means of diversion and of visiting during the mornings while the evening was devoted to receiving company at home. Mr. Arden could not exist without his party at cards, but since Oriana had become his visitor, his attention had been constantly engrossed by the charms of her music, which never failed to afford him a recreation of the most pleasing kind,—often tempting him to wish, notwithstanding some private feelings militated against it, that Oriana might be a perpetual inmate in his house.
Rosilia frequently amused herself by contemplating the beautiful paintings and portraits in the saloon, which had belonged to her grandfather, but which since the demise of Lady De Brooke had been removed to the house of Mr. Arden. The idea that her father might have been considered as the rightful owner of them, drew a sigh from her heart. Her thoughts, however, were diverted from such reflections when solicited by Oriana to ramble with her through the spacious park and gardens; where they could each indulge in expatiating upon those topics the most interesting to them.
Thus time passed until the period arrived that was to recall them to London.
Desirous of retaining Oriana in his family, that
