n of his whole frame) "My
Lord--waving for a moment the subject of my marriage--permit me to remind
you, that when I was upon my sick bed, you promised, that on my
recovery, you would listen to a petition I should offer to you."

"Let me recollect," replied he. "Yes--I do remember something of it. But
I said nothing to warrant any improper petition."

"Its impropriety was not named, my Lord."

"No matter--that, you must judge of, and answer for the consequences."

"I would answer with my life, willingly--but I own that I shrink from
your anger."

"Then do not provoke it."

"I have already gone too far to recede--and you would of course demand an
explanation, if I attempted to stop here."

"I should."

"Then, my Lord, I am bound to speak--but do not interrupt me--hear me out,
before you banish me from your presence for ever."

"I will, Sir," replied he, prepared to hear something that would
displease him, and yet determined to hear with patience to the
conclusion.

"Then, my Lord,"--(cried Rushbrook, in the greatest agitation of mind and
body) "Your daughter"----

The resolution Lord Elmwood had taken (and on which he had given his
word to his nephew not to interrupt him) immediately gave way. The
colour rose in his face--his eye darted lightning--and his hand was lifted
up with the emotion, that word had created.

"You promised to hear me, my Lord!" cried Rushbrook, "and I claim your
promise."

He now suddenly overcame his violence of passion, and stood silent and
resigned to hear him; but with a determined look, expressive of the
vengeance that should ensue.

"Lady Matilda," resumed Rushbrook, "is an object that wrests from me the
enjoyment of every blessing your kindness bestows. I cannot but feel
myself as her adversary--as one, who has supplanted her in your
affections--who supplies her place, while she is exiled, a wanderer, and
an orphan."

The Earl took his eyes from Rushbrook, during this last sentence, and
cast them on the floor.

"If I feel gratitude towards you, my Lord," continued he, "gratitude is
innate in my heart, and I must also feel it towards her, who first
introduced me to your protection."

Again the colour flew to Lord Elmwood's face; and again he could hardly
restrain himself from uttering his indignation.

"It was the mother of Lady Matilda," continued Rushbrook, "who was this
friend to me; nor will I ever think of marriage, or any other joyful
prospect, while you abandon