I loved you tend to soften the blow

  "Oh, no, I did not love you then; I esteemed you very much, but I was engaged to another." Then she told what is already known to the reader.   "And his name?" he asked.   "Louis Taschereau."   "Tell me: did the thought that I loved you tend to soften the blow, when you found how unworthy he was?"   Isabel was very truthful; she could not deceive him, even though those beautiful eyes were fixed upon her in earnest expectation. As we have said, she was very truthful, so answered, "I cannot flatter you so much, Everard; it afforded me no comfort whatever. Indeed I never thought of it, except when some kind attention on your part reminded me of the fact, and then the thought only caused me pain."   He looked disappointed. "No," she added, "it was not until long after, that your worth and uniform kindness won my heart."   They lingered on the lawn until the chill night air warned them not to remain there any longer. Entering the music-room by the window, they found Emily waiting for them. "Oh, here you are at last; Harry had to go out, and I've been all alone this half hour." Then, starting up, she seized a hand of each, exclaiming "You need not tell me, I see how it is; I am so glad, so very glad."   "I saw you at the ordination this morning," said Charley Elliott, who came in during the evening, addressing Isabel, "only you were in such a fearful hurry to get away that I did not get a chance to speak."   "Then you must have very good eyes, Mr. Elliott, as Isabel was not there," cried Emily, laughing.   "I beg your pardon," he returned.   "I was there," said Isabel quietly, though she colored hotly.