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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44262 ***
+
+                        THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS
+
+                   A·TALE·OF·THE·SIXTEENTH·CENTURY.
+
+   [Illustration: THE ALGUAZILS PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT FOR ARREST.
+
+                                                       _page 215_]
+
+                          T. NELSON AND SONS
+
+                   _LONDON, EDINBURGH AND NEW YORK._
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+                  A Tale of the Sixteenth Century.
+
+                           _By the Author of
+               "THE CZAR: A TALE OF THE FIRST NAPOLEON."
+                               &c. &c._
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+              "Thy loving-kindness is better than life."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+                               London:
+                 T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+                       EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                 1888.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+        I.  BOYHOOD,                                         9
+
+       II.  THE MONK'S LETTER,                              18
+
+      III.  SWORD AND CASSOCK,                              22
+
+       IV.  ALCALA DE HENAREZ,                              28
+
+        V.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF,                     34
+
+       VI.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF STILL FURTHER,       44
+
+      VII.  THE DESENGANO,                                  49
+
+     VIII.  THE MULETEER,                                   58
+
+       IX.  EL DORADO FOUND,                                70
+
+        X.  DOLORES,                                        78
+
+       XI.  THE LIGHT ENJOYED,                              88
+
+      XII.  THE LIGHT DIVIDED FROM THE DARKNESS,            91
+
+     XIII.  SEVILLE,                                       105
+
+      XIV.  THE MONKS OF SAN ISODRO,                       116
+
+       XV.  THE GREAT SANBENITO,                           124
+
+      XVI.  WELCOME HOME,                                  131
+
+     XVII.  DISCLOSURES,                                   138
+
+    XVIII.  THE AGED MONK,                                 148
+
+      XIX.  TRUTH AND FREEDOM,                             152
+
+       XX.  THE FIRST DROP OF A THUNDER SHOWER,            160
+
+      XXI.  BY THE GUADALQUIVIR,                           166
+
+     XXII.  THE FLOOD-GATES OPENED,                        173
+
+    XXIII.  THE REIGN OF TERROR,                           181
+
+     XXIV.  A GLEAM OF LIGHT,                              191
+
+      XXV.   WAITING,                                      198
+
+     XXVI.   DON GONSALVO'S REVENGE,                       205
+
+    XXVII.   MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,                          217
+
+   XXVIII.   REAPING THE WHIRLWIND,                        226
+
+     XXIX.   A FRIEND AT COURT,                            233
+
+      XXX.   THE CAPTIVE,                                  248
+
+     XXXI.   MINISTERING ANGELS,                           255
+
+    XXXII.   THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,            260
+
+   XXXIII.   ON THE OTHER SIDE,                            271
+
+    XXXIV.   FRAY SEBASTIAN'S TROUBLE,                     282
+
+     XXXV.   THE EVE OF THE AUTO,                          290
+
+    XXXVI.   "THE HORRIBLE AND TREMENDOUS SPECTACLE,"      300
+
+   XXXVII.   SOMETHING ENDED AND SOMETHING BEGUN,          307
+
+  XXXVIII.   NUERA AGAIN,                                  313
+
+    XXXIX.   LEFT BEHIND,                                  321
+
+       XL.   "A SATISFACTORY PENITENT,"                    329
+
+      XLI.   MORE ABOUT THE PENITENT,                      338
+
+     XLII.   QUIET DAYS,                                   347
+
+    XLIII.   EL DORADO FOUND AGAIN,                        357
+
+     XLIV.   ONE PRISONER SET FREE,                        367
+
+      XLV.   TRIUMPHANT,                                   374
+
+     XLVI.   IS IT TOO LATE?                               382
+
+    XLVII.   THE DOMINICAN PRIOR,                          390
+
+   XLVIII.   SAN ISODRO ONCE MORE,                         399
+
+     XLIX.   FAREWELL,                                     409
+
+
+
+
+                         THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  I.
+
+                               Boyhood.
+
+      "A boy's will is the wind's will,
+       And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."
+
+                                               LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+On one of the green slopes of the Sierra Morena, shaded by a few
+cork-trees, and with wild craggy heights and bare brown wastes
+stretching far above, there stood, about the middle of the sixteenth
+century, a castle even then old and rather dilapidated. It had once
+been a strong place, but was not very spacious; and certainly,
+according to our modern ideas of comfort, the interior could not have
+been a particularly comfortable dwelling-place. A large proportion
+of it was occupied by the great hall, which was hung with faded,
+well-repaired tapestry, and furnished with oaken tables, settles, and
+benches, very elaborately carved, but bearing evident marks of age.
+Narrow unglazed slits in the thick wall admitted the light and air;
+and beside one of these, on a gloomy autumn morning, two boys stood
+together, watching the rain that poured down without intermission.
+
+They were dressed exactly alike, in loose jackets of blue cloth,
+homespun, indeed, but so fresh and neatly-fashioned as to look more
+becoming than many a costlier dress. Their long stockings were of
+silk, and their cuffs and wide shirt-frills of fine Holland, carefully
+starched and plaited. The elder--a very handsome lad, who looked
+fourteen at least, but was really a year younger--had raven hair,
+black sparkling eager eyes, good but strongly-marked features, and
+a complexion originally dark, and well-tanned by exposure to sun
+and wind. A broader forehead, wider nostrils, and a weaker mouth,
+distinguished the more delicate-looking younger brother, whose hair was
+also less dark, and his complexion fairer.
+
+"Rain--rain! Will it rain for ever?" cried, in a tone of impatience,
+the elder, whose name was Juan; or rather, his proper style and title
+(and very angry would he have felt had any part been curtailed or
+omitted) was Don Juan Rodrigo Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. He
+was of the purest blood in Spain; by the father's side, of noblest
+Castilian lineage; by the mother's, of an ancient Asturian family. Well
+he knew it, and proudly he held up his young head in consequence, in
+spite of poverty, and of what was still worse, the mysterious blight
+that had fallen on the name and fortunes of his house, bringing poverty
+in its train, as the least of its attendant evils.
+
+"'Rising early will not make the daylight come sooner,' nor watching
+bring the sunshine," said the quick-witted Carlos, who, apt in learning
+whatever he heard, was already an adept in the proverbial philosophy
+which was then, and is now, the inheritance of his race.
+
+"True enough. So let us fetch the canes, and have a merry play. Or,
+better still, the foils for a fencing match."
+
+Carlos acquiesced readily, though apparently without pleasure. In all
+outward things, such as the choice of pursuits and games, Juan was
+the unquestioned leader; Carlos never dreamed of disputing his fiat.
+Yet in other, and really more important matters, it was Carlos who,
+quite unconsciously to himself, performed the part of guide to his
+stronger-willed but less thoughtful brother.
+
+Juan now fetched the carefully guarded foils with which the boys were
+accustomed to practise fencing; either, as now, simply for their own
+amusement, or under the instructions of the gray-haired Diego, who had
+served with their father in the Emperor's wars, and was now mayor-domo,
+butler, and seneschal, all in one. He it was, moreover, from whom
+Carlos had learned his store of proverbs.
+
+"Now stand up. Oh, you are too low; wait a moment." Juan left the hall
+again, but quickly returned with a large heavy volume, which he threw
+on the floor, directing his brother to take his stand upon it.
+
+Carlos hesitated. "But what if the Fray should catch us using our great
+Horace after such a fashion?"
+
+"I just wish he might," answered Juan, with a mischievous sparkle in
+his black eyes.
+
+The matter of height being thus satisfactorily adjusted, the game
+began, and for some time went merrily forward. To do the elder brother
+justice, he gave every advantage to his less active and less skilful
+companion; often shouting (with very unnecessary exertion of his lungs)
+words of direction or warning about fore-thrust, side-thrust, back-hand
+strokes, hitting, and parrying. At last, however, in an unlucky moment,
+Carlos, through some awkward movement of his own in violation of the
+rules of the game, received a blow on the cheek from his brother's
+foil, severe enough to make the blood flow. Juan instantly sprang
+forward, full of vexation, with an "Ay de mi!" on his lips. But Carlos
+turned away from him, covering his face with both hands; and Juan, much
+to his disgust, soon heard the sound of a heavy sob.
+
+"You little coward!" he exclaimed, "to weep for a blow. Shame--shame
+upon you."
+
+"Coward yourself, to call me ill names when I cannot fight you,"
+retorted Carlos, as soon as he could speak for weeping.
+
+"That is ever your way, little tearful. _You_ to talk of going to find
+our father! A brave man you would make to sail to the Indies and fight
+the savages. Better sit at home and spin, with Mother Dolores."
+
+Far too deeply stung to find a proverb suited to the occasion, or
+indeed to make any answer whatever, Carlos, still in tears, left the
+hall with hasty footsteps, and took refuge in a smaller apartment that
+opened into it.
+
+The hangings of this room were comparatively new and very beautiful,
+being tastefully wrought with the needle; and the furniture was much
+more costly than that in the hall. There was also a glazed window, and
+near this Carlos took his stand, looking moodily out on the falling
+rain, and thinking hard thoughts of his brother, who had first hurt him
+so sorely, then called him coward, and last, and far worst of all, had
+taunted him with his unfitness for the task which, child as he was, his
+whole heart and soul were bent on attempting.
+
+But he could not quarrel very seriously with Juan, nor indeed could he
+for any considerable time do without him. Before long his anger began
+to give way to utter loneliness and discomfort, and a great longing to
+"be friends" again.
+
+Nor was Juan much more comfortable, though he told himself he was
+quite right to reprove his brother sharply for his lack of manliness;
+and that he would be ready to die for shame if Carlos, when he went
+to Seville, should disgrace himself before his cousins by crying when
+he was hurt, like a baby or a girl. It is true that in his heart he
+rather wished he himself had held his peace, or at least had spoken
+more gently; but he braved it out, and stamped up and down the hall,
+singing, in as cheery a voice as he could command,--
+
+  "The Cid rode through the horse-shoe gate, Omega like it stood,
+  A symbol of the moon that waned before the Christian rood.
+  He was all sheathed in golden mail, his cloak was white as shroud;
+  His vizor down, his sword unsheathed, corpse still he rode,
+     and proud."
+
+"Ruy!" Carlos called at last, just a little timidly, from the next
+room--"Ruy!"
+
+Ruy is the Spanish diminutive of Rodrigo, Juan's second name, and the
+one by which, for reasons of his own, it pleased him best to be called;
+so the very use of it by Carlos was a kind of overture for peace.
+Juan came right gladly at the call; and having convinced himself, by
+a moment's inspection, that his brother's hurt signified nothing, he
+completed the reconciliation by putting his arm, in familiar boyish
+fashion, round his neck. Thus, without a word spoken, the brief quarrel
+was at an end. It happened that the rain was over also, and the sun
+just beginning to shine out again. It was, indeed, an effect of the
+sunlight which had given Carlos a pretext for calling Juan again to his
+side.
+
+"Look, Ruy," he said, "the sun shines on our father's words!"
+
+These children had a secret of their own, carefully guarded, with the
+strange reticence of childhood, even from Dolores, who had been the
+faithful nurse of their infancy, and who still cast upon their young
+lives the only shadow of motherly love they had ever known--a shadow,
+it is true, pale and faint, yet the best thing that had fallen to their
+lot: for even Juan could remember neither parent; while Carlos had
+never seen his father's face, and his mother had died at his birth.
+
+Yet it happened that in the imaginary world which the children had
+created around them, and where they chiefly lived, their unknown father
+was by far the most important personage. All great nations in their
+childhood have their legends, their epics, written or unwritten, and
+their hero, one or many of them, upon whose exploits Fancy rings its
+changes at will during the ages when national language, literature, and
+character are in process of development. So it is with individuals.
+Children of imagination--especially if they are brought up in
+seclusion, and guarded from coarse and worldly companionship--are sure
+to have their legends, perhaps their unwritten epic, certainly their
+hero. Nor are these dreams of childhood idle fancies. In their time
+they are good and beautiful gifts of God--healthful for the present,
+helpful for after-years. There is deep truth in the poets words, "When
+thou art a man, reverence the dreams of thy youth."
+
+The Cid Campeador, the Charlemagne, and the King Arthur of our youthful
+Spanish brothers, was no other than Don Juan Alvarez de Menaya, second
+and last Conde de Nuera. And as the historical foundation of national
+romance is apt to be of the slightest--nay, the testimony of credible
+history is often ruthlessly set at defiance--so it is with the romances
+of children; nor did the present instance form any exception. All the
+world said that their father's bones lay bleaching on a wild Araucanian
+battle-field; but this went for nothing in the eyes of Juan and
+Carlos Alvarez. Quite enough to build their childish faith upon was a
+confidential whisper of Dolores--when she thought them sleeping--to the
+village barber-surgeon, who was helping her to tend them through some
+childish malady: "Dead? Would to all the Saints, and the blessed Queen
+of Heaven, that we only had assurance of it!"
+
+They had, however, more than this. Almost every day they read and
+re-read those mysterious words, traced with a diamond by their father's
+hand--as it never entered their heads to doubt--on the window of the
+room which had once been his favourite place of retirement:--
+
+        "El Dorado
+         Yo hé trovado."
+  "I have found El Dorado."
+
+No eyes but their own had ever noticed this inscription; and marvellous
+indeed was the superstructure their fancy contrived to raise on the
+slight and airy foundation of its enigmatical five words. They had
+heard from the lips of Diego many of the fables current at the period
+about the "golden country" of which Spanish adventurers dreamed so
+wildly, and which they sought so vainly in the New World. They were
+aware that their father in his early days had actually made a voyage to
+the Indies: and they had thoroughly persuaded themselves, therefore, of
+nothing less than that he was the fortunate discoverer of El Dorado;
+that he had returned thither, and was reigning there as a king, rich
+and happy--only, perhaps, longing for his brave boys to come and join
+him. And join him one day they surely would, even though unheard of
+dangers (of which giants twelve feet high and fiery dragons--things in
+which they quite believed--were among the least) might lie in their
+way, thick as the leaves of the cork-trees when the autumn winds swept
+down through the mountain gorges.
+
+"Look, Ruy," said Carlos, "the light is on our father's words!"
+
+"So it is! What good fortune is coming now? Something always comes to
+us when they look like that."
+
+"What do you wish for most?"
+
+"A new bow, and a set of real arrows tipped with steel. And you?"
+
+"Well--the 'Chronicles of the Cid,' I think."
+
+"I should like that too. But I should like better still--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"That Fray Sebastian would fall ill of the rheum, and find the mountain
+air too cold for his health; or get some kind of good place at his
+beloved Complutum."
+
+"We might go farther and fare worse, like those that go to look for
+better bread than wheaten," returned Carlos, laughing. "Wish again,
+Juan; and truly this time--your wish of wishes."
+
+"What else but to find my father?"
+
+"I mean, next to that."
+
+"Well, truly, to go once more to Seville, to see the shops, and the
+bull-fights, and the great Church; to tilt with our cousins, and dance
+the cachuca with Doña Beatriz."
+
+"That would not I. There be folk that go out for wool, and come home
+shorn. Though I like Doña Beatriz as well as any one."
+
+"Hush! here comes Dolores."
+
+A tall, slender woman, robed in black serge, relieved by a neat white
+head-dress, entered the room. Dark hair, threaded with silver, and
+pale, sunken, care-worn features, made her look older than she really
+was. She had once been beautiful; and it seemed as though her beauty
+had been burned up in the glare of some fierce agony, rather than had
+faded gradually beneath the suns of passing years. With the silent
+strength of a deep, passionate heart, that had nothing else left to
+cling to, Dolores loved the children of her idolized mistress and
+foster-sister. It was chiefly her talent and energy that kept together
+the poor remains of their fortune. She surrounded them with as many
+inexpensive comforts as possible; still, like a true Spaniard, she
+would at any moment have sacrificed their comfort to the maintenance of
+their rank, or the due upholding of their dignity. On this occasion she
+held an open letter in her hand.
+
+"Young gentlemen," she said, using the formal style of address no
+familiarity ever induced her to drop, "I bring your worships good
+tidings. Your noble uncle, Don Manuel, is about to honour your castle
+with his presence."
+
+"Good tidings indeed! I am as glad as if you had given me a satin
+doublet. He may take us back with him to Seville," cried Juan.
+
+"He might have stayed at home, with good luck and my blessing,"
+murmured Carlos.
+
+"Whether you go to Seville or no, Señor Don Juan," said Dolores,
+gravely, "may very probably depend on the contentment you give your
+noble uncle respecting your progress in your Latin, your grammar, and
+your other humanities."
+
+"A green fig for my noble uncle's contentment!" said Juan,
+irreverently. "I know already as much as any gentleman need, and ten
+times more than he does himself."
+
+"Ay, truly," struck in Carlos, coming forward from the embrasure of the
+window; "my uncle thinks a man of learning--except he be a fellow of
+college, perchance--not worth his ears full of water. I heard him say
+such only trouble the world, and bring sorrow on themselves and all
+their kin. So, Juan, it is you who are likely to find favour in his
+sight, after all."
+
+"Señor Don Carlos, what ails your face?" asked Dolores, noticing now
+for the first time the marks of the hurt he had received.
+
+Both the boys spoke together.
+
+"Only a blow caught in fencing; all through my own awkwardness. It is
+nothing," said Carlos, eagerly.
+
+"I hurt him with my foil. It was a mischance. I am very sorry," said
+Juan, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+Dolores wisely abstained from exhorting them to greater carefulness.
+She only said,--
+
+"Young gentlemen who mean to be knights and captains must learn to give
+hard blows and take them." Adding mentally--"Bless the lads! May they
+stand by each other as loyally ten or twenty years hence as they do
+now."
+
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                          The Monk's Letter.
+
+                      "Quoth the good fat friar,
+             Wiping his own mouth--'twas refection time."
+
+                                            R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Fray Sebastian Gomez, to the Honourable Señor Felipe de Santa Maria,
+Licentiate of Theology, residing at Alcala de Henarez, commonly called
+Complutum.
+
+    "Most Illustrious and Reverend Señor,--
+
+    "In my place of banishment, amidst these gloomy and inhospitable
+    mountains, I frequently solace my mind by reflections upon the
+    friends of my youth, and the happy period spent in those ancient
+    halls of learning, where in the morning of our days you and I
+    together attended the erudite prelections of those noble and most
+    orthodox Grecians, Demetrius Ducas and Nicetus Phaustus, or sat
+    at the feet of that venerable patriarch of science, Don Fernando
+    Nuñez. Fortunate are you, O friend, in being able to pass your days
+    amidst scenes so pleasant and occupations so congenial; while I,
+    unhappy, am compelled by fate, and by the neglect of friends and
+    patrons, to take what I may have, in place of having what I might
+    wish. I am, alas! under the necessity of wearing out my days in
+    the ungrateful occupation of instilling the rudiments of humane
+    learning into the dull and careless minds of children, whom to
+    instruct is truly to write upon sand or water. But not to weary
+    your excellent and illustrious friendship with undue prolixity,
+    I shall briefly relate the circumstances which led to my sojourn
+    here."
+
+(The good friar proceeds with his personal narrative, but by no means
+briefly; and as it has, moreover, little or nothing to do with our
+story, it may be omitted with advantage.)
+
+    "In this desert, as I may truly style it" (he continues),
+    "nutriment for the corporeal frame is as poor and bare as nutriment
+    for the intellectual part is altogether lacking. Alas! for the
+    golden wine of Xerez, that ambery nectar wherewith we were wont
+    to refresh our jaded spirits! I may not mention now our temperate
+    banquets: the crisp red mullet, the succulent pasties, the
+    delicious ham of Estremadura, the savoury olla podrida. Here beef
+    is rarely seen, veal never. Our olla is of lean mutton (if it be
+    not rather of the flesh of goats), washed down with bad vinegar,
+    called wine by courtesy, and supplemented by a few naughty figs or
+    roasted chestnuts, with cheese of goat's milk, hard as the heads
+    of the rustics who make it. Certainly I am experiencing the truth
+    of the proverb, 'A bad cook is an inconvenient relation.' And
+    marvellously would a cask of Xerez wine, if, through the kindness
+    of my generous friends, it could find its way to these remote
+    mountains, mend my fare, and in all probability prolong my days.
+    The provider here is an antiquated, sour-faced duenna, who rules
+    everything in this old ruin of a castle, where poverty and pride
+    are the only things to be found in plenty. She is an Asturian, and
+    came hither in the train of the late unfortunate countess. Like all
+    of that race, where the very shepherds style themselves nobles,
+    she is proud; but it is just to add that she is also active,
+    industrious, and thrifty to a miracle.
+
+    "But to pass on to affairs of greater importance. I have presumed,
+    on the part of my illustrious friend, some acquaintance with the
+    sorrowful history of my young pupils' family. You will remember
+    the sudden shadow that fell, like the eclipse of one of the bright
+    orbs of heaven, upon the fame and fortunes of the Conde de Nuera,
+    known, some fifteen years ago or more, as a brilliant soldier and
+    courtier, and personal favourite of his Imperial Majesty. There
+    was a rumour of some black treason, I know not what, but men said
+    it even struck at the life of the great Emperor, his friend and
+    patron. It is supposed that the Emperor (whom God preserve!), in
+    his just wrath remembered mercy, and generously saved the honour,
+    while he punished the crime, of his ungrateful servant. At all
+    events, the world was told that the Count had accepted a command in
+    the Indies, and that he sailed thither from some port in the Low
+    Countries to which the Emperor had summoned him, without returning
+    to Spain. It is believed that, to save his neck from the axe and
+    his name from dire disgrace, he signed away, by his own act, his
+    large property to the Emperor and to Holy Church, reserving only
+    a pittance for his children. One year afterwards, his death, in
+    battle with the Araucanian savages, was announced, and, if I am
+    not mistaken, His Majesty was gracious enough to have masses said
+    for his soul. But, at the time, the tongue of rumour whispered a
+    far more dreadful ending to the tale. Men hinted that, upon the
+    discovery of his treason, he despaired alike of human and divine
+    compassion, and perished miserably by his own hand. But all
+    possible pains were taken, for the sake of the family, to hush up
+    the affair; and nothing certain has ever, or probably will ever,
+    transpire. I am doubtful whether I am not a transgressor in having
+    committed to paper what is written above. Still, as it is written,
+    it shall stand. With you, most illustrious and honourable friend,
+    all things are safe.
+
+    "The youths whom it is my task to instruct are not deficient in
+    parts. But the elder, Don Juan, is idle and insolent; and withal,
+    of so fiery a temper, that he will brook no manner of correction.
+    The younger, Don Carlos, is more toward in disposition, and really
+    apt at his humanities, were it not that his good-for-nothing
+    brother is for ever leading him into mischief. Don Manuel Alvarez,
+    their uncle and guardian, who is a shrewd man of the world, will
+    certainly cause him to enter the Church. But I pray, as I am
+    bound in Christian charity, that it may not occur to him to make
+    the lad a Minorite friar, since, as I can testify from sorrowful
+    experience, such go barely enough through this wicked and miserable
+    world.
+
+    "In conclusion, I entreat of you, most illustrious friend, with
+    the utmost despatch and carefulness, to commit this writing to the
+    flames; and so I pray our Lady and the blessed St. Luke, upon whose
+    vigil I write, to have you in their good keeping.--
+
+    Your unworthy brother,                        "SEBASTIAN."
+
+Thus, with averted face, or head shaken doubtfully, or murmured "Ay de
+mi," the world spoke of him, of whom his own children, happy at least
+in this, knew scarce anything, save words that seemed like a cry of
+joy.
+
+
+
+
+                                 III.
+
+                          Sword and Cassock.
+
+             "The helmet and the cap make houses strong."
+
+                                              SPANISH PROVERB.
+
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez stayed for several days at Nuera, as the half-ruined
+castle in the Sierra Morena was styled. Grievous, during this period,
+were the sufferings of Dolores, and unceasing her efforts to provide
+suitable accommodation, not merely for the stately and fastidious guest
+himself, but also for the troop of retainers he saw fit to bring with
+him, comprising three or four personal attendants, and half a score of
+men-at-arms--the last perhaps really necessary for a journey through
+that wild district. Don Manuel scarcely enjoyed the situation more than
+did his entertainers, but he esteemed it his duty to pay an occasional
+visit to the estate of his orphan nephews, to see that it was properly
+taken care of. Perhaps the only member of the party quite at his ease
+was the worthy Fray Sebastian, a good-natured, self-indulgent friar,
+with a better education and more refined tastes than the average
+of his order; fond of eating and drinking, fond of gossip, fond of
+a little superficial literature, and not fond of troubling himself
+about anything. He was comforted by the improved fare Don Manuel's
+visit introduced; and was, moreover, soon relieved from his very
+natural apprehensions that the guardian of his pupils might express
+discontent at the slowness of their progress. He speedily discovered
+that Don Manuel did not care to have his nephews made good scholars:
+he only cared to have them ready, in two or three years, to go to the
+University of Complutum, or to that of Salamanca, where they might
+remain until they were satisfactorily provided for--one in the Army,
+the other in the Church.
