This character Rosamund had now acquired with Allan--something _angelic, perfect, exceeding nature._ Young Clare dwelt very near to the cottage.

He had lost his parents, who were rather wealthy, early in life; and was left to the care of a sister some ten years older than himself.
Elinor Clare was an excellent young lady--discreet, intelligent, and affectionate.

Allan revered her as a parent, while he loved her as his own familiar friend.

He told all the little secrets of his heart to her--but there was _one_, which he had hitherto unaccountably concealed from her--namely, the extent of his regard for Rosamund.
Elinor knew of his visits to the cottage, and was no stranger to the persons of Margaret and her granddaughter.

She had several times met them, when she had been walking with her brother--a civility usually passed on either side--but Elinor avoided troubling her brother with any unseasonable questions.
Allan's heart often beat, and he has been going to tell his sister _all_--but something like shame (false or true, I shall not stay to inquire) had hitherto kept him back;--still the secret, unrevealed, hung upon his conscience like a crime--for his temper had a sweet and noble frankness in it, which bespake him yet a virgin from the world.
There was a fine openness in his countenance--the character of it somewhat resembled Rosamund's--except that more fire and enthusiasm were discernible in Allan's; his eyes were of a darker blue than Rosamund's--his hair was of a chestnut color--his cheeks ruddy, and tinged with brown.