If his lordship's wish to see Brace Norton with Isa Gernon again were genuine, his gratification was quick in coming; for, at the end of half an hour's sharp walk, he caught sight of Isa and Brace almost at the same moment--just; in fact, as the latter hurried up, so as to reach the young girl before his favoured rival. "Shall I horsewhip him before her, or shall I wait till he comes away?" muttered his lordship. "He didn't take any notice of what I said last time, though I half thought that I should have heard from him." His lordship stood irresolute for a few moments, but the way in which Brace was received forced him into action, and he strode past the groom, who stood at a respectful distance, and up to the pair. "Look here, you!" he exclaimed to Brace, coarsely. "This sort of thing won't do! You've been told that you're not to follow Miss Gernon about. Do you hear?" "Isa," said Brace, in a whisper to the trembling girl, "will you ride on?" "No," she answered, in the same tone, as she bent down towards him. "Please--my first request--for my sake, Mr Norton, do not let there be any quarrel." "I will do my best to avoid it," said Brace, with a quiet, re-assuring smile; when, apparently enraged by the understanding which appeared to exist, but really nerved thereto by the words let fall that morning by Sir Murray, Lord Maudlaine strode fiercely in front of Brace, who, however, stood coolly and unflinchingly before him. "Look here!" exclaimed his lordship. "Once more I say this sort of thing won't do! Are you listening to what I say?" "Yes," said Brace, quietly. "I am listening." "Then, look here: you've been warned times enough, and I shall put up with no more of it! Now go; and I warn you that if ever again you dare to speak to Miss Gernon, or to intrude upon her with your insolent attentions, I'll--I'll--I'll horsewhip you!" These last words seemed to be forced from him by an effort; when, pale with anger at being so addressed in the presence of Isa, Brace took a step towards the Viscount, with his fists clenched, and his teeth set upon his upper lip. But at that instant, when a collision seemed imminent, an ejaculation of fear took Brace again to Isa's side. "Do not be afraid," he whispered, with the anger fading out of his countenance. "Forgive me for my thoughtless passion." He laid his hand upon hers, pressing it upon the pommel of the saddle, as he gazed up in her face. "This is rather hard to bear; but I will try." "Confound you! are words of no use whatever?" exclaimed his lordship angrily. And at the same moment the hunting-crop was raised, whistled through the air, and descended heavily upon Brace Norton's shoulders, causing him to start as if stung by some venomous reptile.