ed character, you have this day proved."

"Humane, and disinterested," replied Sandford, "are flattering epithets
indeed, for an old man going out of the world, and who can have no
temptation to be otherwise."

"Then suffer me to call your actions generous and compassionate, for
they have saved me----"

"I know, young man," cried Sandford, interrupting him, "you are glad at
what I have done, and that you find a gratification in telling me you
are; but it is a gratification I will not indulge you with--therefore,
say another sentence on the subject, and" (rising from his seat) "I'll
leave the room, and never come into your company again, whatever your
uncle may say to it."

Rushbrook saw by the solemnity of his countenance, he was serious, and
positively assured him he would never thank him more: on which Sandford
took his seat again, but he still frowned, and it was many minutes
before he conquered his ill humour. As his countenance became less sour,
Rushbrook fell from some general topics he had eagerly started in order
to appease him, and said,

"How hard is it to restrain conversation from the subject of our
thoughts; and yet amidst our dearest friends, and among persons who have
the same dispositions and sentiments as our own, their minds, too, fixed
upon the self-same objects, is this constraint practised--and thus,
society, which was meant for one of our greatest blessings, becomes
insipid, nay, often more wearisome than solitude."

"I think, young man," replied Sandford, "you have made pretty free with
your speech to-day, and ought not to complain of the want of toleration
on that score."

"I do complain;" replied Rushbrook, "for if toleration was more
frequent, the favour of obtaining it would be less."

"And your pride, I suppose, is above receiving a favour."

"Never from those I esteem; and to convince you of it, I wish this
moment to request a favour of you."

"I dare say I shall refuse it. However what is it?"

"Permit me to speak to you upon the subject of Lady Matilda?"

Sandford made no answer, consequently did not forbid him--and he
proceeded.

"For her sake--as I suppose Lord Elmwood may have told you--I this morning
rashly threw myself into the predicament from whence you released me--for
her sake, I have suffered much--for her sake I have hazarded a great
deal, and am still ready to hazard more."

"But for your own sake, do not," returned Sandford, drily.

"You may laugh at these s