chamber. The sun of Calderon's favour seemed set. So thought the
courtiers: not so the haughty favourite. There was even a smile of
triumph on his lip--a sanguine flush upon his pale cheek, as he turned
unheeding from the throng, and then entering his carriage, regained his
home.

He had scarcely re-entered his cabinet, ere, faithful to his appointment,
Fonseca was announced.

"What tidings, my best of friends?" exclaimed the soldier.

Calderon shook his head mournfully.

"My dear pupil," said he, in accents of well-affected sympathy, "there is
no hope for thee. Forget this vain dream--return to the army. I can
promise thee promotion, rank, honours; but the hand of Beatriz is beyond
my power."

"How?" said Fonseca, turning pale and sinking into a seat. "How is this?
Why so sudden a change? Has the queen--"

"I have not seen her majesty; but the king is resolved upon this matter:
so are the Inquisition. The Church complains of recent and numerous
examples of unholy and im politic relaxation of her dread power. The
court dare not interfere. The novice must be left to her own choice."

"And there is no hope?"

"None! Return to the excitement of thy brave career."