He endeavoured to raise her, she persisted to kneel—and here the affright, the terror, the anguish, she endured, discovered to her, her own sentiments—which, till that moment, she had doubted—and she continued,
“I no longer pretend to conceal my passion—I love Lord Frederick Lawnly.”
Her guardian started.
“Yes, to my shame I love him:” (cried she, all emotion) “I meant to have struggled with the weakness, because I supposed it would be displeasing to you—but apprehension for his safety has taken away every power of restraint, and I beseech you to spare his life.”
“This is exactly what I thought,” cried Sandford, with an air of triumph.
“Good heaven!” cried Miss Woodley.
“But it is very natural,” said Mrs. Horton.
“I own,” said Dorriforth, (struck with amaze, and now taking her from his feet with a force that she could not resist) “I own, Miss Milner, I am greatly affected and wounded at this contradiction in your character.”—
“But did not I say so?” cried Sandford, interrupting him.
“However,” continued he, “you may take my word, though you have deceived me in your’s, that Lord Frederick’s life is secure. For your sake, I would not endanger it for the universe. But let this be a warning to you”——