Isabel Revel. Time and absence
had but matured his passion, and it was seldom that Isabel was away from
his thoughts. He had a faint idea formed by hope that she was partial
to him; but this was almost smothered by the fears which opposed it,
when he reflected upon what might be produced by absence, importunity,
and her independent spirit, which might, if not well treated by her
relation, reconcile her to a marriage, which, although not in every way
eligible, secured her a prospect of contentment and of peace.

At last the yards were squared to the satisfaction of the boatswain, the
ropes were hauled taut, and coiled down, and the men sent below to their
dinners. Newton walked aft, and the first person he met was the dubash
who had attended the Bombay Castle. The cheeks of Newton flushed, and
his heart throbbed quick, and his lips quivered, as he asked
intelligence of the colonel and his family.

"Colonel Saib quite well, sir. Two ladies marry officer."

"Which two?" demanded Newton, eagerly.

"Not know how call Bibi Saib's names. But one not marry--she very
handsome--more handsome than all."

The heart of Newton bounded at this intelligence, as he knew that it
must be Isabel who was still a spinster. This was shortly after
corroborated by an English gentleman who came on board. Their stay at
Madras was intended to be short, and Newton resolved to ask immediate
leave on shore. Apologising to Captain Oughton for making such an
unusual request, which he was induced to do from intelligence he had
just received relative to his friends, he expressed his anxious wish.
Captain Oughton, who had reason to be highly satisfied with Newton, gave
his consent in the kindest manner; "and, Forster, if you wish to remain,
you have my permission. We will manage without you: only recollect, we
sail on Thursday night." Newton was soon ready, and quitted the ship
with Major Clavering; to whose credit it ought here to be observed, that
a _daily_ note was despatched to Captain Oughton, requesting the
pleasure of his company at the mess, until he was satisfied that, in
this instance, the general invitation was sincere.

As soon as he was clear of the surf, and out of the masulah boat, Newton
hired a conveyance, and drove out to the bungalo of the old colonel. He
trembled as he announced his name to the butler, who ushered him half
way to the receiving room; and, like most of the natives, finding some
difficulty in pronouncing