id Miss Woodley, "he will then be diverted from
thinking on us."

"Do you know," returned Sandford, "it is my firm opinion, that his
thinking of ye at present, is the cause of his good spirits."

"Oh, Heavens!" cried Matilda, lifting up her hands with rapture.

"Nay, do not mistake me," said Sandford; "I would not have you build a
foundation for joy upon this surmise; for if he is in spirits that you
are in this house--so near him--positively under his protection--yet he
will not allow himself to think it is the cause of his content--and the
sentiments he has adopted, and which are now become natural to him, will
remain the same as ever; nay, perhaps with greater force, should he
suspect his weakness (as he calls it) acting in opposition to them."

"If he does but think of me with tenderness," cried Matilda, "I am
recompensed."

"And what recompense would his kind thoughts be to you," said Sandford,
"were he to turn you out to beggary?"

"A great deal--a great deal," she replied.

"But how are you to know he has these kind thoughts, if he gives you no
proof of them?"

"No, Mr. Sandford; but _supposing_ we could know them without proof."

"But as that is impossible," answered he, "I shall suppose, till proof
appears, that I have been mistaken in my conjectures."

Matilda looked deeply concerned that the argument should conclude in her
disappointment; for to have believed herself thought of with tenderness
by her father, would have alone constituted her happiness.

When the servant came up with something by way of supper, he told Mr.
Sandford that his Lord was returned from his walk and had enquired for
him; Sandford immediately bade his companions good night, and left them.

"How strange is this!" cried Matilda, when Miss Woodley and she were
alone, "My father within a few rooms of me, and yet I am debarred from
seeing him! Only by walking a few paces I could be at his feet, and
perhaps receive his blessing!"

"You make me shudder," cried Miss Woodley; "but some spirits less timid
than mine, might perhaps advise you to the experiment."

"Not for worlds!" returned Matilda, "no counsel could tempt me to such
temerity--and yet to entertain the thought that it is possible I could do
this, is a source of infinite comfort."

This conversation lasted till bed time, and later; for they sat up
beyond their usual hour to indulge it.

Miss Woodley slept little, but Matilda less--she awaked repeatedly during
the n