A Sicilian Romance

Julia, whose mind was soothed by the fraternal kindness of Ferdinand,

and the tender assurances of Hippolitus, now experienced an interval

of repose. At the return of day she awoke refreshed, and tolerably

composed. She selected a few clothes which were necessary, and

prepared them for her journey. A sentiment of generosity justified her

in the reserve she preserved to Emilia and Madame de Menon, whose

faithfulness and attachment she could not doubt, but whom she

disdained to involve in the disgrace that must fall upon them, should

their knowledge of her flight be discovered.

In the mean time the castle was a scene of confusion. The magnificent

preparations which were making for the nuptials, engaged all eyes, and

busied all hands. The marchioness had the direction of the whole; and

the alacrity with which she acquitted herself, testified how much she

was pleased with the alliance, and created a suspicion, that it had

not been concerted without some exertion of her influence. Thus was

Julia designed the joint victim of ambition and illicit love.

The composure of Julia declined with the day, whose hours had crept

heavily along. As the night drew on, her anxiety for the success of

Ferdinand's negociation with Robert increased to a painful degree. A

variety of new emotions pressed at her heart, and subdued her spirits.

When she bade Emilia good night, she thought she beheld her for the

last time. The ideas of the distance which would separate them, of the

dangers she was going to encounter, with a train of wild and fearful

anticipations, crouded upon her mind, tears sprang in her eyes, and it

was with difficulty she avoided betraying her emotions. Of madame,

too, her heart took a tender farewell. At length she heard the marquis

retire to his apartment, and the doors belonging to the several

chambers of the guests successively close. She marked with trembling

attention the gradual change from bustle to quiet, till all was still.

She now held herself in readiness to depart at the moment in which

Ferdinand and Hippolitus, for whose steps in the gallery she eagerly

listened, should appear. The castle clock struck twelve. The sound

seemed to shake the pile. Julia felt it thrill upon her heart. 'I hear

you,' sighed she, 'for the last time.' The stillness of death

succeeded. She continued to listen; but no sound met her ear. For a

considerable time she sat in a state of anxious expectation not to be

described.

The clock chimed the successive quarters; and her fear rose

to each additional sound. At length she heard it strike one. Hollow

was that sound, and dreadful to her hopes; for neither Hippolitus nor

Ferdinand appeared. She grew faint with fear and disappointment. Her

mind, which for two hours had been kept upon the stretch of

expectation, now resigned itself to despair. She gently opened the

door of her closet, and looked upon the gallery; but all was lonely

and silent. It appeared that Robert had refused to be accessary to

their scheme; and it was probable that he had betrayed it to the

marquis. Overwhelmed with bitter reflections, she threw herself upon

the sopha in the first distraction of despair. Suddenly she thought

she heard a noise in the gallery; and as she started from her posture

to listen to the sound, the door of her closet was gently opened by

Ferdinand. 'Come, my love,' said he, 'the keys are ours, and we have

not a moment to lose; our delay has been unavoidable; but this is no

time for explanation.' Julia, almost fainting, gave her hand to

Ferdinand, and Hippolitus, after some short expression of his

thankfulness, followed. They passed the door of madame's chamber; and

treading the gallery with slow and silent steps, descended to the

hall.