unlamented I might have perished here in the desert, as must be the
case in the end." So saying he closed his eyes again, like one
intoxicated with sleep, but Heimbert continued his restoratives
unwearyingly, and at length the refreshed wanderer half raised
himself from the sand with an exclamation of astonishment.

He looked from Heimbert to his companion, and from her again at
Heimbert, and suddenly exclaimed, gnashing his teeth, "Ha, was it to
he thus! I was not even to be allowed to die in the dull happiness
of quiet solitude! I was to be first doomed to see my rival's
success and my sister's shame!" At the same time he sprang to his
feet with a violent effort and rushed forward upon Heimbert with
drawn sword. But Heimbert moved neither sword nor arm, and merely
said, in a gentle voice, "Wearied out, as you now are, I cannot
possibly fight with you; besides, I must first place this lady in
security." Antonia, who had at first gazed with much emotion at the
angry knight, now stepped suddenly between the two men and cried out,
"Oh, Fadrique, neither misery nor anger can utterly disfigure you.
But what has my noble brother done to you?" "Brother?" said
Fadrique, with astonishment. "Or godfather, or confessor,"
interrupted Heimbert, "as you will. Only do not call her Zelinda,
for her name is now Antonia; she is a Christian, and waits to be your
bride." Fadrique stood fixed with surprise, but Heimbert's true-
hearted words and Antonia's lovely blushes soon revealed the happy
enigma to him. He sank down before the longed-for form with a sense
of exquisite delight, and in the midst of the inhospitable desert the
flowers of love and gratitude and confidence sent their sweetness
heavenward.

The excitement of this happy surprise at last gave way to bodily