Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/316

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314
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

sterial duties permitted his affording his friends the indulgence of a visit.

Mrs. Arden, in living to become a widow, and in throwing off those restraints which formerly occasioned a variance between her brother and herself, became more united to the individual members of his family—leaving it to be supposed that her affections, no longer operated upon by selfish motives, resumed their early impressions. Frugal in the management of her income, which was considerable, she was afforded the benevolent gratification of making future liberal settlements on her nieces, whom she nominated her principal inheritors. And thus she experienced the grateful attentions of her family during a long course of a contented and respected old age.

It was also destined for Mrs. Philimore to become a widow, her husband not being able to survive the loss of a son, upon whom he had bestowed so perfect an education, and who had been at once his pride and glory. His widow lived to a good old age, manifesting to the latest period of it the true piety and resignation of the Christian character; keeping her social affections alive by frequent intercourse with her long-tried friend Mrs. De Brooke, and the sight of her ever-loved Oriana.

Lord Deloraine and his lady, leaving their magnificent domain and dwelling, descending to him from a long line of Scottish nobles, situated not far from the winding and meandering Forth, proceeded on a tour through the Western parts, leading towards