the Laws of Hospitality.
Recollect yourself, noble Lady; Recollect what is owed by you to
honour, by me to the Baron, and replace by esteem and friendship those
sentiments which I never can return.'

The Baroness turned pale at this unexpected and positive declaration:
She doubted whether She slept or woke. At length recovering from her
surprise, consternation gave place to rage, and the blood rushed back
into her cheeks with violence.

'Villain!' She cried; 'Monster of deceit! Thus is the avowal of my
love received? Is it thus that.... But no, no! It cannot, it
shall not be! Alphonso, behold me at your feet! Be witness of my
despair! Look with pity on a Woman who loves you with sincere
affection! She who possesses your heart, how has She merited such a
treasure? What sacrifice has She made to you?

What raises her above Rodolpha?'

I endeavoured to lift her from her Knees.

'For God's sake, Segnora, restrain these transports: They disgrace
yourself and me. Your exclamations may be heard, and your secret
divulged to your Attendants. I see that my presence only irritates
you: permit me to retire.'

I prepared to quit the apartment: The Baroness caught me suddenly by
the arm.

'And who is this happy Rival?' said She in a menacing tone; 'I will
know her name, and WHEN I know it.... ! She is someone in my power;
You entreated my favour, my protection! Let me but find her, let me
but know who dares to rob me of your heart, and She shall suffer every
torment which jealousy and disappointment can inflict! Who is She?
Answer me this moment. Hope not to conceal her from my vengeance!
Spies shall be set over you; every step, every look shall be watched;
Your eyes will discover my Rival; I shall know her, and when She is
found, tremble, Alphonso for her and for yourself!'

As She uttered these last words her fury mounted to such a pitch as to
stop her powers of respiration. She panted, groaned, and at length
fainted away. As She was falling I caught her in my arms, and placed
her upon a Sopha. Then hastening to the door, I summoned her Women to
her assistance; I committed her to their care, and seized the
opportunity of escaping.

Agitated and confused beyond expression I bent my steps towards the
Garden. The benignity with which the Baroness had listened to me at
first raised my hopes to the highest pitch: I imagined her to have
perceived my attachment for her Niece, and to approve of it. Extrem