d that the latter would never consent
to the marriage except at the instance of the Countess of Aranda. She
therefore had recourse to the lady Florida and said to her--

"You have seen, madam, that Castilian gentleman who often talks to me.
I believe that all his aim is to have me in marriage. You know, however,
what kind of father I have; he will never consent to the match unless he
be earnestly entreated by the Countess and you."

Florida, who loved the damsel as herself, assured her that she would
lay the matter to heart as though it were for her own benefit; and
Avanturada then ventured so far as to present Amadour to her. He was
like to swoon for joy on kissing Florida's hand, and although he was
accounted the readiest speaker in Spain, yet in her presence he became
dumb. At this she was greatly surprised, for, although she was only
twelve years old, she had already often heard it said that there was no
man in Spain who could speak better or with more grace. So, finding that
he said nothing to her, she herself spoke.

"Senor Amadour," she began, "the renown you enjoy throughout all the
Spains has made you known to everybody here, and all are desirous of
affording you pleasure. If therefore I can in any way do this, you may
dispose of me."

Amadour was in such rapture at sight of the lady's beauty that he could
scarcely utter his thanks. However, although Florida was astonished to
find that he made no further reply, she imputed it rather to some whim
than to the power of love; and so she withdrew, without saying anything
more.

Amadour, who perceived the qualities which even in earliest youth were
beginning to show themselves in Florida, now said to her whom he desired
to marry--

"Do not be surprised if I lost the power of utterance in presence of
the lady Florida. I was so astonished at finding such qualities and such
sensible speech in one so very young that I knew not what to say to her.
But I pray you, Avanturada, you who know her secrets, tell me if she
does not of necessity possess the hearts of all the gentlemen of the
Court. Any who know her and do not love her must be stones or brutes."

Avanturada, who already loved Amadour more than any other man in the
world, could conceal nothing from him, but told him that Florida was
loved by every one. However, by reason of the custom of the country, few
spoke to her, and only two had as yet made any show of love towards
her. These were two princes of Spain,