will; "and the maiden whom you intrust to our charge shall be ranked with
the ladies of our royal consort."

"Sire," replied Almamen, with touching earnestness, you now hold the
power of life and death over all for whom this heart can breathe a prayer
or cherish a hope, save for my countrymen and my religion. This solemn
pledge between thee and me I render up without scruple, without fear. To
thee I give a hostage, from thee I have but a promise."

"But it is the promise of a king, a Christian, and a knight," said the
king, with dignity rather mild than arrogant; "among monarchs, what
hostage can be more sacred? Let this pass: how proceed affairs in the
rebel city?"

"May this maiden withdraw, ere I answer my lord the king?" said Almamen.

The young prince started to his feet. "Shall I conduct this new charge
to my mother?" he asked, in a low voice, addressing Ferdinand.

The king half smiled: "The holy father were a better guide," he returned,
in the same tone. But, though the Dominican heard the hint, he retained
his motionless posture; and Ferdinand, after a momentary gaze on the
friar, turned away. "Be it so, Juan," said he, with a look meant to
convey caution to the prince; "Perez shall accompany you to the queen:
return the moment your mission is fulfilled--we want your presence."

While this conversation was carried on between the father and son, the
Hebrew was whispering, in his sacred tongue, words of comfort and
remonstrance to the maiden; but they appeared to have but little of the
desired effect; and, suddenly falling on his breast, she wound her arms