d, the softest sentiments in his favour. He succeeded--but not as he
wished. She loved him as her friend, her cousin, her foster-brother, but
not as a lover. The idea of love never once came to her thoughts; and
she would sport with Rushbrook like the most harmless child, while he,
all impassioned, could with difficulty resist telling her, what she made
him suffer.

At the meeting between him and Lord Elmwood, to which he was called for
his final answer on that subject which had once nearly proved so fatal
to him; after a thousand fears, much confusion and embarrassment, he at
length frankly confessed his "Heart was engaged, and had been so, long
before his uncle offered to direct his choice."

Lord Elmwood desired to know, "On whom he had placed his affections."

"I dare not tell you, my Lord," returned he, infinitely confused; "but
Mr. Sandford can witness their sincerity and how long they have been
fixed."

"Fixed!" cried the Earl.

"Immoveably fixed, my Lord; and yet the object is as unconscious of my
love to this moment, as you yourself have been; and I swear ever shall
be so, without your permission."

"Name the object," said Lord Elmwood, anxiously.

"My Lord, I dare not.--The last time I named her to you, you threatened
to abandon me for my arrogance."

Lord Elmwood started.----"My daughter! Would you marry her?"

"But with your approbation, my Lord; and that----"

Before he could proceed a word further, his uncle left the room
hastily--and left Rushbrook all terror for his approaching fate.

Lord Elmwood went immediately into the apartment where Sandford, Miss
Woodley, and Matilda, were sitting, and cried with an angry voice, and
with his countenance disordered,

"Rushbrook has offended me beyond forgiveness.--Go, Sandford, to the
library, where he is, and tell him this instant to quit my house, and
never dare to return."

Miss Woodley lifted up her hands and sighed.

Sandford rose slowly from his seat to execute the office.

While Lady Matilda, who was arranging her music books upon the
instrument, stopped from her employment suddenly, with her face bathed
in tears.

A general silence ensued, till Lord Elmwood, resuming his angry tone,
cried, "Did you hear me, Mr. Sandford?"

Sandford now, without a word in reply, made for the door--but there
Matilda impeded him, and throwing her arms about his neck, cried,

"Dear Mr. Sandford, do not."

"How!" exclaimed her father.

She saw the impen