hair, and his white teeth; but to a keen observer those features had not
an attractive expression, and the dark eyes had a great knack of looking
away while he spoke to you. It was Francis, Captain Levison.

He was grandson to the old lady, and first cousin to Mrs. Vane. Few men
were so fascinating in manners, at times and seasons, in face and in
form, few men won so completely upon their hearers' ears, and few were
so heartless in their hearts of hearts. The world courted him, and
society honored him; for, though he was a graceless spendthrift, and it
was known that he was, he was the presumptive heir to the old and rich
Sir Peter Levison.

The ancient lady spoke up, "Captain Levison, Lady Isabel Vane." They
both acknowledged the introduction; and Isabel, a child yet in the ways
of the world, flushed crimson at the admiring looks cast upon her by the
young guardsman. Strange--strange that she should make the acquaintance
of these two men in the same day, almost in the same hour; the two, of
all the human race, who were to exercise so powerful an influence over
her future life!

"That's a pretty cross, child," cried Mrs. Levison as Isabel stood by
her when tea was over, and she and Mrs. Vane were about to depart on
their evening visit.

She alluded to a golden cross, set with seven emeralds, which Isabel
wore on her neck. It was of light, delicate texture, and was suspended
from a thin, short, gold chain.

"Is it not pretty?" answered Isabel. "It was given me by my dear mamma
just before she died. Stay, I will take it off for you. I only wear it