"A return of sentiment in Rosilia!" re-echoed Melliphant; "never! oh, never! she has remained insensible to all; her heart I should believe to be cold, icy cold, but that the quick sensibility of her eye and ever varying expression of her countenance prove the reverse."
An answer so totally beyond his expectations operated wonders over Sir Howard: his eye continued fixed on Melliphant, as if searching for the conviction of what he had uttered.
"In truth," said he, softening his accents, "are you thoroughly persuaded of what you say? Rosilia, then, has never given you any certain indication of regard!"
"No, truly, she has not!" repeated Melliphant, in a voice choked by despair.
No longer doubting, Melliphant was then no more esteemed by Sir Howard his happy rival, exulting and triumphing in what he had himself, with such ill success, so ardently desired,—the love of Rosilia. In the joy he felt at finding himself thus undeceived, he extended his hand to Melliphant, who shook it with cordiality; and thus these brothers in iniquity were once more friends.
Melliphant then left Sir Howard, who, elated by the intelligence he had received, though he abandoned all idea, from his past unsuccessful efforts, of gaining upon the affections of Rosilia, yet, as continuing disengaged, as having at least no rival in her heart, a renewed energy was given to his actions, and the
