These last Words were spoken with so much Passion and feeling Concern,that Leonora,moved with Excess of Grief,fainted at his Feet,just as she had caught hold to Embrace his Knees.The Old Man would have shook her off,but Compassion and Fatherly Affection came upon him in the midst of his Resolve,and melted him into Tears,he Embraced his Daughter in his Arms,and wept over her,while they endeavoured to restore her Senses.
Hippolito was in such Concern he could not speak,but was busily employed in rubbing and chafing her Temples;when she opening her Eyes laid hold of his Arm,and cry'd out--Oh my Aurelian--how unhappy have you made me!With that she had again like to have fainted away,but he took her in his Arms,and begg'd Don Mario to have some pity on his Daughter,since by his Severity she was reduced to that Condition.The Old Man hearing his Daughter name Aurelian,was a little revived,and began to hope Things were in a pretty good Condition;he was perswaded to comfort her,and having brought her wholly to her self,was content to hear her Excuse,and in a little time was so far wrought upon as to beg Hippolito's Pardon for the Ill Opinion he had conceived of him,and not long after gave his Consent.
The Night was spent in this Conflict,and it was now clear Day,when Don Mario Conducting his new Son and Daughter through the Garden,was met by some Servants of the Marquess of Viterbo,who had been enquiring for Donna Leonora,to know if Juliana had lately been with her;for that she was missing from her Father's House,and no conjectures could be made of what might become of her.Don Mario and Leonora were surprized at the News,for he knew well enough of the Match that was design'd for Juliana;and having enquired where the Marquess was,it was told him,That he was gone with Don Fabio and Fabritio toward Aurelian's Lodgings.Don Mario having assured the Servants that Juliana had not been there,dismissed them,and advised with his Son and Daughter how they should undeceive the Marquess and Don Fabio in their Expectations of Aurelian.Hippolito could oftentimes scarce forbear smiling at the old Man's Contrivances who was most deceived himself;he at length advised them to go all down together to his Lodging,where he would present himself before his Father,and ingenuously confess to him the truth,and he did not question his approving of his Choice.
This was agreed to,and the Coach made ready.While they were upon their way,Hippolito pray'd heartily that his Friend Aurelian might be at the Lodging,to satisfie Don Mario and Leonora of his Circumstances and Quality,when he should be obliged to discover himself.His Petitions were granted;for Don Fabio had beset the House long before his Son was up or Incognita awake.
