ards eternity. Warriors and
priests, banners and crosses, moved promiscuously along, while the
subdued blast of clarions united their strains to the deep-toned and
gloomy cadences of the chaunting monks.

In this manner the procession reached at length the Plaza de
Bivarrambla. At the sight of the scaffold, Gomez Arias gave an
involuntary start, for he was unable to stifle the impression which the
first view of that dreadful spot made on his mind. He soon, however,
recovered his usual composure, and cast an inquiring and intense look on
the assembled multitude. Sorrow and consternation were every where
visible, but all was tranquil and quiet. The last lingering hope now
vanished from the breast of Gomez Arias, and he seemed resigned to the
fate that awaited him. The murmur of the multitude was hushed into a
deadly silence. Don Lope dismounted, ascended the scaffold, and turning
to his soldiers, he said--

"Farewell, my brave companions; this is the last expedition in which we
shall meet; but in this, as well as in all the former, Gomez Arias will
display the coolness and courage which becomes a soldier." He then with
equal resolution was about to bare his neck for the fatal stroke, when a
piercing scream was heard at a distance in the crowd. Presently a female
form was seen flying towards the scaffold--

"A pardon! a pardon!" shouted various voices; and the multitude joyfully
opened a passage to the unfortunate. She ran with frantic speed, until
she arrived at length, exhausted, at the foot of the scaffold,
exhibiting in the disorder of her person and the wild expression of her
features, all the workings of terror, anxiety, and joy. Every one stood
mute with astonishment when they beheld in this apparition the wretched
Theodora, who flew up the steps of the scaffold, holding aloft in her
trembling hand a paper; then throwing herself into the arms of her
husband--

"Oh it is not too late," she cried eagerly; "I have brought your pardon.
Here! here! You are safe--it is the Queen's signet."

Count de Tendilla took the paper from her hand, and read joyfully aloud
the pardon of Gomez Arias. Theodora looked wildly around, her large
beautiful eyes fraught with terror: she gazed upon the appalling scene,
as though still fearful that the execution would not be suspended.

"Read! read!" she cried vehemently to Count de Tendilla: "it is the
Queen's order. A messenger will soon arrive; but I am here first. I came
to save my