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Rh he said, "We will now detain you but one moment, as it will be proper, ere we go hence, to afford some help to that unfortunate man."

So saying, he ordered the postillion to the horses' heads, there to await his return.

The chaise that Melliphant had brought with him was still at its post. The driver, who had concealed himself during the bustle which had taken place, then made himself visible, and undertook to help Douglas and Harcourt in raising the almost expiring Melliphant, whose wounds, although deep, as he still breathed, gave hope that they were not mortal. Contriving to place him within the vehicle, in a manner the most commodious to his situation, Douglas commended him to the driver's care, ordering him to convey him back to the spot whence he had brought him.

Returning to Rosilia, Douglas spoke a few consolatory and tender words at the carriage window, telling her that, as Grove Place was so near, his friend and himself preferred walking, and would act as a guard until he had the happiness of placing her under the charge of its kind hostess.

"Ah!" returned Rosiiia, "my mother is at this moment at Grove Place, and I fear her sufferings have been great since my absence."

"Her joy will be proportionate upon her again seeing you," answered he; "turn therefore all anxieties aside, to indulge more freely in the bliss of meeting."