Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/268

266 come to the knowledge of the circumscribed few with whom they were acquainted.

Without much reluctance on the part of Oriana, Philimore had resorted to this measure under the apprehension of discovery, and that in a case of necessity, the usual forms being observed, no impediment could exist towards the fulfilment of an immediate secret union.

Oriana, bound to Rosilia by the most affectionate and endearing ties, the dear sharer of her joys and sorrows, in possession of her entire confidence, to whom she had ever opened her heart by the most unreserved communications—how poignantly did these sisters feel this first separation that had ever taken place between them! Folded in each other's arms, they mingled their tears together; until at length, gently disengaging themselves, after bidding a tender adieu to her parents, Oriana entered the carriage that was to convey her from them.

While in the company of others, Rosilia had been enabled to subdue her sorrow, but not so when the hour of rest summoned her to her solitary room;—her loved companion was gone! There, where she had been wont to indulge in entertaining converse, listen to the sprightly sally, and laugh away the flying minutes,—the vacant stillness then reigning pressed heavily upon the