ABSTRACT
By the mere force of reason and virtuous principle, Gabrielle became enabled to conquer, or at least repress every personal feeling, sufficiently to hear without apparent emotion the enraptured praises which Angelo bestowed upon his mistress, and even frequently to accompany him to her house. In proportion as his confidence grew less restrained, he informed Gabrielle, ‘that his fair Oriana was a female of birth and reputation, an orphan, and a native of Genoa; that her parents had left considerable property to herself and a brother, with whom she resided, and that inclination alone had prompted them to fix their residence at Naples: consequently,’ added Angelo, ‘as the fair girl has a severe guardian in her brother, I am under the necessity of timing my visits, chiefly in his absence, although it was with him that my acquaintance first, by accident, commenced, and through his means that I became introduced to his lovely sister. I own, from the first moment I beheld her, I felt a sensation which, however philosophers may define it, I know was love; I repeated my visits again and again; her brother was frequently absent; at length I declared to her the passion with which she had inspired me; she did not turn from me with disdain, and I became speedily convinced that I was far from being indifferent to her. A most tender intercourse ensued, and the secrecy with which it was, and is still conducted, detracts nothing from its charms; it is most strictly enforced by Oriana, who has informed me, that independently of her brother’s vigilance, he has it in firm contemplation to unite her to a friend of his own, for whom, having been the associate of his youth, he entertains a decided preference, and who is daily expected from Genoa.’
