Clorinia at first was satisfied with looking at the Cavalier without being seen; but soon she felt a wish that he should see her also, without knowing why she wished it, and answering by little and little to his amorous looks, she at last conceived a passion in the same way in which she had inspired it,--I mean by appearing at her lattice. Dorido soon guessed that he had made on her all the impression he desired, and since he was denied more, indulged himself in the transports of believing himself beloved. Nevertheless, he sought to reap a more solid satisfaction from his conquest. He contrived to form an acquaintance with Valerio, and succeeded so well as to attach him in such a degree, that they were inseparable. Valerio could no longer live without his friend Dorido; they were always together, sometimes at one house, sometimes at another. This gave Dorido an opportunity of sometimes seeing his charmer, and even speaking to her, but never alone. The eyes of the lovers alone communicated to each other the secrets of their hearts. This state of affairs, however, did not last for ever. Clorinia made her maid Scintila the confidante of her passion; this old woman, who had wit, and wished to serve her mistress, called upon Dorido, and having met with him: “noble Cavalier,” said she, “you need not attempt to disguise the truth from me, I know the state of your heart. You love Clorinia, and I am much mistaken if your love is not returned. You are both dying with impatience for an interview, and I cannot see your situation without pity; I shall never rest till I have procured you the satisfaction you both so ardently desire.” The lover, transported with joy at these words, thanked the Duenna for her good will, assuring her that she should not find him ungrateful if she succeeded. Then making use of so excellent an opportunity, he wrote a very passionate billet, which he conjured her to convey to the amiable sister of Valerio. Scintila returned immediately to her mistress, to acquaint her with the step she had taken, and presented her with Dorido’s letter. Clorinia blamed her for taking charge of it--but soon forgave her: and nothing was now thought of but how to manage the interview with the lovers. The lady raised so many difficulties, that she would have relinquished it altogether, if the old woman, who was more ingenious, had not hit upon a plan they both approved of. Scintila’s bedchamber was on the ground floor; and adjoining to her room there was another, which was filled with old and useless furniture: this room was lighted only by a small window defended by two strong bars of iron, through which there was only room sufficient for a hand to pass. This window, which was about five or six feet from the ground, looked into a lane or blind alley quite uninhabited; and the place appeared exactly suited to lovers, who were satisfied to limit their happiness to conversation only. The old woman, as soon as she saw her young mistress disposed to speak with Dorido through this little window, hastened to inform the Cavalier, who on the ensuing night at eleven o’clock placed himself at a convenient spot. He approached the bars, where he found Scintila expecting him; who requested him to wait patiently until the servants were gone to bed. He did not languish long in suspense: the wished for moment soon arrived. Clorinia came trembling to the window, at which her lover presented himself in speechless agitation. As they both now loved for the first time, they were agitated at the sight of each other, and the excess of their feelings at first prevented them from speaking; but love has more than one language. The lady passed one of her beautiful hands between the bars of the window, and the lover clasping it with ardor, covered it with a thousand kisses. At last, by degrees, they broke silence, and indulged in passionate protestations of eternal love. Their souls were so entirely occupied by the pleasure of seeing each other, that they would have suffered daylight to find them together, if the old woman had not interrupted their conversation to warn them that it was time to separate. Before he would retire, Dorido entreated his mistress to allow him to return the next night at the same hour to the window, and the lady could not resolve to refuse him this favour. At last they separated, equally delighted with the conversation they had just had with each other, and filled with impatience for another interview. Dorido especially was too much agitated to be able to take any rest, or, to speak more correctly, he was miserable until the time of his return to the window.