Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/252

244 We have already said, that notwithstanding the imprisonment of De Brooke, a constant intercourse had been preserved between his family and that of Mr. Philimore, and Mrs. De Brooke never had felt the consolations derived from friendship stronger than in the present instance, in receiving a prompt reply to her letter, and finding its contents favourable to her views. She lost no time in the execution of her plan.

In a state of extreme debility, supported upon the sofa with cushions, De Brooke made an attempt to bid his wife and children farewell. The former, however, gently checking an effort she feared might be attended with pain, left the room, telling him she would return presently. Beckoning to Robert, she gave her two children to his charge, whilst she prepared herself to follow; but, ere she did so, paused awhile at the door of the chamber where she had left her husband and son. The latter, subdued by his illness, had insensibly sunk into a fit of drowsiness: putting her hand on the lock, she remained an instant undecided whether to see those dear objects once again before going; but as all was still within, and as her intention was soon to return, she thought it better to depart at once. Moving slowly away, and mournfully descending the staircase, after traversing the court, she reached the coach in