thing she dared
not attempt.

The second day after his return home, Brace's heart sank, as, turning
into a lane, he came suddenly upon Isa, side by side with Lord
Maudlaine. They were mounted, and a groom rode at a short distance
behind. He already knew by rumour that Isa was supposed to be engaged
to the Viscount, and, bitter and angry, his hand was raised to his hat,
in order to pass with a cold salute; but Brace's resentment was in an
instant disarmed, for Isa reined in her horse, and with a quiet, earnest
smile, held out her hand, which he took in his for a moment, and then,
with her companion, she was gone.

A couple of days of mingled hope and fear passed before he encountered
her again, when Brace Norton's brow flushed and his pulses beat rapidly,
for Isa was alone, save that a groom followed at a distance, with
difficulty restraining his highly-bred steed, while his mistress's
little jennet gently ambled along.

It was to both like a dream, that meeting; as, walking slowly beside her
horse, his hand resting upon the saddle, Brace listened to Isa's
faltered thanks, turning from time to time to gaze in the sweet, gentle
face bent towards him--a face whose eyes met his with a soft, trusting
look, that made his heart swell within his breast, till a rapid step
from behind told of an intruder, and Lord Maudlaine made his appearance;
when, with a sigh of regret, Isa held out her hand to be taken by Brace,
who retained it within his own, while he unflinchingly encountered the
fierce, haughty look of contempt and pride cast upon him by the
Viscount.

The next minute Isa had withdrawn her hand, and, attended by Lord
Maudlaine, gone towards the park, leaving Brace, as he strolled slowly
home, to recall a score of things which he wished to have said.

Another meeting, and once more Brace was walking with her side by side,
the hand which held her little whip not being withdrawn when he laid
upon it his own, to stand at last gazing up in her face, and peering
into her soft, sad eyes.

He tried to speak twice, but the words did not come; but he felt that
time was passing, and with an effort he broke the silence.

"Isa," he said, in deep, earnest tones, "I am going to be very bold. I
have a question to ask--one whose answer shall make me happy, or send me
wretched away. That gentleman--Lord Maudlaine--you know what rumour
says: is the rumour true?"

She returned his gaze for a few moments by one as earnest, and in