Gómez Arias

  CHAPTER VI.

  Ma chi'l vede e non l'ama? Ardito umano cor, nobil fierezza, Sublime ingegno--Ah! perche tal ti fero Natura e il cielo?

  _Alfieri._

  The bloom of op'ning flowers, unsullied beauty, Softness and sweetest innocence she wears, And looks like nature in the world's first spring.

  _Rowe._

  Don Lope Gomez Arias was a man whose will had seldom been checked, andhe placed the most unbounded confidence in the magnitude of hisresources, physical and intellectual. Nature had indeed been lavished inconferring on this individual her choicest favors. To the most undauntedcourage and quickness of resolve, he united the greatest powers of mind,and brilliancy of talent, but he was unfortunately divested of thosegenuine feelings of the heart, which alone can render these qualitiesdesirable.

  His courage, talents, and abilities, had rendered him an object ofdread, not only to the enemies of his country, but to the rivals of hislove or ambition. By the men he was generally disliked, feared orenvied. Unfortunately the softer sex entertained for him far differentsentiments.--Alas! they could not discover the void within his heart,through the dazzling splendour of his outward form, and habitualallurements of manner. Many had already been the victims of his seducingarts; were they to blame?--perhaps they were only to be pitied. Hepossessed every resource that professed libertines employ, to inveiglethe affections of the innocent maiden, or attract the admiration of themore experienced woman. Besides his courage and resolution--qualities asmuch more prized by females, as they seldom fall to their share, GomezArias was engaging in his deportment and without any alloy of servilityin his address; indeed he seemed rather to command attention, than tocourt it, and the general expression of his features was that of pride,tempered with the polish of gentlemanly bearing.

  In his personal appearance he was remarkably handsome, being of tall andmajestic stature, to which his finely turned limbs were in strictproportion. There was an intelligence in the piercing glance of his darkeye, and a smile of mixed gaiety and satire sat habitually upon his lip.To his other attractions he added a set of regular though somewhat largefeatures, which were shaded by a profusion of black glossy curls, andthe superb mustachios and _pera_[12] that clothed his upper lip andchin.

  Such was the principal hero of this tale. Spite of all the resources ofhis mind, Gomez Arias found himself at the present moment involved indeep perplexity, and much at a loss how to extricate himself therefrom.He had received a letter from Don Alonso de Aguilar, father of hisfuture bride, announcing the perfect recovery of his rival, Don Rodrigo,and urging a speedy return to Granada. But, unluckily, Gomez Arias feltin no hurry to return. Certainly, Granada was at the time particularlyinteresting, and far preferable to Guadix. Again, the beauty of Leonorwas unrivalled at court--a great consideration to Don Lope. She was richand of the first rank--greater consideration still; and bearing in mindthe influence that her father, the celebrated Aguilar, enjoyed with thequeen, a marriage with his daughter would open the road to the highestpreferment, and yet our hero felt loath to return to Granada. Theblooming Theodora de Monteblanco was then the reigning idol of themoment. She had fixed for a time his errant heart, and it was now thatDon Lope perceived the great inconveniency of the unity of man; andcertainly a lover of his description ought to be duplex for theopportunity of satisfying both duty and inclination.

  In this state of irresolution Gomez Arias remained for some time. Hissacred engagement to Leonor, and the brilliant dreams of ambition thatsported before his fancy, could not all chase away the image ofTheodora; for in this lovely girl he found all the perfections of hisformer mistresses, with an absolute exemption from their foibles.

  Theodora, at the tender age of seventeen, exhibited already the maturedcharms of a form voluptuously beautiful, blended with the delightfulinnocence of manner characteristic of that early stage of life, when theheart is yet unacquainted with guile, and unpractised in the deceits ofthe world. Her complexion was of a delicate white, without any othercolour than that which occasionally mantled upon her cheek when calledforth by the sensibility of her feelings, or diffused by the influenceof some passing emotion. So lovely and yet so pensive was hercountenance that but for the rapturous expression of her large darkeyes, partially revealed through their long silken fringes, and theprofusion of sable ringlets which floated with unrestrained luxurianceover her exquisitely turned neck and shoulders, you might have thoughtthat she had been a master-piece of some divine sculptor, who hadsuccessfully imitated, in the purest alabaster, the fairest work ofnature.

