to imagine, from more interior and mental causes than those merely of habit, good-breeding, and an enlarged intercourse with the world.
Thus infatuated, she conceived that the recollection of Douglas would ever oppose her entertaining any attachment for another, while, in fact, this being of her idolatry proceeded from no other cause of existence than imagination, the active and exalted powers of which created a phantom gifted with endowments rare and excellent! She loved in thought, in idea! It was the vision of imagination which she loved, nurtured by retirement, and its soft breathing, inspiring scenes! Where is the being who has ever met with the object formed to bear an affinity to that perfect image which the heart and its affections paint as best calculated to assimilate with all its dearest wishes, tenderest feelings, and nicest sensibilities? Vain is the hope, and rarely in this world of disorder is the picture realized.
Contrary to Philimore's usual custom of passing a portion of each day at The Bower, several had passed without any of the family having seen him. The good Doctor had entirely engrossed his company, which he willingly bestowed upon him as due to his kind partiality. The time they spent
