on, and a capacity for acquiring with ease all the
accomplishments of her sex. It is impossible to convey any adequate idea
of a parent's raptures in the contemplation of such a fair blossom. She
was the only pledge of our love, she was presumptive heiress to a large
fortune, and likely to be the sole representative of two noble Castilian
families. She was the delight of all who saw her, and a theme of praise
for every tongue. You are not to suppose that the education of such a
child was neglected. Indeed, it wholly engrossed the attention of me and
my Antonia, and her proficiency rewarded our care. Before she had
attained the age of fifteen, she was mistress of every elegant
qualification, natural and acquired. Her person was, by that time, the
confessed pattern of beauty. Her voice was enchantingly sweet, and she
touched the lute with the most ravishing dexterity. Heaven and earth!
how did my breast dilate with joy at the thoughts of having given birth
to such perfection! how did my heart gush with paternal fondness,
whenever I beheld this ornament of my name! and what scenes of endearing
transport have I enjoyed with my Antonia, in mutual congratulation upon
our parental happiness!

Serafina, accomplished as she was, could not fail to make conquests among
the Spanish cavaliers, who are famous for sensibility in love. Indeed,
she never appeared without a numerous train of admirers; and though we
had bred her up in that freedom of conversation and intercourse which
holds a middle space between the French licence and Spanish restraint,
she was now so much exposed to the addresses of promiscuous gallantry,
that we found it necessary to retrench the liberty of our house, and
behave to our male visitants with great reserve and circumspection, that
our honour and peace might run no risk from the youth and inexperience of
our daughter.

This caution produced overtures from a great many young gentlemen of rank
and distinction, who courted my alliance, by demanding Serafina in
marriage; and from the number I had actually selected one person, who was
in all respects worthy the possession of such an inestimable prize. His
name was Don Manuel de Mendoza. His birth was noble, and his character
dignified with repeated acts of generosity and virtue. Yet, before I
would signify to him my approbation of his suit, I resolved to inform
myself whether or not the heart of Serafina was totally unengaged, and
indifferent to an