r
part, flattered herself, that his going to Windsor, was intended in
order to give her an opportunity of passing the evening as she pleased,
without his being obliged to know of it, and consequently to complain.
Miss Woodley, who was willing to hope as she wished, began to be of the
same opinion; and, without reluctance, dressed herself as a wood-nymph
to accompany her friend.

CHAPTER IX.

At half after eleven, Miss Milner's chair, and another with Miss
Woodley, took them from Lord Elmwood's, to call upon the party
(wood-nymphs and huntresses) who were to accompany them, and make up the
suit of Diana.

They had not left the house two minutes, when a thundering rap came at
the door--it was Lord Elmwood in a post chaise. Upon some occasion the
next day's hunt was deferred: he had been made acquainted with it, and
came from Windsor at that late hour. After he had informed Mrs. Horton
and Mr. Sandford, who were sitting together, of the cause of his sudden
return, and had supper ordered for him, he enquired, "What company had
just left the house?"

"We have been alone the whole evening, my Lord," replied Mrs. Horton.

"Nay," returned he, "I saw two chairs, with several servants, come out
of the door as I drove up, but what livery I could not discern."

"We have had no creature here," repeated Mrs. Horton.

"Nor has Miss Milner had visitors?" asked he.

This brought Mrs. Horton to her recollection, and she cried, "Oh! now I
know;"----and then checked herself, as if she knew too much.

"What do you know, Madam?" said he, sharply.

"Nothing," said Mrs. Horton, "I know nothing--" and she lifted up her
hands and shook her head.

"So all people say, who know a great deal," cried Sandford, "and I
suspect that is at present your case."

"Then I know more than I wish, I am sure, Mr. Sandford," returned she,
shrugging up her shoulders.

Lord Elmwood was all impatience.

"Explain, Madam, explain."

"Dear my Lord," said she, "if your Lordship will recollect, you may just
have the same knowledge that I have."

"Recollect what?" said he sternly.

"The quarrel you and your ward had about the masquerade."

"What of that? she is not gone there?" he cried.

"I am not sure she is," returned Mrs. Horton; "but if your Lordship saw
two sedan chairs going out of this house, I cannot but suspect it must
be Miss Milner and my niece going to the masquerade."

He made no answer, but rang the bell violently. A servan