 enemy. The temptation was too great to be
resisted. 'Tis the superstition of my relations which has occasioned these
misfortunes, and they are more the offenders than yourself and Agnes. What has
passed between you cannot be recalled, but may yet be repaired by uniting you to
my sister. You have ever been, you still continue to be, my dearest, and indeed
my only friend. I feel for Agnes the truest affection, and there is no one on
whom I would bestow her more willingly than on yourself. Pursue, then, your
design. I will accompany you to-morrow night, and conduct her myself to the
house of the cardinal. My presence will be a sanction for her conduct, and
prevent her incurring blame by her flight from the convent.«
    The marquis thanked him in terms by no means deficient in gratitude. Lorenzo
then informed him, that he had nothing more to apprehend from Donna Rodolpha's
enmity. Five months had already elapsed since, in an excess of passion, she
broke a blood-vessel, and expired in the course of a few hours. He then
proceeded to mention the interests of Antonia. The marquis was much surprised at
hearing of this new relation. His father had carried his hatred of Elvira to the
grave, and had never given the least hint that he knew what was become of his
eldest son's widow. Don Raymond assured his friend, that he was not mistaken in
supposing him ready to acknowledge his sister-in-law, and her amiable daughter.
The preparations for the elopement would not permit his visiting them the next
day; but, in the mean while, he desired Lorenzo to assure them of his
friendship, and to supply Elvira, upon his account, with any sums which she
might want. This the youth promised to do, as soon as her abode should be known
to him. He then took leave of his future brother, and returned to the palace de
Medina.
    The day was already on the point of breaking when the marquis retired to his
chamber. Conscious that his narrative would take up some hours, and wishing to
secure himself from interruption, on returning to the hotel he ordered his
attendants not to sit up for him; consequently, he was somewhat surprised, on
entering his anti-room, to find Theodore established there. The page sat near a
table with a pen in his hand, and was so totally occupied by his employment,
that he perceived not his lord's approach. The marquis stopped to observe him.
Theodore wrote a few lines, then paused,
