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294 his manly form, unconscious of what he uttered, Douglas breathed into her ear the most tender and impassioned language of love. The peril in which his life had been placed on her account, a grateful sense of his being her deliverer, and a secret joy combined, pouring their overwhelming influence into her bosom,—each mutually awaking to the certainty and bliss of being beloved,—it was no wonder that the heart of Rosilia, with all its most susceptible feelings, beat in response to that of Douglas.

A stranger stood before them, his eye intently gazing upon the heart-dissolving scene! Mute he remained, amaze and wonder having astounded his every faculty! The lamp Melliphant had borne, cast upon the earth, but not yet extinguished, shed forth its beams, broad and full, over the form, countenance, and lineaments of her so indelibly imprinted upon his memory!

An exclamation bursting from his lips sounded upon the ear of Douglas, who, rising from his recumbent posture, as he led Rosilia from the spot, ejaculated, "Harcourt, we have been friends, but we have been also rivals; suspend your curiosity till a more convenient occasion, and you shall know all. For the present, let us consider how we can best act. Our chaise," added he, turning to Rosilia, "will convey you to the friendly asylum of Mrs. Boville."

Having conducted her to the place where it remained in waiting, and having placed her within it,