"Silence, silly girl, your thoughts are in confusion; you know not how to value people. Go, go; and let me pass on my way." My dearest mistress," sobbed Sarah, still at the Duchess' feet, and almost beside herself 66 with fear and terror; My beloved, my unfortunate mistress! For the sake of Heaven, hear me but a moment ! - Supposing that these strangers conduct you safely, do you yet entirely forget your situation and what you have suffered? Oh, in truth, Sir Richard will owe you little thanks for having thus exposed the dearest hopes of his heart, and made, perhaps, both yourself and him for ever miserable. From pity to yourself, dear mistress, follow my advice but this once! I pray for nothing but a few hours' rest." "Rest, Sarah !" said the Duchess, unable to restrain her tears; you have heard it yourself, rest is no more for me here. Come, come, Sir," she added, collecting herself; "let us leave all cares behind us in England. Perhaps a distant coast may become our home." She gently pushed Sarah out of the way with her hand, and hastened, without once looking round, down the steps and through the street; and when she got on board the vessel scarcely recollected that she had heard or seen any thing. |