tained a correspondence with his sister, which, on either side, had not been deficient in professions of mutual affection, and, on the part of Mrs. Arden, a kind interest for the welfare of her nieces. Previous to the appointment of De Brooke in Ireland, she had ever acted in concert with Sir Aubrey; but at that period to have softened her father's displeasure against her brother might have been beyond her power. The sanguine temper of De Brooke and his generous disposition inclined him to hope the best, and to put the most favourable construction on the proceedings of his sister.
But the period had now arrived which was to put her sincerity to the test, and to prove what were the genuine sentiments of her heart. Residing in the same town, thought the General, by her display of opulence, her splendid equipage and sumptuous style of living commanding the attention of the public, on the tenor of her conduct, as regards my family, will depend its elevation or its fall. From the many inquiries her letters had contained respecting his daughters, it was natural for him to suppose she would rejoice upon an occasion being presented of forming their personal acquaintance, and of receiving them at her house; but he resolved that unless they were to be accompanied by their mother, she should never have that
