Miss Milner did not like Mr. Sandford; yet as there was no cause of inveterate rancour, admiring him too as a man who meant well, and being besides of a most forgiving temper, she frequently felt concerned that he did not speak to her, although it had been to find fault as usual—and one morning as they were all, after a long ramble, drawing towards her house, where Lord Elmwood was invited to dine, she could not restrain dropping a tear at seeing Sandford turn back and wish them a “Good day.” But though she had the generosity to forgive an affront, she had not the humility to make a concession; and she foresaw that nothing less than some very humble atonement on her part would prevail upon the haughty priest to be reconciled. Dorriforth saw her concern upon this last trifling occasion with a secret pleasure, and an admiration that she had never before excited. She once insinuated to him to be a mediator between them; but before any accommodation could take place, the peace and composure of their abode were disturbed by the arrival of Sir Edward Ashton at Lord Elmwood’s, where it appeared as if he had been invited in order to pursue his matrimonial plan. At a dinner given by Lord Elmwood, Sir Edward was announced as an unexpected visitor; Miss Milner did not suppose him such, and she turned pale when his name was uttered. Dorriforth fixed his eyes upon her with some tokens of compassion, while Sandford seemed to exult, and by his repeated “Welcomes” to the Baronet, gave proofs how much he was rejoiced to see him. All the declining enmity of Miss Milner was renewed at this behaviour, and suspecting Sandford as the instigator of the visit, she could not overcome her displeasure, but gave way to it in a manner she thought the most mortifying. Sir Edward, in the course of conversation, enquired “What neighbours were in the country;” and she, with an appearance of high satisfaction, named Lord Frederick Lawnly as being hourly expected at his uncle’s. The colour spread over Sir Edward’s face—Dorriforth was confounded—and Mr. Sandford looked enraged. “Did Lord Frederick tell _you_ he should be down?” Sandford asked of Dorriforth. To which he replied, “No.” “But I hope, Mr. Sandford, you will permit _me_ to know?” said Miss Milner. For as she now meant to torment him by what she said, she no longer constrained herself to silence—and as he harboured the same kind intention towards her, he had no longer any objection to make a reply, and therefore answered, “No, madam, if it depended upon my permission, you should _not_ know.” “Not _any thing_, Sir, I dare say; you would keep me in utter ignorance.” “I would.” “From a self-interested motive, Mr. Sandford—that I might have a greater respect for you.” Some of the company laughed—Mrs. Horton coughed—Miss Woodley blushed—Lord Elmwood sneered—Dorriforth frowned—and Miss Fenton looked just as she did before.