h a
challenge from Lord Frederick. To the message delivered by this
gentleman, he replied,

"Sir, as a clergyman, more especially of the church of Rome, I know not
whether I am not exempt from answering a demand of this kind; but not
having had forbearance to avoid an offence, I will not claim an
exemption that would only indemnify me from making reparation."

"You will then, Sir, meet Lord Frederick at the appointed hour?" said
the officer.

"I will, Sir; and my immediate care shall be to find a gentleman who
will accompany me."

The officer withdrew, and when Dorriforth was again alone, he was going
once more to reflect, but he durst not. Since yesterday, reflection, for
the first time, was become painful to him; and even as he rode the short
way to Lord Elmwood's immediately after, he found his own thoughts were
so insufferable, that he was obliged to enter into conversation with his
servant. Solitude, that formerly charmed him, would, at those moments,
have been worse than death.

At Lord Elmwood's, he met Sandford in the hall, and the sight of him was
no longer welcome--he knew how different the principles which he had just
adopted were to those of that reverend friend, and without his
complaining, or even suspecting what had happened, his presence was a
sufficient reproach. He passed him as hastily as he could, and enquiring
for Lord Elmwood, disclosed to him his errand. It was to ask him to be
his second;--the young Earl started, and wished to consult his tutor, but
that, his kinsman strictly forbade; and having urged his reasons with
arguments, which at least _he_ could not refute, he was at length
prevailed upon to promise that he would accompany him to the field,
which was at the distance only of a few miles, and the parties were to
be there at seven on the same evening.

As soon as his business with Lord Elmwood was settled, Dorriforth
returned home, to make preparations for the event which might ensue from
this meeting. He wrote letters to several of his friends, and one to his
ward, in writing which, he could with difficulty preserve the usual
firmness of his mind. Sandford going into Lord Elmwood's library soon
after his relation had left him, expressed his surprise at finding he
was gone; upon which that nobleman having answered a few questions, and
given a few significant hints that he was entrusted with a secret,
frankly confessed, what he had promised to conceal.

Sandford, as much as a holy m