CHAPTER XIII.
D'une secrete horreur je me sens frissoner; Je crains, malgre moi-meme, un malheur que j'ignore.
_Racine._
Senor Gomez Arias Duelete de mi Que soy nina y sola Nunca en tal me vi.
_Calderon._
It was a rich and splendid summer evening. The sun was slowly sinkingbehind the giant mountains of the Alpujarras, whose dark fantasticshadows were gradually lengthening along the plains below. No intrudingsound broke upon the soft stillness of the scene, save when thefeathered tenants of the forest warbled their evening song, or thetolling of a distant convent bell reverberated through the sombrerecesses of the mountains. A soft languor prevailed over the sylvanscenery. The fancifully wreathing clouds, streaked with the red andgold of the lingering sun--the variegated tints of those quietsolitudes--the warm, chequered streams of light that glanced on thebroad-leafed tree, or fitfully quivered over the stragglingstreamlet--the calm repose which reigned over that wide extendinglandscape, all tended to raise the mind to contemplation, and tointerest the heart.
At this tranquil hour, a group, consisting of three persons, were seenslowly ascending a green sloping height, which seemed designed by natureas a first resting place in the severe ascent of the gigantic mountain.The first of the party was a knight of most gallant bearing, and mountedon a shining black steed. Close by his side rode a beautiful damsel,whose long redundant tresses were with difficulty restrained in a filletof silver lace. She wore a long riding habit; a Spanish hat, ornamentedwith a plume of black feathers, was hanging gracefully on one side ofher head. Having thrown aside the thick veil which had protected herfrom the scorching influence of the sun, she discovered a faircountenance, to whose delicate cheek the heat and exercise had lent agentle tinge of the rose. Yet an expression of pensive sadness pervadedthe features of the lovely traveller.
At a short distance behind these two personages, rode a man who appearedby his dress and deportment to be their attendant. He sat with perfectnonchalance on a stout Andalusian horse, but by the looks of suspiciousalertness, which he now and then cast around, it might be inferred thatthis apparent ease was not in strict unison with his inward feelings. Atthe moment of which we speak, he was singing in a _mezzo tuono_ theromance of the Marriage of the Cid--
A Ximena y a Rodrigo Prendio el rey palabraymano De juntarlos para en uno En presencia de Layn Calvo.
"Cease thy confounded noise, Roque," cried angrily the knight, who, asthe reader may suppose, was no other than Gomez Arias. "What in thename of Satan can induce thee to sing, when thou hast neither voice norear? Give over, for thy confounded harmony is anything but pleasing."
"Senor," observed the attendant; "what if I only sing to please myself?"
"Silence, buffoon; or I shall presently raise a discord about thee, bywhich all thy future powers of hearing shall be ruefully endangered."
"Pray, Senor, do not deny me this only comfort; I wish particularly tosing at this moment."
"Thy reasons?"
"Because I always sing when I am afraid; there is nothing so efficaciousas a song to drive away fear."
"In sooth, such singing as thine would drive away the very devil. Butwhy shouldst thou fear?"
"Under favor, Don Lope," replied the valet, "methinks fear ought to bethe most natural sensation at the present moment."
"Darest thou talk of fear, poltroon!" said Gomez Arias.
"By our Lady of the Pillar," ejaculated Roque, "such talk befits bothtime and place. Are we not in hourly danger of encountering a set ofmost fierce murderous-looking _ladrones_?"[25]
"Well, and if that were really the case, we have but to defend ourselvesmanfully. By the soul of the Cid, I would make very light work of a hostof such ruffians."
"Well, my honored master," returned the valet, "but be pleased toconsider that this is not our only danger, for I trow we are now in themountains of Alpujarras, where those accursed and rebellious Moors holddominion. A plague on the infidel dogs! Are they not continually on thewatch to spring upon straggling and unwary Christians, and when they dosurprise them--"
"Peace, fool, peace!" impatiently interrupted Gomez Arias, "This is notthe Alpujarras. Forgettest thou that when we left Guadix two dayssince, we pursued quite a different route?"
"That I know, Don Lope, but I likewise know that during the night,either by chance or on purpose, we lost our way. Besides I am not soignorant of the country as to mistake these places, and I would wager myhead against two _maravedis_[26] that we are actually ascending theAlpujarras."
The young lady, who had till now observed a profound silence, with afaultering voice exclaimed--"Oh, heavens! are we really in thoseterrible mountains, and are we indeed in danger?"
