Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/249

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
247

pression of a passion which he gloried in, and which he conceived ennobled him. No wonder his emotions, as witnessed by Rosilia, became at times too powerful to conceal.

Mrs. Melbourne gave the relation of Douglas as she had heard it from her husband the Colonel, and which being entirely connected with the day of the repression of the insurrection, she dwelt forcibly upon the valour of Douglas, the exploits he had performed, and finally, the cause which had led to the wound he had received, reflecting upon him such infinite credit, and magnanimity, equalled only by the humanity and friendship which actuated the deed.

"Colonel Melbourne," said she, in continuation, "did not leave the field until he was assured Douglas still breathed, and was taken to his tent. The general conduct of Douglas had invariably procured him the esteem of every one; but his bravery on this day, and the fatal consequences to himself likely to result from it, spread amidst the troops and officers in command the most intense enthusiasm and adoration of him. Never did any one submit to more protracted sufferings with greater patience, as the surgeon informed me, and to which alone he attributed his recovery, assisted by the change of climate. Thus I have explained the cause of his return to England, which had you asked him, he doubtless would not have given himself, as he modestly throws a veil over his best actions. No one is more silent respecting him-