r hurried to the solitary spot where he had
decided they should meet. Roque, in that wavering mood so natural to his
character, alike unfit for good or evil, made his way to Don Alonso's
garden, deliberating within himself on the course he ought to follow.
Pity and remorse, at intervals, made him shrink with dismay from the
picture of wretchedness which the unfortunate Theodora presented to his
view. There was something so iniquitous and unmanly in betraying the
unsuspecting and lovely victim, that the feelings of the valet, though
far from being refined, revolted from the participation: once or twice
he had even resolved to acquaint Theodora with the premeditated plot,
but these momentary impulses of his better feelings were soon checked
for want of strength to follow up the generous suggestion. The awe with
which Roque beheld his master, and the dread of the results which his
disclosure might produce in the mind of the victim, powerfully
contributed to silence the voice of conscience. Then he hoped that the
marriage once over, measures might be taken for the security and comfort
of Theodora; and finally he fondly admitted the hope, or rather forced
his rebellious mind to encourage it, that Gomez Arias would relent at
the sight of the unhappy girl, and that he would then fix upon some
other expedient less distressing and criminal.

In this conflict, he arrived at the palace, and entering by a private
gate into the garden, he approached the window of Theodora's apartment.
The anxious girl, who had been all the day on the alert, immediately
descended, and stood by the side of Roque.

"Where is he?" she eagerly cried, upon meeting the valet.

"Prudence," replied Roque, "has obliged him, much against his
inclination, to keep aloof; but here is a letter which will explain his
motives, and the course that you are immediately to adopt."

Theodora ran over the contents of the letter in a trepidation of
anxiety, and closed the perusal of it by imprinting the fervent kisses
of love and devotion on the vile instrument of treachery.

"Let us make haste," she then said, and without waiting for Roque to
lead the way, she hurried through the garden upon the wings of
affection. The valet's heart misgave him, when he beheld her speeding
with such haste to her destruction. He contrasted the devoted confidence
of Theodora, hurrying to the fatal spot, with the duplicity and
heartlessness of Gomez Arias tranquilly awaiting her arrival.