He turned to Isabel as he spoke, to hand her downstairs. Thus she was
conducted to her carriage the second time that night by a stranger.
Mrs. Vane got down by herself, as she best could, and her temper was not
improved by the process.

"Good-night," said she to the captain.

"I shall not say good-night. You will find me there almost as soon as
you."

"You told me you were not coming. Some bachelor's party in the way."

"Yes, but I have changed my mind. Farewell for the present, Lady
Isabel."

"What an object you will look, with nothing on your neck but a
schoolgirl's chain!" began Mrs. Vane, returning to the grievance as the
carriage drove on.

"Oh, Mrs. Vane, what does it signify? I can only think of my broken
cross. I am sure it must be an evil omen."

"An evil--what?"

"An evil omen. Mamma gave me that cross when she was dying. She told me
to let it be to me as a talisman, always to keep it safely; and when I
was in any distress, or in need of counsel, to look at it and strive to
recall what her advice would be, and to act accordingly. And now it is
broken--broken!"