“Father, before he knew her, Julian had already plighted his vows to a bride most fair, most heavenly! Yet still my sister loved, and for the husband’s sake she doted upon the wife. One morning she found means to escape from our father’s house: arrayed in humble weeds she offered herself as a domestic to the consort of her beloved, and was accepted. She was now continually in his presence: she strove to ingratiate herself into his favour: she succeeded. Her attentions attracted Julian’s notice; the virtuous are ever grateful, and he distinguished Matilda above the rest of her companions.”

“And did not your parents seek for her? Did they submit tamely to their loss, nor attempt to recover their wandering daughter?”