“Yes,” replied Sandford; “but my head ached; and so I had rather come and take a bit with you.” Matilda, as if she had seen his heart as he spoke, clung round his neck and sobbed on his bosom: he put her peevishly away, crying “Nonsense, nonsense—eat your dinner.” But he did not eat himself. CHAPTER IX. About a week after this, Lord Elmwood went out two days for a visit; consequently Rushbrook was for that time master of the house. The first morning he went a shooting, and returning about noon, enquired of Sandford, who was sitting in the room, if he had taken up a volume of plays left upon the table. “I read no such things,” replied Sandford, and quitted the room abruptly. Rushbrook then rang for his servant, and desired him to look for the book, asking him angrily, “Who had been in the apartment? for he was sure he had left it there when he went out.” The servant withdrew to enquire, and presently returned with the volume in his hand, and “Miss Woodley’s compliments, she begs your pardon, Sir, she did not know the book was yours, and hopes you will excuse the liberty she took.” “Miss Woodley!” cried Rushbrook with surprise, “she comes so seldom into these apartments, I did not suppose it was her who had it—take it back to her instantly, with my respects, and I beg she will keep it.” The man went; but returned with the book again, and laying it on the table without speaking, was going away; when Rushbrook, hurt at receiving no second message, said, “I am afraid, Sir, you did very wrong when you first took this book from Miss Woodley.” “It was not from her I took it, Sir,” replied the man, “it was from Lady Matilda.” Since he had entered the house, Rushbrook had never before heard the name of Lady Matilda, he was shocked—confounded more than ever—and to conceal what he felt, instantly ordered the man out of the room. In the mean time, Miss Woodley and Matilda were talking over this trifling occurrence; and frivolous as it was, drew from it strong conclusions of Rushbrook’s insolence and power. In spite of her pride, the daughter of Lord Elmwood even wept at the insult she had received on this insignificant occasion; for the volume being merely taken from her at Mr. Rushbrook’s command, she felt an insult; and the manner in which it was done by the servant, might contribute to the offence. While Miss Woodley and she were upon this conversation, a note came from Rushbrook to Miss Woodley, wherein he entreated he might be permitted to see her. She sent a verbal answer, “She was engaged.” He sent again, begging she would name her own time. But sure of a second denial, he followed the servant who took the last message, and as Miss Woodley came out of her apartment into the gallery to speak to him, Rushbrook presented himself, and told the man to retire. “Mr. Rushbrook,” said Miss Woodley, “this intrusion is insupportable; and destitute as you may think me of the friendship of Lord Elmwood”——