"'I must see Donna Leonora,' said Bobadil.
"'You are drunk!' screamed the lady.
"'No, I am not; but, pray, make less noise, my good Laura, or you will have the alguazils about my
ears. Tell your lady that I am here, and you shall have a purse of ducats.'
"'Oh! ah! I will,' replied the mercenary woman, retiring quickly from the window and again closing the lattice.
"The adventurous Spaniard stood in soak for half an hour, at the end of which Dame Laura, cautiously admitted him at the door, and he soon knelt before his mistress. Donna Leonora was a charming little brunette, with raven curls and sparkling black eyes full of mirth.
"'Sancta Maria! what is the matter, Don Bobadil?' she exclaimed, eyeing the kneeling personage with surprise.
"'Dearest Leonora, idol of my heart!' replied Bobadil, clasping her waist, 'here on my knees let me implore you to become mine forever, and make me happier than the angels. Recent events, which I cannot explain at present, have rendered it necessary for me to thus intrude upon you at an unseasonable hour, and implore that your promise to become my bride may be at once fulfilled.'
"'But this is so sudden,' murmured the lady.
"'Pardon my haste, dear Leonora,' answered Don Bobadil. 'I know how exquisitely sensitive your nature is; but heaven destined us for each other, and when I leave you, I leave a part of myself.'