myself up to you as your wife; but till then I will be your sister and
your humble servant, and nothing more. Consider, senor, that during the
time of this novitiate you may recover your sight, which now seems lost,
or at least disordered, and that you may then see fit to shun what now
you pursue with so much ardour. You will then be glad to regain your
lost liberty, and having done so, you may by sincere repentance obtain
pardon of your family for your faults. If on these conditions you are
willing to enlist in our ranks, the matter rests in your own hands; but
if you fail in any one of them, you shall not touch a finger of mine."

The youth was astounded at Preciosa's decision, and remained as if
spell-bound, with his eyes bent on the ground, apparently considering
what answer he should return. Seeing this, Preciosa said to him, "This
is not a matter of such light moment that it can or ought to be
resolved on the spot. Return, senor, to the city, consider maturely what
is best for you to do; and you may speak with me in this same place any
week-day you please, as we are on our way to or from Madrid."

"When Heaven disposed me to love you, Preciosa," replied the cavalier,
"I determined to do for you whatever it might be your will to require of
me, though it never entered my thoughts that you would make such a
demand as you have now done; but since it is your pleasure that I should
comply with it, count me henceforth as a gipsy, and put me to all the
trials you desire, you will always find me the same towards you as I now
profess myself. Fix the time when you will have me change my garb. I
will leave my family under pretext of going to Flanders, and will bring
with me money for my support for some time. In about eight days I shall
be able to arrange for my departure, and I will contrive some means to
get rid of my attendants, so as to be free to accomplish my purpose.
What I would beg of you (if I might make bold to ask any favour) is
that, except to-day for the purpose of inquiring about me and my family,
you go no more to Madrid, for I would not that any of the numerous
occasions that present themselves there, should deprive me of the good
fortune I prize so dearly."

"Not so, senor gallant," said Preciosa: "wherever I go I must be free
and unfettered; my liberty must not be restrained or encumbered by
jealousy. Be assured, however, that I will not use it to such excess,
but that any one may see from a mile off that