d have been at that summit of her
wishes which annihilates hope, but that the prospect of seeing Miss
Woodley and Mr. Sandford, still kept this passion in existence.

CHAPTER XII.

Rushbrook was detained at Elmwood House during all this time, more from
the persuasions, nay prayers, of Sandford, than the commands of Lord
Elmwood. He had, but for Sandford, followed his uncle, and exposed
himself to his anger, sooner than have endured the most piercing
inquietude, which he was doomed to suffer, till the news arrived of Lady
Matilda's safety. He indeed had little else to fear from the known firm,
courageous character of her father, and the expedition with which he
undertook his journey; but lovers' fears are like those of women,
obstinate, and no argument could persuade either him or Miss Woodley
(who had now ventured to come to Elmwood House) but that Matilda's peace
of mind might be for ever destroyed, before she was set at liberty.

The summons from Lord Elmwood for their coming to town, was received by
each of this party with delight; but the impatience to obey it, was in
Rushbrook so violent, it was painful to himself, and extremely
troublesome to Sandford; who wished, from his regard to Lady Matilda,
rather to delay, than hurry their journey.

"You are to blame," said he to him and Miss Woodley, "to wish by your
arrival, to divide with Lord Elmwood that tender bond, which ties the
good who confer obligations, to the object of their benevolence. At
present there is no one with him to share in the care and protection of
his daughter, and he is under the necessity of discharging that duty
himself; this habit may become so powerful, that he _cannot_ throw it
off, even if his former resolutions should urge him to it. While we
remain here, therefore, Lady Matilda is safe with her father; but it
would not surprise me, if on our arrival (especially if we are
precipitate) he should place her again with Miss Woodley at a distance."

To this forcible conjecture, they submitted for a few days, and then
most gladly set out for town.

On their arrival, they were met, even at the street-door, by Lady
Matilda; and with an expression of joy, they did not suppose her
features could have worn. She embraced Miss Woodley! hung upon Sandford!
and to Mr. Rushbrook, who from his conscious love only bowed at an
humble distance, she held out her hand with every look and gesture of
the tenderest esteem.

When Lord Elmwood joined