"Besides, if these are pardoned, other offenders will plead their innocence, and refer to the case of these men as a precedent. No, Isabella, I cannot, I dare not do it; they must abide by the consequences."
"Then if their lives are to be spared, what is to be done with them?"
"I shall write to the Viceroy, and keep them confined till I receive his instructions as to their future destiny."
"And that," said the young lady, in a faint voice, "will be worse than death! O think of it, dear, dear uncle."
"You take too gloomy a view of the case," said Don Gaspar, kissing the forehead of the lovely suppliant; "the Viceroy may pardon them, but I dare not—You plead in vain," continued he, as he saw she was about to speak; "were they my own sons, they should undergo the sentence of the law for their misconduct."
Fearing to excite her uncle's suspicions by too great urgency, Isabella changed her battery—
"At least, let them be used kindly—let them have plenty of good food and wine."
"Certainly, dearest little niece," said the governor, delighted to find the most formidable and irresistible of his female assailants so lukewarm in the cause of the prisoners, "and you shall be their provider."
"Me, uncle? well, I own I should wish to visit the prison occasionally, to see that they are comfortable."
"You shall whenever you please," said the Don, rising, and going to Isabella's writing desk; "there, there is an order, signed by my own hand, that will admit you whenever you please." So saying, he retired.