ust then I saw the fair rider draw forth from her
bosom something that glittered in the sun. It was a watch, and she
appeared to note the time. I observed that she looked anxiously over
the tops of the low trees, in the direction of the plain below.

These circumstances, trivial as they might appear, produced within me a
quick sense of pain. I felt as if hot steel was passing through my
heart. I had ridden to my ruin--I had followed to be present at an
assignation. Thus only could I explain the solitary ride, and by such
difficult and devious paths; thus only could I account for the
oft-repeated anxious glance, the ear acutely bent. Beyond a doubt, she
was listening for the footsteps of a lover!

The rein fell from my fingers. I sat irresolute--I scarcely breathed--
my heart felt cold and feeble--the birds mocked me--the parrots
screeched his name--the _aras_ in hoarse concert cried out "_Ijurra_!"

The name nerved me, as blood knits the sinews of the tiger. Once more
my fingers closed upon my bridle, my feet became firm in the stirrups,
and heart and arm swelled to their full strength. 'Twas but a light
rapier that hung against my thigh--no matter; he might be no better
weaponed; but even armed from head to heel, I feared him not. Three
passions--hatred, jealousy, and revenge--supplied an arm of treble
strength, and under the influence of these I felt bold and sure of
conquest. Yes, I felt at that moment, as though I could have slain my
hated rival with my naked hands.

I was no longer troubled with scruples of etiquette. No; this monster
owed me satisfaction--life itself: he had striven to take mine; and now
his should be forfeit to my vengeance. On that spot--even in her
presence--should he die, or I myself become the victim. The two of us
should never go thence alive. "Oh, that he may reach the ground while
my blood is thus hot, and my hand ready!"

The fierce thoughts stirring within me must have roused my horse, for at
that moment he tossed his head and neighed wildly. A response came like
an echo from the glade, and the instant after, a voice called out.--

"_Hola! quien va_?"

Concealment was no longer possible. I saw that I was observed; and,
spurring my horse into the open ground, I rode up, and halted face to
face with Isolina.

CHAPTER FORTY SIX.

A DECLARATION ON HORSEBACK.

Face to face with my beautiful brunette. Her eyes flashed upon me with
an expression of surprise. I