Your heart is tender and susceptible: It has already received a strong impression; But when once convinced that you should not encourage such sentiments, I trust, that you have sufficient fortitude to drive them from your bosom.' Antonia kissed her hand, and promised implicit obedience.

Elvira then continued.
'To prevent your passion from growing stronger, it will be needful to prohibit Lorenzo's visits.

The service which He has rendered me permits not my forbidding them positively; But unless I judge too favourably of his character, He will discontinue them without taking offence, if I confess to him my reasons, and throw myself entirely on his generosity.

The next time that I see him, I will honestly avow to him the embarrassment which his presence occasions.

How say you, my Child?
Is not this measure necessary ?' Antonia subscribed to every thing without hesitation, though not without regret.