sunshine into my heart that have visited it from early manhood. I love
you, Magdalena!"

"This is no hour and no place for words like these," replied the
captive, coldly.

"Nay!" cried the stranger, with sudden energy. "Beautiful girl, I come
to save you!"

"To save me!" cried Magdalena, a sudden, wild hope springing in her
breast,"--to save me! It is well done. Believe me, I am innocent. You
have bribed the jailer to open my prison doors; you have contrived
some means of evasion. I know not--I care not what. I shall be freed!
I shall clasp my father's knees once more. I shall go forth into the
blessed air and light of heaven. God bless you, whoever you are, for
your words of hope!"

"You shall go forth, if you will," replied the stranger; "but openly,
in the face and eyes of man. At my word the prison bars will fall, the
keys will turn, the gates will be unbarred. I have a royal pardon!"

"Give it me! give it me!" almost shrieked Magdalena.

"It is bestowed on one condition: that you become my wife."

"That I become your wife!" repeated Magdalena, as if she but half
comprehended the words. "Forsake poor Julio! And yet the bribe, to
escape a death of infamy, to save my father's gray hairs from going
down to a dishonored grave! Speak! who are you, with power to save me
on these terms?"