on that I was despised, nay, perhaps
considered as an object of ingratitude, by the only child of my deceased
benefactress?"

Matilda replied with all her father's haughtiness, "Depend upon it, Sir,
if you should ever enter my thoughts, it will only be as an object of
envy."

"Suffer me then, Madam," said he, "as an earnest that you do not think
worse of me than I merit, suffer me to be sometimes admitted into your
presence--."

She would scarce permit him to finish the period, before she replied,
"This is the last time, Sir, we shall ever meet, depend upon it--unless,
indeed, Lord Elmwood should delegate to you the controul of me--_his_
commands I never dispute." And here she burst into tears.

Rushbrook walked towards the window, and did not speak for some
time--then turning himself to make a reply, both Matilda and Miss Woodley
were somewhat surprised to see, that he had been shedding tears
himself.--Having conquered them, he said, "I will not offend you, Madam,
by remaining one moment longer; and I give you my honour, that, upon no
pretence whatever, will I presume to intrude here again. Professions, I
find, have no weight, and only by this obedience to your orders, can I
give a proof of that respect which you inspire;--and let the agitation I
now feel, convince you, Lady Matilda, that, with all my seeming good
fortune, I am not happier than yourself." And so much was he agitated
while he delivered this, that it was with difficulty he came to the
conclusion. When he did, he bowed with reverence, as if leaving the
presence of a deity, and retired.

Matilda immediately entered the chamber she had left, and without
casting a single look at Miss Woodley by which she might guess of the
opinion she had formed of Mr. Rushbrook's conduct. The next time they
met they did not even mention his name; for they were ashamed to own a
partiality in his favour, and were too just to bring any accusation
against him.

But Miss Woodley, the day following, communicated the intelligence of
this visit to Mr. Sandford, who not being present, and a witness of
those marks of humility and respect which were conspicuous in the
deportment of Mr. Rushbrook, was highly offended at his presumption, and
threatened if he ever dared to force his company there again, he would
acquaint Lord Elmwood with his arrogance, whatever might be the event.
Miss Woodley, however, assured him, she believed he would have no cause
for such a complaint, as th