ot above-mentioned.

"What ails you, Theodora?" demanded Don Lope. "Is it possible that a few
ravens can inspire with childish terrors a mind like yours?"

Theodora acknowledged her foolish weakness, but she was far from feeling
tranquil and consoled. Indeed when she perceived Roque, with visible
alarm, cross himself fervently three times, it added to the excitement
of her feverish imagination.

Owls, ravens and bats, have always had an indisputable privilege to
excite superstitious fears. Whence they derive this particular claim, it
would be difficult to determine, but they are generally considered the
harbingers of some dismal event, which is more properly, after all, the
result of an over-heated fancy.

Theodora, who since she left the paternal roof had been a prey to that
fixed sorrow which the intoxicating transports of love had not been able
to subdue, now contemplated, in the gloomy croaking of the ravens, the
sad presage of some dire misfortune. She reclined silently with downcast
eyes, while Roque was busy in fastening the horses.

"Gently, gently, Babieca," said the valet, caressing the spirited steed
of his master; then he muttered to himself--"for we have nothing to fear
if we escape safe and sound from this place--So help me God if I did
not count thirteen ravens, as ill-omened in every respect of size, color
and voice, as a Christian might wish to behold--Well, our _Lady de las
Angustias_ send us her grace and protection!"

"What art thou muttering there?" asked Gomez Arias. "Thou graceless
varlet, hast thou a wish that I should fulfil the promise I made thee a
short time since?"

"Senor?" inquired Roque, pretending not to hear.

"No dissembling, thou dog!--What art thou mumbling to thyself?"

"Save you, kind master; sure enough I am only praying, and in so doing I
infringe not your commands, since I have your permission to pray to my
soul's content, provided it is in a tacit capuchin-like manner."

The ravens having practised their cumbrous evolutions, now sought their
rest amidst the deeper gloom of the forest, and all again was hushed, to
the great relief of Roque, who forthwith began to devour alone the
provisions which, like a careful and sagacious forager, he had provided
against the necessities of the journey.

Theodora had laid aside her hat and veil, to enjoy the luxury of repose
with greater convenience, whilst her lover placing himself near her, and
watching her every movement, diffu