perform divine service among themselves without giving any offense to
any one."

This answer gave great satisfaction to the people, as the French had
spread a report among them that the Protestants, if they captured the
town, would take their churches from them.

In the evening the earl gave a great banquet, at which he entertained
all the people of distinction of both parties, and his courtesy and
affability at once won for him the confidence of all with whom he came
in contact. The next day the shops were all opened, the markets filled,
and there were no signs that the tranquillity of Barcelona had ever
been disturbed. Soon after breakfast Jack, who was quartered in the
governor's palace with the general, was informed that a gentleman wished
to speak to him, and the Count de Minas was shown in. He took Jack's
hand and bowed profoundly. As conversation was impossible Jack told his
orderly to fetch one of the interpreters attached to the general.

"I tried to come last night," the count said, "but I found that I was
too weak to venture out. I could not understand what you said when you
went away so suddenly, but I guessed that it was the call of duty. I
did not know your name, but inquiring this morning who were the officers
that entered with the general yesterday, I was told that his aide de
camp, Lieutenant Stilwell, was alone with him. That is how I found
you. And now, let me again thank you for the immense service you have
rendered me and my wife and child. Remember, henceforth the life of the
Count de Minas and all that he possesses is at your service."

When the interpreter had translated this, Jack said in some confusion,
"I am very glad, count, to have been of service to you. It was a piece
of good fortune, indeed, on my part that I happened so providentially
to ride along at the right moment. I was about this morning to do myself
the honor of calling to inquire how the countess and yourself were after
the terrible scene of yesterday."

"The countess prayed me to bring you round to her," the count said.
"Will you do me the honor of accompanying me now?"

Jack at once assented, and, followed by the interpreter, proceeded with
the count to his house. The room into which the count led him was not
that in which the fray had taken place the day before. The countess rose
as they entered, and Jack saw that, though still pale and shaken by the
events of the previous day, she was a singularly beautiful woman.

"