"No, my love," answered Gomez Arias; "the danger is not so great as thisfool would make us believe."
"No, my lady," retorted Roque; "the danger is not so great, for afterall, the worst that can befall us is but to be hung upon a tree, thereto dance to the tune of the whistling midnight wind, and to afford aluscious repast to the ravens, and other carnivorous gentry that holdtenantry in these wild passes."
"Heavens!" cried Theodora alarmed.
"Nay, gentle lady," interposed Roque, "the hanging system will only befollowed up with respect to my valiant master and his humble servant. Asfor yourself, the Moors are men celebrated for their gallantry, andwould place too great a value on your beauty, to subject it to suchrough treatment."
Gomez Arias, greatly exasperated at Roque's insinuations, suddenlyturned, and, riding up to him, interrupted the course of his oratorywith a smart blow.--"Now, rascal," he said, "if thou darest again togive utterance to any of those ridiculous fears, by _Santiago_, theMoors shall not be put to the trouble of hanging thee--So be cautiouswhat thou sayest."
"Say!" humbly muttered the valet, "Blessed Virgin! I have nothing elseto say; your arguments, Don Lope, are unanswerable. But I hope, my goodSenor, I may be allowed to recite my prayers, since singing and rationalconversation are interdicted."
"Pray as much as thou pleasest, sinner, provided thy orisons areinaudible to us."
Gomez Arias now endeavoured to calm the fears of Theodora, who had beengreatly agitated by the imprudent remarks of Roque, which tendedconsiderably to increase the depression under which she laboured.
"My Theodora," he said, "is it possible that I cannot remove thecontinued dejection that preys upon you?"
"Forgive me, Lope," she answered; "the expression of my grief I know ispainful to thee, but a dismal foreboding obtrudes itself upon my mind,which I strive in vain to banish. Alas! it is fraught with a mostfearful, but indefinite anticipation; a woeful presage that freezes myvery soul."
"Hush such foolish chimeras," said Gomez Arias; "it is true that, forgreater security of avoiding observation, I have been obliged to seekstudiously the most unfrequented paths, and travel through these wildand solitary passes; but our journey draws to a conclusion, and all theappalling images of Moorish ruffians will soon be entirely dispelled."
"Alas! the dreaded sight of those infidels is not the only cause of myemotion," sadly replied Theodora.
"What else can occasion it?" demanded Gomez Arias, with anxiety."Surely, my Theodora repents not the hour she intrusted herself to theprotection of Gomez Arias?"
She spoke not for some time;--a flood of tears relieved her burstingbosom: then, as if struggling to collect her forces which were almostoverpowered by sad recollections, she exclaimed--"Oh! never mention thehour of my crime--for crime it was, and a deadly sin, to abandon thebest of parents, in his old age; and yet," she added, sobbing,"conscious as I am of my guilt, were the sin again to be committed, forthy sake, Lope, I should again brave the voice of self-reproach.--GomezArias, wert thou to read the hidden pages of my heart, there thouwouldst find a tale of boundless love and never-ending sorrow, which nowords of mine can describe, but which must embitter the future portionof my existence, unless w
e speedily obtain the forgiveness of my injuredparent."
"Nay, Theodora, this weakness is as unreasonable as it is unjust; norcan I at all imagine why thy future life should be embittered withgrief, united as it is with the very being of Gomez Arias."
"I am sensible," cried Theodora, "both of the tenderness and sincerityof your love, and you know full well with what fervent devotion it isrequited."
"What, then, can urge your mind to form such desponding anticipations?Have you seen aught in my conduct,--have you discerned anything in mywords, that can afford even the shadow of justice to yourapprehensions?"
"No, Gomez Arias," she answered; "your conduct to me has always beenkind; your words breathing the same solicitude for my comfort andhappiness: but you must forgive the weakness and fears of a fond woman'sheart. Forgive me, Lope, if these feelings should sometimes create ideasgalling at once to my peace, and derogatory to thy constancy and love. Ihave laboured hard to subdue them, but, alas! the exertion hasconstantly proved above my strength; I must give them utterance. Oh,Lope," she added; mournfully, "I fear you are not the same. Pardonme,--you are not the same, as when I first surrendered to you all myaffections, fondly imagining you were mine for ever."
