I went no more to Flaminio's house that day, the greatest part of it being pass'd in transcribing the discourse inserted in the preceding chapter, and getting the impression expung'd from my christaline remembrancer: – I did not fail, however, to repair thither the next morning; – but gain'd nothing by this visit; – Flaminio was abroad, – Isabinda alone in her chamber, and the servants, from whose glib tongues I might have expected something would transpire, were all busied in their several occupations, and seem'd to think of nothing out of their own sphere.

I had never yet attempted to see how Lysimor brook'd the late delays had been given to his intended nuptials, so now took it into my head to go; – a servant, who was carrying out a wig-box, gave me an opportunity of slipping into the house; – I found the old gentleman with a letter in his hand, which seem'd to excite in him very great emotions; – but as he had just finish'd the perusal as I enter'd the room, and was putting it into his pocket, I could not possibly know any thing of the contents; – I was not, however, long unsatisfied; – Lysimor was return'd from a morning walk he had been taking, and enter'd a few moments after; – he appear'd in little better humour than his father, and, when he had paid the usual salutation, – spoke in this manner:

Lysimor. Certainly, sir, something very extraordinary must have happen'd to occasion this sudden change both in Flaminio and his daughter; – I have been to enquire of her health this morning after being disappointed of seeing her last night, and have a second time been deny'd access.

Father. I could have told you that, if I had known you had been there; – I have just received a letter from Flaminio, – see what the old coxcomb writes.