I doubt not will be attended with great splendour on such an occasion as this, in honour of the son and heir coming of age."
Having recovered the usual placidity of her demeanour, Rosilia spoke to him with a gentle confidence; and, as natural to youth, she much lamented the pleasure denied her. With looks of eloquent simplicity she could not help expressing her mortification, and that to one who seemed so well disposed to sympathize in her feelings; and upon his again urging her to tell him the cause which militated against her going, with artless hesitation she replied, it did not meet the approbation of her parents. Upon which Douglas, turning to Mrs. De Brooke, pressed her in terms of the warmest solicitude to change her resolution; but finding that every persuasion failed, and that the General was alike inexorable, he felt the necessity of desisting, when the door opened, and, to his inexpressible delight, the charming Lady Valpée herself was announced. She advanced with a gracious air, and with that benevolence which ever beamed on her open countenance, she took each extended hand of the lovely sisters, at the same time saying, "My dear girls, why, how is this? I can admit of no excuse, I can't indeed; Mrs. De Brooke, General, it is my intention to run
