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156 had inspired him with a pure and virtuous attachment;—to be blessed with such a solace and companion, through the chequered scenes of joy and sorrow, had often been represented to his mind when dreams of the future had dawned upon his fancy; and whenever that vision so dear had passed away, leaving but the semblance of an empty shadow, he had been sensible of a chill pervading his system, arising from the dread caused by the uncertainty that such a bliss might ever be his. Exulting, therefore, in the treasure he had found, the fear of losing her, of never seeing Oriana reflect lustre on his parsonage, occupied his inmost thoughts, when, on entering within the boundary of her simple dwelling, he instantly beheld her.

A prey to contending feelings, Philimore hesitated; perplexed and undecided whether to advance, conscious of having drawn upon himself the notice of Oriana, a sudden dizziness overcoming him, his spirits sank within him; he reclined against a tree for support; an ashy paleness overspread his countenance, which Oriana perceiving, sprang forward, betraying in her looks and accents the most tender concern. In such a moment every former suggestion of duty and discretion vanished; his lips faltered, but the sounds, however indistinctly uttered, fell in intelligible accents on the