A Sicilian Romance

Emilia saw the time of madame's departure approach with increased

distress. They left each other with a mutual sorrow, which did honour

to their hearts. When her last friend was gone, Emilia wandered

through the forsaken apartments, where she had been accustomed to

converse with Julia, and to receive consolation and sympathy from her

dear instructress, with a kind of anguish known only to those who have

experienced a similar situation. Madame pursued her journey with a

heavy heart. Separated from the objects of her fondest affections, and

from the scenes and occupations for which long habit had formed claims

upon her heart, she seemed without interest and without motive for

exertion. The world appeared a wide and gloomy desert, where no heart

welcomed her with kindness--no countenance brightened into smiles at

her approach. It was many years since she quitted Calini--and in the

interval, death had swept away the few friends she left there. The

future presented a melancholy scene; but she had the retrospect of

years spent in honorable endeavour and strict integrity, to cheer her

heart and encouraged her hopes.

But her utmost endeavours were unable to express the anxiety with

which the uncertain fate of Julia overwhelmed her. Wild and terrific

images arose to her imagination. Fancy drew the scene;--she deepened

the shades; and the terrific aspect of the objects she presented was

heightened by the obscurity which involved them.