by a false report, and that it by no means suited my
circumstances to marry a Woman without fortune or expectations.

To this account my sudden disappearing gave but too great an air of
probability. Theodore, who could have contradicted the story, by Donna
Rodolpha's order was kept out of her sight: What proved a still
greater confirmation of my being an Impostor, was the arrival of a
letter from yourself declaring that you had no sort of acquaintance
with Alphonso d'Alvarada. These seeming proofs of my perfidy, aided by
the artful insinuations of her Aunt, by Cunegonda's flattery, and her
Father's threats and anger, entirely conquered your Sister's repugnance
to a Convent. Incensed at my behaviour, and disgusted with the world in
general, She consented to receive the veil. She past another Month at
the Castle of Lindenberg, during which my non-appearance confirmed her
in her resolution, and then accompanied Don Gaston into Spain.
Theodore was now set at liberty. He hastened to Munich, where I had
promised to let him hear from me; But finding from Lucas that I had
never arrived there, He pursued his search with indefatigable
perseverance, and at length succeeded in rejoining me at Ratisbon.

So much was I altered, that scarcely could He recollect my features:
The distress visible upon his sufficiently testified how lively was the
interest which He felt for me. The society of this amiable Boy, whom I
had always considered rather as a Companion than a Servant, was now my
only comfort. His conversation was gay yet sensible, and his
observations shrewd and entertaining: He had picked up much more
knowledge than is usual at his Age: But what rendered him most
agreeable to me, was his having a delightful voice, and some skill in
Music. He had also acquired some taste in poetry, and even ventured
sometimes to write verses himself. He occasionally composed little
Ballads in Spanish, his compositions were but indifferent, I must
confess; yet they were pleasing to me from their novelty, and hearing
him sing them to his guitar was the only amusement, which I was capable
of receiving. Theodore perceived well enough that something preyed
upon my mind; But as I concealed the cause of my grief even from him,
Respect would not permit him to pry into my secrets.

One Evening I was lying upon my Sopha, plunged in reflections very far
from agreeable: Theodore amused himself by observing from the window a
Battle between two P