dy, and after talking of other business, said to him;

"Is it true that Lady Elmwood is dead?"

"It is, my Lord."

His Lordship looked unusually grave, and at this reply, fetched an
involuntary sigh.

"Mr. Sandford, my lord," continued the steward, "sent me word of the
news, but left it to my own discretion, whether I would make your
Lordship acquainted with it or not: I let him know I declined."

"Where is Sandford?" asked Lord Elmwood.

"He was with my Lady," replied the steward.

"When she died?" asked he.

"Yes, my Lord."

"I am glad of it--he will see that every thing she desired is
done--Sandford is a good man, and would be a friend to every body."

"He is a very good man indeed, my Lord."

There was now a silence.----Mr. Giffard then bowing, said, "Has your
Lordship any further commands?"

"Write to Sandford," said Lord Elmwood, hesitating as he spoke, "and
tell him to have every thing performed as she desired. And whoever she
may have selected for the guardian of her child, has my consent to act
as such.--Nor in one instance, where I myself am not concerned, shall I
oppose her will." The tears rushed into his eyes as he said this, and
caused them to start in the steward's--observing which, he sternly
resumed,

"Do not suppose from this conversation, that any of those resolutions I
have long since taken, are, or will be changed--they are the same; and
shall continue inflexible."

"I understand you, my Lord," replied Mr. Giffard, "your express orders,
to me, as well as to every other person, remain just the same as
formerly, never to mention this subject to you again."

"They do, Sir."

"My Lord, I always obeyed you, and hope I always shall."

"I hope so too," he replied in a threatening accent--"Write to Sandford,"
continued he, "to let him know my pleasure, and that is all you have to
do."

The steward bowed and withdrew.

But before his letter arrived to Sandford, Sandford arrived in town; and
Mr. Giffard related, word for word, what had passed between him and his
Lord. Upon every occasion, and upon every topic, except that of Lady
Elmwood and her child, Sandford was just as free with Lord Elmwood as
he had ever been; and as usual (after his interview with the steward)
went into his apartment without any previous notice. Lord Elmwood shook
him by the hand, as upon all other meetings; and yet, whether his fear
suggested it or not, Sandford thought he appeared more cool and reserved
with