But in the retirement of rural life, surrounded by the sweet, pure influences of nature, the best elements of character were called into exercise.
The friends whom Mrs.Linwood gathered around her were not the idle devotees of fashion,--the parasites of wealth; but intelligent, literary people, whose society was a source of improvement as well as pleasure.
Sometimes, circumstances of commanding character forced her to receive as guests those whom her judgment would never have selected, as in the case of Madge Wildfire; but in general it was a distinction to be invited to Grandison Place, whose elegant hospitalities were the boast of the town to which it belonged.
The only drawback to my happiness was the pensiveness that hung like a soft cloud over the spirits of Edith.

She was still kind and affectionate to me; but the sweet unreserve of former intercourse was gone.

I had come between her and her brother's heart.

I was the shadow on her dial of flowers, that made their bloom wither.

I never walked with Ernest alone without fearing to give her pain.