The rajah's young widow made a strange contrast to Lianor, gay with rich colors.
Judging from Panteleone's ardent gaze, he, at least, saw some beauty in the dusky, changing face.
"What, Sampayo! I did not know you were here," the young man cried gladly, seizing Diniz's hand in a warm grip. "Have you brought good news?"
"Yes, better than I expected," Diniz answered; and briefly recounted the success which had attended his morning's search.
"I do not wish to meet your father to-night, Lianor; until this business is settled, I could not enter into any amusement. First, I will go to Henrique Ferriera, the magistrate, and arrange with him about Jarima's capture."
"But you will come to-morrow, will you not—to tell me the result?" Lianor asked anxiously.
"Assuredly; unless anything serious prevents me."
"Thank you," she murmured gratefully.
A kind hand-pressure from all, and Sampayo walked quickly away; while Lianor, her heart somewhat lightened by this news, returned to her father's guests with Satzavan.
Savitre would have followed, but Panteleone held her back with a few whispered words, and, nothing loth, the little widow sauntered with him through the shady grounds, apart from the rest.