Leonor alarmed at the reported inconstancy of her future husband?"

"Is she not the child of Aguilar?"--proudly cried the warrior--"And
where is the man that dared wrong one of that name?"

"Nay," replied Isabella, in the most condescending tone and manner, "I
do not mean that Leonor will repent her choice when once made; she has
attractions to fix the most volatile and inconstant of men; and I
sincerely hope that Gomez Arias will have discernment sufficient to
appreciate them."

"Don Lope is not so fickle as some have wished your Highness to
believe," observed Don Alonso. "Moreover, I use no compulsion; they love
each other well, and I only am concerned that their marriage should not
be celebrated before I march against el Feri de Benastepar. In the face
of danger I would then feel tranquil, from the consciousness that there
was one to protect my child, should aught happen to her father in this
hazardous expedition."

"The daughter of Don Alonso de Aguilar"--replied the queen--"can never
need one to supply her father's place whilst Isabella lives. She shall
remain constantly with me, and I shall be gratified to manifest by my
attention and kindness to Leonor, the high estimation in which I hold
her father. But how does it happen that you are not the _Mantenedor_ of
the lists in the games of to-morrow?"

"One more capable than myself has already assumed the charge. Besides, I
can feel little interested with the display of a tournament, when we are
shortly to meet the enemy in mortal encounter. These sports suit well
with gay young cavaliers, but not with veterans like myself. Those
gallant knights have admiring ladies to look upon their prowess, and
reward their success. But my only ambition is to sustain the laurels
earned in bloody fray against the enemy of my country,--to gain the
approbation of that country, and the favor of its greatest ornament,--my
noble sovereign."

The resolute and manly tone in which Don Alonso spoke, perfectly
accorded with the frankness and generosity of his character. He bent his
knee as he pressed to his lips the extended hand of his queen.

"And well hast thou deserved that favor," she exclaimed, "my best, and
most faithful friend: thy country will pay with gratitude thy long
proved services. Go; prosper in thy brilliant career!"

The remainder of the day was passed in preparations for the games of the
morrow. Gallant knights were busily engaged in preparing their
accoutrements