CHAPTER X.
Oh! what a jewel is a woman excellent!
_Beaumont._
Mais qu'aisement l'amour croit tout ce qu'il souhaite!
_Racine._
I humbly offer my advice (but still Under correction), I hope I shall not Incur your high displeasure.
_Massinger._
Oh, Woman! lovely devoted Woman! Of what mysterious particles couldnature have formed so strange a being--made up, as it were, ofcontradictions, and yet deriving from that very inconsistency itsprincipal attraction. Uncertain and wavering, but amiable in that veryweakness. When impelled by affection or smarting under highly excitedfeelings of injury, thou art capable of the most noble enthusiasm, orthe darkest exhibitions of passion. Man, proudly arrogating to himselfa despotic sway over the higher walks of intellect, and the wild andluxuriant fields of imagination, has left thee undisputed sovereign ofthe empire of the heart! He is often happy to avail himself of that moredelicate discrimination, an instinctive feeling with which nature hasgifted thee, though jealous of permitting thee to share in his power.Woman! thou wert born to grace and smooth the rugged path of life; theadvancement of one endearing sentiment is the prized object of thyexistence, and its successful termination thy reward. Debarred by natureand education from the glittering pursuits of ambition; incapable by thedelicacy of thy frame, and the softness of thy nature, of following therude pastimes, and participating in the laborious and dangerousavocations of man, thy whole being is wrapt in the charm of that onefeeling--love! A feeling the most congenial to thy nature--blissful inthe possession, and often but too fatal in its effects. Man seeks theeas a friend, to treat thee like an enemy. Thou lovest--he triumphs! andthen he spurns thee because thou hast been kind. Base and degradingcontradiction of human nature!--that because man is endowed with greaterpowers of attack, than woman has strength to resist, in the unequalstrife, odium and shame should attach to the victim, whilst the betrayeracquires a false lustre from his unmanly triumph!
But Woman! such is the angelic essence of thy being, that while capableof feeling with poignancy the shafts of ingratitude and neglect, thouart still ready to pardon, and ever disposed to forget, when repentancemakes an appeal to thy compassionate and gentle heart.
Such a woman was Theodora!--After having borne the extremity of sorrows,which seemed to surpass the strength of human forbearance, instigated bymadness and despair, she had grasped the dagger in that soft hand littleadequate for a deed so dark; like the midnight assassin, she hadentered the chamber of her wronger, bent upon the commission of crime.But the sight of _him_ who was once so dear disarms her--she cannotaccomplish the deed of guilt, and the sudden repentance of her betrayer,like a potent charm, soon dispels the evil passions to which she was aprey. Only a few words of comfort had Gomez Arias spoken before thevoice of sorrow was hushed in her heart. Nay, the man who had woundedher so deeply, was endeared by his very cruelty; for, alas! Theodorafelt she loved him _now_ more tenderly than ever.
She had forgotten the former treachery of her lover, and, incapable ofanticipating the possibility of a renewal, she retired to her chamber torevel in her happiness, and await the coming of the day in anxiousexpectation.
In the meantime, Gomez Arias was pacing his apartment in the utmostimpatience and agitation. Scarcely had Theodora withdrawn and the firstimpulse of pity subsided, than the sense of the danger to which hisambitious projects were exposed, rushed upon his imagination, andsilenced every other consideration, save that of their accomplishment.Morning came, and still found Don Lope measuring his chamber with anirregularity of step that well bespoke the disorder of his feelings.Sometimes he paused and pondered upon an idea which seemed to offer himsecurity, and then he rejected it as unavailable. Then he muttered halfbroken sentences, and then again suddenly composed himself into asaturnine tranquillity. After this he raved like a madman, and bitterlycursed the unfortunate Theodora as an insurmountable impediment to hisviews; forgetting that it was by the guilty indulgence of his ownunworthy passions that he was now entangled in the intricateperplexities which surrounded him. The ill-fated victim of his guilt,fortunately for her short-lived happiness, heard not the ungenerousreproach. Alas! she was fondly indulging in the supposed kindness of herlover, and longing to clasp him in her arms; whilst the object of herendearment was at the same moment ungenerously contriving how todisengage himself from that embrace.
