"But I have more influence than any body else over Blanche and I can prevent the collision between them which Sir Patrick dreads." She began the letter.

"My dearest Blanche, I have seen Sir Patrick, and he has given me your message.

I will set your mind at ease about me as soon as I can.

But, before I say any thing else, let me entreat you, as the greatest favor you can do to your sister and your friend, not to enter into any disputes about me with Lady Lundie, and not to commit the imprudence--the useless imprudence, my love--of coming here." She stopped--the paper swam before her eyes.

"My own darling!" she thought, "who could have foreseen that I should ever shrink from the thought of seeing _you ?"_ She sighed, and dipped the pen in the ink, and went on with the letter.
The sky darkened rapidly as the evening fell.