Juanna still slept heavily under the influence of the drug, and he was glad of it, for when she woke it must be to a worse misery than any that had gone before. Partly for something to do, and partly because the cravings of nature made themselves felt even through his sorrows, Leonard turned to the table and ate and drank of the viands there, though not without fear that they might be doctored. As the food took effect upon him some share of hope and courage entered into his heart, for it is a true saying that a full stomach makes a brave man. After all they two still breathed and were unharmed in body, nor was it absolutely certain that they would be called upon to give up the ghost at present. This was much.
Moreover, he had lived long enough to win the love of the fearless and beautiful girl who slept beside him, and though perhaps under such circumstances love, however true and passionate, ceases to occupy a commanding place in a man’s heart, even then he felt that this was more, and that happier days might dawn when it would be, if not everything, at least most of all.
As he thought thus, he saw colour creep into Juanna’s pale face; then she sighed, opened her eyes, and sat up.
“Where am I?” she said, glancing round wildly. “This is not the bed on which I lay down. Oh!” she started, “is it over?”
“Hush, dear, hush! I am with you,” said Leonard, taking her hand.
“So I see. But where are the others, and what is this dreadful place? Are we buried alive, Leonard? It looks like a tomb.”
“No, we are only prisoners. Come, eat and drink something, and then I will tell you the story.”
She rose to obey him, and for the first time her eyes fell upon the robe she wore.
“Why, this is Francisco’s! Where is Francisco?”
“Eat and drink,” he repeated.