Emily, on her part, though grieved at the absence of her protector and counsellor at so interesting a crisis, was unable to suspect Mr.Tyrrel of such a degree either of malice or duplicity as could afford ground for serious alarm.

She congratulated herself upon her delivery from so alarming a persecution, and drew a prognostic of future success from this happy termination of the first serious affair of her life.

She exchanged a state of fortitude and alarm for her former pleasing dreams respecting Mr.Falkland.

These she bore without impatience.

She was even taught by the uncertainty of the event to desire to prolong, rather than abridge, a situation which might be delusive, but which was not without its pleasures..