The sounds might also be my apology, should I be observed on the balcony.

But last night, while I was eagerly enforcing my plan of a full confession to my father, which he as earnestly deprecated, we heard the window of Mr.Mervyn's library, which is under my room, open softly.

I signed to Brown to make his retreat, and immediately reentered, with some faint hopes that our interview had not been observed.
'But, alas! Matilda, these hopes vanished the instant I beheld Mr.
Mervyn's countenance at breakfast the next morning.

He looked so provokingly intelligent and confidential, that, had I dared, I could have been more angry than ever I was in my life; but I must be on good behaviour, and my walks are now limited within his farm precincts, where the good gentleman can amble along by my side without inconvenience.

I have detected him once or twice attempting to sound my thoughts, and watch the expression of my countenance.