battlefields."

"May they rot there!" cried the Spaniard. "But we are not fighting only
for to-day and tomorrow. New generations will again fill churches and
chapels. We will shed the last drops of our blood to accomplish it, and
every true Castilian thinks as I do."

"I know it," sighed the regent, "and it is not my business to preach to
deaf ears. But one thing more: Do you know that his Majesty has just
accepted the Marquise de Leria's offer?"

"No; but I should be greatly indebted to your royal----"

"Then listen," the Queen hastily interrupted. "In the suburb of Prebrunn,
in a large garden, stands the pretty little castle of the Prince Prior of
Berchtesgaden--I don't mean the one belonging to the worthy Trainer, on
whose preserves we hunted once in April, and which is erroneously called
here the 'cassl.' The reverend owner offered it to his Majesty to shelter
a guest of high rank. Now the marquise is to occupy it, because country
air would benefit her. The singer will establish herself under the
noblewoman's maternal care. You know the Marquise de Leria's huge litter,
which was borne here by two strong mules that Ruy Gomez--what will not
people do to find out something?--gave her. The black ark, with the
coats-of-arms of the De Lerias and the Duke of Rency on the back, the
front, and both sides, is probably well known here. At first the boys ran
after the monster; now they are used to the thing, and no longer notice
it. But it is comfortable, and it can be opened. When the old woman uses
the litter the cover will be removed and people will see her; when it is
closed, the most sharp-sighted can not discover who is within. If his
Majesty desires to go out to Prebrunn and return here, he will take it,
and, even if his foot pains him, will reach his fair goal unseen. The
young girl consented yesterday to move there with the marquise, and
directly after it will be your duty, aided by Master Adrian, to attend to
the furnishing of the little castle. I will aid you. You will hear the
particulars from his Majesty. The marquise will take Barbara directly to
the chapel, where the choir is to sing. People must become accustomed to
see and speak of the two together. What would you think of an alliance
between Leria and Blomberg? If I see correctly, the old woman will train
the girl to be a useful tool."

"And if the tool cuts her fingers in the process," said Quijada, "I shall
be glad."

"So shall I!" assented the Queen,