Mortification is but half felt while it is only felt in secret. It is not till we perceive it has been remarked by others, that it becomes one of the most painful sensations to which the weak, the vain, and the worldly, are liable, and one from which the most humble and pure minded can scarcely boast of being entirely free. CHAPTER II. _Gerarda._—Que todo se aprende hija y no hai cosa mas facil que engañar a los hombres de que ellos tienen la culpa; porque como nos han privado el estudio de los ciencios en que pudieramos divertir nuestros ingenios sutiles, solo estudiamos una, que es la de engañarlos, y como no hay mas de un libro, todas lo sabemos de memoria. _Dorotea._—Nunca yo le he visto. _Gerarda._—Pres es excellente letura, y de famosos capitulos. _Dorotea._—Dime los titulos signiera. _Gerarda._—De fingir amor al rico y no disgustar el pobre. De desmayarse a su tiempo, y llorar sin causa. De dar zelos al libre y al colerico satisfacciones. De mirar dormido, y reir con donayre. De estudiar vocablos y aprender bailes. * * * * * Y de no enamorarse por ningun acontecimiento, porquè todo se va perdido, sin otros muchos capitulos de mayor importancia. LOPE DE VEGA. Isabella had attentively studied the character of Lord Delaford, and she felt sure that if she could once get him within her toils, she should be able to keep him there. She had discovered, that although too refined not to be disgusted by any open attempt to attract him, there was a considerable mixture of vanity and of humility in his composition; and she flattered herself she could work upon both these feelings. She one day happened to sit next him at dinner, and contrived, with a tact for which she was peculiar, to turn the conversation upon himself. She said she never knew any one of whom she was so much afraid: to which he replied, “That is very odd! I have always been reckoned a good-natured sort of fellow.” “Oh, yes!” she answered; “I am sure you are good-natured; but your very good-nature helps to frighten me. You are so unlike other people; and I feel so awed when you are present.” “Well, that is strange! I don’t think I ever awed any body before. Do I look so cross?” “Oh! it is not that; but you are so good; and you always say just what you should say, and no more. I should be afraid to utter, or to do any thing foolish before you.” “Well, I should be as useful to you as Prince Cheri’s ring in the fairy tale. It is a pity I am not always by your side!” “Oh! but then I should always be in a fright;—not that I mean it is a disagreeable sort of fright.” And she turned the conversation, fearful of showing any design of attracting him.