me, who have only beheld her perfections."

"My observations, however, my Lord, would have been of most use to you;
for I have seen what to avoid."

"But mine have been the most gratifying," replied he; "for I have
seen--what I must always love."

Sandford sighed, and lifted up his hands.

"Mr. Sandford," resumed Lord Elmwood, with a voice and manner such as he
used to put on when not all the power of Sandford, or of any other,
could change his fixed determination, "Mr. Sandford, my eyes are now
open to every failing, as well as to every accomplishment; to every
vice, as well as to every virtue of Miss Milner; nor will I suffer
myself to be again prepossessed in her favour, by your prejudice against
her--for I believe it was compassion at your unkind treatment, that first
gained her my heart."

"I, my Lord?" cried Sandford; "do not load me with the burthen--with the
mighty burthen of your love for her."

"Do not interrupt me. Whatever your meaning has been, the effect of it
is what I have described. Now, I will no longer," continued he, "have an
enemy, such as you have been, to heighten her charms, which are too
transcendent in their native state. I will hear no more complaints
against her, but I will watch her closely myself--and if I find her mind
and heart (such as my suspicions have of late whispered) too frivolous
for that substantial happiness I look for with an object so beloved,
depend upon my word--the marriage shall yet be broken off."

"I depend upon your word; it _will_ then,"--replied Sandford eagerly.

"You are unjust, Sir, in saying so before the trial," replied Lord
Elmwood, "and your injustice shall make me more cautious, lest I follow
your example."

"But, my Lord----"

"My mind is made up, Mr. Sandford," returned he, interrupting him; "I am
no longer engaged to Miss Milner than she shall deserve I should be--but,
in my strict observations upon her conduct, I will take care not to
wrong her as you have done."

"My Lord, call my observations wrong, when you have reflected upon them
as a man, and not as a lover--divest yourself of your passion, and meet
me upon equal ground."

"I will meet no one--I will consult no one--my own judgment shall be the
judge, and in a few months marry, or--_banish me from her for ever_."

There was something in these last words, in the tone and firmness with
which they were delivered, that the heart of Sandford rested upon with
content--they bore the symptom