."

"If I can only make my way to the house of the English ambassador,"
replied Landon, "I think I can count upon my safety."

Donna Florinda, after lighting a lamp, (for it was now nightfall,)
and setting upon a table some wine and fruit, left the chamber,
locking the door behind her.

Descending to the garden, she went directly to a secluded arbor,
embowered in foliage, at no great distance from the house.

"Cesareo!" she whispered.

A young cavalier, who was concealed in the arbor, instantly advanced,
and clasped her in his arms.

"Dear Florinda," he cried, "I feared that you would disappoint me. But
we have yet some happy moments to pass together."

"Not a moment, Cesareo," replied the lady; "my father will soon
return. I come to beg you to retire instantly, and await another
opportunity of meeting."

"You are anxious to get rid of me!" replied the cavalier.

"Not so; my father will soon return, and he will be sure to inquire
for me directly."

"Well, then," said the lover, "if it must be so, go you to the house,
and leave me the solitary pleasure of watching the window of the room
gladdened by your presence."

"No, no, Cesareo," cried Florinda, in terror, "that must not be."

As she said this, her eyes were instinctively turned to the window of
her room, and Cesareo's followed the same direction. The shadow of
Landon's figure, as it passed between the lamp and the window, was
seen defined distinctly on the curtain.

"By Heaven!" cried Cesareo, "there is a man in your bed chamber!"

"My father!" said Florinda.

"You told me in your last breath that he had not returned. You are
playing me false, Florinda. You have a lover, and a favored one."

"No, no!" cried the agonized girl. "It is nothing, believe me--trust
not appearances. I will explain all."

But at this moment the distant clang of trumpets and kettledrums was
heard, announcing the governor's return.

"I must begone!" cried Florinda; "believe me, I am faithful;" and with
these words she fled into the house.

"The dream is over!" said Cesareo. "But I will have vengeance on my
rival;" and he left the garden, muttering curses, and grasping the
cross hilt of his sword.

Florinda flew to her chamber.

"Fly!" she cried to Landon. "I have sheltered you at the risk of my
reputation--my father is returning, and you must leave this house. A
jealous lover may denounce me, and both of us be ruined forever.
Farewell; climb the wall at the back o