His present deceit was the natural consequence of the system he hadadopted. To relinquish the brilliant prospects which presentedthemselves to his ambition, merely to listen to the voice of justice,and give redress to the injured, was too great an effort, encompassed ashe was with the thousand conflicting passions that silenced the murmursof neglected duty. His aversion to Theodora now acquired additionalstrength from the dilemma in which he was involved. He had never for amoment contemplated breaking his engagements with Leonor; he wasunwilling even to calculate upon a possibility of such an event, for hishonor and pride were both too deeply interested; yet it was of the mosturgent necessity to delay the ceremony, and how to conciliate thesematters was the source of his present uneasiness. What pretext could heassign plausible enough to justify so extraordinary a resolution?
A thousand plans suggested themselves, all of which he discarded asunavailable: he was apprehensive that night would surprise him beforeany arrangements could be entered into with regard to Theodora; and toattempt any coercive means of conveying her from the palace of DonAlonso would be madness. At all events he must avoid any interview withTheodora whilst his conduct might be subjected to observation; for atsuch a time the attention of all the household would naturally bedirected towards him.
In this perplexity he was surprised by his faithful valet, who came inthe morning, according to custom, to receive his orders. Roque entered,and was not a little surprised to observe his master's abstraction.
"Good morrow to you, Senor," said he, making an humble bow, andadvancing towards the musing cavalier; but Don Lope made no answerwhatever, nor did he take the slightest notice of his salutation.
"There!" continued Roque. "_Dios me bendiga!_[36] my precious master isin a most thoughtful mood. I had always the power of rousing him fromhis meditations, but now they appear too powerful for my humbleabilities." "Don Lope," he proceeded in a louder key, "good morning toyour honor," and he accompanied this Christian-like wish with as manynoisy demonstrations as were compatible with good order.
"Oh!" cried Don Lope, suddenly starting, "is it you, Roque?"
"The same, Sir, at your service," replied the obsequious valet.
"Curse thee!" returned his master, "why makest thou that noise?"
"Thank you, dear master, that is a most amiable morning salutation; itaugurs well too on a wedding-day."
"Pshaw! my wedding-day!" cried Gomez Arias, impatiently; and he againrelapsed into his train of reflection.
"Eh?" ejaculated Roque; "I wonder what is in the wind now; all is notright, I perceive. Senor Don Lope, may I so far intrude on your mostimportant meditations, as to demand what has sent your wits awool-gathering so early in the morning: surely your dreams have not beenunpleasant--for my part I cannot bear terrible dreams; they are ominous,particularly on the eve of a wedding----"
"Hold thy foolish chatter," interrupted Gomez Arias; "it is not a dreamthat troubles me, but a reality, a most mortifying reality. Roque," hethen added in a more familiar tone, "I am involved in a labyrinth fromwhich it will be no easy matter to extricate myself."
"I am very sorry, good Senor; for my part, I can very well conceive thata prudent man has cogent reasons to ponder and reflect more than aphilosopher, when he is on the point of being entangled in the labyrinthof matrimony. Yes, Sir, I allow it is a most dangerous experiment: it isa voyage menaced with all sorts of foul weather, and surrounded withshoals, quicksands, and rocks, so that----"
"Roque, a truce with your cursed metaphors," cried Don Lope, "or I'llbl
ow such a storm about thine ears, as to surpass all description."
"Sir," replied the valet, "if you dislike storms, I have not thesmallest affection for them, so I'll even hold my tongue."
"Roque," said Gomez Arias after a moment's silence, "I am threatenedwith the loss of the rich treasure which I have so long and so arduouslytoiled to obtain."
"Treasure, Senor!" cried the wondering valet. "_Cuerpo de Cristo!_Treasure! Be pleased to explain: I was not aware that you expected arich treasure; from what quarter is it to come? My dear, dear master, Isuppose you will then pay me all my vails."
"Here's an infamous sinner!" exclaimed Gomez Arias; "an unconscionabledog, to be talking of money and filthy wages when his master islabouring under the most perplexing dilemma in which ever mortal man wasplaced. Roque, I do not see what prevents me from shaking thy rascallyform to atoms."
Don Lope, in his anger, made a step in advance, while Roque prudentlymade one in retrograde.
"Don Lope," cried the retreating valet, "as I hope for salvation, it isnot my wish to offend: you appear in a terrible passion, and there iscertainly some mystery at the bottom: something preys upon your mind,and if you would make me acquainted with it, perhaps I might devise aremedy for the evil."
"You cannot, Roque," returned his master, somewhat composed; "you cannotcontrive to defer this wedding!"
"_Virgin del tremedal_," ejaculated Roque, crossing himself, "and is itcome to this at last? So you have discovered some imperfection in thebeauteous bride; some failing of which you were ignorant; better beforethe ceremony than after. But it would be a marvellous pity to spoil thefeast, after the splendid preparations made to celebrate it with thestate and decorum to which it is entitled. Lord bless us! a curiousbusiness we should make of it. But never mind; perhaps it is for thebest after all."
