 plead Antonia's cause with the marquis de las Cisternas. Elvira received this
intelligence with sensations very different from those with which it was
communicated. She blamed her sister's imprudence in confiding her history to an
absolute stranger, and expressed her fears lest this inconsiderate step should
prejudice the marquis against her. The greatest of her apprehensions she
concealed in her own breast. She had observed, with inquietude, that at the
mention of Lorenzo a deep blush spread itself over her daughter's cheek. The
timid Antonia dared not to pronounce his name. Without knowing wherefore, she
felt embarrassed when he was made the subject of discourse, and endeavoured to
change the conversation to Ambrosio. Elvira perceived the emotions of this young
bosom: in consequence, she insisted upon Leonella's breaking her promise to the
cavaliers. A sigh, which on hearing this order escaped from Antonia, confirmed
the wary mother in her resolution.
    Through this resolution Leonella was determined to break: she conceived it
to be inspired by envy, and that her sister dreaded her being elevated above
her. Without imparting her design to any one, she took an opportunity of
dispatching the following note to Lorenzo: it was delivered to him as soon as he
woke:
 
        »Doubtless, Segnor Don Lorenzo, you have frequently accused me of
        ingratitude and forgetfulness: but on the word of a virgin it was out of
        my power to perform my promise yesterday. I know not in what words to
        inform you, how strange a reception my sister gave your kind wish to
        visit her. She is an odd woman, with many good points about her; but her
        jealousy of me frequently makes her conceive notions quite
        unaccountable. On hearing that your friend had paid some little
        attention to me, she immediately took the alarm: she blamed my conduct,
        and has absolutely forbidden me to let you know our abode. My strong
        sense of gratitude for your kind offers of service, and - shall I
        confess it? my desire to behold once more the too amiable Don
        Christoval, will not permit my obeying her injunctions. I have therefore
        stolen a moment to inform you, that we lodge in the strada di San Jago,
        four doors from the palace d'Albornos, and nearly opposite to the
        barber's Miguel Coello. Enquire for Donna Elvira Dalfa, since, in
        compliance with her father-in-law's order, my sister continues to be
        called by her maiden name. At eight this evening you will be sure of
        finding us: but let not a word drop, which may raise a suspicion of my
        having written this letter.
