CHAPTER X.
Benedict XIV--Excursion to Tivoli--Departure of Lucrezia-- The Marchioness G .-- Barbara Dalacqua--My Misfortunes-- I Leave Rome M.Dalacqua being very ill, his daughter Barbara gave me my lesson.

When it was over, she seized an opportunity of slipping a letter into my pocket, and immediately disappeared, so that I had no chance of refusing.
The letter was addressed to me, and expressed feelings of the warmest gratitude.

She only desired me to inform her lover that her father had spoken to her again, and that most likely he would engage a new servant as soon as he had recovered from his illness, and she concluded her letter by assuring me that she never would implicate me in this business.
Her father was compelled to keep his bed for a fortnight, and Barbara continued to give me my lesson every day.

I felt for her an interest which, from me towards a young and pretty girl, was, indeed, quite a new sentiment.

It was a feeling of pity, and I was proud of being able to help and comfort her.