, and
accustomed from his infancy to exert over his own family the most
boundless despotism.

Emmeline, tranquillized and consoled by his promises, then entreated him
to go; as the state of Mrs. Ashwood's family made visitors improper. In
this, too, he obeyed her. And as soon as he was gone, Emmeline sat down
to write to Mrs. Stafford, related briefly what had lately happened, and
told her, that as soon as Lord Montreville could be induced to settle
some yearly sum for her support, (which notwithstanding his threats she
still thought he would do, on condition of her engaging never, without
his consent, to marry Delamere,) she would set out for Woodfield.

Lord Montreville, absorbed in politics and in a negociation with
ministry, had, on the evening when he and his son were at Lord
Dornock's, forgotten the impatient temper and particular situation of
Delamere. His non appearance at supper occasioned an enquiry, and it was
found he had left the house. It was too late for Lord Montreville to
follow him that night, and would, indeed, have been useless; but early
the next morning he was in Berkley-square, where he heard nothing of his
son.

He received a letter from Sir Richard Crofts, relating the ill success
of his embassy; but adding, that he would bring Rochely to his Lordship
the next day, to consider together what was next to be done. A letter
also soon after arrived from Lady Montreville, to let his Lordship know
that herself and her daughter, with Lady Mary and Miss Otley, were
coming to town the next evening.

Delamere, the tumult of whose spirits was too great immediately to
subside, took, for the first time in his life, some pains to conquer
their violence, in consideration of Emmeline.

He sent his servants to Berkley-square, to enquire among the domestics
what had passed. He thence learned that his father had returned in the
morning from Lord Dornock's in very ill humour, and that his mother was
expected in town. An interview with either, would, he was conscious,
only be the occasion of that dissention he had promised Emmeline to
avoid. His mother, he knew, came to town determined to keep no terms
with him; and that she would incessantly harrass him with reproaches or
teize him with entreaties. He therefore determined to avoid entirely all
conversation with both; and after a short reflection on the best means
to do so, he ordered Millefleur to discharge the lodgings; told him and
his other two servants that he was going
