“Doubtless, Segnor Don Lorenzo, you have frequently accused me of
ingratitude and forgetfulness: But on the word of a Virgin, it was out
of my power to perform my promise yesterday. I know not in what words
to inform you how strange a reception my Sister gave your kind wish to
visit her. She is an odd Woman, with many good points about her; But
her jealousy of me frequently makes her conceive notions quite
unaccountable. On hearing that your Friend had paid some little
attention to me, She immediately took the alarm: She blamed my conduct,
and has absolutely forbidden me to let you know our abode. My strong
sense of gratitude for your kind offers of service, and ... Shall I
confess it? my desire to behold once more the too amiable Don
Christoval, will not permit my obeying her injunctions. I have
therefore stolen a moment to inform you, that we lodge in the Strada di
San Iago, four doors from the Palace d’Albornos, and nearly opposite to
the Barber’s Miguel Coello. Enquire for Donna Elvira Dalfa, since in
compliance with her Father-in-law’s order, my Sister continues to be
called by her maiden name. At eight this evening you will be sure of
finding us: But let not a word drop which may raise a suspicion of my
having written this letter. Should you see the Condé d’Ossorio, tell
him ... I blush while I declare it ... Tell him that his presence will
be but too acceptable to the sympathetic
LEONELLA.
The latter sentences were written in red ink, to express the blushes of
her cheek, while She committed an outrage upon her virgin modesty.
Lorenzo had no sooner perused this note than He set out in search of
Don Christoval. Not being able to find him in the course of the day, He
proceeded to Donna Elvira’s alone, to Leonella’s infinite
disappointment. The Domestic by whom He sent up his name, having
already declared his Lady to be at home, She had no excuse for refusing
his visit: Yet She consented to receive it with much reluctance. That
reluctance was increased by the changes which his approach produced in
Antonia’s countenance; nor was it by any means abated when the Youth
himself appeared. The symmetry of his person, animation of his
features, and natural elegance of his manners and address, convinced
Elvira that such a Guest must be dangerous for her Daughter. She
resolved to treat him with distant politeness, to decline his services
with gratitude for the tender of them, and to make him feel, without
offence, that his future visits would be far from acceptable.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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