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224 a certain sum. To have made the offer of a trifling amount, De Brooke would have felt ashamed, and as to one beyond such, he felt would be acting with injustice to his family. Disconcerted by a repetition of these demands, he had nothing for it but to combat with the natural philanthropy of his disposition, and give a decided refusal; unprepared for which, and supposing De Brooke not deficient in the means of obliging him, he again preferred his suit, with a pathetic detail, and solemn promise of a speedy return.

The generous nature of De Brooke, ever ready to lend assistance to the wants of others, was beginning to yield, when, just at that moment, piercing shrieks met his ear, the sounds being those that burst from affrighted children, proceeding from the opposite chamber, into which he precipitately rushed; the door was ajar, and within a fearful bull-dog caught his eye. His children! where were his children? He stood as one petrified, when a closet-door opening suddenly, relieved him from his anguish; he beheld the dear innocents themselves. Scared at the sight of the fierce intruder, they had run with one accord, and, locked in each other's arms, had sheltered themselves, till, in gaining courage, they ventured to peep from the covert inclosing them in darkness.