  Theodora loved Gomez Arias with all the enthusiasm of a romantic girl'sfirst love. She felt the most ardent attachment, and could not,--wouldnot conceal it from the object of her adoration. She loved him with thegenuine simplicity of a heart incapable of deceit; and, unpractised inthe school of worldly prudence, unacquainted with the arts to which moreexperienced women resort for the purpose of enhancing their own charms,or fixing more firmly the affections of men, she had surrendered herwhole soul to her lover with the most confiding innocence, and animplicit reliance on his unbounded return to her tenderness.

  This complete devotedness flattered the vanity of Gomez Arias. He beheldan angelic girl who centered all her happiness in his love, and in theardour of her feelings was incapable of admitting the least alloy ofcold calculating precaution. He was charmed with a character cast in themould of nature, untutored yet by art, and, as amongst his formermistresses he had never met with one so entirely devoted, he returnedher love with the warmest admiration.

  Gomez Arias was fondly indulging in these pleasing reveries, when hisman, Roque, suddenly burst upon him with a look full of information.

  "Well, Sirrah!" cried Don Lope, "what means this intrusion?--Do youstill stick to the wise determination of quitting my service? Are youwilling to comply with the conditions?"

  "No, Senor," answered Roque, with conscious importance; "I come loadedwith fresh proofs of my inclination to serve you."

  "Upon my honor," exclaimed Gomez Arias, "thou art marvellouslycomplaisant, friend--thou hast seen the duenna, I suppose?"

  "Yes, Sir, and I have seen some one else, besides."

  "Let us hear first of the duenna."

  "We must go to night--her master is engaged with a guest from Granada. Isaw them leave the house myself."

  Gomez Arias lost no time in preparing for the interview; and as nightwas now coming on, he girded on his sword, and, flinging his cloakcarelessly round him, sallied out accompanied by his valet, on hisnocturnal expedition.

  "Art thou sure, good Roque," he demanded, "that you really saw the oldgentleman leave his mansion?"

  "Quite sure, Don Lope--my eyes seldom deceive me; indeed I feelperfectly satisfied with their capability. Never was there a more trustypair, in descrying afar off a father, or brother, or any other kind ofunwelcome intruder upon moonlight meetings. Argus, they say, had ahundred eyes, and yet was found at fault, whereas I have only twoand----"

  "They are sometimes as watchful," interrupted Don Lope.

  "Seldom," replied Roque--"and when they unfortunately deceive me, Isorely feel for the deception. I am a man of very tender feelings."

  "Argus," observed his master, "was punished for his negligence, and itis meet thou shouldst experience the same treatment, under similarcircumstances."

  "Aye," quoth Roque, "he was changed into a peacock--I wonder into whatanimal I shall be changed, since this sort of transformation is theretribution attendant on negligent scouts--I think the character of ajackal would suit me best, for I certainly lead the lion to his prey.But now, Sir, leaving jesting aside, I have a little piece of seriousinformation for your ear. Do you know whom I saw in close converse withDon Manuel de Monteblanco when he left his house?"

  "No, nor do I care."

  "Don't you, indeed?--Well, it is very fortunate, for it happened to beno other than your rival, Don Rodrigo."

  "N
ow, Roque," cried his master jocosely, "here's a convincing proof ofthe failure of thy boasted eye-sight."

  "Why I really thought so at first myself, and I made the sign of thecross accordingly, but I soon perceived it was no delusion. Now it wouldbe pleasant, should this same Don Rodrigo come upon an expeditionsimilar to yours--it would seem as tho' the man was born on purpose tothwart you."

  "Well," returned Gomez Arias, with a smile--"and it would seem also thatI am born to chastise his insolence."

  To this, Roque made some foolish reply; for in his capacity of_gracioso_,[13] he freely availed himself of the privilege allowed himof giving utterance to every thing that came into his head, whether tothe purpose or not.

