Isabella approached the couch, knelt down by it, and drawing the hand nearest to her, covered it with kisses and tears. "You have been to blame for not telling me, dearest, because you planted in my bosom jealousy and suspicion, which are now vanished, therefore I can bear my share of your trouble; and on your part some of my surprise and bitter mortification must be endured also. If you can give me the history of this poor lady, do. If it will affect you too much do not attempt it, but say at once what you desire me to do."
"I have a letter from Doctor Parizzi, who has known her many years, and, with the exception of her confessor, is better acquainted with her feelings and wishes than any human being, and esteeming her very highly (as she well merits), would raise heaven and earth in her behalf, so as to procure her that she earnestly desires, the sight of me; should that be impracticable, as I fear it will, to know and converse with you would comfort her dying hours. 'Tis a melancholy task, but it will be a short one, from all that I can learn."
"Surely it is one that becomes me as her relation, and"
"In that capacity you cannot approach her, because you are also my wife. Her husband is a doating, but a jealous one; also a bigoted Catholic; the Doctor has induced him, with much difficulty, to consent that she shall receive a young English woman,
