He was proceeding with even more than his usual vehemence; but Fitz-Edward thought it necessary to stop him. 'You promised, Frederic, before I consented to come with you, that you would desist from these extravagant flights. Come, I beg Miss Mowbray may be permitted to speak to her other acquaintance; and that she will do us both the honour to introduce us to her friend.' Emmeline had lost all courage and recollection on the appearance of Delamere. Mrs. Stafford saw her distress; and assuming a cold and distant manner, she said--'Miss Mowbray, I apprehend from what this gentleman has said, that he has a message to you from Lord Montreville.' 'Has my Lord, Sir,' said Emmeline to Delamere,--'has my Lord Montreville been so good as to honour me with any commands?' 'Cruel girl!' answered he; 'you know too well that my father is not acquainted with my being here.' 'Then you certainly ought not to be here,' said Emmeline, coolly; 'and you must excuse me, Sir, if I beg the favor of you not to detain me, nor attempt to renew a conversation so very improper, indeed so cruelly injurious to me.' Mrs. Stafford had Emmeline's arm within her own, from the commencement of this conversation; and she now walked hastily on with her. Delamere followed them, intreating to be heard; and Fitz-Edward, addressing himself on the other side to Mrs. Stafford, besought her in a half whisper to allow his friend only a few moments to explain himself to Miss Mowbray. 'No, Sir, I must be excused,' answered she--'If Miss Mowbray does me the honour to consult me, I shall certainly advise her against committing such an indiscretion as listening to Mr. Delamere.'