"I was in search of an eligible estate to invest money in, and East Lynne suited me." "I feel my position, Mr.Carlyle," she resumed, the rebellious fears forcing themselves to her eyes; "thus to be intruding upon you for a shelter.

And I cannot help myself." "You can help grieving me," he gently answered, "which you do much when you talk of obligation.

The obligation is on my side, Lady Isabel; and when I express a hope that you will continue at East Lynne while it can be of service, however prolonged that period may be, I assure you, I say it in all sincerity." "You are very kind," she faltered; "and for a few days; until I can think; until--Oh, Mr.Carlyle, are papa's affairs really so bad as they said yesterday ?" she broke off, her perplexities recurring to her with vehement force.

"Is there nothing left ?" Now Mr.Carlyle might have given the evasive assurance that there would be plenty left, just to tranquilize her.

But to have used deceit with her would have pricked against every feeling of his nature; and he saw how implicitly she relied upon his truth.
"I fear things are not very bright," he answered.