 Volume 1 Chapter 11 of A Simple Story. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Kamna. A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbold. Volume 1 Chapter 11. With this party, Miss Milner arrived at her country house and for near six weeks all around was the picture of tranquility. Her satisfaction was as evident as every other person's and all severe admonition being at this time unnecessary either to exhort her to her duty or to warn her against her folly, she was even in perfect good humour with Miss Fenton and added friendship to hospitality. Mr. Sanford, who came with Lord Emwood to the neighbouring seat about a week after the arrival of Miss Milner's at hers was so scrupulously exact in the observance of his word never to enter a house of Miss Milner's that he would not even call upon his friend or a foet there. But in their walks and at Lord Emwood's the two parties would occasionally join and of course Sanford and she at those times met. Yet so distanced was their reserve on either side that not a single word was upon any occasion ever exchanged between them. Miss Milner did not like Mr. Sanford yet as there was no cause of invirited carancor admiring him too as a man who meant well and being besides of a most forgiving temper she frequently fell concerned that he did not speak to her although it had been to find fault as usual and one morning as they were all after a long ramble drawing towards her house where Lord Emwood was invited to dine she could not restrain dropping a tear at seeing Sanford turn back and wish them a good day. But though she had the generosity to forgive in a front she had not the humility to make a concession and she foresaw that nothing less than some very humble atonement on her part would prevail upon the haughty priest to be reconciled. Doryforth saw her concern upon this last trifling occasion with a secret pleasure and an admiration that she had never before excited. She once insinuated to him to be a mediator between them but before any accommodation could take place the peace and composure of their abode was disturbed by the arrival of Sir Edward Ashton at Lord Emwood's where it appeared as if he had been invited in order to pursue his matrimonial plan. At a dinner given by Lord Emwood Sir Edward was announced as an unexpected visitor. Miss Milner did not suppose him such and she turned pale when his name was uttered. Doryforth fixed his eyes upon her with some tokens of compassion while Sanford seemed to exult and by his repeated welcomes to the baronet gave proofs how much he was rejoiced to see him. All the declining enmity of Miss Milner was renewed at this behaviour and suspecting Sanford as the instigator of the visit she could not overcome her displeasure but gave way to it in a manner she thought the most mortifying. Sir Edward in the course of conversation inquired what neighbours were in the country said she with an appearance of high at his satisfaction named Lord Frederick Lonley as being highly expected at his uncles. The colour sped over Sir Edward's face Doryforth was confounded and Mr Sanford looked enraged. Did Lord Frederick tell you he should be down? Sanford asked of Doryforth. To which he replied, No. But I hope Mr Sanford you will permit me to know said Miss Milner for as she now meant to torment him by what she said she no longer constrained herself to silence and she harboured the same and as he harboured the same kind of intention towards her he had no longer any objection to make a reply and therefore answered, No madame if it depended upon my permission you should not know. Not anything sir I dare say you would keep me in utter ignorance. I would. From a self-interested motive Mr Sanford that I might have agreed to respect for you some of the company laughed Mrs Horton coughed Miss Woodley blushed Lord Emwood sneered Doryforth frowned and Miss Fenton looked just as she did before. The conversation was changed as soon as possible and early in the evening the party for Milner Lodge returned home. Miss Milner had scarce left in her dressing room where she had been taking off some part of her dress when Doryforth's servant came to acquaint her that his master was alone in the study and begged to speak with her. She felt herself tremble she immediately experienced a consciousness that she had not acted properly at Lord Emwood's for she felt a pre-sentiment that her guardian was going to abrade her and her heart whispered that he had never yet reproached her without a cause. Miss Woodley just then entered her apartment and she found herself so much a coward as to propose that she should go with her and aid her with a word or two equationally in her excuse. What you, my dear, return Miss Woodley who not three hours ago had the courage to vindicate your own cause before a whole company of whom many were your adversaries do you want an advocate before your guardian alone who has never treated you with tenderness? That very tenderness which frightens me which intimidates and strikes me dumb Is it possible I can return impertinence to the language and manners which Doryforth uses? And as I am debarred from that resource what can I do but stand before him like a guilty creature acknowledging my faults? She again entreated her friend to go with her but on a positive refusal from the impropriety of such an intrusion to supply just a clan to go by herself. How much of the difference of exterior circumstances influence not only the manners but even the persons of some people? Miss Milner in Lord Emwood's drawing room surrounded by listeners, by admirers for even her enemies could not look at her without admiration animated with approbation and applause and Miss Milner with no giddy observer to give her actions of faults a clack destitute of all but her understanding which secretly condemns her upon the point of receiving censure from her guardian and friend are two different beings though still beautiful beyond description she does not even look in person the same. In the last mentioned situation she was shorter in stature than in the former she was paler, she was thinner and a very different contour presided over her whole hair and all her features. When she arrived at the door of the study she opened it with a trepidation she could hardly account for and entered to door forth the altered woman she had been representing his heart had taken the most decided part against her and his face had assumed the most severe aspect of reproach but her appearance gave an instantaneous change to his old mind and continence she halted as if she feared to approach he hesitated as if he knew how to speak instead of the anger with which he was prepared to begin his voice involuntary softened and without knowing what he said he began my dear Miss Milner she expected he was angry and in her confusion his gentleness was lost upon her she imagined that what he said might be censure and she continued to tremble though he repeatedly assured her for us to all those little disputes between Mr. Sanford and you said he I should be partial if I blamed you more than him indeed when you take the liberty to condemn him his character makes the freedom pure in a more serious light than when he complains of you and yet if he provokes or retorts he alone must answer for them nor will I undertake to decide but I have a question to ask you and to which I recall a serious and unequivocal answer do you expect Lord Frederick in the country without hesitation she replied I do one more question I have to ask Madam and to which I expect a equally unreserved reply is Lord Frederick the man you approve for your husband upon this close interrogation she discovered an embarrassment and any she had ever yet betrayed and faintly replied no he is not your friends tell me your words tell me one thing answered but your looks declare another which you might believe which you please was her answer while she discovered an insulted dignity that astonished without convincing him but then why encourage him to follow you hither Miss Milner you get a thousand follies she replied in tears every hour of my life you then promote the hopes of Lord Frederick without one serious intention of completing them this is the conduct against which it is my duty to guard you and you shall no longer deceive either him or yourself the moment he arrives it is my resolution that you refuse to see him or consent to become his wife in answer to the alternative she appeared averse to both propositions and yet came to no explanation why but left her guardian at the end of the conference as much at a loss to decide upon her true sentiments as he was before he had thus seriously requested he might be informed of them but having steadfastly taken the resolution which he had just communicated he found that the resolution a certain relief to his mind end of chapter 11 volume 1 recording by Kamna volume 1 chapter 12 of a simple story this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Joyce Martin a simple story by Elizabeth Inchbold volume 1 chapter 12 Sir Edward Ashton though not invited by Miss Milner yet frequently did himself the honour to visit her at her house sometimes he accompanied Lord Elmwood at other times he came to see Doraforth alone who generally introduced him to the ladies but Sir Edward was either so unwilling to give pain to the object of his love or so intimidated by her frowns that he seldom addressed her with a single word except individual compliments at entering and retiring this apprehension of offending without one hope of pleasing had the most awkward effect upon the manners of the worthy Baronet and his endeavours to insinuate himself into the affections of the woman he loved merely by not giving her offence either in speaking to her or looking at her formed a character so whimsical that it frequently forced a smile though his very name had often power to throw a gloom over her face she looked upon him as the cause of her being hurried to the election of a lover before her own mind could well direct her where to fix besides his pursuit was troublesome while it was no triumph to her vanity which by the addresses of Lord Frederick was in the highest manner gratified his lordship now arrives in the country and calls one morning Miss Milner's her guardian sees his carriage coming up the avenue and gives orders to the servants to say their lady is not at home but that Mr. Doraforth is Lord Frederick leaves his compliments and goes away the ladies all observed his carriage and servants Miss Milner flew to her glass adjusted her dress and in her looks expressed every sign of palpitation her eye fixed upon the door of the apartment no Lord Frederick appears after some minutes of expectation the door opens and her guardian comes in she was disappointed he perceived that she was and he looked at her with a most serious face she immediately called to mind the assurance he had given her that her acquaintance with Lord Frederick in its then improper state should not continue to grin and confusion she was at a loss how to behave though the ladies were all present Doraforth said without the smallest reserve perhaps Miss Milner you may think I have taken an unwarrantable liberty in giving orders to your servants to deny you to Lord Frederick but until his lordship and I have had a private conference or you condescent to declare your sentiments more fully in regard to his visits to my duty to put an end to them you will always perform your duty Mr. Doraforth I have no doubt whether I concur or not yet believe me madam I should perform it more cheerfully if I could hope it was sanctioned by your inclinations I am not mistress of my inclination sir or they should conform to yours place them under my direction and I will answer for it they will a servant came in Lord Frederick is returned sir and says he should be glad to see you show him into the