 ideas rapidly passed. He
was divided between his joy at having found Emmeline, his vexation at
knowing she was surrounded by rivals, and his fear that his father
might, by the application of Elkerton to him, know that Emmeline's abode
was no longer a secret: and amidst these various sensations, he was able
only to express his dislike of Elkerton, whose presumption in thinking
of Emmeline appeared to cancel the casual obligation he owed to him for
discovering her.

'Sir,' said he haughtily, as soon as he could a little recover his
recollection, 'I am very well assured that Lord Montreville will not
hear any proposals for Miss Mowbray. His Lordship has, in fact, no
authority over her; and besides he is at present about to leave his
house in Norfolk, and I know not when he will be in town; perhaps not
the whole winter; he is now going to visit some friends, and it will be
impossible you can have any access to him for some months. As to myself,
you will excuse me; I am engaged to dine out.'

He rang the bell, and ordered the servant who entered to enquire for the
gentleman's carriage. Then bowing coolly to him, he went into his
dressing room, and left the mortified Elkerton to regret the little
success of an attempt which he doubted not would have excited, in the
hearts of all those related to Miss Mowbray, admiration at his
generosity, and joy for the good fortune of Emmeline: for he concluded,
by her being a companion to Mrs. Ashwood, that she had no fortune, or
any dependance but on the bounty of Lord Montreville.

Delamere, whose ardent inclinations, whatever turn they took, were never
to be a moment restrained, rang for his servants; and dispatching one of
them with an excuse to his friends, he sent a second for an
hackney-coach. Then ordering up a cold dinner, which he hardly staid to
eat, he got into the coach, and directed it to be driven as fast as
possible to Clapham Common; where he asked for the house of Mrs.
Ashwood, and was presently at the door.

The servant had that moment opened the iron gate, to let out a person
who had been to his mistress upon business. Delamere therefore enquiring
if Miss Mowbray was at home, entered without ringing, and telling the
servant that he had occasion to speak to Miss Mowbray only, the man
answered, 'that she was alone in the dressing room.' Thither therefore
he desired to be shewn; and without being announced
