Scarcely had she finished speaking, when Doctor Lovesworth entered from his morning's ramble for the purpose of conducting Rosilia to her home. Recognising in him a friend she had formerly known, Mrs. Melbourne hastily left her seat to meet him, whilst surprise and pleasure were expressed by the Doctor. Not having seen each other for some time past, they were mutually delighted at this unexpected meeting. With much affection in his looks, the Doctor inquired after Mrs. Boville, the esteemed relict of his excellent father; adding, that the long sickness and ultimate dissolution of a young clerical friend having greatly absorbed his mind, had prevented him from paying her of late his usual respects.
Wishing to indulge in a conversation more enlarged than was then convenient, Mrs. Melbourne pressed the Doctor to return with her to Grove Place, the country habitation of Mrs. Boville.
"You must consent," said she, "and allow me the pleasure of giving her this agreeable surprise, in the addition of her good son Lovesworth's company, upon our return," In which invitation Douglas, though a stranger to the Doctor, cordially joined.
Mrs. Melbourne next solicited of Rosilia the favour of setting her down in her carriage at the Bower, which would afford her an introduction to Mrs. De Brooke and the General, after which she would return to the cottage, in order to take up the Doctor,
