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144 opposite door, closed it with violence, and disappeared.

Absorbed by the most painful images, De Brooke remained motionless; till, roused by the entrance of a servant, he hastily left the house, inwardly resolving never more to enter it.

While unconsciously directing his steps towards home, and meditating upon the unfortunate conference he had just held with his father, he bitterly recalled to mind his severity of conduct towards him, experienced from the days of his childhood, and to which he attributed that extreme embarrassment usually overwhelming him when in his presence. He reflected, also, upon his own self-forbearance, hitherto invariably exercised in despite of his natural impetuosity; and felt surprised that his habitual respect and awe of his father should have been overcome in his last interview. Though a circumstance perfectly new, he was so far from regretting it, that it pleased him to think he had, for once, endeavoured to assert his own independence.

Scarcely had he entered his lodgings, than Mrs. De Brooke, perceiving an alteration in his looks, sought with a tender solicitude to learn the cause. Seating himself beside her, and affectionately taking her hand, he briefly revealed to her the subject of