  They proceeded with hasty steps towards the mansion ofMonteblanco;--already they reach the spot, and the moon that sheds apartial gleam over yonder _reja_,[14] developes to the sight the outlineof a female form. Gomez Arias approaches, and his penetrating glancediscerns through the darkness the figure of his Theodora--her face isdecked in placid smiles, and her frame evinces the soft flutterings ofan anxious heart. The bolt of the entrance gently creeks, and the harshsound thrills like the strain of heavenly music to the lover's throbbingbreast--the door opens at length, and a comely matron far stricken inyears welcomes the cavalier. Don Lope is not backward in his advances; asmile of grateful recognition plays upon his lip. He then seizes thegood duenna's hand, and presses it in kind acknowledgment.

  The trusty Martha showed in her dress and manner, all the outward signsof her state and condition. An imperturbable gravity sat upon thoseharsh features which were never known to relax into a smile, and inwhose expression predominated a mixture of religious asperity and pride,vainly disguised under the cloak of humility. However, Martha was farfrom practising the rigid austerities her whole appearance seemed toindicate. She only assumed this outward demeanor, in the same mannerthat a dastard mimics courage, the better to conceal his cowardice.

  Martha was dressed in an ample habit of black woollen cloth, girded herwaist with the band of a monkish order, to which was suspended a rosaryof huge black counters. A cap of the whitest linen adorned her head, andin all the rigour of female modesty, every part of her neck up to thechin was carefully concealed by a kerchief of the same material.

  Gomez Arias rushes forwards, and the next moment finds him at the feetof his mistress. Theodora is happy in the Elysium of love; a thousandtender emotions swell that fond bosom, where an ardent flame burns underthe cover of pure snow.--As she gazes on Gomez Arias her melting eye islighted up with unusual fire, and her whole frame appears gentlyagitated with a delicious tremor. The smile that quivers on her lipfeelingly responds to the ardent glance of her passionate admirer, andthe sudden rush of crimson that overspreads her lily cheek bespeaks thethrilling transports of genuine love in the first stages of youthfulinnocence and delight. Don Lope takes her soft yielding hand, andtenderly presses it to his bosom, he gazes fervently on her countenance;in sweet intoxication he inhales her youthful breath. Caressingly hisarm encircles her sylphic waist. She gently inclines her head towardshim, and both seemed overshadowed by the long beautiful tresses whichfloat in wild luxuriance. From Don Lope's flashing eye the innocentTheodora drinks large draughts of sweet but deadly poison; a tear oftenderness starts to overwhelm her eye and falls on the lover's hand; adeep sigh escapes her bosom, and they meet in a fervent embrace.Happy!--thrice happy moments!--dear to the genuine sensibility ofhumanity, dearly cherished and oft alas! but too dearly purchased! Fewwords the lovers spoke, for when the heart is replete with rapture,there is an eloquence in silence far above the cold trammels oflanguage. Gomez Arias forgot the dream of future ambition in the realityof present bliss. He was loved, loved passionately by one who was themost perfect pattern of innocence and beauty; loved more than he thoughtit was in the nature of woman to love. Hope assured its brightestcolours, and Don Lope anticipated all the transports of delight possiblefor man to enjoy. He was supremely happy in expectation; for theexpectation of bliss is perhaps even more gratifying than the reality.Thus the rose in its opening bloom, is sweeter than when its charms areexpanded to the sight, for the hour of maturity is but the signal ofdecay. Alas! we eagerly follow the sparkling joy, snatch it withenthusiasm, and it withers in the grasp!

  Time sped; yet the lovers still remained as if entranced in adelightful reverie of love, in the mutual interchange of soft sighs andeloquent glances, when suddenly the door burst open, and Roque rushed inwith visible emotion. The faithful Argus came to announce the nearapproach of Monteblanco and his guest, Don Rodrigo. Gomez Arias,however, could not believe the danger to be so imminent, making dueallowance for the valet's timorous disposition; but the good duenna, whohad been unpleasantly disturbed at her devotions, now came forward toconfirm the fearful intelligence.

  Though these unpleasant interruptions are far from being of noveloccurrence in the annals of love, and though Gomez Arias wasfamiliarized with their danger, yet when he looked on the duenna'scountenance, that faithful thermometer of intrigue, he could not butperceive the impending storm to be more than usually alarming. Deeperwrinkles furrowed her sallow visage; her eye was haggard, and the rosaryshook in her withered hand.

