inform the late governess that all intercourse is at an end between
them, and that she declines to act as reference in case of future
emergency.'--Message textually correct. Expressive of Lady Lundie's view
of your sudden departure from the house. Time, two minutes."

Anne's color rose. Anne's pride was up in arms on the spot.

"The impertinence of Lady Lundie's message is no more than I should
have expected from her," she said. "I am only surprised at Sir Patrick's
delivering it."

"Sir Patrick's motives will appear presently," rejoined the incorrigible
old gentleman. "Second message: 'Blanche's fondest love. Is dying to
be acquainted with Anne's husband, and to be informed of Anne's married
name. Feels indescribable anxiety and apprehension on Anne's account.
Insists on hearing from Anne immediately. Longs, as she never longed
for any thing yet, to order her pony-chaise and drive full gallop to
the inn. Yields, under irresistible pressure, to t he exertion of her
guardian's authority, and commits the expression of her feelings to Sir
Patrick, who is a born tyrant, and doesn't in the least mind breaking
other people's hearts.' Sir Patrick, speaking for himself, places his
sister-in-law's view and his niece's view, side by side, before the lady
whom he has now the honor of addressing, and on whose confidence he is
especially careful not to intrude. Reminds the lady that his influence
at Windygates, however strenuously he may exert it, is not likely to
last forever. Requests her to consider whether his sister-in-law's view
and his niece's view in collision, may not lead to very undesirable
domestic results; and leaves her to take the course which seems best to
herself under those circumstances.--Second message delivered textually.
Time, three minutes. A storm coming on. A quarter of an hour's ride from