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Rh Philimore to Oriana, as she stood near him, "are reserved for those whom Providence has destined for retired life. The rural shade, though it may exclude from those circles festive and brilliant, so much esteemed by the votary of fashion, yet equally exempts from the fatigue of pomp and the satiety of luxury."

It was on one of these occasions, when a sentiment similar to the preceding one escaped Philimore, that, upon his leaving them to return to the Hermitage, Oriana, in discourse with her sister, observed, "It is not impossible that Edmund Philimore supposes the retirement of the life we lead to be that of our choice."

"Such, however," said Rosilia hastily, "is far from being the case with me; such complete isolation never was nor ever will be consonant to my taste."

"Nor was it to mine before Edmund came to the Hermitage; since which, the former monotony of each day has been so agreeably varied, that I now feel quite reconciled to forgo the pleasure usually attendant upon giving and receiving visits."

"As to the variety," replied Rosilia, "to be gratified by what is called seeing company, scenes so presented would truly afford me little satisfaction, indeed, would rather, I imagine, affect me with a feeling of satiety and ennui,"