ed "He was kind;" but at the end of Sandford's
intelligence, concluded "that she was happy and grateful for the boon
bestowed." Even her mother had not a more exalted idea of Lord Elmwood's
worth than his daughter had formed; and this little bounty just
obtained, would not have been greater in her mother's estimation, than
it was now in hers. Miss Woodley, too, smiled at the prospect before
her--she esteemed Lord Elmwood beyond any mortal living--she was proud to
hear what he had said in her praise, and overjoyed at the prospect of
being once again in his company; painting at the same time a thousand
bright hopes, from watching every emotion of his soul, and catching
every proper occasion to excite or increase his paternal sentiments. Yet
she had the prudence to conceal those vague hopes from his child, lest a
disappointment might prove fatal; and assuming a behaviour neither too
much elated or depressed, she advised that they should hope for the
best, but yet, as usual, expect and prepare for the worst.----After taking
measures for quitting their melancholy abode, within the fortnight, they
all departed for Elmwood Castle--Matilda, Miss Woodley, and even
Sandford, first visiting Lady Elmwood's grave, and bedewing it with
their tears.

CHAPTER VI.

It was on a dark evening in the month of March, that Lady Matilda,
accompanied by Sandford and Miss Woodley, arrived at Elmwood Castle, the
magnificent seat of her father. Sandford chose the evening, rather to
steal into the house privately, than by any appearance of parade, to
suffer Lord Elmwood to be reminded of their arrival by the public
prints, or by any other accident. Nor would he give the neighbours or
servants reason to suppose, the daughter of their Lord was admitted into
his house, in any other situation than that, in which she really was
permitted to be there.

As the porter opened the gates of the avenue to the carriage that
brought them, Matilda felt an awful, and yet gladsome sensation, which
no terms can describe. As she entered the door of the house this
sensation increased--and as she passed along the spacious hall, the
splendid staircase, and many stately apartments, wonder, with a crowd of
the tenderest, yet most afflicting sentiments, rushed to her heart. She
gazed with astonishment!--she reflected with still more.

"And is _my father_ the master of this house?" she cried--"and was my
mother once the mistress of this castle?" Here tears relie