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190 himself levelled, if not with the vile seducer, at least with the most humble of suitors.

Rosilia, during her late illness, had frequently called upon the names of Douglas and Philimore, so as to give rise to some inquiry in the minds of her parents, as to which of the two was the one preferred by her. A mental malady of such an afflictive nature as was her's, certainly must have originated in more than a common cause.

That her soul had been deeply impressed, there remained not a doubt; a more than ordinary seriousness since her refusal of Douglas, and since her residence in the country, had been very perceptible, but which they trusted time might alleviate. As it was not possible for them to discover any fresh subject of disquietude to operate on the mind of Rosilia, some suspicions naturally attached to Philimore as the cause, but which were not sufficiently grounded, as to confirm an idea of his having superseded Douglas so suddenly in her inclinations.

The second winter for passing at the Bower was approaching. Deprived of the society of the good Doctor and his amiable friend, the indulgent parents feared the continuance of such a total seclusion might produce still further distressing effects;