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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
27

in Scotland, He has desired me to seek for him a country residence in this neighbourhood; but with these beautiful scenes in view, my thoughts ever resting here, all other places lose so much by the comparison, that I have almost given up my search as fruitless."

Desirous of availing himself of so favourable an opening on what was of such moment to him as the disposal of his Villa, the General instantly replied, "My dear Douglas, if truly you are in search of a place for Lord Deloraine, you have my consent to offer him this."

"What! quit this charming spot? Are you indeed in earnest?" exclaimed Douglas. "Happy as I should be in procuring it for my brother, yet the sacrifice on your part—"

"It is necessary," interrupted the General; "affairs, important ones, call me hence."

"Then truly, you authorise me to address a letter to my brother on the subject?" said Douglas.

"Most willingly," answered the General, who, in rising as he spoke, shortly after retired from the apartment.

The evening had passed away, twilight was beginning to appear, ere Douglas was conscious of the many hours which had fled: to remain longer he feared might be intrusive; he rose to take his