Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/298

296 It was approaching the hour of twelve, yet none of the family, with the exception of a few dependents, had retired to rest. Collected in one apartment, nothing but sighs or groans from the sorrowing parents interrupted the mournful stillness which reigned. Suddenly the noise of carriage wheels is heard; all is bustle; in a moment lights stir in every direction; all are agitated by hopes and fears. "It is Rosilia!" resounded from below, and in the next moment Mrs. Boville entered to confirm the news.

What words can paint the touching scene, when Douglas, now Lord Deloraine, tenderly supporting his lovely charge, delivered her in safety to her parents! Totally overcome by the various and rapid changes in her feelings, the peculiar nature of her recent sufferings, the joy and gratitude for her delivery, and the unexpected appearance of her father and sister, alternately clasped in the warm embrace of each, tears instead of words became the eloquent demonstration of her feelings—tears which, as they bedewed her cheeks, still brought further relief to mitigate the past tumult and oppression of her heart.

Still overwhelmed, and unable to make reply to any question made her, each looked for explanation with fearful curiosity and impatience to Douglas.

"We had just ascended the last hill," said he, "approaching the domain, when indistinct sounds of a female in distress burst upon our ears. I leaped instantly from the carriage, followed by Harcourt,