"Never mind what I think," said Isabel looking up, about to insist upon going, for she was very indignant at his behaviour, but the face she beheld quite disarmed her wrath. Such a calm, kind, earnest expression in the mild blue eyes, such a winning smile played round the handsome mouth, a more prepossessing countenance Isabel had never seen, there was something about it irresistibly attractive. "What is it you wish me to do," she asked as her eyes met his. "Stay where you are, and do just the same as if I was not here he said, and not run off as if I was going to eat you." "Then don't talk about me," she returned stiffly. "I'm sure. I never said a word about you." "But the children did," she replied coloring deeply as she returned to her seat. "Please Everard wont you read to us?" asked Amy. When he had finished, Amy asked Isabel if she would play the hymn she promised. "Not to-night dear," replied Isabel. "Oh please, Miss Leicester," coaxed Rose. "If I am the cause of their disappointment I will go, but indeed I should like to join," said Everard. "As you please" said Isabel, ashamed of being so much out of temper. "You know you promised, Miss Leicester," interposed Alice, gravely. "So I did, dear," returned Isabel, going to the piano: and she was quite repaid, as they all sang very sweetly, and quite correctly. "Good night," said Everard, when the hymn was ended. "Forgive me, Miss Leicester if I seemed rude, I did not intend to be." Isabel was distressed to find how much the children had been neglected; true they were tolerably proficient in their studies, but in all religious instruction they were miserably deficient.