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Rh will thence rise from the mists by which you are now surrounded, to view before you an open and fair day, full of honours, grandeurs, dignities, such as I myself enjoy: decide;" said he, whilst he fixed upon De Brooke his eye, animated by the exaltation of pride; "it remains for you to make the choice!"

An appeal, which spoke so powerfully to his feelings, from a father who had hitherto conducted himself with such disdain towards him, operated irresistibly to charm the mind of De Brooke.

"Good heavens!" he ejaculated, "grant that it may be in my power to comply,—that I may merit that reward above all so flattering, so dear to the filial tenderness of my heart, a perfect reconciliation with my father! Proceed, sir", continued he: "believe me, it is my most ardent hope, my most unbounded desire, to conform myself in every respect to your wishes."

Sir Aubrey reddened. He feared by this emphatic reply of his son, that he was wholly unprepared for the sacrifice he was about demanding of him, the sole condition on which depended a return to his favour and promised recompense. Nevertheless, strongly bent upon carrying his point, and rendering his son entirely subservient to his views, with a voice deep and inflexible, he