intermingled with the habitations of men. Farther, the little quiet
villages lay slumbering in the soft blue shadows. The whole of the scene
was wrapped in an indescribable charm, that well accorded with the
tranquillity of the hour.

Here they halted, and Gomez Arias turning to Theodora said in an
affectionate tone, "My love, your tender frame has already endured a
greater share of fatigue than becomes your strength. Let us then, in
this delightful and sequestered spot, indulge an hour in refreshing and
invigorating repose."

Theodora assented in silence.

"Nay," continued Don Lope, "consult your inclination. I will not press
you to rest, unless you feel its necessity."

"I have no wish but your own," cheerfully answered Theodora; "you appear
inclined to stay in this place--let us tarry then."

Gomez Arias sprung lightly from his steed, and aided his fair companion
to dismount. She threw herself into his arms, but as her feet touched
the ground, she heaved a sigh, and cast a melancholy look around her.

"How you tremble, my love," said Don Lope; "this is the consequence of
that rascally Roque's foolery. I have a good mind to chastise the fellow
for the fears he has conjured in your breast."

Roque, who had followed at some distance in silent mood, no sooner heard
his name pronounced, than he pricked up his ears like an intelligent dog
on the scent for game, and when he heard his master's kind intentions
towards him, he ventured to observe--

"Senor, I would not trespass on your generosity; pray reserve your
intended favor for a future occasion, when I shall have more specially
deserved it."

"Sirrah! be silent; come down, and tie the horses to yonder trees."

The valet obeyed briskly; while Gomez Arias conducted his fair companion
to the entrance of the wood; where, arranging a couch under the
spreading arms of a huge oak, he invited her to lie down and rest. She
was about to accede to his invitation, when they were startled by a
shrill and discordant sound accompanied with a heavy flapping of wings,
and presently a flight of dull ill-omened ravens issued from their
solitary abodes, and hovered about, as if to dispute the possession of
their ancient homes with the intruders.

A fitful and involuntary shudder ran cold over the affrighted girl, as
with a wild and appalled look she gazed on the recluse birds, which
their arrival had disturbed; she clung eagerly to Gomez Arias, as they
both sat down on the sp