"My darling, then I heard truly when they said my own dear love was
being forced to wed another. Thank Heaven, I left Diu at once, and
came to you, as your father seems inclined to listen to Manuel's
suit," Luiz said tenderly, bending to kiss the pale face.

"I am so glad you have come, Luiz! I felt so lonely without you near
me, to give me hope and courage."

"My poor little love! But why these robes, Lianor? I thought it was a
day of festival at the palace?"

"I know; but I was determined, during your absence, to keep Tonza from
paying me his odious attentions by putting on mourning. He could not
fail to see where my thoughts were. Now you have returned, I will
throw them aside, and show them it is a time of rejoicing with me.
Wait, Luiz."

With a tender smile the young lover unclasped her slender form and let
her glide swiftly away.

But not long did he wait; soon the curtains were again lifted, and
Lianor, radiant as a bright star, in trailing robes of white and gold,
diamonds flashing on her bare arms and round her delicate throat, came
towards him.

"My queen, my own dear love! what should I do if they took you from
me?" passionately pressing her hands to his lips.

"They will never do that, Luiz. I am determined not to allow Tonza to
win my father over to his way of thinking."