. The moon shone
brilliantly, so that every object could be plainly distinguished, and
Theodora saw with dismay the forms that were moving towards them, as if
with the express determination of intercepting their passage.

"They are Moors!" she exclaimed. "Oh, heavens! what can they want in
this solitary place at the dead of night? Surely they must be some of
those desperate people, who have been left houseless and forlorn in the
late rebellion. Alas! they will retaliate on us all the horrors which
they have suffered. My dear Lope, if we must die, it will be at least
some consolation to meet death with thee."

She looked earnestly on her lover, but could trace no emotion in his
features; they were composed. The present feelings of Gomez Arias
partook of no alarm, and the unfortunate Theodora felt a fearful
presentiment, as she perceived the unmoved expression of his
countenance; for though the bravery of her lover might not allow him to
dread the approach of death, for his own sake, yet, surely, her own
danger ought to create in his mind some sensation of anxiety. In this
frightful agony of thought, Theodora remained until they came up with
the individuals who had awakened her fears. One of them now detached
himself from the group, and advanced to address Gomez Arias, who had
checked his horse to await his coming. What was the horror of Theodora
when she recognized in the person that stood before them, the dreaded
form of the renegade! She uttered a faint scream; and had not Gomez
Arias prevented her, she would have fallen to the ground.

"So, Don Lope," said the renegade, "you have kept your word: I could
expect no less from the noble Gomez Arias."

"And who are thy companions?" inquired Don Lope.

"There stands," replied Bermudo, pointing to Caneri, "the illustrious
Moor of whom I spoke--so the sooner we proceed to our arrangements, the
better."

The mutual understanding which appeared to subsist between Gomez Arias
and the renegade, and the heartless manner in which the last words were
delivered, left not a doubt in the mind of Theodora, that some
treacherous design was in contemplation. Her fears were soon confirmed;
for Gomez Arias, turning to her, in a tone of pity, began----

"Theodora, I will not attempt to palliate the conduct which necessity
obliges me to pursue; but the circumstances in which I am placed admit
of no alternative. We must part for ever--nor can I for a moment prolong
a scene, which must