Page:Tragical history of Jane Arnold (2).pdf/18

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

18

the villain who would dare to make them a dishonourable proposal.-The remains of Crazy Jane were deposited under the shade of an aged yew; and on a rough hewn stone was placed the following artless epitaph:-

Traveller, stop! whoe'er thou art,
Shed a tear ere thou depart;
For here releas'd from care and pain,
Lies love's sad victim, Crazy Jane.

A few short weeks from the death of the unfortunato Jane, saw the remains of Mr. Percival and the woe-worn Margaretta committed to their native dust. The former, by his will, had disinherited his son. He bequoathed considerable legacies to farmer Arnold and his two surviving daughters, Lucy and Annetta. The rest of his property, which was very considerable, he awarded to Rosetta and her affectionate husband.

Mr. Percival had not long departed from this transitory world, when, to the great surprise of the inhabitants, Henry arrived at Rosewood; pale and emaciated, a living skeleton. The first intimation he received of the death of Jane and his father, was from the mistress of the Inn; and the intelligence seemed greatly to affect him. With a palpitating heart he repaired to the farm; and prostrating himself at Mr. Arnold's feet, besought him to pardon the seducer and murderer of his daughter, who was impatient to join her in the silent grave. The anger and indignation that the old gentleman felt at the first appearance of Percival, soon gave way to pity. After their first emotion had subsided, and they were tranquil enough to converse, Mr. Arnold learnt from Henry, that for a length of time after ho had arrived in