her; she gave a faint shriek, and hid her head behind Mrs. Courtney. Her friends were alarmed, but hastened her into the house; she ran into the dining-parlour, and, in inconceivable terror, cried out, "He is come—he is come!" "Who, who?" (exclaimed the Countess.) "Mr. Weimar, (answered she;) did you not see him?" "No, (replied the Marchioness) and I hope your fears deceived you." "Too sure they did not (said Matilda) and I am convinced also that he knew me." "Fear nothing, (said Mrs. Courtney;) you are in the power of your friends; he must prove his right to you before he can take you from us: here are no lettres de-cachet, the laws will protect you from injury; compose yourself, therefore, my dear girl—in England no violence can be offered to you in any shape."
This kind and seasonable assurance calmed the terrors of the trembling Matilda; but when she retired to rest, and reflected on hercruel
