"That," said he, committing it to her lap, "will better explain the motives which led me so unhappily to offend you; may I beseech you to read it, and to extend your clemency towards me in doing so?"
His lip quivered, his countenance varied from white to scarlet; he hastily trod the apartment, and had but time to throw himself into the seat he had quitted, when Mrs. De Brooke re-entered.
"You must prepare yourself, my dear," said she, addressing herself to Rosilia," to go instantly to Mrs. Belmour; she has sent me a note, to desire the favour of our coming down to see her; it appears she is too unwell to leave her room. And she will be so distressed, she says, if we leave town without bidding her farewell."
The heart of Melliphant sank within him; he feared that Mrs. De Brooke intended accompanying her daughter, and that Sir Howard had not properly acted his part.
"I will get ready immediately," answered Rosilia.
"Half an hour will be time enough," added Mrs. De Brooke, again consulting the note; "it is earlier than the time Mrs. Belmour has specified. You must go alone, and make my excuses for not coming with you,—Sir Howard having laid his injunctions upon me not to leave home, being desirous of introducing a friend of his, ere we leave town."
"So far our plot then has well succeeded," thought Melliphant, rising from his seat, and saying aloud,