study cried Dan forth hastily and rising from his chair left the room I hope they won't quarrel said Mrs. Horton meaning that she thought they would I am sorry to see you so uneasy Miss Milner said Miss Fenton with perfect unconcern sadness of the weather had prevented their usual mornings exercise the ladies were employed at their needles till the dinner bell called them away do you think Lord Frederick is gone then whispered Miss Milner to Miss Woodley I think not she replied go ask of the servant's dear creature and Miss Woodley went out of the room she soon returned and sat apart he is now getting into his chariot I saw him pass in violent haste he seemed to fly ladies the dinner is waiting cried Mrs. Horton and they repaired to the dining room where Dora forth soon after came and grossed their whole attention by his disturbed looks and unusual silence before dinner was over he was however more himself but still he appeared thoughtful and dissatisfied at the time of their evening walk he excused himself from accompanying them and they saw him in a distant field with Mr. Sandford in earnest conversation for Sandford and he often stopped in one spot for a quarter of an hour as if the interest of the subject had so engaged to them that they stood still without knowing it Lord Elmwood who had joined the ladies walked home with them Dora forth entered the room after in a much less gloomy humor than when he went out and told his relation that he ladies would dine with him the next day if he was disengaged and it was generally agreed they should still Dora forth was in some perturbation but the immediate cause was concealed till the day following when about an hour before the company's department from the castle Miss Milner and Miss Woodley were desired by a servant to walk into a separate apartment in which they found Mr. Dora forth with Mr. Sandford waiting for them her guardian made an apology to Miss Milner for the form the ceremony of which he was going to make use but he trusted the extreme weight which oppressed his mind lest he should mistake the real sentiments of a person whose happiness depended upon his correct knowledge of them would plead his excuse I know Miss Milner continued he the world in general allows to unmarried women great latitude in disguising their mind with respect for the man they love I too am willing to pardon any little dissimulation that is but consistent with a modesty that becomes every woman upon the subject of marriage but here to what point I may limit or you may extend this kind of venial deceit may so widely defer that it is not impossible for me to remain unacquainted with your sentiments even after you have revealed them to me under this consideration I wish once more to hear your thoughts in regard to matrimony and to hear them before one of your own sex that I may form an opinion by her constructions to all this serious oration Miss Milner made no other reply than by turning to Mr. Sanford and asking if he was the person of her own sex to whose judgment her guardian was to submit his own item cried Sanford angrily you are come hither upon serious business any business must be serious to me Mr. Sanford in which you are concerned and if you had called it sorrowful the effulet would have suited as well Miss Milner said her guardian I did not bring you here to contend with Mr. Sanford then why sir bring him hither for where he and I are there must be contention I brought him hither madam or I should say brought you to this house merely that he might be present on this occasion and with his discernment relieved me from a suspicion that my own judgment is neither able to suppress nor confirm are there any more witnesses you may wish to call in sir to remove your doubts of my veracity if there are pray send for them before you begin your interrogations she continued the whole world is welcome to hear what I say and every different person is welcome to judge me differently dear Miss Milner cried Miss Woodley with a tone of reproach for the vehemence with which she had spoken perhaps Miss Milner said door forth you will not now reply to those questions I was going to put did I ever refuse sir returned she with a self-approving air to comply with any request that you have seriously made have I ever refused obedience to your commands whenever you thought proper to lay them upon me if not you have no right to suppose that I will do so now he was going to reply when Mr. Sanford suddenly interrupted him and making toward the door cry when you come to the point for which you brought me here send for me again stay now said door forth Miss Milner continued he I not only entreat but commanded you to tell me have you given your word or your affections to Lord Frederick Lonley the colors spread over her face and she replied I thought confessions were always to be in secret however as I am not a member of your church I submit to the persecution of a heretic and I answered Lord Frederick has neither my word nor any share in my affections Sanford door forth and Miss Woodley looked at each other with a degree of surprise that for some time kept them silent at length door forth said and it is your firm intention never to become his wife to which she answered at present it is at present do you suspect you shall change your sentiments women sometimes do but before that change can take place your acquaintance will be at an end for it is that which I shall next insist upon and to which you can have no objection she replied I had rather it should continue on what account cried door forth because it entertains me for shame for shame returned he it endangers your character and your happiness yet again do not suffer me to fear if the breaking with Lord Frederick can militate against your felicity by no means she answered Lord Frederick makes part of my amusement but could never constitute my felicity Miss Woodley said door forth do you comprehend your friend in the same literal and unequivocal sense that I do certainly I do sir and pray miss Woodley said he were those the sentiments which you have always entertained miss Woodley hesitated he continued or has this conversation altered them she hesitated again then answered this conversation has altered them and yet you confide in it cried Sanford looking at her with contempt certainly I do replied miss Woodley do not you then Mr. Sanford asked door forth I would advise you to act as if I did Sanford then miss Milner said door forth you see Lord Frederick no more and I hope I have your permission to apprise him of this arrangement you have sir she replied with a completely unembarrassed continents and voice her friend looked at her as if to discover some lurking wish adverse to all these protest stations but she could not discern one Sanford too fixed his penetrating eyes upon her as if he would look through her soul but finding it perfectly composed he cried out why then not write his dismission herself and save you Mr. Doorforth the trouble of any further contest with him indeed miss Milner said door forth that would oblige me for it is with great reluctance that I meet him upon this subject he was extremely impatient and important when he was last with me he took advantage of my ecclesiastical situation to treat me with alabity and ill-breeding that I could ill have suffered upon any other consideration than a compliance with my duty dictate what you please Mr. Doorforth and I will write it said she with a warmth like the most unaffected inclination and while you sir she continued are so indulgent as not to distress me with the importunities of any gentleman to whom I am I think myself equally bound to rid you of the impertinence of every one to whom you may have objection but answered he rest assured I have no material objection to my lord Frederick except from that dilemma in which your acquaintance with him has involved us all and I should concede the same against any other man where the same circumstance occurred as you have now however freely and politely consented to the manner in which it has been proposed that you shall break with him I will not trouble you a moment longer upon a subject on which I have so frequently explained my wishes but concluded by assuring you that your ready acquiescence has given me the sincerest satisfaction I hope Mr. Sanford said she turning to him with a smile I have given you satisfaction likewise Sanford could not say yes and was ashamed to say no he therefore made answer only by his looks which were full of suspicion she not withstanding made him a very low curtsy her guardian then handed her out of the apartment into her coach which was waiting to take her Miss Woodley and himself home End of Chapter 12 Volume 1 Recording by Joyce Martin Volume 1, Chapter 13 of A Simple Story This is a LibriVox Recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Rosie A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbald Volume 1, Chapter 13 Not withstanding the seeming readiness with which Miss Milner had resigned all farther acquaintance with Lord Frederick she appeared to have lost great part of her wanted spirits she was thoughtful and once sighed heavily Doraforth began to fear that she had not only made a sacrifice of her affections but of her veracity yet why she had done so he could not comprehend as the carriage moved slowly through a lane between Elmwood Castle and her own house on casting her eyes out of the window Miss Milner's countenance was brightened in an instant and that instant John Horseback was at the coach door and the coachman stopped Oh Miss Milner cried he with a voice and manner that could give little suspicion of the truth of what he said I am overjoyed at the happiness of seeing you even though it is but an accidental meeting she was evidently glad to see him but the earnestness with which he spoke put her upon her guard not to express the like and she said in a cool constrained manner she was glad to see his lordship the reserve with which she spoke gave Lord Frederick immediate suspicion who was in the coach with her and turning his head quickly he met the stern eye of Doraforth upon which without the smallest salutation he turned from him again abruptly and rudely Miss Milner was confused and Miss Woodley in torture at this palpable affront to which Doraforth alone appeared indifferent Go on said Miss Milner to the footman desire the coachman to drive on No cried Lord Frederick not till you have told me when I shall see you again I will write you word my lord replied she something alarmed you shall have a letter immediately after I get home as if he guessed what its contents were to be he cried out with warmth take care then madam how you treat me in that letter and you Mr. Doraforth turning to him for if it is dictated to you to you I shall send the answer Doraforth without making any reply or casting a look at him put his head out of the window on the opposite side and called in a very angry tone to the coachman how dare you not drive on when your lady orders you the sound of Doraforth's voice and anger was to the servants so unusual that it acted like electricity upon the man and he drove on at the instant with such rapidity that Lord Frederick was in a moment left many yards behind as soon however as he recovered from the surprise into which this sudden command had thrown him he rode with speed after the carriage and followed it till it arrived at the door of Miss Milner's house there giving himself up to the rage of love or to rage against Doraforth for the contempt he had shown to him he leaped from his horse when Miss Milner stepped from her carriage and seizing her hand and treated her and exerted him in compliance with the injunctions of monkish hypocrisy Doraforth heard this standing silently by with a manly scorn upon his countenance Miss Milner struggled to lose her hand saying excuse me from replying to you now my lord