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226 out with Arthur, on a most important errand, so that my present moments are very, very precious; allow me to lead you to the fire—you shake with cold. My sweet, sweet girl, are you again poorly?" "No, my lord; but please not to use such words—they are not proper." "They are, upon my honour, for I love you sincerely, Helen, and have long loved you—perhaps even longer than Arthur has loved Georgiana. But Lady Anne's conduct to him checked me, and I made a resolution that his happiness should precede mine. Her recantation gave me liberty and life; but, before I could reach you, he became (as you know) either lost or in imminent danger. You are aware, I am sure, from the feelings of your own kind heart, that whilst my brother was so situated happiness was a stranger to my bosom, and the very sight of dear Arthur will have told you how much I have suffered since God in his mercy enabled me to save him." "I did not see Mr. Hales, indeed I did not. I am very sorry, but I saw nobody; I heard dear Mr. Palmer's voice, I remember, and" "And you saw me?" said Lord Meersbrook, with solicitude amounting to agony.