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Rh I trust I shall not be deceived. I am not so much surprised that the novelty of rustic charms might for a time have fascinated your attention, as that you should have persevered in yielding yourself so devotedly her captive, during an interval now of some years."

Pale, speechless with the emotions that rushed upon his heart, De Brooke then but too clearly saw the drift of his father's argument. "I find also," continued Sir Aubrey, regardless of the sudden change so obvious in his son, "that you have the misery to be encumbered with a child, perhaps children; they must of course be provided for; but happily the ways of doing so, for children of such a description, are many, and but little expensive."

Had Sir Aubrey spoken from his real feelings, he would openly and at once, have recommended his son's illegitimate children, as he supposed them, to be sent to the parish! Fearing, however, to excite indignation, rather than docility to his wishes, he wisely checked himself.

De Brooke struggled for utterance, but, completely subdued by the violence of his agitation, remained silent.

"Aubrey! Aubrey!" exclaimed the father, perceiving the conflict, "act as a man, as my son; for once in your life, show firmness, resolution, a