In a few moments a boat approached the ship; a little white figure, followed by a man enveloped in a cloak, hastily climbed the ladder, and with a deep sob threw herself into the arms of the young man, who had run to meet her.
At that moment the boatswain called, "All off, gentlemen!"
Then there followed a most distressing scene: the two young persons were torn apart, and the young lady was borne almost fainting to the boat, which pushed off a little and remained motionless.
The ship started.
The young man dashed madly forward toward the rail, and, sobbing, cried in a voice that pierced one's heart, "Adieu, darling! adieu! adieu!"
The little white figure stretched out her arms and perhaps responded, but her voice was not heard. The boat was dropped behind and disappeared.
One of the young men said to me in a whisper, "They are betrothed."
It was a lovely night, but sad. Valencia was soon lost to view, and I thought I should never see Spain again, and wept.