eally feel compassion for me, and I believe you do, contrive
some means by your answers to Lord Elmwood to pacify him, without
involving me in ruin. Hint at my affections being engaged, but not to
whom; and add, that I have given my word, if he will allow me a short
time, a year or two only, I will, during that period, try to disengage
them, and use all my power to render myself worthy of the union for
which he designs me."

"And this is not only your solemn promise--but your fixed determination?"

"Nay, why will you search my heart to the bottom, when the surface ought
to content you?"

"If you cannot resolve on what you have proposed, why do you ask this
time of your uncle? For should he allow it you, at the expiration, your
disobedience to his commands will be less pardonable than it is now."

"Within a year, Mr. Sandford, who can tell what strange events may not
occur, to change all our prospects? Even my passion may decline."

"In that expectation, then--the failure of which yourself must answer
for--I will repeat as much of this discourse as shall be proper."

Here Rushbrook communicated his having been to see Lady Matilda, for
which Sandford reproved him, but in less rigorous terms than he
generally used in his reproofs; and Rushbrook, by his entreaties, now
gained the intelligence who the nobleman was who addressed Matilda, and
on what views; but was restrained to patience, by Sandford's arguments
and threats.

Upon the subject of this marriage, Sandford met his patron, without
having determined exactly what to say, but rested on the temper in which
he should find him.

At the commencement of the conversation he said, "Rushbrook begged for
time."

"I have given him time, have I not?" cried Lord Elmwood: "What can be
the meaning of his thus trifling with me?"

Sandford replied, "My Lord, young men are frequently romantic in their
notions of love, and think it impossible to have a sincere affection,
where their own inclinations do not first point out the choice."

"If he is in love," answered Lord Elmwood, "let him take the object, and
leave my house and me for ever. Nor under this destiny can he have any
claim to pity; for genuine love will make him happy in banishment, in
poverty, or in sickness: it makes the poor man happy as the rich, the
fool blest as the wise." The sincerity with which Lord Elmwood had
loved, was expressed more than in words, as he said this.

"Your Lordship is talking," replie