THE PROUD " LADYE." 229 



he had just returned from one of the most renowned universi- 

 ties in Germany, when at a ball given by the Governor of the 

 province, he first met with Isabel De Vere. 



It would be an idle task to trace the progress of affection 

 through its various phases in such hearts. To watch their 

 love from its first chance-sown seedling, to note its upspringing, 

 its slow and almost imperceptible growth, the putting forth of its 

 tendrils, the gradual unfolding of its tender leaves, and finally 

 the sudden expansion of the full-blown flower, would require a 

 nicer eye, and a colder philosophy than belongs to the humble 

 chronicler of this " ower true tale." It is enough to know that 

 pride was put off, like an obsolete garment, and Isabel gave 

 herself up to the enjoyment of a deep and fervent tenderness, 

 while Wilhelm, grateful for her preference, yet conscious that 

 he gave full equivalent in the devotion of a manly and true 

 heart, thought little of the lady's wealth and far less of her 

 rank. Both had strong and unfathomed natures ; both possessed 

 an almost terrific power of self-command; and each revered 

 in the other that power of repression which was so fully equal 

 to the violence of the emotion. 



But there were some, who though they dared not openly 

 oppose the wishes of the haughty Isabel, yet secretly deter- 

 mined that the blood of the De Veres should never mingle with 

 the turbid stream which ran in the veins of a Dutch burgher. 

 Isabel's brothers had pretended to acquiesce in her wishes only 

 because they knew her temper too well to attempt any direct 

 thwarting of her will. To the malicious and evil-minded 



