 some enquiries relative to Elvira. Finding
that she, as well as her daughter, had received many services from Leonella and
Jacintha, he shewed his respect to the memory of his sister-in-law by making the
two women handsome presents. Lorenzo followed his example. Leonella was highly
flattered by the attentions of noblemen so distinguished, and Jacintha blessed
the hour on which her house was bewitched.
    On her side, Agnes failed not to reward her convent friends. The worthy
Mother St. Ursula, to whom she owed her liberty, was named, at her request,
superintendant of the Ladies of Charity. This was one of the best and most
opulent societies throughout Spain. Bertha and Cornelia, not choosing to quit
their friend, were appointed to principal charges in the same establishment. As
to the nuns who had aided the domina in persecuting Agnes; Camilla, being
confined by illness to her bed, had perished in the flames which consumed St.
Clare's convent. Mariana, Alix, and Violante, as well as two more, had fallen
victims to the popular rage. The three others who had in council supported the
domina's sentence, were severely reprimanded, and banished to religious houses
in obscure and distant provinces. Here they languished away a few years, ashamed
of their former weakness, and shunned by their companions with aversion and
contempt.
    Nor was the fidelity of Flora permitted to go unrewarded. Her wishes being
consulted, she declared herself impatient to revisit her native land. In
consequence, a passage was procured for her to Cuba, where she arrived in
safety, loaded with the presents of Raymond and Lorenzo.
    The debts of gratitude discharged, Agnes was at liberty to pursue her
favourite plan. Lodged in the same house, Lorenzo and Virginia were eternally
together. The more he saw of her, the more was he convinced of her merit. On her
part, she laid herself out to please; and not to succeed was for her impossible.
Lorenzo witnessed with admiration her beautiful person, elegant manners,
innumerable talents, and sweet disposition. He was also much flattered by her
prejudice in his favour, which she had not sufficient art to conceal. However,
his sentiments partook not of that ardent character which had marked his
affection for Antonia. The image of that lovely and unfortunate girl still lived
in his heart, and baffled all Virginia's efforts to displace it. Still, when the
duke proposed to him the match, which he wished so earnestly to take place, his
nephew did not reject the offer. The urgent supplications of his friends, and
the lady
