Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/82

74

The flattering scene is o'er, My hopes for ever—ever fled— And vengeance can no more."

have said that Douglas was formed to fascinate and ensnare the female heart; Rosilia De Brooke had become the object of his pursuit, and difficult was it for her to resist his various attractions; but yet she did resist them: although his character could not stand the test of scrutiny, her fancy was captivated, but her understanding refused its homage. New as were these sentiments to her bosom, she scarcely could define the nature of them; she seemed to be entangled as by some powerful spell, while, at the same time, she acknowledged, with deep regret, that Douglas was not one to whom she could confide the future peace and comfort of her life. Thus he who had invariably succeeded in his designs upon every other, had the mortification to be rejected by the young and artless though intelligent Rosilia—notwithstanding she was shortly to quit a sphere