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258 mentioned, at least in connection with the name of Sir Aubrey, yet, as it has been observed, it required scarcely any further development of his character to make him appear in her eyes too callous for entreaty; unnatural as did his conduct appear to her in every light in which she was capable of viewing it. Sometimes during the writing of her letter she had left off to ask herself, "Can he be really his father? Is it to the father of De Brooke I write?" She thought of her own parent; how opposite in character and feeling to him, the venerable sire of the Parsonage! and the contrast, added to the memory of his virtues and his affection, by bringing on a flood of tears, afforded a temporary relief to her oppressed feelings.

The letter, at length finished and sealed, was dispatched by the hand of Robert, that devoted minister, (well worthy of so honourable an appellation,) who, amidst the wretchedness and desolation in which the family he served was plunged, had not only discharged his duties with scrupulous fidelity, but had evinced a strength and disinterestedness of affection deserving the name of freedom and of friendship: frankly and with a right good will his time and talents were bestowed, without hope of other reward than what his liberal heart largely afforded. With such a