Lord Margrave, on whom Lord Elmwood had not even cast a look, now left the room; but as he quitted it, called out, “My Lord Elmwood, if you have any demands on me,”— The Earl interrupted him, “Would you make me an executioner? The law shall be your only antagonist.” Matilda, quite exhausted, yet upheld by the sudden transport she had felt, was led by her father out of this wretched dwelling—more despicable than the beggar’s hovel. CHAPTER XI. Overcome with the want of rest for two nights, from her distracting fears, and all those fears now hushed; Matilda, soon after she was placed in the carriage with Lord Elmwood, dropped fast asleep; and thus, insensibly surprised, leaned her head against her father in the sweetest slumber that imagination can conceive. When she awoke, instead of the usual melancholy scene before her view, she beheld her father, and heard the voice of the once dreaded Lord Elmwood tenderly saying, “We will go no further to-night, the fatigue is too much for her; order beds here directly, and some proper person to sit up and attend her.” She could only turn to him with a look of love and duty; her lips could not utter a sentence. In the morning she found her father by the side of her bed. He inquired “If she was in health sufficient to pursue her journey, or if she would remain where she was?” “I _am_ able to go with you,” she answered instantly. “Nay,” replied he, “perhaps you ought to stay here till you are better?” “I am better,” said she, “and ready to go with you.”——Half afraid that he meant to send her from him. He perceived her fears, and replied, “Nay, if you stay, so shall I—and when I go, I shall take you along with me to my house.” “To Elmwood House?” she asked eagerly. “No, to my house in town, where I intend to be all the winter, and where we shall live together.” She turned her face on the pillow to conceal tears of joy, but her sobs revealed them. “Come,” said he, “this kiss is a token you have nothing to fear.” And he kissed her affectionately. “I shall send for Miss Woodley too immediately,” continued he. “Oh! I shall be overjoyed to see her, my Lord—and to see Mr. Sandford—and even Mr. Rushbrook.” “Do you know _him_?” said Lord Elmwood. “Yes,” she replied, “I have seen him two or three times.” The Earl hoping the air might be a means of re-establishing her strength and spirits, now left the room, and ordered his carriage to be prepared: while she arose, attended by one of his female servants, for whom he had sent to town, to bring such changes of apparel as were requisite.