untried to find the proof of it." He turned aside again, and had another
look at the Japanese vase.

As the lawyer withdrew himself from observation, Moody approached
Isabel.

Thus far he had stood apart, watching her and listening to her in
silence. Not a look that had crossed her face, not a word that
had fallen from her, had escaped him. Unconsciously on her side,
unconsciously on his side, she now wrought on his nature with a
purifying and ennobling influence which animated it with a new life.
All that had been selfish and violent in his passion for her left him to
return no more. The immeasurable devotion which he laid at her feet, in
the days that were yet to come--the unyielding courage which cheerfully
accepted the sacrifice of himself when events demanded it at a later
period of his life--struck root in him now. Without attempting to
conceal the tears that were falling fast over his cheeks--striving
vainly to express those new thoughts in him that were beyond the reach
of words--he stood before her the truest friend and servant that ever
woman had.

"Oh, my dear! my heart is heavy for you. Take me to serve you and help
you. Her Ladyship's kindness will permit it, I am sure."

He could say no more. In those simple words the cry of his heart reached
her. "Forgive me, Robert," she answered, gratefully, "if I said anything
to pain you when we spoke together a little while since. I didn't mean
it." She gave him her hand, and looked timidly over her shoulder at Lady
Lydiard. "Let me go!" she said, in low, broken tones, "Let me go!"