rance of a stranger whom she had never before seen; the authority
in his looks, as well as in the sound of his steps; a resemblance to the
portrait she had been shown of him; a start of astonishment which he
gave on beholding her; but above all--her _fears_ confirmed her that it
was him. She gave a scream of terror--put out her trembling hands to
catch the balustrades for support--missed them--and fell motionless into
her father's arms.

He caught her, as by the same impulse, he would have caught any other
person falling for want of aid. Yet when he found her in his arms, he
still held her there--gazed on her attentively--and once pressed her to
his bosom.

At length trying to escape the snare into which he had been led, he was
going to leave her on the spot where she fell, when her eyes opened and
she uttered, "Save me." Her voice unmanned him. His long-restrained
tears now burst forth--and seeing her relapsing into the swoon, he cried
out eagerly to recall her. Her name did not, however, come to his
recollection--nor any name but this--"Miss Milner--Dear Miss Milner."

That sound did not awaken her; and now again he wished to leave her in
this senseless state, that not remembering what had passed, she might
escape the punishment.

But at this instant, Giffard, with another servant, passed by the foot
of the stairs: on which, Lord Elmwood called to them--and into Giffard's
hands delivered his apparently dead child; without one command
respecting her, or one word of any kind; while his face was agitated
with shame, with pity, with anger, with paternal tenderness.

As Giffard stood trembling, while he relieved his Lord from this hapless
burthen, her father had to unloose her hand from the side of his coat,
which she had caught fast hold of as she fell, and grasped so closely,
it was with difficulty released.--On attempting to take the hand away he
trembled--faltered--then bade Giffard do it.

"Who, I, my Lord! I separate you!" cried he. But recollecting himself,
"My Lord, I will obey your commands whatever they are." And seizing her
hand, pulled it with violence--it fell--and her father went away.

Matilda was carried to her own apartments, laid upon the bed, and Miss
Woodley hasted to attend her, after listening to the recital of what had
passed.

When Lady Elmwood's old and affectionate friend entered the room, and
saw her youthful charge lying pale and speechless, yet no father by to
comfort or sooth her, she