 his altered countenance and manner, so different
from what they were when she first saw the gay and gallant Fitz-Edward
at Mowbray Castle. He began by expressing, with great appearance of
sincerity, his joy at seeing her; enquired after Lord Delamere, and
mentioned his astonishment at what he had heard--that Delamere had so
repeatedly enquired after him, and signified such a wish to see him, yet
had never written to him to explain his business.

Emmeline, who knew well on what he had so earnestly desired to meet him,
blushed, but did not think it necessary to clear up a subject which
Godolphin's explanation to Delamere had rendered no longer alarming.

'You know, perhaps,' said Fitz-Edward, 'that Mr. Trelawny is dead.'

'I do.'

'And your fair unhappy friend?--May I now--(or is it still a crime,)
enquire after her.'

'She is, I believe, well,' answered Emmeline, 'and remains at the house
of her brother.'

'Tell me, Miss Mowbray--will she after a proper time refuse, do you
think, her consent to see me? will _you_, my lovely friend, undertake to
plead for me? will you and Mrs. Stafford, who know with what solicitude
I sought her, with what anguish I deplored her loss, intercede on my
behalf?--you, who know how fondly my heart has been devoted to her from
the moment of our fatal parting?'

'I can undertake nothing of this kind, Sir. The fate of Lady Adelina
depends, I apprehend, on her brothers. To them I think you should
apply.'

'And why not to herself? Is she not now at liberty? And when destiny has
at length broken the cruel chains with which she was loaded, will she
voluntarily bind herself with others hardly more supportable? If she
refers me to her brothers, I must despair:--the cold-hearted Lord
Westhaven, the inflexible and rigid Godolphin, will make it a mistaken
point of honour to divide us for ever!'

'You cannot suppose, Sir, that _I_ shall undertake to influence Lady
Adelina to measures disapproved by her family. I know not that Lord
Westhaven is cold and unfeeling as you describe him: on the contrary, I
believe he unites one of the best heads and warmest hearts. If your
request is proper, you certainly risk nothing by referring it to him.'

Of Godolphin she spoke not; fearful of betraying to the