in return he lifted her hand eagerly to his lips and began to devour it with kisses when Doraforth with an instantaneous impulse rushed forward and struck him a violent blow in the face under the force of this assault and the astonishment it excited Lord Frederick staggered and letting fall the hand of Miss Milner her guardian immediately laid hold of it and led her into the house she was terrified beyond description and with extreme difficulty Mr. Doraforth conveyed her to her own chamber without taking her in his arms when by the assistance of her maid he had placed her upon a sofa covered with shame and confusion for what he had done he fell upon his knees before her and earnestly and treated her forgiveness for the indelicacy he had been guilty of in her presence and that he had alarmed her and had forgot the respect for which he thought sacredly her due seemed the only circumstance which then dwelt upon his thoughts she felt the indecorum of the posture he had condescended to take and was shocked her with a sense of impropriety as if she had seen a parent there all agitation and emotion she implored him to rise and with a thousand protestations declared that she thought the rashness of the action was the highest proof of his regard for her Miss Woodley now entered her care being ever employed upon the unfortunate Lord Frederick had been the object of it she had waited by his side and with every good purpose had preached patience to him while he was smarting under the pain but more under the shame of his chastisement at first his fury threatened a retort upon the servants around him and who refused his entrance into the house of the punishment he had received but in the certainty of an amund endrable which must hereafter be made he overcame the many temptations which the moment offered and remounting his horse rode away from the scene of his disgrace no sooner had Miss Woodley entered the room and Doraforth had resigned her to the care of his ward then he flew to the spot where he had left Lord Frederick negligent of what might be the event if he still remained there after inquiring and being told that he was gone Doraforth returned to his own apartment and with a bosom torn by more excruciating sensations than those which he had given to his adversary the reflection that struck him first with remorse as he shut the door upon himself was I have departed from my character from the sacred character and the dignity of my profession and sentiments I have departed from myself I am no longer the philosopher but the Ruffian I have treated with an unpardonable insult a young nobleman whose only offense was love and a fond desire to insinuate himself into the favor of his mistress I must atone for this outrage in whatever manner he may choose and the law of honor and of justice though in this one instance contrary to the law of religion enjoins that if he demands my life in satisfaction for his wounded feelings it is his due alas that I could have laid it down this morning on sullied with a cause for which it will make but inadequate atonement his next reproach was I have offended and filled with horror a beautiful young woman whom it was my duty to have protected from those brutal manners to which I myself have exposed her again I have drawn upon myself the just upgrading of my faithful preceptor and friend of the man in whose judgment it was my delight to be approved above all I have drawn upon myself the stings of my conscience where shall I pass this sleepless night cried he walking repeatedly across his chamber can I go to the ladies I am unworthy of their society shall I go and repose my disturbed mind on sanford I am ashamed to tell him the cause of my uneasiness shall I go to lord Frederick before him beg his forgiveness he would spur me for a coward no and he lifted up his eyes to heaven thou all great all wise and omnipotent being thou whom I have most offended it is to thee alone that I have recourse in this hour of tribulation and from thee alone I solicit comfort and the confidence in which I now address myself to thee encouraged by that long intercourse which religion has affected repays me amply in this one moment for the many years of my past life devoted with my best though imperfect efforts to thy service End of Chapter 13 of Volume 1 Recording by Rosie Volume 1, Chapter 14 of A Simple Story This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Rosie A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbald Volume 1, Chapter 14 Although Miss Milner had not foreseen any fatal event resulting from the indignity offered to Lord Frederick, yet she passed a night very different from those to which she had been accustomed. No sooner was she falling into asleep than a thousand vague but distressing ideas darted across her imagination. Her heart would sometimes whisper to her when she was half asleep Lord Frederick is banished from you forever. She shakes off the uneasiness this idea brings along with it. She then starts and sees the blow still aimed at him by Doraforth. No sooner has she driven away this painful image than she is again awakened by beholding her guardian at her feet suing for pardon. She sighs she trembles and is chilled with terror. Relieved by tears towards the morning she sinks into a slumber but waking finds the same images crowding altogether upon her mind. She is doubtful to which to give the preference one however rushes the foremost and continues so. She knows not the fatal consequence of ruminating nor why she dwells upon that more than upon all the rest but it will give place to none. She rises languid and disordered and at breakfast adds fresh pain to Doraforth by her altered appearance. He had scarce left the room when an officer waited upon him with a challenge from Lord Frederick. To the message delivered by this gentleman he replied, Sir, as a clergyman, more especially of the Church of Rome, I know not whether I am not exempt from answering a demand of this kind but not having had forbearance to avoid an offence I will not claim an exemption that would only indemnify me from making reparation. You will then, Sir, meet Lord Frederick at the appointed hour said the officer. I will, Sir, and my immediate care shall be to find a gentleman who will accompany me. The officer withdrew and when Doraforth was again alone he was going once more to reflect but he durced not. Since yesterday reflection for the first time was become painful to him and even as he rode the short way to Lord Elmwoods immediately after he found his own thoughts were so insufferable that he was obliged to enter into conversation with a servant. Solitude that formerly charmed him would at those moments have been worse than death. At Lord Elmwoods he met Sanford in the hall and the sight of him was no longer welcome. He knew how different the principles which he had just adopted were to those of that reverent friend and without his complaining or even suspecting what had happened his presence was a sufficient reproach. He passed him as hastily as he could and inquiring for Lord Elmwood was close to him his errand. It was to ask him to be his second. The young Earl started and wished to consult his tutor but that his kinsmen strictly forbade and having urged his reasons with arguments which at least he could not refute he was at length prevailed upon to promise that he would accompany him to the field which was at the distance of only a few miles and the parties were to be there at seven on the same evening. As soon as his business with Lord Elmwood rolled door forth returned home to make preparations for the event which might ensue from this meeting. He wrote letters to several of his friends and one to his ward in writing which he could with difficulty preserve the usual firmness of his mind. Sanford going into Lord Elmwood's library soon after his relation had left him expressed his surprise at finding he was gone upon which that nobleman having answered a few questions and given a few significant hints that he should with a secret frankly confessed what he had promised to conceal. Sanford as much as a holy man could be was enraged at door forth for the cause of the challenge but was still more enraged at his wickedness in accepting it. He applauded his pupils virtue in making the discovery and congratulated himself that he should be the instrument of saving not only his friend's life but of preventing the scandal of his being engaged in a duel. In the morning he went immediately to Miss Milner's, entered that house which he had so long refused to enter and at a time when he was upon aggravated bad terms with its owner. He asked for door forth, went hastily into his apartment and poured upon him a torrent of rebukes. Door forth bore all he said with the patience of a devotee but with the firmness of a man. He owned his fault but no eloquence could make him recall the promise he had given to repair the injury. The arguments, persuasions and menaces of Sanford he gave an additional proof of that inflexibility for which he had been long distinguished and after a dispute of two hours they parted neither of them the better for what either had advanced but door forth something the worse. His conscience gave testimony to Sanford's opinion that he was bound by ties more sacred than worldly honour but while he owned he would not yield to the duty. Sanford left determined, however, that Lord Elmwood should not be accessory in his guilt and this he declared upon which door forth took the resolution of seeking another second. In passing through the house on his return home Sanford met by accident Mrs. Horton, Miss Milner and the other two ladies returning from a saunter in the garden. Surprised at the sight of Mr. Sanford in her house Miss Milner would not express that surprise but going up to him with all the friendly benevolence which in Monroe played about her heart she took hold of one of his hands and pressed it with a kindness which told him more forcibly that he was welcome than if she had made the most elaborate speech to convince him of it. He, however, seemed little touched with her behaviour and as an excuse for breaking his word, cried I beg your pardon, madam, but I was brought hither in my anxiety to prevent murder. Murder! exclaimed all the ladies. Yes, answered he, addressing himself her betrothed husband is a party concerned. He is going to be second to Miss Doraforth who means this very evening to be killed by my lord Frederick or to kill him in addition to the blow that he gave him last night. Mrs. Horton exclaimed if Mr. Doraforth dies he dies a martyr. Miss Woodley cried with fervour heaven forbid! Miss Menton cried, dear me! While Miss Milner without uttering one word sunk speechless on the floor. They lifted her up and brought her to the door which entered into the garden. She soon recovered for the tumult of her mind would not suffer her to remain inactive and she was roused in spite of her weakness to endeavour to ward off the impending disaster. In vain, however, she attempted to walk to her guardian's apartment. She sunk as before and was taken to a setee while Miss Woodley was dispatched to bring him to her. Informed of the cause of her guardian he followed Miss Woodley with a tender anxiety for her health and with grief and confusion that he had so carelessly endangered it. On his entering the room Sanford beheld the inquiitude of his mind and cried, Here is your guardian with a cruel emphasis on the word. He was too much engaged by the sufferings of his ward to reply to Sanford. He placed himself on the setee by her and with the utmost tenderness, reverence and pity, entreated her not to be concerned at an accident in which he, and he alone, had been to blame, but which he had no doubt would be accommodated in the most amicable manner. I have one favour to require of you, Mr. Doraforth, said she, and that is your promise, your