236

THE MAGIC CRYSTAL; OR,

hand was the price, and I would have tried—indeed, I would

have done all, to-” Her voice was lost in sobs.

He gazed upon her almost with fear, then all his passionand resentment vanished. The slender figure w r as cowering athis feet, her tears had wet the hand which so forcibly graspedher own. Impelled by remorse and swiftly-returning tender-ness he raised her, and, averting his face, said gently,—

“ Iva, tell me sincerely, did you know you loved him ? ”

“ Never! until this momenther cheek crimsoned by thefrank avowal. “ Your words have laid bare to me my own heart.But why, De Grey, should Jocelyn love me? I know not. Alas !you have forced me to speak; this is degrading ! dreadful ! ”

“ Be calm, poor child! and listen. I ask but one act of obedi-ence— my carriage is at the door, I will take but the last sittingin my studio for your picture. Be not alarmed : you will come ?”

Awed by his manner, she bowed, and followed him mechan-ically down stairs. De Grey placed her in the vehicle; butfirst gathered up the fragments of the broken crystal.

Jocelyn was still standing, with hands clasped, before thepicture of Iva : his friend advanced closely towards him, andbeckoned Iva to his side.

“ Miss Greville is here/’ he said, unmindful of Jocelyn’sexpression of surprise, “ for her last sitting. Quick! arrangeyour colours, for I am suddenly summoned upon a long journey,and-”

“She goes wfith you? Alas! is it then so? Farewell toall! Farewell, Iva ! Lost! lost! ”

The face of the young painter worked tremulously, his lipsbecame ashen, his whole frame quivered. Suddenly he stag-gered, and would have fallen to the ground had not De Greysupported him.

“Are you convinced?” he said, sadly, drawing Iva forward.“There! comfort, console him. Let truth be for once a bless-