 I answered, »if what necessity forces from me should
seem harsh and ungrateful. To encourage you in an error, which, however it may
flatter myself, must prove to you the source of disappointment, would make me
appear criminal in every eye. Honour obliges me to inform you, that you have
mistaken for the solicitude of love what was only the attention of friendship.
The latter sentiment is that which I wished to excite in your bosom: to
entertain a warmer, respect for you forbids me, and gratitude for the baron's
generous treatment. Perhaps these reasons would not be sufficient to shield me
from your attractions, were it not that my affections are already bestowed upon
another. You have charms, Segnora, which might captivate the most insensible; no
heart unoccupied could resist them. Happy is it for me, that mine is no longer
in my possession, or I should have to reproach myself for ever with having
violated the laws of hospitality. Recollect yourself, noble lady! recollect what
is owed by you to honour, by me to the baron, and replace by esteem and
friendship those sentiments which I never can return.«
    The baroness turned pale at this unexpected and positive declaration: she
doubted whether she slept or woke. At length recovering from her surprise,
consternation gave place to rage, and the blood rushed back into her cheeks with
violence.
    »Villain!« she cried; »Monster of deceit! Thus is the avowal of my love
received? Is it thus that... but, no, no! it cannot, it shall not be! Alphonso,
behold me at your feet! Be witness of my despair! Look with pity on a woman who
loves you with sincere affection! She who possesses your heart, how has she
merited such a treasure? What sacrifice has she made to you? What raises her
above Rodolpha?«
    I endeavoured to lift her from her knees.
    »For God's sake, Segnora, restrain these transports; they disgrace yourself
and me. Your exclamations may be heard, and your secret divulged to your
attendants. I see that my presence only irritates you: permit me to retire.«
    I prepared to quit the apartment: the baroness caught me suddenly by the
arm.
    »And who is this happy rival?« said she in a menacing tone; »I will know her
name, and when I know it...! She is some one in my power; you entreated my
favour, my protection! Let me but find her, let me but know who dares to rob me
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