She expected a rebuke for this, but what alarmed her much more, he said not a word; but looked with a resignation, which foreboded her sorrow greater than the severest reproaches would have done. She sat for a minute, reflecting how to rouse him from this composure—she first thought of attacking him with upbraidings; then she thought of soothing him; and at last of laughing at him. This was the most dangerous of all, and yet, this she ventured upon. “I am sure your Lordship,” said she, “with all your saintliness, can have no objection to my being present at the masquerade, if I go as a Nun.” He made no reply. “That is a habit,” continued she, “which covers a multitude of faults—and, for that evening, I may have the chance of making a conquest even of you—nay, I question not, if under that inviting attire, even the pious Mr. Sandford would not ogle me.” “Hush!” said Miss Woodley. “Why hush?” cried Miss Milner, aloud, though Miss Woodley had spoken in a whisper, “I am sure,” continued she, “I am only repeating what I have read in books about nuns and their confessors.” “Your conduct, Miss Milner,” replied Lord Elmwood “gives evident proofs of the authors you have read; you may spare yourself the trouble of quoting them.” Her pride was hurt at this, beyond bearing; and as she could not, like him, govern her anger, it flushed in her face, and almost forced her into tears. “My Lord,” said Miss Woodley, (in a tone so soft and peaceful, that it should have calmed the resentment of both,) “my Lord, suppose you were to accompany Miss Milner? there are tickets for three, and you can then have no objection.” Miss Milner’s brow was immediately smoothed; and she fetched a sigh, in anxious expectation that he would consent. “I go, Miss Woodley?” he replied, with astonishment, “Do you imagine I would play the buffoon at a masquerade?” Miss Milner’s face changed into its former state. “I have seen grave characters there, my Lord,” said Miss Woodley. “Dear Miss Woodley,” cried Miss Milner, “why persuade Lord Elmwood to put on a mask, just at the time he has laid it aside?” His patience was now tempted to its height, and he answered, “If you suspect me of inconsistency, Madam, you shall find me changed.” Pleased that she had been able at last to irritate him, she smiled with a degree of triumph, and in that humour was going to reply; but before she could speak four words, and before she thought of it, he abruptly left the room.