Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/73

Rh described the opposition of her feelings respecting Douglas, caused by Lady Valpée's remarks, no longer free to indulge in those tender sentiments for him which her father's praises might have otherwise led her to cherish! and thus under the influence of feelings at variance, Rosilia had returned to her home.

Not so Douglas, who was still elated by the persuasion that he had succeeded in kindling within Rosilia the first dawnings of affection. Nor was he wrong in his conjecture; though Rosilia had been warned of his errors, and trembled at the thought of a connection with this too dangerous man, her heart had involuntarily surrendered.

In the full blaze and prime of life was Douglas,

possessing every personal recommendation, every brilliant qualification to allure and captivate. The good and evil of his character seemed to be so intimately conjoined, that it was difficult to separate them, and mark the line of distinction due to each, the result of which naturally caused Rosilia to be sensible of a mental warfare, a happiness and unhappiness, wavering between uncertainty and the fear of acting wrongly; for in spite of every restraint she imposed upon herself, her pure mind