the inn. Yields, under irresistible pressure, to t he exertion of her
guardian's authority, and commits the expression of her feelings to Sir
Patrick, who is a born tyrant, and doesn't in the least mind breaking
other people's hearts.' Sir Patrick, speaking for himself, places his
sister-in-law's view and his niece's view, side by side, before the lady
whom he has now the honor of addressing, and on whose confidence he is
especially careful not to intrude. Reminds the lady that his influence
at Windygates, however strenuously he may exert it, is not likely to
last forever. Requests her to consider whether his sister-in-law's view
and his niece's view in collision, may not lead to very undesirable
domestic results; and leaves her to take the course which seems best to
herself under those circumstances.--Second message delivered textually.
Time, three minutes. A storm coming on. A quarter of an hour's ride from
here to the shooting-cottage. Madam, I wish you good-evening."

He bowed lower than ever--and, without a word more, quietly left the
room.

Anne's first impulse was (excusably enough, poor soul) an impulse of
resentment.

"Thank you, Sir Patrick!" she said, with a bitter look at the closing
door. "The sympathy of society with a friendless woman could hardly have
been expressed in a more amusing way!"

The little irritation of the moment passed off with the moment. Anne's
own intelligence and good sense showed her the position in its truer
light.

She recognized in Sir Patrick's abrupt departure Sir Patrick's
considerate resolution to spare her from entering into any details on
the subject of her position at the inn. He had given her a friendly
warning; and he had delicately left her to decide for herself as to the
assistance which she might render him in maintaining tranquillity at
Windygates. She went at once to a side-table in the room, on which
writing materials were placed, and sat down to write to Blanche.

"I can do nothing with Lady Lundie," she thought. "But I have more
influence than any body else over Blanche and I can prevent the
collision between them which Sir Patrick dreads."

She began the letter. "My dearest Blanche, I have seen Sir Patrick, and
he has given me your message. I will set your mind at ease about me as
soon as I can. But, before I say any thing else, let me entreat you,
as the greatest favor you can do to your sister and your friend, not to
enter into any disputes about me wit