came too nigh to recede: he then, with a diffidence not
affected, but most powerfully felt, pulled off his hat; and without
bowing, stood respectfully silent while the company passed. Sandford
walked on some paces before, and took no further notice as he went by
him, than just touching the fore part of his hat with his finger. Miss
Woodley curtsied as she followed. But Lady Matilda made a full stop, and
said, in the gentlest accents, "I hope, Mr. Rushbrook, you are perfectly
recovered."

It was the sweetest music he had ever listened to; and he replied with
the most reverential bow, "I am better a great deal, Ma'am." Then
instantly pursued his way as if he did not dare to utter another
syllable.

Sandford seldom found fault with Lady Matilda; not because he loved her,
but because she seldom did wrong--upon this occasion, however, he was
half inclined to reprimand her; but yet he did not know what to say--the
subsequent humility of Rushbrook, had taken from the indiscretion of her
speaking to him, and the event could by no means justify his censure. On
hearing her begin to speak, Sandford had stopped; and as Rushbrook after
replying, walked away, Sandford called to her crossly, "Come, come
along." But at the same time he put out his elbow for her to take hold
of his arm.

She hastened her steps, and did so--then turning to Miss Woodley, she
said, "I expected you would have spoken to Mr. Rushbrook; it might have
prevented me."

Miss Woodley replied, "I was at a loss what to do;--when we met formerly,
he always spoke first."

"And he ought now," cried Sandford angrily--and then added, with a
sarcastic smile, "It is certainly proper that the _superior_, should be
the first who speaks."

"He did not look as if he thought himself our superior," replied
Matilda.

"No," returned Sandford, "some people can put on what looks they
please."

"Then while he looks so pale," replied Matilda, "and so dejected, I can
never forbear speaking to him when we meet, whatever he may think of
it."

"And were he and I to meet a hundred, nay a thousand times," returned
Sandford, "I don't think I should ever speak to him again."

"Bless me! what for, Mr. Sandford?" cried Matilda--for Sandford, who was
not a man that repeated little incidents, had never mentioned the
circumstance of their quarrel.

"I have taken such a resolution," answered he, "yet I bear him no
enmity."

As this short reply indicated that he meant to say no more