vow to you, that
this step is demanded by actual and imperious necessity."

"Well, well," replied the nobleman, acquiescing, "I will, at all events,
comply with your request, whatever may be the motive."

The friends took leave of each other, and Gomez Arias breathed more
freely, as he again considered himself assured of the success of his
plans.

"Senor," said Roque, "we were just speaking of impediments, and there
comes the Count. Now, God send that we may meet no more!"

"Ay, Roque," replied Gomez Arias: "If I think rightly, the most material
part of the business remains yet to be done, and it puzzles me strangely
how to ensure its success."

"Most prudently said, Senor," returned Roque; "for it is indeed a
ticklish point to dispose of a lady, when it unfortunately happens that
she is not equally desirous to be disposed of;--but whither are we going
now?"

"To the gardens,--for there we shall be unobserved:" then, after a
pause, he continued; "Roque, thou appearest uneasy; what is the reason
that at every minute thy head is turned backwards, as if in
apprehension?"

"Oh, nothing, Senor, nothing in the world."

The valet delivered these words in an irresolute tone, for his master's
observations had been just. Roque had for some time betrayed such
disquietude in his manner, that at length the attention of Don Lope was
directed towards the object of his valet's uneasiness, and he perceived
a stranger following them at some distance. It was a Moor, of dark and
repulsive appearance, who was evidently observing them, although he
affected a total indifference to their movements.

"Roque," said Gomez Arias, in whom the slightest incident now created
suspicion, "Dost thou know that strange looking man?"

"Think you, my honored master," returned Roque, "that I am likely to
consort with so villainous looking a Moor? What should I do with such an
acquaintance? I am a _Christiano viejo_,[38] and my conscience would not
allow me to consort with infidels, and particularly when they are so
ill-favored as yonder prowling rascal."

"Roque, Roque, thou talkest too much, and the very earnestness of thy
manner makes me strongly suspect that thy knowledge of the stranger is
more than thou art willing that I should learn."

"_San Pedro me valga!_" ejaculated Roque. "My honored master, how can
you thus call in question my integrity? Do you think, Senor, it is
really possible for me to use any mystery with my master?"

"Avau