Miss Woodley smiled at an opinion which she knew half her sex would ridicule; but by the air of sincerity with which it was delivered, she was convinced her recent behaviour to Lord Frederick was but the mere effect of chance.
Lord Elmwood’s carriage drove to his door just at the time her’s did; Mr. Sandford was with him, and they were both come from passing the evening at Mr. Fenton’s.
“So, my Lord,” said Miss Woodley, as soon as they met in the apartment, “you did not come to us?”
“No,” answered he, “I was sorry; but I hope you did not expect me.”
“Not expect you, my Lord?” cried Miss Milner; “Did not you say that you would come?”
“If I had, I certainly should have come,” returned he, “but I only said so conditionally.”
“That I am a witness to,” cried Sandford, “for I was present at the time, and he said it should depend upon Miss Fenton.”
“And she, with her gloomy disposition,” said Miss Milner, “chose to sit at home.”
“Gloomy disposition!” repeated Sandford: “She has a great share of sprightliness—and I think I never saw her in better spirits than she was this evening, my Lord.”
Lord Elmwood did not speak.