"In a minute we had left the detested prison-house, and crossed the garden which lay between it and the Plaza. Again the glorious moon was rolling in its silver splendour over Ciudad Heal; and as I gazed on my fair companion, the interest I felt for her returned vividly, and became stronger, as the moment approached when I should leave her for ever. I saw her magnificent eyes sparkling through her veil.
"'Señora,' said I, with hesitation, as our attendant, by hurrying on before, had left us for one instant alone—'Señora,' I continued, urged by a kind, a grateful, and a stronger impulse than I could at that time analyse, 'though to remain here is remaining but to die, I leave Ciudad Real with the most sincere sorrow.'
"'And why?'
"'Because I may never see you again.'
"'But I also am going to Madrid—and this night, too.'
"I remembered the words of Crogan; I knew alia Spanish love was capable of; my heart leaped within me.
"'Madrid!' I reiterated.
"'With you and your brave dragoon. Ah, señor, do not refuse to escort me. My father is bent on marrying me to Don José——'
"'What!—that rascally old town-major? My dear señora, I beg you not to think of it.'
"'Ah! I have thought a great deal of it, and wept for it too.'