had regarded her with the watchful eye of solicitude. They saw in Douglas much to admire; generosity sat on his manly brow; a noble candour accompanied his words and actions; he was naturally (they were persuaded) inclined to good; but some unlucky accident, the changes and chances of life, they supposed, had turned his mind from its original bias. The information the General had received, in his inquiries regarding the conduct of Douglas, had tended much to disappoint and vex him, having, with Mrs. De Brooke, entertained the hope of seeing one of his girls provided for, ere they left the Villa for a cottage retirement in Wales. The representation made of Douglas proved that he was by no means suited to become the partner of their Rosilia. A mind like hers, so delicately organized, they were well assured, could never support the rude blasts, which would undoubtedly assail it if connected with a man of free principles. If, indeed, she were so fortunate as to escape the contagion of his example, her heart, they well knew, would become lost to peace, would sicken under the contemplation of his vices. They blamed themselves for not having sooner made inquiries respecting him, being sensible the temptation was not a trifling one to which their child had been exposed. Her apparent indifference, how-
