aforesaid gentlemen. They had been busily occupied in devising the most
efficacious means to insure success in their researches. Don Manuel
appeared more composed in his demeanor, for he placed much confidence
in the influence and abilities of his ally. Hope, that with its cheering
ray lights us even on the gloomy borders of the tomb, now in part
dispelled the heavy cloud that overshadowed the deserted father's heart.

Don Antonio took an affectionate leave, and after repeating his cordial
offers of assistance, departed.

Monteblanco, when left by himself, felt his wrath again revived, at the
sight of the duenna; he therefore renewed his threats of a convent.

"Don Manuel!" said the duenna, with a most sanctimonious look, "I am
innocent--innocent, as the child unborn: yet if it so pleaseth Heaven,
that I should be immured in a cloister, the Lord's will be done; a
convent has no terrors for me; alas! a poor humble sinner can desire no
better abode; but think, Senor, how galling it is to be forced by
compulsion to embrace a state, that ought to be embraced out of
spontaneous inclination; allow me at least a few hours to arrange my
worldly concerns, and I shall be ready to obey your commands."

Saying this, the female _tartuffe_ retired to her chamber, to prepare
for her secret departure.

CHAPTER XI.

Tu puoi pensar, se'l padre addolorato
Riman quand'accusar sente la figlia,
Si perche ode di lei quel, che pensato
Mai non avrebbe, e n'ha gran maraviglia.

_Ariosto._

Ben se'crudel, se tu gia non ti duoli
Pensando cio ch'al mio cor s'annunziava:
E se non piangi di che pianger suoli?

_Dante._

Whilst the unhappy father was absorbed in his recent misfortune, and
endeavouring to beguile the tedious hours, by directing researches in
all quarters of the town, where there was any possibility of his
daughter having taken refuge, he was surprised with a visit from Gomez
Arias.

"Pardon my intrusion, Senor," he said with much courtesy; "my anxiety
for the fate of an honorable gentleman, though a rival, will perhaps
hold me excused in the eyes of Don Manuel de Monteblanco."

"Sir," returned Don Manuel, "your visits do much honor to my humble
dwelling, and stand in no need of an apology."

After the long vocabulary of compliments had been exhausted, Gomez Arias
reverted to the adventure in the _Zaguan_, and with appare