rful
than it had been. Lord Elmwood too, at this time was lying dangerously
ill of a fever; Miss Fenton of course was as much in sorrow as her
nature would permit her to be, and both Sandford and Dorriforth in
extreme concern upon his Lordship's account.

In this posture of affairs, the letter of invitation arrives from Lady
Luneham at Bath; it was shewn to Dorriforth; and to prove to his ward
that he is so much offended, as no longer to feel that excessive
interest in her concerns which he once felt, he gives an opinion on the
subject with indifference--he desires "Miss Milner will do what she
herself thinks proper." Miss Woodley instantly accepts this permission,
writes back, and appoints the day upon which her friend means to set off
for the visit.

Miss Milner is wounded at the heart by the cold and unkind manners of
her guardian, but dares not take one step to retrieve his opinion.
Alone, or to her friend, she sighs and weeps: he discovers her sorrow,
and is doubtful whether the departure of Lord Frederick from that part
of the country is not the cause.

When the time she was to set out for Bath was only two days off, the
behaviour of Dorriforth took, by degrees, its usual form, if not a
greater share of polite and tender attention than ever. It was the first
time he had parted from Miss Milner since he became her guardian, and he
felt upon the occasion, a reluctance. He had been angry with her, he had
shewn her that he was, and he now began to wish that he had not. She is
not happy, (he considered within himself) every word and action declares
she is not; I may have been too severe, and added perhaps to her
uneasiness. "At least we will part on good terms," said he--"Indeed, my
regard for her is such, I cannot part otherwise."

She soon discerned his returning kindness, and it was a gentle tie that
would have fastened her to that spot for ever, but for the firm
resistance of Miss Woodley.

"What will the absence of a few months effect?" said she, pleading her
own cause; "At the end of a few months at farthest, he will expect me
back, and where then will be the merit of this separation?"

"In that time," replied Miss Woodley, "we may find some method to make
it longer." To this she listened with a kind of despair, but uttered,
she "Was resigned,"--and she prepared for her departure.

Dorriforth was all anxiety that every circumstance of her journey should
be commodious; he was eager she should be happy; and