Donna Teresa did
not take the veil; but employed herself in the more active duties of
charity and benevolence--but she gradually wasted away--her heart was
broken. I stayed with her for three years, when she died, leaving a
considerable sum to me, and the remainder of her wealth to beneficent
institutions. This is about five years ago, since when I have been
living on the property, which is nearly all expended by my extravagance.
The stigma on my birth is, however, the only subject which has weighed
upon my spirits--this is providentially removed, and I trust that I
shall not disgrace the mother who has so kindly acknowledged me, or the
dear girl who has honoured this faulty person with her attachment.
* * * * *
My mother and Clara thanked me when I had concluded my narrative, and we
remained unto a late hour entering upon family affairs, and planning for
the future. My mother informed me that upon the estates she had only a
life interest, as they were entailed, and would revert to a cousin; but
that she had laid by a considerable sum of money, intending it as a
dowry for my Clara, and that she hoped to increase it before she died.
As I was anxious to quit Seville, where I feared daily discovery, I
proposed that we should retire to the estate near Carthagena, by which
not only a considerable expense would be saved, but I should feel more
happy in the company of Clara and herself. My mother and my intended
gladly consented to the proposal, not only for the above reasons, but
because she was aware that the questions which might be asked about me
would tend to the injury of her character.
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