vour his wishes. Plunged,
however, too deep in his passion to emerge from it in haste, he meant
still to visit, and wait for a change to happier circumstances, when he
was peremptorily desired by Mr. Sandford to desist from ever coming
again.

"And why, Mr. Sandford?" cried he.

"For two reasons, my Lord;--in the first place, your visits might be
displeasing to Lord Elmwood; in the next place, I know they are so to
his daughter."

Unaccustomed to be addressed so plainly, particularly in a case where
his heart was interested, he nevertheless submitted with patience; but
in his own mind determined how long this patience should continue--no
longer than it served as the means to prove his obedience, and by that
artifice, to secure his better reception at some future period.

On his return home, cheered with the huzzas of his jovial companions, he
began to consult those friends, what scheme was best to be adopted for
the accomplishment of his desires. Some, boldly advised application to
the father in defiance to the old priest; but that was the very last
method his Lordship himself approved, as marriage must inevitably have
followed Lord Elmwood's consent: besides, though a Peer, Lord Margrave
was unused to rank with Peers; and even the formality of an interview
with one of his equals, carried along with it a terror, or at least a
fatigue, to a rustic Baron. Others of his companions advised seduction;
but happily the Viscount possessed no arts of this kind, to affect a
heart joined with such an understanding as Matilda's. There were not
wanting among his most favourite counsellors some, who painted the
superior triumph and gratification of force; those assured him there was
nothing to apprehend under this head, as from the behaviour of Lord
Elmwood to his child, it was more than probable, he would be utterly
indifferent as to any violence that might be offered her. This last
advice seemed inspired by the aid of wine; and no sooner had the wine
freely circulated, than this was always the expedient, which appeared by
far the best.

While Lord Margrave alternately cherished his hopes and his fears in the
country, Rushbrook in town gave way to his fears only. Every day of his
life made him more acquainted with the firm, unshaken temper of Lord
Elmwood, and every day whispered more forcibly to him, that pity,
gratitude, and friendship, strong and affectionate as these passions
are, were weak and cold to that, which had gain