  "Holy Virgin! I am lost," exclaimed the affrighted dame. "Ah! Don Lope,this comes of my tender-hearted, complying disposition; there's myreputation sullied with a stain that not all the holy water in Spainwill be able to wash away!"

  "But, surely," observed Gomez Arias, "the danger is not so imminent asto preclude my escape."

  "Escape!" quoth the duenna; "it is impossible; they are at this momenton the stairs."

  "Villain!" cried Don Lope, turning fiercely to Roque, "is this the wayyou do your duty?"

  Roque very prudently kept aloof from the contact of his master's hand;and, as if anticipating an explosion, began to stammer forth hisexcuses. Theodora's countenance was suddenly overspread with a deadlypaleness, and the timid girl wrung her hands in an attitude of despair.Her critical situation, and the duenna's alarm, at first staggered GomezArias, but with the start of resolution which immediate danger inspires,he assumed a mastery over his emotion, and instantly bethought himselfof an expedient to ward off the threatened discovery.

  "If Don Rodrigo arrives with Monteblanco," said he, "we are safe; weshall have nothing to fear."

  "Nothing to fear!" echoed Roque. "Methinks the danger is doubled when aman has two enemies to encounter, instead of one."

  "Silence, fool!" cried his master. "Martha, be calm; affect not to knowme; make free use of the organ with which nature has so liberallyendowed you, and do not spare your reproaches and abuse. Theodora, keepup your spirits. Roque, be silent, you rascal."

  The door opens--Monteblanco and Don Rodrigo enter, but are fixed to theground in mute amazement at the group that presents itself to theirview. The duenna had summoned the courage of despair, and wasoverwhelming Gomez Arias with a torrent of abuse. Theodora had recededfrom the light to hide her emotion from her father's sight, whichfortunately was so impaired with age, as not to afford any materialimpediment to her concealment. Roque assumed an air of saucy assurance,and his master appeared leaning against the wall with the most perfectcoolness and self-possession. Don Manuel and his guest stared at theintruders for some time, before either attempted to speak, till atlength Don Rodrigo broke silence, with an ejaculation of surprise.

  "Don Lope Gomez Arias!" exclaimed the astonished cavalier.

  "Don Lope Gomez Arias!" re-echoed Monteblanco. "It is your rival,then.--What is the meaning of this, Martha?"

  "Your honor may ask the gentleman himself," responded the duenna; "Iknow nothing of him, but that he is the most daring and impertinentman"--(Martha indulged in the privilege granted her by Don Lope); "themost unceremonious, head-strong, self-sufficient cavalier I ever metwith--Virgen Santa!--What a disturbance he has raised in the house. Thenthere's that most impudent rascal of a valet; he is the principal causeof the commotion, and I humbly crave and hope your honor will give himample reason to
repent his impudence."

  "Repent my impudence!" quoth Roque, "thou accursed _bruja_;[15] it wouldbe more meritorious to chop off thy slanderous tongue!"

  Here the duenna proceeded to pour forth a fresh volley of words, withoutany positive explanation, as is generally the practice when people areanxious to gain time, and collect their senses.

  "Peace, woman!" interrupted Gomez Arias, in the middle of her harangue;"this disturbance, as you term it, is of your own doing; had you behavedwith more courtesy to a stranger, you might have saved the improprietymy valet has been guilty of towards you; an impropriety for which heshall most assuredly suffer in due time."--Here he cast a terrible lookon the astonished Roque, who perfectly well knew he was doomed to sufferfor his master's vagaries; and that the failure of his adventures mustrecoil invariably on his unfortunate head. Yet he looked sorely puzzledhow to find out the nature of the impropriety he had committed againstthe superannuated dame who dealt him such abundance of vilipendiaryepithets.

  All this time the good Don Manuel was patiently waiting for anexplanation, and the more the duenna explained the more perplexed hefound himself.

  Gomez Arias at last, after several fruitless endeavours to stop Martha'stongue, availed himself of a momentary pause she made to takebreath.--"Don Manuel de Monteblanco," said he, "is undoubtedly anxiousto learn the object of my visit to his house."

  "Visit!" exclaimed the duenna. "Intrusion--a downright taking bystorm.--God bless me! a visit you call it--- a visit!"

