and she trembled at the idea of loving where she ought not to love: to her innocent mind it seemed a crime, and the contest between Duty and Inclination bathed her cheeks in tears of mingled penitence and sorrow.
Rosilia therefore resolved, if possible, to overcome her attachment, and to bury it in eternal silence. Not even to Oriana, her hitherto sweet and soothing companion whenever any trifling grief (for she had known no other) had agitated her bosom, not even to her could she impart the dreadful secret. She had never, it is true, obtained any very convincing proofs of the depravity of Douglas; but Lady Valpée's insinuations, so derogatory to his character, given in so decisive a manner, she could not but believe were well founded. The more the retrospection of the past engaged her, the more her affliction was increased: not that she lamented the conduct she had pursued; on the contrary, she felt persuaded, if the past circumstances were to occur again, she would act in the same manner. A strong internal principle of virtue, creating in her a just repugnance to the disposing of herself to one who claimed not the approbation of her understanding, had thus impelled her to the resistance of her wishes.
In the resolution of conquering her attachment,
