Page:Tragical history of Jane Arnold (1).pdf/6

 was owing to his relation’s sudden determination of quitting England for the West Indies, in order to make a personal investigation of his property; and thither the youth felt no inclination to accompany him, but resolved to repair to Rosewood, and remain some time with his father previous to his forming a new settlement for himself.

As soon as Rosetta had imparted the contents of the letter, she intreated Mr Arnold to permit his three daughters to visit her on the dry appointed for Henry’s arrival, as her lather intended to make it a kind of a festival The farmer readily acquiesced, and it was agreed that the fair ones should repair to Rosewood at an early hour of the forenoon, and that Lubin should join the gay party at the commencement of the evening, share in their pleasures, and escort his sisters home. Rosetta then departed; and the ntervening time was spent by Farmer Arnold’s daughters in preparing all their village finery for the occasion. Monday arrived, and with it a serious disappointment. Annette was seized with a sudden indisposition, and the attendance of Lucy was necessary. But, in compliance with the desire of her parents Jane kept her appointment, as they were unwilling to deprive Rosetta of the company of her friend. She was dressed in a white robe and a straw hat, ornamented with a wreath of fancy flowers, was tied under her chin by a lilac ribbon. Passing through a grove in her way to Mr Percival’s,