Conceive my surprise, Lorenzo, at discovering in the person of my preserver Don Gaston de Medina: it was only to be equalled by my secret satisfaction at the assurance that Agnes inhabited the convent of St. Clare. This latter sensation was not a little weakened, when in answer to my seemingly indifferent questions he told me that his daughter had really taken the veil. I suffered not my grief at this circumstance to take root in my mind: I flattered myself with the idea that my uncle’s credit at the court of Rome would remove this obstacle, and that without difficulty I should obtain for my mistress a dispensation from her vows. Buoyed up with this hope I calmed the uneasiness of my bosom; and I redoubled my endeavours to appear grateful for the attention and pleased with the society of Don Gaston.