

'While you assert that you are but little disposed to jealousy, you are
persuading me that you are extremely prone to it. You know Bellozane can
never have the smallest interest in my heart. But as to Delamere, I am
decided against inflaming his irritable passions, by encouraging an
avowed rival, tho' I will do all I can by other means, to discourage
him. The only condition on which I will continue to see you is, that you
appear no otherwise interested about me, than as the favoured friend of
your sister, your brother, and Lady Westhaven. Press me, therefore, no
farther on the subject, and let us now part.'

'Tell me, first, whether your journey remains fixed for
Thursday?--whether you still hold your generous resolution of going to
Adelina?'

'I do. But I must insist on going alone.'

'And if Bellozane should enquire whither you are going? You see nothing
prevents his following you; and to follow you to East Cliff, he will,
you know, have sufficient excuse. Emmeline, I cannot bear it!--there is
a presumption in his manner, which offends and shocks me; and which,
however you may dislike it, it may not always be in your power to
repress!'

'Surely he need not know that I am going thither.'

It was now, therefore, agreed between them that if Bellozane called upon
her the next day, as he said he intended, she should be denied to him;
and that early on the following morning, which was Thursday, she should
set out for East Cliff, attended by Madelon and Le Limosin.

This arrangement was hardly made when Mrs. Stafford returned, weary and
exhausted from the unpleasant party with which she had passed the day.

With Emmeline's permission (who left the room that she might not hear
it) Godolphin related to Mrs. Stafford the conversation they had held.
It was the only information which had any power to raise her depressed
spirits; and as soon as Emmeline rejoined them, she added her entreaties
to those of Godolphin. They urged her to conquer immediately all those
scruples which divided her from him to whom she had given her heart; and
to put herself into such protection as must at once obviate all the
difficulties she apprehended. But Emmeline still adhered to her
resolution of remaining single, if not 'till she was of age, at least
till her affairs with her uncle were adjusted, and 'till she saw the
unhappy Delamere restored to health and tranquillity. But
notwithstanding this
