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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
183

to see her husband, she earnestly expressed a desire to accompany Mr. Philimore, a step from which the latter exerted the full force of his eloquence to dissuade her; representing that her sudden and unexpected appearance might not only by the excitement agitate his feelings, but by diverting his attention from objects immediately connected with his interests, embarrass his plans, and thus prolong the period of his captivity.

Yielding to such prudent advice, she contented herself by writing a few hasty lines in answer to the letter she had received; she dwelt forcibly on her wish to see him, stating that the sad necessity, whatever it might be, which kept them asunder, for however short a period, was, and would continue to be her only affliction. She added, that the cherished hope of a speedy reunion, which their present separation must enhance, would support her under far greater inconveniences than had befallen her, and what was the most painful to her to contemplate, the privations and trials to which he was hourly exposed. But little acquainted with the extent of her husband's debts, she touched upon the subject of the execution which had taken place as but a momentary difficulty, vainly supposing that an entire sale of their