Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/38

30 night's festivity. They were just in time to hand from the carriage their young visitors. Sir Charles, with that urbanity which ever graced his words and actions expressed himself most happy to see them, and at the same time lamented the absence of the General and their mother. He then turned to his son, and introduced him by saying, "Frederic, I think you will now feel some regret that your constant College avocations have prevented you from being earlier made acquainted with the Misses De Brooke."

Mr. Valpée bowed respectfully; there was a seriousness in his manner, but it was not unmixed with affability; his smile was most engaging when he said, "Indeed, sir, I sincerely feel how great has been my loss; but I reap some satisfaction in being aware that the more I become acquainted with the Misses De Brooke, the more I shall estimate my present happiness."

Sir Charles was a member of parliament, and of large independent fortune, which had, in gradual succession, descended to him from a long Line of respectable ancestry. Lady Valpée was also possessed of fortune, as well as connections; but notwithstanding these advantages, it was her many attractions which had preponderated over Sir Charles in his estimation of her. Dignified in his