soon reconciled him to her; his Person was altogether as agreeable, his Estate and Quality not at all inferiour to Aurelian’s; in the mean time, the true Aurelian who had seen his Father, begg’d leave of him to withdraw for a moment; in which time he went into the Chamber where his Incognita was dressing her self, by his design, in Woman’s Apparel, while he was consulting with her how they should break the matter to his Father; it happened that Don Mario came up Stairs where the Marquess and Don Fabio were; they undoubtedly concluded him Mad, to hear him making Apologies and Excuses for Aurelian, whom he told them if they would promise to forgive he would present before them immediately.  The Marquess asked him if his Daughter had lain with Leonora that Night; he answered him with another question in behalf of Aurelian.  In short, they could not understand one another, but each thought ’tother beside himself.  Don Mario was so concern’d that they would not believe him, that he ran down Stairs and came to the Door out of Breath, desiring Hippolito that he would come into the House quickly, for that he could not perswade his Father but that he had already seen and spoke to him.  Hippolito by that understood that Aurelian was in the House; so taking Leonora by the Hand, he followed Don Mario, who led him up into the Dining-Room, where they found Aurelian upon his Knees, begging his Father to forgive him, that he could not agree to the Choice he had made for him, since he had already disposed of himself, and that before he understood the designs he had for him, which was the reason that he had hitherto concealed himself.  Don Fabio knew not how to answer him, but look’d upon the Marquess, and the Marquess upon him, as if the Cement had been cool’d which was to have united their Families.

All was silent, and Don Mario for his part took it to be all Conjuration; he was coming forward to present Hippolito to them, when Aurelian spying his Friend, started from his Knees and ran to embrace him—­My dear Hippolito (said he) what happy chance has brought you hither, just at my Necessity?  Hippolito pointed to Don Mario and Leonora, and told him upon what terms he came.  Don Mario was ready to run mad, hearing him called Hippolito, and went again to examine his Daughter.  While she was informing him of the truth, the Marquess’s Servants returned with the melancholy News that his Daughter was no where to be found.  While the Marquess and Don Fabritio were wondering at, and lamenting the Misfortune of her loss, Hippolito came towards Don Fabio and interceded for his Son, since the Lady perhaps had withdrawn her self out of an Aversion to the Match.  Don Fabio, though very much incens’d, yet forgot not the Respect due to Hippolito’s Quality; and by his perswasion spoke to Aurelian, though with a stern Look and angry Voice, and asked him where he had disposed the cause of his Disobedience, if he were worthy to see her or no; Aurelian made answer,