at the abrupt dismissal of
his father, "we can have no secrets to which my father may not be a
party."

"Yes, but I have, nephew. Your father is my brother, and I take the
liberty with my brother, if you like that better--not with your father."

In the mean time Nicholas had stalked out of the room.

"Nephew," continued Mr John Forster, as the door closed, "I have stated
to you my wish that you should not marry this young woman; and I will
now explain my reasons. The girl left in my charge by my brother Edward
has become the same to me as a daughter. I intend that you shall make
three or four voyages as captain of an India-man; then you shall marry
her, and become the heir to my whole fortune. Now you understand me.
May I ask, what are your objections?"

"None, sir, but what I have already stated--my attachment and engagement
to another person."

"Is that all?"

"Is it not enough?"

"It appears that this young woman has entered into an engagement on
board ship, without consulting her friends."

"She has no father, sir. She is of age, and independent."

"You have done the same."

"I grant it, sir; but even were I inclined, could I, in honour or
honesty, retract?"

"Humph!"

"Perhaps, sir, if you were acquainted with the young lady you might not
be so averse to the match."

"Perhaps, if I saw with your eyes, I might not; but that is not likely
to be the case. Old men are a little blind and a little obstinate.
After toiling through life to amass a fortune, they wish to have their
own way of disposing of it. It is the only return they can receive for
their labour. However, nephew, you will act as you please. As I said
before, if you marry against my consent, I shall alter my will. Now,
empty the bottle, and we'll go up stairs."

VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

And, Betty, give this cheek a little red.
POPE.

The departure of Isabel in the Windsor Castle, so immediately after the
death of Colonel Revel, prevented her communicating to her mother the
alteration which had taken place in her circumstances, and her intended
return to England. The first intimation received by Mrs Revel was from
a hurried note sent on shore by a pilot-boat off Falmouth, stating
Isabel's arrival in the Channel, and her anticipation of soon embracing
her mother, Isabel did not enter into any particulars, as she neither
had time, nor did she feel assured that the letter would ever reach its
destination.

T