bright impression, lest disappointment should again succeed, and diffuse its blasts of chill despondency!
The attention of Rosilia, as also that of Douglas, were at last diverted from each other by the cries of Rose, who, held in her nurse's arms, was struggling to get from her. Douglas taking the child, pressed her fondly, and then consigned her to the lady, who was no other than Mrs. Melbourne. The impatient child, however, not yet satisfied, endeavoured to climb upon Rosilia, who was seated near. Perceiving they were no strangers to each other, Mrs. Melbourne said, "I am come with Colonel Douglas to see my god-daughter, and intend, with his permission, taking her back with me."
These few words recalled to Rosilia her scattered ideas, and revealed to her at once the truth. That child, for whom she had imbibed so great an affection, was the child of Douglas, who, after more than three years' absence, had returned to his country, a widower, and with the rank of Colonel. He had been very ill, and it had been expected he would have followed his deceased wife to the tomb. Even now his altered appearance indicated how much he had suffered.
Thus, in rapid succession, passed the thoughts of Rosilia, who, endeavouring to assume placidity, once more essayed to express her thanks to Mrs. Melbourne for her kind attentions, and Douglas heard again those sweet accents that had been wont to fall upon his ear as the flowing of gentle breezes.
