"_Be_ silent, then; but give me one look, one glance of hope, of pardon, from those dear eyes, and I ask no more." Isora's whole frame seemed sinking beneath her emotions; she raised her head, and looked hurriedly and fearfully round; my eye followed hers, and I then saw upon the damp ground the recent print of a man's footstep, not my own: and close to the spot where I had found Isora lay a man's glove.

A pang shot through me; I felt my eyes flash fire, and my brow darken, as I turned to Isora and said, "I see it; I see all: I have a rival, who has but just left you; you love me not; your affections are for him!" Isora sobbed violently, but made no reply.

"You love him," said I, but in a milder and more mournful tone, "you love him; it is enough; I will persecute you no more; and yet--" I paused a moment, for the remembrance of many a sign, which my heart had interpreted flatteringly, flashed upon me, and my voice faltered.

"Well, I have no right to murmur--only, Isora--only tell me with your lips that you love another, and I will depart in peace." Very slowly Isora turned her eyes to me, and even through her tears they dwelt upon me with a tender and a soft reproach.
"You love another ?" said I; and from her lips, which scarcely parted, came a single word which thrilled to my heart like fire,--"No!" "No!" I repeated, "no?
say that again, and again; yet who then is this that has dared so to agitate and overpower you?
Who is he whom you have met, and whom, even now while I speak, you tremble to hear me recur to?
Answer me one word: is it this mysterious stranger whom your father honours with his friendship?
is it Barnard ?" Alarm and fear again wholly engrossed the expression of Isora's countenance.
"Barnard!" she said; "yes--yes--it is Barnard!" "Who is he ?" I cried vehemently; "who or what is he; and of what nature is his influence upon you?
Confide in me," and I poured forth a long tide of inquiry and solicitation.
By the time I had ended, Isora seemed to have recovered herself.

With her softness was mingled something of spirit and self-control, which was rare alike in her country and her sex.
"Listen to me!" said she, and her voice, which faltered a little at first, grew calm and firm as she proceeded.