Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/181

Rh absent yourself from me? why that averted look? Speak, speak, my Aubrey! Am not I your friend, your best of friends?—why then shun me with that mysterious air? You have some secret grief you would fain conceal; withdraw not from me your confidence; let me share your pains as I have hitherto shared your pleasures. Is it your father who thus disturbs your peace?"

"Question me not, I entreat you, my dearest love", rejoined De Brooke, with a look of increased distraction; "another time, and your curiosity shall be fully satisfied—but now 'tis impossible! Detain me not; one instant longer and I shall be too late!"

He tore himself from her tender grasp—he rushed precipitately along the hall, opened the door, and as it closed after him, its reverberation no longer sounding on the ear of his distressed wife, she started from her listening attitude—she flew to the window: De Brooke caught her eye—it strained to behold him. Hurrying onwards, he was nearly lost to her view, when two fellows abruptly coming in face of him gave an instant check to his progress. He was undone! Angelina's ill-timed soothings had been the cause of this fatal mischief; a moment sooner, and he