CHAPTER IV.
"No more with affection shall memory blending,
The wonted delights of our childhood retrace,
When pride steels the bosom, the heart is unbending,
And what would be justice appears a disgrace."
Byron.
Thus far the matrimonial scheme so zealously contemplated by Mr. and Mrs. Blake in favour of their son had been successful; and the father was about demanding of the General the accomplished Oriana for his daughter-in-law, when, at so important a crisis of bright and flattering expectation to all parties, so untoward was their destiny, that suddenly clouds began to darken and deform the fair prospect that had arisen so cheering to their view.
It chanced that amongst the numerous votaries of fashion and pleasure who were assembled to partake of the gaieties of the place, Mrs. Arden, accompanied by her husband, had come, as their custom was, to spend a month or two during the spring season at Bath.
The General had at different intervals main-
