Page:Tragical history of Jane Arnold (1).pdf/5

 happiness seemed to be in each other’s society. Often, with the permission of her parents, Jane would repair to Mr Percival’s, and reside with her dear Rosetta for three or four days at a time. Together they would wander through the mazes of the adjacent wood, gather wild flowers or fruit, or visit the cottages of the poor neighbours, and relieve their wants as far as their own ability would allow. Often as they roved, arm in arm, their discourse would turn on Henry, Rosetta’s brother, whom she tenderly loved, and sincerely regretted his absence.

On their departure from London, Henry had refused to accompany his father and sister to Rosewood, but accepted an advantageous offer which was made to him by a merchant, who was distantly related to the family, to remain with him in the capacity of his head clerk, which was a very lucrative employment. Mr Percival and his daughter had now been in Wiltshire two years, and as yet had received no visit from Henry, who his sister represented as one of the finest youths of the age, both of mental and personal accomplishments.

One morning Jane was agreeably surprised by a very early and unexpected visit from Rosetta. Her young friend produced a letter which she had received late the preceding night. It was from Henry, and announced the pleasing intelligence, that he would be at Rosewood on the following Monday, where he meant to remain some time. His visit, he informed them,