'Tis true, I am not rich myself; My Father's death has left me but little in my own possession; But my expectations justify my pretending to the Conde de las Cisternas' Daughter.' He was proceeding, but Elvira interrupted him.
'Ah! Don Lorenzo, you forget in that pompous title the meanness of my origin.

You forget that I have now past fourteen years in Spain, disavowed by my Husband's family, and existing upon a stipend barely sufficient for the support and education of my Daughter.

Nay, I have even been neglected by most of my own Relations, who out of envy affect to doubt the reality of my marriage.

My allowance being discontinued at my Father-in-law's death, I was reduced to the very brink of want.
In this situation I was found by my Sister, who amongst all her foibles possesses a warm, generous, and affectionate heart.

She aided me with the little fortune which my Father left her, persuaded me to visit Madrid, and has supported my Child and myself since our quitting Murcia.