th such violence that the whole place rung with the noise.

"There," cried the hag, "there's a convincing proof that my hair has not
imposed on your credulity with regard to my strength."

Roque was completely reclaimed from his waggishness by the unexpected
visitation of the Sampsonic fist, and for some time utterly forgot the
use of his tongue. The notice of the whole cavalcade was attracted by
the mishap of the luckless valet, and the energetic exclamation of dame
Aboukar. The Moors that served as escort were seized with a fit of
wondering mirth, and even the renegade, who was the chief of the party,
spite of his habitual sternness, relaxed his rigid features into
something like a smile. The tenant of a litter that was carried in
advance likewise stopped to inquire into the reason of the commotion.

"Roque, what is the matter," demanded Theodora (for she was indeed that
lady), when she perceived the valet rising from the ground in the
greatest confusion.

"Nothing, my lady:" answered Roque, wofully; "the Lord defend us, but
we have in our party a devil incarnate, under the semblance of a woman.
Good heavens! here's such a concert ringing in the side of my head--such
a hissing and whizzing never did I hear. O, Maria Rufa!" he then
proceeded, in a humble tone, "what a flame you have imparted to my poor
face! If it is a sample of your amorous fires, I am amazed you are not
actually reduced to cinders!"

"That will teach you," said Maria Rufa, pacified, "to put a proper
restraint on your froward tongue."

Roque for some time after kept a profound silence, for though he
affected to treat the matter with jocose indifference, yet he was in no
manner satisfied with the mirth and merry sayings which his adventure
had occasioned. At length, however, his curiosity prevailed, and almost
forgetting his recent disgrace, he again in a friendly manner accosted
the Amazon.

"Now, Rufa," he said, "I hope you entertain no rancour against me for
what has passed?"

"By no means, good Roque," answered the hag grinning, "I am perfectly
satisfied, and I hope you are the same."

"Quite," returned the valet, "quite; so let us say no more about it, but
rather tell me, if no ways disagreeable, the origin, progress, and final
results of your passion."

"Alas! Roque," replied the old sybil, "it was unfortunate in its
results."

And she heaved a profound sigh, whilst Roque, in most sympathetic
unison, uttered a dismal groan.

"Cons