Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/188

186 expressed a calm benignity, while his words spoke peace and consolation.

A carriage stops; the sound of footsteps advance: it is the signal for Oriana to depart. The language of Philimore's sunken eye, as it turned upon her, pierced her to the soul. In attempting to rise, she tottered, and was obliged to reseat herself. Inexpressibly touched, Philimore, in a faint voice, said, "My Oriana, we part but to meet again—in—in Heaven!" A saintly smile, as if already in that blessed abode, re-illumined his countenance. It reassured the drooping Oriana. The urgency of the moment required the greatest exertion of her courage.

She rose to leave him; Philimore sighed, and raising her lily hand, pressed it fervently upon his lips.

"Go, my best-beloved!" he added; "I will not detain you; may Heaven bless and protect you from every pain and sorrow!"

His eyelids closed, as if in the act of silent prayer. By an involuntary motion, the head of Oriana sunk upon that of Philimore, and after pressing awhile her cheek upon his pale forehead, she suffered herself to be led from the apartment.

Dr. Lovesworth seated himself in the vacant chair, and attempted not to interrupt the pause—that sacred pause, as it were, reigning after she was gone. Aroused by the pain his cough occasioned him, Philimore raised his head, and beheld by his side that inestimable friend, whose name he had so often