solemn promise, which I know is ever sacred, that you will not meet my Lord Frederick. He hesitated. Oh, Madam! cried Sanford. He has grown a liberty now and I would give his word if you were to give it you. Then, sir, returned Doraforth angrily, you may believe my word, for I will keep that which I gave to you. I will give Lord Frederick all the restitution in my power. But, my dear Miss Milner, let not this alarm you. We may not find it convenient to meet this many a day, and most probably some fortunate explanation may prevent our meeting at all. If not, reckon but among the many duels that are fought how few are fatal, and even in that case how small would be the loss to society if he was proceeding. I should ever deplore the loss, cried Miss Milner. On such an occasion I could not survive the death of either. For my part, he replied, I look upon my life as much forfeited to my Lord Frederick to whom I have given a high offence as it might in other instances have been forfeited to the offended laws of the land. Honor is the law of the polite part of the land. We know it, and when we transgress knowingly, we justly incur our punishment. However, Miss Milner, this affair will not be settled immediately, and I have no doubt but that all will be as you could wish. Do you think I should appear thus easy, added he with a smile, if I were going to be shot at by my Lord Frederick? Very well, cried Sanford, with a look that evinced he was better informed. You will stay within, then, all this day, said Miss Milner. I am engaged to dinner, he replied. Miss Unlucky, I am sorry for it, but I'll be at home early in the evening. Staying with human blood, cried Sanford, or yourself a corpse. The ladies lifted up their hands. Miss Milner rose from her seat and threw herself at her guardian's feet. You kneeled to me last night as I now kneel to you, she cried. Kneel, never desiring to rise again if you persist in your intention. I am weak, I am volatile, I am indiscreet, but I have a heart from which some impressions can never be erased. He endeavored to raise her, she persisted to kneel, and hear the affright to the terror, the anguish she endured, discovered to her her own sentiments, which till that moment she had doubted, and she continued, I no longer pretend to conceal my passion. I love, Lord Frederick Lawnley. Her guardian started. Yes to my shame, I love him, cried she, all emotion. I meant to have struggled with the fear, I suppose it would be displeasing to you, but apprehension for his safety has taken away every power of restraint, and I beseech you to spare his life. This is exactly what I thought, cried Sanford, with an air of triumph. Good Heaven! cried Miss Woodley. But it is very natural, said Mrs. Wharton. I own, said Doreforth, struck with amaze, and now taking her from his feet with a force that she could not resist. But did I not say so, cried Sanford, interrupting him? However, continued he, you may take my word that you have deceived me in yours, that Lord Frederick's life is secure. For your sake I would not endanger it for the universe, but let this be a warning to you. He was proceeding with the most austere looks and pointed language when observing the shame and the self-reproach that agitated her mind, he divested himself in great measure of his resentment and said mildly, let this be a warning to you how you deal in future with the friends who wish you well. You have hurried me into a mistake that might have cost me my life or the life of the man you love and thus exposed you to misery more bitter than death. I am not worthy of your friendship, Mr. Doreforth, said she, sobbing with grief, and from this moment forsake me. No, madam, not in the moment you first to me, how I can make you happy. The conversation appearing now to become of a nature in which the rest of the company could have no share whatever. They were all, except Mr. Sanford, retiring, when Miss Milner called Miss Woodley back, saying, Stay you with me, I was never so unfit to be left without your friendship. Perhaps at present you can dispense with mine, said Doreforth. She made no answer. He then, once more assured her, Lord Frederick's life was safe, and was quitting the room, but when he recollected in what humiliation he had left her, turning towards her, as he opened the door, he added, and be assured, madam, that my esteem for you shall be the same as ever. Sanford, as he followed him, bowed, and repeated the same words, and, madam, be assured that my esteem for you shall be the same as ever. End of Chapter 14 of Volume 1, Recording by Rosie. Volume 1, Chapter 15, of A Simple Story. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Mary Ann. A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbald. Volume 1, Chapter 15. This taunting reproof from Sanford made little impression upon Miss Milner, whose thoughts were all fixed on a subject of much more importance than the opinion which he entertained of her. She threw her arms about her friend the moment they were left alone, and asked, with anxiety, what she thought of her behaviour. Miss Woodley, who could not approve of the duplicity she had betrayed, still wished to reconcile her as much as possible to her own conduct, and she replied, she highly commended the frankness with which she had at last acknowledged her sentiments. Frankness, cried Miss Milner, staring. Frankness, my dear Miss Woodley, what you have just now heard me say is all a falsehood. How, Miss Milner? Oh, Miss Woodley, she returned sobbing upon her bosom, pity the agonies of my heart, my heart, by nature sincere, when such are the fatal propensities it cherishes, that I must submit to the grossest falsehoods rather than reveal the truth. What can you mean? cried Miss Woodley, with the strongest amazement in her face. Do you suppose I love Lord Frederick? Do you suppose I can love him? Oh, fly, and prevent my guardian from telling him such an untruth. What can you mean? repeated Miss Woodley. I protest you terrify me for this inconsistency in the behavior of Miss Milner appeared as if her senses had been deranged. Fly, she resumed, and prevent the inevitable ill consequence which will ensue if Lord Frederick should be told this falsehood, it will involve us all in greater disquiet than we suffer at present. Then what has influenced you, my dear Miss Milner? That which impels all my actions an unsurmountable instinct, a fatality, that will forever render me the most miserable of human beings, and yet you, even you, my dear Miss Woodley, will not pity me. Miss Woodley pressed her closely in her arms and vowed that while she wasn't happy from whatever cause, she still would pity her. Go to Mr. Dorfworth then, and prevent him from imposing upon Lord Frederick. But that imposition is the only means of preventing the dual, replied Miss Woodley. The moment I have told him that your affection was but counter-fitted, he will no longer refuse accepting the challenge. Then at all events I am undone, exclaimed Miss Milner, for the dual is horrible even beyond everything else. How so, returned Miss Woodley, since you have declared you do not care for Lord Frederick. But are you so blind, return Miss Milner with a degree of madness in her looks, as to believe that I do not care for Mr. Dorfworth? Oh, Miss Woodley, I love him with all the passion of a mistress and with all the tenderness of a wife. Miss Woodley, at this sentence, sat down. It was on a chair that was close to her. Her feet could not have taken her to any other. She trembled. She was white as ashes and deprived of speech. Miss Milner, taking her by the hand, said, I know what you feel. I know what you think of me and how much you hate and despise me. But heaven is witness to all my struggles, nor would I even to myself acknowledge the shameless prepossession till forced by a sense of his danger. Silence, cried Miss Woodley, struck with horror. And even now, resumed Miss Milner, have I not concealed it from all but you by plunging myself into a new difficulty, from which I know not how I shall be extricated and do I entertain a hope? No, Miss Woodley, nor ever will, but suffer me to own my folly to you to entreat your soothing friendship to free me from my weakness and, oh, give me your advice, to deliver me from the difficulties which surround me. Miss Woodley was still pale and still silent. Education is called second nature in the strict but not enlarged education of Miss Woodley. It was more powerful than the first and the violation of those persons or things consecrated to heaven was, in her opinion, if not the most enormous yet among the most terrific in the catalogue of crimes. Miss Milner had lived so long in a family who had imbibed those opinions that she was convinced of their existence. Nay, her own reason told her the solemn vows of every kind ought to be sacred. And the more she respected her guardian's understanding, the less did she call in question his religious tenets. In esteeming him, she esteemed all his notions and among the rest venerated those of his religion. Yet that passion, which had unhappily taken possession of her whole soul, would not have been inspired had there not subsisted an early difference in faith. Had she been early taught what were the sacred functions of a Roman ecclesiastic, though all her esteem, all her admiration, had been attracted by the qualities and accomplishments of her guardian, yet education would have given such a prohibition to her love that she would have been precluded from it as by that barrier which divides a sister from a brother. This, unfortunately, was not the case. Miss Woodley, something recovered from her first surprise and sufferings, for never did her susceptible mind suffer so exquisitely. Amidst all her grief and apporance, felt the pity that was still predominant and recoiled to the faults of Miss Milner by her misery, she once more looked at her with friendship been asked. Miss Woodley, something recovered from her first surprise and sufferings, once more looked at her with friendship been asked what she could do to render her less unhappy. Make me forget, replied Miss Milner, every moment of my life since I first saw you, that moment was teeming with a weight of cares under which I must labour till my death. And even in death, replied Miss Woodley, do not hope to shake them off if unrepented in this world she was proceeding, anxiety her friend endured would not suffer her to be free from the apprehension that notwithstanding the positive assurance of her guardian if he and Lord Frederick should meet, the duel might still take place. She therefore rang the bell and inquired if Mr. Doreforth was still at home. The answer was, he had rode out, you remember, said Miss Woodley, he told you he should dine from home. This did not however dismiss her fears she dispatched two servants different ways in pursuit of him, acquainting them with her suspicions and charging them to prevent the duel. Sandford had also taken his precautions, but though he knew the time he did not know the exact place of their appointment, for that Lord Elmwood had forgotten to inquire. The excessive alarm which Miss Milner discovered upon this occasion was imputed by the servants and by others who were witness of it to her affection for Lord Frederick. While none but Miss Woodley knew or had the most distant suspicion of the real cause. Mrs. Horton and Miss Fenton who were sitting together expatiating on the duplicity of their own sex in the instances before them had, notwithstanding the interest of the discourse, a longing desire to break it off, for they were impatient to see this poor frail being whom they were loading with their censure. They longed to see if she would have the confidence to look them in the face. Them, to whom she had so often protested that she had not the smallest attachment to Lord Frederick but from motives of vanity. These ladies