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DUTY AND INCLINATION.



CHAPTER XIX.


"The selfish heart deserves the pains it feels;
More gen'rous sorrow while it sinks exalts,
And conscious virtue mitigates the pang."
Young.


The nurse of little Rose having much desired the satisfaction of spending a few weeks with her mother, Mrs. Melbourne during the interval not wishing to put her into the hands of a stranger, with the consent of Douglas had allowed the child to accompany her. When, therefore, the time being more than expired for their remaining absent, and when, in company with Mrs. Melbourne, Douglas went to bring her home, in the anticipated delight of seeing his child, to shorten the interval, pursuing on foot a by-path leading direct to the cottage, he little dreamed how great was the surprise awaiting him.

The long-lost, loved Rosilia was to be shortly restored to his sight; but what concern was mingled with the ecstasy of his feelings, to behold her on a sudden environed by the shades of death! And whilst his eyes intently gazed upon her, all doubt as to that object he had seen before was instantly dispelled! It