see him, fearing that, if she did so, the force of former impressions might rekindle. The poet too truly says, "they never pardon who have done the wrong;" and Lady De Brooke had not yet reached that degree of virtue which might have enabled her to make concessions to one whom she was conscious she had injured.
Lady De Brooke left town, therefore, to give the wished-for meeting to the sisters at Fairfield Lodge, when, in bestowing her exclusive attention on the objects which had called her thither, she was often charmed by the wit and vivacity of Oriana, and soothed by the sweetness and gentleness of Rosilia; inwardly admiring each alternately, she felt delighted at becoming their benefactress, and styled herself their old grandmamma. Nothing could be more conciliating or flattering than the whole general conduct of her Ladyship to the daughters of De Brooke. Sometimes, in playful raillery, she described the partners they might select, the advantageous and brilliant matches she would form for them, did they suffer themselves to be guided by her influence and advice.
On the New-year's day, and Twelfth-night, a large company had been invited to celebrate the season;—and who more calculated to ornament the circle than those fair sisters, arrayed in fashionable