heard with infinite satisfaction that dinner had been served, but met Miss Milner at the table with a less degree of pleasure than they had expected. For her mind was so totally abstracted from any consideration of them that they could not discern a single blush or confused glance or presence occasioned. No. She had before them divulged nothing of which she was ashamed. She was only ashamed that what she had said was not true. In the bosom of Miss Woodley alone was that secret entrusted which would call her to blush into her face and before her she did feel confusion. Before the gentle friend to whom she had till this time communicated all her faults without embarrassment she now cast down her eyes in the name. Soon after the dinner was removed Lord Elmwood entered and that gallant young nobleman declared Mr. Sanford had used him ill in not permitting him to accompany his relation for he feared that Mr. Doreforth would now throw himself upon the sword of Lord Frederick without a single friend near to defend him. A rebuke from the eye of Miss Woodley which from this day had a command of her Miss Milner restrained her from expressing what she suffered from this intimation. Miss Fenton replied as to that my lord I see no reason why Mr. Doreforth and Lord Frederick should not now be friends. Certainly said Mrs. Horton for as soon as my lord Frederick is made acquainted with Miss Milner's confession all differences must be reconciled. What confession asked Lord Elmwood? Miss Milner to avoid hearing a repetition of that which gave her pain even to recollect Rose in order to retire into her own apartment but was obliged to sit down again till she received the assistance of Lord Elmwood and her friend who led her into her dressing room. She reclined on a sofa there and though left alone with that friend a silence followed of half an hour. Nor when the conversation began was the name of Doreforth once uttered they were grown cool and considerate since the discovery and both were equally fearful of naming him. The vanity of the world the folly of riches the charms of retirement and such topics engage their discourse but not their thoughts for nearly two hours and the first time the word Doreforth was spoken was by a servant who with hilarity opened the dressing room door without previously rapping and cried Madam, Mr. Doreforth Doreforth immediately came in and went eagerly to Miss Milner Miss Woodley beheld the glow of joy and of guilt upon her face and did not rise to give him her seat as was her custom when she was sitting by his ward and he came to her with intelligence he therefore stood while he repeated all that had happened in his interview with Lord Frederick but with her gladness to see her guardians save she had forgot to inquire of the safety of his antagonist of the man whom she had pretended to love so passionately even smiles of rapture were upon her face though Doreforth might be returned from putting him to death this incongruity of behavior Miss Woodley observed and was confounded but Doreforth in whose thoughts a suspicion either of her love for him or indifference for Lord Frederick had no place, easily reconciled this inconsistency and said you see by my continents that all is well and therefore you smile on me before I tell you what has passed this brought to her the recollection and now with looks ill constrained she attempted the expression of an alarm she did not feel nay I assure you Lord Frederick is safe he resumed and the disgrace of his blow washed entirely away by a few drops of blood from this arm and he laid his hand upon his left arm which rested in his waistcoat as a kind of sling she cast her eyes there and seeing where the ball had entered the coat sleeve she gave an involuntary screen and sank upon the sofa instead of that affectionate sympathy which Miss Woodley used to exert upon her slightest illness or affliction she now addressed her in an unpitying tone and said Miss Milner you have heard Lord Frederick is safe you have therefore nothing to alarm you nor did she run to hold the smelling bottle or to raise her head her guardian seeing her near fainting and without any assistance from her friend was going himself to give it but on this Miss Woodley interfered and having taken her head upon her arm assured him it was a weakness to which Miss Milner was accustomed that she would ring for her maid who knew how to relieve her instantly with a few drops satisfied with this door forth left the room and a surgeon being come to examine his wound he retired into his own chamber End of Chapter 15 Volume 1 Chapter 16 of a simple story this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Mary Ann a simple story by Elizabeth Inchbalt Volume 1 Chapter 16 the power delegated by the confidential to those entrusted with their secrets Miss Woodley was the last person on earth to have used but she was also the last who by an accommodating complacency would participate in the guilt of her friend and there was no guilt except that of murder which she thought equal to the crime in question if it was ever perpetuated adultery reason would perhaps have informed her was a more pernicious evil to society but to a religious mind what sound is so horrible as sacrilege of vows made to God or to man the former must weigh the heaviest moreover the sin of infidelity in the married state is not a little softened to common understandings by its frequency whereas a religious vows broken by a devotee she had never heard unless where the offence had been followed by such examples of defying vengeance such miraculous punishments in this world as well as eternal punishments in the other as served to exaggerate the wickedness she who could and who did part in Miss Milner was the person who saw her passion and resolved upon every method however harsh to root it from her heart nor did she fear success resting on the certain assurance that however deep her love might be fixed it would never be returned yet this confidence did not prevent her taking every precaution less doorforth should come to the knowledge of it she would not have his composed mind disturbed with such a thought his steadfast principles so much as shaken by the imagination nor overwhelm him with those self-approaches which his fatal attraction unprimeditated as it was would still have drawn upon him with this plan of concealment in which the natural modesty of Miss Milner acquiesced there was but one effort for which this unhappy ward was not prepared and that was an entire separation from her guardian she had, from the first, cherished her passion without the most remote prospect of a return prepared to see doorforth without ever seeing him more nearly connected to her than as her guardian and friend but not to see him at all for that she was not prepared but Miss Willey reflected upon the inevitable necessity of this measure before she made the proposal and then made it with a firmness that might have done honour to the inflexibility of doorforth himself during the few days that intervened between her open confession of a passion for Lord Frederick and this proposed separation the most intricate incoherence appeared in the character of Miss Milner and in order to evade a marriage with him and conceal at the same time the shameful propensity which lurked in her breast she was once even on the point of declaring a passion for Sir Edward Ashton in the duel which had taken place between Lord Frederick and doorforth the latter had received the fire of his antagonist but positively refused to return it by which he had kept his promise to endanger his lordship's life and had reconciled Sanford in great measure to his behaviour and Sanford now his resolution once broken no longer refused entering Miss Milner's house but came whenever it was convenient though he yet avoided the mistress of it as much as possible or showed by every word and look when she was present that she was still less in his favour than she had ever been he visited doorforth on the evening of his engagement with Lord Frederick and the next morning breakfast with him in his own chamber nor did Miss Milner see her guardian after his first return from that engagement before the following noon she inquired however of his servant how he did and was rejoiced to hear that his womb was but slight yet this inquiry she durst not make before Miss Woodley when doorforth made his appearance the next day it was evident that he had thrown from his heart a load of cares and though they had left a languor upon his face content was in his voice and his manners in every word and action far from seeming to retain any resentment against his ward for the danger into which her imprudence had led him he appeared rather to pity her indiscretion and to wish to soothe the perturbation which the recollection of her own conduct had evidently raised in her mind his endeavours were successful she was soothed every time he spoke to her and had not the watchful eye of Miss Woodley stood guard over her inclinations she had plainly discovered that she was enraptured with the joy of seeing him again himself after the danger to which he had been exposed these emotions which she laboured to subdue past however the bounds of her ineffectual resistance when at the time of retiring after dinner he said to her in a low voice but such as it was meant the company should hear do me the favour Miss Milner to call up my study some time in the evening I have to speak with you upon business she answered I will sir and her eyes swam with delight in expectation of the interview let not the reader nevertheless imagine that there was in that ardent expectation one idea which the most spotless mind in love might not have indulged without reproach sincere love at least among the delicate of the female sex is often gratified by that degree of enjoyment or rather forbearance which would be torture in the pursuit of any other passion real delicate and restrained love such as Miss Milner's was indulged in the sight of the object only and having bounded her wishes by her hopes the height of her happiness was limited to a conversation in which no other but themselves took part Miss Woodley was one of those who heard the appointment but the only one who conceived was received while the ladies remained in the same room with door forth Miss Milner thought of little except of him as soon as they withdrew into another apartment she remembered Miss Woodley and turning her head suddenly saw her friends face imprinted with suspicion and displeasure this at first was painful to her but recollecting that in a couple of hours she was to meet her guardian alone to speak to him and to hear him speak to her only every other thought was absorbed in that one and she considered with indifference the uneasiness or the anger of her friend Miss Milner to do justice to her heart did not wish to beguile door forth into the snares of love could any supernatural power have endowed her with the means and at the same time have shown to her the ills that must arise from such an effect of her charms she had assuredly virtue enough to decline the conquest without inquiring what she proposed she never saw him without previously endeavoring to look more attractive than she would have desired before any other person and now without listening to the thousand exhortations that spoke in every feature of Miss Woodley she flew to a looking glass to adjust her dress in a manner that she thought most enchanting time stole away and the time of her going to her guardian arrived in his presence unsupported by the presence of any other every grace that she had practiced every look that she had borrowed to set off her charms were annihilated and she became a native beauty with the artless arguments of reason only for her aid odd thus by his power from everything but what she really was she never was perhaps half so bewitching