“Pity, then, gives rise to very different sensations—for I pity you, and that sensation I would gladly exchange for approbation.”
“If you really feel compassion for me, and I believe you do, contrive some means by your answers to Lord Elmwood to pacify him, without involving me in ruin. Hint at my affections being engaged, but not to whom; and add, that I have given my word, if he will allow me a short time, a year or two only, I will, during that period, try to disengage them, and use all my power to render myself worthy of the union for which he designs me.”
“And this is not only your solemn promise—but your fixed determination?”
“Nay, why will you search my heart to the bottom, when the surface ought to content you?”
“If you cannot resolve on what you have proposed, why do you ask this time of your uncle? For should he allow it you, at the expiration, your disobedience to his commands will be less pardonable than it is now.”
“Within a year, Mr. Sandford, who can tell what strange events may not occur, to change all our prospects? Even my passion may decline.”
“In that expectation, then—the failure of which yourself must answer for—I will repeat as much of this discourse as shall be proper.”
Here Rushbrook communicated his having been to see Lady Matilda, for which Sandford reproved him, but in less rigorous terms than he generally used in his reproofs; and Rushbrook, by his entreaties, now gained the intelligence who the nobleman was who addressed Matilda, and on what views; but was restrained to patience, by Sandford’s arguments and threats.
Upon the subject of this marriage, Sandford met his patron, without having determined exactly what to say, but rested on the temper in which he should find him.
At the commencement of the conversation he said, “Rushbrook begged for time.”