 knew not what.

He now said, that as there could be no doubt of the young people's
having gone _towards_ Scotland, from the information they had obtained
at Barnet and Hatfield, it was most likely that in the apprehension of a
pursuit they had afterwards quitted the high road, and were advancing to
the borders of Scotland across the country, which must considerably
lengthen and impede their journey; therefore if they themselves
proceeded directly to the town where these marriages are usually
celebrated, the probability was that they should arrive before Delamere
and Miss Mowbray; and by such a circumstance the connection would be as
effectually prevented as it could be by their overtaking them on the
road.

Lord Montreville, despairing of being able by any means to obstruct a
marriage on which his son seemed to be so determined, and harrassed in
mind as much as he was fatigued in body, suffered himself to be carried
forward merely through inability to determine what he could do better;
and though quite hopeless of it's success, pursued his journey.

The innocent cause of all this trouble and anxiety remained in the mean
time at the hospitable house of Mrs. Champness; where Miss Lawson
attended her with all possible kindness and solicitude. It was indeed
impossible to be with her without loving her; unless to an heart
insensible, like that of Mrs. Ashwood, to all but her own ideal
perfections; or steeled by pride, like that of Lady Montreville.

A night passed in quiet sleep had greatly restored her; and her fever,
though not gone, was considerably abated. Every noise, however trifling,
still made her start; her nerves were by no means restored to their
tone, and her spirits continued to be greatly affected. The idea which
seemed to press most painfully on her mind, was the blemish which the
purity of her character must sustain by her being so long absent with
Delamere--a blemish which she knew could hardly ever be removed but by
her returning as his wife.

But to break her promise to Lord Montreville; a promise so solemnly
given; and to be compelled into a marriage which, however advantageous
and fortunate it would appear under other circumstances, would now bring
with it a severe alloy of mortification in the displeasure of his
family; was a measure which she could not determine to pursue.

Her resentment towards Delamere for what was passed was not yet enough
subdued by his reluctant repentance, to reconcile her to the thoughts of
putting herself again into his power. Yet she could not suppose he would
suffer her to return to London alone, if she had courage to attempt it;
