t, once so
fruitful in every tender feeling, in all the genuine virtues of female
loveliness and merit. But, alas! the situation of the unhappy Theodora
was, indeed, more distressing than heretofore. Hope now no longer
illumined her heart; amidst the darkness which had over-clouded her
imagination, no cheering light shone upon her path to lead her from
misery. But the dereliction of hope is not the worst enemy of virtuous
woman. No, it is the loss of salutary fear, and Theodora was nearly
sinking into that lamentable state of indifference which generally
succeeds the extinction of youthful hope and affection. Every thing
seemed to conspire against Theodora. The secluded and retired nature of
her education, and the tenderness of her age deprived her of those
auxiliaries to combat her present state, which a woman of greater
knowledge of the world, and more advanced in years, would gather from
these very circumstances.

Roque had, by order of Caneri, a free access to Theodora, and he took
special care frequently to profit by the permission granted. This was
some solace for the unfortunate girl; the interviews with the valet
diverted her thoughts by the lively, though ludicrous, pictures which he
drew of their future release from their present thraldom. The very night
of their arrival at Alhaurin, Roque was giving to his mistress a
circumstantial account of his conversation with Marien Rufa, when the
door of the apartment swung open, and the renegade boldly entered
without any previous announcement. His sudden appearance caused the
greatest perturbation and alarm, both to Roque and his mistress. The
unseasonable hour of the visit, and the interest evinced by the renegade
towards Theodora, were naturally indicative of some sinister intention.
Theodora, however, recovering from her first surprise, involuntarily
drew back as Bermudo advanced. Meanwhile Roque was at a loss what to
think or to do; the flutter of his whole person plainly indicated how
ill at ease he was with himself. He looked at his mistress, and
perceiving her emotion, felt more afraid, though on what account he was
perfectly unconscious. But Roque was not long suffered to remain in
uncertainty with respect to his own feelings. Bermudo, with a most
haughty demeanor, made a sign to the valet to quit the place, and as
Roque deliberated between regard for his mistress and dread for his own
dear self, the renegade, to bring about a final determination, laid his
ha