“You’ll excuse me, sir,” said Newton.

  “I’ll be damned if I do, sir!” interrupted the colonel, in a rage; “who the devil are you? — and how dare you presume to play off such impertinent jokes upon a stranger? — Where did you come from, sir? — How did you get in, sir?”

  “Is that a joke, sir?” replied Newton, calmly pointing to the snake, which was still hissing in its wrath at the corner of the room where the chair lay. Newton then briefly explained the circumstances.

  “Sir, I beg your pardon a thousand times, and am very much your debtor. It is the most venomous snake that we have in the country. I trust you will accept my apology for a moment’s irritation; and, at the same time, my sincere thanks.” The colonel then summoned the servants, who provided themselves with bamboos, and soon despatched the object which had occasioned the misunderstanding. The colonel then apologised to Newton, while he repaired to the bath, and in a few minutes returned, having undergone the necessary ablution after a mango feast. His dress was changed, and he offered the appearance of an upright gentlemanlike, hard-featured man, who had apparently gone through a great deal of service without his stamina having been much impaired.

  “I beg your pardon, my dear sir, for detaining you. May I request the pleasure of your name, and the occasion of your providential visit.”

  “I have a letter for you, sir,” replied Newton, who had been intrusted with the one which Mr Revel had given to his daughters on their embarkation.

  “Oh! a letter of introduction. It is now quite superfluous; you have already introduced yourself.”

  “No sir, it is not a letter of recommendation in my behalf; but to announce the arrival of your three grand-nieces — daughters of the Honourable Mr Revel — in the Bombay Castle, the ship to which I belong.”

  “What?” roared the colonel, “my three grand-nieces! daughters of Mr Revel!”

  “So I have understood from them, sir.”

  The colonel tore open the letter, in which Mr Revel very coolly informed him that not having received any answer to his former epistles on the subject, he presumed that they had miscarried, and had therefore been induced in consequence of the difficulties which he laboured under to send his daughters out to his kind protection. The colonel, as soon as he had finished the perusal of the letter, tore it into pieces again and again, every renewed action showing an increase of excitement. He then threw the fragments on the floor, stamping upon them in an ecstasy of rage.

  “The damned scoundrel! — the villain! — the rascal! — Do you know, sir, that when I was last in England, this fellow swindled me out of a thousand pounds? Yes, sir, a thousand pounds, by God! promised to pay me in three weeks; and when I was coming back, and asked for my money, he laughed at me, and ordered his servant not to let me in. And now he has sent out his three daughters to me — pawned them off upon me, laughing I suppose in his sleeve, as he did when he cheated me before. I’ll not receive them, by God! they may find their way back again how they can;” and the colonel paced the room up and down, throwing his arms about in his fury.

  Newton waited some time before he ventured to make any observation; indeed he was so astonished at such unheard-of proceeding, and so shocked at the unfortunate situation of Isabel, that he hardly knew what to say.

  “Am I then to inform the young ladies that you will not receive them?”

  “You don’t know me, sir. — When did I ever receive a woman into my house? They are all alike, sir. — Plotted with their father, I’ll answer for, with the hopes of getting husbands. Tell them, sir, that I’ll see them damned first — swindling scoundrel! — first cheats me out of a thousand pounds, and then tries to cheat me into providing for his family!”

  Newton paused a little, to allow the colonel’s wrath to subside, and then observed— “I never was so much distressed as to be the bearer of your message. The young ladies are certainly no parties to their father’s dishonesty, and are in a situation much to be pitied. In a foreign country, thousands of miles from their friends, without means of subsistence, or of paying their passage home. What is to become of them?”

  “I don’t care.”

  “That your indignation is just, Colonel Revel, I admit; — but allowing that you will not receive them, how are they to return home? Captain Drawlock, I am sure, would give them a passage; but we proceed to China. Poor girls!” continued Newton, with a sigh. “I should like to make a remark, Colonel Revel, if it were not considered too great a liberty in a stranger.”

  “You have already taken a liberty, which in all probability has saved my life. I shall be happy to listen to any remark that you may wish to offer.”

  “It was, sir, that reprehensible as their father’s conduct may be, common humanity, and a regard for your own character, will hardly warrant their being left thus destitute. They at least are your relations, and have neither offended nor deceived you; on the contrary, are, with you, joint victims of their father’s deception.”

  “You appear to take a great interest in these young ladies,” observed the colonel, sharply.

  “If I had never seen them, sir, their present unfortunate dilemma would be sufficient. Knowing them intimately as I do, I must say, that this intelligence will be to one; at least, a death-blow. I would to God that I were able to assist and to protect her!”

  “Very handsome then I presume?” replied the colonel, with a sneer.

  “She certainly is, sir; but it was not admiration of her beauty which occasioned the remark. If you knew her, sir, you would be as sorry to part with her, as you now appear to be to receive her.”

