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278 accent in which she accosted him, were dejected in the extreme. He was about presenting Oriana to her, but anticipating his design, with a tender yet sorrowful air, she walked towards her, and taking her by the hand, she seated herself beside her.

"Your daughter, General," said she, "(as I doubt not this young lady is,) from the delicacy of her appearance, is doubtless suffering under the fatigue of her journey." Then casting a look of strong sympathy on Oriana, her countenance relapsed into abstraction; and soon after, rising suddenly from her seat, "General," said she, "will you do me the favour of a moment's conference in another apartment?" when leading the way, the General followed, fully convinced that it was to be a participator with her in some disastrous calamity.

"For Heaven's sake, Mrs. Melbourne," exclaimed he, "what has happened? Speak, tell me! Is it you or myself who is to be condoled with? am I sent here to sympathize with you in affliction, or is it myself who am the object of it? My wife! my child, Rosilia—what of them?"

Though Mrs. Melbourne in her looks and manner expressed the utmost compassion, she did not let one word drop that could lessen the fearful anticipations of the General, who, with a suspense nearly frantic, awaited her further utterance.

"One or the other is lost to me for ever! "exclaimed he; "either dead or dying!"

"No, General," returned she, recovering her