the idea of having lost his son. He added that my mother had been left sole heiress of his fortune, and was still quite downcast owing to the double loss of a husband and a beloved son. I flew immediately into my mother's arms, who was quite transported with joy at my return. Having related my adventures in the garden of the villa, she shook her sides with laughter but, on seeing the wounds and contusions I had received, she soon altered her tone. The dogs and the cudgels had put me in such a condition, as obliged me to keep my bed a whole week.
Don Fernandos di Albengha, a young nobleman whom I had early learned to love and esteem as a neighbour, a friend and a playmate came to congratulate me on my re-appearance, and related to me, that since I left the villa, Francisca returned to her husband's house, and that Don Pedro disappeared shortly before her arrival. He added, that he had frequently conversed with Francisca, but the seemed very shy of honoring him with her confidence, though
