They conceived it not impossible, from the account given by Mrs. Herbert, that Harcourt might call in that evening; but this anticipation, to save Rosilia from embarrassment, was carefully concealed from her. No lover, however, arriving, either that evening, or the ensuing one, nor yet the third, nothing could be supposed, but that leisure and reflection, by lessening the energy of his resolves, had also tended to abate his flame.
Mrs. Herbert alone was sensible of the truth, and felt a secret pleasure in the consciousness that her scheme had so well succeeded. Yet one troublesome idea haunted her—some unforeseen accident might throw Rosilia and Harcourt into each other's company; to prevent this, as far as lay in her power, she determined, by depreciating the latter in the estimation of the former, to excite her to shun him; and an occasion was not long in presenting itself.
Having wished the usual good night, Rosilia would have retired with her parents had not Mrs. Herbert solicited her longer stay, and placing her by her side, said—"My dear girl, I love you as much as it is possible for one human being to love another; and if I saw any imperfection in your conduct, if you possessed any fault or failing, I would tell you
