erly snatched a glass
of water, which the servant was holding to Sandford, who had called for
it, and drank it off;--as she returned the glass to the servant, she
began to apologize to Mr. Sandford for her seeming rudeness, but before
she could utter what she intended, he said, good-naturedly, "Never
mind--you are very welcome--I am glad you took it." She looked at him to
observe, whether he had really spoken kindly, or ironically; but before
his countenance could satisfy her, her thoughts were called away from
that trivial matter, and again fixed upon Lord Elmwood.

The moments seemed tedious till he came home to supper, and yet, when
she reflected how short the remainder of the evening would be after that
time, she wished to defer the hour of his return for months. At ten
o'clock he arrived; and at half after ten the family, without any
visitor, met at supper.

Miss Milner had considered, that the period for her to counterfeit
appearances, was diminished now to a most contracted one; and she
rigorously enjoined herself not to shrink from the little which
remained. The certain end, that would be so soon put to this painful
deception, encouraged her to struggle through it with redoubled zeal;
and this was but necessary, as her weakness increased. She therefore
listened, she talked, and even smiled with the rest of the company, nor
did _their_ vivacity seem to arise, from a much less compulsive source
than her own.

It was past twelve, when Lord Elmwood looked at his watch, and rising
from his chair, went up to Mrs. Horton, and taking her hand, said, "Till
I see you again, Madam, I sincerely wish you every happiness."

Miss Milner fixed her eyes upon the table before her.

"My Lord," replied Mrs. Horton, "I sincerely wish you health and
happiness likewise."

He then went to Miss Woodley, and taking her hand, repeated much the
same, as he had said to Mrs. Horton.

Miss Milner now trembled beyond all power of concealment.

"My Lord," replied Miss Woodley, a good deal affected, "I sincerely hope
my prayers for your happiness may be heard."

She and Mrs. Horton were both standing as well as Lord Elmwood; but Miss
Milner kept her seat, till his eye was turned upon her, and he moved
slowly towards her; she then rose:--every one who was present, attentive
to what he would now say, and how she would receive what he said, here
cast their eyes upon them, and listened with impatience. They were all
disappointed--he did n