e? as a
friend, tell me candidly, Mr Forster."

"I am indeed proud that you allow me that title. It is all that I ever
dare hope for;--but Isabel--I beg your pardon, Miss Revel, I should have
said--"

"Nay, nay, I am not displeased. Why not Isabel? We have known one
another long enough, and deserted as I feel a kind word now."--Isabel
covered her face with her hand. Newton, who was standing by her, was
overcome by the intensity of his feelings; gradually they approached
nearer, until by, I suppose, the same principle which holds the universe
together, the attraction of cohesion, Newton's arm encircled the waist
of Isabel, and she sobbed upon his shoulder. It was with difficulty
that Newton refrained from pouring out his soul, and expressing the
ardent love which he had so long felt for her; but it was taking
advantage of her situation. He had nothing to offer but himself and
beggary. He did refrain. The words were not spoken; yet Isabel divined
his thoughts, appreciated his forbearance, and loved him more for his
resolution.

"Isabel," said Newton, at length, with a sigh, "I never valued or wished
for wealth till now. Till this hour I never felt the misery of being
poor."

"I believe you, Mr Forster; and I am grateful, as I know that it is for
my sake that you feel it; but," continued she, recovering herself,
"crying will do no good. I asked you for your advice, and you have only
given me your arm."

"I am afraid it is all I shall ever have to offer," replied Newton.
"But, Isabel, allow me to ask you one question:--are you resolved never
to enter your relation's house?"

"Not on the humiliating terms which he has proposed. Let the colonel
come here for me and take me home with him, and then I will remain there
until I can return to England; if not, I will submit to any privation,
to any honest humiliation, rather than enter under his roof. But
indeed, Mr Forster, it is necessary that Captain Drawlock should be
summoned. We are here alone: it is not correct: you must feel that it
is not."

"I do feel that it is not; but, Isabel, I was this morning of some
trifling service to the colonel, and may have some little weight with
him. Will you allow me to return to him and try what I can do? It will
not be dark for these two hours, and I will soon be back."

Isabel assented. Newton hastened to the colonel, who had already been
much surprised when he had been informed by his domestics (for he had
not