Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/324

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
316
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

but more particularly the younger, whose infantine graces and charming display of character had also strongly impressed her son; and though rejoicing in the ameliorated fortune of their father, she was tempted on her own account to lament a change involving, as a certain consequence, the recall of his daughters from under her roof. The young Edward Herbert was then about twelve years of age, and the disparity between him and his elder brother had occasioned his remaining constantly at home with his mother; thus, from having been almost her exclusive companion, she lived but in his presence, and loved him with a species of idolatry, so far unfortunate for the young Edward, as it induced a neglect of the means which might have afforded him a suitable education. The daughters of De Brooke, though by many years his juniors, he fondly regarded as playmates. Oriana, however, though chatty and vivacious, and possessing an intelligence beyond her years, was not so given to join in his mirthful sports as Rosilia. Upon her, therefore, he naturally lavished his tenderest caresses, made her a sharer in all his little joys and sorrows, and took delight in styling her his little wife. The parting scene was mutual embraces and tears on either side. The most fervent