 I have even been neglected by most of
my own relations, who out of envy affect to doubt the reality of my marriage. My
allowance being discontinued at my father-in-law's death, I was reduced to the
very brink of want. In this situation I was found by my sister, who, amongst all
her foibles, possesses a warm, generous, and affectionate heart. She aided me
with the little fortune which my father left her, persuaded me to visit Madrid,
and has supported my child and myself since our quitting Murcia. Then, consider
not Antonia as descended from the Condé de las Cisternas; consider her as a poor
and unprotected orphan, as the grand-child of the tradesman Torribio Dalfa, as
the needy pensioner of that tradesman's daughter. Reflect upon the difference
between such a situation and that of the nephew and heir of the potent duke of
Medina. I believe your intentions to be honourable; but as there are no hopes
that your uncle will approve of the union, I foresee that the consequences of
your attachment must be fatal to my child's repose.«
    »Pardon me, Segnora; you are misinformed if you suppose the duke of Medina
to resemble the generality of men. His sentiments are liberal and disinterested;
he loves me well, and I have no reason to dread his forbidding the marriage,
when he perceives that my happiness depends upon Antonia. But supposing him to
refuse his sanction, what have I still to fear? My parents are no more; my
little fortune is in my own possession; it will be sufficient to support
Antonia, and I shall exchange for her hand Medina's dukedom without one sigh of
regret.«
    »You are young and eager; it is natural for you to entertain such ideas. But
experience has taught me to my cost, that curses accompany an unequal alliance.
I married the Condé de las Cisternas in opposition to the will of his relations;
many an heart-pang has punished me for the imprudent step. Wherever we bent our
course, a father's execration pursued Gonzalvo. Poverty overtook us, and no
friend was near to relieve our wants. Still our mutual affection existed, but,
alas! not without interruption. Accustomed to wealth and ease, ill could my
husband support the transition to distress and indigence. He looked back with
repining to the comforts which he once enjoyed. He regretted the situation which
for my sake he had quitted; and, in moments when despair possessed his mind, has
reproached me with having made him the companion of want and wretchedness
