The voice which I did more esteem
Than music in her sweetest key--
Those eyes which unto me did seem
More comfortable than the day--
Those now by me, as they have been,
Shall never more be heard or seen.
GEORGE WITHER.


In suspense and impatience, Fitzjocelyn awaited the end of his
father's breakfast, that he might hasten to learn what ailed Mary.
The post came in, vexing him at first merely as an additional delay,
but presently a sound of dissatisfaction attracted his notice to the
foreign air of two envelopes which had been forwarded from home.

'Hem!' said the Earl, gravely, 'I am afraid this fellow Ponsonby will
give us some trouble.'

'Then Mary had heard from him!' cried Louis. 'She was keeping it
from me, not to spoil the day. I must go to her this moment--'but
pausing again, 'What is it? He cannot have had my letter!'

'No, but he seems to have anticipated it. Puffed up as they are
about these speculations, he imagines me to have brought Mary home
for no purpose but to repair our fortunes; and informs me that, in
the event of your marriage, she will receive not a farthing beyond
her mother's settlements. I am much obliged! It is all I ever
thought you would receive; and but for me, it would have been in the
bottom of some mine long ago! Do you wish to see what he says?'