"Not the same!" ejaculated Gomez Arias; "have my attentions been lessconstant than from the first rapturous moment when you allowed me tocall you my own?"
A deep long rending sigh burst from the bosom of Theodora, and her wholeframe seemed to suffer from a painful recollection.
"No," she said, smiling sadly through her tears, "you watch withsolicitude over me, and you are lavish of endearments; but, alas! thepure and soul-warm part of your affection I fear is flown."
"By my honor," said Gomez Arias, "I could never have expected theseunkind expressions from you."
"Oh! Lope," cried the affrighted girl; "do not heed me; think not of theremarks to which my foolish fears give rise; I am ashamed of themmyself. I will no more disturb your mind; no, never more shall thevoice of complaint sound in your ears, and call forth the resentment ofyour wounded feelings.--Ah! Gomez Arias, compose yourself, and be notangry with your poor--your helpless Theodora."
As she uttered this affectionate appeal, her beautiful eyes were fixedon Don Lope, with an expression in which all the tender, all the genuinefeelings of her heart seemed to be collected. Gomez Arias was softened;his features relaxed from that sudden asperity which had for a momentusurped the more habitual complacency of his countenance, and heendeavoured to dispel from the mind of Theodora the impression whichsuch unkindness might produce.
They had now arrived at the summit of the little hill. It was a mostdelightful spot. A sward of short pliant grass carpeted a romanticlittle plain, skirted on one side by a portion of a forest, throughwhich the sun cast short and interrupted glances of his partingsplendour. Above the heads of the travellers, rose in dark grandeur themajestic form of the Alpujarras; and beneath them, as far as the eyecould reach, was spread an extensive range of sylvan scenery,intermingled with the habitations of men. Farther, the little quietvillages lay slumbering in the soft blue shadows. The whole of the scenewas wrapped in an indescribable charm, that well accorded with thetranquillity of the hour.
Here they halted, and Gomez Arias turning to Theodora said in anaffectionate tone, "My love, your tender frame has already endured agreater share of fatigue than becomes your strength. Let us then, inthis delightful and sequestered spot, indulge an hour in refreshing andinvigorating repose."
Theodora assented in silence.
"Nay," continued Don Lope, "consult your inclination. I will not pressyou to rest, unless you feel its necessity."
"I have no wish but your own," cheerfully answered Theodora; "you appearinclined to stay in this place--let us tarry then."
Gomez Arias sprung lightly from his steed, and aided his fair companionto dismount. She threw herself into his arms, but as her feet touchedthe ground, she heaved a sigh, and cast a melancholy look around her.
"How you tremble, my love," said Don Lope; "this is the consequence ofthat rascally Roque's foolery. I have a good mind to chastise the fellowfor the fears he has conjured in your breast."
Roque, who had followed at some distance in silent mood, no sooner heardhis name pronounced, than he pricked up his ears like an intelligent dogon the scent for game, and when he heard his master's kind intentionstowards him, he ventured to observe--
"Senor, I would not trespass on your generosity; pray reserve yourintended favor for a future occasion, when I shall have more speciallydeserved it."
"Sirrah! be silent; come down, and tie the horses to yonder trees."
The valet obeyed briskly; while Gomez Arias conducted his fair companionto the entrance of the wood; where, arranging a couch under thespreading arms of a huge oak, he invited her to lie down and rest. Shewas about to accede to his invitation, when they were startled by ashrill and discordant sound accompanied with a heavy flapping of wings,and presently a flight of dull ill-omened ravens issued from theirsolitary abodes, and hovered about, as if to dispute the possession oftheir ancient homes with the intruders.
A fitful and involuntary shudder ran cold over the affrighted girl, aswith a wild and appalled look she gazed on the recluse birds, whichtheir arrival had disturbed; she clung eagerly to Gomez Arias, as theyboth sat down on the spot above-mentioned.
"What ails you, Theodora?" demanded Don Lope. "Is it possible that a fewravens can inspire with childish terrors a mind like yours?"
Theodora acknowledged her foolish weakness, but she was far from feelingtranquil and consoled. Indeed when she perceived Roque, with visiblealarm, cross himself fervently three times, it added to the excitementof her feverish imagination.
Owls, ravens and bats, have always had an indisputable privilege toexcite superstitious fears. Whence they derive this particular claim, itwould be difficult to determine, but they are generally considered theharbingers of some dismal event, which is more properly, after all, theresult of an over-heated fancy.
