my duty to interfere in such a business: I
added, that he had told me that he had walked before the house yesterday
afternoon, with the hopes of meeting one of the servants, whom he might
bribe to convey a letter; and that I had threatened to acquaint Donna
Celia if he mentioned the subject again. Donna Clara (for such was her
name) appeared very much annoyed at my pretended rigour, but said
nothing. After a little while, I asked her if she had seen him; she
replied in the affirmative without further remarks. Her work-box lay
upon the sofa, upon which she had been seated, and I put the note in it
without being perceived. The lesson was finished, and I repaired to her
aunt's apartments to pay her a visit in the quality of confessor. After
half-an-hour's conversation, I returned through the saloon, where I had
left Donna Clara: she was at her embroidery, and had evidently seen and
read the note, for she coloured up when I entered. I took no notice,
but, satisfied that she had read it, I bade her adieu. In the note, I
had implored her for an answer, and stated that I should be under her
window during the whole night. As soon as it was dark, I dressed myself
as Don Pedro, and repaired to the street, striking a few notes on the
guitar to attract her attention. I remained there more than
half-an-hour, when the casement opened, and a little hand threw out a
billet, which fell at my feet: I kissed it with apparent rapture, and
retired. When I gained my lodgings, I opened it, and found it as
favourable as I could hope. My plan then was to act as her confidant.

When I called the next day, I told her that, satisfied with the
honourable intentions of the young cavalier, he had overcome my
scruples, and I had consented to speak in his behalf: that I thought it
was not right; but the state of the young man was so deplorable, that I
could not withstand his entreaties; but that I expected that no steps
would be taken by either party without my concurrence; and with this
proviso, if she was pleased with the young cavalier, I would exert my
influence in their behalf. Donna Clara's face beamed with delight at my
communication: and she candidly acknowledged, as she had before in the
note, that his person and his character were by no means displeasing. I
then produced another note, which I said he had prevailed upon me to
deliver. After this, affairs went on successfully. I repeatedly met
her in the evening; and although I at