ed
something by which to judge the state of his mind; but upon the test,
that was impossible--he had caught him so musing many a time before; and
as to his prolonging his stay, that might arise from the sport--or,
indeed, had any thing more material swayed him, who could penetrate
whether it was the effect of the lenity, or the severity, he had dealt
towards his child? whether his continuance there was to shun her, or to
shun the house from whence he had banished her?

The three or four days for their temporary abode being passed, they both
returned together to Elmwood House. Rushbrook thought he saw his uncle's
countenance change as they entered the avenue, yet he did not appear
less in spirits; and when Sandford joined them at dinner, the Earl went
with his usual alacrity to him, and (as was his custom after any
separation) put out his hand cheerfully to take his. Sandford said, "How
do you do, my Lord?" cheerfully in return; but put both his hands into
his bosom, and walked to the other side of the room. Lord Elmwood did
not seem to observe this affront--nor was it done as an affront--it was
merely what poor Sandford felt; and he felt he could _not_ shake hands
with him.

Rushbrook soon learned the news that Matilda was gone, and Elmwood House
was to him a desert--he saw there no real friend of her's, except poor
Sandford, and to him, Rushbrook knew himself now, more displeasing than
ever; and all his overtures of atonement, he, at this time, found more
and more ineffectual. Matilda was exiled; and her supposed triumphant
rival was, to Sandford, more odious than he had ever been.

In alleviation of their banishment, Miss Woodley, with her charge, had
not returned to their old retreat; but were gone to a farm house, not
farther than thirty miles from Lord Elmwood's: here Sandford, with
little inconvenience, visited them; nor did his patron ever take notice
of his occasional absence; for as he had before given his daughter, in
some measure, to his charge; so honour, delicacy, and the common ties of
duty, made him approve, rather than condemn his attention to her.

Though Sandford's frequent visits soothed Matilda, they could not
comfort her; for he had no consolation to bestow that was suited to her
mind--her father had given no one token of regret for what he had done.
He had even inquired sternly of Giffard on his returning home,

"If Miss Woodley had left the house?"

The steward guessing the whole of his mean