But we must part! Insuperable Barriers divide us from each other, and on this side the Grave we must never meet again!' I now exerted myself to prove that our union was not so impossible as She seemed to think it.

I vaunted to her the Cardinal-Duke of Lerma's influence at the Court of Rome: I assured her that I should easily obtain a dispensation from her vows; and I doubted not but Don Gaston would coincide with my views, when informed of my real name and long attachment.

Agnes replied that since I encouraged such an hope, I could know but little of her Father.

Liberal and kind in every other respect, Superstition formed the only stain upon his character.

Upon this head He was inflexible; He sacrificed his dearest interests to his scruples, and would consider it an insult to suppose him capable of authorising his daughter to break her vows to heaven.
'But suppose,' said I interrupting her; 'Suppose that He should disapprove of our union; Let him remain ignorant of my proceedings, till I have rescued you from the prison in which you are now confined.
Once my Wife, you are free from his authority: I need from him no pecuniary assistance; and when He sees his resentment to be unavailing, He will doubtless restore you to his favour.