durance.

"'But I did not tell you all. When we came home it happened, I really
can't tell how, that the duke moved along with us, and when we got to
the hotel I could not avoid asking him in. He understood my Spanish
splendidly, and when Lucy ventured on a few words, seemed perfectly
delighted. Miss Crawford, say nothing about it, but he's in there now.'

"'What, with Miss Eaton?'

"'Yes, he's there talking to her. I don't suppose she can make out all
he says, but some people talk with their eyes, you know. What
magnificent eyes he has. Did you notice, Miss Crawford?'

"'No, I did not observe.'

"'But he has. Well, good night. I mustn't stay out too long. Remember,
not a word to any human being.'

"With a sensation of relief I saw this silly woman leave the room. Why
should she come there to mingle so much of contempt with the pain I was
suffering! _Can_ this be true?

"How many times during the night I asked myself this question! Each time
my heart turned away humiliated and wounded. I did not sleep, I could
not. All the pride of my nature was up in arms. Why did she drag up this
question of money? Are such things to render every sentiment of the soul
coarse and earthy, by mingling with them as the better element? What
wild thoughts came over me as I lay awake that long night! How I
reasoned for and against the thing I dreaded. With what keen scrutiny I
criticised every word and look of his during our acquaintance!"

CHAPTER XLIII.

HOPES AND PERSUASIONS.

"In the morning my head and heart both ached with the strain of thought
which had racked them so piteously. I shrank nervously from appearing
before any of my tormentors. But they came to my door, wondering what
kept me so late. There was to be a splendid religious procession that
day. All the churches of Seville were to send forth their imaged
Madonnas in great splendor, with attending priests, that their
worshipers might see them by broad daylight. Great preparations had been
made on this occasion, for one Madonna of wonderful potency was to be
brought forth from her convent for the first time in ninety years. The
convent Montes Serat being one of most holy repute, and at a distance
from the city, had not, for nearly a century, joined in the procession
of the holy week; but now its famous Madonna was coming forth from her
sacred privacy, rich in the gifts of her votaries, resplendent with the
jewels which attested her superior sanctity.

"The