of envy. And as I
frankly confess my envy of Mr. Rushbrook, I hope you will pardon my
malice, which is, you know, but a consequent crime."

The subject now turned again upon Lord Margrave; and all of them being
firmly persuaded, this last reception would put an end to every further
intrusion from him, they treated his pretensions, and himself, with the
contempt they inspired--but not with the caution that was requisite.

CHAPTER VI.

The next morning early, Mr. Sandford returned to Elmwood House, but with
his spirits depressed, and his heart overcharged with sorrow. He had
seen Lady Matilda, the object of his visit, but he had beheld her
considerably altered in her looks and in her health; she was become very
thin, and instead of the vivid bloom that used to adorn her cheeks, her
whole complexion was of a deadly pale--her countenance no longer
expressed hope or fear, but a fixed melancholy--she shed no tears, but
was all sadness. He had beheld this, and he had heard her insulted by
the licentious proposals of a nobleman, from whom there was no
satisfaction to be demanded, because she had no friend to vindicate her
honour.

Rushbrook, who suspected where Sandford was gone, and imagined he would
return that day, took his morning's ride, so as to meet him on the road,
at the distance of a few miles from the Castle; for, since his perilous
situation with Lord Elmwood, he was so fully convinced of the general
philanthropy of Sandford's character, that in spite of his churlish
manners, he now addressed him, free from that reserve to which his rough
behaviour had formerly given birth. And Sandford, on his part, believing
he had formed an illiberal opinion of Lord Elmwood's heir, though he
took no pains to let him know that his opinion was changed, yet resolved
to make him restitution upon every occasion that offered.

Their mutual greetings when they met, were unceremonious, but cordial;
and Rushbrook turned his horse and rode back with Sandford; yet,
intimidated by his respect and tenderness for Lady Matilda, rather than
by fear of the rebuffs of his companion, he had not the courage to name
her, till the ride was just finished, and they came within a few yards
of the house--incited then by the apprehension, he might not soon again
enjoy so fit an opportunity, he said,

"Pardon me, Mr. Sandford, if I guess where you have been, and if my
curiosity forces me to inquire for Miss Woodley's and Lady Matilda's
health