+
+As for Juan and Carlos, they felt, with the sure instinct of children,
+in this respect something like that of animals, that their uncle had
+little love for them. Juan dreaded, more than under the circumstances
+he need have done, too careful inquiries into his progress; and
+Carlos, while he stood in great outward awe of his uncle, all the time
+contrived to despise him in his heart, because he neither knew Latin,
+nor could repeat any of the ballads of the Cid.
+
+On the third day of his visit, after dinner, which was at noon,
+Don Manuel solemnly seated himself in the great carved armchair
+that stood on the estrada at one end of the hall, and summoned his
+nephews to his side. He was a tall, wiry-looking man, with a narrow
+forehead, thin lips, and a pointed beard. His dress was of the finest
+mulberry-coloured cloth, turned back with velvet; everything about him
+was rich, handsome, and in good keeping, but without extravagance. His
+manner was dignified, perhaps a little pompous, like that of a man bent
+upon making the most of himself, as he had unquestionably made the most
+of his fortune.
+
+He first addressed Juan, whom he gravely reminded that his father's
+_imprudence_ had left him nothing save that poor ruin of a castle,
+and a few barren acres of rocky ground, at which the boy's eyes
+flashed, and he shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. Don Manuel then
+proceeded, at some length, to extol the noble profession of arms as
+the road to fame and fortune. This kind of language proved much more
+acceptable to his nephew, and looking up, he said promptly, "Yes,
+señor my uncle, I will gladly be a soldier, as all my fathers were."
+
+"Well spoken. And when thou art old enough, I promise to use my
+influence to obtain for thee a good appointment in His Imperial
+Majesty's army. I trust thou wilt honour thine ancient name."
+
+"You may trust me," said Juan, in slow, earnest tones. Then raising his
+head, he went on more rapidly: "Beside his own name, Juan, my father
+gave me that of Rodrigo, borne by the Cid Ruy Diaz, the Campeador,
+meaning no doubt to show--"
+
+"Peace, boy!" Don Miguel interrupted, cutting short the only words
+that his nephew had ever spoken really from his heart in his presence,
+with as much unconsciousness as a countryman might set his foot on a
+glow-worm. "Thou wert never named Rodrigo after thy Cid and his idle
+romances. Thy father called thee so after some madcap friend of his
+own, of whom the less spoken the better."
+
+"My father's friend must have been good and noble, like himself," said
+Juan proudly, almost defiantly.
+
+"Young man," returned Don Manuel severely, and lifting his eyebrows as
+if in surprise at his audacity, "learn that a humbler tone and more
+courteous manners would become thee in the presence of thy superiors."
+Then turning haughtily away from him, he addressed himself to Carlos:
+"As for thee, nephew Carlos, I hear with pleasure of thy progress in
+learning. Fray Sebastian reports of thee that thou hast a good ready
+wit and a retentive memory. Moreover, if I mistake not, sword cuts
+are less in thy way than in thy brother's. The service of Holy Mother
+Church will fit thee like a glove; and let me tell thee, boy, for thou
+art old enough to understand me, 'tis a right good service. Churchmen
+eat well and drink well--churchmen sleep soft--churchmen spend their
+days fingering the gold other folk toil and bleed for. For those who
+have fair interest in high places, and shuffle their own cards deftly,
+there be good fat benefices, comfortable canonries, and perhaps--who
+knows?--a rich bishopric at the end of all; with a matter of ten
+thousand hard ducats, at the least, coming in every year to save or
+spend, or lend, if you like it better."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" said Carlos, who had been gazing in his
+uncle's face, his large blue eyes full of half-incredulous,
+half-uncomprehending wonder.
+
+"Ay, my son, that is about the least. The Archbishop of Seville has
+sixty thousand every year, and more."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" Carlos repeated again in a kind of awe-struck
+whisper. "That would buy a ship."
+
+"Yes," said Don Manuel, highly pleased with what he considered an
+indication of precocious intelligence in money matters. "And an
+excellent thought that is of thine, my son. A good ship chartered for
+the Indies, and properly freighted, would bring thee back thy ducats
+_well perfumed_.[1] For a ship is sailing while you are sleeping. As
+the saying is, Let the idle man buy a ship or marry a wife. I perceive
+thou art a youth of much ingenuity. What thinkest thou, then, of the
+Church?"
+
+    [1] With good interest.
+
+Carlos was still too much the child to say anything in answer except,
+"If it please you, señor my uncle, I should like it well."
+
+And thus, with rather more than less consideration of their tastes and
+capacities than was usual at the time, the future of Juan and Carlos
+Alvarez was decided.
+
+When the brothers were alone together, Juan said, "Dolores must have
+been praying Our Lady for us, Carlos. An appointment in the army is
+the very thing for me. I shall perform some great feat of arms, like
+Alphonso Vives, for instance, who took the Duke of Saxony prisoner; I
+shall win fame and promotion, and then come back and ask my uncle for
+the hand of his ward, Doña Beatriz."
+
+"Ah, and I--if I enter the Church, I can never marry," said Carlos
+rather ruefully, and with a vague perception that his brother was to
+have some good thing from which he must be shut out for ever.
+
+"Of course not; but you will not care."
+
+"Never a whit," said the boy of twelve, very confidently. "I shall
+ever have thee, Juan. And all the gold my uncle says churchmen win so
+easily, I will save to buy our ship."
+
+"I will also save, so that one day we may sail together. I will be the
+captain, and thou shalt be the mass-priest, Carlos."
+
+"But I marvel if it be true that churchmen grow rich so fast. The cura
+in the village must be very poor, for Diego told me he took old Pedro's
+cloak because he could not pay the dues for his wife's burial."
+
+"More shame for him, the greedy vulture. Carlos, you and I have each
+half a ducat; let us buy it back."
+
+"With all my heart. It will be worth something to see the old man's
+face."
+
+"The cura is covetous rather than poor," said Juan. "But poor or no, no
+one dreams of _your_ being a beggarly cura like that. It is only vulgar
+fellows of whom they make parish priests in the country. You will get
+some fine preferment, my uncle says. And he ought to know, for he has
+feathered his own nest well."
+
+"Why is he rich when we are poor, Juan? Where does he get all his
+money?"
+
+"The saints know best. He has places under Government. Something about
+the taxes. I think, that he buys and sells again."
+
+"In truth, he's not one to measure oil without getting some on his
+fingers. How different from him our father must have been."
+
+"Yes," said Juan. "_His_ riches, won by his own sword and battle-axe,
+and his good right hand, will be worth having. Ay, and even worth
+seeing; will they not?"
+
+So these children dreamed of the future--that future of which nothing
+was certain, except its unlikeness to their dreams. No thing was
+certain; but what was only too probable? That the brave, free-hearted
+boy, who had never willingly injured any one, and who was ready to
+share his last coin with the poor man, would be hardened and brutalized
+into a soldier of fortune, like those who massacred tribes of trusting,
+unoffending Indians, or burned Flemish cities to the ground, amidst
+atrocities that even now make hearts quail and ears tingle. And yet
+worse, that the fair child beside him, whose life still shone with
+that child-like innocence which is truly the dew of youth, as bright
+and as fleeting, would be turned over, soul and spirit, to a system of
+training too surely calculated to obliterate the sense of truth, to
+deprave the moral taste, to make natural and healthful joys impossible,
+and unlawful and degrading ones fearfully easy and attainable; to teach
+the strong nature the love of power, the mean the love of money, and
+all alike falsehood, cowardice, and cruelty.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                          Alcala de Henarez.
+
+      "Give me back, give me back the wild freshness of morning,
+       Her tears and her smiles are worth evening's best light."
+
+                                                          MOORE.
+
+
+Few are the lives in which seven years come and go without witnessing
+any great event. But whether they are eventful or no, the years that
+change children into men must necessarily be important. Three years of
+these important seven, Juan and Carlos Alvarez spent in their mountain
+home; the remaining four at the University of Alcala, or Complutum.
+
+The university training was of course needful for the younger brother,
+who was intended for the Church. That the elder was allowed to share
+the privilege, although destined for the profession of arms, was the
+result of circumstances. His guardian, Don Manuel Alvarez, although
+worldly and selfish, still retained a lingering regard for the memory
+of that lost brother whose latest message to him had been, "Have my
+boy carefully educated." And, moreover, he could scarcely have left
+the high-spirited youth to wear out the years that must elapse before
+he could obtain his commission in the dreary solitude of his mountain
+home, with Diego and Dolores for companions, and for sole amusement, a
+horse and a few greyhounds. Better that he should take his chance at
+Alcala, and enjoy himself there as best he might, with no obligation
+to severe study, and but one duty strongly impressed on him--that of
+keeping out of debt.
+
+He derived real benefit from the university training, though no
+academic laurels rested on his brow, nor did he take a degree. Fray
+Sebastian had taught him to read and write, and had even contrived to
+pass him through the Latin grammar, of which he afterwards remembered
+scarcely anything. To have urged him to learn more would have required
+severity only too popular at the time; but this Fray Sebastian was too
+timid, perhaps too prudent, to employ; while of interesting him in his
+studies he never thought. At Alcala, however, he _was_ interested.
+He did not care, indeed, for the ordinary scholastic course; but
+he found in the college library all the books yet written in his
+native language, and it was then the palmy age of Spanish literature.
+Beginning with the poems and romances relating to the history of his
+country, he read through everything; poetry, romance, history, science,
+nothing came amiss to him, except perhaps theology. He studied with
+especial care all that had reference to the story of the New World,
+whither he hoped one day to go. He attended lectures; he even acquired
+Latin enough to learn anything he really wanted to know, and could not
+find except in that language.
+
+Thus, at the end of his four years' residence, he had acquired a good
+deal of useful though somewhat desultory information; and he had gained
+the art of expressing himself in the purest Castilian, by tongue or
+pen, with energy, vigour, and precision.
+
+The sixteenth century gives us many specimens of such men--and
+not a few of them were Spaniards--men of intelligence and general
+cultivation, whose profession was that of arms, but who can handle the
+pen with as much ease and dexterity as the sword; men who could not
+only do valiant deeds, but also describe them when done, and that often
+with singular effectiveness.
+
+With his contemporaries Juan was popular, for his pride was
+inaggressive, and his fiery temper was counterbalanced by great
+generosity of disposition. During his residence at Alcala he fought
+three duels; one to chastise a fellow-student who had called his
+brother "Doña Carlotta," the other two on being provoked by the far
+more serious offence of covert sneers at his father's memory. He also
+caned severely a youth whom he did not think of sufficient rank to
+honour with his sword, merely for observing, when Carlos won a prize
+from him, "Don Carlos Alvarez unites genius and industry, as he would
+need to do, who is the _son of his own good works_." But afterwards,
+when the same student was in danger, through poverty, of having to give
+up his career and return home, Juan stole into his chamber during his
+absence, and furtively deposited four gold ducats (which he could ill
+spare) between the leaves of his breviary.
+
+Far more outwardly successful, but more really disastrous, was the
+academic career of Carlos. As student of theology, most of his days,
+and even some of his nights, were spent over the musty tomes of the
+Schoolmen. Like living water on the desert, his young bright intellect
+was poured out on the dreary sands of scholastic divinity (little else,
+in truth, than "bad metaphysics"), to no appreciable result, except its
+own utter waste. The kindred study of casuistry was even worse than
+waste of intellect; it was positive defilement and degradation. It was
+bad enough to tread with painful steps through roads that led nowhere;
+but it became worse when the roads were miry, and the mud at every step
+clung to the traveller's feet. Though here the parallel must cease; for
+the moral defilement, alas! is most deadly and dangerous when least
+felt or heeded.
+
+Fortunately, or unfortunately, according as we look on the things seen
+or the things not seen, Carlos offered to his instructors admirable
+raw material out of which to fashion a successful, even a great
+Churchman. He came to them a stripling of fifteen, innocent, truthful,
+affectionate. He had "parts," as they styled them, and singularly good
+ones. He had just the acute perception, the fine and ready wit, which
+enabled him to cut his way through scholastic subtleties and conceits
+with ease and credit. And, to do his teachers justice, they sharpened
+his intellectual weapon well, until its temper grew as exquisite as
+that of the scimitar of Saladin, which could divide a gauze kerchief by
+the thread at a single blow. But how would it fare with such a weapon,
+and with him who, having proved no other, could wield only that, in the
+great conflict with the Dragon that guarded the golden apples of truth?
+The question is idle, for truth was a luxury of which Carlos was not
+taught to dream. To find truth, to think truth, to speak truth, to act
+truth, was not placed before him as an object worth his attainment. Not
+the _True_, but the _Best_, was always held up to him as the mark to be
+aimed at: the best for the Church, the best for his family, the best
+for himself.
+
+He had much imagination, he was quick in invention and ready in
+expedients; good gifts in themselves, but very perilous where the
+sense of truth is lacking, or blunted. He was timid, as sensitive and
+reflective natures are apt to be, perhaps also from physical causes.
+And in those rough ages, the Church offered almost the only path in
+which the timid man could not only escape infamy, but actually attain
+to honour. In her service a strong head could more than atone for
+weak nerves. Power, fame, wealth, might be gained in abundance by
+the Churchman without stirring from his cell or chapel, or facing a
+single drawn sword or loaded musket. Always provided that his subtle,
+cultivated intellect could guide the rough hands that wielded the
+swords, or, better still, the crowned head that commanded them.
+
+There may have been even then at that very university (there certainly
+were a few years earlier), a little band of students who had quite
+other aims, and who followed other studies than those from which Carlos
+hoped to reap worldly success and fame. These youths really desired
+to find the truth and to keep it; and therefore they turned from
+the pages of the Fathers and the Schoolmen to the Scriptures in the
+original languages. But the "Biblists," as they were called, were few
+and obscure. Carlos did not, during his whole term of residence, come
+in contact with any of them. The study of Hebrew, and even of Greek,
+was by this time discouraged; the breath of calumny had blown upon it,
+linking it with all that was horrible in the eyes of Spanish Catholics,
+summed up in the one word, heresy. Carlos never even dreamed of any
+excursion out of the beaten path marked out for him, and which he was
+travelling so successfully as to distance nearly all his competitors.
+
+Both Juan and Carlos still clung fondly to their early dream; though
+their wider knowledge had necessarily modified some of its details.
+Carlos, at least, was not quite so confident as he had once been about
+the existence of El Dorado; but he was as fully determined as Juan to
+search out the mystery of their father's fate, and either to clasp his
+living hand, or to stand beside his grave. The love of the brothers,
+and their trust in each other, had only strengthened with their years,
+and was beautiful to witness.
+
+Occasional journeys to Seville, and brief intervals of making holiday
+there, varied the monotony of their college life, and were not without
+important results.
+
+It was the summer of 1556. The great Carlos, so lately King and Kaiser,
+had laid down the heavy burden of sovereignty, and would soon be on his
+way to pleasant San Yuste, to mortify the flesh, and prepare for his
+approaching end, as the world believed; but in reality to eat, drink,
+and enjoy himself as well as his worn-out body and mind would allow
+him. Just then our young Juan, healthy, hearty, hopeful, and with the
+world before him, received the long wished-for appointment in the army
+of the new King of all the Spains, Don Felipe Segunde.
+
+The brothers have eaten their last temperate meal together, in their
+handsome, though not very comfortable, lodging at Alcala. Juan pushes
+away the wine-cup that Carlos would fain have refilled, and toys
+absently with the rind of a melon. "Carlos," he says, without looking
+his brother in the face, "remember that thing of which we spoke;"
+adding in lower and more earnest tones, "and so may God remember thee."
+
+"Surely, brother. You have, however, little to fear."
+
+"Little to fear!" and there was the old quick flash in the dark eyes.
+"Because, forsooth, to spare my aunt's selfishness and my cousin's
+vanity, she must not be seen at dance, or theatre, or bull-feast? It is
+enough for her to show her face on the Alameda or at mass to raise me
+up a host of rivals."
+
+"Still, my uncle favours you; and Doña Beatriz herself will not be
+found of a different mind when you come home with your promotion and
+your glory, as you will, my Ruy!"
+
+"Then, brother, watch thou in my absence, and fail not to speak the
+right word at the right moment, as thou canst so well. So shall I hold
+myself at ease, and give my whole mind to the noble task of breaking
+the heads of all the enemies of my liege lord the king."
+
+Then, rising from the table, he girt on his new Toledo sword with its
+embroidered belt, threw over his shoulders his short scarlet cloak, and
+flung a gay velvet montero over his rich black curls. Don Carlos went
+out with him, and mounting the horses a lad from their country-home
+held in readiness, they rode together down the street and through the
+gate of Alcala; Don Juan followed by many an admiring gaze, and many a
+hearty "Vaya con Dios,"[2] from his late companions.
+
+    [2] Go with God.
+
+
+
+
+                                  V.
+
+                      Don Carlos forgets himself.
+
+      "A fair face and a tender voice had made me mad and blind."
+
+                                              E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Carlos Alvarez found Alcala, after his brother's departure,
+insupportably dull; moreover, he had now almost finished his brilliant
+university career. As soon, therefore, as he could, he took his degree
+as Licentiate of Theology. He then wrote to inform his uncle of the
+fact; adding that he would be glad to spend part of the interval that
+must elapse before his ordination at Seville, where he might attend
+the lectures of the celebrated Fray Constantino Ponce de la Fuente,
+Professor of Divinity in the College of Doctrine in that city. But, in
+fact, a desire to fulfil his brother's last charge weighed more with
+him than an eagerness for further instruction; especially as rumours
+that his watchfulness was not unnecessary had reached his ears at
+Alcala.
+
+He received a prompt and kind invitation from his uncle to make his
+house his home for as long a period as he might desire. Now, although
+Don Manuel was highly pleased with the genius and industry of his
+younger nephew, the hospitality he extended to him was not altogether
+disinterested. He thought Carlos capable of rendering what he deemed an
+essential service to a member of his own family.
+
+That family consisted of a beautiful, gay, frivolous wife, three sons,
+two daughters, and his wife's orphan niece, Doña Beatriz de Lavella.
+The two elder sons were cast in their father's mould; which, to speak
+truth, was rather that of a merchant than of a cavalier. Had he been
+born of simple parents in the flats of Holland or the back streets of
+London, a vulgar Hans or Thomas, his tastes and capabilities might have
+brought him honest wealth. But since he had the misfortune to be Don
+Manuel Alvarez, of the bluest blood in Spain, he was taught to look on
+industry as ineffably degrading, and trade and commerce scarcely less
+so. Only one species of trade, one kind of commerce, was open to the
+needy and avaricious, but proud grandee. Unhappily it was almost the
+only kind that is really degrading--the traffic in public money, in
+places, and in taxes. "A sweeping rain leaving no food," such traffic
+was, in truth. The Government was defrauded; the people, especially the
+poorer classes, were cruelly oppressed. No one was enriched except the
+greedy jobber, whose birth rendered him infinitely too proud to work,
+but by no means too proud to cheat and steal.
+
+Don Manuel the younger, and Don Balthazar Alvarez, were ready and
+longing to tread in their father's footsteps. Of the two pale-faced
+dark-eyed sisters, Doña Inez and Doña Sancha, one was already married,
+and the other had also plans satisfactory to her parents. But the
+person in the family who was not of it was the youngest son, Don
+Gonsalvo. He was the representative, not of his father, but of his
+grandfather; as we so often see types of character reproduced in the
+third generation. The first Conde de Nuera had been a wild soldier of
+fortune in the Moorish wars, fierce and fiery, with strong unbridled
+passions. At eighteen, Gonsalvo was his image; and there was scarcely
+any mischief possible to a youth of fortune in a great city, into
+which he had not already found his way. For two years he continued to
+scandalize his family, and to vex the soul of his prudent and decorous
+father.
+
+Suddenly, however, a change came over him. He reformed; became
+quiet and regular in his conduct; gave himself up to study, making
+extraordinary progress in a very short time; and even showed what those
+around him called "a pious disposition." But these hopeful appearances
+passed as suddenly and as unaccountably as they came. After an interval
+of less than a year, he returned to his former habits, and plunged even
+more madly than ever into all kinds of vice and dissipation.
+
+His father resolved to procure him a commission, and send him away to
+the wars. But an accident frustrated his intentions. In those days,
+cavaliers of rank frequently sought the dangerous triumphs of the
+bull-ring. The part of matador was performed, not, as now, by hired
+bravos of the lowest class, but often by scions of the most honourable
+houses. Gonsalvo had more than once distinguished himself in the bloody
+arena by courage and coolness. But he tempted his fate too often. Upon
+one occasion he was flung violently from his horse, and then gored by
+the furious bull, whose rage had been excited to the utmost pitch by
+the cruel arts usually practised. He escaped with life, but remained
+a crippled invalid, apparently condemned for the rest of his days to
+inaction, weakness, and suffering.
+
+His father thought a good canonry would be a decent and comfortable
+provision for him, and pressed him accordingly to enter the Church. But
+the invalided youth manifested an intense repugnance to the step; and
+Don Manuel hoped that the influence of Carlos would help to overcome
+this feeling; believing that he would gladly endeavour to persuade his
+cousin that no way of life was so pleasant or so easy as that which he
+himself was about to adopt.
+
+The good nature of Carlos led him to fall heartily into his uncle's
+plans. He really pitied his cousin, moreover, and gladly gave himself
+to the task of trying in every possible way to console and amuse him.
+But Gonsalvo rudely repelled all his efforts. In his eyes the destined
+priest was half a woman, with no knowledge of a man's aims or a man's
+passions, and consequently no right to speak of them.
+
+"Turn priest!" he said to him one day; "I have as good a mind to turn
+Turk. Nay, cousin, I am not pious--you may present my orisons to Our
+Lady with your own, if it so please you. Perhaps she may attend to them
+better than to those I offered before entering the bull-ring on that
+unlucky day of St. Thomas."
+
+Carlos, though not particularly devout, was shocked by this language.
+
+"Take care, cousin," he said; "your words sound rather like blasphemy."
+
+"And yours sound like the words of what you are, half a priest
+already," retorted Gonsalvo. "It is ever the priest's cry, if you
+displease him, 'Open heresy!' 'Rank blasphemy!' And next, 'the Holy
+Office, and a yellow Sanbenito.' I marvel it did not occur to your
+sanctity to menace me with that."
+
+The gentle-tempered Carlos did not answer; a forbearance which further
+exasperated Gonsalvo, who hated nothing so much as being, on account of
+his infirmities, borne with like a woman or a child. "But the saints
+help the Churchmen," he went on ironically. "Good simple souls, they do
+not know even their own business! Else they would smell heresy close
+enough at hand. What doctrine does your Fray Constantino preach in the
+great Church every feast-day, since they made him canon-magistral?"
+
+"The most orthodox and Catholic doctrine, and no other," said Carlos,
+roused, in his turn, by the attack upon his teacher; though he did
+not greatly care for his instructions, which turned principally upon
+subjects about which he had learned little or nothing in the schools.
+"But to hear thee discuss doctrine is to hear a blind man talking of
+colours."
+
+"If I be the blind man talking of colours, thou art the deaf prating of
+music," retorted his cousin. "Come and tell me, if thou canst, what
+are these doctrines of thy Fray Constantino, and wherein they differ
+from the Lutheran heresy? I wager my gold chain and medal against thy
+new velvet cloak, that thou wouldst fall thyself into as many heresies
+by the way as there are nuts in Barcelona."
+
+Allowing for Gonsalvo's angry exaggeration, there was some truth in his
+assertion. Once out of the region of dialectic subtleties, the champion
+of the schools would have become weak as another man. And he could
+not have expounded Fray Constantino's preaching;--because he did not
+understand it.
+
+"What, cousin!" he exclaimed, affronted in his tenderest part,
+his reputation as a theological scholar. "Dost thou take me for a
+barefooted friar or a village cura? Me, who only two months ago was
+crowned victor in a debate upon the doctrines taught by Raymondus
+Lullius!"
+
+But whatever chagrin Carlos may have felt at finding himself utterly
+unable to influence Gonsalvo, was soon effectually banished by the
+delight with which he watched the success of his diplomacy with Doña
+Beatriz.
