She was courteous and affable--she was so to every one--and the poor music master took courage to speak of his own affairs, and to prefer a humble request--that she and Lord Mount Severn would patronize and personally attend a concert he was about to give the following week.

A scarlet blush came into his thin cheeks as he confessed that he was very poor, could scarcely live, and he was getting up this concert in his desperate need.

If it succeeded well, he could then go on again; if not, he should be turned out of his home, and his furniture sold for the two years' rent he owed--and he had seven children.
Isabel, all her sympathies awakened, sought the earl.

"Oh, papa! I have to ask you the greatest favor.

Will you grant it ?" "Ay, child, you don't ask them often.