"Now, Roque, hast thou finished? Who in the name of _Satanas_[37] canhear with patience thy everlasting foolery! I do not intend to postponethe celebration of the wedding from inclination, but because I am socompelled by unavoidable circumstances."
"What say you, dear master? surely nothing has happened."
"Yes, something, and most extraordinary; thou wilt be astonished at whatI have to relate, Roque."
"Proceed, Senor; hold me not in suspense, and I can verily assure you,that nothing is wonderful to me."
"I have seen," continued Gomez Arias, in a solemn tone,--"I have seenTheodora!"
"Theodora!" echoed Roque, affecting surprise. "Seen Theodora! in yourdreams, perchance, my good master."
"I have seen her," returned Don Lope, "as plainly as I now see thee.Nay, I have spoken with her."
"Where, Senor Don Lope?"
"Here, in this very apartment."
"You astonish me," proceeded Roque, "and yet I cannot say it is so verystrange, neither; for I, myself, saw her--that is, I dreamt I sawher--and dreams, you know, my honored master, are often the precursorsof realities."
"Enough," cried Gomez Arias; "we must now think on the means of avertingthe danger."
"The danger!" quoth Roque; "in the name of _San Pablo_, what danger doyou apprehend?"
"Oh, Roque! I am threatened with the worst of evils."
"_Virgen Santa!_ what say you, Senor?"
"Theodora expects me to relinquish the intended wedding, and departhence with her, or she will expose me at the very altar."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Roque! "what, is not the gentle lady already tiredof rambling? Good God! I should have imagined she had had too manymountain adventures to be longing to take another trip with you."
"Roque," said Gomez Arias, "we must remove this girl out of our way."
"Our way!" quoth the man of confidence--"our way, my good Senor? she isnot in my way, by any means."
"No, buffoonery, Sirrah! you have chosen ill your time for jesting. Nowlisten, varlet. This Theodora must be disposed of; the urgency of thismeasure is obvious."
"Very obvious," responded Roque.
"The sooner the better," continued Don Lope, musing.
"Exactly," rejoined the valet.
"And how this is to be accomplished," muttered Gomez Arias, "withoutexciting suspicion among the household, I cannot conceive."
"Nor I," returned Roque.
"It is really the most distressing circumstance," continued his master.
"Uncommonly distressing," echoed the confidant.
"Of course," proceeded Don Lope, "I must employ stratagem; the weddingmust be delayed; I will boldly accost Don Alonso. I shall merely demandone day, and in that short interval, every thing must be arranged, someway or other."
Don Lope uttered this last observation with the most imperturbable _sangfroid_, and the conscientious Roque, wisely reflecting that under thehead of disposing of cumbersome damsels, there were some ways notaltogether in accordance with the dictates of conscience, ventured toobserve----
"Pardon me, Don Lope, but I hope that in the premeditated disposal ofthis troublesome commodity, you do not mean to use any violence; for theLord knows that the poor lady is already but too deserving ofcompassion."
"Thou art an impertinent, officious fool, Roque."
"That may be," coolly retorted the valet. "But be pleased to observe,that from the very commencement of this adventure--from the very firstmoment that you poured your sweet poison into the ear of this innocentyoung creature, I strenuously set my face against such proceeding;something whispered to me, that it would ultimately be productive of themost disastrous results; time will show that forebodings are sometimesto be credited. So be pleased to recollect, Senor, how often Iremonstrated with you about this melancholy business."
"I do, Roque; and I suppose you likewise recollect what you gained byyour eloquent remonstrances?"
"Oh, Sir," replied Roque, "favors they were, so deeply engraven, that itwould be difficult to efface them from my remembrance."
"Well," continued Gomez Arias, "know, Roque, that I am at this time justin a humor to treat you with a renewal of such like favors, if you donot immediately put a stop to your droning and most impertinentreminiscences. I do not ask your condolence and regret for what is past,for that now cannot be remedied. I want thy shrewdness and invention toaid me in the present emergency. Violence I will not employ, so let yourscruples be at rest. I must now see Don Alonso, and prepare the way forulterior plans. Roque, I recommend thee to preserve a strict silence onthe matter, if thou art not entirely disgusted with life. Nowbegone,--and meet me two hours hence at the _Plaza Nueva_."