as in those timid, respectful and embarrassed moments she passed alone with him he caught at those times her respect her sense, nay, even her embarrassment and never would one word of anger pass on either side on the present occasion he first expressed the high satisfaction that she had given him by at length revealing to him the real state of her mind and when I take everything into consideration Miss Milner he added I rejoice that your sentiments happen to be such as you have owned for although my Lord Frederick is not the very man I could have wished for your perfect happiness in the state of human perfection and human happiness you might have fixed your affections with perhaps less propriety and still where my unwillingness to thwart your inclinations might not have permitted me to contend with them not a word of reply did this demand or if it had not a word could she have given and now Madam the reason of my desire to speak with you is to know the means you think most proper to pursue in order to acquaint Lord Frederick for understanding this late repulse there are hopes of your partiality in his favor defer the explanation she replied eagerly I beg your pardon it cannot be besides how can you indulge a disposition thus unpitying even so ardently did I desire to render the man who loves you happy that though he came armed against my life had I not reflected that previous to our engagement it would appear like fear and the means for his forgiveness I should not have revealed your sentiments the moment I had seen him when the engagement was over I was too impatient to acquaint you with his safety to think then on gratifying them and indeed the delicacy of the declaration after the many denials which you have no doubt given him should be considered I therefore consult your opinion upon the manner in which it shall be made Mr. Dorfworth can you allow nothing of the moments in my life in which the fate impending inspired and which might urge me to express myself of Lord Frederick in a manner my cooler thoughts will not warrant there was nothing in your expressions my dear Miss Milner the least equivocal if you were off your guard when you pleaded for Lord Frederick as I believe you were you said more sincerely what you thought and no discreet or rather indiscreet attempts to retract can make me change these sentiments I'm very sorry she replied confused and trembling why sorry come and give me commission to reveal your partiality I'll not be too hard upon you a hint from me will do hope is ever apt to interpret the slightest words to its own use and a lover's hope is beyond all others so guine I never gave Lord Frederick hope but you never plunged him into despair his pursuit intimates that I never have but he has no other proof however light and frivolous you have been upon frivolous subjects yet I must own Miss Milner that I did expect when a case of this importance came seriously before you you would have discovered a proper stability in your behavior I do sir and it was only when I was affected with a weakness which arose from accident that I have betrayed inconsistency you then assert again that you have no affection for my Lord Frederick not enough to become his wife you are alarmed at marriage and I do not wonder you should be so it shows a prudent foresight which does you honor but my dear are there no dangers in a single state if I may judge Miss Milner there are many more to a young lady of your accomplishments than if you were under the protection of a husband my father Mr. Doreforth thought your protection sufficient but that protection was rather to direct your choice than to be the cause if you're not choosing at all give me leave to point out an observation which perhaps I have too frequently made before but on this occasion I must intrude it once again Miss Fenton is its object her fortune is inferior to yours hear the powerful glow of joy and of gratitude for an opinion so negligently and yet so sincerely expressed flew to Miss Milner's face neck and even to her hands and fingers the blood mounted to every part of her skin that was visible for not a fiber but felt the secret transport that Doreforth thought her more beautiful than the beautiful Miss Fenton he observed her blushes he was unsuspicious of the cause and went on there is besides in the temper of Miss Fenton a sedateness that might with less hazard ensure her safety in an unmarried life and yet she very properly thinks at her duty as she does not mean to seclude herself by any vows to the contrary to become a wife and in obedience to the council for friends will be married within a very few weeks Miss Fenton may marry from obedience I never will you mean to say that love alone shall not induce you I do if you would point out a subject upon which I am the least able to reason and on which my sentiments such as they are are formed only from theory and even there more caution than instructed it is the subject of love and yet even that little which I know tells me without a doubt that what you said yesterday pleading for Lord Frederick's life was the result of the most violent and tender love the little you know then Mr. Doreforth has deceived you had you known more you would have judged otherwise I submit to the merit of your reply but without allowing me to judge at all I will appeal to those who were present with me are Mrs. Horton and Mr. Sandfort to be the connoisseurs no all appeal to Miss Fentley and Miss Woodley and yet I believe replied she with a smile I believe theory must only be the judge even there then from all you have said madam on this occasion I am to conclude that you still refuse to marry Lord Frederick you are and you submit never to see him again I do I believe that what you said to me yesterday was false I was not mistress of myself at the time therefore it was truth for shame for shame at that moment the door opened and Mr. Sandfort walked in he started back on seeing Miss Milner and was going away but Doreforth called to him to stay and said with warmth tell me Mr. Sandfort by what power you have given me as her friend to lay her heart open and credit mine when I declare to her that I have no view in all the advice I give her but her immediate welfare Mr. Doreforth you know my opinion of that lady replied Sandfort it has been formed ever since my first acquaintance with her and it continues the same but instruct me how I am to inspire her with confidence returned Doreforth how I am to impress her with a sense of that which is for her advantage you can work no miracles replied Sandfort you are not holy enough and yet my ward Doreforth appears to be acquainted with that mystery for what but the force of a miracle can induce her to contradict today what before you and several other witnesses she positively acknowledged yesterday do you call that miraculous cried Sandfort the miracle had been if she had not done so for did she not yesterday contradict what she acknowledged the day before and will she not tomorrow disavow what she says today I wish that she may replied Doreforth mildly for he saw the tears flowing down her face at the rough and severe manner in which Sandfort had spoken and he began to feel for her uneasiness I beg pardon cried Sandfort for speaking so rudely to the mistress of the house I have no business here I know but where you are Mr. Doreforth unless I am turned out I shall always think it my duty to come Miss Milner Kurtzied as much as to say he was welcome to come he continued I wish to blame that upon a nice punctilio I left you so long without my visits and without my counsel in that time you have run the hazard of being murdered and what is worse of being excommunicated for had you been so rash as to have returned your opponent's fire not all my interest in Rome would have obtained a remission of the punishment Miss Milner through all her tears could not now restrain her laughter on which he resumed and here do I venture like a missionary among savages but if I can only save you from their scalping knives from the miseries which that lady is preparing for you I am rewarded Sandfort spoke this with great fervor and the offence of her love never appeared to her so tremendous a point of view as when thus unknowingly alluded to by him the miseries that lady is preparing for you hung upon her ears like the notes of a raven and sounded equally ominous the words murder and excommunication he had likewise uttered all the fatal effects of sacrilegious love frightful superstitions struck her to the heart and she could scarcely prevent falling down under their oppression doreforth beheld the difficulty she had in sustaining herself and with the utmost tenderness went towards her and supporting her said I beg your pardon I invited you hither with a far different intention than your uneasiness and be assured Sandfort was beginning to speak when doreforth resumed hold Mr. Sandfort the lady is under my protection and I know not whether it is not requisite for her and to me for what you have already said you asked my opinion or I had not given it you would you have me, like her speak what I do not think say no more sir pride doreforth and leading her kindly to the door as if to defend her from his malice told her he would take another opportunity of renewing the subject end of chapter 16 volume 1 of a simple story this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Mary Ann a simple story by Elizabeth Ingebal volume 1 chapter 17 when doreforth was alone with Sandfort he explained to him what before he had only hinted and this learned Jesuit frankly confessed that the mind of woman was far above beneath his comprehension it was so indeed for with all his penetration and few even of that school had more he had not yet penetrated into the recesses of Miss Milner's heart Miss Woodley to whom she repeated all that had passed between herself, her guardian and Sandfort took this moment in the agitation of her spirits to alarm her still more by prophetic insinuations and at length represented to her here the first time the necessity that Mr. Doreforth and she no longer should remain under the same roof that was like the stroke of sudden death to Miss Milner and clinging to life she endeavored to avert the blow by prayers and by promises her friend loved her too sincerely to be prevailed upon but in what manner can I accomplish the separation? cried she for till I marry we are obliged by my father's request to live in the same house Miss Milner answered Miss Woodley much as I respect the will of a dying man I regard your and Mr. Doreforth present in eternal happiness much more and it is my resolution that you shall part if you will not contrive the means that duty falls on me and without any invention I see the measure at once What is it? cried Miss Milner eagerly I will reveal to Mr. Doreforth without hesitation the real state of your heart which your present inconsistency of conduct will but too readily confirm You would plunge me into so much shame and so much anguish cried she, distractedly No, replied Miss Woodley not for the world if you will separate from him by any mode of your own but that you shall separate is my determination and in spite of all your sufferings this shall be the expedient unless you instantly agree to some other Good Heaven, Miss Woodley is this your friendship? Yes, and the truest friendship I have to bestow think what a task I undertake for your sake and his when I condemn myself to explain to him your weakness what astonishment, what confusion what remorse do I foresee painted upon his face I hear him call you by the harshest names and behold him fly from your sight to predict of his detestation Oh, spare the dreadful picture fly from my sight forever to test my name Oh, my dear Miss Woodley let but his friendship for me still remain and I will consent to anything You may command me and I will go away from him directly