threatened to acquaint her aunt if he mentioned the subject; for I considered that my duty as a confessor in the family would be very irreconcileable with carrying clandestine love-messages.  I acknowledged that I pitied his condition; for to see the tears that he shed, and listen to the supplications which he had made, would have softened almost any body; but that notwithstanding my great regard for him, I thought it inconsistent with my duty to interfere in such a business:  I added, that he had told me that he had walked before the house yesterday afternoon, with the hopes of meeting one of the servants, whom he might bribe to convey a letter; and that I had threatened to acquaint Donna Celia if he mentioned the subject again.  Donna Clara (for such was her name) appeared very much annoyed at my pretended rigour, but said nothing.  After a little while, I asked her if she had seen him; she replied in the affirmative without further remarks.  Her work-box lay upon the sofa, upon which she had been seated, and I put the note in it without being perceived.  The lesson was finished, and I repaired to her aunt’s apartments to pay her a visit in the quality of confessor.  After half-an-hour’s conversation, I returned through the saloon, where I had left Donna Clara:  she was at her embroidery, and had evidently seen and read the note, for she coloured up when I entered.  I took no notice, but, satisfied that she had read it, I bade her adieu.  In the note, I had implored her for an answer, and stated that I should be under her window during the whole night.  As soon as it was dark, I dressed myself as Don Pedro and repaired to the street, striking a few notes on the guitar to attract her attention.  I remained there more than half-an-hour, when the casement opened, and a little hand threw out a billet, which fell at my feet:  I kissed it with apparent rapture, and retired.  When I gained my lodgings, I opened it, and found it as favourable as I could hope.  My plan then was to act as her confidant.

When I called the next day, I told her that, satisfied with the honourable intentions of the young cavalier, he had overcome my scruples, and I had consented to speak in his behalf:  that I thought it was not right; but the state of the young man was so deplorable, that I could not withstand his entreaties; but that I expected that no steps would be taken by either party without my concurrence; and with this proviso, if she was pleased with the young cavalier, I would exert my influence in their behalf.  Donna Clara’s face beamed with delight at my communication:  and she candidly acknowledged, as she had before in the note, that his person and his character were by no means displeasing.  I then produced another note, which I said he had prevailed upon me to deliver.  After this, affairs went on successfully.  I repeatedly met her in the evening; and although I at first was indifferent, yet I soon became attached from the many amiable and endearing qualities which love had brought