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Rh protestations and vows fell from the lips of the youthful Herbert never to forget his beloved Rosilia.

"Remember," said he, dissolved in boyish tenderness, "when I am older, and a man, remember what I have often told you,—I will go to the Indies, where my brother is, and make my fortune,—I shall return and give it all to you,—I will bring you everything I can obtain the most precious and beautiful. I will give something to Oriana, because she is your sister, and I like her; but it is you whom I love the most; you are not so spirited, so full of humour as she, but you are the handsomer, the gentler, and the more tender."

Such was the impassioned parting speech of the infatuated boy, who, the remainder of that sorrowful day, which robbed him of his lovely playmate, sat silent at the corner of his mother's hearth; nought could call forth the wonted smile of peace or pleasure; the time hung heavy; he yawned at every interval; and by his own request, left the room at an early hour to bury his discontent in slumbers, interrupted by dreams of his Rosilia.

On seeing the improvement that had taken place in the appearance of his daughters, it was natural that to the sensitive souls of the De Brookes should