herefore that _alas!_ Miss Woodley?"

"Because I fear you will never be happy with him."

"That is plainly telling me he will not be happy with me."

"I do not know--I cannot speak of marriage from experience," answered
Miss Woodley, "but I think I can guess what it is."

"Nor can I speak of love from experience," replied Miss Milner, "but I
think I can guess what it is."

"But do not fall in love, my dear," (cried Miss Woodley, with her
accustomed simplicity of heart, as if she had been asking a favour that
depended upon the will of the person entreated,) "pray do not fall in
love without the approbation of your guardian."

Her young friend smiled at the inefficacious prayer, but promised to do
all she could to oblige her.

CHAPTER VII.

Sir Edward, not wholly discouraged by the denial with which Dorriforth
had, with delicacy, acquainted him, still hoped for a kind reception,
and was so often at the house of Mrs. Horton, that Lord Frederick's
jealousy was excited, and the tortures he suffered in consequence,
convinced him, beyond a doubt, of the sincerity of his affection. Every
time he beheld the object of his passion, (for he still continued his
visits, though not so frequently as heretofore) he pleaded his cause
with such ardour, that Miss Woodley, who was sometimes present, and ever
compassionate, could not resist wishing him success. He now
unequivocally offered marriage, and entreated that he might lay his
proposals before Mr. Dorriforth, but this was positively forbidden.

Her reluctance he imputed, however, more to the known partiality of her
guardian for the addresses of Sir Edward, than to any motive which
depended upon herself; and to Mr. Dorriforth he conceived a greater
dislike than ever; believing that through his interposition, in spite of
his ward's attachment, he might yet be deprived of her. But Miss Milner
declared both to him and to her friend, that love had, at present,
gained no influence over her mind. Yet did the watchful Miss Woodley
oftentimes hear a sigh escape from her unknown to herself, till she was
reminded of it, and then a sudden blush would instantly overspread her
face. This seeming struggle with her passion, endeared her more than
ever to Miss Woodley, and she would even risk the displeasure of
Dorriforth by her compliance with every new pursuit that might amuse the
time, which else her friend passed in heaviness of heart.

Balls, plays, incessant company, at lengt