Chapter 44.

Eleanor, staring back with a look of horror at the sight of him, obeyed the first impulse

of her heart, interning instantly to quit the room, and her hand was already on the

lock when its action was suspended by his hastily advancing, and sang 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, welser 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 arrival, and finding her there, came across her.

But she had promised to hear him, and her curiosity no less than her honor was engaged.

There are moments recollection, therefore, concluded that 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 word was said by either.

"'Pray be quick, sir,' said Eleanor impatiently, "'I have no time to spare.'

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