towards the arms on the
walls.

"They are all in good order, and intended to be used," she observed.
"My friend thinks it a good place to keep them in, as no one would
imagine that they were placed there otherwise than for ornament. The
time may come, however, and that before long, when they may do good
service to our country."

Although my companion continued to speak, as if to engage my attention,
I could not help hearing the conversation that was going on between Don
Juan and Dona Dolores. In ardent tones he declared his love and
devotion, and vowed that his happiness in life depended on her becoming
his wife.

"I will not deny, Don Juan, that I return the love you bestow on me; but
this arises from the weakness of my woman's nature. Notwithstanding
this, I tell you that nothing shall induce me to marry a man who is not
ready to sacrifice his life and property to obtain the enfranchisement
of our beloved country from the tyrannical yoke of her oppressors. You
have hitherto led an indolent life, regardless of the sufferings of our
people. Not until I see you boldly come forward and nobly devote
yourself to the cause of freedom, will I promise to become your wife.
When that freedom has been won, and the Spaniards, the hated Godos, have
been driven into the sea--"

"But that may not be for many years, my beloved Dolores!" exclaimed Don
Juan; "am I to wait so long before I enjoy the unspeakable happiness of
calling you mine?"

"If you and other young men of wealth and position in the country, who
ought to set the example to other classes, hang back, that glorious
object may never be accomplished, and I shall die a maiden; for I swear
to you I will never wed while our country remains enslaved," exclaimed
Dona Dolores in a firm tone.

My companion's tongue here went rattling on at such a rate, that I did
not hear what more was said for some time; but it was evident that Dona
Dolores was expatiating on the duty of all patriots to struggle on, in
spite of every difficulty, until the power of the Spaniards was
overthrown.

At length Don Juan exclaimed,--"Your arguments have prevailed, Dona
Dolores: from henceforth I will emerge from the useless life I have
hitherto led, and will devote my life to the cause of Freedom. You
shall have no reason to complain of your pupil. I trust that you will
hear of such deeds as you would have me do; and you may be sure that I
shall ever be found in the van of the battle, wh