rlos.

"Here," said Ashby, and he produced the package from his coat-pocket.

"Give them to me," said Don Carlos. "I will arrange it all. Do you know,
gentlemen, this is the happiest moment of my life. I seem like a kind of
_Deus ex machina_ coming in at the right time at the end of a series of
adventures to produce universal peace and harmony."

"I hope and trust," said Ashby, "that 'Your Majesty' may be the _Deus ex
machina_ for all Spain, and interpose at last to produce universal peace
and harmony here."

"Senor," said Don Carlos, "you talk like a born courtier; yet at the same
time," he added, in a solemn tone, "what you have just said is the high
hope and aspiration of my life."

After this creditable little speech Ashby handed over the package, and Don
Carlos took it. At this sight the lower jaw of the venerable Russell fell
several inches. This Don Carlos seemed to him not one whit better than the
other. The bonds were now lost to him forever. That was plain enough. Yet
he dared not say a word. After all, they were not his, but Katie's. Harry
knew that, and Ashby also. What could he say? He was dumb, and so he
crawled back, discomfited and despairing, to his seat.

"Gentlemen," said Don Carlos, "you must use your utmost efforts with the
ladies. Everything shall be done that can be most fitting to the occasion.
We shall have music and festivities. It is not often that I have
adventures like these. Let the old castle renew its youth. Let these walls
ring to music and song. Don't let the ladies escape you, gentlemen. If
anything is wanting to your persuasions, tell them--as that rascal
O'Toole, my double, would say--tell them that it is 'our royal will.'"

Another burst of applause, mingled with laughter, followed, after which
Harry, Ashby, and Brooke hurried off to see the ladies.

What passed between the different couples on that memorable occasion, what
objections were made, on the one hand, by shrinking modesty, and what
arguments and entreaties were put forth, on the other hand, by the ardent
lovers, need not be narrated here. Whether it was meek compliance with a
loved one's wish, or dread of Spanish etiquette, or respect for the "royal
will," or whatever else it may have been, suffice it to say that at last
the delighted swains won a consent from the blushing maidens; after which
they rushed forth in wild rapture to spend the remainder of the night in
prolonged festivities with their gallant host and