CHAPTER VIII.
"Puppy, that curs'd vociferation
Betrays thy life and conversation.
Coxcombs, an ever noisy race,
Are triumphs of their own disgrace."
Gay.
It might not be wondered at, with the extensive power possessed by Melliphant to gain ascendancy over the human mind, that he had in some degree insinuated himself into the esteem and regard of Rosilia; his sophistry and hypocrisy so well combined, the secret partiality of which he appeared the victim, manifesting itself by involuntary impulse in feelings too strong for suppression; this, when united to the less concealed and more obtrusive admiration of Sir Howard, might be supposed to have introduced the germ of that poison which each in his turn so industriously sought to infuse into the vestal bosom of Rosilia. On the contrary, every effort to sully her, set her off only in a purer light, gave energy to her principles and confirmed her virtue. But, alas! hovering over that precipice preparing for her, still are we to contemplate her on the verge of destruction and of misery.
