m it, and as he put it on again, fetched a most
heavy sigh; which no sooner had escaped him, than, to drown its sound,
he said briskly,

"And so you tell me you have had good sport to-day?"

"No, my Lord, I said but indifferent."

"True, so you did. Bid the man drive faster--it will be dark before we
get home."

"You will shoot to-morrow, my Lord?"

"Certainly."

"How does Mr. Sandford do, Sir?"

"I did not see him."

"Not see Mr. Sandford, My Lord? but he was out I suppose--for they did
not expect you at Elmwood House."

"No, they did not."

In such conversation Rushbrook and his uncle continued to the end of
their journey. Dinner was then immediately served, and Lord Elmwood
appeared much in his usual spirits; at least, not suspecting any cause
for their abatement, Rushbrook did not observe any alteration.

Lord Elmwood went, however, earlier to bed than ordinary, or rather to
his bed-chamber; for though he retired some time before his nephew, when
Rushbrook passed his chamber door it was open, and he not in bed, but
sitting in a musing posture, as if he had forgot to shut it.

When Rushbrook's valet came to attend his master, he said to him,

"I suppose, Sir, you do not know what has happened at the Castle?"

"For heaven's sake what?" cried Rushbrook.

"My Lord has met Lady Matilda:" replied the man.

"How? Where? What's the consequence?"

"We don't know yet, Sir; but all the servants suppose her Ladyship will
not be suffered to remain there any longer."

"They all suppose wrong," returned Rushbrook hastily--"My Lord loves her
I am certain, and this event may be the happy means of his treating her
as his child from this day."

The servant smiled and shook his head.

"Why, what more do you know?"

"Nothing more than I have told you, Sir; except that his Lordship took
no kind of notice of her Ladyship that appeared like love."

Rushbrook was all uneasiness and anxiety to know the particulars of what
had passed; and now Lord Elmwood's inquietude, which he had but slightly
noticed before, came full to his observation. He was going to ask more
questions; but he recollected Lady Matilda's misfortunes were too
sacred, to be talked of thus familiarly by the servants of the
family;--besides, it was evident this man thought, and but naturally, it
might not be for his master's interest the father and the daughter
should be united; and therefore would certainly give to all he said the
opposite colour