“Then there were sighs, the deeper for suppression,
    And stolen glances, sweeter for the theft,
  And burning blushes, though for no transgression,
    Tremblings when met, and restlessness when left. 
  All these are little preludes to possession,
    Of which young passion cannot be bereft,
  And merely tend to show how greatly love is
    Embarrassed, at first starting, with a novice.”

       BYRON.

It was in no very happy frame of mind that Newton quitted the colonel’s house to execute his mission to the Miss Revels.  That the two eldest, provided they were admitted, would not much take to heart either the conduct of their father or the coolness of their relation, he was pretty well assured; but he was too well acquainted with Isabel’s character not to know that she would deeply feel the humiliating situation in which she was placed, and that it would prey upon her generous and sensitive mind.  As, however, there was no remedy, he almost congratulated himself that, as the colonel’s message was to be delivered, the commission had been placed in his trust.

Captain Drawlock, tired of waiting, had escorted the young ladies on shore to the hotel, anxiously expecting the arrival of Newton, who was conducted there by a messenger despatched to intercept him.

“Well, Mr Forster, is it all right?” said Captain Drawlock, on his appearance.

“The colonel’s carriage will be here for the ladies in less than half an hour,” replied Newton, evasively.

“Then, Miss Revels, as I am extremely busy, I shall wish you good-morning, and will have the pleasure of paying my respects before I sail.  Allow me to offer you my best thanks for your company during our voyage, and to assure you how much your presence has contributed to enliven it.  Forster, you will, of course, remain with the Miss Revels, and see them safe in the carriage;” and Captain Drawlock, who appeared to consider his responsibility over with the voyage, shook hands with them, and quitted the hotel.

“Mr Forster,” said Isabel, as soon as Captain Drawlock was out of hearing, “I am sure, by your countenance, that there has been something unpleasant.  Is it not so?”

“I am sorry to answer in the affirmative, and more sorry to be forced to impart the cause.”  Newton then entered into a detail of what had passed at the colonel’s house.  Isabel listened to it with attention, her sisters with impatience.  Miss Charlotte, with an air of consternation, inquired whether the colonel had refused to receive them:  on being informed to the contrary, she appeared to be satisfied.  Laura simpered, and observed, “How very odd of papa!” and then seemed to think no more about it.  Isabel made no observation; she remained on her chair, apparently in deep and painful thought.

A few minutes after the communication the colonel’s carriage made its appearance, and Newton proposed that they should quit the hotel.  Charlotte and Laura were all ready and impatient, but Isabel remained seated by the table.