he put his hands behind his back, and paced up and down the room, for
some moments. He then came towards her, and said, in a very kind
tone, 'Isabel, my dear, I sent for you first, because I knew your own
mother very well, my dear; and though Lady Conway is very kind, and
has always done you justice,--that I will always say for her,--yet
there are times when it may make a difference to a young woman
whether she has her own mother or not.'

Isabel's heart was beating. She was certain that some discovery had
been made, and longed to explain; but she was wise enough not to
speak in haste, and waited to see how the old gentleman would finally
break it to her. He blundered on a little longer, becoming more
confused and distressed every minute, and at last came to the point
abruptly. 'In short, Isabel, my dear, what can you have done to set
people saying that you have been corresponding with the young men at
Ebbscreek?'

'I sent a note to my cousin Fitzjocelyn last night,' said Isabel,
with such calmness, that the old gentleman fairly stood with his
mouth open, looking at her aghast.

'Fitzjocelyn! Then it is Fitzjocelyn, is it?' he exclaimed. 'Then,
why could he not set about it openly and honourably? Does his father
object? I would not have thought it of you, Isabel, nor of the lad
neither!'

'You need not think it, dear Mr. Mansell. There is nothing between
Lord Fitzjocelyn and myself but the warmest friendship.'

'Isabel! Isabel! why are you making mysteries? I do not wish to pry