Such ideas, whilst deprecating his weakness, not unmingled with some secret reproaches against Oriana, for giving too great latitude to his flame, often spread sharp thorns upon his silent pillow; showing him the necessity, since there was no longer any possibility of breaking off his engagement and escaping from the dangerous fetters in which he had bound himself, of procuring speedy church preferment, in order that he might be enabled to make some certain provision, not for himself and Oriana only, but for his family, then deriving their chief support at his hands. Could he but retire to some small village as its humble curate,—Oriana his companion, his affectionate help-mate,—he might still be happy!
Time however elapsed, and no prospect was presented for the realization of such wishes; still Philimore felt himself under the necessity of dissembling—of practising towards his family a constant evasion, and of instructing Oriana to do the same. Had the probable results of his clandestine intercourse been duly considered ere his passion had reached its intensity; had he come forward with an honest candour, and have built his hopes on the General's frankness and kindness of disposition, Providence might have operated in his favour; but had he failed, and been entirely frus-
