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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
273

It was the most buoyant wish of his heart to throw himself instantly at the feet of that fair object,—that sudden idol of his soul! offer her his homage—acknowledge and confess to her the supreme empire she had usurped over him.

Thus impressed, he was hurrying on, when the companion he had just parted from called after him, from a sudden recollection crossing his mind, feeling perfectly assured of having seen the younger lady before. But this he chose, from reasons best known to himself, not to reveal.

"Harcourt! Harcourt!" exclaimed he; "Where are you driving to so fast? If it is after the fair enchantress, she has left the gardens; I saw her this moment, with the lady who is with her, pass the gates;—return then. What madness has taken possession of you?"

"Another time,—another time," said Harcourt peevishly.

Curiosity not allowing further reply, they left the gardens together. Soon overtaking the objects of their pursuit, they saw them at Hyde Park Corner enter a carriage in readiness to receive them; which Harcourt resolved to follow, by keeping quick pace with it along the pavement, still pursuing its many windings and turnings; his companion by his side, who felt himself urged