: she was
ignorant that the business had so eagerly been pushed to a crisis, not
merely by the avidity of James Crofts to possess the money, but also by
the directions of Sir Richard, who hoped by this means to drive the
family with whom Emmeline resided to another country; where Delamere
might find access to her so difficult, that he might never have an
opportunity of explaining the cause of his estrangement, or of hearing
her vindication.

It was now that Mrs. Stafford remembered the frequent offers of service
which she had repeatedly received from Lord Montreville; and to him she
determined to apply. She hoped that he might be induced to influence the
Crofts' family to give Mr. Stafford time, and to desist from the
violence and precipitation with which they pursued him. She even fancied
that his Lordship would be glad of an opportunity so easily to realize
those offers he had so liberally made; and full of these expectations,
she prepared to become a solicitress for favours to a statesman. She
felt humbled and mortified at the cruel necessity that compelled her to
it; but her children's interest conquering her reluctance, she addressed
a letter to Lord Montreville, and received a very polite answer, in
which he desired the honour of seeing her at two o'clock the following
day; an hour, when he said he should be entirely disengaged. She might
as well, however, have attended at his levee; for tho' punctual to the
hour when he was to be disengaged, she found two rooms adjoining to that
where his Lordship was, occupied by a variety of figures; some of whose
faces, were faces of negociation and equality, but more, whose
expression of fearful suspence marked them for those of petitioners and
dependants. Those of the former description were separately called to an
audience; and each, after a longer or shorter stay, retired; while Mrs.
Stafford, tho' with an heart but ill at ease for observation, could not
help fancying she discerned in their looks the success of their
respective treaties.

As soon as these gentlemen were all departed, Mrs. Stafford, who had
already waited almost three hours, was introduced into the study; where,
with many gracious bows and smiling apologies, Lord Montreville received
her.

Sir Richard Crofts had that morning warmly represented to his Lordship
the necessity of the Staffords' going abroad and taking Emmeline with
them. Lord Montreville knew that Delamere was returned, and was
embroiled with Emmeline; he was therefore eager enough to follow advice
which appeared so necessary, and to promote any plan which might prevent
a renewal of the