  The colonel continued to pace the room, but with less violence than before. Newton observed this, and therefore was silent, hoping that reflection would induce him to alter his resolution. In a few minutes, apparently forgetting the presence of Newton, the colonel commenced talking to himself aloud, muttering out the following detached phrases:

  “Must take them in by God! Couldn’t show my face — nowhere — damned scoundrel! Keep them here till next ship — till they are as yellow as gamboge, then send them home — revenge in that.”

  Thus did the old gentleman mutter loud enough for Newton to overhear. A few minutes more were spent in perambulation, when he threw himself into the chair.

  “I think, my young acquaintance, you appear to be interested for these relations of mine; or at least for one of them.”

  “I certainly am, sir; and so is every one who is acquainted with her.”

  “Well, I am glad to hear that there is one good out of the three. I have been put in a passion — no wonder; and I have said more than should be repeated. Were it known that these girls had been sent out to me in this way, the laugh would be raised against me, as it is known that I am not very partial to women; and it would also be of serious injury to them and their prospects. I have determined upon receiving them, for the best of all possible reasons — I can’t help myself. You will therefore add to the obligations of this day, by saying nothing about what has been made known to you.”

  “Most certainly, sir; I will pledge you my honour, if it is requested.”

  “When I say not mention it, I mean to other parties; but to the girls, I must request you to state the facts. I will not have them come here, pawing and fondling, and wheedling me as an old bachelor, with a few lacks of rupees to be coaxed out of. It would make me sick; I detest women and their ways. Now if they are informed of the real state of the case, that they are here only on sufferance; that I neither wished nor want them; and that I have been imposed upon by their scoundrel of a father, I may keep them at the other end of the bungalo, and not be annoyed with their company; until, upon plea of bad health, or some other excuse, I can pay their passage back again.”

  “Could you not state these facts yourself, sir?”

  “No, I never meddle with women; besides, it is better that they should know it before they come here. If you will promise me what I now request, why I will consent to give them house-room; if not, they may stay where they are. It will be but a few days laugh at me, or abuse of me, I care little which.”

  “Well, sir, unpleasant as this intelligence must be, their present suspense is still more so. You will allow me to disclose it in as delicate a manner as possible.”

  “You may be as refined as you please, provided that you tell the exact truth, which I am convinced that you will, by your countenance.”

  “Then I will take my leave, sir,” replied Newton.

  “Fare you well, my dear sir; recollect that my house is your home; and although not fond of the society of women, I shall be delighted with yours. The young ladies may be brought on shore to the hotel, and I will send a carriage for them. Good-bye. — What is your name?”

  “Forster, sir.”

  “Good-bye then, Mr Forster, for the present;” and the colonel quitted the room.

  Chapter Two.

  Then there were sighs, the deeper for suppression,

  And stolen glances, sweeter for the theft,

  And burning blushes, though for no transgression.

  Tremblings when met, and restlessness when left.

  All these are little preludes to possession,

  Of which young passion cannot be bereft,

  And merely tend to show how greatly love is

  Embarrassed, at first starting, with a novice.

  Byron.

  It was in no very happy frame of mind that Newton quitted the colonel’s house to execute his mission to the Miss Revels. That the two eldest, provided they were admitted, would not much take to heart, either the conduct of their father, or the coolness of their relation, he was pretty well assured; but he was too well acquainted with Isabel’s character, not to know that she would deeply feel the humiliating situation in which she was placed, and that it would prey upon her generous and sensitive mind. As, however, there was no remedy, he almost congratulated himself that, as the colonel’s message was to be delivered, the commission had been placed in his trust.

  Captain Drawlock, tired of waiting, had escorted the young ladies on shore to the hotel, anxiously expecting the arrival of Newton, who was conducted there by a messenger despatched to intercept him.

  “Well, Mr Forster, is it all right?” said Captain Drawlock, on his appearance.

  “The colonel’s carriage will be here for the ladies in less than half an hour,” replied Newton, evasively.

  “Then, Miss Revels, as I am extremely busy, I shall wish you good morning, and will have the pleasure of paying my respects before I sail. Allow me to offer you my best thanks for your company during our voyage, and to assure you how much your presence has contributed to enliven it. Forster, you will of course remain with the Miss Revels, and see them safe in the carriage;” and Captain Drawlock, who appeared to consider his responsibility over with the voyage, shook hands with them and quitted the hotel.

  “Mr Forster,” said Isabel, as soon as Captain Drawlock was out of hearing, “I am sure by your countenance that there has been something unpleasant. Is it not so?”

