 determine.'

'My Lord,' answered Mrs. Stafford, 'I intended to have asked your
Lordship's permission to have been favoured with Miss Mowbray's company
for some months; and still hope to be indulged with it when I return
home. But could I go thither now, which I cannot, (my house not being in
a condition to receive me,) it would be impossible to prevent Mr.
Delamere's knowledge of her abode, if she was with me. But surely Mr.
Delamere will leave this place with you, and will not oblige Miss
Mowbray to quit her home to avoid him.'

'Ah, madam!' answered Lord Montreville, 'you do not yet know my son. The
impetuosity of his temper, which has never been restrained, it is now
out of my power to check; whatever he determines on he will execute, and
I have too much reason to fear that opposition only serves to strengthen
his resolution. While Emmeline is here, it will be impossible to prevail
on him to quit the place: and though her behaviour has hitherto been
irreproachable and meritorious, how can I flatter myself that so young a
woman will continue steadily to refuse a marriage, which would not only
relieve her at once from the difficulties and dependance of her
situation, but raise her to an elevated rank, and a splendid fortune.'

'To which,' said Mrs. Stafford, 'she would do honour. I do not, however,
presume to offer my opinion to your Lordship. You have, undoubtedly,
very strong reasons for your opposition to Mr. Delamere's wishes: and
his affluent fortune and future rank certainly give him a right to
expect both the one and the other in whoever he shall marry. But a more
lovely person, a better heart, a more pure and elegant mind, he will no
where meet with. Miss Mowbray will reflect as much credit as she can
borrow, on any family to which she may be allied.'

'I acknowledge, madam, that Miss Mowbray is a very amiable young woman;
but she never can be the wife of my son; and you I am sure are too
considerate to give any encouragement to so impossible an idea.'

After some farther conversation, Mrs. Stafford promised to endeavour to
recollect a proper situation for Miss Mowbray, where she might be
secured from the importunities of Delamere; and his Lordship took his
leave.

By six o'clock the next morning, Delamere was at Mrs. Watkins's door;
and nobody being visible but the
