He found no difficulty now in getting the opportunity.  She was equally anxious, and as well disposed to acknowledge her anxiety.  After what had passed between them she was not desirous of pretending that the matter was of small moment to herself.  She had told him that it was all the world to her, and had begged him to let her know her fate as quickly as possible.  On that last Monday morning they were in the grounds together, and Lady Mabel, who was walking with Mrs Finn, saw them pass through a little gate which led from the gardens into the Priory ruins.  ’It all means nothing,’ Mabel said with a little laugh to her companion.

‘If so, I am sorry for the young lady,’ said Mrs Finn.

’Don’t you think that one always has to be sorry for the young ladies?  Young ladies generally have a bad time of it.  Did you ever hear of a gentleman who always had to roll a stone to the top of a hill, but it would always come back on him?’

‘That gentleman I believe never succeeded,’ said Mrs Finn.  ’The young ladies sometimes do, I suppose.’

In the meantime Isabel and Silverbridge were among the ruins together.  ‘This is where the old Pallisers used to be buried,’ he said.

‘Oh, indeed.  And married, I suppose.’

’I daresay.  They had a priest of their own, no doubt, which must have been convenient.  This block of a fellow without any legs is supposed to represent Sir Guy.  He ran away with half-a-dozen heiresses, they say.  I wish things were as easily done now.’

’Nobody should have to run away with me.  I have no idea of going on such a journey except on terms of equality,—­just step and step alike.’  Then she took hold of his arm and put out one foot.  ’Are you ready?’

‘I am very willing.’

’But are you ready,—­for a straightforward walk off to the church before all the world?  None of your private chaplains, such as Sir Guy had at his command.  Just the registrar, if there is nothing better,—­so that it be public before all the world.’

‘I wish we could start this instant.’

‘But we can’t,—­can we?’

‘No, dear.  So many things have to be settled.’

‘And what have you settled on since you last spoke to me?’

‘I have told your father everything.’

’Yes;—­I know that.  What good does that do?  Father is not a Duke of Omnium.  No one supposed that he would object.’

‘But he did,’ said Silverbridge.

’Yes;—­as I do,—­for the same reason; because he would not have his daughter creep in at a hole.  But to your own father you have not ventured to speak.’  Then he told his story, as best he knew how.  It was not that he feared his father, but that he felt that the present moment was not fit.  ’He wishes you to marry that Lady Mabel Grex,’ she said.  He nodded his head.  ’And you will marry her?’

’Never!  I might have done so, had I not seen you.  I should have done so, if she had been willing.  But now I never can,—­never, never.’  Her hand had dropped from his arm, but now she put it up again for a moment, so that he might feel the pressure of her fingers.  ‘Say that you believe me.’