. "I read no such things," replied Sandford,
and quitted the room abruptly. Rushbrook then rang for his servant, and
desired him to look for the book, asking him angrily, "Who had been in
the apartment? for he was sure he had left it there when he went out."
The servant withdrew to enquire, and presently returned with the volume
in his hand, and "Miss Woodley's compliments, she begs your pardon, Sir,
she did not know the book was yours, and hopes you will excuse the
liberty she took."

"Miss Woodley!" cried Rushbrook with surprise, "she comes so seldom into
these apartments, I did not suppose it was her who had it--take it back
to her instantly, with my respects, and I beg she will keep it."

The man went; but returned with the book again, and laying it on the
table without speaking, was going away; when Rushbrook, hurt at
receiving no second message, said, "I am afraid, Sir, you did very wrong
when you first took this book from Miss Woodley."

"It was not from her I took it, Sir," replied the man, "it was from Lady
Matilda."

Since he had entered the house, Rushbrook had never before heard the
name of Lady Matilda, he was shocked--confounded more than ever--and to
conceal what he felt, instantly ordered the man out of the room.

In the mean time, Miss Woodley and Matilda were talking over this
trifling occurrence; and frivolous as it was, drew from it strong
conclusions of Rushbrook's insolence and power. In spite of her pride,
the daughter of Lord Elmwood even wept at the insult she had received on
this insignificant occasion; for the volume being merely taken from her
at Mr. Rushbrook's command, she felt an insult; and the manner in which
it was done by the servant, might contribute to the offence.

While Miss Woodley and she were upon this conversation, a note came from
Rushbrook to Miss Woodley, wherein he entreated he might be permitted to
see her. She sent a verbal answer, "She was engaged." He sent again,
begging she would name her own time. But sure of a second denial, he
followed the servant who took the last message, and as Miss Woodley came
out of her apartment into the gallery to speak to him, Rushbrook
presented himself, and told the man to retire.

"Mr. Rushbrook," said Miss Woodley, "this intrusion is insupportable;
and destitute as you may think me of the friendship of Lord Elmwood"----

In the ardour with which Rushbrook was waiting to express himself, he
interrupted her, and caught hold of her