Why Isa Gernon Avoided Brace.
Lord Maudlaine had indeed left the Castle, but not for the reason Brace Norton had hoped. The time was getting on, and a hint or two to that effect from his friend in London had induced him to seek an opportunity for speaking to Isa alone.
The opportunity was soon afforded him, for Sir Murray, guessing his wish, and himself anxious that the marriage should take place, left them one evening together in the drawing-room, while he sought his study, where, a quarter of an hour after, the Viscount came to him.
“What! so soon?” said Sir Murray.
“Utter refusal—appeal to my feelings—impossible to accept me—and all that sort of thing,” said the Viscount, angrily. “I’m being played with, Sir Murray Gernon,” he exclaimed, bitterly—“led on and trifled with!”
“Are you willing to take her as she is—to risk all?” said Sir Murray, quietly.
“Quite—yes, of course,” said his lordship.
“Stay here, then, till I return,” said Sir Murray.
He went to the drawing-room, where he found Isa, vainly striving to keep back her tears.