dominated by that uncivilized creature."

"Dido has nothing to do with my refusal," said the widow, coldly, "and although I take her advice in some things I do not in this. I do not wish Isabella to marry you, and I request you to leave my house--"

"Mother!" cried Isabella, with a pale face.

"And never come back to it again!" finished Mrs. Dallas, sharply.

Maurice went to the window of the room which opened on to the veranda and put on his hat.

"As a gentleman, I must accept your dismissal," he said, quietly; "but I decline to give up Isabella."

"And I," cried the girl, "swear to remain true to Maurice."

"You'll do nothing of the sort," said her mother, violently. "I forbid you even to think of that young man. You shall marry whom I choose."

"Dr. Etwald, I suppose?"

"No. Mr. Sarby."

"David!" ejaculated Maurice, in an astonished tone. "You wish Isabella to marry him?"

"Yes. He loves Isabella much more than you do, and he asked permission--which you didn't--to pay his addresses to her. I consented, and so," Mrs. Dallas raised her voice, "he shall marry her."

"I refuse to marry Mr. Sarby," said Isabella, vehemently. "I hate him!"

"That is no matter," replied her mother, coldly. "You must marry him."

"Must!" repeated Maurice, with great indignation.

"Yes, Mr. Alymer. Must! Must! Must! If you want an explanation of that you can ask--" Here Mrs. Dallas paused with a strange smile and added slowly: "Major Jen."

"The major! My guardian!" cried Alymer, quite thunderstruck. "Is he against me?"

"Ask him."

"I don't believe it."

"Ask him," repeated Mrs. Dallas.

 Prev. P 34/157 next