On his return, Ives made his proposals, as related; and although warmly backed by the recommendations of the aunt, he was refused.  Out of delicacy the wishes of Isabel had not been mentioned by her clerical lover, and the admiral supposed he had only complied with his agreement with the general, without in any manner affecting the happiness of his daughter by his answer.  But the feelings which prompted the request still remained in full vigor in the lovers; and Isabel now, with many blushes and some hesitation of utterance, made George fully acquainted with the state of her heart, giving him at the same time to understand that he was the only obstacle to her happiness.

It cannot be supposed that George heard her without pain or mortification.  The struggle with self-love was a severe one, but his better feelings prevailed, and he assured the anxious Isabel that from his importunities she had nothing to apprehend in future.  The grateful girl overwhelmed him with thanks, and George had to fly ere he repented of his own generosity.

Miss Howell intimated, in the course of her narrative, that a better understanding existed between their parents than the caution of the general had discovered to his unsuspecting child, and George was determined to know the worst at once.

At supper he mentioned, as if in remembrance of his father’s injunction, that he had been to take his leave of Miss Howell, since he found his visits gave uneasiness to her friends.  “On the whole,” he added, endeavoring to yawn carelessly, “I believe I shall visit there no more.”

“Nay, nay,” returned Sir Frederick, a little displeased at his son’s obedience, “I meant no such thing.  Neither the admiral nor myself, has the least objection to your visiting in moderation; indeed, you may marry the girl with all our hearts, if you can agree.”

“But we can’t agree, I take it,” said George, looking up at the wall.

“Why not? what hinders?’ cried his father unguardedly.

“Only—­only I don’t like her,” said the son, tossing off a glass of wine, which nearly strangled him.

“You don’t,” cried the general with great warmth, thrown entirely off his guard by this unexpected declaration “and may I presume to ask the reason why you do not like Miss Howell, sir?”

“Oh! you know, one never pretends to give a reason for this sort of feeling, my dear sir.”

“Then,” cried his father with increasing heat, “you must allow me to say, my dear sir, that the sooner you get rid of these sort of feelings the better.  I choose you shall not only like, but love Miss Howell; and this I have promised her father.”

“I thought that the admiral was displeased with my coming to his house so much—­or did I not understand you this morning?”

“I know nothing of his displeasure, and care less.  He has agreed that Isabel shall be your wife, and I have passed my word to the engagement; and if, sir, you wish to be considered as my son, you will prepare to comply.”