house at Alcantara, where the agreeable company of Don Fernandos di 'Albengha, Don Bernardos and other friends served to repress the gloom, which the heaviness and complication of my misfortunes must otherwise have raised to the highest degree.
Animated with the love of adventure, it was at last agreed, that we should accompany the Count to Toledo, where, after settling his affairs, he promised to set out with us for Paris. Don Antonio, who had contracted an unconquerable fondness for a rural life and domestic enjoyments, could not bear the thought of quitting his country even for a month, on which account I left him the superintendence of all my estates, and providing myself with a considerable sum of money, took an affectionate leave of him, and followed Count Selami and the rest of my friends to Toledo.
It will not be improper here; to give a brief sketch of the characters of my new companions, as they will be found to act more or less conspicuous parts in the sequel of this history.
