ch
opposition would make his father quite unable to entertain his guests
while it lasted.

But as he could not declare his wishes to his father, and was thus
disobeying Isabel's behests, he must explain the difficulty to her.
He felt already that she would despise him for his cowardice,--that
she would not perceive the difficulties in his way, or understand
that he might injure his cause by precipitation. Then he considered
whether he might not possibly make some bargain with his father. How
would it be if he should consent to go back to the Liberal party on
being allowed to marry the girl he loved? As far as his political
feelings were concerned he did not think that he would much object
to make the change. There was only one thing certain,--that he must
explain his condition to Miss Boncassen before she went.

He found no difficulty now in getting the opportunity. She was
equally anxious, and as well disposed to acknowledge her anxiety.
After what had passed between them she was not desirous of pretending
that the matter was one of small moment to herself. She had told him
that it was all the world to her, and had begged him to let her know
her fate as quickly as possible. On that last Monday morning they
were in the grounds together, and Lady Mabel, who was walking with
Mrs. Finn, saw them pass through a little gate which led from the
gardens into the Priory ruins. "It all means nothing," Mabel said
with a little laugh to her companion.

"If so, I am sorry for the young lady," said Mrs. Finn.

"Don't you think that one always has to be sorry for the young
ladies? Young ladies generally have a bad time of it. Did you ever
hear of a gentleman who had always to roll a stone to the top of a
hill, but it would always come back upon him?"

"That gentleman I believe never succeeded," said Mrs. Finn. "The
young ladies I suppose do sometimes."

In the meantime Isabel and Silverbridge were among the ruins
together. "This is where the old Pallisers used to be buried," he
said.

"Oh, indeed. And married, I suppose."

"I dare say. They had a priest of their own, no doubt, which must
have been convenient. This block of a fellow without any legs left
is supposed to represent Sir Guy. He ran away with half-a-dozen
heiresses, they say. I wish things were as easily done now."

"Nobody should have run away with me. I have no idea of going on such
a journey except on terms of equality,--just step and step alike."
Then she t