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Rh was following Douglas, but before he reached the door he was stopped by Sir Charles, who, holding his arm, sought to detain him.

The party, variously engaged, had not at first noticed what was passing, till the words "He has demanded my immediate presence, he awaits my coming," from Sir Howard, and distress visible upon Sir Charles's countenance, excited the alarm of a little circle gathering around the disputants; whilst Rosilia, overcome by some sense of dread which she could not define, would have fallen from her seat, had not her sister and Lady Valpée flown to her assistance. Sir Howard took the advantage of the momentary confusion to quit the apartment, followed by Sir Charles.

The short interval which had elapsed previous to the coming of Sir Howard, had afforded Douglas an opportunity of recollecting himself; for, hurried along by the impetuosity of his character, he had in the first instance attended but to its impulse. Having retired to an adjoining apartment, he was pacing it with hasty steps, when, catching the accents of Sir Charles, still in expostulation with Sir Howard, lie flung open the door, and presented himself before them. His elevated form, his air of grandeur, his looks proud and fierce, were never more calculated to dismay; by the force