  "Silence, Martha, silence; let the gentleman proceed," cried Don Manuel,a little more composed, and feeling an inward dread at the matron'sexplanatory talents.

  "Don Manuel," continued Gomez Arias, "I am exceedingly concerned forthe confusion created in the mansion of so honorable a cavalier; butcertainly I am not so greatly to blame as that good woman wishes toimply."

  "Good woman, indeed!" ejaculated the duenna. "_Jesus me valga!_ that Ishould live to be so called--_soy Cristiana vieja_[16]--and of as good afamily as needs be.--No Jewish puddle in my veins.--Good woman,forsooth! My dear master, am I to be called a good woman?"

  Don Manuel looked very grave, not so much perhaps at the difficulty ofresolving the question, as at the probability of never obtaining aknowledge of the business so long as the duenna had the free use of hertongue; to quiet therefore her anger, the complaisant old cavalierkindly soothed her apparently wounded feelings, by allowing that she byno means deserved the appellation.

  Silence being thus restored, Gomez Arias continued: "The cause of myapparent intrusion is simply this:--informed by my servant that DonRodrigo de Cespedes was in active search after me, and not wishing tobe backward in acknowledging the favor, I thought it incumbent on myhonor to facilitate a meeting with the utmost expedition. I repaired tothis house, from whence my servant had seen that gentleman issue, butbefore the nature of my business could be disclosed, that rigid dameassailed me with a tremendous storm of abuse, when my valet, in his zealto serve me, or rather indulging in a propensity to retaliate, retortedthe lady's freedom of tongue with rather too much acrimony."

  "Now," thought Roque, "it is really too bad to accuse me of acrimonywhen I have not opened my lips."

  "I attempted an explanation," continued Gomez Arias, "in the hopes ofmeeting with a more courteous reception, when this young lady made herappearance (turning to Theodora). I was then about to acquaint her withmy intention, when fortunately the object of my search presents himselfin person, a circumstance which I hail with the more pleasure, as I amassured that Don Rodrigo is particularly anxious we should renew an oldinterchange of tokens of our mutual regard."

  "Senor Don Lope Gomez Arias," replied Don Rodrigo, sorely incensed atthe tone of levity in which he was addressed by his rival, "I likewisecongratulate myself in thus accidentally meeting with Don Lope soonerthan I was led to expect, and though the mock courtesy of his styleplainly indicates the reliance he places on the constant good fortunethat protects him, yet he shall find me more solicitous than ever forthe immediate interchange of the tokens to which he so facetiouslyalludes."

  "Senor Don Rodrigo de Cespedes," returned Gomez Arias, "I cannot butgreatly admire that laudable ambition which stimulates you to deeds ofnoble daring, and an unworthy individual like myself cannot feelsufficiently grateful for the honor you wish to confer upon him."

  These words and the sarcastic sneer that accompanied them, exasperatedDon Rodrigo to such a degree, that turning to his rival, he pointed tothe door, and without further reply intimated to him to follow. GomezArias was about to comply, when Monteblanco interposing, exclaimed,

  "Forbear, _caballeros_, forbear; this is my house, and though I am farfrom desiring to withhold any gentlemen from the calls of honor, yet letit not be said that my mansion was made a scene of violence andbloodshed."

  "_Valgame Dios!_" cried Roque, "Don Manuel speaks like an oracle. Nor doI think myself, this hour of night the most fit to decide such importantmatters. Broad day-light is certainly preferable to the glimmer of themoon and stars, for business like this."

  Theodora was ready to sink with emotion and fear, but the very imminenceof the danger inspired her with a sort of desperate tranquillity. Sheknew that her interposition would only increase the perplexities of hersituation, without preventing the accomplishment of their design.Besides, she placed much confidence in her lover's courage and superiorskill in the management of arms, and ultimately she possessed thatnobleness of mind that shrinks from the imputation of cowardice in theobject of its admiration.

  Monteblanco's remonstrances were vain. Don Rodrigo rushed to the doorwith desperate haste, and Gomez Arias followed with the coolness of oneto whom such scenes were familiar.

  "Follow me," cried Don Rodrigo, as he bounded down the stairs withfearful alacrity.

