Foiled
completely in his former hopes, he yet was willing to preserve the
favor of the queen, and to effect this it was necessary to deprecate the
indignation which his conduct had excited. He therefore assumed all the
symptoms of repentance, without any alloy of fear or servility, and
casting himself at the foot of the throne, "It would never," said he,
"be worthy of Gomez Arias to resist in any instance the will of his
sovereign; much less on an occasion when honor induces him to follow her
dictates."

"Pity," answered Isabella sarcastically, "that this consideration did
not sooner induce you to adopt such a course, for much misery had by
these means been prevented. But the evil is already done, and must be
instantly repaired.

"Don Lope Gomez Arias," she then proceeded, "This very moment you must
plight your hand and faith to Theodora de Monteblanco. You appear fully
sensible of the justice of such a measure, and therefore in my presence
let the ceremony be performed."

One of the chaplains of the queen was immediately summoned, and before
the assembled court, whose looks bespoke their astonishment at this
extraordinary scene, the unfortunate Theodora became the wife of Gomez
Arias. With trembling steps, and supported by her father, she advanced
to the foot of the throne. Don Lope approached her, not only without
symptoms of dislike, but even with some appearance of a kindly feeling,
the sincerity of which was however of a doubtful nature, as little trust
could be placed in a conversion so suddenly effected. Nor did Theodora,
blinded as she was by her infatuation, confide entirely in his specious
address; but yet the thought of restoring peace of mind to her father,
and honor to herself, rose paramount to every other consideration.
Amidst the tears that dimmed her eyes, and the lines of sorrow that
marked her countenance, some grateful signs of happiness were
discernible, like the cheering rays of the sun struggling through the
gloom of the clouds.

She received the hand of Gomez Arias tremblingly, with a mixed sensation
of joy and dread. Alas! when she took that hand, once so dear, it
seemed deadly cold, and the touch imparted to her heart a chill she
could not define.

As soon as the ceremony was performed, the queen arose, and with a
stateliness of manner that struck with awe the surrounding train--

"Don Lope," she said, "You have, as far as it lay in your power,
repaired the injury you have done to the d