+
+Beatriz was almost a child in years, and entirely a child in mind and
+character. Hitherto, she had been studiously kept in the background,
+lest her brilliant beauty should throw her cousins into the shade.
+Indeed, she would probably have been consigned to a convent, had not
+her portion been too small to furnish the donative usually bestowed by
+the friends of a novice upon any really aristocratic establishment.
+"And pity would it have been," thought Carlos, "that so fair a flower
+should wither in a convent garden."
+
+He made the most of the limited opportunities of intercourse which the
+ceremonious manners of the time and country afforded, even to inmates
+of the same house. He would stand beside her chair, and watch the
+quick flush mount to her olive, delicately-rounded cheek, as he talked
+eloquently of the absent Juan. He was never tired of relating stories
+of Juan's prowess, Juan's generosity. In the last duel he fought, for
+instance, the ball had passed through his cap and grazed his head. But
+he only smiled, and re-arranged his locks, remarking, while he did so,
+that with the addition of a gold chain and medal, the spoiled cap would
+be as good, or better than ever. Then he would dilate on his kindness
+to the vanquished; rejoicing in the effect produced, a tribute as well
+to his own eloquence as to his brother's merit. The occupation was
+too fascinating not to be resorted to once and again, even had he not
+persuaded himself that he was fulfilling a sacred duty.
+
+Moreover, he soon discovered that the bright dark eyes which were
+beginning to visit him nightly in his dreams, were pining all day for
+a sight of that gay world from which their owner was jealously and
+selfishly excluded. So he managed to procure for Doña Beatriz many a
+pleasure of the kind she most valued. He prevailed upon his aunt and
+cousins to bring her with them to places of public resort; and then he
+was always at hand, with the reverence of a loyal cavalier, and the
+freedom of a destined priest, to render her every quiet unobtrusive
+service in his power. At the theatre, at the dance, at the numerous
+Church ceremonies, on the promenade, Doña Beatriz was his especial
+charge.
+
+Amidst such occupations, pleasant weeks and months glided by almost
+unnoticed by him. Never before had he been so happy. "Alcala was well
+enough," he thought; "but Seville is a thousand times better. All my
+life heretofore seems to me only like a dream, now I am awake."
+
+Alas! he was not awake, but wrapped in a deep sleep, and cradling a
+bright delusive vision. As yet he was not even "as those that dream,
+and know the while they dream." His slumber was too profound even for
+this dim half-consciousness.
+
+No one suspected, any more than he suspected himself, the enchantment
+that was stealing over him. But every one remarked his frank, genial
+manners, his cheerfulness, his good looks. Naturally, the name of Juan
+dropped gradually more and more out of his conversation; as at the same
+time the thought of Juan faded from his mind. His studies, too, were
+neglected; his attendance upon the lectures of Fray Constantino became
+little more than a formality; while "receiving Orders" seemed a remote
+if not an uncertain contingency. In fact, he lived in the present, not
+caring to look either at the past or the future.
+
+In the very midst of his intoxication, at slight incident affected him
+for a moment with such a chill as we feel when, on a warm spring day,
+the sun passes suddenly behind a cloud.
+
+His cousin, Doña Inez, had been married more than a year to a wealthy
+gentleman of Seville, Don Garçia Ramirez. Carlos, calling one morning
+at the lady's house with some unimportant message from Doña Beatriz,
+found her in great trouble on account of the sudden illness of her babe.
+
+"Shall I go and fetch a physician?" he asked, knowing well that Spanish
+servants can never be depended upon to make haste, however great the
+emergency may be.
+
+"You will do a great kindness, amigo mio," said the anxious young
+mother.
+
+"But which shall I summon?" asked Carlos. "Our family physician, or Don
+Garçia's?"
+
+"Don Garçia's, by all means,--Dr. Cristobal Losada. I would not give a
+green fig for any other in Seville. Do you know his dwelling?"
+
+"Yes. But should he be absent or engaged?"
+
+"I must have him. Him, and no other. Once before he saved my darling's
+life. And if my poor brother would but consult him, it might fare
+better with him. Go quickly, cousin, and fetch him, in Heaven's name."
+
+Carlos lost no time in complying; but on reaching the dwelling of the
+physician, found that though the hour was early he had already gone
+forth. After leaving a message, he went to visit a friend in the Triana
+suburb. He passed close by the Cathedral, with its hundred pinnacles,
+and that wonder of beauty, the old Moorish Giralda, soaring far up
+above it into the clear southern sky. It occurred to him that a few
+Aves said within for the infant's recovery would be both a benefit to
+the child and a comfort to the mother. So he entered, and was making
+his way to a gaudy tinselled Virgin and Babe, when, happening to glance
+towards a different part of the building, his eyes rested on the
+physician, with whose person he was well acquainted, as he had often
+noticed him amongst Fray Constantino's hearers. Losada was now pacing
+up and down one of the side aisles, in company with a gentleman of very
+distinguished appearance.
+
+As Carlos drew nearer, it occurred to him that he had never seen this
+personage in any place of public resort, and for this reason, as well
+as from certain slight indications in his dress of fashions current
+in the north of Spain, he gathered that he was a stranger in Seville,
+who might be visiting the Cathedral from motives of curiosity. Before
+he came up the two men paused in their walk, and turning their backs
+to him, stood gazing thoughtfully at the hideous row of red and yellow
+Sanbenitos, or penitential garments, that hung above them.
+
+"Surely," thought Carlos, "they might find better objects of
+attention than these ugly memorials of sin and shame, which bear
+witness that their late miserable wearers--Jews, Moors, blasphemers,
+or sorcerers,--have ended their dreary lives of penance, if not of
+penitence."
+
+The attention of the stranger seemed to be particularly attracted
+by one of them, the largest of all. Indeed, Carlos himself had been
+struck by its unusual size; and upon one occasion he had even had the
+curiosity to read the inscription, which he remembered because it
+contained Juan's favourite name, Rodrigo. It was this: "Rodrigo Valer,
+a citizen of Lebrixa and Seville; an apostate and false apostle, who
+pretended to be sent from God." And now, as he approached with light
+though hasty footsteps, he distinctly heard Dr. Cristobal Losada, still
+looking at the Sanbenito, say to his companion, "Yes, señor; and also
+the Conde de Nuera, Don Juan Alvarez."
+
+Don Juan Alvarez! What possible tie could link his father's name with
+the hideous thing they were gazing at? And what could the physician
+know about him of whom his own children knew so little? Carlos stood
+amazed, and pale with sudden emotion.
+
+And thus the physician saw him, happening to turn at that moment. Had
+he not exerted all his presence of mind (and he possessed a great
+deal), he would himself have started visibly. The unexpected appearance
+of the person of whom we speak is in itself disconcerting; but it
+deserves another name when we are saying that of him or his which, if
+overheard, might endanger life, or what is more precious still than
+life. Losada was equal to the occasion, however. The usual greetings
+having been exchanged, he asked quietly whether Señor Don Carlos had
+come in search of him, and hoped that he did not owe the honour to any
+indisposition in his worship's noble family.
+
+Carlos felt it rather a relief, under the circumstances, to have to
+say that his cousin's babe was alarmingly ill. "You will do us a great
+favour," he added, "by coming immediately. Doña Inez is very anxious."
+
+The physician promised compliance; and turning to his companion,
+respectfully apologized for leaving him abruptly.
+
+"A sick child's claim must not be postponed," said the stranger in
+reply. "Go, señor doctor, and God's blessing rest on your skill."
+
+Carlos was struck by the noble bearing and courteous manner of the
+stranger, who, in his turn, was interested by the young man's anxiety
+about a sick babe. But with only a passing glance at the other, each
+went his different way, not dreaming that once again at least their
+paths were destined to cross.
+
+The strange mention of his father's name that he had overheard filled
+the heart of Carlos with undefined uneasiness. He knew enough by that
+time to feel his childish belief in his father's stainless virtue
+a little shaken. What if a dreadful unexplained something, linking
+his fate with that of a convicted heretic, were yet to be learned?
+After all, the accursed arts of magic and sorcery were not so far
+removed from the alchemist's more legitimate labours, that a rash
+or presumptuous student might not very easily slide from one into
+the other. He had reason to believe that his father had played with
+alchemy, if he had not seriously devoted himself to its study. Nay, the
+thought had sometimes flashed unbidden across his mind that the "El
+Dorado" found might after all have been no other than the philosopher's
+stone. For he who has attained the power of producing gold at will may
+surely be said, without any stretch of metaphor, to have discovered a
+golden country. But at this period of his life the personal feelings of
+Carlos were so keen and absorbing that almost everything, consciously
+or unconsciously, was referred to them. And thus it was that an intense
+wish sprang up in his heart, that his father's secret might have
+descended to _him_.
+
+Vain wish! The gold he needed or desired must be procured from a
+less inaccessible region than El Dorado, and without the aid of the
+philosopher's stone.
+
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+               Don Carlos forgets Himself still further.
+
+  "The not so very false, as falsehood goes,--
+  The spinning out and drawing fine, you know;
+  Really mere novel-writing, of a sort,
+  Acting, improvising, make-believe,--
+  Surely not downright cheatery!"
+
+                                           R. BROWNING
+
+
+It cost Carlos some time and trouble to drive away the haunting
+thoughts which Losada's words had awakened. But he succeeded at length;
+or perhaps it would be more truthful to say the bright eyes and
+witching smiles of Doña Beatriz accomplished the work for him.
+
+Every dream, however, must have a waking. Sometimes a slight sound,
+ludicrously trivial in its cause, dispels a slumber fraught with
+wondrous visions, in which we have been playing the part of kings and
+emperors.
+
+"Nephew Don Carlos," said Don Manuel one day, "is it not time you
+thought of shaving your head? You are learned enough for your Orders
+long ago, and 'in a plentiful house supper is soon dressed.'"
+
+"True, señor my uncle," murmured Carlos, looking suddenly aghast. "But
+I am under the canonical age."
+
+"But you can get a dispensation."
+
+"Why such haste? There is time yet and to spare."
+
+"That is not so sure. I hear the cura of San Lucar has one foot in the
+grave. The living is a good one, and I think I know where to go for it.
+So take care you lose not a heifer for want of a halter to hold it by."
+
+With these words on his lips, Don Manuel went out. At the same moment
+Gonsalvo, who lay listlessly on a sofa at one end of the room, or
+rather court, reading "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first Spanish novel,
+burst into a loud paroxysm of laughter.
+
+"What may be the theme of your merriment?" asked Carlos, turning his
+large dreamy eyes languidly towards him.
+
+"Yourself, amigo mio. You would make the stone saints of the Cathedral
+laugh on their pedestals. There you stand, pale as marble, a living
+image of despair. Come, rouse yourself! What do you mean to do? Will
+you take what you wish, or let your chance slip by, and then sit and
+weep because you have it not? Will you be a _priest_ or a _man_? Make
+your choice this hour, for one you must be, and both you cannot be."
+
+Carlos answered him not; in truth, he dared not answer him. Every word
+was the voice of his own heart; perhaps it was also, though he knew it
+not, the voice of the great tempter. He withdrew to his chamber, and
+barred and bolted himself in it. This was the first time in his life
+that solitude was a necessity to him. His uncle's words had brought
+with them a terrible revelation. He knew himself now too well; he knew
+what he loved, what he desired, or rather what he hungered and thirsted
+for with agonizing intensity. No; never the priest's frock for him. He
+must call Doña Beatriz de Lavella his--his before God's altar--or die.
+
+Then came a thought, stinging him with sharp, sudden pain. It was a
+thought that should have come to him long ago,--"Juan!" And with the
+name, affection, memory, conscience, rose up together within him to
+combat the mad resolve of his passion.
+
+Fiery passions slumbered in the heart of Carlos. Such are sometimes
+found united with a gentle temper, a weak will, and sensitive nerves.
+Woe to their possessor when they are aroused in their strength!
+
+Had Carlos been a plain soldier, like the brother he was tempted to
+betray, it is possible he might have come forth from this terrible
+conflict still holding fast his honour and his brotherly affection.
+It was his priestly training that turned the scale. He had been
+taught that simple truth between man and man was a thing of little
+consequence. He had been taught the art of making a hundred clever,
+plausible excuses for whatever he saw best to do. He had been taught,
+in short, every species of sophistry by which, to the eyes of others,
+and to his own also, wrong might be made to seem right, and black to
+appear the purest white.
+
+His subtle imagination forged in the fire of his kindled passions
+chains of reasoning in which no skill could detect a flaw. Juan had
+never loved as he did; Juan would not care; probably by this time he
+had forgotten Doña Beatriz. "Besides," the tempter whispered furtively
+within him, "he might never return at all; he might die in battle."
+But Carlos was not yet sunk so low as to give ear for a single instant
+to this wicked whisper; though certainly he could not henceforth look
+for his brother's return with the joy with which he had been wont to
+anticipate that event. But, in any case, Beatriz herself should be the
+judge between them. And he told himself that he knew (how did he know
+it?) that Beatriz preferred _him_. Then it would be only right and kind
+to prepare Juan for an inevitable disappointment. This he could easily
+do. Letters, carefully written, might gradually suggest to his brother
+that Beatriz had other views; and he knew Juan's pride and his fiery
+temper well enough to calculate that if his jealousy were once aroused,
+these would soon accomplish the rest.
+
+Ere we, who have been taught from our cradles to "speak the truth from
+the heart," turn with loathing from the wiles of Carlos Alvarez, we
+ought to remember that he was a Spaniard--one of a nation whose genius
+and passion is for intrigue. He was also a Spaniard of the sixteenth
+century; but, above all, he was a Spanish Catholic, educated for the
+priesthood.
+
+The ability with which he laid his plans, and the enjoyment which its
+exercise gave him, served in itself to blind him to the treachery and
+ingratitude upon which those plans were founded.
+
+He sought an interview with Fray Constantino, and implored from him a
+letter of recommendation to the imperial recluse at San Yuste, whose
+chaplain and personal favourite the canon-magistral had been. But
+that eloquent preacher, though warm-hearted and generous to a fault,
+hesitated to grant the request. He represented to Carlos that His
+Imperial Majesty did not choose his retreat to be invaded by applicants
+for favours, and that the journey to San Yuste would therefore be, in
+all probability, worse than useless. Carlos answered that he had fully
+weighed the difficulties of the case; but that if the line of conduct
+he adopted seemed peculiar, his circumstances were so also. He believed
+that his father (who died before his birth) had enjoyed the special
+regard of His Imperial Majesty, and he hoped that, for his sake, he
+might now be willing to show him some kindness. At all events, he was
+sure of an introduction to his presence through his mayor-domo, Don
+Luis Quixada, lord of Villagarçia, who was a friend of their house.
+What he desired to obtain, through the kindness of His Imperial
+Majesty, was a Latin secretaryship, or some similar office, at the
+court of the new king, where his knowledge of Latin, and the talents he
+hoped he possessed, might stand him in good stead, and enable him to
+support, though with modesty, the station to which his birth entitled
+him. For, although already a licentiate of theology, and with good
+prospects in the Church, he did not wish to take orders, as he had
+thoughts of marrying.
+
+Fray Constantino felt a sympathy with the young man; and perhaps the
+rather because, if report speaks true, he had once been himself in a
+somewhat similar position. So he compromised matters by giving him a
+general letter of recommendation, in which he spoke of his talents and
+his blameless manners as warmly as he could, from the experience of
+the nine or ten months during which he had been acquainted with him.
+And although the attention paid by Carlos to his instructions had been
+slight, and of late almost perfunctory, his great natural intelligence
+had enabled him to stand his ground more creditably than many far more
+diligent students. The Fray's letter Carlos thankfully added to the
+numerous laudatory epistles from the doctors and professors of Alcala
+that he already had in his possession.
+
+All these he enclosed in a cedar box, which he carefully locked, and
+consigned in its turn to a travelling portmanteau, along with a fair
+stock of wearing apparel, sufficiently rich in material to suit his
+rank, but modest in colour and fashion. He then informed his uncle that
+before he took Orders it would be necessary for him, in his brother's
+absence, to take a journey to their little estate, and set its concerns
+in order.
+
+His uncle, suspecting nothing, approved his plan, and insisted on
+providing him with the attendance of an armed guard to Nuera, whither
+he really intended to go in the first instance.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VII.
+
+                             The Desengaño
+
+  "And I should evermore be vexed with thee
+  In vacant robe, or hanging ornament,
+  Or ghostly foot-fall lingering on the stair."
+
+                                      TENNYSON
+
+
+The journey from the city of oranges to the green slopes of the Sierra
+Morena ought to have been a delightful one to Don Carlos Alvarez. It
+was certainly bright with hope. He scarcely harboured a doubt of the
+ultimate success of his plans, and the consequent attainment of all his
+wishes. Already he seemed to feel the soft hand of Doña Beatriz in his,
+and to stand by her side before the high altar of the great Cathedral.
+
+And yet, as days passed on, the brightness within grew fainter, and
+an acknowledged shadow, ever deepening, began to take its place. At
+last he drew near his home, and rode through the little grove of
+cork-trees where he and Juan had played as children. When last they
+were there together the autumn winds were strewing the leaves, all dim
+and discoloured, about their paths. Now he looked through the fresh
+green foliage at the deep intense blue of the summer sky. But, though
+scarcely more than twenty, he felt at that moment old and worn, and
+wished back the time of his boyish sports with his brother. Never
+again could he feel quite happy with Juan.
+
+Soon, however, his sorrowful fancies were put to flight by the
+joyous greeting of the hounds, who rushed with much clamour from the
+castle-yard to welcome him. There they were, all of them--Pedro, Zina,
+Pepe, Grullo, Butron--it was Juan who had named them, every one. And
+there, at the gate, stood Diego and Dolores, ready to give him joyful
+welcome. Throwing himself from his horse, he shook hands with these
+faithful old retainers, and answered their kindly but respectful
+inquiries both for himself and Señor Don Juan. Then, having caressed
+the dogs, inquired for each of the under-servants by name, and given
+orders for the due entertainment of his guard, he passed on slowly into
+the great deserted hall.
+
+His arrival being unexpected, he merely surrendered his travelling
+cloak into the hands of Diego, and sat down to wait patiently while the
+servants, always dilatory, prepared for him suitable accommodation.
+Dolores soon appeared with a flask of wine and some bread and grapes;
+but this was only a _merienda_, or slight afternoon luncheon, which
+she laid before her young master until she could make ready a supper
+fit for him to partake of. Carlos spent half an hour listening to her
+tidings of the household and the village, and felt sorry when she
+quitted the room and left him to his own reflections.
+
+Every object on which his eyes rested reminded him of his brother.
+There hung the cross-bow with which, in old days, Juan had made such
+vigorous war on the rooks and the sparrows. There lay the foils and
+the canes with which they had so often fenced and played; Juan, in his
+unquestioned superiority, usually so patient with the younger brother's
+timidity and awkwardness. And upon that bench he had carved, with a
+hunting-knife, his name in full, adding the title that had expired with
+his father, "Conde de Nuera."
+
+The memories these things recalled were becoming intrusive; he would
+fain shake them off. Gladly would he have had recourse to his favourite
+pastime of reading, but there was not a book in the castle, to his
+knowledge, except the breviary he had brought with him. For lack of
+more congenial occupation, he went out at last to the stable to look at
+the horses, and to talk to those who were grooming and feeding them.
+
+Later in the evening Dolores told him that supper was ready, adding
+that she had laid it in the small inner room, which she thought Señor
+Don Carlos would find more comfortable than the great hall.
+
+That inner room was, even more than the hall, haunted by the shadowy
+presence of Juan. But it was usually daylight when the brothers were
+there together. Now, a tapestry curtain shaded the window, and a silver
+lamp shed its light on the well-spread table with its snowy drapery,
+and cover laid for one.
+
+A lonely meal, however luxurious, is always apt to be somewhat dreary;
+it seems a provision for the lowest wants of our nature, and nothing
+more. Carlos sought to escape from the depressing influence by giving
+wings to his imagination, and dreaming of the time when wealth enough
+to repair and refurnish that half-ruinous old homestead might be his.
+He pleased himself with pictures of the long tables in the great hall,
+groaning beneath the weight of a bountiful provision for a merry
+company of guests, upon whom the sweet face of Doña Beatriz might
+beam a welcome. But how idle such fancies! The castle, after all, was
+Juan's, not his. Unless, indeed, more difficulties than one should
+be solved by Juan's death upon some French or Flemish battle-field.
+This thought he could not bear to entertain. Grown suddenly sick at
+heart, he pushed aside his plate of stewed pigeon, and, regardless
+of the feelings of Dolores, sent away untasted her dessert of sweet
+butter-cakes dipped in honey. He was weary, he said, and he would go to
+rest at once.
+
+It was long before sleep would visit his eyelids; and when at last
+it came, his brother's dark reproachful eyes haunted him still. At
+daybreak he awoke with a start from a feverish dream that Juan, all
+pale and ghostlike, had come to his bedside, and laying his hand on his
+arm, said solemnly, "I claim the jewel I left thee in trust."
+
+Further sleep was impossible. He rose, and wandered out into the fresh
+air. As yet no one was astir. Fair and sweet was all that met his gaze:
+the faint pearly light, the first blush of dawn in the quiet sky, the
+silvery dew that bathed his footsteps. But the storm within raged more
+fiercely for the calm without. There was first an agonizing struggle
+to repress the rising thought, "Better, after all, _not_ to do this
+thing." But, in spite of his passionate efforts, the thought gained a
+hearing, it seemed to cry aloud within him, "Better, after all, not to
+betray Juan!" "And give up Beatriz for ever? _For ever!_" he repeated
+over and over again, beating it
+
+      "In upon his weary brain,
+  As though it were the burden of a song."
+
+He had climbed, almost unawares, to the top of a rocky hill; and now
+he stood, looking around him at the prospect, just as if he saw it.
+In truth, he saw nothing, felt nothing outward, until at last a misty
+mountain rain swept in his face, refreshing his burning brow with a
+touch as of cool fingers.
+
+Then he descended mechanically. Exchanging salutations (as if nothing
+were amiss with him) with the milk-maid and the wood-boy, he crossed
+the open courtyard and re-entered the hall. There Dolores, and a girl
+who worked under her, were already busy, so he passed by them into the
+inner room.
+
+Its darkness seemed to stifle him; with hasty hand he drew aside the
+heavy tapestry curtain. As he did so something caught his eye. For the
+hundredth time he re-read the mystic inscription on the glass:
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado."
+
+And, as an infant's touch may open a sluice that lets in the mighty
+ocean, those simple words broke up the fountains of the great deep
+within. He gave full course to the emotions they awakened. Again he
+heard Juan's voice repeat them; again he saw Juan's deep earnest eyes
+look into his; not now reproachfully, but with full unshaken trust, as
+in the old days when first he said, "We will go forth together and find
+our father."
+
+"Juan--brother!" he cried aloud, "I will never wrong thee, so help
+me God!" At that moment the morning sun, having scattered the mists
+with the glory of its rising, sent one of its early beams to kiss the
+handwriting on the window-pane. "Old token for good," thought Carlos,
+whose imaginative nature could play with fancies even in the hours of
+supreme emotion. "And true still even yet. Only the good is all for
+Juan; for me--nothing but despair."
+
+And so Don Carlos found his "desengaño," or disenchantment, and it was
+a very thorough one.
+
+Body and mind were well-nigh exhausted with the violence of the
+struggle. Perhaps this was fortunate, in so far that it won for the
+decision of his better nature a more rapid and easy acceptance. In
+a sense and for a season any decision was welcome to the weary,
+tempest-tossed soul.
+
+It was afterwards that he asked himself how were long years to be
+dragged on without the face that was the joy of his heart and the life
+of his life? How was he to bear the never-ending pain, the aching
+loneliness, of such a lot? Better to die at once than to endure this
+slow, living death. He knew well that it was not in his nature to point
+the pistol or the dagger at his own breast. But he might pine away and
+die silently--as many thousands die--of blighted hopes and a ruined
+life. Or--and this was more likely, perhaps--as time passed on he
+might grow dead and hard in soul; until at last he would become a dry,
+cold, mechanical mass-priest, mumbling the Church's Latin with thin,
+bloodless lips, a keen eye to his dues, and a heart that might serve
+for a Church relic, so much faith would it require to believe that it
+had been warm and living once.
