That which had given Sandford cheerfulness, had so depressed Lord Elmwood, that he sat dejected and silent. At length he answered in a faint voice, “No, I believe I shall not dine at home.”
“Where is your Lordship going to dine?” asked Mrs. Horton; “I thought we should have had your company to-day; Miss Milner dines at home, I believe.”
“I have not yet determined where I shall dine,” replied he, taking no notice of the conclusion of her speech.
“My Lord, if you mean to go to the hotel, I’ll go with you, if you please,” cried Sandford officiously.
“With all my heart, Sandford—” and they both went out together, before Miss Milner returned to the apartment.
CHAPTER VIII.
Miss Woodley, for the first time, disobeyed the will of Mr. Sandford; and as soon as Miss Milner and she were alone, repeated all he had revealed to her; accompanying the recital, with her usual testimonies of sympathy and affection. But had the genius of Sandford presided over this discovery, it could not have influenced the mind of Miss Milner to receive the intelligence with a temper more exactly the opposite of that which it was the intention of the informer to recommend. Instead of shuddering at the menace Lord Elmwood had uttered, she said, she “Dared him to perform it.” “He dares not,” repeated she.
“Why dares not?” said Miss Woodley.
“Because he loves me too well—because his own happiness is too dear to him.”