Gomez Arias, "your discernment is not too
hardly taxed to perceive the emotion which I scarcely wish to conceal,
and must of necessity easily imagine the expressions that such feelings
must dictate. But pardon, if in a day like the present, my passion
oversteps the bounds of common love; for the delirium of bliss that
possesses me cannot be manifested by the usual demonstrations of
cold-hearted mortals. A day that unites me to the most exalted, as well
as the most lovely, of her sex, is surely--"

"Hold, Don Lope," gravely interrupted Leonor; "I will not now dwell upon
the respective merits of your passion--for I have a favor to ask, and it
is your time to grant a request which, perchance, may sound strangely to
your ear."

"I need not say that the wishes of my charming Leonor can meet with no
opposition from me," politely answered Gomez Arias.

"Yesterday," continued Leonor, "notwithstanding the fervour of your
love, you requested that the wedding should be deferred one day. Now,
you cannot deny me a similar favor, and I have particular reasons for
desiring that it may be further postponed for a month."

"Heavens! what say you? A month! a whole month!"

"Yes, Sir," cried Leonor with emotion, "a month--a year, if
circumstances require a further delay--'tis alike indifferent to me."

Saying this she abruptly left the apartment, leaving Gomez Arias in
indescribable consternation.

"I am ruined!" he cried after a pause: "the forced indifference which
Leonor has imposed upon herself during this interview, and the burst of
feeling that marked her departure, leave me no room to doubt that her
suspicions are excited. But shall I tamely submit to this reverse of
fortune, after the many and cruel measures I have been impelled to adopt
for the success of my designs? No, by heaven! I will not."

He then remained sometime buried in a musing attitude, balancing in his
mind the most prudent course to pursue in so difficult a situation.

"Boldness and indifference," he said at length, "alone can insure
safety. From Theodora and Roque, I have nothing to apprehend. I will
forthwith send instructions to Count de Urena; nay, I will partially
open my heart to him, since his co-operation is now become indispensable
to the furtherance of my plans."

After this, Gomez Arias sought another interview with Leonor, and with a
proud and offended demeanor, informed her that he was perfectly willing
to concede her request. Then, without