y; "a labourer might find this diamond _solitaire_
that's now upon my finger. Does it therefore follow that I am to make
him a present of it?"

"Humph!" ejaculated Mr Forster, much affronted with the comparison.

"In short, my dear sir, any thing which you or your family can think of;
which it is in our power to grant, will make us most happy; but to
_sully_ the blood of the most ancient--"

John Forster would hear no more; he quitted the room and walked up
stairs before the marquis had completed his speech. When he entered the
drawing-room, his countenance plainly expressed his disappointment.
Like all men who have toiled for riches, he had formed plans in which he
considered his wealth was to command success, and had overlooked every
obstacle which might present itself against the completion of his
wishes.

"Newton," said he, as they stood apart near the window, "you have been a
good lad in not persisting to thwart my views, but that French marquis,
with his folly and his `ancienne noblesse,' has overthrown all my plans.
Now, I shall not interfere with yours. Introduce me to Miss what's her
name; she is a very fine girl, and from what I saw of her during dinner,
I like her very much."

Isabel exerted herself to please, and succeeded. Satisfied with his
nephew's choice, flattered by his previous apparent submission, and
disgusted with the marquis, Mr John Forster thought no more of
Mademoiselle de Fontanges. His consent was voluntary, and in a short
time Isabel Revel changed her name.

It was about five months after Newton's marriage that he received a
letter from the Board, appointing him to the command of a ship. Newton
handed the letter over to Mr Forster.

"I presume, sir, it is your wish that I should accept the offer?"

"What offer?" said the old lawyer, who was reading through a case for
counsel's opinions. "Melville--for Madras and China.--Why, Newton, I
really do not see any occasion for your going afloat again. There is an
old proverb--`The pitcher that goes often to the well is broken at
last.' You're not tired of your wife already?"

"I hope not, sir; but I thought it might be your wish."

"It's my wish that you should stay at home. A poor man may go to sea,
because he stands a chance to come home rich; but a man who has money in
hand and in prospect, if he goes to sea, he is a fool. Follow your
profession as long as you require it, but no longer."

"Why then do you work so hard, my