For God's sake, take care you do not fall a victim next to the designs of a profligate man.

Come to me instantly, Isabel, and I promise to take care of you." Fortified by these letters, and aided by Miss Pink's indignation, Hardyman pressed his proposal on Isabel with renewed resolution.

She made no attempt to combat his arguments--she only held firmly to her decision.

Without some encouragement from Hardyman's father and mother she still steadily refused to become his wife.

Irritated already by Lady Lydiard's letters, he lost the self-command which so eminently distinguished him in the ordinary affairs of life, and showed the domineering and despotic temper which was an inbred part of his disposition.