ed by my attention, and treated me with a
distinction accorded by her to no one else. One of my daily
occupations was reading to her for several hours: Those hours I should
much rather have past with Agnes; But as I was conscious that
complaisance for her Aunt would advance our union, I submitted with a
good grace to the penance imposed upon me. Donna Rodolpha's Library
was principally composed of old Spanish Romances: These were her
favourite studies, and once a day one of these unmerciful Volumes was
put regularly into my hands. I read the wearisome adventures of
'Perceforest,' 'Tirante the White,' 'Palmerin of England,' and 'the
Knight of the Sun,' till the Book was on the point of falling from my
hands through Ennui. However, the increasing pleasure which the
Baroness seemed to take in my society, encouraged me to persevere; and
latterly She showed for me a partiality so marked, that Agnes advised
me to seize the first opportunity of declaring our mutual passion to
her Aunt.

One Evening, I was alone with Donna Rodolpha in her own apartment. As
our readings generally treated of love, Agnes was never permitted to
assist at them. I was just congratulating myself on having finished
'The Loves of Tristan and the Queen Iseult----'

'Ah! The Unfortunates!' cried the Baroness; 'How say you, Segnor? Do
you think it possible for Man to feel an attachment so disinterested
and sincere?'

'I cannot doubt it,' replied I; 'My own heart furnishes me with the
certainty. Ah! Donna Rodolpha, might I but hope for your approbation
of my love! Might I but confess the name of my Mistress without
incurring your resentment!'

She interrupted me.

'Suppose, I were to spare you that confession? Suppose I were to
acknowledge that the object of your desires is not unknown to me?
Suppose I were to say that She returns your affection, and laments not
less sincerely than yourself the unhappy vows which separate her from
you?'

'Ah! Donna Rodolpha!' I exclaimed, throwing myself upon my knees before
her, and pressing her hand to my lips, 'You have discovered my secret!
What is your decision? Must I despair, or may I reckon upon your
favour?'

She withdrew not the hand which I held; But She turned from me, and
covered her face with the other.

'How can I refuse it you?' She replied; 'Ah! Don Alphonso, I have long
perceived to whom your attentions were directed, but till now I
perceived not the impression which they made upo