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 Indiaman; then you shall marry her, and become the heir to my whole fortune. Now you understand me. May I ask what are your objec

tions?"

"None, sir, but what I have already statedmy 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?"

66

Humph!"

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

66

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."

CHAPTER XIV.

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 des

tination.

The letter did however come to hand two days before Isabel, and Mrs. Enderby arrived at the metropolis, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Revel, who imagined that her daughter had returned pennyless, to be a sharer of her limited income. She complained to Mr. Heaviside, who as usual stepped in, not so much from any regard for Mrs. Revel, but to while away the time of a fur niente old bachelor.

"Only think, Mr. Heaviside," said the lady, who was stretched on a sofa supported on pillows," Isabel has returned from India. Here is a letter I have just received, signed by her maiden name! Her sisters so well married too! Surely she might have stayed out with one of them! I wonder how she got the money to pay her passage home! Dear me! what shall I do with her?"

"If I may be allowed to see the letter, Mrs. Revel," said the old gentleman-

"Oh, certainly, it's nothing but a note.”

Mr. Heaviside read the contents.

“There is very little in it indeed, Mrs. Revel; not a word about the colonel, or why she left India. Perhaps the colonel may be dead."

"Then she might have gone to live with one of her sisters, Mr. Heaviside."

"But perhaps he may have left her some property."

"And do you, a sensible man, think that if such was the case, my daughter would not have mentioned it in her note? Impossible, Mr. Heaviside !"

"She may intend to surprise you, Mrs. Revel." "She has surprised me," replied the lady, falling back upon the pillows.

"Well, Mrs. Revel, you will soon ascertain the facts. I wish you a good morning, and will pay my devoirs in a day or two to inquire after your health, and hear what has taken place."

To defray the expenses attending the “ consignment" of the three Miss Revels to India,