Emilia was silent, and had sat down by her sister, who became constantly more and more excited in her discourse, and let certain private matters slip out, which it was not exactly proper for me to know.  Emilia, on the other hand, who was trying to pacify her sister, made me a sign from behind that I should withdraw; but, as jealousy and suspicion see with a thousand eyes, Lucinda seemed to have noticed this also.  She sprang up and advanced to me, but not with vehemence.  She stood before me, and seemed to be thinking of something.  Then she said, “I know that I have lost you:  I make no further pretensions to you.  But neither shall you have him, sister!” So saying, she took a thorough hold of my head, thrusting both her hands into my locks and pressing my face to hers, and kissed me repeatedly on the mouth.  “Now,” cried she, “fear my curse!  Woe upon woe, for ever and ever, to her who kisses these lips for the first time after me!  Dare to have any thing more to do with him!  I know Heaven hears me this time.  And you, sir, hasten now, hasten away as fast as you can!”

I flew down the stairs, with the firm determination never again to enter the house.