"To my desire of seeing Casilda, for you already know, Ximena, that since she lost the affection of her father in order to merit the love of God, she has no protection amongst men but mine. I bless the moment in which I thought of undertaking this journey, for at the end of it, instead of meeting one, I meet two persons whom I love very much."
Those who accompanied the king, as well as Lambra, had moved away respectfully to some distance from the speakers.
"How is it that I do not find Casilda with you?" asked Don Fernando.
"You will soon see her, sire," replied the maiden, "for she has gone to exercise her mission of mercy not far from here."
"I am not alone delighted to see you on account of the pleasure which your presence always causes me, but also for the reason that I bring news which I feel sure will be agreeable to you," said the king, fixing his eyes on her at the same time, in order to see the effect which his words might produce. "You remember that you demanded justice from me on him who killed your father?"
"I have not forgotten it, sire."
"I have done justice already, Ximena!"
"O my God!" exclaimed the young girl, full of anxiety and fear. "Sire, explain."
"Rodrigo has been punished as he deserved."
A deadly pallor overspread the face of Ximena, and she would have fallen on the ground if the king had not supported her and made her sit down on a rustic bench which stood near them.