mwood
House too. On consideration, I have no objection to see Miss Woodley at
any time--I shall be glad to see her--do not let _her_ be frightened at
me--to her I shall be the same, that I have always been."

"She is a good woman, my Lord," cried Sandford, pleased.

"You need not tell me that, Mr. Sandford; I know her worth." And he left
the room.

Sandford, to relieve Miss Woodley and her lovely charge from the
suspence in which he had left them, prepared to set off for their
habitation, in order himself to conduct them from thence to Elmwood
Castle, and appoint some retired part of it for Lady Matilda, against
the annual visit her father should pay there. But before he left London,
Giffard, the steward, took an opportunity to wait upon him, and let him
know, that his Lord had acquainted him with the consent he had given for
his daughter to be admitted at Elmwood Castle, and upon what
restrictions: that he had farther uttered the severest threats, should
these restrictions ever be infringed. Sandford thanked Giffard for his
friendly information. It served him as a second warning of the
circumspection that was necessary; and having taken leave of his friend
and patron, under the pretence that "He could not live in the smoke of
London," he set out for the North.

It is unnecessary to say with what delight Sandford was received by Miss
Woodley, and the hapless daughter of Lady Elmwood, even before he told
his errand. They both loved him sincerely; more especially Lady Matilda,
whose forlorn state, and innocent sufferings, had ever excited his
compassion and caused him to treat her with affection, tenderness, and
respect. She knew, too, how much he had been her mother's friend; for
that, she also loved him; and for being honoured with the friendship of
her father, she looked up to him with reverence. For Matilda (with an
excellent understanding, a sedateness above her years, and early
accustomed to the most private converse between Lady Elmwood and Miss
Woodley) was perfectly acquainted with the whole fatal history of her
mother; and was, by her, taught the respect and admiration of her
father's virtues which they justly merited.

Notwithstanding the joy of Mr. Sandford's presence, once more to cheer
their solitary dwelling; no sooner were the first kind greetings over,
than the dread of what he might have to inform them of, possessed poor
Matilda and Miss Woodley so powerfully, that all their gladness was
changed in