There was now a silence.——Mr. Giffard then bowing, said, “Has your Lordship any further commands?”
“Write to Sandford,” said Lord Elmwood, hesitating as he spoke, “and tell him to have every thing performed as she desired. And whoever she may have selected for the guardian of her child, has my consent to act as such.—Nor in one instance, where I myself am not concerned, shall I oppose her will.” The tears rushed into his eyes as he said this, and caused them to start in the steward’s—observing which, he sternly resumed,
“Do not suppose from this conversation, that any of those resolutions I have long since taken, are, or will be changed—they are the same; and shall continue inflexible.”
“I understand you, my Lord,” replied Mr. Giffard, “your express orders, to me, as well as to every other person, remain just the same as formerly, never to mention this subject to you again.”
“They do, Sir.”
“My Lord, I always obeyed you, and hope I always shall.”
“I hope so too,” he replied in a threatening accent—“Write to Sandford,” continued he, “to let him know my pleasure, and that is all you have to do.”
The steward bowed and withdrew.
But before his letter arrived to Sandford, Sandford arrived in town; and Mr. Giffard related, word for word, what had passed between him and his Lord. Upon every occasion, and upon every topic, except that of Lady Elmwood and her child, Sandford was just as free with Lord Elmwood as he had ever been; and as usual (after his interview with the steward) went into his apartment without any previous notice. Lord Elmwood shook him by the hand, as upon all other meetings; and yet, whether his fear suggested it or not, Sandford thought he appeared more cool and reserved with him than formerly.
During the whole day, the slightest mention of Lady Elmwood, or of her child, was cautiously avoided—and not till the evening, (after Sandford had risen to retire, and had wished Lord Elmwood good night) did he dare to mention the subject. He then, after taking leave, and going to the door—turned back and said, “My Lord,”—