Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/315

Rh

the course of a short period from the event of his daughter's marriage, General De Brooke fixed his permanent residence in the beautiful villa, Mount Zephyr, where we found him and his family upon the commencement of our history. The late Lord Deloraine, to whom he had let it, having returned to Scotland for the benefit of his native air, the place had fallen into the hands of another tenant, who leaving it in a state of great improvement, the General and Mrs. De Brooke were induced, upon its being advertised for sale, to become the purchasers.

Among the most intimate and social of their neighbours were their old friends the amiable Sir Charles and Lady Valpée. Mr. Frederick Valpée was absent from home, having left his paternal seat for a long-projected tour abroad.

It may be well conceived that the spare apartments in the mansion of the De Brookes were often occupied by Mrs. Boville, her sister Mrs. Melbourne, and the good Dr. Lovesworth, whenever his