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296
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

wishes! the same in respect to Douglas, as she had recently acted by Harcourt.

A profound sigh from Rosilia, caused Mrs, Herbert to turn a searching eye upon her, as if meant to pierce the secret recesses of her bosom; after which she emphatically exclaimed, "He has now married! he has consoled himself with another!"

The design of Mrs. Herbert in thus exposing to Rosilia the past communications she had held with Douglas on the subject of his passion, was with the intent of drawing off her least thoughts or reflection from Harcourt, in order, that in the end, she might better succeed in fixing them wholly upon her son.

"If such is the inconstancy of man," said Rosilia, in reply to Mrs. Herbert's last observation; "If thus so suddenly they can change, and breathe their vows of eternal truth first to one and then to another, I am happier single! How unfortunate are my sex to hearken to or to heed them."

Her voice became energetic, her colour vivid, and nought betrayed, that she had ever been overcome by the weakness she was deploring.

The hour being advanced, she ascended to her apartment; where, left to herself and her own silent communions, sad and depressed, she sunk upon her pillow; a deep sleep succeeded, but her