applauded the dexterity with which he had extricated
himself from all his dilemmas, and rejoiced at having parted with Roque,
who now could only be considered as a witness of his crime. By handing
him over to the custody of the Moors, he was safely rid of a troublesome
servant, whose frowardness in future he must have tolerated as the
reward of secrecy. Besides, there was a further probability that the
loquacious disposition and impertinent sallies of the valet, would
ultimately draw upon him the ill-humour of some sullen Moor, who, not
inclined to relish his jests, might pay with a few inches of a poniard
the freedom of his tongue. With regard to Theodora, Don Lope could
entertain no fear of her escape, being under the guardianship of one who
appeared to be a captive to her charms. Meantime his wedding with Leonor
would be celebrated, all his views accomplished, and then if a decree of
wayward fate interfered with his flourishing honors, he would already
have power to set aside the past, and to make his way clear for the
future.

In this pleasing anticipation, Gomez Arias arrived at Granada, and
awaited impatiently for the auspicious morning that was to terminate his
fears, and crown his fondest desires. Early in the morning, therefore,
he flew to the mansion of the Aguilars without changing his dress, and
bearing in his appearance all the hurry and derangement of a hasty
journey. He found Don Alonso in the apartment of Leonor; but the welcome
he received from the object of his attachment was certainly not given
with the warmth of an affianced bride; nor did the countenance of
Aguilar betoken any very friendly reception. Don Lope felt this
coldness, but he perceived the urgency of sustaining his equality of
character, whatever might be the nature of the peril with which he was
threatened. Affecting, therefore, not to notice the unsocial cast of
their meeting, in a gay and lively tone addressed himself to Leonor--

"My dear Leonor," he said, "in my impatience to greet you, I may appear
guilty of a little indecorum," looking upon his dress; "but you will,
perhaps, on that plea pardon my presenting myself before you in a manner
so irregular."

"Oh, Don Lope," answered Leonor with a sarcastic smile, "I can forgive
you any thing, for my nature has become of late so indulgent, that I
find I could pardon offences much graver than a mere breach of manners."

"Your goodness I never doubted," replied Gomez Arias; "but methink