ation at being on the point of revenge--perhaps it was emotion
arising from joy, to find that she was safe--perhaps it was perturbation
at the regret he felt that he must upbraid her--perhaps it was not one
alone of these sensations, but all of them combined.

She, wearied out with the tedious night's dissipation, and far less
joyous than melancholy, had fallen asleep as she rode home, and came
half asleep out of her carriage. "Light me to my bed-chamber instantly,"
said she to her maid, who waited in the hall to receive her. But one of
Lord Elmwood's valets went up to her, and answered, "Madam, my Lord
desires to see you before you retire."

"Your Lord!" she cried, "Is he not out of town?"

"No, Madam, my Lord has been at home ever since you went out; and has
been sitting up with Mr. Sandford, waiting for you."

She was wide awake immediately. The heaviness was removed from her eyes,
but fear, grief, and shame, seized upon her heart. She leaned against
her maid, as if unable to support herself under those feelings, and said
to Miss Woodley,

"Make my excuse--I cannot see him to-night--I am unfit--indeed I cannot."

Miss Woodley was alarmed at the idea of going to him by herself, and
thus, perhaps, irritating him still more: she, therefore, said, "He has
sent for _you_; for heaven's sake, do not disobey him a second time."

"No, dear Madam, don't," cried her woman, "for he is like a lion--he has
been scolding me."

"Good God!" (exclaimed Miss Milner, and in a tone that seemed prophetic)
"Then he is not to be my husband, after all."

"Yes," cried Miss Woodley, "if you will only be humble, and appear
sorry. You know your power over him, and all may yet be well."

She turned her speaking eyes upon her friend, the tears starting from
them, her lips trembling--"Do I not appear sorry?" she cried.

The bell at that moment rang furiously, and they hastened their steps to
the door of the apartment where Lord Elmwood was.

"No, this shuddering is only fright," replied Miss Woodley--"Say to him
you are sorry, and beg his pardon."

"I cannot," said she, "if Mr. Sandford is with him."

The servant opened the door, and she and Miss Woodley went in. Lord
Elmwood, by this time, was composed, and received her with a slight
inclination of his head--she bowed to him in return, and said, with some
marks of humility,

"I suppose, my Lord, I have done wrong."

"You have indeed, Miss Milner," answered he; "but do not suppose