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" The young friends, therefore, quitted their delightful abode, much to Justine's
regret; who, with reluctant steps, accompanied Rosina; being fully persuaded that,
from her determined secrecy, the happiness she was then pursxUng would be but of
short duration.
" This amiable young woman, who loved her friend with the sincerest attachment,
and wlio from the first had known her partiality for Servietti, no sooner saw her with
her mother, than she again renewed, by every persuasive and consolatory argument, her
entreaties that she would unfold the secret to her tender parent j but finding her still
averse, she for a time desisted.
" Then, by a thousand kind and affectionate attentions, did this generous girl endeavour
to close the wound, and pour the balm of comfort into the heart of her infatuated
friend; hoping that, by degrees, she might be led to succeed in restoring to her
mind a faint resemblance of the happy, tranquil state, they had once enjoyed :—but in
vain. Rosina, rather than believe her friend, cherished the cruel flame; and, instead
of seeking the advice of a tender mother, which she stood so much in need of,
encouraged the consuming flame in silence, and pined in endless hope.
" Justine, on finding that neither tears nor entreaties availed, determined on trying
her last resource j and, though a cruel and trying task, she candidly confessed, that, if
she still persisted in her silence, she should unavoidably break through every tie of
friendship, and prefer relinquishing what she held most dear, rather than become ungrateful
to her benefactress. Thus, compelled to sacrifice the confidence of friendship to the
sentiments of gratitude, she instantly repaired to Rosina's mother, and not only apprised
her of her daughter's deplorable situation and partiality for Servietti, assuring
her that she had used every persuasive argument to prevail on her to disclose the fatal
secret, but added, that this confidence was not to be disregarded, for that she knew the
attachment preyed on Rosina's mind, and might, in the sequel, prove fatal.
" The deluded parent, resting confidently on her daughter's virtue and innocence,
paid scarcely any attention to Justine's report; yet, lest she might appear totally to
disbelieve it, sent her daughter to Avignon, on a visit to some relatives, where she
made a considerable stay:—an absence, which would doubtless have proved effectual,
had not the mother's ill-timed affection, who could but ill dispense with the cruel, and,
as she thought, unnecessary separation, hastened Rosina's return; for, in consequence
of having imparted to Justine the desire she had of fetching her home, they both
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instantly set ofT for Avignon, and brought back her daughter, apparently restored to
health and spirits. No sooner had she regained her wonted confidence in her friend,
than she seemed anxious to return to that delightful abode, where they had previously
experienced happiness and content.
" The fond and credulous parent, pleased at the request, hastened their departure;
far from suspecting that, the moment she acquiesced, her fate would be decided. For,
in allowing her to return to solitude, she not only signed her own death-warrant, but
that of her beloved child. Ere two months had elapsed since the young friends had
quitted Lyons, as they were sitting together at supper, talking over the many interesting
scenes they had witnessed from their infancy, and dwelling particularly on the early
and lasting friendship they had formed for each other, Rosina suddenly changed colour;
and, complaining of indisposition, entreated Just ine to excuse her retiring earlier
than usual; but not to be alarmed, as she should soon be better.
" The unsuspecting friend, from the idea that she had entirely conquered her
attachment for Servietti, not having heard her mention him since her return, made no
farther inquiry, but remained, till alarmed about an hour after, when all was silent,
and every one, as she thought, retired to rest, save herself, by the report of two pistols,
which appeared to issue fi-om a part of the house contiguous to their chapel. Petrified
with horror, and filled with a thousand apprehensions, she endeavoured to recollect
herself, and directed her tottering steps towards Rosina's apartment,—when, behold! the
aged and venerable domestic, previously mentioned, met her before she had been able to
reach it, and with broken and unintelligible accents, intermixed with tears of sorrow,
wliich trickled down liis furrowed cheeks, unfolded such a tale as harrowed up her
soul! ' His dear young mistress 5 his child, as he was wont to call her' (being in the family
at the time of her birth) j ' his dear young mistress,' he said, ' was no more!—that
infamous, that detestable Servietti, had murdered her in the chapel; and, not deeming
that a sufficient crime, had added the one of murdering himself.'
" Paint to your mind, if you can, the deplorable and agonising situation of this
generous and amiable young woman;—for, ere the tale had been half told, she had
fainted ; and a long time elapsed before she could be restored to her recollection.
" On inquiry, it appeared that the lovers had had frequent interviews with each
other since Rosina's return, though unknown to her friend; that she had even that
very day fixed on the hour for the completion of a deed at which humanity shudders,
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