Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/153

Rh dispute which had arisen between himself and his father; and though softening, in some manner, the severe expressions used by the latter, naturally described with fidelity the passionate energy into which he had been himself betrayed, and which had as yet scarcely subsided.

"Thus, my dear," added he, "our union is made known; by concealing which for a time, I had hoped finally to have effected your introduction to my father and Lady De Brooke, as well as to my sister and her husband; an event, however greatly to be desired, now, I am sorry to say, retarded, and, during a certain interval, become wholly impracticable. The treasures I possess in you, though to me more valuable than the wealth of the Indies, are not such as my father estimates. The high and affluent circumstances to which he has raised himself, it grieves me to say, closes his mind to all but worldly prejudices and selfish affections. Sad perversion of the human heart! Who would wish for fame and fortune, if they thus extinguish the best and finest feelings of humanity?"

With a mournful countenance Angelina had attentively listened to her husband. "It is I," thought she, "who am the cause of estranging him from his father." A heavy sigh escaped her, whilst tears, precious to De Brooke, in all their liquid