“Your entire absence from this house, my Lord, she would consider as a much greater mark of your respect.”
A long conversation, as uninteresting as this, ensued: the unexpected arrival of Mr. Sandford, put an end to it. He started at the sight of Lord Margrave; but the Viscount was much more affected at the sight of him.
“My Lord,” said Sandford boldly to him, “have you received any encouragement from Lady Matilda to authorize this visit?”
“None, upon my honour, Mr. Sandford; but I hope you know how to pardon a lover!”
“A rational one I do—but you, my Lord, are not of that class while you persecute the pretended object of your affection.”
“Do you call it persecution that I once offered her a share of my title and fortune—and even now, declare my fortune is at her disposal?”
Sandford was uncertain whether he understood his meaning—but Lord Margrave, provoked at his ill reception, felt a triumph in removing his doubts, and proceeded thus:
“For the discarded daughter of Lord Elmwood, cannot expect the same proposals, which I made, while she was acknowledged, and under the protection of her father.”
“What proposals then, my Lord?” asked Sandford hastily.
“Such,” replied he, “as the Duke of Avon made to her mother.”