not easy to express the idea. My visits were repeated again and
again. In a short time I declared my sentiments, and found that I was
listened to without offending. Before I quitted Cadiz which my
engagements rendered imperative, I obtained from her a reciprocal
acknowledgment. And as there were still nine months to pass away
previous to her decision upon a monastic life, before that period had
elapsed I faithfully promised to return and claim her as my own. As we
professed the same faith, and she had only been sacrificed that the
possessions of her brother might not be diminished by the fortune which
her marriage would require, I did not anticipate any objections from her
parents. I required no dower, having more than sufficient to supply her
with every luxury. We parted: our hands trembled as we locked our
fingers through the grating; our tears fell, but could not be mingled;
our lips quivered, but could not meet; our hearts were beating with
excess of love but I could not strain her in my embrace. "In three
months more, Rosina!" exclaimed I, as I walked backward from the
grating, my eyes still fixed upon her. "Till then farewell, Henrique!
Relying upon your faith and honour, I shall not hesitate to cherish your
dear image in my heart;" and, overcome by her feelings, Rosina burst
into tears and hurried from my sight.

I sailed with prosperous gales, and arrived safely at my own country.
My ventures were disposed of, I realised a large sum of money, had
completed all my arrangements, and in a few days intended to return to
Cadiz to fulfil my engagement with Rosina. I was in the metropolis
impatiently waiting for the remainder of the freight, to be put on board
of the vessel in which I had taken my passage, when one evening as I was
sauntering in the park, anticipating the bliss of rejoining the object
of my affection, I was rudely pushed aside by a personage richly
attired, who was escorting two of the ladies of the court. Fired at the
insult, and as usual acting upon the first impulse, I struck him in the
face and drew my sword--forgetting at the time that I was in the
precincts of the palace. I was seized and imprisoned: my offence was
capital; my adversary a relation of the king's. I offered a large sum
for my release; but when they found out that I was wealthy, they
rejected as I increased my offers, until I was compelled to sacrifice
one half of my worldly possessions to escape from the severity of the