Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/181

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
179

most fervent, contrite, and pious zeal. The most profoundly religious principle and a desire of repairing the past, could alone have given stimulus to such a line of conduct as the one Philimore so sublimely formed, to sever those links formerly uniting him to her—the chosen and beloved friend of his heart. And here the man we first described returns upon the view in the full saintly energy of his character, the internal principle bearing rule and governing every inferior one; bringing subjection and obedience into that order which stamps upon the soul, as it were, its Maker's seal; proves it to be immortal,—a form and substance born for the inheritance of eternal bliss in the regions above.

In one of Oriana's visits to London with her aunt, she was accidentally made acquainted with the declining health of Philimore, and though all communication with him had long since ceased, and she had succeeded in reconciling her mind in some degree to it, yet she could not, in that trying hour to himself and family, deny herself the consolation of calling at his house. Her wishes being expressed, her aunt, who did not desire to oppose her, set her down at the corner of the street leading to the abode of the Philimores, telling her she would call to take her up again upon her leaving town. Oriana had thus a few precious hours at her disposal, and profited by them in the manner we are about to relate.

For the first time for months she knocks for admittance at that house where she had formerly spent