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DUTY AND INCLINATION.

ing his respects to the ladies, he was drawn aside by the General, who led him into an inner room. Rosilia was well acquainted with the nature of the conference which was to ensue; her heart throbbed as if it would have burst its inclosure; her whole frame trembled; she should have fled, but she feared drawing upon her the attention of the company. After the space of half an hour, her father and Douglas returned. The bitterness of woe sat depicted on the countenance of the latter; he cast at Rosilia a look, which penetrated to the inmost recesses of her soul.

To conceal her increasing emotions, she arose from her seat, and retired to an adjoining window, to which Douglas immediately following, in faint and faltering accents said, "Rosilia, do you indeed consign me to wretchedness, to eternal misery?—say, say it quickly—has your father given me your own free sentiments—are you resolved that I part from you now, and for ever?"

Rosilia hesitated; her respiration seemed suspended; until arming herself with courage to support her in a moment so decisive, in a voice scarcely audible, she replied in the affirmative.

"It is enough", rejoined Douglas, and rushed precipitately from the apartment.

Rosilia saw him fly along the avenue, she saw