estowing him on a slave, if that
name could be applied to Isabella. Agitated by these distressing
reflections, not knowing what course to pursue or whom to consult, he
fell into a melancholy that nearly cost him his life. But thinking it
was a very cowardly thing to let himself die without making any kind of
effort for his own relief, he strove to gather up courage enough to
declare his feelings to Isabella.

Everybody in the house was grieved for Richard's illness for he was
beloved by them all, and by his parents to the utmost degree, both
because he was their only child, and because his virtues, his worth, and
good sense deserved all their affection. The physicians could not make
out the nature of his complaint, nor could he himself venture to declare
it. At last, one day when Isabella entered his room alone, to attend
upon him, he said to her, with a faltering voice and stammering tongue,
"Lovely Isabella, your worth, your great virtue, and exceeding beauty,
have brought me to the state you see; if you would not have me perish in
the worst agonies that can be imagined, say that you return the love I
feel for you, and consent to my fondest desire, which is to make you
secretly my wife; for I fear that my parents, not knowing your merits as
I do, would refuse me a blessing to me so indispensable. If you will
give me your word to be mine, I here pledge you my own, as a true
catholic Christian, to be yours; and though our union be deferred, as
deferred it shall be until it can take place with the church's sanction
and that of my parents, yet the thought that you will surely be mine,
will be enough to restore me to health, and to keep my spirits buoyant
until the happy day arrives."

Whilst Richard was speaking, Isabella stood with downcast eyes, and when
he had ceased, she replied with equal modesty and good sense, "Ever
since Heaven, in its anger or its mercy (I know not which), withdrew me
from my parents, Senor Richard, and gave me to yours, I have resolved,
in gratitude for the infinite kindness they have bestowed upon me, never
to act in opposition to their wishes; and without their consent, I
should regard the inestimable boon you desire to confer upon me, not as
a good but as an evil fortune. Should it ever be my happy destiny to be
acknowledged by them as worthy of you, be assured that my heart shall be
yours; but till that time comes, or should it never come, let it console
you to know that the dearest wish of