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Rh circumstance, so long as this remained unaccomplished, carrying with it an appearance of reconciliation.

In hearing from his father the flattering tidings of his advancement, De Brooke had been sensible of elation; but how quickly did such a feeling vanish, upon perceiving Sir Aubrey's indifference manifested, notwithstanding his professions of congratulation, by his regulated tones, and cold expression of his countenance! his mind then naturally recurred to the embarrassed state of his finances. His newly-acquired rank would bring with it a desirable acquisition to his income; but it would not yield him those more immediate resources of which he stood in such absolute need. Sir Aubrey touched upon subjects as unimportant as they were uninteresting: De Brooke sought to assume a complacency foreign to him: thus each seemed labouring under a forced restraint, as if occupied with thoughts they wished, yet forbore to express.

At last, after an interval of silence, Sir Aubrey in accents denoting displeasure, but which he essayed to modify, said: "Upon your return from Portugal, Aubrey, you were perfectly free from any incumbrance or debt whatsoever. That you have, since that period, and during a course of