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164 of character, when an occasion so important, necessity so imperious, demands it of you. Sooner or later a breach must be effected; why not now? send the girl back to the country whence you have brought her; her child along with her; and trust me, the means shall not be withheld towards the furnishing them with an adequate subsistence." Expecting a reply, he paused; but impatient at not receiving any, nor even the thanks due to a promise, as he conceived, at once kind, condescending and generous, he passionately exclaimed, "You are now made acquainted with my terms, sir; choose,—do you resign your mistress or your father? speak, and put an end to this fruitless silence."

With a mixed feeling of disdain and sorrow, too big to find its vent in language, De Brooke had listened to the finish of his father's heart-rending speech; when, clasping his hands together, with looks of agony he articulated; "Your words, sir, act as so many poniards to my heart; you speak of my Angelina, (for I presume it is her you mean) as if she were no better than the female who proffers herself to abandoned pleasures; and my child—"

"Hold!" interrupted Sir Aubrey; "not so; a distinction is due; her first derogation from virtue doubtless originated in yourself; this I will admit;