till the End of Bellarmine's Visit,
Leonora had scarce once thought of Horatio: but he now began, tho' an unwelcome
Guest, to enter into her Mind. She wished she had seen the charming Bellarmine
and his charming Equipage before Matters had gone so far. »Yet, why (says she)
should I wish to have seen him before, or what signifies it that I have seen him
now? Is not Horatio my Lover? almost my Husband? Is he not as handsome, nay
handsomer than Bellarmine? Aye, but Bellarmine is the genteeler and the finer
Man; yes, that he must be allowed. Yes, yes, he is that certainly. But did not I
no longer ago than yesterday love Horatio more than all the World? aye, but
yesterday I had not seen Bellarmine. But doth not Horatio doat on me, and may he
not in despair break his Heart if I abandon him? Well, and hath not Bellarmine a
Heart to break too? Yes, but I promised Horatio first; but that was poor
Bellarmine's Misfortune, if I had seen him first, I should certainly have
preferred him. Did not the dear Creature prefer me to every Woman in the
Assembly, when every She was laying out for him? When was it in Horatio's power
to give me such an Instance of Affection? Can he give me an Equipage or any of
those Things which Bellarmine will make me Mistress of? How vast is the
Difference between being the Wife of a poor Counsellor, and the Wife of one of
Bellarmine's Fortune! If I marry Horatio, I shall triumph over no more than one
Rival: but by marrying Bellarmine, I shall be the Envy of all my Acquaintance.
What Happiness! - But can I suffer Horatio to die? for he hath sworn he cannot
survive my Loss: but perhaps he may not die; if he should, can I prevent it?
Must I sacrifice my self to him? besides, Bellarmine may be as miserable for me
too.« She was thus arguing with herself, when some young Ladies called her to
the Walks, and a little relieved her Anxiety for the present.
    The next Morning Bellarmine breakfasted with her in presence of her Aunt,
whom he sufficiently informed of his Passion for Leonora; he was no sooner
withdrawn, than the old Lady began to advise her Niece on this Occasion. - »You
see, Child, (says she) what Fortune hath thrown in your way, and I hope you will
not withstand your own Preferments.« Leonora sighing, »begged
