“You know of no other means, Miss Woodley,” he cried.
“And yet I cannot commend this,” said she.
“Nor do I. Do not imagine because you see me here, that I approve my conduct; but reduced to this necessity, pity the motives that have urged it.”
Miss Woodley did pity them; but as she would not own that she did, she could think of nothing else to say.
At this instant a bell rung from the chamber above.
“That is Lady Matilda’s bell,” said Miss Woodley; “she is coming to take a short walk. Do you wish to see her?”
Though it was the first wish of his heart, he paused, and said, “Will you plead my excuse?”
As the flight of stairs was but short, which Matilda had to come down, she was in the room with Miss Woodley and Mr. Rushbrook, just as that sentence ended.
She had stepped beyond the door of the apartment, when perceiving a visitor, she hastily withdrew.
Rushbrook, animated, though trembling at her presence, cried, “Lady Matilda, do not avoid me, till you know that I deserve such a punishment.”