future Preferment; but _Erizo_, however he stifled his Resentment, was
struck with Envy, that a Stranger, and his Enemy shou'd be preferred to
him, and resolved Revenge on the first Opportunity. They all went home
with _Rinaldo_, and arrived whilst _Belvideera_ was talking above Stairs
with her Sister. _Rinaldo_, impatient to communicate his Success to
_Dangerfield_, ran into the Study, where he left him; but missing him
there, went into the Garden, and searching all about, returned to the
Company, telling them he believ'd _Dangerfield_ had fallen asleep in
some private Arbor in the Garden, where he cou'd not find him, or else
impatient of his long stay, had departed; but he was sure, if he had
gone, he wou'd soon return: However they went to Dinner, and
_Belvideera_ came down, making an Apology for her Sister's Absence,
thro' an Indisposition that had seized her. _Gonzago_ had his wished for
Opportunity of entertaining his Mistress, whilst she always expecting
some News of _Dangerfield_, sat very uneasie in his Company; whilst
_Dangerfield_ in the Closet, was as impatient to see her. The short
Discourse she had with her Sister, gave him assurance that his Love
wou'd not be unacceptable. _Maria_ durst not open the Closet, afraid
that her Sister shou'd come up every Minute, besides, 'twas impossible
to convey him out of the Chamber undiscovered, untill 'twas dark, which
made him Wonder what occasioned his long Confinement; and being tired
with sitting, got up to the Window, and softly opening the Casement,
looked out to take the Air; his Footman walking accidentally in the
Court, and casting up his Eye that way, spy'd him, which confirm'd his
Patience in attending for him at the Gate; at length it grew Dark, and
_Maria_ knowing that her Sister was engag'd in a Match at Cards with her
Father, _Gonzago_ and _Erizo_, the Admiral being gone, she came softly
to the Closet, and innocently took _Dangerfield_ by the Hand, to lead
him out, he clapt the dear soft Hand to his Mouth, and kissing it
eagerly, it fired his Blood, and the unhappy Opportunity adding to the
Temptation, raised him to the highest Pitch of Passion; he found himself
with the most beautiful Creature in the World, one who loved him, he
knew they were alone in the Dark, in a Bed-chamber, he knew the Lady
young and melting, he knew besides she cou'd not tell, and he was
conscious of his Power in moving; all these wicked Thoughts concurring,
establish'd him in the