doubts and fears,--of forms, ceremonies, and scruples. From very
affection for his kindred and yourself he has contrived your arrest;
all my expostulations have been in vain. I fear your imprisonment may
continue, either until you give a solemn promise to renounce all endeavor
to dissuade Beatriz from the final vows, or until she herself has
pronounced them."

Fonseca, as if stupefied, stared a moment at Calderon, and then burst
into a wild laugh. Calderon continued:

"Nevertheless, do not despair. Be patient; I am ever about the duke;
nay, I have the courage, in your cause, to appeal even to the king
himself."

"And to-night she expects me--to-night she was to be free!"

"We can convey the intelligence of your mischance to her: the porter will
befriend you."

"Away, false friend, or powerless protector, that you are! Are your
promises of aid come to this? But I care not; my case, my wrongs, shall
be laid before the king; I will inquire if it be thus that Philip the
Third treats the defenders of his crown. Don Roderigo Calderon, will you
place my memorial in the hands of your royal master? Do this, and I will
thank you."

"No, Fonseca, I will not ruin you; the king would pass your memorial to
the Duke de Lerma. Tush! this is not the way that men of sense deal with
misfortune. Think you I should be what I now am, if, in every reverse, I
had raved, and not reflected? Sit down, and let us think of what can now