A Sicilian Romance

She arose in the morning refreshed by light slumbers; but the

recollection of her sorrows soon returned with new force, and

sickening faintness overcame her. In this situation she received a

message from the marquis to attend him instantly. She obeyed, and he

bade her prepare to receive the duke, who that morning purposed to

visit the castle. He commanded her to attire herself richly, and to

welcome him with smiles. Julia submitted in silence. She saw the

marquis was inflexibly resolved, and she withdrew to indulge the

anguish of her heart, and prepare for this detested interview.

The clock had struck twelve, when a flourish of trumpets announced the

approach of the duke. The heart of Julia sunk at the sound, and she

threw herself on a sopha, overwhelmed with bitter sensations. Here she

was soon disturbed by a message from the marquis. She arose, and

tenderly embracing Emilia, their tears for some moments flowed

together. At length, summoning all her fortitude, she descended to the

hall, where she was met by the marquis. He led her to the saloon in

which the duke sat, with whom having conversed a short time, he

withdrew.

The emotion of Julia at this instant was beyond any thing

she had before suffered; but by a sudden and strange exertion of

fortitude, which the force of desperate calamity sometimes affords us,

but which inferior sorrow toils after in vain, she recovered her

composure, and resumed her natural dignity. For a moment she wondered

at herself, and she formed the dangerous resolution of throwing

herself upon the generosity of the duke, by acknowledging her

reluctance to the engagement, and soliciting him to withdraw his suit.

The duke approached her with an air of proud condescension; and taking

her hand, placed himself beside her. Having paid some formal and

general compliments to her beauty, he proceeded to profess himself her

admirer. She listened for some time to his professions, and when he

appeared willing to hear her, she addressed him--'I am justly

sensible, my lord, of the distinction you offer me, and must lament

that respectful gratitude is the only sentiment I can return. Nothing

can more strongly prove my confidence in your generosity, than when I

confess to you, that parental authority urges me to give my hand

whither my heart cannot accompany it.' She paused--the duke continued silent.--''Tis you only, my lord, who

can release me from a situation so distressing; and to your goodness

and justice I appeal, certain that necessity will excuse the

singularity of my conduct, and that I shall not appeal in vain.'

The duke was embarrassed--a flush of pride overspread his countenance,

and he seemed endeavouring to stifle the feelings that swelled his

heart. 'I had been prepared, madam,' said he, 'to expect a very

different reception, and had certainly no reason to believe that the

Duke de Luovo was likely to sue in vain. Since, however, madam, you

acknowledge that you have already disposed of your affections, I shall

certainly be very willing, if the marquis will release me from our

mutual engagements, to resign you to a more favored lover.'