in her conversations with me.

It had been agreed between us for two or three days before this, that
we were to rise early on the following morning for the sake of
ascending the tower of the cathedral, and visiting the Giralda, as
the iron figure is called, which turns upon a pivot on the extreme
summit. We had often wandered together up and down the long dark
gloomy aisle of the stupendous building, and had, together, seen its
treasury of art; but as yet we had not performed the task which has
to be achieved by all visitors to Seville; and in order that we might
have a clear view over the surrounding country, and not be tormented
by the heat of an advanced sun, we had settled that we would ascend
the Giralda before breakfast.

And now, as I walked away from the plaza towards Mr. Daguilar's
house, with Maria by my side, I made up my mind that I would settle
my business during this visit to the cathedral. Yes, and I would so
manage the settlement that there should be no doubt left as to my
intentions and my own ideas. I would not be guilty of shilly-shally
conduct; I would tell her frankly what I felt and what I thought, and
would make her understand that I did not desire her hand if I could
not have her heart. I did not value the kindness of her manner,
seeing that that kindness sprung from indifference rather than
passion; and so I would declare to her. And I would ask her, also,
who was this young man with whom she was intimate--for whom all her
volubility and energy of tone seemed to be employed? She had told me
once that it behoved her to consult a friend in Seville as to the
expediency of her marriage with me. Was this the friend whom she had
wished to consult? If so, she need not trouble herself. Under such
circumstances I should decline the connection! And I resolved that I