 and detestation which Emmeline felt for Crofts, that
she could not bear the thoughts of seeing him again. But as she feared
Mrs. Stafford might resent his behaviour, and by that means embroil
herself with the vain and insolent Mrs. Ashwood, with whom she knew
Stafford was obliged to keep on a fair footing, she determined to say as
little as she could of his impertinence to Mrs. Stafford, but to
withdraw from the house without again exposing herself to meet him. As
soon as she saw her the next morning, she related all that had passed
between Fitz-Edward and herself; and after a long consultation they
agreed that to prevent his seeing Godolphin was absolutely necessary;
and that no other means of doing so offered, but Mrs. Stafford's
relating to him the real circumstances and situation of Lady Adelina, as
soon as she could be removed from her present abode and precautions
taken to prevent his discovering her. This, Mrs. Stafford undertook to
do immediately after their departure. It was to take place on the next
day; and Emmeline, with the concurrence of her friend, determined that
she would take no leave of the party at Woodfield: for tho' the
appearance of mystery was extremely disagreeable and distressing to
Emmeline, she knew that notice of her intentions would excite enquiries
and awaken curiosity very difficult to satisfy; and that it was
extremely probable James Crofts might be employed to watch her, and by
that means render abortive all her endeavours to preserve the unhappy
Lady Adelina.

Relying therefore on the generosity and innocence of her intentions, she
chose rather to leave her own actions open to censure which they did not
deserve, than to risk an investigation which might be fatal to the
interest of her poor friend. She took nothing with her, Mrs. Stafford
undertaking every necessary arrangement about her cloaths--and having at
night taken a tender leave of this beloved and valuable woman, and
promised to write to her constantly and to return as soon as the destiny
of Lady Adelina should be decided, they parted.

And Emmeline, arising before the dawn of the following morning, set out
alone to Woodbury Forest--a precaution absolutely necessary, to evade
the inquisitive watchfulness of James Crofts. She stole softly down
stairs, before even the servants were stirring, and opening the door
cautiously, felt some degree of terror at being obliged to undertake so
long a walk alone at such an hour. But innocence gave her courage, and
friendly zeal lent her strength. As she walked on, her fears subsided.
She saw the sun rise above the horizon, and her apprehensions
