Two spectators of that execution were in one of the balconies that
commanded a full view of its terrors.

"So perishes my worst foe!" said Uzeda.

"We must sacrifice all things, friends as foes, in the ruthless march of
the Great Cause," rejoined the Grand Inquisitor; but he sighed as he
spoke.

"Guzman is now with the king," said Uzeda, turning into the chamber. "I
expect every instant a summons into the royal presence."

"I cannot share thy sanguine hopes, my son," said Aliaga, shaking his
head. "My profession has made me a deep reader of human character.
Gaspar de Guzman will remove every rival from his path."

While he spoke, there entered a gentleman of the royal chamber. He
presented to the Grand Inquisitor and the expectant duke two letters
signed by the royal hand. They were the mandates of banishment and
disgrace. Not even the ghostly rank of the Grand Inquisitor, not even
the profound manoeuvres of the son of Lerma, availed them against the
vigilance and vigour of the new favourite. Simultaneously, a shout from
the changeable crowd below proclaimed that the king's choice of his new
minister was published and approved.

And Aliaga and Uzeda exchanged glances that bespoke all the passions that
make defeated ambition the worst fiend, as they heard the mighty cry,
"LONG LIVE OLIVAREZ THE REFORMER!"

That cry came, faint and muffled, to the ears of Philip the Fourth, as he