  "Stay, Don Rodrigo," said Gomez Arias, sarcastically, "not suchprecipitation, or you may perchance fall before your time."

  This provoking sarcasm entirely overthrew the little remaining temperwhich Don Rodrigo possessed. His eyes flashed fire, his whole frameshook, and unable to restrain himself any longer, he furiously drew hissword, and fixed on the _Zaguan_[17] for the field of action.

  "Defend yourself, Don Lope," exclaimed he, with frenzied rage.

  "Look to yourself, fair Sir," returned Don Lope, as, unsheathing hisrapier, he calmly placed himself in a posture of defence.

  With impetuous fury Don Rodrigo darted on his antagonist, and commencedan assault with all the courage and address of a practised swordsman.Thrust succeeded thrust with mortal rapidity, but the active eye ofGomez Arias foiled their deadly aim with consummate skill and dexterity.A demoniac spirit seemed to agitate Don Rodrigo, and he continued forsome minutes wasting his strength in the fruitless attack, and impairinghis own means of resistance. The combat was too fierce to be of longduration, and a few moments would have brought it to a mortal issue (forDon Lope was now in his turn about to press hard his weakenedadversary), had not Roque, in that tenderness of conscience for which hewas so noted, very adroitly extinguished the light that hung in the_Zaguan_, as the most effectual way of suspending hostilities.

  The place was thus plunged in utter darkness, and Don Rodrigo, afraid ofbeing disappointed in his revenge, called out to Gomez Arias.

  "I am here," replied Don Lope; "I am here, Don Rodrigo; the light issuperfluous; we shall do perfectly well without it, for a mutualsympathy will lead our weapons aright."

  The swords again met, and short, quick sparks of light, like thefugitive flash of a summer's exhalation, gave a momentary glimpse of thecombatants' fearful countenances--then a dismal groan is heard, a bodyfalls heavily on the ground, and a shriek of horror burst from thehousehold, who had crowded round the entrance of the _Zaguan_.

  "He is dead," muttered Don Rodrigo to himself, and sought for safetywith the swiftness of lightning.

  "Bring torches," cried Monteblanco; "let us afford the fallen_caballero_ all the assistance in our power."

  The state of Theodora baffles
all description. Ignorant as yet who wasthe victim, her soul was harrowed up with the most fearfulapprehensions, the reality of which would dash the cup of happiness fromher lips, and embitter her future existence. This petrifying, thisheart-rending suspense was happily but of short continuance. Theodoraherself, with breathless anxiety, was the first to bring a torch, thatmight perhaps illume the pale ghastly features of him on whom she hadcentered all her felicity. The moment was awful, when the torch throwinga broad glare around the _Zaguan_, discovered Gomez Arias, tranquil anderect, in all the assurance of perfect safety. A faint scream escapedfrom the bosom of his mistress, for all the feelings which horrifyingsuspense had held imprisoned there, now sought relief in a tumult ofsighs and tears. Her emotion, however, was scarcely noticed by herfather, too much occupied at the time in ascertaining which was thefallen cavalier.

  "Don Rodrigo is then the victim," sorrowfully exclaimed the oldcavalier, casting his eyes around; for at this moment he spied a humanbody, lying in a dark corner of the _Zaguan_.

  "It moves--it moves!" cried Martha, crossing herself.

  "Then he is yet alive," returned Don Manuel; "let us hasten to succourthe unfortunate young man; look to his wounds!"

  "Aye," responded the duenna; "let us rather attend to his soul, andbehave like true charitable Christians; run, Cacho, run, and call FrayBernardo, or Fray Benito--no matter whom--any friar will do at such amoment."

  Monteblanco and all his attendants hurried to the spot in theireagerness to render assistance to the fallen Don Rodrigo, when, lo! thebody with a sudden spring bounds on its legs, and to the astonished eyesof every one discovers the person of Roque.

  "What's this? Where is Don Rodrigo?" interrogated Monteblanco.

  "Why," answered Roque, very unconcernedly; "some fifty leagues fromhence, I should imagine, by his hurry to get away."

  "Then he is not dead?"

  "Not that I know of."

  "Whence came that groan?"

  "_De este humilde pecador._"[18]

  "_Jesus Maria_," ejaculated the duenna; "how dare this _judio_[19] throwa noble family into consternation?"

