n could be
executed, the Cavalier discovered that the estates which He believed
Agnes to possess in Hispaniola, in reality belonged to me. This
intelligence made him change his intention; He disappeared on the day
that the elopement was to have taken place, and Agnes, in despair at
his perfidy and meanness, had resolved upon seclusion in a Convent.
She added, that as this adventurer had given himself out to be a Friend
of mine, She wished to know whether I had any knowledge of him. I
replied in the negative. I had then very little idea, that Alphonso
d'Alvarada and the Marquis de las Cisternas were one and the same
person: The description given me of the first by no means tallied with
what I knew of the latter.'

'In this I easily recognize Donna Rodolpha's perfidious character.
Every word of this account is stamped with marks of her malice, of her
falsehood, of her talents for misrepresenting those whom She wishes to
injure. Forgive me, Medina, for speaking so freely of your Relation.
The mischief which She has done me authorises my resentment, and when
you have heard my story, you will be convinced that my expressions have
not been too severe.'

He then began his narrative in the following manner.

HISTORY OF DON RAYMOND, MARQUIS DE LAS CISTERNAS

Long experience, my dear Lorenzo, has convinced me how generous is your
nature: I waited not for your declaration of ignorance respecting your
Sister's adventures to suppose that they had been purposely concealed
from you. Had they reached your knowledge, from what misfortunes
should both Agnes and myself have escaped! Fate had ordained it
otherwise! You were on your Travels when I first became acquainted
with your Sister; and as our Enemies took care to conceal from her your
direction, it was impossible for her to implore by letter your
protection and advice.

On leaving Salamanca, at which University as I have since heard, you
remained a year after I quitted it, I immediately set out upon my
Travels. My Father supplied me liberally with money; But He insisted
upon my concealing my rank, and presenting myself as no more than a
private Gentleman. This command was issued by the counsels of his
Friend, the Duke of Villa Hermosa, a Nobleman for whose abilities and
knowledge of the world I have ever entertained the most profound
veneration.

'Believe me,' said He, 'my dear Raymond, you will hereafter feel the
benefits of this temporary degradation. 'Tis true,