“How came you to do so mad a thing?” cried Sandford; and the encouragement which his looks had once given him, now fled from his face. “It was unthinkingly,” repeated Edwards; “I was showing my Lord some plans for the new walks, and told him, among other things, that her Ladyship had many years ago approved of them. ‘Who?’ cried he. Still I did not call to mind, but said, ‘Lady Elmwood, Sir, while you were abroad.’—As soon as these words were delivered, I saw my doom in his looks, and he commanded me to quit his house and service that instant.” “I am afraid,” said Sandford, shaking his head, “I can do nothing for you.” “Yes, Sir, you know you have more power over my Lord than any body—and perhaps you may be able to save me and all mine from misery.” “I would, if I could,” replied Sandford quickly. “You can but try, Sir.” Matilda was all this while bathed in tears; nor was Miss Woodley much less affected—Lady Elmwood was before their eyes—Matilda beheld her in her dying moments; Miss Woodley saw her as the gay ward of Dorriforth. “Ask Mr. Rushbrook,” said Sandford, “prevail on him to speak for you; he has more power than I have.” “He has not enough, then,” replied Edwards, “for he was in the room with my Lord when what I have told you happened.” “And did he say nothing?” asked Sandford. “Yes, Sir; he offered to speak in my behalf, but my Lord interrupted him, and ordered him out of the room—he instantly went.” Sandford, now observing the effect which this narration had on the two ladies, led the man to his own apartments, and there assured him he dared not undertake his cause; but that if time or chance should happily make an alteration in his Lord’s disposition, he would be the first who would endeavour to replace him.—Edwards was obliged to submit; and before the next day at noon, his pleasant house by the side of the park, his garden, and his orchard, which he had occupied above twenty years, were cleared of their old inhabitant, and all his wretched family. CHAPTER XIV.