Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/123

Rh desired opportunity; as it is, I will ascend, but shall leave the room as soon as she enters it, and will then send up the message as planned to bring Mrs. De Brooke down to me."

They entered the apartment, where they found Mrs. De Brooke making some arrangements previous to her departure for the country. Sir Howard engaged her in discourse, whilst the heart of Melliphant incessantly fluttered; his ear was constantly on the watch, listening for the light step of Rosilia;—she came not. How precarious was his situation! dreading every second of time, that the intrusion of another might again throw obstacles on his plan.

Glancing his eye towards him, Sir Howard at length, with an air of affected indifference, asked after Miss De Brooke, and whether he might not be gratified by an occasion of bidding her adieu.

"Certainly," replied Mrs. De Brooke, ringing the bell, and desiring the servant who entered to tell her daughter she wished to see her in the drawing-room.

Tortured by doubt and fear, Melliphant had scarcely respired, when, as light dispels darkness, and diffuses gladness around, Rosilia herself appeared. The reflection, that but the next day was to transport her far from London, had, in chasing distrust, with its natural concomitants, restraint and reserve, given a sweet and placid composure to her demeanour. Sir Howard and Melliphant were both before her; the former how changed in manners and in aspect! the