Roque made a low bow of assent and withdrew; whilst Gomez Arias,assuming as much resolution as the importance of the occasion demanded,left his apartment to meet Don Alonso de Aguilar. Scarcely had hequitted his chamber than he beheld, with no little emotion, the bustleand activity which prevailed over the whole palace, on account of theexpected festivities of the day. Here were maids, in fine attire,tripping gaily along, simpering and smiling, and all good nature andamiability. There ran servants in gorgeous dresses parading about intheir respective departments, and assuming importance in proportion tothe degree of responsibility which they were to take at the festival;and handsome pages were seen carrying bridal favors in large andbeautiful silver salvers. Then came a crowd of friends, eagerly makingtheir way to Gomez Arias, and offering their congratulation to the happybridegroom; while the bridegroom, so congratulated, bore on hiscountenance an expression of any thing but happiness. Nor were thesetokens of kindness confined alone to friends; for the fame of thewedding had attracted a proportionate number of hungry bards andminstrels who came at an early hour to greet the bridegroom with theirsongs and rhapsodies, whilst Don Lope, as it may well be supposed,responded to their love ditties and congratulations with most heartycurses.
He traversed the long galleries and spacious halls of the palace,already besieged with numerous visitors--some attracted by the splendorof the festival, and others by the odour of savoury and delicious thingsthat would grace the convivial board--indeed, from the number ofintelligent artists employed in the prepa
rations, the _connoisseurs_ inculinary science augured favorably of this department of the feast. DonLope with difficulty escaped the compliments and embraces of his_soi-disant_ dear and respected friends, and making his way through thismighty army of parasites, called to one of the servants, and causedhimself to be announced to Don Alonso de Aguilar.
He found the warrior already attired for the ceremony, and girding on amost magnificent sword, which he only used on solemn occasions. Afterthe first salutations had passed, Gomez Arias remained for a few secondspondering within himself the best means of breaking to Aguilar thedisagreeable communication with which he came prepared. A consciousnessof the imposture he was meditating, rendered his situation in thehighest degree embarrassing, and his habitual self-command seemed almostto have abandoned him at this critical moment. The old warrior perceivedthe constraint of his manner, and was struck with the singularity of aconduct so much at variance with the usual courtly ease and style ofGomez Arias.
He waited therefore for some time in expectation that Don Lope hadsomething to communicate; but as the young cavalier appeared in no hasteto signify his wishes--
"Don Lope," at length, said Aguilar, "you are really too thoughtful fora man on his wedding-day."
A pause ensued; and the affair becoming more perplexing every minute,Gomez Arias found the urgency of adopting a decisive step. He summoned,therefore, all his adroitness, and with much deference and respect hesaid to the father of Leonor,--
"Don Alonso, an unexpected event has just been imparted to me,--and thedistress which my feelings have sustained, has no doubt excited yoursurprise,--but before the ceremony proceeds, however great myreluctance, it is imperatively required that I should communicate withyou, and solicit your advice in this difficulty."
"Proceed, Senor," said Don Alonso; "though allow me to observe, that anycommunication of importance ought to have been made before this day."
"Don Alonso," resumed Gomez Arias, with firmness, "there arecircumstances in life which are not controllable by the will of man.Strange as the request which I am about to make may appear, it isabsolutely necessary. Sir, with all the respect which you are entitledto command, but with all the firmness which duty requires of me, I mustthrow myself on your indulgence, and pray you to defer the wedding untilto-morrow."
"What!" exclaimed Aguilar, struck with surprise at so extraordinary ademand; "defer the wedding! Don Lope, what means this?--Surely you donot intend to affront my house!"
"The honor of your house, Don Alonso de Aguilar," answered Gomez Arias,with composure, "is now intimately connected with my own; and it wouldbe unjustifiable to suppose me guilty of such intentions."
"What am I then to think of your strange proposal?" demandedAguilar--his brow mantling with indignation.
"It is a request," replied Gomez Arias, "that I would never havecontemplated of my own accord; and you may well imagine what my feelingsmust be when I am obliged to postpone my happiness even for one day.Certainly it is no trivial inducement that could prompt me to such ameasure; I hope this will plead my justification. I have received adispatch from my valued friend Count Urena, stating that he is seizedwith a mortal distemper, and conjuring me, as I esteem the blessings ofa dying man, to repair to his couch ere it be too late. He has a mostimportant communication which must be intrusted to no one but GomezArias. The castle of the Count," added Don Lope, "is but six leaguesdistant, and I shall be back by to-morrow. Now, Don Alonso, I crave youradvice: shall I disregard the last request of a man to whom my familyare under sacred obligations, or will you allow the ceremony to bedelayed till to-morrow, by which means I shall be enabled at once tofulfil the dictates of honor and humanity, without trespassing too faron my own happiness?"
