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34 greatest sense of enjoyment our narrow span of life."

Language such as this he little imagined was addressed to one, who, contrary to his maxims, had already, though so young, in opposition to the feelings and inclinations of her heart, rigidly adhered to the dictates of reason and duty. Shielded by innocence, unsuspicious of ill, the words of Melliphant lost their force, and left not the impression he desired.

As far as frail human nature could admit, to act up to the highest degree of virtue had been, and ever was, the constant aim of Rosilia. No inferior motive whatever had power to change or deter her from following the sublime track she had traced. Melliphant, so apparently amiable, of so contemplative a turn, capable of such strong powers of resistance, of self-denial, she supposed might be influenced by the same sentiments.

His late observations, however, had betrayed that he had formed to himself some incorrect theories of right, although she was still willing to persuade herself that he had never deviated from its practice.