"My child," drawing her nearer to him, "Luiz Falcam has asked your hand in marriage; what answer shall I give him?"
Lianor blushed divinely, and her dark eyes shyly drooped before the eager glance from those loving blue ones fixed upon her.
"He saved my life, father. I will give it gladly to him," she murmured.
"You love him, child?"
"Dearly. I shall be proud and happy to become the wife of Luiz," gaining courage.
"You have my answer, Falcam. May you be content always. I give her to you with pleasure."
In spite of the don's presence and Savitre's, Luiz could not refrain from drawing the girl into his arms and pressing fervent kisses on her smooth brow, and soft cheeks.
"You shall never repent your choice, darling," he said tenderly. "I cannot give you wealth, but a true heart and a brave hand are solely yours, now and till death!"
"I know, Luiz dear, and to me that gift is more precious than the costliest jewels," the girl whispered fondly.
Their happiness was not without its clouds; Luiz was compelled to leave his betrothed to guard a fort some distance away.