Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/71

Rh "I conceived you possessed a mind," added he, "so perfectly formed, so free from prejudice, that whilst you passed over the defective parts of Werter, you would have relished to an eminent degree the beauty, harmony, and exaltation of its sentiments."

He paused, and then in lower accents still more tremulous, denoting the increased pulsation of his frame, "If you were placed in a relative situation to me—forgive the expression I am about using—I would insist! yes, I would insist upon your reading it, in order to redeem myself in your opinion, and restore, I fear, my lost credit. I would not for worlds have recommended what I thought improper for you to read."

Melliphant, as he ventured to turn a glance towards Rosilia, perceived "she looked unutterable things"—an expression of countenance almost indefinable, even to so penetrating an observer. Interpreting them however to his advantage, in the successive changes of her looks he thought he perceived indications of compassion and forgiveness with a predominating fear of having given offence.

That the worthy and amiable Melliphant harboured a secret partiality for her, his recent words and manner might have fully betrayed; but not wishing to encourage his passion, it was her duty to check it; and even in so doing how embarrassing was her situation! how appear to understand what was not openly declared,—given but by insinuations only!

Wishing, however, to evade a continuation of the