After some minutes of expectation, the door opens and her guardian comes in;—she was disappointed; he perceived that she was, and he looked at her with a most serious face;—she immediately called to mind the assurance he had given her, “That her acquaintance with Lord Frederick in its then improper state should not continue,” and between chagrin and confusion, she was at a loss how to behave.
Though the ladies were all present, Dorriforth said, without the smallest reserve, “Perhaps, Miss Milner, you may think I have taken an unwarrantable liberty, in giving orders to your servants to deny you to Lord Frederick; but until his Lordship and I have had a private conference, or you condescend to declare your sentiments more fully in regard to his visits, I think it my duty to put an end to them.”
“You will always perform your duty, Mr. Dorriforth, I have no doubt, whether I concur or not.”
“Yet believe me, madam, I should perform it more cheerfully, if I could hope that it was sanctioned by your inclinations.”
“I am not mistress of my inclinations, Sir, or they should conform to yours.”
“Place them under my direction, and I will answer for it they will.”
A servant came in—“Lord Frederick is returned, Sir, and says he should be glad to see you.”
“Shew him into the study,” cried Dorriforth hastily, and rising from his chair, left the room.
“I hope they won’t quarrel,” said Mrs. Horton, meaning, that she thought they would.
“I am sorry to see you so uneasy, Miss Milner,” said Miss Fenton, with perfect unconcern.