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198 finally effect his release, having equal right to the clemency exercised towards persons in his situation as others. But too well aware of the truth of what he said, from her own experience, Mrs. De Brooke endeavoured to tear herself from his embraces, who again, with a look of unutterable anguish, pressing her to his heart, and making a motion to Mr. Philimore, consigned her to his care.

His hope, his pride, his darling boy, whom he looked upon as the rescue of his name from oblivion, still clung about his knees; raising him in his arms, he took an affectionate farewell of him, as also of his little sisters, borne away in the arms of Robert. The door closed; but ere the harsh sound of the latch was heard in turning, "Papa, papa; oh my papa!" mournfully articulated by his son, fell upon his ear. Those melting tones unmanned him, sending from his overcharged heart those bitter sighs which before he had endeavoured to stifle.

Supported by Mr. Philimore, with trembling feet, Mrs. De Brooke reached the hackney-coach in waiting, that bore her from her husband, her only stay, protector, and staff, in whom every kindred centred, left as she had been a destitute and unfriended orphan! Alas! she little dreamt