Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 2).djvu/160

 visits. By complying with my request, you will increase the esteem which I already feel for you, and of which every thing convinces me that you are truly deserving."

"Your frankness charms me," replied Lorenzo: "You shall find, that in your favourable opinion of me you were not deceived; yet I hope that the reasons now in my power to allege, will persuade you to withdraw a request which I cannot obey without infinite reluctance. I love your daughter, love her most sincerely; I wish for no greater happiness than to inspire her with the same sentiments, and receive her hand at the altar as her husband. 'Tis true I am not rich myself, my father's death has left me but little in my own possession; but my expectations justify my pretending to the Condé de las Cisternas' daughter."

He was proceeding, but Elvira interrupted him

"Ah! Don Lorenzo, you forget in that pompous title the meanness of my origin.