Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/49

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DUTY AND INCLINATION.
41

king in its embellishments of nature. It was otherwise with Rosilia; in silent admiration she contemplated the crystal drops, which as they were thrown into the air reflected the various hues of the rainbow. Her attention however was soon diverted by the voice of her sister, to whom she instantly hastened, and who expressed as much joy as herself at their again meeting, after their accidental separation of a few minutes.

Upon their entering the house and the ball room, they found the dancing had recommenced. Douglas was desirous of again securing the hand of Rosilia, but was prevented by Sir Charles suddenly stepping up, and introducing her to a young baronet who had solicited the honour of dancing with her. Douglas therefore was under the mortifying necessity of resigning her to Sir Howard Sinclair, contenting himself in being a silent spectator during the interval; and felt happy to find, that as she joined the dance but late, the lower sets were rapidly retreating; and Rosilia, fearing to be made conspicuous, being amongst some of the last couples to lead off, requested of her partner to allow her to retire. He would have engaged her for the next set, but Rosilia declined under the plea that she had given her promise to another. Sir Howard still kept by