though reluctantly

  "Do not think any more of my cruel words." said Isabel, the tears streaming from her eyes.   "Then you do not withhold your sympathy, even from me," he returned, offering his hand.   "How can I," she replied, taking, though reluctantly, the offered hand. "I am very sorry for you."   "Good news, Isabel, good news!" cried Alice coming in shortly after with an open letter in her hand. "Everard is out of danger, and is recovering rapidly, so we can soon come home, Mamma says."   "That is indeed good news," replied Isabel, who was really anxious to get the children home, as the late events had cast a gloom over all. Little Amy had more than once asked if Everard would die like the poor lady, and all three had cried very bitterly about the pretty little girl that was killed.   In three weeks more they were back at Elm Grove.   Everard was on the terrace to welcome them. He seemed very glad to see them again, but his manner towards Isabel was changed, he was cordial and kind, but still there was a difference. There was something inexplicable, and shall we say that it pained her. Why did she on retiring to her own room, shed bitter, bitter tears? She could scarcely have told, had you asked her, but so it was.