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288 found it would be totally impossible to put into immediate execution his first project, of conveying Rosilia to the coast, and thence in a smuggling vessel embark with her for a foreign shore. In the present instant, the only expedient he could devise, and that which seemed to promise in its issue the most prosperous fulfilment of his desires, was, to detain Rosilia closely shut up beyond the power of human search to discover, in an isolated part of Sir Arthur's dwelling,—the chamber that had proved to himself of late so effectual a refuge in evading the pursuit of which he was in dread. In still availing himself of its security it would also afford him the power of keeping Rosilia a captive during a certain interval of time—the means assuredly the best towards putting her into his complete possession; for, notwithstanding any deference he might pay her, how could she with any propriety reappear amidst her family and friends, after having lived privately with him in the same habitation, under the name and character of his wife!

The dwelling, an old baronial castle, was in itself retired and remote, rarely frequented by its owners, and, with the exception of that side which, for the accommodation of the family, had undergone some handsome improvements, was wholly neglected and deserted; the servants in charge of the place were also few, and mostly in his service, so that no detection was likely, and the release of his beauteous prisoner was hardly to be apprehended. Giving himself to the dominion of these evil machinations, the