"Danger? Well, yes, of course he is," said the doctor, taking her in his arms and kissing her as he would one of his own children. "But there, bless your bright little face, go in, and don't fidget and make those eyes dull with crying, and I'll cure him right off for you. Now, Captain Norton," he continued, lightly--"slow march for the horses--two miles an hour--with the windows all down, and I must ride inside." Brace fainted as the carriage-door was closed, but it was with the sense of his hand being kissed by two soft, warm lips, ere all became misty and confused; and then it was that Dr Challen's light, flippant manner gave place to a quiet, serious aspect, as he plied restoratives, and prepared for the battle that his experience told him was imminent. It was a long and fierce fight, but youth, with hope shining now in upon the young man's heart, prevailed; and though no encouraging letter from Isa--no communication came from the Castle but a formal inquiry or two made on the part of Sir Murray--Brace daily grew stronger, telling himself that he would yet, perhaps, see the day when all would be made plain. There was a feeling of exultation that came upon the young man, when he saw the proud, happy bearing that seemed to have come upon his father? and more than once there was a fond blessing from her who had held faith when all the world disbelieved. This exultation did more than all Dr Challen's medicaments, but the doctor took to himself the credit, all the same. Brace's ship sailed without him, and he could not but rejoice at the time afforded him for further investigation, while he prayed earnestly that accident might again favour him, though at times his heart sank, as rumours came of the state of affairs at the Castle. For though he had dismissed them as impossible, utterly refusing them credence, at times charging Sir Murray Gernon with subterfuge, at others giving him the credit of believing the words he had whispered, they began now, as he approached convalescence, to make a deep and lasting impression upon him. He had not seen her--he had not heard from her, and the gap between the families seemed almost to have widened since the discovery of the cross; but there was no Lord Maudlaine at the Castle now: he had taken his departure, and Brace was hopeful that it was for good; when one day, when he had regained his strength, his heart leaped tumultuously, for he saw Isa approaching him, on her favourite mare, attended as usual by Peter Barlow. It might be wrong, but he could not help it, and he hurried forward to meet her, his hands outstretched, and face bright and eager, but to his utter despair she touched the mare with her whip, averted her head, and cantered by, leaving him, almost giddy with misery, by the road-side. Book 2, Chapter XXVI. WHY ISA GERNON AVOIDED BRACE.