+
+Still, laudably anxious to provide against possible future waverings
+of the decision so painfully attained, he wrote informing his uncle
+of his safe arrival; adding that he had fully made up his mind to
+take Orders at Christmas, but that he found it advisable to remain in
+his present quarters for a month or two. He at once dispatched two of
+the men-at-arms with the letter; and much was the thrifty Don Manuel
+surprised that his nephew should spend a handful of silver reals in
+order to inform him of what he knew already.
+
+Gloomily the day wore on. The instinctive reserve of a sensitive nature
+made Carlos talk to the servants, receive the accounts, inspect the
+kine and sheep--do everything, in short, except eat and drink--as he
+would have done if a great sorrow had not all the time been crushing
+his heart. It is true that Dolores, who loved him as her own son, was
+not deceived. It was for no trivial cause that the young master was
+pale as a corpse, restless and irritable, talking hurriedly by fitful
+snatches, and then relapsing into moody silence. But Dolores was a
+prudent woman, as well as a loving and faithful one; therefore she held
+her peace, and bided her time.
+
+But Carlos noticed one effort she made to console him. Coming in
+towards evening from a consultation with Diego about some cork-trees
+which a Morisco merchantman wished to purchase and cut down, he saw
+upon his table a carefully sealed wine-flask, with a cup beside it. He
+knew whence it came. His father had left in the cellar a small quantity
+of choice wine of Xeres; and this relic of more prosperous times being,
+like most of their other possessions, in the care of Dolores, was only
+produced very sparingly, and on rare occasions. But she evidently
+thought "Señor Don Carlos" needed it now. Touched by her watchful,
+unobtrusive affection, he would have gratified her by drinking; but he
+had a peculiar dislike to drinking alone, while he knew he would only
+render his sanity doubtful by inviting either her or Diego to share
+the luxurious beverage. So he put it aside for the present, and drew
+towards him a sheet of figures, an ink-horn, and a pen. He could not
+work, however. With the silence and solitude, his great grief came back
+upon him again. But nature all this time had been silently working
+for him. His despair was giving way to a more violent but less bitter
+sorrow. Tears came now: a long, passionate fit of weeping relieved his
+aching heart. Since his early childhood he had not wept thus.
+
+An approaching footstep recalled him to himself. He rose with haste and
+shame, and stood beside the window, hoping that his position and the
+waning light might together shield him from observation. It was only
+Dolores.
+
+"Señor," she said, entering somewhat hastily, "will it please you to
+see to those men of Seville that came with your Excellency? They are
+insulting a poor little muleteer, and threatening to rob his packages."
+
+Yanguesian carriers and other muleteers, bringing goods across the
+Sierra Morena from the towns of La Mancha to those of Andalusia, often
+passed by the castle, and sometimes received hospitality there. Carlos
+rose at once at the summons, saying to Dolores--
+
+"Where is the boy?"
+
+"He is not a boy, señor, he is a man; a very little man, but with a
+greater spirit, if I mistake not, than some twice his size."
+
+It was true enough. On the green plot at the back of the castle, beside
+which the mountain pathway led, there were gathered the ten or twelve
+rough Seville pikemen, taken from the lowest of the population, and
+most of them of Moorish blood. In their midst, beside the foremost of
+his three mules, with one arm thrown round her neck and the other
+raised to give effect by animated gestures to his eager oratory, stood
+the muleteer. He was a very short, spare, active-looking man, clad from
+head to foot in chestnut-coloured leather. His mules were well laden;
+each with three large alforjas, one at each side and one laid across
+the neck. But they were evidently well fed and cared for also; and they
+presented a gay appearance, with their adornments of bright-coloured
+worsted tassels and tiny bells.
+
+"You know, my friends," the muleteer was saying, as Carlos came within
+hearing, "an arriero's alforjas[3] are like a soldier's colours,--it
+stands him upon his honour to guard them inviolate. No, no! Ask him for
+aught else--his purse, his blood--they are at your service; but never
+touch his colours, if you care for a long life."
+
+    [3] _Arriero_, muleteer; _alforjas_, bags.
+
+"My honest friend, your colours, as you call them, shall be safe here,"
+said Carlos, kindly.
+
+The muleteer turned towards him a good-humoured, intelligent face, and,
+bowing low, thanked him heartily.
+
+"What is your name?" asked Carlos; "and whence do you come?"
+
+"I am Juliano; Juliano el Chico (Julian the Little) men generally call
+me--since, as your Excellency sees, I am not very great. And I come
+last from Toledo."
+
+"Indeed! And what wares do you carry?"
+
+"Some matters, small in bulk, yet costly, which I am bringing for
+a Seville merchant--Medel de Espinosa by name, if your worship has
+heard of him? I have mirrors, for example, of a new kind; excellent in
+workmanship, and true as steel, as well they may be."
+
+"I know the shop of Espinosa well. I have been much in Seville," said
+Carlos, with a sudden pang, caused by the recollection of the many
+pretty trifles that he had purchased there for Doña Beatriz. "But
+follow me, my friend, and a good supper shall make you amends for the
+rudeness of these fellows.--Andres, take the best care thou canst of
+his mules; 'twill be only fair penance for thy sin in molesting their
+owner."
+
+"A hundred thousand thanks, señor. Still, with your worship's good
+leave, and no offence to friend Andres, I had rather look to the beasts
+myself. We are old companions; they know my ways, and I know theirs."
+
+"As you please, my good fellow. Andres will show you the stable, and I
+shall tell my mayor-domo to see that you lack nothing."
+
+"Again I render to your Excellency my poor but hearty thanks."
+
+Carlos went in, gave the necessary directions to Diego, and then
+returned to his solitary chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                             The Muleteer.
+
+  "Are ye resigned that they be spent
+  In such world's help? The spirits bent
+  Their awful brows, and said, 'Content!'
+
+  "Content! It sounded like Amen
+  Said by a choir of mourning men:
+  An affirmation full of pain
+
+  "And patience,--ay, of glorying,
+  And adoration, as a king
+  Might seal an oath for governing."
+
+                                  E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+When Carlos stood once more face to face with his sorrow--as he did as
+soon as he had closed the door--he found that it had somewhat changed
+its aspect. A trouble often does this when some interruption from the
+outer world makes us part company with it for a little while. We find
+on our return that it has developed quite a new phase, and seldom a
+more hopeful one.
+
+It now entered the mind of Carlos, for the first time, that he had
+been acting very basely towards his brother. Not only had he planned
+and intended a treason, but by endeavouring to engage the affections
+of Doña Beatriz, he had actually committed one. Heaven grant it might
+not prove irreparable! Though the time that had passed since his better
+self gained the victory was only measured by hours, it represented to
+him a much longer period. Already it enabled him to look upon what
+had gone before from the vantage-ground that some degree of distance
+gives. He now beheld in true, perhaps even in exaggerated colours, the
+meanness and the treachery of his conduct. He, who prided himself upon
+the nobility of his nature matching that of his birth--he, Don Carlos
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya, the gentleman of stainless manners,
+of reputation untarnished by a single blot--he, who had never yet been
+ashamed of anything,--in his solitude he blushed and covered his face
+in shame, as the villany he had planned rose up before his mind. It
+would have broken his heart to be scorned by any man; and was it not
+worse a thousand-fold to be thus scorned by himself? He thought even
+more of the meanness of his plan than of its treachery. Of its sin he
+did not think at all. Sin was a theological term which he had been
+wont to handle in the schools, and to toss to and fro with the other
+materials upon which he showed off his dialectic skill; but it no more
+occurred to him to take it out of the scholastic world and to bring it
+into that in which he really lived and acted, than it did to talk Latin
+to Diego, or softly to whisper quotations from Thomas Aquinas into the
+ear of Doña Beatriz between the pauses of the dance.
+
+Scarcely any consideration, however, could have made him more miserable
+than he was. Past and future--all alike seemed dreary. Not a happy
+memory, not a cheering anticipation could he find to comfort him. He
+was as one who goes forth to face the driving storm of a wintry night:
+not strong in hope and courage--a warm hearth behind him, and before
+him the pleasant starry glimmer that tells of another soon to be
+reached--but chilled, weary, forlorn, the wind whistling through thin
+garments, and nothing to meet his eye but the bare, bleak, shelterless
+moor stretching far out into the distance.
+
+He sat long, too crushed in heart even to finish his slight,
+unimportant task. Sometimes he drew towards him the sheet of figures,
+and for a moment or two tried to fix his attention upon it; but soon
+he would push it away again, or make aimless dots and circles on its
+margin. While thus engaged, he heard a cheery and not unmelodious
+voice chanting a fragment of song in some foreign tongue. Listening
+more attentively, he believed the words were French, and supposed the
+singer must be his humble guest, the muleteer, on his way to the stable
+to take a last look at the beloved companions of his toils before he
+lay down to rest. The man had probably exercised his vocation at some
+former period in the passes of the Pyrenees, and had thus acquired some
+knowledge of French.
+
+Half an hour's talk with any one seemed to Carlos at that moment a
+most desirable diversion from the gloom of his own thoughts. He might
+converse with this stranger when he dared not summon to his presence
+Diego or Dolores, because they knew and loved him well enough to
+discover in two minutes that something was seriously wrong with him.
+He waited until he heard the voice once more close beneath his window;
+then softly opening it, he called the muleteer. Juliano responded with
+ready alertness; and Carlos, going round to the door, admitted him, and
+led him into his sanctum.
+
+"I believe," he said, "that was a French song I heard you sing. You
+have been in France, then?"
+
+"Ay, señor; I have crossed the Pyrenees more than once. I have also
+been in Switzerland."
+
+"You must, then, have visited many places worthy of note; and not with
+your eyes shut, I think. I wish you would tell me, for pastime, the
+story of your travels."
+
+"Willingly, señor," said the muleteer, who, though perfectly
+respectful, had an ease and independence of manner that made Carlos
+suspect it was not the first time he had conversed with his superiors.
+"Where shall I begin?"
+
+"Have you ever crossed the Santillanos, or visited the Asturias?"
+
+"No, señor. A man cannot be everywhere; 'he that rings the bells does
+not walk in the procession.' I am only master of the route from Lyons
+here; knowing a little also, as I have said, of Switzerland."
+
+"Tell me first of Lyons, then. And be seated, my friend."
+
+The muleteer sat down, and began his story, telling of the places he
+had seen with an intelligence that more and more engaged the attention
+of Carlos, who failed not to draw out his information by many pertinent
+questions. As they conversed, each observed the other with gradually
+increasing interest. Carlos admired the muleteer's courage and energy
+in the prosecution of his calling, and enjoyed his quaint and shrewd
+observations. Moreover, he was struck by certain indications of a
+degree of education and even of refinement not usual in his class.
+Especially he noticed the small, finely-formed hand, which was
+sometimes in the warmth of conversation laid on the table, and which
+looked as if it had been accustomed to wield some implement far more
+delicate than a riding-whip. Another thing he took note of. Though
+Juliano's language abounded in proverbs, in provincialisms, in quaint
+and racy expressions, not a single oath escaped his lips. "I never
+saw an arriero before," thought Carlos, "who could get through two
+sentences without half a dozen of them."
+
+Juliano, on the other hand, was observing his host, and with a far
+shrewder and deeper insight than Carlos could have imagined. During
+supper he had gathered from the servants that their young master was
+kind-hearted, gentle, easy-tempered, and had never injured any one in
+his life; and knowing all this, he was touched with genuine sympathy
+for the young noble, whose haggard face and sorrowful looks told but
+too plainly that some great grief was pressing on his heart.
+
+"Your Excellency must be weary of my stories," he said at length. "It
+is time I left you to your repose."
+
+And so indeed it was, for the hour was late.
+
+"Ere you go," said Carlos kindly, "you shall drink a cup of wine with
+me."
+
+He had no wine at hand but the costly beverage Dolores had produced
+for his own especial use. Wondering a little what Juliano would think
+of such a luxurious beverage, he sought a second cup, for the proud
+Castilian gentleman was too "finely courteous" not to drink with his
+guest, although that guest was only a muleteer.
+
+Juliano, evidently a temperate man, remonstrated: "But I have already
+tasted your Excellency's hospitality."
+
+"That should not hinder your drinking to my good health," said Carlos,
+producing a small hunting-cup, forgotten until now, from the pocket of
+his doublet.
+
+Then filling the larger cup, he handed it to Juliano. It was a very
+little thing, a trifling act of kindness. But to the last hour of his
+life, Carlos Alvarez thanked God that he had put it into his heart to
+offer that cup of wine.
+
+The muleteer raised it to his lips, saying earnestly, "God grant you
+health and happiness, noble señor."
+
+Carlos drank also, glad to relieve a painful feeling of exhaustion.
+As he set down the cup, a sudden impulse prompted him to say, with a
+bitter smile, "Happiness is not likely to come my way at present."
+
+"Nay, señor, and wherefore not? With your good leave be it spoken, you
+are young, noble, amiable, with much learning and excellent parts, as
+they tell me."
+
+"All these things may not prevent a man being very miserable," said
+Carlos frankly.
+
+"God comfort you, señor."
+
+"Thanks for the good wish," said Carlos, rather lightly, and conscious
+of having already said too much. "All men have their troubles, I
+suppose, but most men contrive to live through them. So shall I, no
+doubt."
+
+"But God _can_ comfort you," Juliano repeated with a kind of wistful
+earnestness.
+
+Carlos, surprised at his manner, looked at him dreamily, but with some
+curiosity.
+
+"Señor," said Juliano, leaning forward and speaking in a low tone
+full of meaning. "Let your worship excuse a plain man's plain
+question--Señor, _do you know God_?"
+
+Carlos started visibly. Was the man mad? Certainly not; as all
+his previous conversation bore witness. He was evidently a very
+clever, half-educated man, who spoke with just the simplicity and
+unconsciousness of an intelligent child. And now he had asked a true
+child's question; one which it would exhaust a wise man's wisdom to
+answer. Thoroughly perplexed, Carlos at last determined to take it in
+its easiest sense. He said, "Yes; I have studied theology, and taken
+out my licentiate's degree at the University of Alcala."
+
+"If it please your worship, what may that fine word theology mean?"
+
+"You have said so many wise things, that I marvel you know not. Science
+about God."
+
+"Then, señor, your Excellency knows _about God_. But is it not another
+thing _to know God_? I know much about the Emperor Carlos, now at San
+Yuste; I could tell you the story of all his campaigns. But I never
+saw him, still less spoke with him. And far indeed am I from knowing
+him to be my friend; and so trusting him that if my mules died, or the
+Alguazils seized me at Cordova for bringing over something contraband,
+or other mishap befell me, I should go or send to him, certain that he
+would help and save me."
+
+"I begin to understand you," said Carlos; and a suspicion crossed his
+mind that the muleteer was a friar in disguise. But that could scarcely
+be, since his black abundant hair showed no marks of the tonsure.
+"After the manner you speak of, only great saints know God."
+
+"Indeed, señor! Can that be true? For I have heard that our Lord
+Christ"--(at the mention of the name Carlos crossed himself, a
+ceremony which the muleteer was so engrossed by his argument as to
+forget)--"that our Lord Christ came into the world to make men know the
+Father; and that, to all that believe on him, he truly reveals him."
+
+"Where did you get this strange learning?"
+
+"It is simple learning; and yet very blessed, señor," returned Juliano,
+evading the question. "For those who know God are happy. Whatever
+sorrows they have without, within they have joy and peace."
+
+"You are advising me to seek peace in religion?"
+
+It was singular certainly that a muleteer should advise _him_; but then
+this was a very uncommon muleteer. "And so I ought," he added, "since I
+am destined for the Church."
+
+"No, señor; not to seek peace in religion, but to seek peace from God,
+and in Christ who reveals him."
+
+"It is only the words that differ, the things are the same."
+
+"Again I say, with all submission to your Excellency, not so. It is
+Christ Jesus himself--Christ Jesus, God and man--who alone can give the
+peace and happiness for which the heart aches. Are we oppressed with
+sin? He says, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee!' Are we hungry? He is bread.
+Thirsty? He is living water. Weary? He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that
+are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'"
+
+"Man! who or what are you? You are quoting the Holy Scriptures to me.
+Do you then read Latin?"
+
+"No, señor," said the muleteer humbly, casting his eyes down to the
+ground.
+
+"_No?_"
+
+"No, señor; in very truth. But--"
+
+"Well? Go on!"
+
+Juliano looked up again, a steady light in his eyes. "Will you promise,
+on the faith of a gentleman, not to betray me?" he asked.
+
+"Most assuredly I will not betray you."
+
+"I trust you, señor. I do not believe it would be possible for _you_ to
+betray one who trusted you."
+
+Carlos winced, and rather shrank from the muleteer's look of hearty,
+honest confidence.
+
+"Though I cannot guess your reason for such precautions," he said, "I
+am willing, if you wish it, to swear secrecy upon the holy crucifix."
+
+"It needs not, señor; your word of honour is as much as your oath.
+Though I am putting my life in your hands when I tell you that I have
+dared to read the words of my Lord Christ in my own tongue."
+
+"Are you then a heretic?" Carlos exclaimed, recoiling involuntarily, as
+one who suddenly sees the plague spot on the forehead of a friend whose
+hand he has been grasping.
+
+"That depends upon your notion of a heretic, señor. Many a better man
+than I has been branded with the name. Even the great preacher Don Fray
+Constantino, whom all the fine lords and ladies in Seville flock to
+hear, has often been called heretic by his enemies."
+
+"I have resided in Seville, and attended Fray Constantino's theological
+lectures," said Carlos.
+
+"Then your worship knows there is not a better Christian in all the
+Spains. And yet men say that he narrowly escaped a prosecution for
+heresy. But enough of what men say. Let us hear what God says for once.
+His words cannot lead us astray."
+
+"No; not the Holy Scriptures, properly expounded by learned and
+orthodox doctors. But heretics put their own construction upon the
+sacred text, which, moreover, they corrupt and interpolate."
+
+"Señor, you are a scholar; you can consult the original, and judge for
+yourself how far that charge is true."
+
+"But I do not want to read heretic writings."
+
+"Nor I, señor. Yet I confess that I have read the words of my
+Saviour in my own tongue, which some misinformed or ignorant persons
+call heresy; and through them, to my soul's joy, I have learned to
+know Him and the Father. I am bold enough to wish the same knowledge
+yours, señor, that the same joy may be yours also." The poor man's eye
+kindled, and his features, otherwise homely enough, glowed with an
+enthusiasm that lent them true spiritual beauty.
+
+Carlos was not unmoved. After a moment's pause he said, "If I could
+procure what you style God's Word in my own tongue, I do not say that I
+would refuse to read it. Should I discover any heretical mistranslation
+or interpolation, I could blot out the passage; or, it necessary, burn
+the book."
+
+"I can place in your hands this very hour the New Testament of our
+Saviour Christ, lately translated into Castilian by Juan Perez, a
+learned man, well acquainted with the Greek."
+
+"What! have you got it with you? In God's name bring it then; and at
+least I will look at it."
+
+"Be it truly in God's name, señor," said Juliano, as he left the room.
+
+During his absence Carlos pondered upon this singular adventure.
+Throughout his lengthened conversation with him, he had discerned no
+marks of heresy in the muleteer, except his possession of the Spanish
+New Testament. And being very proud of his dialectic acuteness, he
+thought he should certainly have discovered such had they existed.
+"He had need to be a clever heretic that would circumvent _me_," he
+said, with the vanity of a young and successful scholar. Moreover,
+his ten months' attendance on the lectures of Fray Constantino had,
+unconsciously to himself, somewhat imbued his mind with liberal ideas.
+He could have read the Vulgate at Alcala if he had cared to do so (only
+he never had); where then could be the harm of glancing, out of mere
+curiosity, at a Spanish translation from the same original?
+
+He regarded the New Testament in the light of some very dangerous,
+though effective, weapon of the explosive kind; likely to overwhelm
+with terrible destruction the careless or ignorant meddler with its
+intricacies, and therefore wisely forbidden by the authorities; though
+in able and scientific hands, such as his own, it might be harmless and
+even useful.
+
+But it was a very different matter for the poor man who brought it
+to him. Was he, after all, a madman? Or was he a heretic? Or was he
+a great saint or holy hermit in disguise? But whatever his spiritual
+peril might or might not be, it was only too evident that he was
+incurring temporal dangers of a very awful kind. And perhaps he was
+doing so in the simplicity of ignorance. Carlos could not do less than
+warn him of them.
+
+He soon returned; and drawing a small brown volume from beneath his
+leathern jerkin, handed it to the young nobleman.
+
+"My friend," said Carlos kindly, as he took it from him, "do you know
+what you dare by offering this to me, or even by keeping it yourself?"
+
+"I know it well, señor," was the calm reply; and the muleteer's dark
+eye met his undauntedly.
+
+"You are playing a dangerous game. This time you are safe. But take
+care. You may try it once too often."
+
+"I shall not, señor. I shall witness for my Lord just so often as he
+permits. When he has no more need of me, he will call me home."
+
+"God help you. I fear you are throwing yourself into the fire. And for
+what?"
+
+"For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the thirsty,
+light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and heavy-laden.
+Señor, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+After a moment's silence he continued: "I leave within your hands the
+treasure brought at such cost. But God alone, by his Divine Spirit,
+can reveal to you its true worth. Señor, seek that Spirit. Nay, be not
+offended. You are very noble and very learned; and it is a poor and
+ignorant man who speaks to you. But that poor man is risking his life
+for your soul's salvation; and thus he proves, at least, how true his
+desire to see you one day at the right hand of Christ, his King and
+Master. Adios, señor."
+
+He bowed low; and before Carlos had sufficiently recovered from his
+astonishment to say a word in answer, he had left the room and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"Strange being!" thought Carlos; "but I shall talk with him again
+to-morrow." And ere he was aware, his eyelids were wet; for the courage
+and self-sacrifice of the poor muleteer had stirred some answering
+chord of emotion in his heart. Probably, in spite of all appearances to
+the contrary, he was a madman; or else he was a heretical fanatic. But
+he was a man willing to brave numberless sufferings (of which a death
+of torture was the last and least), to bring his fellow-men something
+which he imagined would make them happy. "The Church has no more
+orthodox son than I," said Don Carlos Alvarez; "but I shall read his
+book for all that."
+
+Then, the hour being late, he retired to rest, and slept soundly.
+
+He did not rise exactly with the sun, and when he came forth from his
+chamber breakfast was already in preparation.
+
+"Where is the muleteer who was here last night?" he asked Dolores.
+
+"He was up and away at sunrise," she answered. "Fortunately, it is
+not my custom to stop in bed and see the sunshine; so I just caught
+him loading his mules, and gave him a piece of bread and cheese and
+a draught of wine. A smart little man he is, and one who knows his
+business."
+
+"I wish I had seen him ere he left," said Carlos aloud. "Shall I ever
+look upon his face again?" he added mentally.
+
+Carlos Alvarez saw that face again, not by the ray of sun or moon, nor
+yet by the gleam of the student's lamp, but clear and distinct in a
+lurid awful light more terrible than Egyptian darkness, yet fraught
+with strange blessing, since it showed the way to the city of God,
+where the sun no more goes down, neither doth the moon withdraw herself.
+
+Juliano el Chico, otherwise Julian Hernandez, is no fancy sketch, no
+"character of fiction." It is matter of history that, cunningly stowed
+away in his alforjas, amongst the ribbons, laces, and other trifles
+that formed their ostensible freight, there was a large supply of
+Spanish New Testaments, of the translation of Juan Perez. And that, in
+spite of all the difficulties and dangers of his self-imposed task, he
+succeeded in conveying his precious charge safely to Seville.
+
+Our cheeks grow pale, our hearts shudder, at the thought of what he and
+others dared, that they might bring to the lips of their countrymen
+that living water which was truly "the blood of the men that went for
+it in jeopardy of their lives." More than jeopardy. Not alone did
+Juliano brave danger, he encountered certain death. Sooner or later,
+it was impossible that he should not fall into the pitiless grasp of
+that hideous engine of royal and priestly tyranny, called the Holy
+Inquisition.
+
+We have no words in which to praise such heroism as his. We leave
+that--and we may be content to leave it--to Him whose lips shall one
+day pronounce the sublime award, "Well done, good and faithful servant;
+enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But in the view of such things
+done and suffered for his name's sake, there is another thought that
+presses on the mind. How real and great, nay, how unutterably precious,
+must be that treasure which men were found willing, at such cost, not
+only to secure for themselves, but even to impart to others.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                           El Dorado Found.
+
+  "So, the All-Great were the all-loving too--
+  So, through the thunder comes a human voice,
+  Saying, O heart I made, a heart beats here!
+  Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself!
