Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/220

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218
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

to enter the little sanctuary of his retirement, called his study, everything around presented the delights arising from infinite resource; everything I saw breathed upon my soul an intellectual harmony, an unutterable pleasure; the solid charms of literature, but above all, the master of this little paradise, enchanted, whilst they riveted my attention with delight unspeakable."

Such unequivocal praise and high commendations from Dr. Lovesworth, a man of such exalted worth and superior character, sunk deep into Rosilia's mind and heart, arousing into energy her every latent and inmost feeling. No longer then was it sentiment triumphing over reason; it was the joint concurrence of each. Her affections and understanding, no longer at variance, mingled together in delightful concord, giving to her soul that placidity, that inward joy, she might have imagined to exist, but had never before experienced.

Douglas, when invested with all the brilliancy of health, animation, and manhood's ripened vigour, excited her admiration, but never those lively sentiments of esteem, respect, and regard, as Douglas faded in person, repairing his errors, alive to truth, and to the consciousness that virtue alone is truly great and noble. His talents, ever shining, were now still more improved by that delicacy of taste, refinement of soul,—that quick sensibility of what was right or wrong we may in vain seek for but in those whose hearts are formed, not to applaud only, but to