Page:Tragical history of Crazy Jane, and young Henry.pdf/8

 From the sprightly gaiety of Henry, which seemed to flow spontaneously from a pure unsophisticated heart no-one around him had suspected the traits of vice that lay lurking in his breast. His person and behaviour was formed to captivate and he rarely failed to excite other friendship, or the more ardent passion love, in these objects that he laboured to inspire with them.

His being Jane's escort, introduced him to Mr Arnold and his wife who pleased with the manners of their new visitor, and in consideration of his being the brother of the dear Rosette, gave him a general invitation to the farm, which he eagerly embraced; and availed himself of every opportunity that offered, to be in company with the innocent Jane, and declare an affection never to end but with death. The heart of the youthful maiden was not proof against the seductive power of his tongue. Henry soon gained the entire possession of her affections; nor was he long ignorant of her sentiments in his favour. The pleasing consideration, instead o inspiring him with the wish of calling her his own by indissoluble ties, and sharing with her the inestimable blessing of domestic felicity, only prompted him to proceed in a base design he had foormed against her honour, even at the first interview. A base ambition fired Henry's soul. Not content with the handsome competency which he would eventually derive from his father, and a handsome subsistence he could earn himself, he had