ispassionately, that she has not wronged me; but the pangs
of jealousy which she occasions me make me abhor her. If a sword were
thrust through my vitals, should I not naturally strive to pluck it out
and break it to pieces?"

"Well, well, senora Leocadia, since the passion that sways you makes you
speak so wildly, I see it is not the fit time to offer you rational
advice. I shall therefore content myself with repeating that I am ready
and willing to render you every service in my power, and I know my
brother's generous nature so well, that I can boldly make you the same
promise on his part. We are going to Italy, and it rests only with
yourself to accompany us. One thing only I entreat, that you will allow
me to tell my brother what I know of your story, that he may treat you
with the attention and respect which is your due. I think you had better
continue to wear male attire, and if it is to be procured in this place,
I will take care that you shall be suitably equipped to morrow. For the
rest, trust to time, for it is a great provider of remedies even for the
most desperate cases."

Leocadia gratefully thanked the generous Teodoro, saying he might tell
his brother whatever he thought fit, and beseeching him not to forsake
her, since he saw to what dangers she was exposed, if she was known to
be a woman. Here the conversation ended, and they retired to rest,
Teodosia in her brother's room, and Leocadia in another next it. Don
Rafael was still awake, waiting for his sister to know what had passed
between her and the suspected woman; and before she lay down, he made
her relate the whole to him in detail. "Well, sister," he said when she
had finished, "if she is the person she declares herself to be, she
belongs to the best family in her native place, and is one of the
noblest ladies of Andalusia. Her father is well known to ours, and the
fame of her beauty perfectly corresponds with the evidence of our own
eyes. My opinion is, that we must proceed with caution, lest she come to
speak with Marco Antonio before us, for I feel some uneasiness about
that written engagement she speaks of, even though she has lost it. But
be of good cheer, sister, and go to rest, for all will come right at
last."

Teodosia complied with her brother's advice so far as to go to bed, but
it was impossible for her to rest, so racked was she by jealous fears.
Oh, how she exaggerated the beauty of Leocadia, and the disloyalty of
Marco Antonio! H