+  Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine:
+  But love I gave thee with myself to love,
+  And thou must love me who have died for thee!"
+
+                                              R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Three silent months stole away in the old castle of Nuera. No outward
+event affecting the fortunes of its inmates marked their progress.
+And yet they were by far the most important months Don Carlos had
+ever seen, or perhaps would ever see. They witnessed a change in him,
+mysterious in its progress but momentous in its results. An influence
+passed over him, mighty as the wind in its azure pathway, but, like it,
+visible only by its effects; no man could tell "whence it cometh or
+whither it goeth."
+
+Again it was early morning, a bright Sunday morning in September.
+Already Carlos stood prepared to go forth. He had quite discarded his
+student's habit, and was dressed like any other young nobleman, in a
+doublet and short cloak of Genoa velvet, with a sword by his side. His
+Breviary was in his hand, however, and he was on the point of taking
+up his hat when Dolores entered the room, bearing a cup of wine and a
+manchet of bread.
+
+Carlos shook his head, saying, "I intend to communicate. And you,
+Dolores," he added, "are you not also going to hear mass?"
+
+"Surely, señor; we will all attend our duty. But there is still time to
+spare; your worship sets us an example in the matter of early rising."
+
+"It were shame to lose such fair hours as these. Prithee, Dolores, and
+lest I forget, hast thou something savoury in the house for dinner?"
+
+"Glad I am to hear you ask, señor. Hitherto it has seemed alike to your
+Excellency whether they served you with a pottage of lentils or a stew
+of partridges. But since Diego had the good fortune to kill that buck
+on Wednesday, we are better than well provided. Your worship shall dine
+on roast venison to-day."
+
+"That will do. And if thou wouldst add some of the batter ware, in
+which thou art so skilful, it would be better still; for I intend to
+bring home a guest."
+
+"Now, the Saints help me, that is news! Without meaning offence, your
+worship might have told me before. Any noble caballero coming to these
+parts to visit you must needs have bed as well as board found him. And
+how can I, in three hours, more or less--"
+
+"Nay, be not alarmed, Dolores; no stranger is coming here. Only I wish
+to bring the cura home to dinner."
+
+Even the self-restrained Dolores could not repress an exclamation of
+surprise. For both the brothers had been accustomed to regard the
+ignorant vulgar cura of the neighbouring village with unmitigated
+dislike and contempt. In old times Dolores herself had sometimes tried
+to induce them to show him some trifling courtesies, "for their soul's
+health." They were willing enough to send "that beggar"--as Don Juan
+used to call him--presents of meat or game when they could, but these
+they would not have grudged to their worst enemy. To converse with
+him, or to seat him at their table, was a very different matter. He was
+"no fit associate for noblemen," said the boys; and Dolores, in her
+heart, agreed with them. She looked at her young master to see whether
+he were jesting.
+
+"He likes a good dinner," Carlos added quietly. "Let us for once give
+him one."
+
+"In good faith, Señor Don Carlos, I cannot tell what has come to you.
+You must be about doing penance for your sins, though I will say no
+young gentleman of your years has fewer to answer for. Still, to please
+your whim, the cura shall eat the best we have, though beans and bacon
+would be more fitting fare for him."
+
+"Thank you, mother Dolores," said Carlos kindly. "In truth, neither Don
+Juan nor I had ever whim yet you did not strive to gratify."
+
+"And who would not do more than that for so pleasant and kind a young
+master?" thought Dolores, as she withdrew to superintend the cooking
+operations. "God's blessing and Our Lady's rest on him, and in sooth I
+think they do. Three months ago he came here looking like a corpse out
+of the grave, and fitter, as it seemed to me, to don his shroud than
+his priest's frock. But the free mountain air wherein he was born is
+bringing back the red to his cheek and the light to his eye, thank the
+holy Saints. Ah, if his lady mother could only see her gallant sons
+now!"
+
+Meanwhile Don Carlos leisurely took his way down the hill. Having
+abundance of time to spare, he chose a solitary, devious path through
+the cork-trees and the pasture land belonging to the castle. His heart
+was alive to every pleasant sight and sound that met his eye and ear;
+although, or rather because, a low, sweet song of thankfulness was all
+the while chanting itself within him.
+
+During his solitary walk he distinctly realized for the first time the
+stupendous change that had passed over him. For such changes cannot
+be understood or measured until afterwards, perhaps not always then.
+Drawing from his pocket Juliano's little book, he clasped it in both
+hands. "_This_, God be thanked, has done it all, under him. And yet, at
+first, it added to my misery a hundred-fold." Then his mind ran back
+to the dreary days of helpless, almost hopeless wretchedness, when he
+first began its perusal. Much of it had then been quite unintelligible
+to him; but what he understood had only made his darkness darker still.
+He who had but just learned from that stern teacher, Life, the meaning
+of sorrow, learned from the pages of his book the awful significance
+of that other word, Sin. Bitter hours, never to be remembered without
+a shudder, were those that followed. Already prostrate on the ground
+beneath the weight of his selfish sorrow for the love that might never
+be his, cruel blows seemed rained upon him by the very hand to which
+he turned to lift him up. "All was his own fault," said conscience.
+But had conscience, enlightened by his book, said no more, he could
+have borne it. It was a different thing to recognize that all was his
+own _sin_--to feel more keenly every day that the whole current of his
+thoughts and affections was set in opposition to the will of God as
+revealed in that book, and illustrated in the life of him of whom it
+told.
+
+But this sickness of heart, deadly though it seemed, was not unto
+death. The Word had indeed proved a mirror, in which he saw his own
+face reflected with the lines and colours of truth. But it had a
+farther use for him. As he did not fling it away in despair, but still
+gazed on, at length he saw in its clear depths another Face--a Face
+radiant with divine majesty, yet beaming with tender love and pity. He
+whom the mirror thus gave back to him had been "not far" from him all
+his life; had been standing over against him, watching and waiting for
+the moment in which to reveal himself. At last that moment came. He
+looked up from the mirror to the real Face; from the Word to him whom
+the Word revealed. He turned himself and said unto him, "Rabboni, which
+is to say, My Master." He laid his soul at his feet in love, in trust,
+in gratitude. And he knew then, not until then, that this was the
+"coming" to him, the "believing" on him, the receiving him, of which He
+spoke as the condition of life, of pardon, and of happiness.
+
+From that hour he possessed life, he knew himself forgiven, he was
+_happy_. This was no theory, but a fact--a fact which changed all his
+present and was destined to change all his future.
+
+He longed to impart the wonderful secret he had found. This longing
+overcame his contempt for the cura, and made him seek to win him by
+kindness to listen to words which perhaps might open for him also the
+same wonderful fountain of joy.
+
+"Now I am going to worship my Lord, afterwards I shall speak of him,"
+he said, as he crossed the threshold of the little village church.
+
+In due season the service was over. Its ceremonies did not pain or
+offend Carlos in any way; he took part in them with much real devotion,
+as acts of homage paid to his Lord. Still, if he had analyzed his
+feelings (which he did not), he would have found them like those of a
+king's child, who is obliged, on days of courtly ceremonial, to pay
+his father the same distant homage as the other peers of the realm,
+and yet knows that all this for him is but an idle show, and longs to
+throw aside its cumbrous pomp, and to rejoice once more in the free
+familiar intercourse which is his habit and his privilege. But that the
+ceremonial itself could be otherwise than pleasing to his King, he had
+not the most distant suspicion.
+
+He spoke kindly to the priest, and inquired by name after all the sick
+folk in the village, though in fact he knew more about them himself by
+this time than did Father Tomas.
+
+The cura's heart was glad when the catechism came to a termination so
+satisfactory as an invitation to dine at the castle. Whatever the fare
+might be--and his expectations were not extravagantly high--it could
+scarce fail to be an improvement on the olla of which he had intended
+to make his Sunday repast. Moreover, one favour from the castle might
+be the earnest of others; and favours from the castle, poor though its
+lords might be, were not to be despised. Nor was he ill at ease in the
+society of an accomplished gentleman, as a man just a little better
+bred would probably have been. A wealthy peasant's son, and with but
+scanty education, Father Tomas was so hopelessly vulgar that he never
+once imagined he was vulgar at all.
+
+Carlos bore as patiently as he could with his coarse manners, and
+conversation something worse than commonplace. Not until the repast
+was concluded did he find an opportunity of bringing forward the topic
+upon which he longed to speak. Then, with more tact than his guest
+could appreciate, he began by inquiring--as one himself intended for
+the priesthood might naturally do--whether he could always keep his
+thoughts from wandering while he was celebrating the holy mysteries of
+the faith.
+
+Father Tomas crossed himself, and answered that he was a sinner like
+other men, but that he tried to do his duty to our holy Mother Church
+to the best of his ability.
+
+Carlos remarked, that unless we ourselves know the love of God by
+experience we cannot love him, and that without love there is no
+acceptable service.
+
+"Most true, señor," said the priest, turning his eyes upwards. "As the
+holy St. Augustine saith. Your worship quotes from him, I believe."
+
+"I have quoted nothing," said Carlos, beginning to feel that he was
+speaking to the deaf; "but I know the words of Christ." And then he
+spoke, out of a full heart, of Christ's work for us, of his love to us,
+and of the pardon and peace which those receive that trust him.
+
+But his listener's stolid face betrayed no interest, only a vague
+uneasiness, which increased as Carlos proceeded. The poor parish cura
+began to suspect that the clever young collegian meant to astonish and
+bewilder him by the exhibition of his learning and his "new ideas."
+Indeed, he was not quite sure whether his host was eloquently enlarging
+all the time upon Catholic truths, or now and then mischievously
+throwing out a few heretical propositions, in order to try whether he
+would have skill enough to detect them. Naturally, he did not greatly
+relish this style of entertainment. Nothing could be got from him save
+a cautious, "That is true, señor," or, "Very good, your worship;" and
+as soon as his notions of politeness would permit, he took his leave.
+
+Carlos marvelled greatly at his dulness; but soon dismissed him
+from his mind, and took his Testament out to read under the shade
+of the cork-trees. Ere long the light began to fade, but he sat
+there still in the fast deepening twilight. Thoughts and fancies
+thronged upon his mind; and dreams of the past sought, as even yet
+they often did, to reassert their supremacy over his heart. One of
+those apparently unaccountable freaks of memory, which we all know by
+experience, brought back to him suddenly the luscious perfume of the
+orange-blossoms, called by the Spaniards the azahar. Such fragrance had
+filled the air, and such flowers had been strewed upon his pathway,
+when last he walked with Donna Beatriz in the fairy gardens of the
+Alcazar of Seville.
+
+Keen was the pang that shot through his heart at the remembrance. But
+it was conquered soon. As he went in-doors he repeated the words he had
+just been reading, "'He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.' And _this_ hunger of the soul, as
+well as every other, He can stay. Having him, I have all things.
+
+  'El dorado
+   Yo hé trovado.'
+
+Father, dear, unknown father, I have found the golden country! Not in
+the sense thou didst fondly seek, and I as fondly dream to find it. Yet
+the only true land of gold I have found indeed--the treasure unfailing,
+the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
+reserved in heaven for me."
+
+
+
+
+                                  X.
+
+                               Dolores.
+
+  "Oh, hearts that break and give no sign,
+  Save whitening lip and fading tresses;
+  Till death pours out his cordial wine,
+  Slow dropped from misery's crushing presses,
+  If singing breath or echoing chord
+  To every hidden pang were given,
+  What endless melodies were poured,
+  As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven."
+
+                                       O.W. HOLMES.
+
+A great modern poet has compared the soul of man to a pilgrim who
+passes through the world staff in hand, never resting, ever pressing
+onwards to some point as yet unattained, ever sighing wearily, "Alas!
+that _there_ is never _here_." And with deep significance adds his
+Christian commentator, "In Christ _there_ is _here_."
+
+He who has found Christ "is already at the goal." "For he stills our
+innermost fears, and fulfils our utmost longings." "In him the dry
+land, the mirage of the desert, becomes living water." "He who knows
+him knows the reason of all things." Passing all along the ages, we
+might gather from the silent lips of the dead such words as these,
+bearing emphatic witness to what human hearts have found in him. Yet,
+after all, we would come back to his own grand and simple words, as
+best expressing the truth: "I am the bread of life;" "I will give you
+rest;" "In me ye shall have peace."
+
+With the peace which he gave there came to Carlos a strange new
+knowledge also. The Testament, from its first page to its last, became
+intelligible to him. From a mere sketch, partly dim and partly blurred
+and blotted, it grew into a transparency through which light shone upon
+his soul, every word being itself a star.
+
+He often read his book to Dolores, though he allowed her to suppose it
+was Latin, and that he was improvising a translation for her benefit.
+She would listen attentively, though with a deeper shade of sadness on
+her melancholy face. Never did she volunteer an observation, but she
+always thanked him at the end in her usual respectful manner.
+
+These readings were, in fact, a trouble to Dolores. They gave her pain,
+like the sharp throbs that accompany the first return of consciousness
+to a frozen member, for they awakened feelings that had long been
+dormant, and that she thought were dead for ever. But, on the other
+hand, she was gratified by the condescension of her young master in
+reading aloud for her edification. She had gone through the world
+giving very largely out of her own large loving heart, and expecting
+little or nothing in return. She would most gladly have laid down her
+life for Don Juan or Don Carlos; yet she did not imagine that the
+old servant of the house could be to them much more than one of the
+oak tables or the carved chairs. That "Señor Don Carlos" should take
+thought for her, and trouble himself to do her good, thrilled her with
+a sensation more like joy than any she had known for years. Little
+do those whose cups are so full of human love that they carry them
+carelessly, spilling many a precious drop as they pass along, dream how
+others cherish the few poor lees and remnants left to them.
+
+Moreover Carlos, in the eyes of Dolores, was half a priest already, and
+this lent additional weight, and even sacredness, to all that he said
+and did.
+
+One evening he had been reading to her, in the inner room by the light
+of the little silver lamp. He had just finished the story of Lazarus,
+and he made some remark on the grateful love of Mary, and the costly
+sacrifice by which she proved it. Tears gathered in the dark wistful
+eyes of Dolores, and she said with sudden and, for her, most unusual
+energy, "That was small wonder. Any one would do as much for him that
+brought the dear dead back from the grave."
+
+"He has done a greater thing than even that for each of us," said
+Carlos.
+
+But Dolores withdrew into her ordinary self again, as some timid
+creature might shrink into its shell from a touch. "I thank your
+Excellency," she said, rising to withdraw, "and I also make my
+acknowledgments to Our Lady, who has inspired you with such true piety,
+suitable to your holy calling."
+
+"Stay a little, Dolores," said Carlos, as a sudden thought occurred to
+him; "I marvel it has so seldom come into my mind to ask you about my
+mother."
+
+"Ay, señor. When you were both children, I used to wonder that you and
+Don Juan, while you talked often together of my lord your father, had
+scarce a thought at all of your lady mother. Yet if she had lived _you_
+would have been her favourite, señor."
+
+"And Juan my father's," said Carlos, not without a slight pang of
+jealousy. "Was my noble father, then, more like what my brother is?"
+
+"Yes, señor; he was bold and brave. No offence to your Excellency, for
+one you love I warrant me _you_ could be brave enough. But he loved
+his sword and his lance and his good steed. Moreover, he loved travel
+and adventure greatly, and never could bear to abide long in the same
+place."
+
+"Did he not make a voyage to the Indies in his youth?"
+
+"He did; and then he fought under the Emperor, both in Italy, and in
+Africa against the Moors. Once His Imperial Majesty sent him on some
+errand to Leon, and there he first met my lady. Afterwards he crossed
+the mountains to our home, and wooed and won her. He brought her, the
+fairest young bride eyes could rest on, to Seville, where he had a
+stately palace on the Alameda."
+
+"You must have grieved to leave your mountains for the southern city."
+
+"No, señor, I did not grieve. Wherever your lady mother dwelt was home
+to me. Besides, 'a great grief kills all the rest.'"
+
+"Then you had known sorrow before. I thought you lived with our house
+from your childhood."
+
+"Not altogether; though my mother nursed yours, and we slept in the
+same cradle, and as we grew older shared each other's plays. At seven
+years old I went home to my father and mother, who were honest,
+well-to-do people, like all my forbears--good 'old Christians,' and
+noble--they could wear their caps in the presence of His Catholic
+Majesty. They had no girl but me, so they would fain have me ever in
+their sight. For ten years and more I was the light of their eyes; and
+no blither lass ever led the goats to the mountain in summer, or spun
+wool and roasted chestnuts at the winter fire. But, the year of the
+bad fever, both were stricken. Christmas morning, with the bells for
+early mass ringing in my ears, I closed my father's eyes; and three
+days afterwards, set the last kiss on my mother's cold lips. Nigh upon
+five-and-twenty years ago,--but it seems like yesterday. Folks say
+there are many good things in the world, but I have known none so good
+as the love of father and mother. Ay de mi, señor, _you_ never knew
+either."
+
+"When your parents died, did you return to my mother?"
+
+"For half a year I stayed with my brother. Though no daughter ever shed
+truer tears over the grave of better parents, I was not then quite
+broken-hearted. There was another love to whisper hope, and to keep me
+from desolation. He--Alphonso ('tis years and years since I uttered
+the name save in my prayers) had gone to the war, telling me he would
+come back and claim me for his bride. So I watched for him hour by
+hour, and toiled and spun, and spun and toiled, that I might not go
+home to him empty-handed. But at last a lad from our parish, who had
+been a comrade of his, returned and told me all. _He_ was lying on the
+bloody field of Marignano, with a French bullet in his heart. Señor,
+the sisters you read of could 'go to the grave and weep there.' And yet
+the Lord pitied them."
+
+"He pities all who weep," said Carlos.
+
+"All good Christians, he may. But though an old Christian, I was not
+a good one. For I thought it bitter hard that my candle should be
+quenched in a moment, like a wax taper when the procession is done.
+And it came often into my mind how the Almighty, or Our Lady, or the
+Saints, could have helped me if they would. May they forgive me; it is
+hard to be religious."
+
+"I do not think so."
+
+"I suppose it is not hard to learned gentlemen who have been at the
+colleges. But how can simple men and women tell whether they are
+keeping all the commandments of God and Holy Church? It well may be
+that I had done something, or left something undone, whereby Our Lady
+was displeased."
+
+"It is not Our Lady, but our Lord himself, who holds the keys of hell
+and of death," said Carlos, gaining at the moment a new truth for his
+own heart. "None enter the gates of death, as none shall come forth
+through them, save at his command. But go on, Dolores, and tell me how
+did comfort come to you?"
+
+"Comfort never came to me, señor. But after a time there came a kind
+of numbness and hardness that helped me to live my life as if I cared
+for it. And your lady mother (God rest her soul!) showed me wondrous
+kindness in my sorrow. It was then she took me to be her own maiden.
+She had me taught many things, such as reading and various cunning
+kinds of embroidery, that I might serve her with them, she said; but I
+well knew they were meant to turn my heart away from its own aching. I
+went with her to Seville. I could be glad for her, señor, that God had
+given her the good thing he had denied to me. At last it came to be
+almost like joy to me to see the great deep love there was between your
+father and her."
+
+This was a degree of unselfishness beyond the comprehension of Carlos
+just then. He felt his own wound throb painfully, and was not sorry
+to turn the conversation. "Did my parents reside long in Seville?" he
+asked.
+
+"Not long, señor. Their life there was a gay one, as became their rank
+and wealth (for, as your worship knows, your father had a noble estate
+then). But soon they both grew tired of the gay world. My lady ever
+loved the free mountains, and my lord--I scarce can tell what change
+passed over him. He lost his care for the tourney and the dance, and
+betook himself instead to study. Both were glad to withdraw to this
+quiet spot. Here your brother Don Juan was born; and for nigh a year
+afterwards no lord and lady could have led a happier and, at the same
+time, more pious and orderly life, than did your noble parents."
+
+The thoughtful eye of Carlos turned to the inscription on the window,
+and kindled with a strange light. "Was not this room my father's
+favourite place of study?" he asked.
+
+"It was, señor. Of course, the house was not then as it now is. Though
+simple enough, after the Seville palace with its fountains and marble
+statues, and doors grated with golden network, it was still a seemly
+dwelling-place for a noble lord and lady. There was glass in all the
+windows then, though through neglect and carelessness it has been
+broken (even your worship may remember how Don Juan sent an arrow
+through a quarrel-pane in the west window one day), so we thought it
+best to remove the traces."
+
+"My parents led a pious life, you say?"
+
+"Truly they did, señor. They were good and charitable to the poor; and
+they spent much of their time reading holy books, as you do now. Ay de
+mi! what was wrong with them I know not, save that perhaps they were
+scarce careful enough to give Holy Church all her dues. And I used
+sometimes to wish that my lady would show more devotion to the blessed
+Mother of God. But she _felt_ it all, no doubt; only it was not her
+way, nor my lord's either, to be for ever running about on pilgrimage
+or offering wax candles, nor yet to keep the father confessor every
+instant with his ear to their lips."
+
+Carlos started, and turned an earnest inquiring gaze upon her. "Did my
+mother ever read to you as I have done?" he asked.
+
+"She sometimes read me good words out of the Breviary, señor. All
+thing went on thus, until one day when a letter came from the Emperor
+himself (as I believe), desiring your father to go to him, to Antwerp.
+The matter was to be kept very private, but my lady used to tell me
+everything. My lord thought he was to be sent on some secret mission
+where skill was needed, and perchance peril was to be met. For it
+was well known that he loved such affairs, and was dexterous in the
+management of them. So he parted cheerily from my lady, she standing
+at the gate yonder, and making little Don Juan kiss hands to him as he
+rode down the path. Woe for the poor babe, that never saw his father's
+face again! And worse woe for the mother! But death heals all things,
+except sin.
+
+"After three weeks or a month, more or less, two monks of St. Dominic
+rode to the gates one day. The younger stayed without in the hall with
+us; while the elder, a man of stern and stately presence, had private
+audience of my lady in this chamber where we sit now--a place of death
+it has seemed to me ever since. For the audience had not lasted long
+until I heard a cry--such a cry!--it rings in my ears even now. I
+hastened to my lady. She had swooned--and long, long was it before
+sense returned again. Do not keep looking at me, señor, with eyes so
+like hers, or I cannot tell you more."
+
+"Did she speak? Did she reveal anything to you?"
+
+"_Nothing_, señor. During the days that followed, only things without
+meaning or connection, such as those in fever speak, or broken words of
+prayer, were on her lips. Until the very last, and then she was worn
+and weak, and could but receive the rites of the Church, and whisper
+a few directions about the poor babes. She bade us give you the name
+you bear, since _he_ had said that his next boy should be called for
+the great Emperor. Then she prayed very earnestly, 'Lord, take him
+Thyself--take him Thyself!' Doctor Marco, who was present, thought she
+meant the poor little new-born babe--supposing, and no wonder, that it
+would be better tended in heaven by Our Lady and the angels, than here
+on earth. But I _know_ it was not you she thought of."
+
+"My poor mother--God rest her soul! Nay, I doubt not that now she rests
+in God," Carlos added, softly.
+
+"And so the curse fell on your house, señor; and in such sorrow were
+you born. Yet you grew up merry lads, you and Don Juan."
+
+"Thanks to thy care and kindness, well-beloved and faithful nurse. But,
+Dolores, tell me truly--have you never heard anything further of, or
+from, my father?"
+
+"From him, never. Of him, that I believed, _never_."
+
+"And what do you believe?" Carlos asked, eagerly.
+
+"I know nothing, señor. I have heard all that your worship has heard,
+and no more."
+
+"Do you think it is true--what we have all been told--of his death in
+the Indies?"
+
+"I know nothing, señor," Dolores repeated, with the air of a person
+determined to _say_ nothing.
+
+But Carlos would not allow her to escape thus. Both had gone too far
+to leave the subject without probing it to its depths. And both felt
+instinctively that it was not likely again to be discussed between
+them. Laying his hand on her arm, and looking steadily in her face, he
+asked,--
+
+"Dolores, are you sure my father is dead?"
+
+Seemingly relieved by the form the question had taken, she met his gaze
+without flinching, and answered in tones of evident sincerity, "Sure as
+that I sit here--so help me God." After a long pause she added, as she
+rose to go, "Señor Don Carlos, be not offended if I counsel you this
+once, since I held you a babe in my arms, and you will find none that
+loves you better--if a poor old woman may say so to a young and noble
+caballero."
+
+"Say all you think to me, my dear and kind nurse."
