I leaned over the railing, and, loosing quickly from my hair the fellow to the rosette Don Pedro wore, I tossed it to the lad below, saying, in almost the only Spanish words I knew,—
"It is a gift!"
Melinza's face grew white with anger; he tore off the bit of riband and ground it under his heel; then he strode down the stair, mounted his horse, and rode away.
The Governor's lady watched him till he was out of sight; then, with a strange smile, she said to me,—
"I never knew before that blue eyes had so much of fire in them. I think, my little saint, 'tis time I sent you back to your old duenna."
"I would thank you for so much grace!" was my reply. And back to Barbara I was despatched forthwith.
But though I have been some hours in my chamber, my indignation has not cooled. The very sight of that man's countenance is more than I can endure!
I am resolved that I will never set foot outside my door when there is any chance of my encountering him, and so I shall inform the Governor's wife when she returns....
She laughs at me! She declares I shall do whatever is her pleasure! And what is my puny strength to hers? With all the will in the world to resist her, I am as wax in her hands!