Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/205

Rh him, the little Aubrey seemed only affected by the sadness preponderating over the features of his unhappy parents. The representation made to his mother by Mr. Philimore had been so much softened as to bear but little analogy to what she then witnessed; overcome by the afflicting impressions of the scene that surrounded her, faint and feeble, she sunk upon the shoulder of her husband, who exerted every effort in his power to calm and soothe her.

After half an hour had thus passed, Mr. Philimore, so long and anxiously expected, suddenly made his appearance. Unprepared for the sight of Mrs. De Brooke, he hesitated ere he spoke, till at length, in answer to the inquiring looks he received, with deep concern he expressed the defeat he had met with, respecting an immediate grant of a private chamber conceded to the petition of his friend.

"How dreadful!" exclaimed Mrs. De Brooke. The importunate cries of her younger children prevented her further utterance; and their father, aroused from his painful reverie, begged of their mother to return with them to their lodgings. Rising to embrace her, he conjured her to be comforted, as he did not yet despair but that he should