"I will never betray you," said the lady. "You are safe here. It is my bed chamber," she continued, blushing; "but I resign it to you—sure, from your countenance, that you are a cavalier of honor, who will never give me cause to repent of the step."
"Be sure of that."
"Swear it," she said, "upon this trinket, which my father took from your person in the hall of the Inquisition."
Landon took from Florinda's hand the diamond star given him by Estella, and thus mysteriously restored, and pressed it to his lips.
"By this talisman," he said, "by this token, which I prize so highly, I pledge myself not to abuse your confidence, but to repay the priceless service you render me by a life of gratitude."
"You may remain here, then, for the present," said Florinda, "till I can think what can be done for you."
"If I can only make my way to the house of the English ambassador," replied Landon, "I think I can count upon my safety."
Donna Florinda, after lighting a lamp, (for it was now nightfall,) and setting upon a table some wine and fruit, left the chamber, locking the door behind her.
Descending to the garden, she went directly to a secluded arbor, embowered in foliage, at no great distance from the house.
"Cesareo!" she whispered.