a glimpse of the soul behind. Both
were loud in their expressions of regret that their dear lord and the
sweet, beautiful senoritas had not let them know, beforehand, of their
visit, that they might have had things more fit for their reception; the
castle was rather disarranged, and not anticipating this honor, they had
allowed most of the servants to depart, to enjoy a holiday for a few
weeks--their household was at present very small. Don Alonzo cut short
their apologies by telling them that he had attendants with him
sufficient to supply the wants of himself and his daughters, although it
was certainly unfortunate that it should have occurred just at this
juncture; and entering the castle, he tenderly embraced Clara and
Magdalena, welcoming them to their ancestral home. The girls almost
shuddered, as they gazed upon the the huge hall, with its lofty carved
ceiling, and its dark oak panelling. In ancient times, when it was
crowded by armed retainers, or echoed to the joyful chorus of the feast
and the minstrel's song, it must have been admirably suited to its
purpose; but now it looked solitary and desolate, like a fit abode for
the owl and the raven. At one end, a wide, substantial stone staircase
led to the upper regions of the castle, branching off above in many
directions; a long oak-table, capable of accommodating more than a
hundred guests, extended for some distance along the hall, but it was
scarcely noticed in the vast apartment. A large chimney, surrounded by
stone settles, and richly ornamented with curious antique carving,
formed a prominent feature in it; the tapestry on the wall, from which
hunters and grim warriors appeared to look down upon our little party
with surprise and displeasure, hung loosely, in many places was
completely tattered, and waved in the wind as the keen air of the
mountains whistled through, making Clara and Magdalena shiver with cold.
Don Alonzo looked round with concern; "It is indeed many years since I
have been here," said he, "and things look considerably altered; but
now, my daughters, let me advise you, with the aid of your
waiting-woman, to make yourselves as comfortable as possible in your own
rooms, and meanwhile Senor Baptista will be kind enough to have a large
fire built in the hall, for it will really prove very acceptable."

Francisca showed them to their rooms: large, magnificent chambers,
fitted up with massive furniture of the richest description; but the
tapestr