Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/313

Rh his assistance to Mrs. De Brooke, while the General took charge of his daughter.

Seated in a small boat, the tide favourable, in the space of half an hour they found themselves within sight of the party, which as they hailed and the signal was returned, they rested leisurely on their oars until they drew near, and one of the barges received them. Cordial greetings were given by most of the party upon the arrival of Sir Howard, as also rejoicings on account of the agreeable addition he had brought with him. They again continued their course, and the sound of music again exhilarates Rosilia.

Sir Howard, by the side of Mrs. De Brooke, paid her (according to the finesse of worldly men, who often court the mother for the sake of the daughter) his exclusive attention; which leaving Rosilia at liberty, her thoughts could take that range such as the various pleasing objects of nature blooming around her might excite; the sweet effects of early spring, the verdant fields that lined the river, the young hedge-rows and early blossoms. Though unperceived by her, the eye of Sir Howard often wandered towards her. He was anxious to converse with her. He thought of the charm he had experienced in doing so, even when her mind might have been supposed less