This, the wounded man was at last likewise induced to acknowledge; and,
with great apparent contrition, implored the clemency of the Governor.
That gentleman, justly incensed at this proceeding of his nephew,
ordered him to be immediately called; and committed the men to strict
confinement, till he should learn whether or not they had perpetrated
their design.
At this instant Frederick and Harland arrived; on beholding the latter,
young Ferrand turned pale; and the Governor, with some surprise,
demanded an explanation of Frederick, of what he knew concerning the
affair. Frederick gave an account of the assault, and concluded with the
assurance, that his uncle, whom the men had mistaken for Harland, was
not in the least danger. The Governor expressed his satisfaction at the
latter intelligence, so much more favourable than he had expected: but,
as he could not readily pardon the violent measures his nephew had
pursued, he commanded him immediately to retire to his country seat:
and, to prevent his having an opportunity of meeting Harland, ordered
the Lieutenant instantly to return and remain on board.
Inconceivable was the rage of Harland and Ferrand at this restriction:
but they were obliged to obey; each secretly tormented with the idea,
that his rival would find opportunities of seeing Louise, and gaining
her affections. The keen eye of jealousy had soon told Ferrand Louise
preferred Harland to himself; wounded pride and indignation now led to
the desire of revenge; and before he reached the abode, appointed by his
uncle, he resolved to carry her off; by which means he should
effectually punish her disregard for himself, and triumph over his
rival. He had trusty slaves, and a retreat well calculated to secrete
his prize from the knowledge of her friends and his uncle, who might
otherwise severely resent his committing this second outrage.
Whilst Ferrand was settling his plan of procedure, Harland returned on
board; one moment glowing with rage to chastise the East-Indian; the
next, nearly frantic, lest his rank, and the interest of his uncle,
should ultimately gain him the hand of Louise. The being debarred from
seeing her, likewise added to the tumult of his mind; which the presence
of Sir Henry, or the commendations bestowed on him by others, did not
tend to alleviate.
Often in secret had he sighed for that cordiality and esteem Sir Henry
experienced, instead of the cold respect with which himself was treated:
but pride would not let him deviate from the conduct he had hitherto
pursued; and, at the moment he regretted its influence, it hurried him
into greater excesses.
In a few days the Captain, being perfectly recovered, sent an
invitation to the Governor, and the principal part of the company he had
met at that gentleman's, to pass the ensuing day on board the Argo:
at the time appointed, the impatient Harland anxiously watched the
approaching boats, and with joy perceived the lovely Louise seated by
the Marchioness.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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