eville, where I was quite safe from all pursuit.

"There I bought other clothes, and a mule, and set out with some
cavaliers who were travelling with all speed to Barcelona, that they
might be in time for some galleys that were on their way to Italy. I
continued my journey until yesterday, when the robbers took everything
from me, and among the rest, that precious thing which sustained my soul
and lightened my toils, the written engagement given me by Marco
Antonio. I had intended to carry it with me to Italy, find Marco Antonio
there, and present it to him as an evidence of his faithlessness and my
constancy, and constrain him to fulfil his promise. At the same time I
am conscious that he may readily deny the words written on this paper,
since he has made nought of the obligations that should have been
engraved on his soul; besides, it is plain that if he is accompanied by
the incomparable Teodosia he will not deign to look upon the unfortunate
Leocadia. But happen what may, I am resolved to die or present myself
before the pair, that the sight of me may trouble their joy. This
Teodosia, this enemy of my peace, shall not so cheaply enjoy what is
mine. I will seek her out, I will find her, and will take her life if I
can."

"But how is Teodosia in fault," said Teodoro, "if, as is very probably
the case, she too has been deluded by Marco Antonio, as you, senora,
have been?"

"How can that be so," returned Leocadia, "if he has her with him? Being
with the man she loves, what question can there be of delusion? They are
together, and therefore they are happy, and would be so, though they
were in the burning deserts of Lybia, or the dreary wastes of Scythia.
She is blest in his arms wherever she is, and therefore she shall pay
for all I shall suffer till I find her."

"It is very likely you are mistaken," said Teodoro; "I am very well
acquainted with this enemy of yours, as you call her, and I know her
prudence and modesty to be such, that she never would venture to quit
her father's house and go away with Marco Antonio. And even had she done
so, not knowing you, nor being aware of any claim you had on him, she
has not wronged you at all, and where there is no wrong, vengeance is
out of place."

"Tell me not of her modesty, senor; for I was as modest and as virtuous
as any maiden in the world, and yet I have done what I have told you.
That he has carried her off there is no doubt. I acknowledge, looking on
the matter d