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278 encomiums upon them, and which, in all probability, would be repeated to Sir Aubrey: "therefore," continued she, "we may at least infer a good report will be made to him of our daughters."

De Brooke would gladly have been of her opinion, but knowing his father's character, he turned away, replying with but a deep and heavy sigh. Having by his successive afflictions been accustomed to view things under the hues of a darkened imagination, even this, that might at any other period have appeared unimportant, was then calculated to strike a degree of sadness on his mind.

In her endeavours to withdraw her husband from his griefs, Mrs. De Brooke poured into his ear the most consolatory reflections; however, upon finding they were unattended to, she rose and went to the window, in order to conceal the unbidden tear which, in spite of her, dropped upon her cheek. Scarcely was it chased, than those ponderous portals meeting her view, so long barred against her husband, she then saw thrown open to admit a stranger; who, coming forward in a straight direction in front of where she stood, a sudden impulse seized her that his visit was to their chamber on business to De Brooke.

The person of the stranger was tall and gaunt, his gait firm, his attire neat. In following his