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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
203

tachment, having been once told by him, in the language of worldly dictatorial authority, that he would sooner follow him to the grave than that he should see him marry without fortune. Miserable man! he little conceived that it was thus to happen, or gladly would he have revoked the harsh, unnatural sentence! He now calls upon Oriana a thousand times a day; he lives but in her presence; she has become his idol; every letter she has penned to his son is cherished by him more than words can express. So merciful are the dispensations of the Supreme, that in taking the son to himself,—in this event we behold that which could alone have touched the heart of the father, in a manner to withdraw him from a world of which he has been hitherto so fond."

Deeply sympathising in the distress of her beloved sister, Rosilia much lamented that she was not at the Bower, in order that she might, by participating, lessen and soothe her sorrow.

In taking his leave the Doctor said, that his late unexpected absence from the Hermitage had left him much to do, that he had a long circuit to make around the neighbourhood, and many visits to pay.

"Will you pardon the intrusion, Doctor," said Rosilia, recollecting her little favourite, "and allow me to accompany you, even so far as the cottage where we discovered the dear little Rose?" which was the name of the child in whom Rosilia felt so tender an interest.

The Doctor assuring her that her company would