t to undermine."

"You speak well, my Lord," said Ferdinand, thoughtfully; "and you
yourself shall head a strong detachment to-morrow, to lay waste
the Vega. Seek me two hours hence; the council for the present is
dissolved."

The knights rose, and withdrew with the usual grave and stately
ceremonies of respect, which Ferdinand observed to, and exacted from,
his court: the young prince remained.

"Son," said Ferdinand, when they were alone, "early and betimes should
the Infants of Spain be lessoned in the science of kingcraft. These
nobles are among the brightest jewels of the crown; but still it is
in the crown, and for the crown, that their light should sparkle.
Thou seest how hot, and fierce, and warlike, are the chiefs of
Spain--excellent virtues when manifested against our foes: but had we no
foes, Juan, such virtues might cause us exceeding trouble. By St.
Jago, I have founded a mighty monarchy! observe how it should be
maintained--by science, Juan, by science! and science is as far removed
from brute force as this sword from a crowbar. Thou seemest bewildered
and amazed, my son: thou hast heard that I seek to conquer Granada by
dissensions among the Moors; when Granada is conquered, remember that
the nobles themselves are at Granada. Ave Maria! blessed be the Holy
Mother, under whose eyes are the hearts of kings!" Ferdinand crossed
himself devoutly; and then, rising, drew aside a part of the drapery
of the pavilion, and called; in a low voice, the name of Perez. A grave
Spaniard, somewhat past the verge of middle age, appeared.

"Perez," said the king, reseating himself, "has the person we expected
from Granada yet arrived?"

"Sire, yes; accompanied by a maiden."

"He hath kept his word; admit them. Ha! holy father, thy visits are
always as balsam to the heart."

"Save you, my son!" returned a man in the robes of a Dominican friar,
who had entered suddenly and without ceremony by another part of the
tent, and who now seated himself with smileless composure at a little
distance from the king.

There was a dead silence for some moments; and Perez still lingered
within the tent, as if in doubt whether the entrance of the friar would
not prevent or delay obedience to the king's command. On the calm
face of Ferdinand himself appeared a slight shade of discomposure and
irresolution, when the monk thus resumed:

"My presence, my son, will not, I trust, disturb your conference with
the infidel--since you deem