He was totally ignorant what she meant, nor had he leisure, from the confusion of his thoughts, to reflect upon her meaning; he nevertheless replied, with warmth, “Do. You shall find I’ll perform it.—Do. I will faithfully perform it.” Though Miss Milner was conscious this declaration could not, in delicacy, be ever adduced against him; yet the fervent and solemn manner in which he made it, cheered her spirits; and as persons enjoy the reflection of having in their possession some valuable gem, though they are determined never to use it, so she upon this, was comforted and grew better. She now lifted up her head, and leaned it on her hand, as she sat by the side of a table—still she did not speak, but seemed overcome with sorrow. As her situation became, however, less alarming, her guardian’s pity and affright began to take the colour of resentment; and though he did not say so, he was, and looked, highly offended. At this juncture Mr. Sandford entered. On beholding the present party, it required not his sagacity to see at the first view, that they were all uneasy; but instead of the sympathy this might have excited in some dispositions, Mr. Sandford, after casting a look at each of them, appeared in high spirits. “You seem unhappy, my Lord,” said he, with a smile. “You do _not_—Mr. Sandford,” Lord Elmwood replied. “No, my Lord, nor would I, were I in your situation. What should make a man of sense out of temper but a worthy object!” And he looked at Miss Milner. “There are no objects unworthy our care:” replied Lord Elmwood. “But there are objects on whom all care is fruitless, your Lordship will allow.” “I never yet despaired of any one, Mr. Sandford.” “And yet there are persons, of whom it is presumption to entertain hopes.” And he looked again at Miss Milner. “Does your head ache, Miss Milner?” asked her friend, seeing her hold it with her hand. “Very much,” returned she. “Mr. Sandford,” said Miss Woodley, “did you use all those drops Miss Milner gave you for a pain in the head?” “Yes:” answered he, “I did.” But the question at that moment somewhat embarrassed him. “And I hope you found benefit from them:” said Miss Milner, with great kindness, as she rose from her seat, and walked slowly out of the room. Though Miss Woodley followed her, so that Mr. Sandford was left alone with Lord Elmwood, and might have continued his unkind insinuations without one restraint, yet his lips were closed for the present. He looked down on the carpet—twitched himself upon his chair—and began to talk of the weather. CHAPTER IV.