Lady Lydiard's example, rose equal to the dreadful situation in which she was placed.
"No, my Lady," she said calmly and sadly; "it cannot be.