She found Lord Elmwood there in his travelling dress, standing pensively by the fire-place—and, as he did not dream of seeing her, he started when she entered, and, with an appearance of alarm, said, “Dear Miss Woodley, what’s the matter?” She replied, “Nothing, my Lord; but I could not be satisfied without seeing your Lordship once again, while I had it in my power.”
“I thank you,” he returned with a sigh—the heaviest and most intelligent sigh she ever heard him condescend to give. She imagined, alas, that he looked as if he wished to ask how Miss Milner did, but would not allow himself the indulgence. She was half inclined to mention her to him, and was debating in her mind whether she should or not, when Mr. Sandford came into the room, saying, as he entered,
“For Heaven’s sake, my Lord, where did you sleep last night?”
“Why do you ask!” said he.
“Because,” replied Sandford, “I went into your bed-chamber just now, and I found your bed made. You have not slept there to-night.”
“I have slept no where,” returned he; “I could not sleep—and having some papers to look over, and to set off early, I thought I might as well not go to bed at all.”
Miss Woodley was pleased at the frank manner in which he made this confession, and could not resist the strong impulse to say, “You have done just then, my Lord, like Miss Milner, for she has not been in bed the whole night.”
Miss Woodley spoke this in a negligent manner, and yet, Lord Elmwood echoed back the words with solicitude, “Has not Miss Milner been in bed the whole night?”
“If she is up, why does not she come and take some coffee?” said Sandford, as he began to pour it out.
“If she thought it would be agreeable,” returned Miss Woodley, “I dare say she would.” And she looked at Lord Elmwood while she spoke, though she did not absolutely address him; but he made no reply.