the efforts of Malique proved as abortive as the ravings of his
master. After a day spent in fruitless pursuit, the party was compelled
to retreat before an advancing band of Christians, and returned to
Alhaurin, to witness the extravagant rage of Caneri, who was alternately
the prey of shame, disappointment, and vexation. Indeed, all the Moors
evinced signs of discontent at the disappearance of the renegade. Some,
because his presence animated their courage, and others because they
dreaded the despotic temper of Caneri, now rendered doubly formidable by
this untoward event. All the Moors were, therefore, in dismay at the
flight of the renegade, all but one, and that was Aboukar, who found
with no less surprise than joy, that amongst the companions of the
runaway was included his spouse, Marien Rufa.

Meantime, the fugitives were rapidly approaching the town of Guadix,
the native place of Theodora. But with what throbbing hearts the
travellers proceeded on their journey, and how different were the
feelings that gave expression to their features! A thousand sensations
agitated the bosom of Theodora; fear, hope, and filial love, alternately
disputed the mastery, whilst the countenance of the renegade evinced
nought but a dreary isolation of feeling; revenge alone reigned in his
heart uncontrolled, and undisputed. The two inferior personages were
likewise indulging in reflections consonant to their nature and habits.
A vacant joy, a happy riddance from a state of fear and thraldom,
predominated in the heart of Roque, whilst a curious amalgamation of
gratified spite and returning superstition claimed that of Marien Rufa.
But, however different the sentiments by which they were actuated, the
travellers evinced an equal joy when their anxious look caught the first
glimpse of Guadix, which now stood before them softly enveloped in the
twilight shadows.

"Welcome! dear lady," cried Roque, joyfully, "once more behold your
home."

Home, delightful thrilling word! It went to the heart of Theodora in a
tumultuous flow of pleasing, yet painful sensations. She now returned to
the scenes of her innocence and happiness, but it was also the theatre
of her disgrace and sorrow. What agitation did she feel as every well
known object presented itself with powerful associations to her mind.
Already she descried the stately appearance of her father's mansion,
rising majestically in the shades of approaching night. Though distant
she clearl