vants, her liveries, bespeak wealth without
limit. She is a mystery to the city she inhabits. So much have I heard
from others; from herself, a few lines reached me at Dieppe, begging me
to see you, and--you will scarcely believe it--asking for a release from
that bond of betrothal that passed between you,--as if it could signify
anything."

"Was the freedom thus obtained to be used in your favor, Enrique?"

The other grew purple, and it was a few seconds before he could answer.
"No; that is over forever. She has refused me as one so much below
her that the very thought of an alliance would be degradation. The
sailor--the buccaneer--raise his eyes to her whom princes seek in vain?
I go now to say my last farewell: so long as there dwells upon my mind
the slenderest chance of meeting her, so long will hope linger in my
heart; not the high hope that spirits one to glorious enterprise, but
that feverish anxiety that unnerves the courage and shakes the purpose.
I cannot endure it any longer."

"Remain with me, then, for a day--for two at furthest--and we will go
together to Naples."

"Do not ask me, Roland. Some accident--some one of those chances which
befall each hour of life--might delay us; and then I might never see her
more. She is to leave Naples by the end of the month, but to go whither,
or how, she will not tell. Promise me to follow. Let us meet there; and
then, if the world has not a faster hold upon you than I deem it has,
we 'll seek our fortune together in new lands. What say you? is it a
bargain?"

"Agreed," said Roland. "I'll leave this within a week, without it be my
fate to quit it never. Let us rendezvous at Naples, then; and fortune
shall decide what after."

"How hundreds of things press upon my mind, all of which, when I am
gone, will be remembered, but which now are confusedly mingled up
together! What warnings I meant to have given you! what cautions! and
now I can think of nothing."

"I have room for but one thought," said Cashel, sternly: "it is a debt
which every hour unpaid increases by a tenfold interest."

"It need not weigh long upon your conscience. Linton wears the dress
of a grandee of Spain to-night; but he 'll conceal it from time to time
beneath a plain brown domino with yellow cape. Do not mix with your
company on arriving, but wait till about twelve o'clock in your
room, and you'll hear him as he enters his own: then, without risk of
disturbance, you can see him; or, if you