"Don Alcala will look a goodly cavalier," observed Donna Maria in an encouraging tone. "We will pray the Madonna to give him success."
"I have wearied every saint with my prayers," sighed Inez de Aguilera, "and yet—hark! surely there is the sound of a ring!" and again she eagerly sprang to her feet.
"Your brother would not ring, but enter," suggested Donna Maria. "Poor child! how you are trembling!"
Inez was indeed trembling violently; she had to lean against a column for support, as the grating of the vestibule was unclosed, and not Alcala but Teresa appeared. The old servant bore in one hand a letter, in the other a lantern borrowed from Donna Maria's attendant, who was waiting with her mule-carriage in the street. Inez had a presentiment that the missive was from her brother, and that his sending it was a sign that he was not coming himself. She took the letter from Teresa, and eagerly tore it open; for by the lantern's light Inez recognized the handwriting of Alcala.
The brief note was as follows:—
"It is better, dearest, that we meet not again till all is over. Send Chico at dawn with Campeador and my dress to the Posada[9] de Quesada; he knows the place well. Kiss for me the hand of our venerable parent. Farewell! a brother's blessing be with you! Inez, you have been more than a sister to Alcala."
FOOTNOTES:
[6] The full costume of a picador.
[7] The picador is he who encounters the bull on horse-back. The matador meets him on foot, and gives the last stroke.
[8] Those who irritate the bull by sticking into him small darts with flags attached, called banderillas.