Theodora, who since she left the paternal roof had been a prey to thatfixed sorrow which the intoxicating transports of love had not been ableto subdue, now contemplated, in the gloomy croaking of the ravens, thesad presage of some dire misfortune. She reclined silently with downcasteyes, while Roque was busy in fastening the horses.
"Gently, gently, Babieca," said the valet, caressing the spirited steedof his master; then he muttered to himself--"for we have nothing to fearif we escape safe and sound from this place--So help me God if I didnot count thirteen ravens, as ill-omened in every respect of size, colorand voice, as a Christian might wish to behold--Well, our _Lady de lasAngustias_ send us her grace and protection!"
"What art thou muttering there?" asked Gomez Arias. "Thou gracelessvarlet, hast thou a wish that I should fulfil the promise I made thee ashort time since?"
"Senor?" inquired Roque, pretending not to hear.
"No dissembling, thou dog!--What art thou mumbling to thyself?"
"Save you, kind master; sure enough I am only praying, and in so doing Iinfringe not your commands, since I have your permission to pray to mysoul's content, provided it is in a tacit capuchin-like manner."
The ravens having practised their cumbrous evolutions, now sought theirrest amidst the deeper gloom of the forest, and all again was hushed, tothe great relief of Roque, who forthwith began to devour alone theprovisions which, like a careful and sagacious forager, he had providedagainst the necessities of the journey.
Theodora had laid aside her hat and veil, to enjoy the luxury of reposewith greater convenience, whilst her lover placing himself near her, andwatching her every movement, diffused by his tender anxiety a transientjoy over her features. She soon insensibly sunk into that sweet state oflanguor which precedes sleep--her beautiful eyes by fits now entirelyclosing, now gently opening, indicated the gradual absorption of hersenses, till at last she fell into a profound slumber. Gomez Arias, whoas we have observed stood watching her, like the tender mother over herbeloved daught
er, now knelt close by her side, and softly pronounced hername--she answered not--he took her yielding hand, gazed over heranxiously, till he was perfectly assured that a profound sleep hadcompletely overpowered her faculties.
"Senor," quoth Roque, "methinks it would be a pity to disturb theslumbers of the poor lady after the journey she has undergone."
"I do not mean to interrupt her rest," said Gomez Arias, in a low voice,"so we must even retire."
Then he rose up with cautious silence, and drawing near his valet, headded--
"Rise, rise quickly, and make no noise."
Roque obeyed, and both having retreated to some distance--"Senor,"observed the valet, who cared not again to disturb the ominous ravens,for which he felt an instinctive horror--"Senor, no necessity forretiring further."
"Yes there is an imperious one," replied Gomez Arias, "I can no longerremain here."
"What say you, my honored master!" demanded Roque, alarmed; "surely youare not afraid of the Moors? By my conscience, we should come to apretty pass if such were really the case."
"Peace, thou wretch!" said Don Lope; "speak not a word, but immediatelyuntie my horse, and as you expect to live, mind you make not noiseenough to disturb even the leaf of the tree."
"Senor, I do not understand," quoth the bewildered Roque.
"I must begone," impatiently replied his master.
"Gone, Sir! Why I understood you had determined not to break our younglady's repose."
"Nor is that my intention. She must remain here with thee, till I am outof sight."
"_Cuerpo de Christo!_ What ails you my dear Senor; what ails you, in thename of _San Jose bendito_?" exclaimed the astounded Roque, who reallyimagined his master was beside himself.
"Listen, Roque," said Gomez Arias, "and mind thou religiously observestmy instructions. Unavoidable circumstances require that I and Theodorashould part; I have been seeking an opportunity of so doing, andassuredly I shall not find a better than the present. It is necessary Ishould return to Granada immediately, and it would be highly imprudentto hazard the chance of being seen with Theodora, for reasons of whichthou must be well aware. A separation, therefore, becomes at thismoment indispensable. When I am gone, thou shalt awaken yon sleepingbeauty, and accompany her thyself to the said city, where I shallprecede you in order to make arrangements for her reception. There is anunnery, of which my cousin Ursula is the Lady Abbess, where she shallfor the present find an asylum. Thou hast only to inform Theodora, thatI thought it most advisable to ride in advance to prepare our retreat.Upon thy arrival at the _Torre del Aceytuno_ a man will join thee, towhom thou must look for further instruction, and whose direction thouart to follow with confidence. Thy reward shall be proportioned to themagnitude of the service; so now get me my horse, and let me begone ereshe awake."
