n it, as your nearest relative;
and, what is more, even the sacred memories of your father and mother
might feel the slur cast on them." This exaggerated language--like all
exaggerated language, a mischievous weapon in the arsenal of weakness
and prejudice--had its effect on Isabel. Reluctantly and sadly, she
consented to be silent.

Miss Pink wrote word of the engagement to Moody first; reserving to a
later day the superior pleasure of informing Lady Lydiard of the very
event which that audacious woman had declared to be impossible. To her
aunt's surprise, just as she was about to close the envelope Isabel
stepped forward, and inconsistently requested leave to add a postscript
to the very letter which she had refused to write! Miss Pink was not
even permitted to see the postscript. Isabel secured the envelope the
moment she laid down her pen, and retired to her room with a headache
(which was heartache in disguise) for the rest of the day.

While the question of marriage was still in debate, an event occurred
which exercised a serious influence on Hardyman's future plans.

He received a letter from the Continent which claimed his immediate
attention. One of the sovereigns of Europe had decided on making some
radical changes in the mounting and equipment of a cavalry regiment;
and he required the assistance of Hardyman in that important part of the
contemplated reform which was connected with the choice and purchase
of horses. Setting his own interests out of the question, Hardyman owed
obligations to the kindness of his illustrious correspondent which made
it impossible for him to send an excuse. In a fortnight's time, at the
latest, it would be necessary for him to leave England; and a month or
more might elapse before it would be possible for him to return.

Under these circumstances, he proposed, in his own precipitate way, to
hasten the date of the marriage. The necessary legal delay would permit
the ceremony to be performed on that day fortnight. Isabel might then
accompany him on his journey, and spend a brilliant honeymoon at the
foreign Court. She at once refused, not only to accept his proposal, but
even to take it into consideration. While Miss Pink dwelt eloquently on
the shortness of the notice, Miss Pink's niece based her resolution
on far more important grounds. Hardyman had not yet announced the
contemplated marriage to his parents and friends; and Isabel was
determined not to become his wife until sh