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24
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

weigh against the virtues and desires of those who were dear to him.

The day being spent, he retired to the dwelling he had so recently vacated, once more to repose under its friendly roof with his family, under the supposition that, as the storm had ceased, as soon as the morning spread her beams they should be a second time summoned to embark.

Scarcely, however, were all things hushed in quiet, and sleep had closed their lids, than a loud knocking at the outer door aroused them, succeeded by a voice vociferating from below, that as wind and weather permitted, the packet was under weigh. What was to be done but arise and obey the message? The captain of the vessel could not take upon him to submit to the General's special orders, having other passengers on board, nor could he command the elements to be propitious at his pleasure.

Mrs. De Brooke in the first instance deliberated; she was half inclined to change her mind, and let the vessel sail without her; but in the next moment, swayed by her usual courage, she prepared to go: the lights, but just extinguished, were re-illumined; all was hurry and confusion. The sisters were awakened from the sound repose into which they had sunk. The superior officers of the garrison