Page:Tragical history of Crazy Jane, and young Henry.pdf/5

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CRAZY JANE.
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surrounding families: and amongst the rest, farmer Arnold's Rosetta admired all the sisters, but particularly attached herself to Jane. Their sentiments were congenial; and their chief happiness seemed to be in each others society. Often with the permission of her parents Jane would repair to Mr Percival's, and reside with her dear Rosetta three or four days at a time. Together they would wander through the mazes of an adjacent wood, gather wild flowers or fruit, or visit the cottagers or their poor neighbours, and relieve their wants as their own ability would allow. Often as they roved, arm in arm, their discourse would turn to 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 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, whom his sister represented as one of the finest youths of the 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 received late the preceding night. It was