A Sicilian Romance

Ferdinand, reflecting on the late discovery, was shocked to learn,

what was now forced upon his belief, that he was the descendant of a

murderer. He now knew that innocent blood had been shed in the castle,

and that the walls were still the haunt of an unquiet spirit, which

seemed to call aloud for retribution on the posterity of him who had

disturbed its eternal rest. Hippolitus perceived his dejection, and

entreated that he might participate his uneasiness; but Ferdinand, who

had hitherto been frank and ingenuous, was now inflexibly reserved.

'Forbear,' said he, 'to urge a discovery of what I am not permitted to

reveal; this is the only point upon which I conjure you to be silent,

and this even to you, I cannot explain.' Hippolitus was surprized, but

pressed the subject no farther.

Julia, though she had been extremely mortified by the circumstances

attendant on the discovery of her sentiments to Hippolitus,

experienced, after the first shock had subsided, an emotion more

pleasing than painful. The late conversation had painted in strong

colours the attachment of her lover. His diffidence--his slowness to

perceive the effect of his merit--his succeeding rapture, when

conviction was at length forced upon his mind; and his conduct upon

discovering Julia, proved to her at once the delicacy and the strength

of his passion, and she yielded her heart to sensations of pure and

unmixed delight. She was roused from this state of visionary

happiness, by a summons from the marquis to attend him in the library.

A circumstance so unusual surprized her, and she obeyed with trembling

curiosity. She found him pacing the room in deep thought, and she had

shut the door before he perceived her. The authoritative severity in

his countenance alarmed her, and prepared her for a subject of

importance. He seated himself by her, and continued a moment silent.

At length, steadily observing her, 'I sent for you, my child,' said

he, 'to declare the honor which awaits you. The Duke de Luovo has

solicited your hand. An alliance so splendid was beyond my

expectation. You will receive the distinction with the gratitude it

claims, and prepare for the celebration of the nuptials.'

This speech fell like the dart of death upon the heart of Julia. She

sat motionless--stupified and deprived of the power of utterance. The

marquis observed her consternation; and mistaking its cause, 'I

acknowledge,' said he, 'that there is somewhat abrupt in this affair;

but the joy occasioned by a distinction so unmerited on your part,

ought to overcome the little feminine weakness you might otherwise

indulge. Retire and compose yourself; and observe,' continued he, in a

stern voice, 'this is no time for finesse.' These words roused Julia

from her state of horrid stupefaction. 'O! sir,' said she, throwing

herself at his feet, 'forbear to enforce authority upon a point where

to obey you would be worse than death; if, indeed, to obey you were

possible.'--'Cease,' said the marquis, 'this affectation, and practice

what becomes you.'--'Pardon me, my lord,' she replied, 'my distress

is, alas! unfeigned. I cannot love the duke.'--'Away!' interrupted the

marquis, 'nor tempt my rage with objections thus childish and

absurd.'--'Yet hear me, my lord,' said Julia, tears swelling in her

eyes, 'and pity the sufferings of a child, who never till this moment

has dared to dispute your commands.'