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for her board at home; but I conceal it, not chusing to be always encroaching on his goodness.

"I shall never forget his first coming to see me after being settled at Greystonehall: he had not been long recovered, and one of my children was then in the cradle. No sooner did he cast his eyes on the infant than he gave a deep groan, struck his forehead, and saying, with distraction in his looks, Such might have been Elmira's, but for thee, my father!' like a madman he ran out of the house, leaving us all terrified beyond expression.

"From that hour he never has approached my dwelling, though I go frequently to see him; for he cannot bear the sight of a child or woman, such an effect has misfortune made on a mind of so much feeling and affection, that the sight of them reminds him so forcibly of his sufferings, that his intellects will not support the

shock

shock, and he is quite deranged for the moment--The few female servants he keeps are ordered never to appear before him, and when they see him coming, get out of the way as fast as possible,

"To his father he was almost immediately reconciled, his heart being too noble to cherish resentment, except when under the influence of passion; and the Earl, notwithstanding he laments the injury he has done him, has resumed his parsimony, and allows him but a scinty income, for a man of his rank, and sole heir to the rich possessions of Lord Cliffden. But even from this narrow allowance he contrives to perform numberless acts of benevolence; and soon I expect his power will be more enlarged, for the last account I received of the Earl he was in a bad state of health, and not likely to live long, being near seventy-which is an age when it is not probable that human nature can struggle long with any disease. Lord Rossmore

keeps

keeps very little company, merely one or two particular friends, who come to see him in the course of the year; as no other person would like to visit at a house, that has the air of a sepulchre."

Heartwell here concluded the history of Lord Rossmore, which beguiled Amelrosa of many tears; and the good farmer's had frequently flowed during his narrative. "Never," said she, addressing him, "did I feel so much interested for any stranger, as for your excellent and unfortunate lord. I think, at this moment, I could almost give the world, if I possessed it, to see him. Is there any chance of it, do you imagine? as I am certain I should know him from your description. Does he ever walk out?"

Heartwell smiled at this interrogation, and replied, Sometimes; but always

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chuses the most retired spots; and if he were to meet, would not look at you;

there

therefore you would not be able to distinguish his eyes, which are the finest ever placed in a mortal's head; more like your's than any body's I ever beheld; and it would not be worth while to look at him, unless you could see them, though he is still uncommonly handsome. But his countenance wears the marks of care and sorrow, and is always gloomy, with a frowning brow, from deep thought; which makes him look older than he is, being only forty-three years of age. Perhaps, he may leave home for a week or ten days, as he generally does, once or twice in the summer, and I can then take you to see the house, for he has a great many fine pictures, and amongst the rest, I believe, the portrait of his lady; at least, there is a picture in the library of a young lady, that he sets before for hours, and is often seen by his principal attendant, weeping when he looks at it; but I dare not ask if it is Lady Rossmore, from the fear of rereviving the remembrance of his misfortunes."

VOL. III.

I

Amel

Amelrosa thanked Heartwell, and said, she should like much to see the house, and he now left her to look after his labourers.

CHAP. VI.

The worldly-wise,

Who slowly climb by cold degrees to friendship,
Such are my scorn; at sight of Amelrosa,
Affection from my breast sprung forth at once
Mature as Pallas from the brain of Jove.

Cumberland.

SOME days had elapsed, since Amel

“ !!

rosa's conversation with Heartwell, when one serene evening he came to her, and agreeably surprised her, by saying, "If you would like to take a walk over to Greystone-hall, I will accompany you;

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