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Rh, said that Philimore rejoiced to hear of her being in the house, and awaited her coming with a pleasure she had not witnessed in him during a period of many months.

What were the mutual feelings of either, when Philimore and Oriana met, after all that had passed between them, may be easier conceived than described. Philimore attempted to rise, feeble and languid; the effort seemed beyond his strength; upon perceiving which, to prevent his further exerting himself, Oriana sprang forward, and they were instantaneously clasped in each other's arms.

Vainly endeavouring to stifle her emotions, when disengaged from the embrace of Philimore, Oriana sunk into a chair and wept. Philimore wept also; but it was the soul that wept, and such tears, whensoever shed, spring not from human weakness, but from causes infinitely more profound and exalted.

Worn by the mental struggle so long sustained, added to the incessant and intolerable suffering his frame underwent, Philimore exhibited to the eyes of Oriana but the spectre of his former self. Forgetful of his injurious treatment, the wrongs she had endured, the grief that had consumed her, compassion was then the sole feeling that absorbed her. Mild, kind, and benign had ever been the expression of Philimore's countenance, but there was now shed a ray around him such as rarely adorns humanity; it impressed upon Oriana's mind the conviction that his spirit was passing away to realms more in