Roque remained thunderstruck as his master revealed to him his cruelintentions; the poor fellow drew his hand across his eyes, as if toascertain whether or no he was under the delusion of a dream; but as hismaster in a more imperative voice repeated his injunctions, the realityof his barbarous purpose burst upon his mind.
"No, no, Don Lope," he said in a supplicating tone, "such surely cannotbe your intentions; abandon the poor girl! no, you only wish to triflewith my credulity."
"I must begone," resolutely retorted Gomez Arias.
"Why, Sir, assuredly you loved her?"
"I loved her once, but that is passed."
"_Holy Virgin del tremedal!_ What say you, Senor? What has the poor ladydone? How has she offended you, unless it be in loving you too well?"
"Aye, Roque, thou art a shrewd fellow; she has indeed loved me toowell."
"But consider, my honored master, she is more like an angel than awoman; never before did I see a being so kind, so tender and devoted."
"Roque, Roque, be not sententious; I have no time to listen to thysentimental cant; the qualities which thou praisest in Theodora areprecisely those that withdraw me from her.--Haste thee, I say--What isthe fool staring at?"
"But, Senor Don Lope Gomez Arias," solemnly said Roque, "consider thatcommon humanity----"
"Humanity!" interrupted his master, "how am I deficient in humanity,when I place her in the only situation that becomes her, since amarriage between us is utterly impossible. But enough; a truce with yourremarks; prepare to obey my orders, and take care thou art strict intheir observance as thou valuest my regard, or tremblest at the effectsof my wrath and indignation. However, to remove thy ridiculous andill-timed scruples, I must recall to thy mind that I cannot pursueanother course, for thou art aware that I am betrothed to Leonor; I mustnot violate the sanctity of my promise, and thereby lose the favor ofthe Queen, and incur the resentment of the justly offended Don Alonso deAguilar."
This last observation somewhat reconciled Roque to the necessity of themeasure, the more so as he hoped that, when at Granada, another planmight be devised for Theodora, besides that of conventual reclusion; andfinally, as he knew that all further expostulation would be thrown awayupon his master, he prudently contented himself with shrugging up hisshoulders, and holding the stirrup for Don Lope to mount.
Gomez Arias briskly leaped upon his horse, and was about to depart, whencasting a last look on the victim he was deserting, the better feelingsof his heart seemed for a moment to struggle for predominance.
There is something peculiarly interesting in the sleep of a young andbeautiful woman; the features unruffled by anxiety or care, appear moresoft and attractive. The mind of the gazer scans with nicer accuracy hercharms, and dwells with fonder attention on each beauty of the lovelysleeper. Besides the consciousness of so gentle, so helpless and soheavenly a form, sleeping in innocent security, confiding in theprotection of man, and that very helplessness of her nature, awakens asentiment of sympathy and tenderness, as undefinable as it is thrillingand transporting. And such was the sleep of Theodora: she was young andreplete with charms, and, alas! but too helpless and in need ofprotection. Her beauteous form was displayed to the greatest advantage;the sportive breeze now playing amidst her luxuriant hair, whichoccasionally concealed a countenance beaming in loveliness, and hushedin soft repose, imparted a degree of fairy grace and delicate freshnessto her charms. One of her arms was carelessly thrown over her, and withthe other she supported her head, while, unconscious of the fate withwhich she was threatened, she slept on in security. And now a tinge ofanimation illumined her countenance, or a fascinating smile played uponher lips, as she dreamed perhaps, like the fond deserted Ariadne, thather godlike lover was still watching over the slumbers of his beloved.
Gomez Arias still gazed on her--he heard his name in smothered accentsescape her tender bosom, but it awakened in him no feeling of delight,for his heart had now resumed its cold calculations of worldly pursuits;perhaps the predominant sentiment of his mind at this moment, was thenecessity of immediate departure, lest the imagination of theunconscious victim should master the deluded senses, and call them backto life, before he had time to remove from the spot.
"Lope! my love!" murmured Theodora, and a gentle thrill seemed toagitate her, as she extended her arm, as though she would assure himthat whether sleeping or awake, Gomez Arias was the object thatpredominated over all her thoughts and affections. Yet Gomez Arias stoodcalmly for a moment by the victim he was deserting, and bidding her along farewell, rode slowly and silently on his way.