the coquette? But no! I will not believe it, at least upon the say so
of a stranger. I must have proofs."

"Pray, senor, have you never observed upon the lady's fair arm a
turquoise bracelet?"

"Yea, have I," replied the cavalier; "by the same token that she has
promised it to me as a _gage d'amour_."

"Do you recognize the bracelet?" cried the stranger, holding up, as he
spoke, the ornament in question. "Or, if that convince you not, do you
recognize this tress of raven hair--this bouquet that she wore upon
her bosom yesternight?"

"That I gave her myself!" cried the cavalier. "By Heaven! she has
proved false to me. But I must know," he added, fiercely, "who thou
art ere thou goest hence. I must have thy secret, if I force it from
thee at the dagger's point. Who art thou? speak!"

"Prithee, senor, press me not," said the stranger, drawing his cloak
yet closer about him, and retreating a pace or two.

"Who art thou?" cried the cavalier, menacingly, and striding forward
as the other receded.

"One whose name breathed in thine ear," replied the other, "would
curdle thy young blood with horror."

Julio laughed loud and scornfully.