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DUTY AND INCLINATION.

collections with which the subject was inseparably connected, they turned to the brighter prospects Which the future presented. The letter of the Baronet had not only restored to De Brooke what he had been long deprived of, and thereby rendered his liberation certain; but had also communicated tidings with which the heartless lawyer had not thought proper to gratify him. He had attained to the distinguished rank of Major-General, to which a command in Ireland was attached. What had he more to desire, than to burst the ignoble fetters confining him to his prison-house, and fly to take possession of the new appointment awaiting him!

"Even nature pines by vilest chains oppress'd.
*********
But when their chains are cast aside,
See the glad scene unfolding wide."

To pass over details unessential to the progress of the narrative, let us behold De Brooke and his wife quit for ever those sombre gates which scarcely a twelvemonth before had heavily closed against the former as their prisoner, and were now thrown open to restore him to liberty and life, home and happiness! But alas! how seldom is the sum of human joy complete! Even in bidding a final adieu to that dark dwelling, regret for that dear and mutual object, there for ever lost to their