but let us pardon friendship Oh, without the friendship of Mr. Doreforth life would be a heavy burden indeed Miss Woodley immediately began to contrive schemes for their separation and with all her invention alive on the subject the following was the only natural one that she could form Miss Milner, in a letter to her distant relation at Bath, was to complain of the melancholy of a country life which she was to say her guardian imposed upon her and she was to entreat the lady to send a pressing invitation that she would pass a month or two at her house this invitation was to be laid before Doreforth for his approbation and the two ladies were to enforce it by expressing their earnest wishes for his consent this plan having been properly regulated the necessary letter was sent to Bath and Miss Woodley waited with patience but with a watchful guard upon the conduct of her friend till the answer should arrive during this interim a tender and complaining epistle from Lord Frederick was delivered to Miss Milner to which, as he received no answer he prevailed upon his uncle with whom he resided and obtained a verbal reply for he still flattered himself that fear for guardian's anger and perhaps his interception of the letter which he had sent was the sole cause of her apparent indifference the old gentleman was introduced both to Miss Milner and to Mr. Doreforth but received from each an answer so explicit that left his nephew no longer in doubt but that all farther pursuit was vain Sir Edward Ashton about this time also submitted to the old dismissen and had the mortification to reflect that he was bestowing upon the object of his affections the tenderest proof of his regard by absenting himself entirely from her society upon this serious and certain conclusion to the hopes of Lord Frederick Doreforth was more astonished than ever at the conduct of his ward he had once thought her behavior in this respect was ambiguous but since her confession of a passion for that nobleman but in the end she would become his wife he lamented to find himself mistaken and thought it proper now to condemn her caprice not merely in words but in the general tenor of his behavior he consequently became more reserved and more austere than he had been since his first acquaintance with her for his manners, not from design but imperceptibly to himself had been softened since he became her guardian by that tender respect which he had uniformly paid the object of his protection notwithstanding the severity he now assumed, his ward in the prospect of parting from him grew melancholy Miss Woodley's love to her friend rendered her little otherwise and Doreforth's particular gravity frequently rigor could not make their whole party less cheerful than it had been Lord Elmwood too, at this time was lying dangerously ill of a fever Miss Fenton, of course as her nature would permit her to be and both Sandford and Doreforth in extreme concern upon his lordship's account in this posture of affairs the letter of invitation arrives from Lady Loonham at Bath it was shown to Doreforth and to prove to his ward that he is so much offended as no longer to feel that excessive interest in her concerns which he once felt he gives an opinion on the subject with indifference he desires Miss Milner will do what she herself thinks proper Miss Woodley instantly accepts this permission writes back and appoints the day upon which her friend means to set off for the visit Miss Milner is wounded at the heart by the cold and unkind manners of her guardian but dares not take one step to retrieve his opinion alone, or to her friend she sighs and weeps he discovers her sorrow and is doubtful whether the departure of Lord Frederick from that part of the country is not the cause the time she was to set out for Bath was only two days off the behavior of Doreforth took, by degrees its usual form if not a greater share of polite and tender attention than ever it was the first time he had parted from Miss Milner since he became her guardian and he felt upon the occasion a reluctance he had been angry with her he had shown her that he was and he now began to wish that he had not she is not happy with what he considered within himself every word and action declare she is not I may have been too severe and added perhaps to her uneasiness at least we will part on good terms said he indeed my regard for her is such I cannot part otherwise she soon discerned his returning kindness and it was a gentle tie that would have fastened her to that spot for ever but for the firm resistance of Miss Woodley what will the absence of a few months effect said she pleading her own cause at the end of a few months at farthest he will expect me back and where then will be the merit of this separation in that time replied Miss Woodley we may find some method to make it longer to this she listened with a kind of despair but uttered she was resigned and prepared for her departure Doreforth was all anxiety that every circumstance of her journey should be more melodious he was eager that she should be happy and he was eager she should see that he entirely forgave her he would have gone part of the way with her but for the extreme illness of Lord Elmwood in his chamber he passed most of the day and slept in Elmwood house every night on the morning of her journey when Doreforth gave his hand and conducted Miss Milner to the carriage all the way he led her she could not restrain her tears and she started from her to convulsive sobs he was affected by her grief and though he had previously bit her farewell he drew her gently on one side and said with a tenderest concern my dear Miss Milner we part friends I hope we do on my side depend upon it that I regret nothing so much at our separation as having ever given you a moment's pain I believe so was all she could utter she hastened from him lest his discerning eye should discover the cause of the weakness which thus overcame her but her apprehensions were groundless the rectitude of his own heart was a bar to the suspicion of hers he once more kindly bade her adieu and the carriage drove away Miss Fenton and Miss Woodley accompanied her part of the journey about 30 miles where they were met by Sir Henry and Lady Loonham expecting as that between her and her guardian Miss Woodley who for several weeks had treated her friend with her rigidness she herself hardly supposed was in her nature now bewailed that she had done so implored her forgiveness promised to correspond with her punctually and to emit no opportunity of giving her every consolation short of cherishing her a fatal passion but in that and that only was the heart of Miss Milner to be consoled End of Chapter 17 and end of the first volume Volume 2 Chapter 1 of A Simple Story This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joyce Martin A Simple Story by Elizabeth Inchbald Volume 2 Chapter 1 When Miss Milner arrived at Bath she thought it was the most altered place she had ever seen she was mistaken it was herself that was changed The walks were melancholy the company in sippid the ballroom fatiguing for she had left behind all that could charm or please her though she found herself much less happy than when she was at Bath before yet she felt that she would not even to enjoy all that past happiness be again reduced to the being she was at that period thus does the lover consider the extinction of his passion with the same horror as the libertine looks upon annihilation the one would rather live hereafter though in all the tortures described as constituting his future state cease to exist so there are no tortures which a lover would not suffer rather than cease to love in the wide prospect of sadness before her Miss Milner's fancy caught hold of the only comfort which presented itself and this faint as it was in the total absence of every other her imagination painted to her as excessive the comfort was a letter from Miss Woodley a letter in which the subject of her love would most assuredly be mentioned and in whatever terms it would still be the means of delight a letter arrived she devoured it with her eyes the postmark denoting from once it came the name of Milner Lodge written on the top were all sources of pleasure and she read slowly every line it contained to procrastinate the pleasing expectation she enjoyed till she should arrive at the name of Doraforth at last her impatient eye caught the word three lines beyond the place she was reading irresistibly she skipped over those lines and fixed on the point to which she was attracted Miss Woodley was cautious in her indulgence she made the slightest mention of Doraforth saying only extremely concerned and even dejected at the little hope there was of his cousin Lord Elmwood's recovery short and trivial as this passage was it was still more important to Miss Milner than any other in the letter she read it again and again considered and reflected upon it dejected thought she what does that word exactly mean did I ever see how I wonder does he look in that state thus did she muse while the cause of his dejection though a most serious one and pathetically described by Miss Woodley scarce arrested her attention once she ran over with haste the account of Lord Elmwood state of health she certainly pitied him while she thought of him but she did not think of him long to die was a hard fate for a young nobleman just in possession of his immense fortune and on the eve of marriage with a beautiful young woman but Miss Milner thought that in a boat in heaven might be still better than all this and she had no doubt but his lordship would go with her the forlorn state of Miss Fenton ought to have been a subject for compassion but she knew that lady had a resignation to bear any lot with patients and that a trial of her fortitude might be more flattering to her vanity than to be countess of Elmwood in a word she saw no one's misfortunes equal to her own because she saw no one so little able to bear misfortune she replied to Miss Woodley's letter and dwelt very long on that subject which her friend had passed over lightly this was another indulgence and this epistolary intercourse was now the only enjoyment she possessed from Bath she paid several visits with Lady Luncham all were alike tedious and melancholy but her guardian wrote her and though it was a topic of sorrow the letter gave her joy the sentiments it expressed were merely commonplace yet she valued them as the dearest effusions of friendship and affection and her hands trembled and her heart beat with rapture though she knew it would not be received by him with one emotion like those which she experienced in her second letter to Miss Woodley she prayed like a person insane to be taken home from confinement and like a lunatic protested in sensible language she had no disorder but her friend replied that very declaration proves its violence and she assured her nothing less than placing her affections elsewhere should induce her to believe but that she was incurable the third letter from Milner Lodge brought the news of Lord Elmwood's death Miss Woodley was exceedingly affected by this event and said little else on any other subject Miss Milner was shocked when she read the words he is dead and instantly thought how transient are all sub-lunary things within a few years I shall be dead and how happy will it then be if I have resisted every temptation to the alluring pleasures of this life the happiness of a peaceful death occupied her contemplation for near an hour but at length every virtuous and pious sentiment this meditation inspired served but to remind her of the many sentences she had heard from her guardian's lips upon the same subject her thoughts were again fixed upon him and she could think of nothing besides in a short time after this her health became impaired from the indisposition of her mind she languished and was once in