ve ceased his persecution."

"Your words!" faltered Isa.

"My words," he said sternly. "I saw him, and I have appealed to him in
every way, but only to meet with an obstinate refusal. Then I brought
to bear means that at the time I believed to be effectual. This is no
silly romance of love, my child, but stern fact, that I have to deal
with. I have chosen Lord Maudlaine to be your husband. You will be a
titled lady, and some day wear a Countess's coronet. You will both be
wealthy, and let me tell you that it is an alliance to be proud of.
Now, promise me that, if I send him in, you will accede to his
proposals."

Isa was silent.

"You hear me, Isa," he said, gently--"why do you not reply? You will
accede to his wishes, will you not?"

"I cannot," said Isa, in a whisper. "It would be a mockery!"

"Absurd, silly, romantic nonsense, my child! You must accept him, and
at once. I wish to have your marriage off my mind before I return to
Italy; for I cannot stay in this place."

"Let us go, then, together!" said Isa, eagerly. "Why do you trouble
about this matter at all?"

"It is my wish to see you married, and to Lord Maudlaine," he said,
firmly. "I cannot live with the constant harass of this man's
pretensions. I tell you, on my honour as a gentleman--since you set at
nought my word as your father--that a marriage between you and Brace
Norton is an impossibility. I told him--lowering myself even to giving
him the reasons; and the man's character is such that--here, look, I
have his letter to you, and which I refuse to let you read. I tell you,
Isa, that in spite of my moroseness at times, I have a love for you from
the way in which you recall your mother; but I would see you in your
coffin sooner than the wife of this man!"

"But, papa--dear papa," sobbed Isa, "you are prejudiced--you are cruel!
You do not know how good, and brave, and true he is, and I love him so--
so dearly!"

She threw herself, sobbing, upon his breast, hiding her burning cheeks;
while, apparently softened, he held her to him--a sad, wild, pained look
in his face, as he kissed and smoothed her long, dark tresses.

"My child," he said, sadly, "I own I hate father and son with a fierce,
undying hatred; but it is not that alone which makes me tell you that
Brace Norton can never be your husband. Can you not believe me when I
tell you that every word I utter is solemn truth?"

"Yes--oh yes!" sobbed Isa.

"Then you will see L