“Suppose I do, wherefore 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.