from the close connexion between her and Don Antonio, he had reason to suppose the latter fully acquainted with the particulars of her case. He farther observed, that Don Antonio had improved the revenue of my estates by one half to what it formerly was, and concluded with advising me, to give notice both to him and Francisca, of my return to Alcantara.
I followed this advice, and soon saw my worthy friend with Francisca at my mother's to bid me welcome. They both received me with rapture, anxiously asked how I did, and were astonished at the paleness of my face and the bruises which still were discoverable in it.
Don Antonio's servants stood quite thunderstruck at my appearance, and began to dread for the consequences of the assault they had committed upon me. Their master perceiving their embarrassment insisted upon knowing the reason of it, when I informed him of the whole transaction, interceding at the same time in behalf of the confounded varlets, who came on their knees to beg my
