the benefit of those who with heart-felt pleasure could have lingered
over this meeting of the sister with her brother and her lover, I
will proceed with increased confidence. Although Heimbert, casting
a significant look at Fadrique, was on the point of retiring as soon
as Antonia had been placed under Dona Clara's protection, the noble
Spaniard would not permit him. He detained his companion-in-arms
with courteous and brotherly requests that he would remain till the
evening repast, at which some relatives of the Mendez family joined
the party, and in their presence Fadrique declared the brave Heimbert
of Waldhausen to be Dona Clara's fiance, sealing the betrothal with
the most solemn words, so that it might remain indissoluble, whatever
might afterward occur which should seem inimical to their union. The
witnesses were somewhat astonished at these strange precautionary
measures, but at Fadrique's desire they unhesitatingly gave their
word that all should be carried out as he wished, and they did this
the more unhesitatingly as the Duke of Alba, who had just been in
Malaga on some trivial business, had filled the whole city with the
praises of the two young captains.

As the richest wine was now passing round the table in the tall
crystal goblets, Fadrique stepped behind Heimbert's chair and
whispered to him, "If it please you, Senor--the moon is just risen
and is shining as bright as day--I am ready to give you
satisfaction." Heimbert nodded in assent, and the two youths quitted
the hall, followed by the sweet salulations of the unsuspecting
ladies.

As they passed through the beautiful garden, Fadrique said, with a
sigh, "We could have wandered here so happily together, but for my
over-rashness!" "Yes, indeed," said Heimbert, "but so it is, and it