empty, because then the men who would rather die than abjure their
delusion will be lying silent upon battlefields."

"May they rot there!" cried the Spaniard. "But we are not fighting
only for to-day and tomorrow. New generations will again fill churches
and chapels. We will shed the last drops of our blood to accomplish it,
and every true Castilian thinks as I do."

"I know it," sighed the regent, "and it is not my business to preach to
deaf ears. But one thing more: Do you know that his Majesty has just
accepted the Marquise de Leria's offer?"

"No; but I should be greatly indebted to your royal----"

"Then listen," the Queen hastily interrupted. "In the suburb of
Prebrunn, in a large garden, stands the pretty little castle of the
Prince Prior of Berchtesgaden--I don't mean the one belonging to the
worthy Trainer, on whose preserves we hunted once in April, and which is
erroneously called here the 'cassl.' The reverend owner offered it to
his Majesty to shelter a guest of high rank. Now the marquise is to
occupy it, because country air would benefit her. The singer will
establish herself under the noblewoman's maternal care. You know the
Marquise de Leria's huge litter, which was borne here by two strong mules
that Ruy Gomez--what will not people do to find out something?--gave her.
The black ark, with the coats-of-arms of the De Lerias and the Duke of
Rency on the back, the front, and both sides, is probably well known
here. At first the boys ran after the monster; now they are used to the
thing, and no longer notice it. But it is comfortable, and it can be
opened. When the old woman uses the litter the cover will be removed and
people will see her; when it is closed, the most sharp-sighted can not