 Finding, after
some time, that no sign of his approach was given, she ventured to look round
the room, and perceived with vexation that Medina was unaccompanied. Impatience
would not permit her waiting for an explanation: interrupting Lorenzo, who was
delivering Raymond's message, she desired to know what was become of his friend.
    He, who thought it necessary to maintain himself in her good graces, strove
to console her under her disappointment by committing a little violence upon
truth.
    »Ah! segnora,« he replied in a melancholy voice, »how grieved will he be at
losing this opportunity of paying you his respects! A relation's illness has
obliged him to quit Madrid in haste: but on his return he will doubtless seize
the first moment with transport to throw himself at your feet!«
    As he said this, his eyes met those of Elvira: she punished his falsehood
sufficiently by darting at him a look expressive of displeasure and reproach.
Neither did the deceit answer his intention. Vexed and disappointed, Leonella
rose from her seat, and retired in dudgeon to her own apartment.
    Lorenzo hastened to repair the fault which had injured him in Elvira's
opinion. He related his conversation with the marquis respecting her: he assured
her that Raymond was prepared to acknowledge her for his brother's widow; and
that, till it was in his power to pay his compliments to her in person, Lorenzo
was commissioned to supply his place. This intelligence relieved Elvira from an
heavy weight of uneasiness: she had now found a protector for the fatherless
Antonia, for whose future fortunes she had suffered the greatest apprehensions.
She was not sparing of her thanks to him, who had interfered so generously in
her behalf; but still she gave him no invitation to repeat his visit. However,
when upon rising to depart he requested permission to enquire after her health
occasionally, the polite earnestness of his manner, gratitude for his services,
and respect for his friend the marquis, would not admit of a refusal. She
consented reluctantly to receive him: he promised not to abuse her goodness, and
quitted the house.
    Antonia was now left alone with her mother: a temporary silence ensued. Both
wished to speak upon the same subject, but neither knew how to introduce it. The
one felt a bashfulness which sealed up her lips, and for which she could not
account; the other feared to find her apprehensions true, or to inspire her
daughter with notions to which she might be still a stranger. At length Elvira
began the conversation.
    »That is a charming young man,