Don Alonso de Aguilar was in some manner reconciled to the necessity ofthe measure proposed by Gomez Arias, though his pride received a severecheck, the effects of which were easily to be discerned in hisfeatures.
"But," said he with some asperity of tone, "my permission is not theonly one you are to obtain, Don Lope. My daughter must beconsulted--have you received her sanction? The Queen also must beforthwith apprized of this sudden change, and I know not how herHighness may be disposed to acquiesce in the alteration."
Gomez Arias promised easily to remove all difficulties with his bride,if Don Alonso would immediately use his influence with the Queen, andurge the necessity of the delay. He was aware that the high spirit ofLeonor would, under any circumstances, deeply resent such a measure;still he confidently relied on his own abilities and persuasion tooverrule any objection on her part. He hurried therefore to herapartment, craved admittance, which was granted, and found himselfbefore his intended bride, rendered still more beautiful by the costlyornaments with which she was adorned.
"Well, Don Lope," said she smiling, while surveying herself in themirror, "what think you of my appearance?"
"As of a divinity to whom I bend in adoration," gallantly replied GomezArias, and taking her hand he pressed it to his lips with respectfultenderness.
Leonor replied to this mark of her lover's regard with a look ofaffection.
"But," exclaimed she, laughing, "I cannot compliment Senor Don Lope,upon the taste of his toilet. No doubt he will tell me that hisimagination has been altogether engrossed with my beauty, and that hehas not bestowed a single thought upon himself: however," she continuedin the same strain, "from the respect we owe to the Queen, and the noblefriends who will honor us with their presence, it will be necessary torecall the attention of the cavalier, even to so unworthy a subject ashimself."
She was still proceeding, when Gomez Arias, who considered every momenthe lost of vital importance in the arrangement of his plans, resolved atonce to acquaint her with his determination.
"It seems fated, dear Leonor," he said, "that I am to experience agreater share of disappointment than usually falls to the lot of man;scarcely has the late impediment to our union been removed, and I am onthe point of succeeding to my heart's fondest wishes, when----"
"Surely, Lope," interrupted Leonor, with emotion, "your rashness has notagain placed you in the peril from which you have so lately escaped--andyet your dress and deportment bespeak something disastrous--Speak--say,Don Lope--let me know the worst."
"Calm yourself, dearest Leonor; there is no danger to apprehend."
He then, in a few words, explained what he had already said to herfather, and in soothing terms solicited her consent to what he proposed.
"What need is there of my consent," she said, whilst her countenancebetrayed the mortification she experienced, "to a measure that meets theapproval of the Queen and my father! Certainly," she continued, "let usdefer the ceremony."
There was something in the tone in which these words were delivered,that thrilled to the heart of Don Lope; for the sarcastic smile and theforced tranquillity which Leonor had assumed, plainly indicated that herpride had been deeply wounded, though she affected to treat the affairwith indifference. Gomez Arias had recourse to all his eloquence inorder to smooth the resentment awakened by his proposal, but Leonorrepelled his advances with a resolute dignity of manner.
"Go, Don Lope," she said, proudly, "you are losing time here--considerthe state of the Count; and unless you make good speed, he may neverknow the kind and valuable friend he possesses."
She then called her attendants, and with the most perfect indifferencebegan to divest herself of her ornaments, urging all the time to herfuture husband the necessity of immediate departure.
Gomez Arias, though reluctantly, was compelled to leave his bride, andhurried away further to promote the accomplishment of the plots whichdistracted his attention.
Leonor was soon disrobed of her bridal garments, and the disconcertedmaids were lost in astonishment at the extraordinary change which hadtaken place. Nor could they explain the cheerfulness of manner visiblein their mistress, when she announced that the wedding was to bedeferred. But under the apparent indifference of Leonor, rankled a deepfeeling of injury. The same pride that resen
ted her lover'sdetermination, forbade her to exhibit any degree of concern; but thoughthe feeling was repressed, its effects would be more lasting than ifexpended in reproaches and complaints.
Don Alonso de Aguilar signified the unexpected delay to all the officersof the household, and the amazement of every one may easily beconceived. Every trifling circumstance was discussed, but nothingsatisfactory elucidated, save that every individual, either as hisinterest was concerned, or his curiosity unsatisfied, loudly exclaimedagainst a change which interfered so much with his profit or pleasure.