use, the doors most probably would be
shut against him for ever.

In this humiliating state (for even many of the domestics could not but
observe their Lord's displeasure) Sandford passed three days, and was
beginning the fourth, when sitting with Lord Elmwood and Rushbrook just
after breakfast, a servant entered, saying, as he opened the door, to
somebody who followed, "You must wait till you have my Lord's
permission."

This attracted their eyes to the door, and a man meanly dressed, walked
in, following close to the servant.

The latter turned, and seemed again to desire the person to retire, but
in vain; he rushed forward regardless of his opposer, and in great
agitation, cried,

"My Lord, if you please, I have business with you, provided you will
chuse to be alone."

Lord Elmwood, struck with the intruder's earnestness, bade the servant
leave the room; and then said to the stranger,

"You may speak before these gentlemen."

The man instantly turned pale, and trembled--then, to prolong the time
before he spoke, went to the door to see if it was shut--returned--yet
still trembling, seemed unwilling to say his errand.

"What have you done," cried Lord Elmwood, "that you are in this terror?
What have you done, man?"

"Nothing, my Lord," replied he, "but I am afraid I am going to offend
you."

"Well, no matter;" (he answered carelessly) "only go on, and let me know
your business."

The man's distress increased--and he cried in a voice of grief and
affright--"Your child, my Lord!"----

Rushbrook and Sandford started; and looking at Lord Elmwood, saw him
turn white as death. In a tremulous voice he instantly cried,

"What of her?" and rose from his seat.

Encouraged by the question, and the agitation of him who asked it, the
poor man gave way to his feelings, and answered with every sign of
sorrow,

"I saw her, my Lord, taken away by force--two ruffians seized and carried
her away, while she screamed in vain to me for help, and tore her hair
in distraction."

"Man, what do you mean?" cried the Earl.

"Lord Margrave," replied the stranger, "we have no doubt, has formed
this plot--he has for some time past beset the house where she lived; and
when his visits were refused, he threatened this. Besides, one of his
servants attended the carriage; I saw, and knew him."

Lord Elmwood listened to the last part of this account with seeming
composure--then turning hastily to Rushbrook, he said,

"Where are