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Ambrosio was conducted into the anti-chamber to that where Elvira was reposing. The female domestic who had admitted him, left him alone, while she announced his arrival to her mistress. Antonia, who had been by her mother's bed-side, immediately came to him.

"Pardon me, father," said me, advancing towards him; when recognizing his his features, she stopped suddenly, and uttered a cry of joy. "Is it possible?" she continued, "do not my eyes deceive me? Has the worthy Ambrosio broken through his resolution, that he may soften the agonies of the best of women? What pleasure will this visit give my mother! Let me not delay for a moment the comfort which your piety and wisdom will afford her."

Thus saying, she opened the chamber-door, presented to her mother her distinguished visitor, and, having placed an armchair by the side of the bed, withdrew into another apartment.

Elvira was highly gratified by this visit:her