"I want a companion; and as Miss Woodley
has disappointed me, I must have your company."

Sandford now laid his book down upon the table; but still holding his
fingers in the pages he was reading, said, "And why are you disappointed
of Miss Woodley's company? When people expect what they have no right to
hope, 'tis impertinent assurance to complain they are disappointed."

"I had a right to hope she would come," answered Rushbrook, "for she
promised she would."

"But what right had you to ask her?"

"The right every one has, to make his time pass as agreeably as he can."

"But not at the expence of another."

"I believe, Mr. Sandford, it would be a heavy expence to you, to see me
happy; I believe it would cost you even your own happiness."

"That is a price I have not now to give:" replied Sandford, and began
reading again.

"What, you have already paid it away? No wonder that at your time of
life it should be gone. But what do you think of my having already
squandered mine?"

"I don't think about you;" returned Sandford, without taking his eyes
from the book.

"Can you look me in the face and say that, Mr. Sandford? No, you
cannot--for you know you _do_ think of me, and you know you hate
me."--Here he drank two glasses of wine one after another; "And I can
tell you why you hate me," continued he: "It is from a cause for which I
often hate myself."

Sandford read on.

"It is on Lady Matilda's account you hate me, and use me thus."

Sandford put down the book hastily, and put both his hands by his side.

"Yes," resumed Rushbrook, "you think I am wronging her."

"I think you insult her," exclaimed Sandford, "by this rude mention of
her name; and I command you at your peril to desist."

"At my peril! Mr. Sandford? Do you assume the authority of my Lord
Elmwood?"

"I do on this occasion; and if you dare to give your tongue a freedom"----

Rushbrook interrupted him--"Why then I boldly say, (and as her friend you
ought rather to applaud than resent it) I boldly say, that my heart
suffers so much for her situation, that I am regardless of my own. I
love her father--I loved her mother more--but I love _her_ beyond
either."

"Hold your licentious tongue," cried Sandford, "or quit the room."

"Licentious! Oh! the pure thoughts that dwell in her innocent mind, are
not less sensual than mine towards her. Do you upbraid me with my
respect, my pity for her? They are the sensations which impel me to
speak th