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Rh It was but a short period subsequently to this new-formed alliance that De Brooke had received the intelligence of his father having been installed a Knight of the Bath; the more flattering to Sir Aubrey, as a proof was given in this new and honourable distinction conferred upon him, how high he stood in the Royal confidence.

Unambitious as was De Brooke, such circumstances but slightly affected him. In a due space of time he returned to England, and, with the ardour of his sensitive disposition, felt impatient to present himself before his father, and obtain from him an introduction to his new relatives; hoping that time had reinstated him in his favour, and assuaged those indignant feelings he had manifested towards him previous to his voyage to Portugal. Nor was he altogether disappointed. Sensibly exhilarated as was Sir Aubrey in the late good fortune which had befallen him, his mind could not but admit of pleasurable feelings; and the past, though in a manner obliterated, was yet to be revived or not, in concurrence with existing circumstances.

The unlucky fatality, however, attendant upon De Brooke, so ordered it, that the resentment of Sir Aubrey was still to pursue him, and to become more than ever rooted and confirmed by an event