imminent danger during a slight delirium of her fever Miss Woodley's name and her guardians were incessantly repeated Lady Lunkham sent them immediate word of this and they both hastened to Bath and arrived there just as the violence and danger of her disorder had ceased as soon as she became perfectly recollected her first care knowing the frailty of her heart was to inquire what she had uttered while delirious Miss Woodley who was by her bedside begged her not to be alarmed on that account and assured her she knew from all her attendance that she had only spoken with a friendly remembrance as was really the case of those persons who were dear to her she wished to know whether her guardian was come to see her but she had not the courage to ask before her friend and she in her turn was afraid by the too sudden mention of his name to discompose her her maid however after some little time entered the chamber and whispered Miss Woodley Miss Milner asked inquisitively what she said the maid replied softly Lord Elmwood Madam wishes to come and see you for a few moments if you will allow him at this reply Miss Milner stared wildly I thought said she I thought Lord Elmwood had been dead are my senses disordered still no my dear answered Miss Woodley it is the present Lord Elmwood who wishes to see you he whom you left ill is dead and who is the present Lord Elmwood she asked Miss Woodley after sure hesitation replied your guardian and so he is cried Miss Milner he is the next heir I had forgot but is it possible that he is here yes returned Miss Woodley with a grave voice and manner to moderate that glow of satisfaction which for a moment sparkled even in her language and blushed over her pallid continents yes as he heard you were ill he thought it right to come and see you he is very good she answered and the tears started in her eyes would you please to see his lordship asked her maid not yet not yet she replied let me recollect myself first and she looked with a timid doubt upon her friend to ask if it was proper Miss Woodley could hardly support this humble reference to her judgment from the one face of the poor invalid and taking her by the hand whispered you shall do what you please in a few minutes Lord Elmwood was introduced to those who sincerely love every change of a situation or circumstances in the object beloved appears an advantage so the acquisition of a title and a state was in Miss Milner's by an inestimable advantage to her guardian not on account of their real value but that any change instead of diminishing her passion would have served only to increase it even a change to the utmost poverty when he entered the sight of him seemed to be too much for her and after the first glance she turned her head away the sound of his voice encouraged her to look once more then she riveted her eyes upon him it is impossible my dear Miss Milner he gently whispered to say what joy I feel that your disorder has subsided but though it was impossible to say it was possible to look what he felt and his looks expressed his feelings in the zeal of those sensations he laid hold of her hand and held it between his this he did not himself know but she did you have prayed for me my lord I make no doubt said she and smiled as if thanking him for those prayers fervently ardently returned he and the fervency with which he had prayed spoke in every feature but I am a Protestant you know and if I had died such do you believe I should have gone to heaven most assuredly that would not you but Mr. Sanford does not think so he must for he means to go there himself to keep her guardian with her Miss Milner seemed inclined to converse but her solicitous friend gave Lord Elmwood a look which implied that it might be injurious to her and he retired they had only one more interview before he left the place at which Miss Milner was sitting up he was with her however but a very short time some necessary concerns relative to his late kinsman's affairs calling him in haste to London Miss Woodley continued with her friend till she saw her entirely reinstated in her health during which time her guardian was frequently the subject of their private conversation and upon those occasions Miss Milner has sometimes had the knowledge that could Mr. Doreforth have possibly foreseen the early death of the last Lord Elmwood it had been more for the honor of his religion and that ancient title which would now after him become extinct if he had preferred marriage vows to those of celibacy End of Chapter 1 Volume 2 Chapter 2 of a simple story this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Joyce Martin a simple story by Elizabeth Inchbald Volume 2 Chapter 2 when the time for Miss Woodley's daughter arrived Miss Milner entreated earnestly to accompany her home and made the most solemn promises that she would guard not only her behavior but her very thoughts within the limitation her friend should prescribe. Miss Woodley at length yielded thus far that as soon as Lord Elmwood was set out on his journey to Italy where she had heard him say that he should soon be obliged to go and if, after the long absence which must consequently take place between him and her she could positively affirm the suppression of her passion was the happy result she would then take her word and risk the danger of seeing them once more reside together. This concession having been obtained they parted and as Winner was now far advanced Miss Woodley returned to her aunt's house in town and once Mrs. Horton was however preparing to remove in order to superintend Lord Elmwood's house which had been occupied by the late Earl in gross of her square and her niece was to accompany her. If Lord Elmwood was not desirous Miss Milner should conclude her visit and return to his protection it was partly from the multiplicity of affairs in which he was and from having Mr. Sanford now entirely placed with him as his chaplain for he dreaded that living in the same house their natural antipathy might be increased even to a version. Upon this account he once thought of advising Mr. Sanford to take up his abode elsewhere but the great pleasure he took in his society joined to the bitter mortification he knew such a proposal would not suffer him to make it. Miss Milner all this time was not thinking upon those she hated but on those she loved. Sanford never came into her thoughts while the image of Lord Elmwood never left them. One morning as she sat talking to Lady Loonham on various subjects but thinking alone on him Sir Harry Loonham with another gentleman a Mr. Fleet condition turned upon the improbability during the present Lord Elmwood's youth that he should ever inherit the title and a state which had now fallen to him. And said Mr. Fleetmund independent of rank and fortune it must be matter of infinite joy to Mr. Doraforth. No, answered Sir Henry independent of rank and fortune it must be a motive for his folly in taking priest's orders thus depriving himself of the hopes of an heir so that his title at his death will be lost. By no means, replied Mr. Fleetmund, he may yet have an heir for he will certainly marry. Marry! cried the baronet. Yes, said the other it was that I meant by the joy it married, said Lady Loonham. Has he not taken a vow never to marry? Yes, answered Mr. Fleetmund, but there are no religious vows from which the sovereign pontiff at Rome cannot grant a dispensation, as those commandments which are made by the Church the Church has always the power to revoke. And when it is for the general good of religion his holiness thinks it incumbent on him to marry. And certainly it is for the honour of the Catholics that this earldom should continue in a Catholic family. In short, I'll venture to lay a wager, my Lord Elmwood is married within a year. Miss Milner, who listened with attention, feared she was in a dream or deceived by the pretended knowledge of Mr. Fleetmund, who might know nothing. He was himself a Roman Catholic, so that he must be well informed on the subject upon which he spoke. If she had heard the diarist news that ever sounded in the ears of the most susceptible of mortals, the agitation of her mind and person could not have been stronger. She felt, while every word was speaking, a chill through all her veins, a pleasure too exquisite not to bear, along with the pain of which she was so sensible that for a few moments it made her wish that she had not heard the intelligence, though very soon after she would not but have heard it for the world. As soon as she had recovered from her first astonishment and joy she wrote to Miss Woodley an exact account of what she had heard and received this answer. Because it was a task in executing which I had promised myself extreme satisfaction, but from the fear that your health was not yet strong enough to support, without some danger, the burden of hopes which I knew would upon this occasion press upon you, I deferred my communication and it has been anticipated. Yet as you seem in doubt as to the reality of what you love it may fall very little short of the first news, especially when it is enforced by my request, that you will come to us as soon as you can with propriety leave Lady Lunam. Come, my dear Miss Milner, and find in your once rigid monitor a faithful confidant. I will no longer threaten to disclose a secret you have trusted me with, but leave it to the wisdom or now to penetrate into the hearts of our sex in search of one that may beat in unison with his own to find it out. I no longer condemn but congratulate you on your passion and will assist you with all my advice and my earnest wishes that it may obtain a return. This letter was another of those excruciating pleasures that almost reduced Miss Milner to the grave. This letter was never delivered for several nights to close her eyes. She thought so much upon the prospect of accomplishing her wishes that she could admit no other idea nor even invent one probable excuse for leaving Lady Lunam before the appointed time, which was then at the distance of two months. She wrote to Miss Woodley to beg her contrivance to reproach her for keeping the letter in so kind a manner at last. She begged also to be acquainted how Mr. Doraforth, for still she caught him by that name, spoke and thought of this sudden change in his destiny. Miss Woodley's reply was a summons for her to town upon some pretended business, which she avoided explaining but which entirely silenced Lady Lunam's and treaties for her to stay. To her question concerning Lord Elmwood, she answered, it is the subject on which he seldom speaks. He appears just the same as he ever did, nor could you by any part of his conduct conceive that any such change had taken place. Miss Milner exclaimed to herself, I'm glad he is not altered. If his words, looks, or manners were anything different from what they formerly were, I should not like him so well. And just the reverse would have been the case had Miss Woodley sent her word he was changed. The day for her leaving bath was fixed. She expected it with rapture, but before its arrival sunk under the care of expectation, and when it came was so much indisposed as to be obliged to defer her journey for a week. At length she found herself in London in the house of her guardian and that guardian no longer bound to a single life but enjoined to marry. He appeared in her eyes, as in Miss Woodley's, the same as ever, or perhaps more endearing than ever, as it was the first time she had beheld him with hope. Mr. Sanford did not appear the same, yet he was in reality as surly and as disrespectful in his behaviour to her as usual. But she did not observe, nor she did not feel his morose temper as heretofore. He seemed amiable, mild, and gentle. At least this was the happy medium through which her self-complacent mind began to see him, for good humor, like the jaundice, makes every one of its own complexion.