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Elinor, starting back with a look of horror at the sight of hi instantly to quit the room, and her hand was already on the lock, when its action was suspended by his hastily advancing, and saying, in a voice rather of command than supplication, "Miss Dashwood, for half an hour--for ten minutes--I entreat you to stay"

"No, sir," she replied with firmness, "I shall NOT stay Your business cannot be with ME The servants, I suppose, forgot to tell you that Mr Palmer was not in the house"

"Had they told me," he cried with vehemence, "that Mr Palmer and all his relations were at the devil, it would not have turned me from the door My business is with you, and only you"

"With me!"--in the utmost amazement--"well, sir,--be quick--and if you can--less violent"

"Sit down, and I will be both"

She hesitated; she knew not what to do The possibility of Colonel Brandon's arriving and finding her there, came across her But she had promised to hear hied After athat prudence required dispatch, and that her acquiescence would best promote it, she walked silently towards the table, and sat down He took the opposite chair, and for half a minute not a as said by either

"Pray be quick, sir,"--said Elinor, i in an attitude of deep meditation, and seemed not to hear her

"Your sister," said he, with abruptness, a er I heard it from the servant God be praised!--But is it true? is it really true?"

Elinor would not speak He repeated the inquiry with yet greater eagerness

"For God's sake tell er, or is she not?"

"We hope she is"

He rose up, and walked across the rooo--But since I AM here,"--speaking with a forced vivacity as he returned to his seat--"what does it signify?--For once, Miss Dashwood--it will be the last tiether--I alow overspreading his cheeks--"do you think reater astonishan to think that he eness of such a visit, and of such ible; and with this ihby, I advise you at present to return to Coer-- Whatever your business may be with me, will it be better recollected and explained to-morrow"