to have a sure and stable foundation. In the same way I, wishing to
continue for ever in your service, must not only take care to have the
means of remaining near to you, but also to prevent any one from knowing
of the great affection that I bear you. Although it is honourable enough
to be everywhere proclaimed, yet those who know nothing of lovers'
hearts often judge contrary to the truth, and thence come reports as
mischievous as though they were true. I have been prompted to say this,
and led to declare my love to you, because Paulina, feeling in her heart
that I cannot love her, holds me in suspicion and does nought but watch
my face wherever I may be. Hence, when you come and speak to me so
familiarly in her presence, I am in great fear lest I should make some
sign on which she may ground her judgment, and should so fall into that
which I am anxious to avoid. For this reason I am lead to entreat you
not to come and speak to me so suddenly before her or before others whom
you know to be equally malicious, for I would rather die than have any
living creature know the truth. Were I not so regardful of your honour,
I should not have sought this converse with you, for I hold myself
sufficiently happy in the love and trust you bear me, and I ask nothing
more save that they may continue."

Florida, who could not have been better pleased, began to be sensible
of an unwonted feeling in her heart. She saw how honourable were the
reasons which he laid before her; and she told him that virtue and
honour replied for her, and that she granted him his request. Amadour's
joy at this no true lover can doubt.

Florida, however, gave more heed to his counsel than he desired, for she
became timid not only in presence of Paulina but elsewhere, and ceased
to seek him out as she had been accustomed to do. While they were thus
separated she took Amadour's constant converse with Paulina in bad part,