+
+"Then, señor, I say, leave vain thoughts and questions about your
+father's fate. 'There are no birds in last year's nests;' and 'Water
+that has run by will turn no mill.' And I entreat of you to repeat the
+same to your noble brother when you find opportunity. Look before you,
+señor, and not behind; and God's best blessings rest on you!"
+
+Dolores turned to go, but turning back again, stood irresolute.
+
+"What is it, Dolores?" Carlos asked; hoping, perhaps, for some further
+glimmer of light upon that dark past, from which she implored him to
+turn his thoughts.
+
+"If it please you, Señor Don Carlos--" and she paused and hesitated.
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" said Carlos, in a kind, encouraging tone.
+
+"Ay, señor, that you can. With your learning and your good Book, surely
+you can tell me whether the soul of my poor Alphonso, dead on the
+battle-field without shrift or sacrament, has yet found rest with God?"
+
+Thus the true woman's heart, though so full of sympathy for others,
+still turned back to its own sorrow, which lay deepest of all.
+
+Carlos felt himself unexpectedly involved in a difficulty. "My book
+tells me nothing on the subject," he said, after some thought. "But I
+am sure you may be comforted, after all these years, during which you
+have diligently prayed, and sought the Church's prayers for him."
+
+The long eager gaze of her wistful eyes asked mournfully, "Is this
+_all_ you can tell me?" But her lips only said, "I thank your
+Excellency," as she withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XI.
+
+                          The Light Enjoyed.
+
+  "Doubt is slow to clear and sorrow is hard to bear,
+  And each sufferer has his say, his scheme of the weal and the woe;
+  But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;
+  The rest may reason and welcome, 'tis we musicians _know_."
+
+                                                   R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Bewildering were the trains of thought which the conversation just
+narrated awakened in the mind of Carlos. On the one hand, a gleam
+of light was shed upon his father's career, suggesting a possible
+interpretation of the inscription on the window, that thrilled his
+heart with joy. On the other, the termination of that career was
+involved in even deeper obscurity than before; and he was made to feel,
+more keenly than ever, how childish and unreal were the dreams which he
+and his brother had been wont to cherish upon the subject.
+
+Moreover, Dolores, just before she left him, had drawn a bow at a
+venture, and most unintentionally sent a sharp arrow through a joint
+in his harness. Why could he find no answer to a question so simple
+and natural as the one she had asked him? Why did the Book, which had
+solved so many mysteries for him, shed not a ray of light upon this
+one? Whence this ominous silence of the apostles and evangelists upon
+so many things that the Church most loudly proclaimed? Where, in his
+Book, was purgatory to be found at all? Where was the adoration of the
+Virgin and the saints? Where were works of supererogation? But here
+he started in horror, as one who suddenly saw himself on the brink of
+a precipice. Or rather, as one dwelling secure and contented within
+a little circle of light and warmth, to whom such questions came as
+intimations of a chaos surrounding it on every side, into which a
+chance step might at any moment plunge him.
+
+Most earnestly he entreated that the Lord of his life, the Guide of
+his spirit, would not let him go forth to wander there. He prayed,
+expressly and repeatedly, that the doubts which began to trouble him
+might be laid and silenced. His prayer was answered, as all true prayer
+is sure to be, but it was not _granted_. He whose love is strong
+and deep enough to work out its good purpose in us even against the
+pleadings of our own hearts, saw that his child must needs pass through
+"a land of darkness" to reach the clearer light beyond. Conflicts
+fierce and terrible must be his portion, if indeed he were to take his
+place amongst those "called and chosen and faithful" ones who, having
+stood beside the Lamb in his contest with Antichrist, shall stand
+beside him on the sea of glass mingled with fire.
+
+Already Carlos was in training for that contest--though as yet he knew
+not that there was any contest before him, save the general "striving
+against sin" in which all Christians have to take part. For the joy
+of the Lord is the Christian's strength in the day of battle. And he
+usually prepares those faithful soldiers whom he means to set in the
+forefront of the hottest battle, by previously bestowing that joy upon
+them in very full measure. He who is willing to "sell all that he
+hath," must first have found a treasure, and what "the joy thereof" is
+none else may declare.
+
+In this joy Carlos lived now; and it was as yet too fresh and new to be
+greatly disturbed by haunting doubts or perplexing questions. These,
+for the present, came and passed like a breath upon a surface of molten
+gold, scarcely dimming its lustre for a moment.
+
+It had become his great wish to receive Orders as soon as possible,
+that he might consecrate himself more entirely to the service of his
+Lord, and spread abroad the knowledge of his love more widely. With
+this view, he determined on returning to Seville early in October.
+
+He left Nuera with regret, especially on account of Dolores, who had
+taken a new place in his consideration, and even in his affections,
+since he had begun to read to her from his Book. And, though usually
+very calm and impassive in manner, she could scarcely refrain from
+tears at the parting. She entreated him, with almost passionate
+earnestness, to be very prudent and careful of himself in the great
+city.
+
+Carlos, who saw no special danger likely to menace him, save such as
+might arise from his own heart, felt tempted to smile at her foreboding
+tone, and asked her what she feared for him.
+
+"Oh, Señor Don Carlos," she pleaded, with clasped hands, "for the love
+of God, take care; and do not be reading and telling your good words to
+every one you meet. For the world is an ill place, your worship, where
+good is ofttimes evil-spoken of."
+
+"Never fear for me," returned Carlos, with his frank, pleasant smile.
+"I have found nothing in my Book but the most Catholic verities, which
+will be useful to all and hurtful to none. But of course I shall be
+prudent, and take due care of my words, lest by any extraordinary
+chance they might be misinterpreted. So that you may keep your mind at
+peace, dear Mother Dolores."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XII.
+
+                 The Light Divided from the Darkness.
+
+  "I felt and feel, what'er befalls,
+  The footsteps of thy life in mine."
+
+                                      TENNYSON.
+
+
+In the glorious autumn weather, Don Carlos rode joyfully through cork
+and chestnut groves, across bare brown plains, and amidst gardens
+of pale olives and golden orange globes shining through dark glossy
+leaves. He had long ago sent back to Seville the guard with which his
+uncle had furnished him, so that his only companion was a country
+youth, trained by Diego to act as his servant. But although he passed
+through the very district afterwards immortalized by the adventures of
+the renowned Don Quixote, no adventure fell to his lot. Unless it may
+count for an adventure that near the termination of his journey the
+weather suddenly changed, and torrents of ruin, accompanied by unusual
+cold, drove him to seek shelter.
+
+"Ride on quickly, Jorge," he said to his attendant, "for I remember
+there is a venta[4] by the roadside not far off. A poor place truly,
+where we are little likely to find a supper. But we shall find a roof
+to shelter us and fire to warm us, and these at present are our most
+pressing needs."
+
+    [4] An inn.
+
+Arrived at the venta, they were surprised to see the lazy landlord
+so far stirred out of his usual apathy as to busy himself in trying
+to secure the fastening of the outer door, that it might not swing
+backwards and forwards in the wind, to the great discomfort of all
+within the house. The proud indifferent Spaniard looked calmly up from
+his task, and remarked that he would do all in his power to accommodate
+his worship. "But unfortunately, señor and your Excellency, a _very_
+great and principal nobleman has just arrived here, with a most
+distinguished train of fine caballeros--his lordship's gentlemen and
+servants; and kitchen, hall, and chamber are as full of them as a hive
+is full of bees."
+
+This was evil news to Carlos. Proud, sensitive, and shy, there could
+be nothing more foreign to his character than to throw himself into
+the society of a person who, though really only his equal in rank, was
+so much his superior in all that lends rank its charm in the eyes of
+the vulgar. "We had better push on to Ecija," said he to his reluctant
+attendant, bravely turning his face to the storm, and making up his
+mind to ten miles more in drenching rain.
+
+At that moment, however, a tall figure emerged from the inner door,
+opening into the long room behind the stable and kitchen, that formed
+the only tolerable accommodation the one-storied venta afforded.
+
+"Surely, señor, you do not intend to go further in this storm," said
+the nobleman, whose fine thoughtful countenance Carlos could not but
+fancy that he had seen before.
+
+"It is not far to Ecija, señor," returned Carlos, bowing. "And 'First
+come first served,' is an excellent proverb."
+
+"The first-comer has certainly one privilege which I am not disposed
+to waive--that of hospitably welcoming the second. Do me the favour to
+come in, señor. You will find an excellent fire."
+
+Carlos could not decline an invitation so courteously given. He was
+soon seated by the wood fire that blazed on the hearth of the inner
+room, exchanging compliments, in true Spanish fashion, with the
+nobleman who had welcomed him so kindly.
+
+Though no one could doubt for an instant the strangers possession of
+the pure "sangre azul,"[5] yet his manners were more frank and easy and
+less ceremonious than those to which Carlos had been accustomed in the
+exclusive and privileged class of Seville society--a fact accounted for
+by the discovery, afterwards made, that he was horn and educated in
+Italy.
+
+    [5] "Blue blood."
+
+"I have the pleasure of recognizing Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya," said he. "I hope the babe about whom his worship showed such
+amiable anxiety recovered from its indisposition?"
+
+This then was the personage whom Carlos had seen in such close
+conversation with the physician Losada. The association of ideas
+immediately brought back the mysterious remark about his father he
+had overheard on that occasion. Putting that aside, however, for the
+present, he answered, "Perfectly, I thank your grace. We attribute the
+recovery mainly to the skill and care of the excellent Dr. Cristobal
+Losada."
+
+"A gentleman whose medical skill cannot be praised too highly,
+except, indeed, it were exalted at the expense of his other excellent
+qualities, and particularly his charity to the poor."
+
+Carlos heartily acquiesced, and added some instances of the physician's
+kindness to those who could not recompense him again. They were new to
+his companion, who listened with interest.
+
+During this conversation supper was laid. As the principal guest had
+brought his own provisions with him, it was a comfortable and plentiful
+repast. Carlos, ere he sat down, left the room to re-arrange his
+dress, and found opportunity to ask the innkeeper if he knew the noble
+strangers name.
+
+"His Excellency is a great noble from Castile," returned mine host,
+with an air of much importance. "His name, as I am informed, is Don
+Carlos de Seso; and his illustrious lady, Doña Isabella, is of the
+blood royal."
+
+"Where does he reside?"
+
+"His gentlemen tell me, principally at one of his fine estates in the
+north, Villamediana they call it. He is also corregidor[6] of Toro.
+He has been visiting Seville upon business of importance, and is now
+returning home."
+
+    [6] Mayor.
+
+Pleased to be the guest of such a man (for in fact he was his guest),
+Carlos took his seat at the table, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. An
+hour's intercourse with a man who had read and travelled much, but had
+thought much more, was a rare treat to him. Moreover, De Seso showed
+him all that fine courtesy which a youth so highly appreciates from a
+senior, giving careful attention to every observation he hazarded, and
+manifestly bringing the best of his powers to bear on his own share of
+the conversation.
+
+He spoke of Fray Constantino's preaching, with an enthusiasm that made
+Carlos regret that he had been hitherto such an inattentive hearer.
+"Have you seen a little treatise by the Fray, entitled 'The Confession
+of a Sinner'?" he asked.
+
+Carlos having answered in the negative, his new friend drew a tract
+from the pocket of his doublet, and gave it to him to read while he
+wrote a letter.
+
+Carlos, after the manner of eager, rapid readers, plunged at once into
+the heart of the matter, disdaining beginnings.
+
+Almost the first words upon which his eyes fell arrested his attention
+and drew him irresistibly onwards. "Such has been the pride of man,"
+he read, "that he aimed at being God; but so great was thy compassion
+towards him in his fallen state, that thou abasedst thyself to become
+not only of the rank of men, but a true man, and the least of men,
+taking upon thee the form of a servant, that thou mightest set me at
+liberty, and that by means of thy grace, wisdom, and righteousness,
+man might obtain more than he had lost by his ignorance and pride....
+Wast thou not chastised for the iniquity of others? Has not thy blood
+sufficient virtue to wash out the sins of all the human race? Are not
+thy treasures more able to enrich me than all the debt of Adam to
+impoverish me? Lord, although I had been the only person alive, or the
+only sinner in the world, thou wouldst not have failed to die for me.
+O my Saviour, I would say, and say it with truth, that I individually
+stand in need of those blessings which thou hast given to all. What
+though the guilt of all had been mine? thy death is all mine. Even
+though I had committed all the sins of all, yet would I continue to
+trust thee, and to assure myself that thy sacrifice and pardon is all
+mine, though it belong to all."
+
+So far he read in silence, then the tract fell from his hand, and an
+involuntary exclamation broke from his lips--"Passing strange!"
+
+De Seso paused, pen in hand, and looked up surprised. "What find you
+'passing strange,' señor?" he asked.
+
+"That he--that Fray Constantino should have felt precisely what--what
+he describes here."
+
+"That such a holy man should feel so deeply his own utter sinfulness?
+But you are doubtless aware that the holiest saints in all ages have
+shared this experience. St. Augustine, for instance, with whose
+writings so ripe a theological scholar is doubtless well acquainted."
+
+"Such," returned Carlos, "are not worse than others; but they know what
+they are as others do not."
+
+"True. Tried by the standard of God's perfect law, the purest life must
+appear a miserable failure. We may call the marble of our churches and
+dwellings white, until we see God's snow, pure and fresh from heaven,
+upon it."
+
+"Ay, señor," said Carlos, with joyful eagerness; "but the Hand that
+points out the stains can cleanse them. No snow is half so pure as the
+linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints."
+
+It was De Seso's turn to be astonished now. In the look that, half
+leaning over the table, he bent upon the eager face of Carlos, surprise
+and emotion blended. For a moment their eyes met with a flash, like
+that which flint strikes from steel, of mutual intelligence and
+sympathy. But it passed again as quickly. De Seso said, "I suspect
+that I see in you, Señor Don Carlos, one of those admirable scholars
+who have devoted their talents to the study of that sacred language in
+which the words of the holy apostles are handed down to us. You are a
+Grecian?"
+
+Carlos shook his head. "Greek is but little studied at Complutum now,"
+he said, "and I confined myself to the usual theological course."
+
+"In which, I have heard, your success has been brilliant. But it is a
+sore disgrace to us, and a heavy loss to the youth of our nation, that
+the language of St. John and St. Paul should be deemed unworthy of
+their attention."
+
+"Your Excellency is aware that it was otherwise in former years,"
+returned Carlos. "Perhaps the present neglect is owing to the suspicion
+of heresy which, truly or falsely, has attached itself to most of the
+accomplished Greek scholars of our time."
+
+"A miserable misapprehension; the growth of monkish ignorance and envy,
+and popular superstition. Heresy is a convenient stigma with which men
+ofttimes brand as evil the good they are incapable of comprehending."
+
+"Most true, señor. Even Fray Constantino has not escaped."
+
+"His crime has been, that he has sought to turn the minds of men from
+outward acts and ceremonies to the great spiritual truths of which
+these are the symbols. To the vulgar, Religion is nothing but a series
+of shows and postures."
+
+"Yes," answered Carlos; "but the heart that loves God, and truly
+believes in our Lord and Saviour, is taught to put such in their
+proper place. 'These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
+undone.'"
+
+"Señor Don Carlos," said De Seso, with surprise he could no longer
+suppress, "you are evidently a devout and earnest student of the
+Scriptures."
+
+"I search the Scriptures; in them I think I have eternal life. And they
+testify of Christ," promptly responded the less cautious youth.
+
+"I perceive that you do not quote the Vulgate."
+
+Carlos smiled. "No, señor. To a man of your enlightened views I am
+not afraid to acknowledge the truth. I have seen--nay, why should I
+hesitate?--I possess a rare treasure--the New Testament of our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus Christ in our own noble Castilian tongue."
+
+Even through the calm and dignified deportment of his companion Carlos
+could perceive the thrill that this communication caused. There was
+a pause; then he said softly, "And your treasure is also mine." The
+low quiet words came from even greater depths of feeling than the
+eager tremulous tones of Carlos. For _his_ convictions, slowly reached
+and dearly purchased, were "built below" the region of the soul that
+passions agitate,--
+
+  "Based on the crystalline sea
+  Of thought and its eternity."
+
+The heart of Carlos glowed with sudden ardent love towards the man
+who shared his treasure, and, he doubted not, his faith also. He
+could joyfully have embraced him on the spot. But the force of habit
+and the sensitive reserve of his character checked this impetuous
+demonstrativeness. He only said, with a look that was worth an embrace,
+"I knew it. Your Excellency spoke as one who held our Lord and his
+truth in honour."
+
+"_Ella es pues honor a vosotros que creeis._"[7]
+
+    [7] Unto you who believe he is precious," or "an honour."
+
+It would have been hard to begin a verse that Carlos could not at this
+time have instantly completed. He went on: "_Mas para los que no creen,
+la piedra que los edificatores reprobaron_."[8]
+
+    [8] "But unto those that believe not, the stone that the builders
+    reject."
+
+"A sorrowful truth," said De Seso, "which my young friend must needs
+bear in mind. His Word, like himself, is rejected by the many. Its very
+mention may expose to obloquy and danger."
+
+"Only another instance, señor, of those lamentable prejudices about
+heresy about which we spoke anon. I am aware that there are those that
+would brand me (_me_, a scholar too!) with the odious name of heretic,
+merely for reading God's Word in my own tongue. But how utterly absurd
+the charge! The blessed Book has but confirmed my faith in all the
+doctrines of our holy Mother Church."
+
+"Has it?" said De Seso, quietly, perhaps a little drily.
+
+"Most assuredly, señor," Carlos rejoined, with warmth. "In fact I never
+understood, or, I may say, truly believed those holy verities until
+now. Beginning with the Credo itself, and the orthodox Catholic faith
+in our Lord's divinity and atonement."
+
+Here their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the
+attendants, who removed supper, replenished the lamp, and heaped fresh
+chestnut logs on the fire. But as soon as the room was cleared they
+returned eagerly to subjects so interesting to both.
+
+"Our salvation rests," said De Seso, "upon the great cardinal truths
+you have named. By the faith which receives into your heart the
+atonement of Christ as a work done for you, you are justified."
+
+"I am forgiven, and I shall be justified."
+
+"Pardon me, señor; Scripture teaches that your justification is already
+complete. Therefore, _being justified by faith_, we have peace with
+God."
+
+"But that cannot surely be the apostle's meaning," said Carlos, "Ay de
+mi! I know too well that I am not yet completely justified. Far from
+it; evil thoughts throng my heart; and not with heart alone, but with
+lips, eyes, hands, I transgress daily."
+
+"Yet, you see, peace can only be consequent on justification. And peace
+you have."
+
+Carlos looked perplexed. Misled by the teaching of his Church, he
+confused justification with sanctification; consequently he could
+not legitimately enjoy the peace that ought to flow from the one as
+a complete and finished work, because the other necessarily remained
+imperfect.
+
+De Seso explained that the word justify is never used in Scripture in
+its derivative sense, to _make_ righteous; but always in its common and
+universally accepted sense, to _account_ or _declare_ righteous. Quite
+easily and naturally he glided into the teacher's place, whilst Carlos
+gladly took that of the learner; not, indeed, without astonishment at
+the layman's skill in divinity, but with too intense an interest in
+what he said to waste much thought upon his manner of saying it.
+
+Hitherto he had been like an unlearned man, who, without guide or
+companion, explores the trackless shores of a newly-discovered land.
+Should such an one meet in his course a scientific explorer, who has
+mapped and named every mountain, rock, and bay, who has traced out
+the coast-line, and can tell what lies beyond the white hills in the
+distance, it is easy to understand the eagerness with which he would
+listen to his narrative, and the intentness with which he would bend
+over the chart in which the scene of his own journeyings lies portrayed.
+
+Thus De Seso not only taught Carlos the true meaning of Scripture
+terms, and the connection of Scripture truths with each other; he also
+made clear to him the facts of his own experience, and gave names to
+them for him.
+
+"I think I understand now," said Carlos after a lengthened
+conversation, in which, moving from point to point, he had suggested
+many doubts and not a few objections, and these in turn had been taken
+up and answered by his friend. "God be thanked, there is no more
+condemnation, no more punishment for us. Nothing, either in act or
+suffering, can be added to the work of Christ, which is complete."
+
+"Ay, now you have grasped the truth which is the source of our joy and
+strength."
+
+"It must then be our sanctification which suffering promotes, both in
+this life and in purgatory."
+
+"All God's dealings with us in this life are meant to promote our
+sanctification. Joy may do it, by his grace, as well as sorrow. It is
+written, not alone, 'He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger,' but
+also, 'He fed thee with manna, to teach the secret of life in him, from
+him, and by him.'"
+
+"But suffering is purifying--like fire."
+
+"Not in itself. Criminals released from the galleys usually come forth
+hardened in their crimes by the lash and the oar."
+
+Having said this, De Seso rose and extinguished the expiring lamp,
+while Carlos remained thoughtfully gazing into the fire. "Señor,"
+he said, after a long pause, during which the stream of thought ran
+continuously underground, to reappear consequently in an unexpected
+place--"Señor, do you think God's Word, which solves so many mysteries,
+can answer every question for us?"
+
+"Scarcely. Some questions we may ask, of which the answers, in our
+present state, would be beyond our comprehension. And others may
+indeed be answered there, but we may miss the answers, because through
+weakness of faith we are not yet able to receive them."
+
+"For instance?"
+
+"I had rather not name an instance--at present," said De Seso, and
+Carlos thought his face had a sorrowful look as he gazed at it in the
+firelight.
+
+"I would not willingly miss anything my Lord meant to teach. I desire
+to know _all_ his will, and to follow it," Carlos rejoined earnestly.
+
+"It may be that you know not what you desire. Still, name any question
+you wish; and I will tell you freely whether in my judgment God's Word
+contains an answer."
+
+Carlos stated the difficulty suggested by the inquiry of Dolores. Who
+can tell the exact moment when his bark leaves the gently-flowing river
+for the great deep ocean? That of Carlos, on the instant when he put
+this question, was met by the first wave of the mighty sea upon which
+he was to be tossed by many a storm. But he did not know it.
+
+"I agree with you as to the silence of God's Word about purgatory,"
+returned his friend; and for some time both gazed into the fire without
+speaking.
+
+"This and similar discoveries have sometimes given me, I own, a feeling
+of blank disappointment, and even of terror," said Carlos at length.
+For with him it was one of those rare hours in which a man can bear
+to translate into words the "dark misgivings" of the soul, usually
+unacknowledged even to himself.
+
+"I cannot say," was the answer, "that the thought of passing through
+the gate of death into the immediate presence of my glorified Lord
+affects me with 'blank disappointment' or 'terror.'"
+
+"How?--What do you say?" cried Carlos, starting visibly.
+
+"'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' 'To depart and to be
+with Christ is far better.'"
+
+"But it was San Pablo, the great apostle and martyr, who said that. For
+us,--we have the Church's teaching," Carlos rejoined in quick, anxious
+tones.
+
+"Nevertheless, I venture to think that, in the face of all you have
+learned from God's Word, you will find it a task somewhat of the
+hardest to prove purgatory."
+
+"Not at all," said Carlos; and immediately he bounded into the
+arena of controversy, laid his lance in rest, and began an animated
+tilting-match with his new friend, who was willing (of course, thought
+Carlos, for argument's sake alone, and as an intellectual exercise) to
+personate a Lutheran antagonist.
+
+But not a few doughty champions have met the stern reality of a bloody
+death in the mimic warfare of the tilting-field. At every turn Carlos
+found himself answered, baffled, confounded. Yet, how could he, how
+dared he, acknowledge defeat, even to himself, when with the imperilled
+doctrine so much else must fall? What would become of private masses,
+indulgences, prayers for the dead? Nay, what would become of the
+infallibility of Mother Church herself?
+
+So he fought desperately. Fear, ever increasing, quickened his
+preceptions, baptized his lips with eloquence, made his sense acute
+and his memory retentive. Driven at last from the ground of Scripture
+and reason, he took his stand upon that of scholastic divinity. Using
+the weapons with which he had been taught to play so deftly for once
+in terrible earnest, he spun clever syllogisms, in which he hoped to
+entangle his adversary. But De Seso caught the flimsy webs in the naked
+hand of his strong sense, and crushed them to atoms.
+
+Then Carlos knew that the battle was lost. "I can say no more," he
+acknowledged, sorrowfully bowing his head.
+
+"And what I have said--is it not in accordance with the Word of God?"
+
+With a cry of dismay on his lips, Carlos turned and looked at him--"God
+help us! Are we then Lutherans?"
+
+"It may be Christ is asking another question--Are we amongst those who
+follow him _whithersoever_ he goeth?"
