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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
205

not, was about to rob the world of one of its brightest ornaments.

Lofty and commanding as the proud cedar, had Douglas been uplifted in his own esteem; but as the winds sometimes rage among and prostrate its spreading branches, so had keen sorrows pang upon the heart of Douglas laid low its towering haughtiness! Had'st thou been there, Rosilia, occupying the place of Ellina, no longer could'st thou have traced the healthful hue, the sparkling eloquence of eye, the boasting air, the imperious display! Alas! thou would'st have seen a change, to have called forth every tender and compassionate feeling of which thy nature was capable!

The feelings of Ellina were strained to their utmost: she heaved an involuntary sigh; but what was her astonishment upon hearing that sigh re-echoed,—she started,—Douglas turned towards her, opened his long closed eyes, and fixed upon her a look of deep inquiry. Her whole frame trembled; while the exclamation burst from her, "My God! he will then live!"

Douglas endeavoured to raise himself, but fell back upon his pillow. Ellina had vanished, but the traces of her countenance were still visible to his mental sight. Was it a seraph sent as a messenger of pardon for his past transgressions, and to