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, affairs were thus proceeding with Philimore and Oriana, when Mr. and Mrs. Arden, who had recently established themselves in a large and splendid mansion in the county of Kent, gave an invitation to the sisters to pass a few weeks with them. Mrs. Arden sent her carriage on purpose to convey them to her residence, which was but a few miles distant from town. She received them with apparent kindness, as much as might be expected from one not habituated to associate in family union. Mr. Arden, as they arrived, left his study to give them his hand, and welcome them to his house, as the common rules of politeness required.

Though Oriana might be disposed to regret this temporary absence from Philimore, yet, in