  “I am sorry to answer in the affirmative, and more sorry to be forced to impart the cause.” Newton then entered into a detail of what had passed at the colonel’s house. Isabel listened to it with attention, her sisters with impatience. Miss Charlotte, with an air of consternation, inquired whether the colonel had refused to receive them: on being informed to the contrary, she appeared to be satisfied. Laura simpered, and observed, “How very odd of papa!” and then seemed to think no more about it. Isabel made no observation; she remained on her chair, apparently in deep and painful thought.

  A few minutes after the communication the colonel’s carriage made its appearance, and Newton proposed that they should quit the hotel. Charlotte and Laura were all ready and impatient, but Isabel remained seated by the table.

  “Come, Isabel,” cried Charlotte.

  “I cannot go, my dear Charlotte,” replied Isabel; “but do not let me prevent you or Laura from deciding for yourselves.”

  “Not go!” cried the two sisters at once. Isabel was firm; and Newton, who did not think himself authorised to interfere, was a silent witness to the continued persuasions and expostulations of the two elder, and the refusal of the younger sister. Nearly half an hour thus passed away when Charlotte and Laura decided that they would go, and send back the carriage for Isabel, who by that time would have come to her senses. The heartless, unthinking girls tripped gaily down to the carriage, and drove off. Newton, who had escorted them, retraced his steps, with a beating heart, to the room where he had left Isabel.

  She was in tears.

  “Do I intrude, Miss Revel?” said Newton, who could not repress his emotion at the sight.

  “Oh, no! I expected and wished that you would return, Mr Forster. Do you think that you could find Captain Drawlock? I should feel much obliged if you would take that trouble for me.”

  “I will immediately go in search of him, if you wish it. Believe me, Miss Revel, I feel most sincerely for your situation; and, if it were not considered an impertinent question, I should ask you what may be your present intentions?”

  “Acquainted as you are with all the circumstances, Mr Forster, the question is not impertinent, but kind. God knows that I require an adviser. I would, if possible, conceal the facts from Captain Drawlock. It is not for a daughter to publish a father’s errors; but you know all, and I can therefore have no scruple in consulting with you: I do not see why I should. My resolution is, at best a hasty one; but it is, never to enter the house of my relation, under such humiliating circumstances — that is decided: but how to act, or what to do, is where I require advice. I am in a cruel situation. What a helpless creature is a woman! Were I a man, I could have worked my passage home; or have honestly obtained my bread in this place; but a woman — a young and unprotected woman — in a distant clime, and without a friend—”

  “Do not say that you are without a friend; one who has at least the will, if not the power to serve you,” replied Newton.

  “No — not without a friend; but what avails a friend whose assistance I could not accept? It is to Captain Drawlock, therefore, that I must apply, and, painful as it may be, throw myself upon his generosity; for that reason I wished to see him. He may advise some means by which I may obtain a passage home. I will return in any capacity, as a nurse to children, as an attendant — any thing that is creditable. I would watch over the couch of fever, pestilence, and plague, for months, rather than appear to be a party to my father’s duplicity. Oh! Mr Forster, what must you think of the daughters, after what you have heard of the parent’s conduct?” — and Isabel burst into tears.

  Newton could contain himself no longer. “My dear Miss Revel, let me persuade you to compose yourself,” said he, taking her hand, which was not withdrawn; “if you feel on this occasion, so do I most deeply; — most deeply, because I can only lament, and dare not offer to assist you. The means of returning to your own country, I can easily procure from Captain Drawlock; but would you accept it from me? I know — I cannot expect that you would; and that, under such circumstances, it would be insulting in me to offer it. Think, then, what pain I must feel to witness your distress, and yet dare not offer to assist one for whom — oh! my God—” ended Newton, checking his feelings.

  “I feel the kindness and the delicacy of your conduct, Mr Forster; and I will candidly acknowledge, that, could I accept it, there is no one to whom I would more cheerfully be under an obligation; but the world will not permit it.”

  “What shall I do, Miss Revel? — shall I go for Captain Drawlock?”

  “Stay a little while, I wish to reflect. What would you advise? as a friend, tell me candidly, Mr Forster.”

  “I am indeed proud that you allow me that title. It is all that I ever dare hope for; — but Isabel — I beg your pardon, Miss Revel, I should have said—”

  “Nay, nay, I am not displeased. Why not Isabel? We have known one another long enough, and deserted as I feel a kind word now.” — Isabel covered her face with her hand. Newton, who was standing by her, was overcome by the intensity of his feelings; gradually they approached nearer, until by, I suppose, the same principle which holds the universe together, the attraction of cohesion, Newton’s arm encircled the waist of Isabel, and she sobbed upon his shoulder. It was with difficulty that Newton refrained from pouring out his soul, and expressing the ardent love which he had so long felt for her; but it was taking advantage of her situation. He had nothing to offer but himself and beggary. He did refrain. The words were not spoken; yet Isabel divined his thoughts, appreciated his forbearance, and loved him more for his resolution.