"My resolution is sudden, certainly," observed Richard. "Circumstances over which I have no control, and which it would be useless to communicate to you, frequently compel me to adopt sudden resolutions, and act up to them. Be assured, however, that the memory of your kindness will always be dear to me." "You speak as if we were never to meet again," exclaimed the count. "We cannot dispose of events in this world according to our own will," said Markham, emphatically. "Would to God we could!" "But there are certain circumstances in which we seem to be free agents," said Isabella, still holding down her head; "and remaining in one place, or going to another, appears to be amongst those actions which depend upon our own volition." At this moment a servant entered the room and informed the count that the private secretary of the envoy of the Grand Duke of Castelcicala to the English court desired to speak with him in another apartment. "Oh! I am interested in this," exclaimed the countess; and, upon a signal of approval on the part of her husband, she accompanied him to the room where the secretary was waiting. Markham was now alone with Isabella. This was a probable occurrence which he had dreaded all that evening. He felt himself cruelly embarrassed in her presence; and the silence which prevailed between them was awkward to a degree. At length the signora herself spoke. "It appears that you are determined to leave us, Mr. Markham?" she said, without glancing towards him, and in a tone which she endeavoured to render as cool and indifferent as possible. "I feel that I have been too long here already, signora," answered Richard, scarcely knowing what reply to make. "Do you mean to tax us with inattention to your comfort, Mr. Markham?" "God forbid, signora! In the name of heaven do not entertain such an idea!" "Mr. Markham has been treated as well as our humble means would admit; and he leaves us with an abruptness which justifies us in entertaining fears that he is not comfortable." "How can I convince you of the injustice of your suspicions?" ejaculated Markham. "You would not wantonly wound my feelings, Miss Isabella, by a belief which is totally unfounded? No! that is not the cause of my departure. My own happiness--my own honour--every thing commands me to quit a spot where--where I shall, nevertheless, leave so many reminiscences of joy and tranquil felicity behind me! I dare not explain myself farther at present; perhaps _never_ will you know the cause--but, pardon me, signora--I am wandering--I know not what I say!" "Pray compose yourself, Mr. Markham," said Isabella, now raising her head from the book, and glancing towards him.