listen, dearest: do not weep, for we must be up and doing; it is no time
for tears. I love you too well, Isa, ever to give you up; Heaven giving
me strength, I will fight with my last breath to win you, and you must
help me! See Jane McCray, your housekeeper; question her closely--learn
all you can; and if you can trace a fact worthy of attention, contrive
to send me word. Your silence I will take to mean that your efforts are
without avail. I will be honourable: I will not ask you to write to
me--I will not write to you. While this stain is upon me, I feel that I
am unworthy to stand even in your presence; but it is the last time,
Isa, until I come, proudly, in the strength given me by the knowledge
that those foul cobwebs are swept away from the shield. I do not ask
you to bind yourself to me in any way; for, to me, your sweet, pure
heart is too true--too generous to give me cause for doubt. Isa, I am
yours--yours only, in this world, I hope, if not in another. A few days
longer, and I shall be with my ship, on the blue sea, Isa, and I can do
but little, save think and pray for the future; and I shall go without a
dread--without a feeling that I shall be supplanted, even at your
father's command. Shall I tell you why?"

"Yes," said Isa; and her tears fell fast upon his upturned face, as she
bent lower and lower.

"Because I know that your hand will go with your heart, and that the
heart is in my keeping. Watch and wait, dearest. Remember your
mother's--my mother's words: `True-blue!' It is the colour I sail
beneath, darling, and under it I shall watch and wait."

Isa's tears fell faster and faster. She would have spoken, but her
emotion choked her utterance; and still she bent lower and lower towards
the hand that held hers so tightly. The graceful palfrey she rode
tossed its head and shook its curb impatiently, but moved no step
forward. The groom had evidently made up his mind that utter ignorance
of all that was passing would be pleasing to his mistress, and that some
one else might reward him with five shillings; so having settled his
saddle and girths to his satisfaction, he took to examining his horse's
mane and tail, such proceedings necessitating his back being turned, an
attitude he meant to maintain until summoned.

A glance had shown this to Brace Norton; and no doubt it was very wrong,
but the lane was so retired and shady, Isa Gernon was so very beautiful,
and she had laid bare the secre