, and tried to laugh her
out of this childish prejudice: She chid her mildly for encouraging
such ungrounded sadness, and warned her how dangerous it was to
encourage such ideas.

To all her remonstrances She received no other answer than,

'Mother! Dear Mother! Oh! would to God, it were Morning!'

Elvira, whose inquietude respecting her Daughter was a great obstacle
to her perfect reestablishment, was still labouring under the effects
of her late severe illness. She was this Evening more than usually
indisposed, and retired to bed before her accustomed hour. Antonia
withdrew from her Mother's chamber with regret, and till the Door
closed, kept her eyes fixed upon her with melancholy expression. She
retired to her own apartment; Her heart was filled with bitterness: It
seemed to her that all her prospects were blasted, and the world
contained nothing for which it was worth existing. She sank into a
Chair, reclined her head upon her arm, and gazed upon the floor with a
vacant stare, while the most gloomy images floated before her fancy.
She was still in this state of insensibility when She was disturbed by
hearing a strain of soft Music breathed beneath her window. She rose,
drew near the Casement, and opened it to hear it more distinctly.
Having thrown her veil over her face, She ventured to look out. By the
light of the Moon She perceived several Men below with Guitars and
Lutes in their hands; and at a little distance from them stood Another
wrapped in his cloak, whose stature and appearance bore a strong
resemblance to Lorenzo's. She was not deceived in this conjecture. It
was indeed Lorenzo himself, who bound by his word not to present
himself to Antonia without his Uncle's consent, endeavoured by
occasional Serenades, to convince his Mistress that his attachment
still existed. His stratagem had not the desired effect. Antonia was
far from supposing that this nightly music was intended as a compliment
to her: She was too modest to think herself worthy such attentions; and
concluding them to be addressed to some neighbouring Lady, She grieved
to find that they were offered by Lorenzo.

The air which was played, was plaintive and melodious. It accorded with
the state of Antonia's mind, and She listened with pleasure. After a
symphony of some length, it was succeeded by the sound of voices, and
Antonia distinguished the following words.

SERENADE

Chorus

Oh! Breathe in gentle strain, my