count of all his faults, and all his sorrows; and pleading, to a heart he knew to be but too sensible, for the forgiveness he scarcely doubted to obtain. Lord Burton's mind had undergone a still greater relief than the baron's; but the tale he had heard, and the death of Stanhope, had left a melancholy impression on his mind, which, for that day at least, he could not shake off. However, he was equally anxious to return to London; and it was agreed that the next day they should commence their journey, as soon as all their arrangements were completed. CHAP CHAPTER XI. "With wonted fortitude she bore the smart, The Runaway. LORD Burton thought he had done every thing the evening before, and so did the baron; but on the morning they had fixed for their departure, they found so much left undone, that the day was far advanced before they set out. However, when at length they did leave Newcastle, Frederic did so with a heart as light as in his days of boyhood. The cloud which had so long hung over him, obscuring every ray of hope, and shadowing every prospect of futurity, was at length dispelled. The only object which now engrossed his every thought, was the pursuit of her he still so fondly K 2 fondly loved; and the happy, unexpected, and most improbable change that had taken place in his life, inspired him with the hope that in this also he might be fortunate. The lateness of their departure prevented them from proceeding farther than Northallerton on the first day; and the next morning at breakfast, lord Burton was surprised by his servant announcing captain Malcolm; and in a moment after that gentleman entered the room, but pale, melancholy, and altogether very different from the gay, handsome young officer he had appeared at lady Delmont's.-" Lord Burton," said he, in answer to Frederic's salutation, "the present is no time for ceremony-you know what has occurred." "I do," replied lord Burton; " and as what is done cannot be undone, let me wish you joy." Captain Malcolm started back-" Wish me joy!" exclaimed he-" then you have not heard of the accident;" and he rapidly proceeded to relate that he had gone with lady lady Jane to Scotland, where they had been married, and were then returning towards London, in order, if possible, to procure her father's pardon. Captain Malcolm, it seems, drove her in his curricle, and they had arrived within about a mile of Northallerton, when the horses took fright, and after running some way, precipitated the vehicle over a small bridge into a little stream below. Captain Malcolm, who was scarcely hurt, carried lady Jane in his arms to the town-" She was not dead," he concluded; "but"-and he endeavoured to assume composure-" but she is not expected to recover: she much wishes to see you," added he, "for we heard of your arrival last night; and she hopes that you may induce her father to see her before" His feelings overcame him"Oh God, that I should lose her now!" he exclaimed, and rushed out of the house. Lord Burton followed him to the inn where lady Jane lay, and here they were K 3 informed informed that Mr. Somerfield, the magistrate, was with her. "Oh yes," said captain Malcolm, seeing her cousin look surprised, "taking her deposition about that other business, you know; but wait here one moment, and I will be back directly." Lord Burton, of course, could not ask any questions, though he thought it strange that a magistrate should be with her at such a moment. But shortly after he was admitted to the apartment of his cousin, who seemed pleased to see one who had been so universally kind to her and indeed his presence seemed to give her new hope. She made a sign for him to bend down his head, and said very faintly-" You are always kind, Burton; William has told you all—oh, if I could see my father! I am sure I shall live till he comes." She paused a moment, and some other recollection seemed to come over her mind, for she added in a quick tone-" Yes, yes, Frederic, go to London immediately |