Lucrezia having occasion to whisper a few words to Don Francisco, I seized the opportunity of telling Angelique that after her marriage I should be happy to spend a few days of the fine season with her.
"Sir," she answered, "I give you fair notice that the moment I become mistress in this house you will be the very first person to be excluded." "I feel greatly obliged to you, signora, for your timely notice." But the most amusing part of the affair was that I construed Angelique's wanton insult into a declaration of love.

I was astounded.

Lucrezia, remarking the state I was in, touched my arm, enquiring what ailed me.

I told her, and she said at once, "My darling, my happiness cannot last long; the cruel moment of our separation is drawing near.

When I have gone, pray undertake the task of compelling her to acknowledge her error.