This gift is a memento of our friendship, and a
keepsake from one who cherished him for his true nobility of soul!"
Could he be dreaming? was he in his senses? Her entire estates of
Moranza, in Seville-a princely fortune given to him thus? He could
not believe his senses, and moved about his room with the open
letter in his hand, not knowing what he did. It was long before he
could calm his excitement. What cared he for fortune, except so far
as it brought him near to her he loved. It was this that so sensibly
affected him; the bright sun of hope once more burst through the
clouds.
"Her father says that the suitor of Isabella Gonzales must bring as
large a fortune to her as she herself possesses. As large? here I am
endowed with the possession of an entire Spanish district-almost a
small principality. Fortune? it would outnumber him in doubloons a
thousand times over. I happen to know that district-rich in castles,
convents, churches, cattle, retainers. Ah, Countess Moranza, but it
sadly reminds me of thy fate. Thou didst love me, ay, truly-and I so
blind that I knew it not. But regrets are useless; thy memory shall
ever be most tenderly cherished by him whom thou hast so signally
befriended, so opportunely endowed.
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