ted already by
Lady Lydiard's letters, he lost the self-command which so eminently
distinguished him in the ordinary affairs of life, and showed the
domineering and despotic temper which was an inbred part of his
disposition. Isabel's high spirit at once resented the harsh terms in
which he spoke to her. In the plainest words, she released him from his
engagement, and, without waiting for his excuses, quitted the room.

Left together, Hardyman and Miss Pink devised an arrangement which
paid due respect to Isabel's scruples, and at the same time met Lady
Lydiard's insulting assertion of disbelief in Hardyman's honor, by a
formal and public announcement of the marriage.

It was proposed to give a garden party at the farm in a week's time
for the express purpose of introducing Isabel to Hardyman's family and
friends in the character of his betrothed wife. If his father and mother
accepted the invitation, Isabel's only objection to hastening the union
would fall to the ground. Hardyman might, in that case, plead with his
Imperial correspondent for a delay in his departure of a few days more;
and the marriage might still take place before he left England. Isabel,
at Miss Pink's intercession, was induced to accept her lover's excuses,
and, in the event of her favorable reception by Hardyman's parents at
the farm, to give her consent (not very willingly even yet) to hastening
the ceremony which was to make her Hardyman's wife.

On the next morning the whole of the invitations were sent out,
excepting the invitation to Hardyman's father and mother. Without
mentioning it to Isabel, Hardyman decided on personally appealing to
his mother before he ventured on taking the head of the family into his
confidence.

The result of the interview was partially successful--and no more. Lord
Rotherfield declined to see his youngest son; and he had engagements
which would, under any circumstances, prevent his being present at the
garden party. But at the express request of Lady Rotherfield, he was
willing to make certain concessions.

"I have always regarded Alfred as a barely sane person," said his
Lordship, "since he turned his back on his prospects to become a horse
dealer. If we decline altogether to sanction this new act--I won't say,
of insanity, I will say, of absurdity--on his part, it is impossible to
predict to what discreditable extremities he may not proceed. We must
temporise with Alfred. In the meantime I shall endeavor to