Newton could contain himself no longer.  “My dear Miss Revel, let me persuade you to compose yourself,” said he, taking her hand, which was not withdrawn.  “If you feel on this occasion, so do I most deeply—­most deeply, because I can only lament, and dare not offer to assist you.  The means of returning to your own country I can easily procure from Captain Drawlock; but would you accept it from me?  I know—­I cannot expect that you would; and that, under such circumstances, it would be insulting in me to offer it.  Think, then, what pain I must feel to witness your distress, and yet dare not offer to assist one for whom—­oh! my God—­” ended Newton, checking his feelings.

“I feel the kindness and the delicacy of your conduct, Mr Forster; and I will candidly acknowledge, that, could I accept it, there is no one to whom I would more cheerfully be under an obligation; but the world will not permit it.”

“What shall I do, Miss Revel?—­shall I go for Captain Drawlock?”

“Stay a little while; I wish to reflect.  What would you advise?—­as a friend, tell me candidly, Mr Forster.”

“I am indeed proud that you allow me that title.  It is all that I ever dare hope for; but Isabel (I beg your pardon, Miss Revel, I should have said)—­”

“Nay, nay, I am not displeased.  Why not Isabel?  We have known one another long enough; and, deserted as I feel, a kind word now—­”

Isabel covered her face with her hand.  Newton, who was standing by her, was overcome by the intensity of his feelings; gradually they approached nearer, until by, I suppose, the same principle which holds the universe together—­the attraction of cohesion—­Newton’s arm encircled the waist of Isabel, and she sobbed upon his shoulder.  It was with difficulty that Newton refrained from pouring out his soul, and expressing the ardent love which he had so long felt for her; but it was taking advantage of her situation.  He had nothing to offer but himself and beggary.  He did refrain.  The words were not spoken; yet Isabel divined his thoughts, appreciated his forbearance, and loved him more for his resolution.

“Isabel,” said Newton, at length, with a sigh, “I never valued or wished for wealth till now.  Till this hour I never felt the misery of being poor.”

“I believe you, Mr Forster; and I am grateful, as I know that it is for my sake that you feel it; but,” continued she, recovering herself, “crying will do no good.  I asked you for your advice, and you have only given me your arm.”

“I am afraid it is all I shall ever have to offer,” replied Newton.  “But, Isabel, allow me to ask you one question:—­Are you resolved never to enter your relation’s house?”

“Not on the humiliating terms which he has proposed.  Let the colonel come here for me and take me home with him, and then I will remain there until I can return to England; if not, I will submit to any privation, to any honest humiliation, rather than enter under his roof.  But, indeed, Mr Forster, it is necessary that Captain Drawlock should be summoned.  We are here alone:  it is not correct:  you must feel that it is not.”