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68 Notwithstanding Mrs. Philimore thus monopolized the time of Rosilia, an evening's tête-à-tête with her father was greatly prized and appreciated by her, whenever it happened that he preferred remaining at home rather than joining the circle at his friend's house.

Filled with a grateful sense, as was the General, of the warm interest exhibited by Sir Aubrey in his late concerns, he was not deficient in paying him, at certain intervals, his due respects; and it being the season when Mr. and Mrs. Arden inhabited their town-house, he in like manner did not omit giving them at stated periods a passing call. From the circumstance, perhaps, of Mrs. De Brooke's absence, or perhaps from sisterly feeling, happy to show kindness to her brother in proportion as Sir Aubrey was less inclined to judge him harshly, or modelling her actions by those of her father, whichever of these causes operated, Mrs. Arden was indubitably more friendly to her brother than of late years had been customary with her.

The language she addressed to him was gracious and conciliating; but more so whenever his daughters became the topic of conversation between them.

"My dear brother," said she on one of those occasions, "though my nieces are but personally known to me, believe me, I truly feel for them