use of a woman
of fashion, she did not conceive there could be any objection to her
going. She was mistaken--the moment she mentioned it to Lord Elmwood, he
desired her, somewhat sternly, "Not to think of being there." She was
vexed at the prohibition, but more at the manner in which it was
delivered, and boldly said, "That she should certainly go."

She expected a rebuke for this, but what alarmed her much more, he said
not a word; but looked with a resignation, which foreboded her sorrow
greater than the severest reproaches would have done. She sat for a
minute, reflecting how to rouse him from this composure--she first
thought of attacking him with upbraidings; then she thought of soothing
him; and at last of laughing at him. This was the most dangerous of all,
and yet, this she ventured upon.

"I am sure your Lordship," said she, "with all your saintliness, can
have no objection to my being present at the masquerade, if I go as a
Nun."

He made no reply.

"That is a habit," continued she, "which covers a multitude of
faults--and, for that evening, I may have the chance of making a conquest
even of you--nay, I question not, if under that inviting attire, even the
pious Mr. Sandford would not ogle me."

"Hush!" said Miss Woodley.

"Why hush?" cried Miss Milner, aloud, though Miss Woodley had spoken in
a whisper, "I am sure," continued she, "I am only repeating what I have
read in books about nuns and their confessors."

"Your conduct, Miss Milner," replied Lord Elmwood "gives evident proofs
of the authors you have read; you may spare yourself the trouble of
quoting them."

Her pride was hurt at this, beyond bearing; and as she could not, like
him, govern her anger, it flushed in her face, and almost forced her
into tears.

"My Lord," said Miss Woodley, (in a tone so soft and peaceful, that it
should have calmed the resentment of both,) "my Lord, suppose you were
to accompany Miss Milner? there are tickets for three, and you can then
have no objection."

Miss Milner's brow was immediately smoothed; and she fetched a sigh, in
anxious expectation that he would consent.

"I go, Miss Woodley?" he replied, with astonishment, "Do you imagine I
would play the buffoon at a masquerade?"

Miss Milner's face changed into its former state.

"I have seen grave characters there, my Lord," said Miss Woodley.

"Dear Miss Woodley," cried Miss Milner, "why persuade Lord Elmwood to
put on a mask, just at the time he ha