f importance, and
apparently with a firm resolution that no opportunity should escape in
the proffer of her good services, and in the exercise of her loquacious
talents.

"Good day, sweet lady! Save you, my dear lady! How have you passed the
night?--Very composedly I trow, for this is a most quiet and sequestered
apartment: but, our Lady defend us! how pale you look;--surely, you are
not ill?--_La virgen nos valga_.[32] Samuel Mendez shall be commanded
here forthwith; for this same Samuel, you must know, is a very sapient
leech, and well versed in occult medical science, though a very dog of a
cursed unbelieving Jew;[33] he shall be sent for anon; there is no cause
to fear him, for the infidel dare not use any of his poisonous drugs to
such as you, my sweet lady. The _Samaritano_[34] would answer with his
life any mischance to yours; and that is methinks a right way of
effecting cures. So permit me to send for Samuel Mendez."

"Thank you most kindly," answered Theodora, "but my disease is not to be
removed by the powers of medicine. Alas! it is seated in the mind," she
added, smiling sadly, "and there all the science of Samuel Mendez would
be unavailing."

"Cheer up, my sweet lady," returned Lisarda, "for this is a time of
rejoicing at Granada, and it would be a pity to have one sorrowful heart
amidst the revelries of this mansion. Good heavens! we are all mad for
joy in the very anticipation of so much feasting and merry-making."

"I congratulate you sincerely," said Theodora, "though I cannot be a
partaker of the general joy."

"Oh, but you must," exclaimed Lisarda, "you must be glad, aye, and
rejoice too;--and how can you in troth do otherwise, seeing that our
master, Don Alonso de Aguilar, is hourly expected in the city?"

"It will indeed," returned Theodora, "throw a beam of comfort into my
poor heart to behold my brave and generous deliverer, and to pour forth
the tribute of my humble gratitude, which he so justly deserves."

"His arrival," continued Lisarda, with marvellous volubility of tongue,
"is the signal of numberless pleasures; for now, thank God and the
mighty _Santiago_, the Moors have had such a dressing that they will be
in no humour for some time to renew their unruly frolics, and that happy
event which we have so long a time been anxiously awaiting will at last
be accomplished."

"Yes," said Theodora, mechanically, "peace will be restored."

"Aye, peace will be restored," quoth she of the e