Gomez Arias quickly made a signal, and a ladder of ropes was thrown from the other side. At the sight Theodora could scarcely restrain the agony of her feelings. A crowd of thoughts distracted her mind—a load of anguish was upon her breast, and had it not been for the support of her lover, she would have fallen. Gomez Arias bore the trembling girl across the wall, but as she stood for an instant on the summit, she cast a long melancholy look on the home of her innocence and childhood—the now deserted abode, of a venerable parent, and with a heart throbbing with anguish, she intrusted herself to the protection of her lover.
CHAPTER X.
Where is she?
I wish to see my daughter, shew her me;
* * * * *
You have betrayed me; y' have let loose
The jewel of my life: Go, bring her me,
And set her here before me.—
Beaumont and Fletcher.
The next day arrived—a day of sorrow for the unfortunate Monteblanco. Seated on a ponderous chair of rude workmanship, the old caballero waited for the appearance of his darling daughter, to pay her morning devoirs, and receive his blessing. He waited patiently for some time, but his mind becoming fraught with more than usual anxiety, he called lustily to the duenna,—he called again, and again, but to no purpose. The pious old dame was deeply engaged in her orisons, and her mind occupied with other affairs than appertain to this sinful world. She appeared at last, her eyes half closed, her lips moving fast in the fervour of her devotions, and her long skinny fingers employed in a manner equally devout, as with the most exemplary industry, and solemn sedateness, she let fall in measured intervals, one by one, the large black counters of her rosary.
"The Lord be with you!" ejaculated piously the duenna.
"Save you, good Martha," responded Don Manuel.
"And may the blessed Virgin forgive you Señor, for thus disturbing an humble sinner at her prayers."
"Amen!" answered Don Manuel; "and now Martha tell me where is my daughter."
"Ave Maria!" continued the duenna, as another counter fell.
Monteblanco, who expected quite a different answer, was however kind enough to give the customary response to the salutation.