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250 numerous occasions that offered for meeting in private. In addition to which, the very friendly intimacy, the long and old acquaintance existing between the General and Mr. Philimore, and between their wives, induced a continual interchange of evening visiting; when, naturally thrown together, the young lovers had opportunity for much unreserved and free communication.

It was during these intervals that they laid plans for the enjoyment of meeting alone, unobserved, and free from the fear of drawing upon themselves parental attention, and usually before any part of their respective families were stirring from their morning's repose; when, resorting to St. James's or the Green-park, they held that communion on which alone their existence seemed to depend, and which to indulge, they braved the severest hardships. Delicate as was the constitution of Oriana, she willingly hazarded exposure even to the most severe weather during the worst months of winter, in order to keep the morning's appointment with her lover; and thus, as weeks and months passed away, Philimore became less sensible of those compunctions arising from the secret of his passion.

Oriana was his affianced bride; so convinced was he of his power over her affections, that he