eir usual composure.

'I have nothing more to say, my Lord,' said She; 'You have heard my
apprehensions, and my reasons for begging you not to repeat your
visits. I have thrown myself in full confidence upon your honour: I
am certain that you will not prove my opinion of you to have been too
favourable.'

'But one question more, Segnora, and I leave you. Should the Duke of
Medina approve my love, would my addresses be unacceptable to yourself
and the fair Antonia?'

'I will be open with you, Don Lorenzo: There being little probability
of such an union taking place, I fear that it is desired but too
ardently by my Daughter. You have made an impression upon her young
heart, which gives me the most serious alarm: To prevent that
impression from growing stronger, I am obliged to decline your
acquaintance. For me, you may be sure that I should rejoice at
establishing my Child so advantageously. Conscious that my
constitution, impaired by grief and illness, forbids me to expect a
long continuance in this world, I tremble at the thought of leaving her
under the protection of a perfect Stranger. The Marquis de las
Cisternas is totally unknown to me:

He will marry; His Lady may look upon Antonia with an eye of
displeasure, and deprive her of her only Friend. Should the Duke, your
Uncle, give his consent, you need not doubt obtaining mine, and my
Daughter's: But without his, hope not for ours. At all events, what
ever steps you may take, what ever may be the Duke's decision, till you
know it let me beg your forbearing to strengthen by your presence
Antonia's prepossession. If the sanction of your Relations authorises
your addressing her as your Wife, my Doors fly open to you: If that
sanction is refused, be satisfied to possess my esteem and gratitude,
but remember, that we must meet no more.'

Lorenzo promised reluctantly to conform to this decree: But He added
that He hoped soon to obtain that consent which would give him a claim
to the renewal of their acquaintance. He then explained to her why the
Marquis had not called in person, and made no scruple of confiding to
her his Sister's History. He concluded by saying that He hoped to set
Agnes at liberty the next day; and that as soon as Don Raymond's fears
were quieted upon this subject, He would lose no time in assuring Donna
Elvira of his friendship and protection.

The Lady shook her head.

'I tremble for your Sister,' said She; 'I have heard many t