Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/326

318 recur, with grateful feelings, the thought of Philimore and his amiable wife, whose conduct, as regarded themselves, had formed an agreeable relief to that of Mr. and Mrs. Arden, though, from the absence of the same analogy in the circumstances and relation, not so striking and bold a contrast as was exhibited in the affairs of the Baronet and his sister. No sooner were the most urgent of his duties over, than, attended by his family, De Brooke hastened to discharge this debt of, gratitude and friendship for the only instance, amongst his former fashionable acquaintance, of disinterested regard and actual kindness during his reverse of fortune. To the great disappointment, however, of the whole party, Mr. and Mrs. Philimore were absent from town.

Having availed herself of the opportunity allowed her, Mrs. De Brooke provided an instructress for her daughters, one who might aid her in bestowing upon them those accomplishments of mind best adapted to heighten and embellish their personal charms. She had also redeemed the jewels and miniatures which she had found herself, when reduced to extremity, under the painful necessity of disposing of for a time.—In the joy and prosperity then attending them, the grave of their son was not forgotten.