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326 which alone she had hitherto displayed, it could hardly have been conceived to what extent she possessed those more brilliant qualities which the present scene called forth, and how well nature had fitted her to adorn the highest walks of life; nor was it possible that they who had experienced only the magic influence of her graceful and winning conversation, and felt the attraction of which she was the centre in the high circle where she now moved, could ever have imagined her to have been the daughter of a country curate!

Thus thought De Brooke. And there were moments when he could reflect on those days as some of his happiest that had been spent with his wife in the parsonage of her father, the venerable Basil.

Mrs. De Brooke held nights for a more general reception of company than those dedicated to the friendly intercourse of a few: upon these occasions her apartments were crowded by more promiscuous guests than were suited to her taste; nevertheless the public situation of her husband demanded of her this sacrifice. Dancing and music vied with each other, creating mirth and enjoyment to the young; while cards or conversation afforded entertainment to the more mature.

Little dreaming of the revelry filling that saloon of state, Oriana and Rosilia, two unconscious buds