, to her
tenderness and esteem, without attempting to check or conceal her
sentiments; while Mrs. Stafford, who ardently wished to see her in
possession of her estate and married to Godolphin, rejoiced in observing
her to be less reserved; and Godolphin himself, hardly believing the
happiness he possessed real, forgot all his fears of her attachment to
Lord Delamere, and dared again entertain the hopes he had discarded at
Besançon--as he thought, for ever.

The next day Mrs. Stornaway was so much recovered that they proceeded in
their journey, taking her into the coach with them and directing Madelon
to travel in the chaise, accompanied by her father. They arrived early
in town; and Godolphin, leaving them at an hotel, went in search of
lodgings. He soon found apartments to accommodate them in Bond street;
and thither they immediately went; Mrs. Stafford taking upon herself the
protection of the poor forlorn stranger 'till Godolphin could find her
husband, on whose behalf he immediately intended to apply for a berth on
board some ship in commission. He had given him a direction to his
banker, and bid him there leave an address where he might be found in
London. The next day he brought the transported Stornaway to his wife;
and the gratitude these poor young people expressed to their benefactor,
convinced the fair friends that they had deserved his kindness, and that
there was no deception in the story the Lieutenant had told them about
his wife. Godolphin took a lodging for them in Oxford street; and gave
them money for their support till he could get the young man employed,
which his interest and indefatigable friendship soon accomplished.

In the mean time he saw Emmeline every day, and every day he rose in her
esteem. Yet still she hesitated to discover to him all she thought of
him; and at times was so reserved and so guarded, that Godolphin knew
not what to believe. He knew she was above the paltry artifice of
coquetry; yet she fearfully avoided being alone with him, and never
allowed him an opportunity of asking whether he had any thing to hope
from time and assiduity.

'Is he not one of the best creatures in the world?' said Mrs. Stafford,
after he left the room, on the second day of their arrival, to go out in
the service of the Stornaways.

'Yes.'

'Yes! and is that all the praise you allow to such a man? Is he not a
perfect character?'

'As perfect, I suppose, as any of them are.'

'Ah! Emmeline, you are
