ignorant, and how I find you here is more than
imagination can conceive."

"I came," said Theodora, bitterly--"I came to be a witness of your
joyful wedding: it is to be celebrated to-morrow, and I am yet in time."

There was something evil-boding in the tone of these words, and an
involuntary chill crept over Gomez Arias as he fixed his eyes on the
sufferer.

"Yes," she continued, "it is necessary that the ceremony should be
attended at least by one of your victims--the triumph of Leonor will
then be more brilliant; and I," she added in a faltering tone, "I shall
also enjoy one satisfaction----"

Struck with horror, no less at these words than at the manner in which
they were delivered, Gomez Arias looked wildly on Theodora; but was
unable for some time to give utterance to his thoughts.

"My poor life," continued Theodora, "must always be an obstacle to your
happiness, and it is meet I should make the sacrifice at the foot of the
altar, at the time of your union with the choice of your heart."

Don Lope was fixed in deep abstraction; a thousand thoughts rushed
across his fevered brain; he raised himself from the couch; a copious
suffusion bathed his distended brows, and every thing bespoke the
dreadful conflict of his feelings. He saw all his prospects of grandeur
fall like the baseless structure of a dream: on the point of snatching
the golden treasure, he was arrested as effectually as if by the hand of
death. Perplexed with the most distracting thoughts and boisterous
passions, he for a time appeared even unconscious of the form that came
to nip his hopes in their blossom: but soon a light seemed to illumine
his over-clouded imagination, and his brow brightened as if actuated by
a sudden resolution.

"Theodora," he said, with a solemn and energetic tone--"Theodora, I will
no longer dissemble with you; I have been cruel, barbarous as never man
was before: yes, to-morrow I am to be united to Spain's proudest
daughter, and all that ambition and glory can offer in dazzling
perspective to the ardent imagination of man, all, all is to be
fulfilled. But, alas! Theodora, I cannot endure your distress; your
tears, your anguish rend my heart, and awaken that affection which was
never completely extinguished. Dared I but hope for your forgiveness,
how willingly would I make the sacrifice of these glittering bubbles,
and return to that path where alone I can find peace and happiness.
Theodora!" he continued after a pa