 he was
extremely ambitious.

To support such a dignity, his son's future fortune, ample as it must
be, would not, he thought, be adequate; and could only be made so by his
marrying Miss Otley or some woman of equal fortune.

This, therefore, was the weight which entirely over-balanced all his
kindness for his niece, and confirmed his resolution to tear her from
Delamere at whatever price.







It was much earlier than the usual hour for morning visits, when Sir
Richard Crofts was at the door of Mrs. Ashwood.

Miss Mowbray had given no orders to be denied; and he was, on enquiring
for her, shewn into the parlour.

As soon as the servant informed her a gentleman was below whom she found
was not Delamere, she concluded it was Lord Montreville; and with a
fearful and beating heart, went down.

She saw, with some surprise, a middle-aged man, of no very pleasant
countenance and person, to whom she was an entire stranger; and
concluding his business was with Mrs. Ashwood, she was about to retreat,
when the gentleman advancing towards her, told her he waited on her,
commissioned by Lord Montreville.

Emmeline sat down in silence, and Sir Richard began.

'Miss Mowbray, I have the honour to be connected with Lord Montreville,
and entirely in his Lordship's confidence: you will please therefore to
consider what I shall say to you as coming immediately, directly, and
absolutely, from himself; and as his Lordship's decided, and
unalterable, and irrevocable intentions.'

The abruptness of this speech shocked and distressed Emmeline. She grew
very pale; but bowing slightly to the speaker, he went on.

'My Lord Montreville hopes and supposes, and is willing to believe, that
you have not, in direct violation of your promise solemnly given,
encouraged Mr. Delamere in the absurd, and impossible, and impracticable
project of marrying you. But however that may have been, as it is his
Lordship's firm resolution and determination never to suffer such a
connection, you have, I suppose, too much sense not to see the mischief
you must occasion, and bring on, and cause to yourself, by encouraging a
giddy, and infatuated, and ignorant, and rash young man, to resist
paternal authority.'

Emmeline was still silent.

'Now here is an opportunity of establishing yourself in affluence, and
reputation, and fortune, beyond what your most sanguine hopes could
offer you; and I am persuaded you will eagerly, and readily, and
immediately embrace
