had any knowledge of him. I replied in the negative. I had
then very little idea, that Alphonso d'Alvarada and the marquis de las Cisternas
were one and the same person: the description given me of the first, by no means
tallied with what I knew of the latter.«
    »In this I easily recognize Donna Rodolpha's perfidious character. Every
word of this account is stamped with marks of her malice, of her falsehood, of
her talents for misrepresenting those whom she wishes to injure. Forgive me,
Medina, for speaking so freely of your relation. The mischief which she has done
me authorises my resentment; and when you have heard my story, you will be
convinced that my expressions have not been too severe.«
    He then began his narrative in the following manner: -
 
                            History Of Don Raymond,
                           Marquis de las Cisternas.
 
Long experience, my dear Lorenzo, has convinced me how generous is your nature:
I waited not for your declaration of ignorance respecting your sister's
adventures, to suppose that they had been purposely concealed from you. Had they
reached your knowledge, from what misfortunes should both Agnes and myself have
escaped! Fate had ordained it otherwise. You were on your travels when I first
became acquainted with your sister; and as our enemies took care to conceal from
her your direction, it was impossible for her to implore by letter your
protection and advice.
    On leaving Salamanca, at which university, as I have since heard, you
remained a year after I quitted it, I immediately set out upon my travels. My
father supplied me liberally with money; but he insisted upon my concealing my
rank, and presenting myself as no more than a private gentleman. This command
was issued by the counsels of his friend the duke of Villa Hermosa, a nobleman
for whose abilities and knowledge of the world I have ever entertained the most
profound veneration.
    »Believe me,« said he, »my dear Raymond, you will hereafter feel the
benefits of this temporary degradation. 'Tis true, that as the condé de las
Cisternas you would have been received with open arms, and your youthful vanity
might have felt gratified by the attentions showered upon you from all sides. At
present, much will depend upon yourself; you have excellent recommendations, but
it must be your own business to make them of use to you: you must lay yourself
out to please; you must labour to gain the approbation of those to whom you are
presented: they who would have courted the friendship of the condé de las
Cisternas will have no interest in finding