m in her hand, and how they shouted to the
King--"Pardon--pardon for this brave bull. Pardon for El Vivillo!"

Dick was at her side now. He must have leaped the barrier; but I did not
see him until he was there, and the Cherub close behind him. Fuentes was
under the royal box, asking if the prayer for the bull's life were to be
heard; and, amid tumultuous cheering, pardon was granted, with the jewel
he should have won by giving Vivillo death instead of life. The bull was
saved. Panting, he stood by Pilar's side, his blood staining the creamy
whiteness of her mantilla. Even when the tame _cabestro_ came, with
tinkling bell, to entice Vivillo away, she could hardly bear to leave him,
though she well knew that he was safe; that his wounds would be skilfully
tended; that he would be restored to health, and that, in very shame (when
the story was made known), Carmona must surrender the bull to her.

But the King and Queen were on their feet bowing to the crowd, their
relatives and guests standing behind them. The Queen turned and murmured
to the King, who spoke to someone I could not see, and an equerry hurried
out of the box. A moment later the Duke of Carmona, his mother, Lady
Vale-Avon, and Monica were entering the royal box. Evidently the Queen's
wish had been to make some introduction. All chatted together for a
minute, looking down at the ring, which Vivillo was just leaving with the
big, brindled _cabestro_. Probably the King was congratulating Carmona on
the bull given by him to the _Corrida __Real_. Then, having bowed once
more to their enthusiastic subjects, the royalties prepared to leave the
box before the next bull should come into the ring.

I knew that Monica, with Carmona and the others, would follow in the train
of the King and Queen, that they would go out at the royal entrance, and
that I must be near if I would have my last chance with the girl. But it
was a misfortune that she should be with the royalties, because, since the
catastrophe of two days ago, the police of Madrid were taking extra
precautions for the safety of their sovereign and his bride. The ground
outside the royal entrance had been kept clear of the populace when they
went in, and would be again when they went out. A haggard, hollow-eyed
wretch such as I was now would be instantly suspected and ordered back.

Yet Monica was to be married to-morrow, and then it would be for ever too
late. Somehow I must get close enough to speak with her,