"I am sorry," he said gently. "Why have you come too late? My child is already betrothed."
"To whom?" hoarsely.
"Luiz Falcam."
"But he is only a captain, and poor! Surely you would not sacrifice your child to him? Think what riches I could lay at her feet! As my wife, Lianor would be one of the most envied of women."
"I know, and I wish now I had not been so hasty; but Luiz saved her life, won my gratitude; then, as the price of his act, asked Lianor's hand. I was forced to consent, as I had said I would give him whatever he asked," with a sigh.
"A promise gained like that is not binding. It was taking an unfair advantage of your gratitude."
"I do not like to break my promise, but I will do what I can for you; I will ask Lianor, and if she cares for you more than for Luiz, she shall wed you."
"Thank you; and I will try hard to gain her love," Manuel answered hopefully.
When Lianor heard the subject of the conference between her father and Tonza, her indignation was unbounded.
"How can you act so dishonorably, papa?" she cried angrily, "after betrothing me to Luiz; now, because Tonza is rich and wishes to marry me, you would break your word."