The Marquis was in
the first paroxysms of despair at the conviction that Agnes was
indeed no more: He was delirious, and his life being in danger,
no one was suffered to approach him. Flora was informed that He
was incapable of attending to Letters, and that probably a few
hours would decide his fate. With this unsatisfactory answer She
was obliged to return to her Mistress, who now found herself
plunged into greater difficulties than ever.
Flora and Dame Jacintha exerted themselves to console her. The
Latter begged her to make herself easy, for that as long as She
chose to stay with her, She would treat her like her own Child.
Antonia, finding that the good Woman had taken a real affection
for her, was somewhat comforted by thinking that She had at
least one Friend in the World. A Letter was now brought to her,
directed to Elvira. She recognized Leonella's writing, and
opening it with joy, found a detailed account of her Aunt's
adventures at Cordova. She informed her Sister that She had
recovered her Legacy, had lost her heart, and had received in
exchange that of the most amiable of Apothecaries, past, present,
and to come. She added that She should be at Madrid on the
Tuesday night, and meant to have the pleasure of presenting her
Caro Sposo in form. Though her nuptials were far from pleasing
Antonia, Leonella's speedy return gave her Niece much delight.
She rejoiced in thinking that She should once more be under a
Relation's care.
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