t from her
infancy, she had acquired a taste for all those amusements which a
recluse life affords. She was fond of walking and riding--was
accomplished in the arts of music and drawing, by the most careful
instructions of her mother--and as a scholar, she excelled most of her
sex, from the pains which Sandford had taken with that part of her
education, and the superior abilities he possessed for the task.

In devoting certain hours of the day to study with him, others to music,
riding, and such amusements, Matilda's time never appeared tedious at
Elmwood Castle, although she received and paid no one visit--for it was
soon divulged in the neighbourhood, upon what stipulation she resided at
her father's, and studiously intimated, that the most prudent and
friendly behaviour of her true friends, would be, to take no notice
whatever that she lived among them: and as Lord Elmwood's will was a law
all around, such was the consequence of that will, known, or merely
supposed.

Neither did Miss Woodley regret the want of visitors, but found herself
far more satisfied in her present situation, than her most sanguine
hopes could have formed. She had a companion whom she loved with an
equal fondness, with which she had loved her deceased mother; and
frequently, in this charming mansion, where she had so often beheld Lady
Elmwood, her imagination represented Matilda as her friend risen from
the grave, in her former youth, health, and exquisite beauty.

In peace, in content, though not in happiness, the days and weeks passed
away till about the middle of August, when preparations began to be made
for the arrival of Lord Elmwood. The week in which he was to come was at
length fixed, and some part of his retinue was arrived before him. When
this was told Matilda, she started, and looked just as her mother at her
age had often done, when in spite of her love, she was conscious that
she had offended him, and was terrified at his approach. Sandford
observing this, put out his hand, and taking hers, shook it kindly; and
bade her (but it was not in a cheering tone) "not be afraid." This gave
her no confidence; and she began, before her father's arrival, to
seclude herself in the apartments allotted for her during the time of
his stay; and in the timorous expectation of his coming, her appetite
declined, and she lost all her colour. Even Miss Woodley, whose spirits
had been for some time elated with the hopes she had formed, on drawing
n