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and unprepared surprise she had received, he was quite astonished; and expressing his concern, assured her, he had concluded that Denham, or some other of Lady Archdale's numerous servants, who were all in town, or Mr. Kennedy, would have acquainted her, either personally or by letter, of the melancholy event, so important to her, that had taken place. An idea of their acting so neglectfully and void of feeling, never suggested itself, or he would himself have been the messenger of the mournful tidings, having merely called at present, supposing she had received proper information, to offer his compliments of condolance.

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Though my knowledge 'of the world, my dear Sir," replied Amelrosa," is not very extensive, yet the little I have seen of it, is sufficient to convince me, that now the object is no more, that occasioned the civilities I received from every one, whose

inte

interest it was to be attentive to me, to attain favor with her ladyship, I shall from that moment, be forsaken and neglected, as a person of little estimation; and is it not an illustration of what I have advanced, that not one of the servants, who formerly looked up to me with homage, have had consideration or respect enough, to acquaint he with an event so peculiarly interesting to me. From you alone, on whom I had no claim, have I received politeness. Will you increase the obligation, by gaining what intelligence you can for me, respecting Lady Archdale's will, as I feel myself very unpleasantly situated in this house, from having been troubled with rudeness and unkindness, and am therefore anxious to quit it; but wish first to know my expectations from her, ladyship; that valued. friend, before she left London, omitting to supply me with money as usual, which causes me to be extremely embarrassed. being nearly destitute; for

the

the greater part of the few guineas I possess, must be paid away."

Mr. Melville expressed the compassion he really felt for her situation; and promising to give her the earliest information. respecting the will, took his leave; and Amelrosa, whose spirits were renovated by his presence, at his departure again yielded to the most acute sorrow.

CHAP.

CHAP. IV.

Once I was happy;

Clear and serene my life's calm current ran,
While scarce a breezy wish provok'd its tide!
Down the smooth flood the tuneful passions fell
In easy lapse, and slumber'd as they pass'd.
Now what a change is wrought!

Cumberland.

THE next morning Amelrosa scarcely touched any breakfast, and heedless what she did, from the croud of painful thoughts that occupied her mind, rose from the table, and walked to the window. At that moment, a female in mourning, who bore a strong resemblance to Denham, crossed from the opposite side of the street to the

house,

house; and concluding from making her appearance there, she intended coming to see her, was in continual expectation for some time that she should behold her enter the apartment. But vainly did she expect her, and felt disappointed though she disliked the woman, (from having heard she was her enemy,) yet having been with Lady Archdale at the closing scene of life, she wished, on that account only, to have seen her and to have made many inquiries relating to her dear benefactress.

Conjecturing she must have been mistaken in Denham's person, from her not waiting on her, she sat down and taking out Lady Archdale's portrait from a little box in which she carefully preserved it, reclined on the table with her head on her arm; and as she contemplated the picture, bathed it with the tears that imperceptibly fell from her

eyes.

From this gentle indulgence of grief she

was

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