CHAPTER II.
"Though smooth his voice and calm his gentle mien,
Still seems there something he would not have seen;
His features' deepening lines and varying hue
At times attracted, yet perplexed the view,
As if within that murkiness of mind
Work'd feelings fearful, and yet undefined."
Byron.
On the return of Mrs. De Brooke and Rosilia from their little excursion, how delighted were they to find their beloved Oriana waiting to receive them in company with her father!
After an affectionate embrace, they inquired to what cause they might owe her unexpected appearance. Mrs. Arden's carriage requiring some slight repair, Oriana had embraced the opportunity of its being sent to the coachmaker, to enjoy the happiness of visiting her family, having promised to return to her aunt with the vehicle.
Having taught herself to submit with greater fortitude to the chances and vicissitudes attending upon her attachment, Oriana, whose appearance had much faded since she had left her paternal home, began again to improve. The letters she received from Philimore, though less frequent than formerly,
