though then I thought them innocent, did I linger out the days of his absence; the count and my father omitting nothing which they thought might bring me into a better humour; though the latter of them, whenever he was alone, did not, fail to tell me, that he was not unacquainted with the motive of my disgust, and that if balsams failed to work, corrosives hereafter should be applied. But neither threats nor persuasions were of any effect to make me alter my manner of behaviour; and it is most certain, that had not the count loved me to a very great degree of tenderness, he must have hated and despised me for my ingratitude, and forgetfulness of the station to which he had raised me.
At length my fatal wishes had success, Lorenzo returned to Venice; which I no sooner was informed of, then I sent my confidante to him with a letter which contained these lines.
"IT is needless to tell you, that I have put count Caprera in possession of that title which ought only to be yours. I doubt not but you are already sufficiently informed of my seeming guilt; but of my real innocence you are not, you cannot yet be sensible. You know not with what severities I was threatened by a barbarous and inexorable father, nor can you guess how terrible was the conflict endured betwixt love and duty; be assured, you never were dearer than at that moment when I gave myself for ever from you, nor can the name of Caprera make any change in my sentiments; I am Anziana stil. Fate, cruel fate, has disposed my person to another, but the better part of me, my soul, is ever yours. Oh! then forgive what it was impossible to avoid, without being driven to extremities, such as would have made me despair of retaining your affections, the only thing I ever hoped, the only thing I ever feared; yes, you must pardon me, must pity, and must love me too; nor can I think that with a crime against
