ook round the room, and
perceived with vexation that Medina was unaccompanied. Impatience
would not permit her waiting for an explanation: Interrupting Lorenzo,
who was delivering Raymond's message, She desired to know what was
become of his Friend.

He, who thought it necessary to maintain himself in her good graces,
strove to console her under her disappointment by committing a little
violence upon truth.

'Ah! Segnora,' He replied in a melancholy voice 'How grieved will He be
at losing this opportunity of paying you his respects! A Relation's
illness has obliged him to quit Madrid in haste: But on his return, He
will doubtless seize the first moment with transport to throw himself
at your feet!'

As He said this, his eyes met those of Elvira: She punished his
falsehood sufficiently by darting at him a look expressive of
displeasure and reproach. Neither did the deceit answer his intention.
Vexed and disappointed Leonella rose from her seat, and retired in
dudgeon to her own apartment.

Lorenzo hastened to repair the fault, which had injured him in Elvira's
opinion. He related his conversation with the Marquis respecting her:
He assured her that Raymond was prepared to acknowledge her for his
Brother's Widow; and that till it was in his power to pay his
compliments to her in person, Lorenzo was commissioned to supply his
place. This intelligence relieved Elvira from an heavy weight of
uneasiness: She had now found a Protector for the fatherless Antonia,
for whose future fortunes She had suffered the greatest apprehensions.
She was not sparing of her thanks to him who had interfered so
generously in her behalf; But still She gave him no invitation to
repeat his visit.

However, when upon rising to depart He requested permission to enquire
after her health occasionally, the polite earnestness of his manner,
gratitude for his services, and respect for his Friend the Marquis,
would not admit of a refusal. She consented reluctantly to receive
him: He promised not to abuse her goodness, and quitted the House.

Antonia was now left alone with her Mother: A temporary silence
ensued. Both wished to speak upon the same subject, but Neither knew
how to introduce it. The one felt a bashfulness which sealed up her
lips, and for which She could not account: The other feared to find
her apprehensions true, or to inspire her Daughter with notions to
which She might be still a Stranger. At length Elvira began th