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176 itself, anxious to conceal himself from the possibility of observation, beset as he was by two such ungracious companions. The driver was ordered to take the road to one of their houses, but De Brooke countermanding this direction, the coach proceeded to the Bench. In the mean time Mrs. De Brooke remained in a state which it is more easy to conceive than describe. Mrs. Philimore left nothing unsaid that could in any way calm her, or dispose her mind to view this event in a light less sorrowful, as an accidental misfortune to which so many were every day exposed, and of which so many examples are every day occurring in the capital; that a short interval given towards the procuring of bail might effect the release of her husband. Mrs. De Brooke, who had hitherto sat motionless, apparently absorbed in reflection, no sooner caught the last words of her friend, than the tears, before suppressed, rolled in torrents from her eyes.

"His release!" echoed she, "'tis then to prison they have dragged him! And must he there pass the night, in so gloomy, so dreary, and so comfortless a place?"

"Moderate your feelings, my dear Mrs. De Brooke", continued Mrs. Philimore; "your fears and uneasiness magnifv the evil."