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78, to Douglas sometimes caused them to imagine her heart might have been untouched; sometimes they thought the contrary; and this idea, conjoined to the recollection of their ruined circumstances, rendered them fearful of opposing her inclinations. In rejecting the addresses of Douglas, they had no better prospect in view for her, than that of burying her youth in total seclusion, without a chance afforded her of forming any more advantageous settlement. Marriage might reclaim him; domestic life might gradually wean him from habits of dissipation. His income was undoubtedly scanty, but his interest was great; and his family connections every way calculated to promote them. Thus viewing the subject and reasoning with Rosilia accordingly, they left the final answer to herself; and, in proportion as it was important, they wished her to act from a mind free and unbiassed.

The resolution she had formed remained unchanged—a cottage and solitude awaited her. "Take me with you", said she: "allow me to share with my beloved Oriana, the humble lot to which we are reduced. Major Douglas is not one whom I should choose as the partner of my future life."

Thus affording the result of her meditations, her parents became confirmed in the idea that her