--

'What, Sir? speak!--think of something!'

'Why I was thinking, that if she is better in a few hours, it might be
possible for you to take her to Hertford, where she may remain a day or
two, till she is able to go farther. There you would be no longer in
danger of pursuit; and if she should grow worse, which when her mind is
easier I hope will not happen, you will have excellent advice. Perhaps,
when the hurry of her spirits subsides, she may, since this _has_
happened, consent to pursue the journey to the North; or if not, you can
from thence carry her to the friends she is so desirous of being with,
and avoid the risk of meeting on the road those you are so anxious to
shun.'

Tho' Delamere could not think, without extreme reluctance, of
relinquishing a scheme in which he had thought himself secure of
success; yet, as there was no alternative but what would be so hazardous
to the health of Emmeline, he was compelled to accede to any which had a
probability of restoring it without putting her into the hands of his
father.

Mr. Lawson told him it was only fifteen miles from Stevenage to
Hertford--'But how,' said he, 'will you, Sir, prevent your father's
following you thither, if he should learn at this place that you are
gone there?'

Delamere was wholly at a loss. But Mr. Lawson, who seemed to be sent by
his good genius, said--'We must get you from hence immediately, if Miss
Mowbray is able to go. You shall pass here as my visitors. You shall
directly go to my house, and there be supplied with horses from another
inn. This will at least make it more difficult to trace your route; and
if any enquiry should be made of me, I shall know what to say.'

Delamere, catching at any thing that promised to secure Emmeline from
the pursuit of Lord Montreville, went to her to enquire whether she was
well enough to walk to Mr. Lawson's house.

He found her trying to adjust her hair; but her hands trembled so much,
it was with difficulty she could do it. He desired her to dismiss the
maid who was in the room; then throwing himself on his knees before her,
and taking her burning hands in his, he said--'Arbitress of my
destiny--my Emmeline! thou for whom only I exist! be tranquil-
