don't see why one is not as much to be blamed, in
that respect, as the other."

"I was too weak to say I wished him happy," cried Miss Milner; "but,
Heaven is my witness, I do wish him so from my soul."

"And do you imagine he does not wish you so?" cried Sandford. "You
should judge him by your own heart; and what you feel for him, imagine
he feels for you, my dear."

Though "_my dear_" is a trivial phrase, yet from certain people, and
upon certain occasions, it is a phrase of infinite comfort and
assurance. Mr. Sandford seldom said "my dear" to any one; to Miss Milner
never; and upon this occasion, and from him, it was an expression most
precious.

She turned to him with a look of gratitude; but as she only looked, and
did not speak, he rose up, and soon after said, with a friendly tone he
had seldom used in her presence, "I sincerely wish you a good night."

As soon as he was gone, Miss Milner exclaimed, "However my fate may have
been precipitated by the unkindness of Mr. Sandford, yet, for that
particle of concern which he has shown for me this night, I will always
be grateful to him."

"Ay," cried Mrs. Horton, "good Mr. Sandford may show his kindness now,
without any danger from its consequences. Now Lord Elmwood is going away
for ever, he is not afraid of your seeing him once again." And she
thought she praised him by this suggestion.

CHAPTER XII.

When Miss Milner retired to her bed-chamber, Miss Woodley went with her,
nor would leave her the whole night--but in vain did she persuade her to
rest--she absolutely refused; and declared she would never, from that
hour, indulge repose. "The part I undertook to perform," cried she, "is
over--I will now, for my whole life, appear in my own character, and give
a loose to the anguish I endure."

As daylight showed itself--"And yet I might see him once again," said
she--"I might see him within these two hours, if I pleased, for Mr.
Sandford invited me."

"If you think, my dear Miss Milner," said Miss Woodley, "that a second
parting from Lord Elmwood would but give you a second agony, in the name
of Heaven do not see him any more--but, if you hope your mind would be
easier, were you to bid each other adieu in a more direct manner than
you did last night, let us go down and breakfast with him. I'll go
before, and prepare him for your reception--you shall not surprise
him--and I will let him know, it is by Mr. Sandford's invitation you are
coming."

Sh