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Rh Aubrey, keeping pace with the anxious expectation of Rosilia: a sort of timid confusion heightened the colouring of her cheek, as she descended and followed her aunt to the apartment of Lady De Brooke, whom they found alone, seated on a sofa, at the extreme end of a spacious saloon. She arose to meet her visitors; and as she did so, her countenance wore a pleasing and agreeable affability; perhaps a more experienced critic than Rosilia might have discovered, in the turn of her lip, a something denoting a talent for the satirical. Be it as it may, her reception of her guests was frank and easy.

They seated themselves; but scarcely had a few minutes elapsed, than an opposite door opening, presented to the eye of Rosilia an object of a most noble and dignified mien. Mr. and Mrs. Arden rose to receive him; De Brooke did the same, and coming towards his daughter, led her by the hand to introduce her to Sir Aubrey—to him who had so often dwelt upon Rosilia's juvenile fancy, invested with all the splendour of greatness, the concomitant of martial talent, judgment, and wisdom.

Sir Aubrey was arrayed in a frock uniform, bearing the insignia of knighthood; though aged, yet free from infirmity; his majestic stature