nst which it is my
duty to guard you, and you shall no longer deceive either him or
yourself. The moment he arrives, it is my resolution that you refuse to
see him, or consent to become his wife."

In answer to the alternative thus offered, she appeared averse to both
propositions; and yet came to no explanation why; but left her guardian
at the end of the conference as much at a loss to decide upon her true
sentiments, as he was before he had thus seriously requested he might be
informed of them; but having stedfastly taken the resolution which he
had just communicated, he found that resolution a certain relief to his
mind.

CHAPTER XII.

Sir Edward Ashton, though not invited by Miss Milner, yet frequently did
himself the honour to visit her at her house; sometimes he accompanied
Lord Elmwood, at other times he came to see Dorriforth alone, who
generally introduced him to the ladies. But Sir Edward was either so
unwilling to give pain to the object of his love, or so intimidated by
her frowns, that he seldom addressed her with a single word, except the
usual compliments at entering, and retiring. This apprehension of
offending, without one hope of pleasing, had the most awkward effect
upon the manners of the worthy Baronet; and his endeavours to insinuate
himself into the affections of the woman he loved, merely by not giving
her offence either in speaking to her or looking at her, formed a
character so whimsical, that it frequently forced a smile from Miss
Milner, though his very name had often power to throw a gloom over her
face: she looked upon him as the cause of her being hurried to the
election of a lover, before her own mind could well direct her where to
fix. Besides, his pursuit was troublesome, while it was no triumph to
her vanity, which by the addresses of Lord Frederick, was in the highest
manner gratified.

His Lordship now arrives in the country, and calls one morning at Miss
Milner's; her guardian sees his carriage coming up the avenue, and gives
orders to the servants, to say their lady is not at home, but that Mr.
Dorriforth is: Lord Frederick leaves his compliments and goes away.

The ladies all observed his carriage and servants. Miss Milner flew to
her glass, adjusted her dress, and in her looks expressed every sign of
palpitation--but in vain she keeps her eye fixed upon the door of the
apartment; no Lord Frederick appears.

After some minutes of expectation, the door opens and her