15
sister Annette entered the chamber, and awoke the sleeping sufferer. But she was too much indisposed to rise and readily acquiesced in her sister’s desire of remaining in her bed.
Jane did not rise till the evening. Nor would she then have left her chamber, only to keep her appointment with Henry, whom she had promised to meet at the usual spot in the well known grove. In vain Annette persuaded her not to leave the house: Jane persisted that a walk would be of service to her; and obtained her sister’s promise, net to mention her absence to her parents; and then hastened to the place where her perfidious lover was waiting. Henry, with seeming affection, embraced her; and then imparted his intention of leaving Rosewood, and repairing to the metropolis the nexe day. Jane, in tremelous accents, inquired the motive which led to such a sudden departure. He informed her, that he had that day received a letter from the metropolis, in which his friend had stated, that there was a post under government, which produced a considerable annuity, that lie had no doubt, if he was present, of procuring for him. “Then,” continued Henry, “if I succeed, I shall no longer be dependant on my father; and our marriage will take place immediately on my return, which I promise, my dear Jane, shall be within the next three weeks.” Jane was affected at the thoughts of parting; yet the solemn promises of her lover eased her mind of an oppressive burthen, and
