good man as he is, must still submit to the severe control of
politics and etiquette.

Rosabella.--I know all that, Camilla, but can I not make you
comprehend that I am not in love with Flodoardo, and do not mean to
be in love with him, and that love has nothing at all to do in the
business? I repeat to you, what I feel for him is nothing but
sincere and fervent friendship; and surely Flodoardo deserves that I
should feel that sentiment for him. Deserves it, said I? Oh, what
does Flodoardo NOT deserve?

Camilla.--Ay, ay, friendship, indeed, and love. Oh, Rosabella, you
know not how often these deceivers borrow each other's mask to
ensnare the hearts of unsuspecting maidens. You know not how often
love finds admission, when wrapped in friendship's cloak, into that
bosom, which, had he approached under his own appearance, would have
been closed against him for ever. In short, my child, reflect how
much you owe to your uncle; reflect how much uneasiness this
inclination would cost him; and sacrifice to duty what at present is
a mere caprice, but which, if encouraged, might make too deep an
impression on your heart to be afterwards removed by your best
efforts.

Rosabella.--You say right, Camilla. I really believe myself that my
prepossession in Flodoardo's favour is merely an accidental fancy,
of which I shall easily get the better. No, no; I am not in love
with Flodoardo--of that you may rest assured. I even think that I
rather feel an antipathy towards him, since you have shown me the
possibility of his making me prove a cause of uneasiness to my kind,
my excellent uncle.