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136
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

"surely a feeling of isolation must sometimes intrude upon their hearts, sensible and tender as they seem, and by exposing them to discontent, render even that lovely seclusion irksome."

Nevertheless, tranquillity, ease, and cheerfulness had dwelt around Oriana; on the contrary, dejection and pensive sadness had encompassed her sister. The sphere of the former was delightful to him; that of the latter affected him also; each sweetly harmonizing within him, produced feelings and impressions he was desirous to suppose would hereafter as then exist undefined and indistinct.

His further reflections were interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Lovesworth, equipped for a morning's ride.

"Come, Philimore," said he, "I have a horse in attendance for you; I mean to indulge you to-day in a little circuit round the country. We shall pass through some pleasing hamlets, and call upon some cottagers, whose unsophisticated manners will interest you."

Philimore with alacrity prepared to obey the Doctor, and, as they commenced their ride, observed, "Are, then, the peasantry of this neighbourhood of such an order, as that you. Doctor, can find pleasure in entering their poor abodes? Admit they of instruction? Are their minds in any