Rosilia spent her time chiefly with Mrs. Philimore, who, ever amiable and obliging, sought to entertain her young friend in a variety of ways—sometimes by reading together the best modern productions, sometimes by the use of the needle, and in works of embroidery, and, to vary either sedentary occupation, by walking, and the resource occasionally in the evening, of going to the theatre or opera; this being indulged in with judicious care and moderation, was rendered in some measure conducive to useful reflections, tempering in some degree her natural timidity, and furnishing new ideas of life and manners. However kindly considerate as was Mrs. Philimore in promoting such diversions, it seemed surprising to Rosilia that her son Edmund Philimore (of whom we have before spoken) took no share in them. Since the departure of her mother and sister, his character and manners seemed to have undergone a perfect change; good-humour and pleasantry had given place to gloom and silence; seldom present but at those hours usual for the family to assemble, when involved in abstraction he seemed indifferent to all that passed. Inexplicable as was this conduct to others, the cause was but too well known to himself; of strong and ardent feelings, hope suddenly baffled had saddened his soul, leaving it the prey of despondence.
