The Queen, who was walking about the room restlessly while the Duke spoke, instead of rebuking the lad, came up to him and, laying a hand upon his shoulder, said, smiling proudly:
“And there your father showed the true and lofty spirit of a Spanish admiral. Small might be his ship, but great must be his soul. Happy am I in having an admiral who knows so well how to maintain the honor of his flag.”
The Queen sat down, her face aglow, her eyes sparkling; and, turning to Doña Christina, she put her hand in that of her lady-in-waiting and said:
“We are but women; but we have hearts like men.”
Diego stood throbbing and palpitating and longing to hear more. The Duke continued quickly:
“The merchant left Portugal soon after this happened. There are, however, some discrepancies in his story. He says that the caravel was the Niña, while the Admiral sailed in the Santa Maria. The merchant also says that the caravel’s commander was to proceed to Lisbon instead of coming direct to a Spanish port. Again, at almost the same moment the Portuguese merchant appeared, a messenger came bearing a letter from Captain Martin Alonzo Pinzon, at the port of Bayonne, saying that land was found to the westward; but that he was separated from the Admiral many weeks ago and knows not if he still survives. All might be explained except the persistence with which the Portuguese merchant insists that the commander of the caravel was undoubtedly going to Lisbon, and that he saw, before leaving, the preparations to travel thence by land.”
Then the Cardinal said:
“If the King of Portugal commanded the Admiral to come to Lisbon, he could scarcely refuse. And, in that event, how poignant must be the regret of the King of Portugal, who abandoned the glorious project offered him by the Admiral and left it to your Majesty and King Ferdinand to reap the glory of it.”
“Ah!” cried the Queen. “Once more have you, my Lord Cardinal, spoken words of wisdom. One thing seems certain, two of the ships have returned. How unfortunate it is the King is not here! However, if more definite news comes, I will send messengers for the King. You may go now, Don Diego. I will send a messenger to La Rabida telling the Prior, Juan Perez, of what we have heard.”