CHAPTER VII.
"Hyena's smiles he wears, and in his breast
No trace of candour's found."
Wishing to reap every advantage in his power from the absence of the General, Melliphant solicited the indulgence of entertaining Mrs. De Brooke and her daughter, in company with Mrs. Belmour, at his own house. The request was so urgently made, and was so well seconded by Mrs. Belmour, that Mrs. De Brooke thought it would appear ungenerous in her to refuse. They accordingly met together upon the evening appointed.
The apartments of Mr. Melliphant were large and handsome; previously however to receiving his guests in the room destined for that purpose, he made some alterations, which, with the help also of a few hired articles of some expense and beauty, gave an appearance of taste and elegance, calculated to impose and excite attention. Were Rosilia the presiding goddess here, thought he, the charm would be complete. If by some happy association in finding herself called upon to lend her assistance at the tea-equipage, such an idea could gain but a temporary admittance to her
