rate us; We were too much occupied by each other to
perceive her approach, and were not aware of it, till Agnes beheld her
standing by my side.

Rage on the part of Donna Rodolpha, embarrassment on mine, for some
time kept us both silent. The Lady recovered herself first.

'My suspicions then were just,' said She; 'The Coquetry of my Niece has
triumphed, and 'tis to her that I am sacrificed. In one respect
however I am fortunate: I shall not be the only one who laments a
disappointed passion. You too shall know, what it is to love without
hope! I daily expect orders for restoring Agnes to her Parents.
Immediately upon her arrival in Spain, She will take the veil, and
place an insuperable barrier to your union. You may spare your
supplications.' She continued, perceiving me on the point of speaking;
'My resolution is fixed and immoveable. Your Mistress shall remain a
close Prisoner in her chamber till She exchanges this Castle for the
Cloister. Solitude will perhaps recall her to a sense of her duty: But
to prevent your opposing that wished event, I must inform you, Don
Alphonso, that your presence here is no longer agreeable either to the
Baron or Myself. It was not to talk nonsense to my Niece that your
Relations sent you to Germany: Your business was to travel, and I
should be sorry to impede any longer so excellent a design. Farewell,
Segnor; Remember, that tomorrow morning we meet for the last time.'

Having said this, She darted upon me a look of pride, contempt, and
malice, and quitted the apartment. I also retired to mine, and
consumed the night in planning the means of rescuing Agnes from the
power of her tyrannical Aunt.

After the positive declaration of its Mistress, it was impossible for
me to make a longer stay at the Castle of Lindenberg. Accordingly I the
next day announced my immediate departure. The Baron declared that it
gave him sincere pain; and He expressed himself in my favour so warmly,
that I endeavoured to win him over to my interest. Scarcely had I
mentioned the name of Agnes when He stopped me short, and said, that it
was totally out of his power to interfere in the business. I saw that
it was in vain to argue; The Baroness governed her Husband with
despotic sway, and I easily perceived that She had prejudiced him
against the match. Agnes did not appear: I entreated permission to
take leave of her, but my prayer was rejected. I was obliged to depart
without seeing her.