Page:Tragical history of Jane Arnold (2).pdf/5

 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 HeuryHenry [sic], whom his sister represented as one of the finest youths of age, both in 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 late the preceding night. It was from Henry, and announced the pleasing intelligence, he would be at Rosewood on the following Monday, where he meant to remain some time. His visit, he informed them, was owing to his sudden determination of quitting England for the West Indies, in order to make a personal investigation of his property; and thither thothe [sic] youth felt no inclination to accompany him, but resolved to repair to Rosewood, and remain  time with his father previous to his forming  new settlement for himself.

As soon as Rosetta had imparted the contents of letter, she intreated Mr. Arnold to permit his  daughters to visit her on the day appointed  Henry's arrival, as her father intended to make  a kind of a festival. The farmer readily acquiesced, and it was agreed that the fair ones should to Rosewood at an early hour of the forenoon, and that Lubin should join the gay party at  commencement of the evening; share in their, and escort his sisters home. Rosetta departed; and the intervening time was spent  Farmer Arnold's daughters in preparing all  village finery for the  occasion. Monday