him than formerly.

During the whole day, the slightest mention of Lady Elmwood, or of her
child, was cautiously avoided--and not till the evening, (after Sandford
had risen to retire, and had wished Lord Elmwood good night) did he dare
to mention the subject. He then, after taking leave, and going to the
door--turned back and said, "My Lord,"--

It was easy to guess on what he was preparing to speak--his voice failed,
the tears began to trickle down his cheeks, he took out his
handkerchief, and could proceed no farther.

"I thought," said Lord Elmwood, angrily, "I thought I had given my
orders upon the subject--did not my steward write them to you?"

"He did, my Lord," said Sandford, humbly, "but I was set out before they
arrived."

"Has he not _told_ you my mind then?" cried he, more angrily still.

"He has;" replied Sandford,--"But"----

"But what, Sir?" cried Lord Elmwood.

"Your Lordship," continued Sandford, "was mistaken in supposing that
Lady Elmwood left a will, she left none."

"No will? no will at all?" returned he, surprised.

"No, my Lord," answered Sandford, "she wished every thing to be as you
willed."

"She left me all the trouble, then, you mean?"

"No great trouble, Sir; for there are but two persons whom she has left
behind her, to hope for your protection."

"And who are those two?" cried he hastily.

"One, my Lord, I need not name--the other is Miss Woodley."

There was a delicacy and humility in the manner in which Sandford
delivered this reply, that Lord Elmwood could _not_ resent, and he only
returned,

"Miss Woodley--is she yet living?"

"She is--I left her at the house I came from."

"Well then," answered he, "you must see that my steward provides for
those two persons. That care I leave to you--and should there be any
complaints, on you they fall."

Sandford bowed and was going.

"And now," resumed Lord Elmwood, in a more stern voice, "let me never
hear again on this subject. You have power to act in regard to the
persons you have mentioned; and upon you their situation, the care, the
whole management of them depends--but be sure you never let them be named
before me, from this moment."

"Then," said Sandford, "as this must be the last time they are
mentioned, I must now take the opportunity to disburden my mind of a
charge"--

"What charge?" cried Lord Elmwood, morosely interrupting him.

"Though Lady Elmwood, my Lord, left no will behind her, she left a
reques