ood upon
her guard; but perceiving it was Don Rafael, she was vexed and confused
at his having found her, especially in so lonely a place; for she was
aware, from many indications, that he was far from regarding her with
indifference; on the contrary, she would have been delighted to know
that Marco Antonio loved her as well. How shall I relate all that Don
Rafael now said to Leocadia? I can give but a faint idea of the glowing
language in which he poured out his soul.

"Were it my fate, beautiful Leocadia," he said, "along with the favours
of fortune to lack also at this moment the courage to disclose to you
the secret of my soul, then would there be doomed to perpetual oblivion
the most ardent and genuine affection that ever was harboured in a
lover's breast. But not to do it that wrong, I will make bold, senora,
come of it what may, to beg you will observe, if your wounded feelings
allow you, that in nothing has Marco Antonio the advantage of me, except
the happiness of being loved by you. My lineage is as good as his, and
in fortune he is not much superior to me. As for the gifts of nature, it
becomes me not to laud myself, especially if in your eyes those which
have fallen to my share are of no esteem. All this I say, adored senora,
that you may seize the remedy for your disasters which fortune offers to
your hand. You see that Marco Antonio cannot be yours, since Heaven has
already made him my sister's; and the same Heaven which has taken him
from you is now willing to compensate you with me, who desire no higher
bliss in this life than that of being your husband. See how good fortune
stands knocking at the door of the evil fortune you have hitherto known.
And do not suppose that I shall ever think the worse of you for the
boldness you have shown in seeking after Marco Antonio; for from the
moment I determine to match myself with you, I am bound to forget all
that is past. Well I know that the same power which has constrained me
so irresistibly to adore you, has brought you also to your present pass,
and therefore there will be no need to seek an excuse where there has
been no fault."

Leocadia listened in silence to all Don Rafael said, only from time to
time heaving a sigh from the bottom of her heart. Don Rafael ventured to
take her hand; she did not withdraw it; and kissing it again and again,
he said, "Tell me, lady of my soul, that you will be so wholly, in
presence of these starry heavens, this calm listen