+
+"Oh, not _there_--not to _that_!" cried Carlos, rising in his agitation
+and beginning to pace the room. "I abhor heresy--I eschew the thought.
+From my cradle I have done so. Anywhere but that!"
+
+Pausing at last in his walk before the place where De Seso sat, he
+asked, "And you, señor, have you considered whither this would lead?"
+
+"I have. I do not ask thee to follow. But this I say: if Christ bids
+any man leave the ship and come to him upon these dark and stormy
+waters, he will stretch out his own right hand to uphold and sustain
+him."
+
+"To leave the ship--his Church? That would be leaving him. And leaving
+him, I am lost, soul and body--lost--lost!"
+
+"Fear not. At his feet, clinging to him, soul of man was never lost
+yet."
+
+"I will cleave to him, and to the Church too."
+
+"Still, if one must be forsaken, let not that one be Christ."
+
+"Never, _never_--so help me God!" After a pause he added, as if
+speaking to himself, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
+eternal life."
+
+He stood motionless, wrapt in thought; while De Seso rose softly, and
+going to the window, put aside the rude shutter that had been fastened
+across it.
+
+"The night is bright," said Carlos dreamily. "The moon must have risen."
+
+"That is daylight you see," returned his companion with a smile. "Time
+for wayfarers to seek rest in sleep."
+
+"Prayer is better than sleep."
+
+"True, and we who own the same precious faith can well unite in prayer."
+
+With the willing consent of Carlos, his new friend laid their common
+desires and perplexities before God. The prayer was in itself a
+revelation to him; he forgot even to wonder that it came from the lips
+of a layman. For De Seso spoke as one accustomed to converse with the
+Unseen, and to enter by faith to the inner sanctuary, the very presence
+of God himself. And Carlos found that it was good thus to draw nigh
+to God. He felt his troubled soul returning to its rest, to its quiet
+confidence in Him who, he knew, would guide him by his counsel, and
+afterwards receive him into glory.
+
+When they rose, instinctively their right hands sought each other, and
+were locked in that strong grasp which is sometimes worth more than an
+embrace.
+
+"We have confidence each in the other," said De Seso, "so that we need
+exchange no pledge of faithfulness or secrecy."
+
+Carlos bowed his head. "Pray for me, señor," he said. "Pray that God,
+who sent you here to teach me, may in his own time complete the work he
+has begun."
+
+Then both lay down in their cloaks; one to sleep, the other to ponder
+and pray.
+
+In the morning each went his several way. And never was it given to
+Carlos, in this world, to look upon that face or to grasp that hand
+again.
+
+He who had thus crossed his path, as it were for a moment, was perhaps
+the noblest of all the heroic band of Spanish martyrs, that forlorn
+hope of Christ's army, who fought and fell "where Satan's seat was."
+His high birth and lofty station, his distinguished abilities, even
+those more superficial graces of person and manner which are not
+without their strong fascination, were all--like the precious ointment
+with the odour of which the house was filled--consecrated to the
+service of the Lord for whom he lived and died. The eye of imagination
+lingers with special and reverential love upon that grand calm figure.
+But our simple story leads us far away amongst other scenes and other
+characters. We must now turn to a different part of the wide missionary
+harvest-field, in which the lowly muleteer Juliano Hernandez, and the
+great noble Don Carlos de Seso, were both labouring. Was their labour
+in vain?
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIII.
+
+                               Seville.
+
+  "There is a multitude around,
+    Responsive to my prayer;
+  I hear the voice of my desire
+    Resounding everywhere."
+
+                        A.L. WARING.
+
+
+Don Carlos felt surprised, on returning to Seville, to find the circle
+in which he had been wont to move exactly as he left it. His absence
+appeared to him a great deal longer than it really was. Moreover,
+there lurked in his mind an undefined idea that a period so fraught
+with momentous change to him could not have passed without change over
+the heads of others. But the worldly only seemed more worldly, the
+frivolous more frivolous, the vain more vain than ever.
+
+Around the presence of Doña Beatriz there still hung a sweet dangerous
+fascination, against which he struggled, and, in the strength of his
+new and mighty principle of action, struggled successfully. Still, for
+the sake of his own peace, he longed to find some fair pretext for
+making his home elsewhere than beneath his uncle's roof.
+
+One great pleasure awaited his return--a letter from Juan. It was the
+second he had received; the first having merely told of his brother's
+safe arrival at the headquarters of the royal army at Cambray. Don
+Juan had obtained his commission just in time for active service in
+the brief war between France and Spain that immediately followed the
+accession of Philip II. And now, though he said not much of his own
+exploits, it was evident that he had already begun to distinguish
+himself by the prompt and energetic courage which was a part of his
+character. Moreover, a signal piece of good fortune had fallen to his
+lot. The Spaniards were then engaged in the siege of St. Quentin.
+Before the works were quite completed, the French General--the
+celebrated Admiral Coligny--managed to throw himself into the town
+by a brilliant and desperate _coup-de-main_. Many of his heroic band
+were killed or taken prisoners, however; and amongst the latter was a
+gentleman of rank and fortune, a member of the admiral's suite, who
+surrendered his sword into the hands of young Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+Juan was delighted with his prize, as he well might be. Not only was
+the distinction an honourable one for so young a soldier; but the
+ransom he might hope to receive would serve very materially to smooth
+his pathway to the attainment of his dearest wishes.
+
+Carlos was now able to share his brother's joy with unselfish sympathy.
+With a peculiar kind of pleasure, not quite unmixed with superstition,
+he recalled Juan's boyish words, more than once repeated, "When I go
+to the wars, I shall make some great prince or duke my prisoner." They
+had found a fair, if not exactly literal, fulfilment, and that so early
+in his career. And a belief that had grown up with him from childhood
+was strengthened thereby. Juan would surely accomplish everything upon
+which his heart was set. Certainly he would find his father--if that
+father should prove to be after all in the land of the living.
+
+Carlos was warmly welcomed back by his relatives--at least by all of
+them save one. To a mild temper and amiable disposition he united the
+great advantage of rivalling no man, and interfering with no man's
+career. At the same time, he had a well-defined and honourable career
+of his own, in which he bid fair to be successful; so that he was
+not despised, but regarded as a credit to the family. The solitary
+exception to the favourable sentiments he inspired was found in the
+bitter disdain which Gonsalvo, with scarcely any attempt at disguise,
+exhibited towards him.
+
+This was painful to him, both because he was sensitively alive to the
+opinions of others; and also because he actually preferred Gonsalvo,
+notwithstanding his great and glaring faults, to his more calculating
+and worldly-minded brothers. Force of any kind possesses a real
+fascination for an intellectual and sympathetic, but rather weak
+character; and this fascination grows in intensity when the weaker has
+a reason to pity and a desire to help the stronger.
+
+It was not altogether grace, therefore, which checked the proud words
+that often rose to the lips of Carlos in answer to his cousin's sneers
+or sarcasms. He was not ignorant of the cause of Gonsalvo's contempt
+for him. It was Gonsalvo's creed that a man who deserved the name
+always got what he wanted, or died in the attempt; unless, of course,
+absolutely insuperable physical obstacles interfered, as they did in
+his own case. As he knew well enough what Carlos wanted before his
+departure from Seville, the fact of his quietly resigning the prize,
+without even an effort to secure it, was final with him.
+
+One day, when Carlos had returned a forbearing answer to some taunt,
+Doña Inez, who was present, took occasion to apologize for her brother,
+as soon as he had quitted the room. Carlos liked Doña Inez much better
+than her still unmarried sister, because she was more generous and
+considerate to Beatriz. "You are very good, amigo mio," she said,
+"to show so great forbearance to my poor brother. And I cannot think
+wherefore he should treat you so uncourteously. But he is often rude to
+his brothers, sometimes even to his father."
+
+"I fear it is because he suffers. Though rather less helpless than he
+was six months ago, he seems really more frail and sickly."
+
+"Ay de mi, that is too true. And have you heard his last whim? He tells
+us he has given up physicians for ever. He has almost as ill an opinion
+of them as--forgive me, cousin--of priests."
+
+"Could you not persuade him to consult your friend, Doctor Cristobal?"
+
+"I have tried, but in vain. To speak the truth, cousin," she added,
+drawing nearer to Carlos, and lowering her voice, "there is another
+cause that has helped to make him what he is. No one knows or even
+guesses aught of it but myself; I was ever his favourite sister. If I
+tell you, will you promise the strictest secrecy?"
+
+Carlos did so; wondering a little what his cousin would think could she
+surmise the weightier secrets which were burdening his own heart.
+
+"You have heard of the marriage of Doña Juana de Xeres y Bohorques with
+Don Francisco de Vargas?"
+
+"Yes; and I account Don Francisco a very fortunate man."
+
+"Are you acquainted with the young lady's sister, Doña Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"I have met her. A fair, pale, queenly girl. She is not fond of gaiety,
+but very learned and very pious, as I have been told."
+
+"You will scarce believe me, Don Carlos, when I tell you that pale,
+quiet girl is Gonsalvo's choice, his dream, his idol. How she contrived
+to gain that fierce, eager young heart, I know not--but hers it is, and
+hers alone. Of course, he had passing fancies before; but she was his
+first serious passion, and she will be his last."
+
+Carlos smiled. "Red fire and white marble," he said. "But, after all,
+the fiercest fire could not feed on marble. It must die out, in time."
+
+"From the first, Gonsalvo had not the shadow of a chance," Doña Inez
+replied, with an expressive flutter of her fan. "I have not the least
+idea whether the young lady even knows he loves her. But it matters
+not. We are Alvarez de Meñaya; still we could not expect a grandee of
+the first order to give his daughter to a younger son of our house.
+Even before that unlucky bull-feast. _Now_, of course, he himself would
+be the first to say, 'Pine-apple kernels are not for monkeys,' nor fair
+ladies for crippled caballeros. And yet--you understand?"
+
+"I do," said Carlos; and in truth he _did_ understand, far better than
+Doña Inez imagined.
+
+She turned to leave the room, but turned back again to say kindly, "I
+trust, my cousin, your own health has not suffered from your residence
+among those bleak inhospitable mountains? Don Garçia tells me he has
+seen you twice, since your return, coming forth late in the evening
+from the dwelling of our good Señor Doctor."
+
+There was a sufficient reason for these visits. Before they parted, De
+Seso had asked Carlos if he would like an introduction to a person in
+Seville who could give him further instruction upon the subjects they
+had discussed together. The offer having been thankfully accepted,
+he was furnished with a note addressed, much to his surprise, to the
+physician Losada; and the connection thus begun was already proving a
+priceless boon to Carlos.
+
+But nature had not designed him for a keeper of secrets. The colour
+mounted rapidly to his cheek, as he answered,--
+
+"I am flattered by my lady cousin's solicitude for me. But, I thank
+God, my health is as good as ever. In truth, Doctor Cristobal is
+a man of learning and a pleasant companion, and I enjoy an hour's
+conversation with him. Moreover, he has some rare and valuable books,
+which he is kind enough to lend me."
+
+"He is certainly very well-bred, for a man of his station," said Doña
+Inez, condescendingly.
+
+Carlos did not resume his attendance upon the lectures of Fray
+Constantino at the College of Doctrine; but when the voice of the
+eloquent preacher was heard in the cathedral, he was never absent.
+He had no difficulty _now_ in recognizing the truths that he loved
+so well, covered with a thin veil of conventional phraseology. All
+mention, not absolutely necessary, of dogmas peculiarly Romish was
+avoided, unless when the congregation were warned earnestly, though
+in terms well-studied and jealously guarded, against "risking their
+salvation" upon indulgences or ecclesiastical pardons. The vanity of
+trusting to their own works was shown also; and in every sermon Christ
+was faithfully held up before the sinner as the one all-sufficient
+Saviour.
+
+Carlos listened always with rapt attention, usually with keen delight.
+Often would he look around him upon the sea of earnest upturned faces,
+saying within himself, "Many of these my brethren and sisters have
+found Christ--many more are seeking him;" and at the thought his heart
+would thrill with thankfulness. But even at that moment some word from
+the preacher's lips might change his joy into a chill of apprehension.
+It frequently happened that Fray Constantino, borne onward by the
+torrent of his own eloquence, was betrayed into uttering some sentiment
+so very nearly heretical as to make his hearer tingle with the peculiar
+sense of pain that is caused by seeing one rush heedlessly to the verge
+of a precipice.
+
+"I often thank God for the stupidity of evil men and the simplicity of
+good ones," Carlos said to his new friend Losada, after one of these
+dangerous discourses.
+
+For by this time, what De Seso had first led him to suspect, had
+become a certainty with him. He knew himself _a heretic_--a terrible
+consciousness to sink into the heart of any man in those days,
+especially in Catholic Spain. Fortunately the revelation had come to
+him gradually; and still more gradually came the knowledge of all that
+it involved. Yet those were sorrowful hours in which he first felt
+himself cut off from every hallowed association of his childhood and
+youth; from the long chain of revered tradition, which was all he knew
+of the past; from the vast brotherhood of the Church visible--that
+mighty organization, pervading all society, leavening all thought,
+controlling all custom, ruling everything in this world, even if not
+in the next. His own past life was shattered: the ambitions he had
+cherished were gone--the studies he had excelled and delighted in were
+proved for the most part worse than vain. It is true that he believed,
+even still, that he might accept priestly ordination from the hands
+of Rome (for the idolatry of the mass was amongst the things not yet
+revealed to him); but he could no longer hope for honour or preferment,
+or what men call a career, in the Church. Joy enough would it be if
+he were permitted, in some obscure corner of the land, to tell his
+countrymen of a Saviour's love; and perpetual watchfulness, extreme
+caution, and the most judicious management would be necessary to
+preserve him--as hitherto they had preserved Fray Constantino--from the
+grasp of the Holy Inquisition.
+
+To us, who read that word in the lurid light that martyr fires kindled
+after this period have flung upon it, it may seem strange that Carlos
+was not more a prey to fear of the perils entailed by his heresy.
+But so slowly did he pass out of the stage in which he believed
+himself still a sincere Catholic into that in which he shudderingly
+acknowledged that he was in very truth a Lutheran, that the shock
+of the discovery was wonderfully broken to him. Nor did he think
+the danger that menaced him either near or pressing, so long as he
+conducted himself with reserve and prudence.
+
+It is true that this reserve involved a degree of secrecy, if not of
+dissimulation, that was fast becoming very irksome. Formerly the kind
+of fencing, feinting, and doubling into which he was often forced,
+would rather have pleased him, as affording scope for the exercise of
+ingenuity. But his moral nature was growing so much more sensitive,
+that he began to recoil from slight departures from truth, in which
+heretofore he would only have seen a proper exercise of the advantage
+which a keen and quick intellect possesses over dull ones. Moreover,
+he longed to be able to speak freely to others of the things which he
+himself found so precious.
+
+Though quite sufficiently afraid of pain and danger, the thought of
+disgrace was still more intolerable to him. Keener than any suffering
+he had yet known--except the pang of renouncing Beatriz--was the
+consciousness that all those amongst whom he lived, and who now
+respected and loved him, would, if they guessed the truth, turn away
+from him with unutterable scorn and loathing.
+
+One day, when walking in the city with his aunt and Doña Sancha, they
+turned down a side-street to avoid meeting the death procession of a
+murderer on his way to the scaffold. The crime for which he suffered
+had been notorious; and with the voluble exclamations of horror and
+congratulations at getting safely out of the way to which the ladies
+gave expression, were mingled prayers for the soul of the miserable
+man. "If they knew all," thought Carlos, as the slight, closely-veiled
+forms clung trustingly to him for protection, "they would think _me_
+worse, more degraded, than yon wretched being. They pity _him_, they
+pray for _him_; _me_ they would only loathe and execrate. And Juan, my
+beloved, my honoured brother--what will he think?" This last thought
+was the one that haunted him most frequently and troubled him most
+deeply.
+
+But had he nothing to counter-balance these pangs of fear and shame,
+these manifold dark misgivings? He had much. First and best, he had
+the peace that passeth all understanding shed abroad in his heart. Its
+light did not grow pale and faint with time; on the other hand, it
+increased in brightness and steadiness, as new truths arose like stars
+upon his soul, every new truth being in itself "a new joy" to him.
+
+Moreover, he found keen enjoyment in the communion of saints. Great was
+his surprise when, after sufficiently instructing him in private, and
+satisfactorily testing his sincerity, Losada cautiously revealed to him
+the existence of a regularly-organized Lutheran Church in Seville, of
+which he himself was actually the pastor. He invited Carlos to attend
+its meetings, which were held, with due precaution, and usually after
+nightfall, in the house of a lady of rank--Doña Isabella de Baena.
+
+Carlos readily accepted the perilous invitation, and with deep emotion
+took his place amongst the band of "called, chosen, and faithful" men
+and women, every one of whom, as he believed, shared the same joys and
+hopes that he did. They were not at all such a "little band" as he
+expected to find them. Nor were they, with very few exceptions, of the
+poor of this world. If that bright southern land, so rich in all that
+kindles the imagination, eventually to her own ruin rejected the truth
+of God, at least she offered upon his altar some of her choicest and
+fairest flowers. Many of those who met in Doña Isabella's upper room
+were "chief men" and "devout and honourable women." Talent, learning,
+excellence of every kind was largely represented there; so also was
+the _sangre azul_, the boast of the proud Spanish grandees. One of
+the first faces that Carlos recognized was the sweet, thoughtful one
+of the young Doña Maria de Bohorques, whose precocious learning and
+accomplishments had often been praised in his hearing, and in whom he
+had now a new and peculiar interest.
+
+There were two noblemen of the first order--Don Domingo de Guzman, son
+of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon, son of the
+Count of Baylen. Carlos had often heard of the munificent charities of
+the latter, who had actually embarrassed his estates by his unbounded
+liberality to the poor. But while Ponce de Leon was thus labouring
+to relieve the sorrows of others, a deep sadness brooded over his
+own spirit. He was wont to go forth by night, and pace up and down
+the great stone platform in the Prado San Sebastian, that bore the
+ghastly name of the Quemadero, or _Burning-place_, while in his heart
+the shadow of death--the darkest shadow of the dreadest death--was
+struggling with the light of immortality.
+
+Did the rest of that devoted band share the agony of apprehension that
+filled those lonely midnight hours with passionate prayer? Some amongst
+them did, no doubt. But with most, the circumstances and occupations
+of daily life wove, with their multitudinous slender threads, a veil
+dense enough to hide, or at least to soften, the perils of their
+situation. The Protestants of Seville contrived to pass their lives
+and to do their work side by side with other men; they moved amongst
+their fellow-citizens and were not recognized; they even married and
+were given in marriage; though all the time there fell upon their daily
+paths the shadow of the grim old fortress where the Holy Inquisition
+held its awful secret court.
+
+But then, at this period the Holy Inquisition was by no means
+exhibiting its usual terrible activity. The Inquisitor-General,
+Fernando de Valdez, Archbishop of Seville, was an old man of
+seventy-four, relentless when roused, but not particularly
+enterprising. Moreover, he was chiefly occupied in amassing enormous
+wealth from his rich and numerous Church preferments. Hitherto, the
+fires of St. Dominic had been kindled for Jews and Moors; only one
+Protestant had suffered death in Spain, and Valladolid, not Seville,
+had been the scene of his martyrdom. Seville, indeed, had witnessed two
+notable prosecutions for Lutheranism--that of Rodrigo de Valer and that
+of Juan Gil, commonly called Dr. Egidius. But Valer had been only sent
+to a monastery to die, while, by a disgraceful artifice, retraction had
+been obtained from Egidius.
+
+During the years that had passed since then, the Holy Office had
+appeared to slumber. Victims who refused to eat pork, or kept Sabbath
+on Saturday, were growing scarce for obvious reasons. And not yet had
+the wild beast "exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron and his
+nails of brass," begun to devour a nobler prey. Did the monster, gorged
+with human blood, really slumber in his den; or did he only assume the
+attitude and appearance of slumber, as some wild beasts are said to do,
+to lure his unwary victims within the reach of his terrible crouch and
+spring?
+
+No one can certainly tell; but however it may have been, we doubt not
+the Master used the breathing-time thus afforded his Church to prepare
+and polish many a precious gem, destined to shine through all ages in
+his crown of glory.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIV.
+
+                       The Monks of San Esodro.
+
+  "The earnest of eternal joy
+    In every prayer I trace;
+  I see the likeness of the Lord
+    In every patient face.
+  How oft, in still communion known,
+    Those spirits have been sent
+  To share the travail of my soul,
+    Or show me what it meant."
+
+                             A.L. WARING.
+
+
+It is amongst the perplexing conditions of our earthly life, that we
+cannot first reflect, then act; first form our opinions, then, and
+not till then, begin to carry them out into practice. Thought and
+action have usually to run beside each other in parallel lines; a
+terrible necessity, and never more terrible than during the progress of
+momentous inward changes.
+
+A man becomes convinced that the star by which he has hitherto been
+steering is not the true pole-star, and that if he perseveres in his
+present course his barque will inevitably be lost. At his peril,
+he must find out the one unerring guide; yet, while he seeks it,
+his hand must not for an instant quit his hold on the helm, for the
+winds of circumstance fill his sails, and he cannot choose whether he
+will go, he can only choose where. This lies at the root of much of
+the apparent inconsistency which has often been made a reproach to
+reformers.
+
+Though Carlos did not feel this difficulty as keenly as some of his
+brethren in the faith, he yet felt it. His uncle was continually
+pressing him to take Orders, and to seek for this or that tempting
+preferment; whilst every day he had stronger doubts as to the
+possibility of his accepting any preferment in the Church, and was even
+beginning to entertain scruples about taking Orders at all.
+
+During this period of deliberation and uncertainty, one of his new
+friends, Fray Cassiodoro, an eloquent Jeromite friar, who assisted
+Losada in his ministrations, said to him, "If you intend embracing a
+religious life, Señor Don Carlos, you will find the white tunic and
+brown mantle of St. Jerome more to your taste than any other habit."
+
+Carlos pondered the hint; and shortly afterwards announced to his
+relatives that he intended to "go into retreat" for a season, at the
+Jeromite Convent of San Isodro del Campo, which was about two miles
+from Seville.
+
+His uncle approved this resolution; and none the less, because he
+thought it was probably intended as a preparation for taking the cowl.
+"After all, nephew, it may turn out that you have the longest head
+amongst us," he said. "In the race for wealth and honours, no man can
+doubt that the Regulars beat the Seculars now-a-days. And there is
+not a saint in all the Spains so popular as St. Jerome. You know the
+proverb,--
+
+  "'He who is a count, and to be a duke aspires,
+  Let him straight to Guadaloupe, and sing among the friars.'"
+
+Gonsalvo, who was present, here looked up from his book and observed
+sharply,--
+
+"No man will ever be a duke who changes his mind three times within
+three months."
+
+"But I only changed my mind once," returned Carlos.
+
+"You have never changed it at all, that I wot of," said Don Manuel.
+"And I would that thine were turned in the same profitable direction,
+son Gonsalvo."
+
+"Oh yes! By all means. Offer the blind and the lame in sacrifice. Put
+Heaven off with the wreck of a man that the world will not condescend
+to take into her service."
+
+"Hold thy peace, son born to cross me!" said the father, losing his
+temper at by no means the worst of the many provocations he had
+recently received. "Is it not enough to look at thee lying there a
+useless log, and to suffer thy vile temper; but thou must set thyself
+against me, when I point out to thee the only path in which a cripple
+such as thou could earn green figs to eat with his bread, not to speak
+of supporting the rank of Alvarez de Meñaya as he ought."
+
+Here Carlos, out of consideration for the feelings of Gonsalvo, left
+the room; but the angry altercation between the father and son lasted
+long after his departure.
+
+The next day Don Carlos rode out, by a lonely path amidst the gray
+ruins of old Italica, to the stately castellated convent of San
+Isodro. Amidst all his new interests, the young Castilian noble still
+remembered with due enthusiasm how the building had been reared, more
+than two hundred years ago, by the devotion of the heroic Alonzo Guzman
+the Good, who gave up his own son to death, under the walls of Tarifa,
+rather than surrender the city to the Moors.
+
+Before he left Seville, he placed a copy of Fray Constantino's "Sum of
+Christian Doctrine" between two volumes of Gonsalvo's favourite "Lope
+de Vega." He had previously introduced to the notice of the ladies
+several of the Fray's little treatises, which contained a large amount
+of Scripture truth, so cautiously expressed as to have not only escaped
+the censure, but actually obtained the express approbation of the Holy
+Office. He had also induced them occasionally to accompany him to the
+preachings at the Cathedral. Further than this he dared not go; nor
+did he on other accounts think it advisable, as yet, to permit himself
+much communication with Doña Beatriz.
