ost envied of women."

"I know, and I wish now I had not been so hasty; but Luiz saved her
life, won my gratitude; then, as the price of his act, asked Lianor's
hand. I was forced to consent, as I had said I would give him whatever
he asked," with a sigh.

"A promise gained like that is not binding. It was taking an unfair
advantage of your gratitude."

"I do not like to break my promise, but I will do what I can for you;
I will ask Lianor, and if she cares for you more than for Luiz, she
shall wed you."

"Thank you; and I will try hard to gain her love," Manuel answered
hopefully.

When Lianor heard the subject of the conference between her father and
Tonza, her indignation was unbounded.

"How can you act so dishonorably, papa?" she cried angrily, "after
betrothing me to Luiz; now, because Tonza is rich and wishes to marry
me, you would break your word."

"But, my dear, think how different Manuel is to Falcam! He can give
you a beautiful home, and jewels such as a queen might envy, while the
captain can give you nothing."

"He can give me a brave, loving heart, which is worth all the world to
me! No; while Luiz lives I will be true to him. No other shall steal
my love from him," firmly.

"Is that the answer I am to give Tonza?"

"Yes. Thank him for the great honor he has done me; but, as I cannot
marry two men, I choose the one I love--who first won my hand and
saved my life."

When Manuel heard her answer he was filled with rage and hate.

"So--so," he muttered, a sinister look creeping over his face, "she
will not wed me while Falcam lives. But should he die--what then?"

To Lianor he was always gentle, trying by soft words and many little
attentions to win her regard; a very difficult task. Since her
father's conversation, she shrank as much as possible from him, hoping
he would understand her studied coldness.

"Savitre," she said one evening, as they were dressing for a ball,
given in her honor, "that horrid man's attentions are becoming
intolerable! He will not see how I detest him, and am bound by love
and promise to another. I wish Luiz was here; he has been away so
long. I am tired of Tonza's persistence and papa's reproaches."

"Never mind, dearest; all will be well when your brave lover returns.
Perhaps he may be even now on the way. I am sure if he knew how
terribly you were persecuted he would fly to you at once," Savitre
whispered softly.

"I feel miserable--unhappy. Lalli, put away