the affecting scene that will naturally take
place. I wish I could be present; for it is not often, in this world,
that we can witness the best affections of the heart in their virtuous
action."

I then took my leave, requesting Donna Celia to inform her niece of the
circumstances, as I presumed there would now be no obstacle to the
mutual attachment of the young people.

My reason for an early departure was that I might arrange the story I
should tell, when, as Don Pedro, my new mother would demand from me the
events of my life. I had also to request leave of absence, which I
obtained in expectation of some property being left to the convent by an
elderly gentleman residing at Alicant, who was expected to die, and from
whom I produced a letter, requesting my presence. As I was on the best
terms with the superior, and there was a prospect of obtaining money,
his consent was given. That I should be there in time, I was permitted
to depart that evening. I took my leave of the superior, and the rest of
the monks, intending never to return, and hastened to my lodgings, where
I threw off my monastic habit, which from that hour has never been
resumed. I repaired to Donna Celia's house, was admitted and ushered
into a room to await her arrival. My person had been set off to the best
advantage. I had put on a new wig, a splendid velvet cloak, silk doublet
and hose; and as I surveyed myself for a second or two in the mirror, I
felt the impossibility of recognition, mingled with pride at my handsome
contour. The door opened, and Donna Celia came in, trembling with
anxiety. I threw myself on my knees, and in a voice apparently choked
with emotion, demanded her blessing. She tottered to the sofa
overpowered by her feelings; and still remaining on my knees, I seized
her hand, which I covered with kisses.

"It is--it is my child," cried she at last; "all powerful nature would
have told me so, if it had not been proved," and she threw her arms
round my neck, as she bent over me and shed tears of gratitude and
delight. I do assure your highness that I caught the infection, and
mingled my tears with hers; for I felt then, and I even now firmly
believe, that I was her son. Although my conscience for a moment
upbraided me, during a scene which brought back virtuous feelings to my
breast, I could not but consider, that a deception which could produce
so much delight and joy, was almost pardonable. I took my seat beside
her, and she kiss