  "Now, Senora duenna," quoth the valet, "I rather think I have beeninstrumental in preventing the noble family from being thrown into thatconsternation."

  "Roque," interposed here Gomez Arias, "thou art not wounded I perceive."

  "No, thank God!" replied Roque.

  "Then thou art a rascal."

  "A rascal because I am not wounded! Good Heaven! here's a consequencewith a vengeance!"

  "This is an impudent interference," continued Don Lope, "and dearlyshalt thou rue it."

  "An impudent interference do you call it? A marvellous good one, insooth, for I have saved the fruitless effusion of noble Christian blood,and I have separated two enraged combatants better than a whole posse ofalguazils: and now, all the reward I am likely to obtain for such animportant service, is threats and abuse. Here is my dear master sorelyexasperated, because I have a greater regard for his safety than he hashimself, and quite disappointed at not being run through the body bythat sanguinary Don Rodrigo."

  "Basta, basta," said angrily Don Lope;--then in a gentler tone hecontinued, "I am really concerned for Don Rodrigo,--full of anxiety formy supposed death, I venture to say he is now flying from the abode ofman, to seek a shelter in the wilderness of the Alpujarras.

  "It is very Christian-like in you, Senor," interposed Roque, "to show somuch solicitude for the fate of Don Rodrigo. Well, the ways of honorablegentlemen are to me unaccountable. Here was my honorable master, but ashort while since, eagerly seeking the life of Don Rodrigo at the pointof his rapier, and now he is equally anxious that his adversary shouldnot be exposed to the inconvenience of a nocturnal ramble into themountains of Alpujarras."

  Monteblanco could not but inwardly congratulate himself upon thefortunate termination of an adventure which threatened such seriousresults; for he by no means liked the idea of having a corpse in hishouse, with all the unpleasant appendages necessarily attendant on suchan inmate. He certainly felt concerned for the safety and comfort of DonRodrigo, but he very judiciously opined it was better his dear friendshould suffer the inconvenience of passing a night in the mountains,than that he himself should be exposed to the unpleasant consequenceswhich would inevitably attend a fatal result to either party, especiallyhad the event occurred in his own _Zaguan_; for he would be thuscompelled to take a part in the drama, with which he would verywillingly dispense--that of explaining the catastrophe to the officersof justice. This consideration induced him to approve in his own mindthe stratagem of Roque, although he would by no means audibly testifyhis approbation, thinking very properly that the conduct of inferiorsand dependants should never be lauded, even when they are mostsuccessful in their services.

  Acting upon this charitable principle, he would on no account interfereto prevent the taunts and abuse with which the luckless valet wasassailed on all sides. Thus poor Roque had a fresh opportunity ofdiscovering the little a man is likely to gain by following the impulseof a good heart, and the very extraordinary way men have ofacknowledging a service, even when they are internally well pleasedtherewith.

  "Begone, thou graceless dog!" exclaimed Don Manuel. "Thy impertinencejustly deserves most exemplary punishment from thy master."

  Saying this, he took his daughter by the hand, made a slight bow toGomez Arias, and was about to retire, when Don Lope stept forward asthough he wished to detain him.

  "Stay, Don Manuel," said he; "I cannot leave your house, without againexpressing my regret for the disturbance I have caused. I sincerelyoffer you my apologies as an honorable cavalier, and as such I amconfident Don Manuel de Monteblanco will accept them. Moreover, I shallmake all the atonement in my power; and as it is obvious that my servantis the primary cause of all the mischief, you may rest assured, Sir, theculprit shall not escape without condign and adequate punishment."

  Don Manuel expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the apology ofGomez Arias, and most graciously accepted the atonement proposed; thenmaking another bow, not quite so slight as the former, left the _Zaguan_accompanied by his beautiful daughter, who had already caught theeloquent parting look of her lover, and treasured in her bosom all thetender sentiments it conveyed.

  Meantime, Don Lope, well contented with himself, haughtily called topoor Roque--the faithful valet was in a moment ready to lead the way.His master then very composedly returned to his apartments to muse overthe adventures of the evening, and form plans for the successfulaccomplishment of his ulterior projects.