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232 in a word, himself contemptible; proving, that when the congenial sympathies are dissolved, the telescope of human judgment becomes reversed, and we see as through fresh optics.

Perceiving a change so visible in the manner of Mrs. De Brooke, the Count would have departed, inwardly deriding what he termed narrow prejudice confounding with criminal sports a harmless diversion. Dissembling his feelings, not wishing to take his leave abruptly, he spoke of other subjects; ever fluent he was not at a loss; and amongst his sudden transitions, "Dere", exclaimed he, "is a lucky fellow,—Sir Henry Hodson—"

De Brooke, who had sunk upon his chair, feigning sleep, started suddenly from his seat, fixing upon the Count an eye that would have penetrated his soul.

"Echappé," continued the Count, "escaped from prison, is now enjoying liberty at large. Happy man! it was but dis morning dat I saw him de same woeful knight as usual, and dis afternoon il est libre! Reservé, profond comme il était, on n'aurait pas cru que son exit was so near."

The hopes of De Brooke died within him; secret