+
+The monks of San Isodro welcomed him with that strong, peculiar
+love which springs up between the disciples of the same Lord, more
+especially when they are a little flock surrounded by enemies. They
+knew that he was already one of the initiated, a regular member of
+Losada's congregation. Both this fact, and the warm recommendations of
+Fray Cassiodoro, led them to trust him implicitly; and very quickly
+they made him a sharer in their secrets, their difficulties, and their
+perplexities.
+
+To his astonishment, he found himself in the midst of a community,
+Protestant in heart almost to a man, and as far as possible acting out
+their convictions; while at the same time they retained (how could they
+discard them?) the outward ceremonies of their Church and their Order.
+
+He soon fraternized with a gentle, pious young monk named Fray
+Fernando, and asked him to explain this extraordinary state of things.
+
+"I am but just out of my novitiate, having been here little more than
+a year," said the young man, who was about his own age; "and already,
+when I came, the fathers carefully instructed the novices out of the
+Scriptures, exhorting us to lay no stress upon outward ceremonies,
+penances, crosses, holy water, and the like. But I have often heard
+them speak of the manner in which they were led to adopt these views."
+
+"Who was their teacher? Fray Cassiodoro?"
+
+"Latterly; not at first. It was Dr. Blanco who sowed the first seed of
+truth here."
+
+"Whom do you mean? We in the city give the name of Dr. Blanco (the
+white doctor), from his silver hairs, to a man of your holy order,
+certainly, but one most zealous for the old faith. He is a friend
+and confidant of the Inquisitors, if indeed he is not himself a
+Qualificator of Heresy:[9] I speak of Dr. Garçias Ariâs."
+
+    [9] One of the learned men who were appointed to assist the
+    Inquisitors, and whose duty is was to decide whether doubtful
+    propositions were, or were not, heretical.
+
+"The same man. You are astonished, señor; nevertheless it is true.
+The elder brethren say that when he came to the convent all were sunk
+in ignorance and superstition. The monks cared for nothing but vain
+repetitions of unfelt prayers, and showy mummeries of idle ceremonial.
+But the white doctor told them all these would avail them nothing,
+unless their hearts were given to God, and they worshipped him in
+spirit and in truth. They listened, were convinced, began to study the
+Holy Scriptures as he recommended them, and truly to seek Him who is
+revealed therein."
+
+"'Out of the eater came forth meat,'" said Carlos. "I am truly amazed
+to hear of such teaching from the lips of Garçias Ariâs."
+
+"Not more amazed than the brethren were by his after conduct," returned
+Fray Fernando. "Just when they had received the truth with joy, and
+were beginning heartily to follow it, their teacher suddenly changed
+his tone, and addressed himself diligently to the task of building up
+the things that he once destroyed. When Lent came round, the burden of
+his preaching was nothing but penance and mortification of the flesh.
+No less would content him than that the poor brethren should sleep on
+the bare ground, or standing; and wear sackcloth and iron girdles. They
+could not tell what to make of these bewildering instructions. Some
+followed them, others clung to the simpler faith they had learned to
+love, many tried to unite both. In fact, the convent was filled with
+confusion, and several of the brethren were driven half distracted.
+But at last God put it into their hearts to consult Dr. Egidius. Your
+Excellency is well acquainted with his history, doubtless?"
+
+"Not so well as I should like to be. Still, for the present, let us
+keep to the brethren. Did Dr. Egidius confirm their faith?"
+
+"That he did, señor; and in many ways he led them into a further
+acquaintance with the truth."
+
+"And that enigma, Dr. Blanco?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Whether his mind was really changed, or
+whether he concealed his true opinions through fear, or through love of
+the present world, I know not. I should not judge him."
+
+"No," said Carlos, softly. "It is not for us, who have never been
+tried, to judge those who have failed in the day of trial. But it must
+be a terrible thing to fail, Fray Fernando."
+
+"As good Dr. Egidius did himself. Ah, señor, if you had but seen him
+when he came forth from his prison! His head was bowed, his hair was
+white; they who spoke with him say his heart was well-nigh broken.
+Still he was comforted, and thanked God, when he saw the progress the
+truth had made during his imprisonment, both in Valladolid and in
+Seville, especially amongst the brethren here. His visit was of great
+use to us. But the most precious boon we ever received was a supply of
+God's Word in our own tongue, which was brought to us some months ago."
+
+Carlos looked at him eagerly. "I think I know whose hand brought it,"
+he said.
+
+"You cannot fail to know, señor. You have doubtless heard of Juliano El
+Chico?"
+
+The colour rose to the cheek of Carlos as he answered, "I shall thank
+God all my life, and beyond it, that I have not heard of him alone, but
+met him. He it was who put this book into my hand," and he drew out his
+own Testament.
+
+"We also have good cause to thank him. And we mean that others
+shall have it through us. For the books he brought we not only use
+ourselves, but diligently circulate far and wide, according to our
+ability."
+
+"It is strange to know so little of a man, and yet to owe him so much.
+Can you tell me anything more than the name, Juliano Hernandez, which I
+repeat every day when I ask God in my prayers to bless and reward him?"
+
+"I only know he is a poor, unlearned man, a native of Villaverda, in
+Campos. He went to Germany, and entered the service of Juan Peres, who,
+as you are aware, translated the Testament, and printed it, Juliano
+aiding in the work as compositor. He then undertook, of his own free
+will, the task of bringing a supply into this country; you well know
+how perilous a task, both the sea-ports and the passes of the Pyrenees
+being so closely watched by the emissaries of the Holy Office. Juliano
+chose the overland journey, since, knowing the mountains well, he
+thought he could manage to make his way unchallenged by some of their
+hazardous, unfrequented paths. God be thanked, he arrived in safety
+with his precious freight early last summer."
+
+"Do you know where he is now?"
+
+"No. Doubtless he is wandering somewhere, perhaps not far distant,
+carrying on, in darkness and silence, his noble missionary work."
+
+"What would I give--rather, what would I not give--to see him once
+more, to take his hand in mine, and to thank him for what he has done
+for me!"
+
+"Ah, there is the vesper bell. You know, señor, that Fray Cristobal is
+to lecture this evening on the Epistle to the Hebrews. That is why I
+love Tuesday best of all days in the week."
+
+Fray Cristobal D'Arellano was a monk of San Isodro, remarkable for his
+great learning, which was consecrated to the task of explaining and
+spreading the Reformed doctrines. Carlos put himself under the tuition
+of this man, to perfect his knowledge of Greek, a language of which he
+had learned very little, and that little very imperfectly, at Alcala.
+He profited exceedingly by the teaching he received, and partially
+repaid the obligation by instructing the novices in Latin, a task which
+was very congenial to him, and which he performed with much success.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XV.
+
+                         The Great Sanbenito.
+
+  "The thousands that, uncheered by praise,
+  Have made one offering of their days;
+  For Truth's, for Heaven's, for Freedom's sake,
+  Resigned the bitter cup to take."
+
+                                            HEMANS.
+
+
+Young as was the Protestant Church in Seville, she already had her
+history. There was one name that Carlos had heard mentioned in
+connection with her first origin, round which there gathered in his
+thoughts a peculiar interest, or rather fascination. He knew now that
+the monks of San Isodro had been largely indebted to the instructions
+of Doctor Juan Gil, or Egidius. And he had been told previously that
+Egidius himself had learned the truth from an earlier and bolder
+witness, Rodrigo de Valer. This was the name that Losada once coupled
+in his hearing with that of his own father.
+
+Why then had he not sought information, which might have proved so
+deeply interesting to him, directly from Losada himself, his friend
+and teacher? Several causes contributed to his reluctance to broach
+the subject. But by far the greatest was a kind of chivalrous, half
+romantic tenderness for that absent brother, whom he could now truly
+say that he loved best on earth. It is very difficult for us to put
+ourselves in the position of Spaniards of the sixteenth century, so
+far as at all to understand the way in which they were accustomed to
+look upon heresy. In their eyes it was not only a crime, infinitely
+more dreadful than that of murder; it was also a horrible disgrace,
+branding a man's whole lineage up and down for generations, and
+extending its baleful influence to his remotest kindred. Carlos asked
+himself, day by day, how would the high-hearted Don Juan Alvarez, whose
+idol was glory, and his dearest pride a noble and venerated name,
+endure to hear that his beloved and only brother was stained with that
+surpassing infamy? But at least it would be anguish enough to stab Juan
+once, as it were, with his own hand, without arming the dead hand of
+the father whose memory they both revered, and then driving home the
+weapon into his brother's heart. Rather would he let the matter remain
+in obscurity, even if (which was extremely doubtful) he could by any
+effort of his own shed a ray of light upon it.
+
+Still he took occasion one day to inquire of his friend Fray Fernando,
+who had received full information on these subjects from the older
+monks, "Was not that Rodrigo de Valer, whose sanbenito hangs in the
+Cathedral, the first teacher of the pure faith in Seville?"
+
+"True, señor, he taught many. While he himself, as I have heard,
+received the faith from none save God only."
+
+"He must have been a remarkable man. Tell me all you know of him."
+
+"Our Fray Cassiodoro has often heard Dr. Egidius speak of him; so that,
+though his lips were silenced long before your time or mine, señor, he
+seems still one of our company."
+
+"Yes, already some of our number have joined the Church triumphant, but
+they are still one with us in Christ."
+
+"Don Rodrigo de Valer," continued the young monk, "was of a noble
+family, and very wealthy. He was born at Lebrixa, but came to reside
+in Seville, a gay, light-hearted, brilliant young caballero, who
+was soon a leader in all the folly and fashion of the great city.
+But suddenly these things lost their charm for him. Much to the
+astonishment of the gay world, to which he had been such an ornament,
+he disappeared from the scenes of amusement and festivity he had been
+wont to love. His companions could not understand the change that came
+over him--but _we_ can understand it well. God's arrows of conviction
+were sharp in his heart. And he led him to turn for comfort, not to
+penance and self-mortification, but to his own Word. Only in one form
+was that Word accessible to him. He gathered up the fragments of
+his old school studies--little cared for at the time, and well-nigh
+forgotten afterwards--to enable him to read the Vulgate. There he
+found justification by faith, and through it, peace to his troubled
+conscience. But he did not find, as I need scarcely say to you, Don
+Carlos, purgatory, the worship of Our Lady and the saints, and certain
+other things our fathers taught us."
+
+"How long since was all this?" asked Carlos, who was listening with
+much interest, and at the same time comparing the narrative with that
+other story he had heard from Dolores.
+
+"Long enough, señor. Twenty years ago or more. When God had thus
+enlightened him, he returned to the world. But he returned to it a
+new man, determined henceforth to know nothing save Christ and him
+crucified. He addressed himself in the first instance to the priests
+and monks, whom, with a boldness truly amazing, he accosted wherever he
+met them, were it even in the most public places of the city, proving
+to them from Scripture that their doctrines were not the truth of God."
+
+"It was no hopeful soil in which to sow the Word."
+
+"No, truly; but it seemed laid upon him as a burden from God to speak
+what he felt and knew, whether men would hear or whether they would
+forbear. He very soon aroused the bitter enmity of those who hate the
+light because their deeds are evil. Had he been a poor man, he would
+have been burned at the stake, as that brave, honest-hearted young
+convert, Francisco de San Romano, was burned at Valladolid not so long
+ago, saying to those who offered him mercy at the last, 'Did you envy
+me my happiness?' But Don Rodrigo's rank and connections saved him from
+that fate. I have heard, too, that there were those in high places who
+shared, or at least favoured his opinions in secret. Such interceded
+for him."
+
+"Then his words were received by some?" Carlos asked anxiously. "Have
+you ever heard the names of any of those who were his friends or
+patrons?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Even amongst ourselves, señor," he said,
+"names are not mentioned oftener than is needful. For 'a bird of the
+air will carry the matter;' and when life depends on our silence, it
+is no wonder if at last we become a trifle over-silent. In the lapse
+of years, some names that ought to be remembered amongst us may well
+chance to be forgotten, from this dread of breathing them, even in
+a whisper. Always excepting Dr. Egidius, Don Rodrigo's friends or
+converts are unknown to me. But I was about to say, the Inquisitors
+were prevailed upon, by those who interceded for him, to regard him
+as insane. They dismissed him, therefore, with no more severe penalty
+than the loss of his property, and with many cautions as to his future
+behaviour."
+
+"I hold it scarce likely that he observed them."
+
+"Very far otherwise, señor. For a short time, indeed, his friends
+prevailed on him to express his sentiments more privately; and Fray
+Cassiodoro says that during this interval he confirmed them in the
+faith by expounding the Epistle to the Romans. But he could not long
+hide the light he held. To all remonstrances he answered, that he
+was a soldier sent on a forlorn hope, and must needs press forward
+to the breach. If he fell, it mattered not; in his place God would
+raise up others, whose would be the glory and the joy of victory. So,
+once again, the Holy Office laid its grasp upon him. It was resolved
+that his voice should be heard no more on earth; and he was therefore
+consigned to the living death of perpetual imprisonment. And yet, in
+spite of all their care and all their malice, one more testimony for
+God and his truth was heard from his lips."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"They led him, robed in that great sanbenito you have often seen, to
+the Church of San Salvador, to sit and listen, with the other weeping
+penitents, while some ignorant priest denounced their heresies and
+blasphemies. But he was not afraid after the sermon to stand up in his
+place, and warn the people against the preacher's erroneous doctrine,
+showing them where and how it differed from the Word of God. It is
+marvellous they did not burn him; but God restrained the remainder of
+their wrath. They sent him at last to the monastery of San Lucar, where
+he remained in solitary confinement until his death."
+
+Carlos mused a little. Then he said, "What a blessed change, from
+solitary confinement to the company of just men made perfect; from the
+gloom of a convent prison to the glory of God's house, eternal in the
+heavens!"
+
+"Some of the elder brethren say _we_ may be called upon to pass through
+trials even more severe," remarked Fray Fernando. "I know not. Being
+amongst the youngest here, I should speak my mind with humility; still
+I cannot help looking around me, and seeing that everywhere men are
+receiving the Word of God with joy. Think of the learned and noble men
+and women in the city who have joined our band already, and are eager
+to gain others! New converts are won for us every day; not to speak of
+that great multitude among Fray Constantino's hearers who are really on
+our side, without dreaming it themselves. Moreover, your noble friend,
+Don Carlos de Seso, told us last summer that the signs in the north are
+equally encouraging. He thinks the Lutherans of Valladolid are more
+numerous than those of Seville. In Toro and Logrono also the light is
+spreading rapidly. And throughout the districts near the Pyrenees the
+Word has free course, thanks to the Huguenot traders from Béarn."
+
+"I have heard these things in Seville, and truly my heart rejoices at
+them. But yet--" here Carlos broke off suddenly, and remained silent,
+gazing mournfully into the fire, near which, as it was now winter, they
+had seated themselves.
+
+At last Fray Fernando asked, "What do _you_ think, señor?"
+
+Carlos raised his dark blue eyes and fixed them on the questioner's
+face.
+
+"Of the future," he said slowly, "I think--_nothing_. I dare not think
+of it. It is in God's hand, and he thinks for us. Still, one thing I
+cannot choose but see. Where we are we cannot remain. We are bound to a
+great wheel that is turning--turning--and turn with it, even in spite
+of ourselves, we must and do. But it is the wheel, not of chance, but
+of God's mighty purposes; that is all our comfort."
+
+"And those purposes, are they not mercy and truth unto our beloved
+land?"
+
+"They may be; but I know not. They are not revealed. 'Mercy and truth
+unto such as keep his covenant,' that indeed is written."
+
+"We are they that keep his covenant."
+
+Carlos sighed, and resumed the thread of his own thought,--
+
+"The wheel turns round, and we with it. Even since I came here it has
+turned perceptibly. And how it is to turn one step further without
+bringing us into contact with the solid frame of things as they are,
+and so crushing us, truly I see not. I see not; but I trust God."
+
+"You allude to these discussions about the sacrifice of the mass now
+going on so continually amongst us?"
+
+"I do. Hitherto we have been able to work underground; but if doubt
+must be thrown upon _that_, the thin shell of earth that has concealed
+and protected us, will break and fall in upon our heads. And then?"
+
+"Already we are all asking, 'And then?'" said Fray Fernando. "There
+will be nothing before us but flight to some foreign land."
+
+"And how, in God's name, is that to be accomplished? But God forgive
+me these words; and God keep me, and all of us, from the subtle snare
+of mixing with the question, 'What is his will?' that other question,
+'What will be our fate if we try to do it?' As the noble De Seso said
+to me, all that matters to us is to be found amongst those who 'follow
+the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.' _But he went to Calvary._"
+
+The last words were spoken in so low a tone that Fray Fernando heard
+them not.
+
+"What did you say?" he asked.
+
+"No matter. Time enough to hear if God himself speaks it in our ears."
+
+Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a lay brother,
+who informed Carlos that a visitor awaited him in the convent parlour.
+As it was one of the hours during which the rules of the house
+(which were quite liberal enough, without being lax) permitted the
+entertainment of visitors, Carlos went to receive his without much
+delay.
+
+He knew that if the guest had been one of "their own," their loved
+brethren in the faith, even the attendant would have been well
+acquainted with his person, and would naturally have named him. He
+entered the room, therefore, with no very lively anticipations;
+expecting, at most, to see one of his cousins, who might have paid him
+the compliment of riding out from the city to visit him.
+
+A tall, handsome, sunburnt man, who had his left arm in a sling, was
+standing with his back to the window. But in one moment more the other
+arm was flung round the neck of Carlos, and heart pressed to heart, and
+lip to lip--the brothers stood together.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVI.
+
+                             Welcome Home.
+
+  "We are so unlike each other,
+    Thou and I, that none would guess
+  We were children of one mother,
+    But for mutual tenderness."
+
+                         E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+After the first tumult of greeting, in which affection was expressed
+rather by look and gesture than by word, the brothers sat down and
+talked. Eager questions rose to the lips of both, but especially to
+those of Carlos, whose surprise at Juan's unexpected appearance only
+equalled his delight.
+
+"But you are wounded, my brother," he said. "Not seriously, I hope?"
+
+"Oh no! Only a bullet through my arm. A piece of my usual good luck. I
+got it in The Battle."
+
+No adjective was needed to specify the glorious day of St. Quentin,
+when Flemish Egmont's chivalrous courage, seconded by Castilian
+bravery, gained for King Philip such a brilliant victory over the arms
+of France. Carlos knew the story already from public sources. And it
+did not occur to Juan, nor indeed to Carlos either, that there had
+ever been, or would ever be again, a battle so worthy of being held in
+everlasting remembrance.
+
+"But do you count the wound part of your good luck?" asked Carlos.
+
+"Ay, truly, and well I may. It has brought me home; as you ought to
+have known ere this."
+
+"I received but two letters from you--that written on your first
+arrival, and dated from Cambray; and that which told of your notable
+prize, the French prisoner."
+
+"But I wrote two others: one, I entrusted to a soldier who was coming
+home invalided--I suppose the fellow lost it; the other (written just
+after the great St. Laurence's day) arrived in Seville the night
+before I made my own appearance there. His Majesty will need to look
+to his posts; certes, they are the slowest carriers to be found in any
+Christian country." And Juan's merry laugh rang through the convent
+parlour, little enough used to echo such sounds.
+
+"So I have heard almost nothing of you, brother; save what could be
+gathered from the public accounts," Carlos continued.
+
+"All the better now. I have only such news as is pleasant for me to
+tell; and will not be ill, I think, for thee to hear. First, then, and
+in due order--I am promised my company!"
+
+"Good news, indeed! My brother must have honoured our name by some
+special deed of valour. Was it at St. Quentin?" asked Carlos, looking
+at him with honest, brotherly pride. He was not much changed by his
+campaign, except that his dark cheek wore a deeper bronze, and his face
+was adorned with a formidable pair of _bigotes_.
+
+"That story must wait," returned Juan. "I have so much else to tell
+thee. Dost thou remember how I said, as a boy, that I should take a
+noble prisoner, like Alphonso Vives, and enrich myself by his ransom?
+And thou seest I have done it."
+
+"In a good day! Still, he was not the Duke of Saxony."
+
+"Like him, at least, in being a heretic, or Huguenot, if that be a
+less unsavoury word to utter in these holy precincts. Moreover, he is
+a tried and trusted officer of Admiral Coligny's suite. It was that
+day when the admiral so gallantly threw himself into the besieged town.
+And, for my part, I am heartily obliged to him. But for his presence,
+there would have been no defence of St. Quentin, to speak of, at all;
+but for the defence, no battle; but for the battle, no grand victory
+for the Spains and King Philip. We cut off half of the admiral's
+troops, however, and it fell to my lot to save the life of a brave
+French officer whom I saw fighting alone amongst a crowd. He gave me
+his sword; and I led him to my tent, and provided him with all the
+solace and succour I could, for he was sorely wounded. He was the Sieur
+de Ramenais; a gentleman of Provence, and an honest, merry-hearted,
+valiant man, as it was ever my lot to meet withal. He shared my bed
+and board, a pleasant guest rather than a prisoner, until we took the
+town, making the admiral himself our captive, as you know already. By
+that time, his brother had raised the sum for his ransom, and sent it
+honourably to me. But, in any case, I should have dismissed him on
+parole, as soon as his wounds were healed. He was pleased to give me,
+beside the good gold pistoles, this diamond ring you see on my finger,
+in token of friendship."
+
+Carlos took the costly trinket in his hand, and duly admired it.
+He did not fail to gather from Juan's simple narrative many things
+that he told not, and was little likely to tell. In the time of
+action, chivalrous daring; when the conflict was over, gentleness
+and generosity no less chivalrous, endearing him to all--even to
+the vanquished enemy. No wonder Carlos was proud of his brother!
+But beneath all the pride and joy there was, even already, a secret
+whisper of fear. How could he bear to see that noble brow clouded with
+anger--those bright confiding eyes averted from him in disdain? Turning
+from his own thoughts as if they had been guilty things, he asked
+quickly,--
+
+"But how did you obtain leave of absence?"
+
+"Through the kindness of his Highness."
+
+"The Duke of Savoy?"
+
+"Of course. And a braver general I would never ask to serve."
+
+"I thought it might have been from the King himself, when he came to
+the camp after the battle."
+
+Don Juan's cheek glowed with modest triumph. "His Highness was good
+enough to point me out to His Catholic Majesty," he said. "And the King
+spoke to me himself!"
+
+It is difficult for us to understand how a few formal words of praise
+from the lips of one of the meanest and vilest of men could be looked
+upon by the really noble-hearted Don Juan Alvarez as almost the
+crowning joy of his life. With the enthusiastic loyalty of his age and
+country he honoured Philip the king; Philip the man being all the time
+a personage as utterly unknown to him as the Sultan of Turkey. But
+not choosing to expatiate upon a theme so flattering to himself, he
+continued,--
+
+"The Duke contrived to send me home with despatches, saying kindly
+that he thought my wound required a little rest and care. Though I had
+affairs of importance" (and here the colour mounted to his brow) "to
+settle in Seville, I would not have quitted the camp, with my goodwill,
+had we been about any enterprise likely to give us fair fighting. But
+in truth Carlos, things have been abundantly dull since the fall of St.
+Quentin. Though we have our King with us, and Henry of France and the
+Duke of Guise have both joined the enemy, all are standing at gaze as
+if they were frozen, and doomed to stay there motionless till the day
+of judgment. I have no mind for that kind of sport, not I! I became a
+soldier to fight His Catholic Majesty's battles, not to stare at his
+enemies as if they were puppets paid to make a show for my amusement.
+So I was not sorry to take leave of absence."
+
+"And your important business in Seville. May a brother ask what that
+means?"
+
+"A brother may ask what he pleases, and be answered. Wish me joy,
+Carlos; I have arranged that little matter with Doña Beatriz." And
+his light words half hid, half revealed the great deep joy of his
+own strong heart. "My uncle," he continued, "is favourable to my
+views; indeed, I have never known him so friendly. We are to have our
+betrothal feast at Christmas, when your time of retreat here is over."
+
+Carlos "wished him joy" most sincerely. Fervently did he thank God
+that it was in his power to do it; that the snare that had once wound
+itself so subtly around his footsteps was broken, and his soul escaped.
+He could now meet his brother's eye without self-reproach. Still, this
+seemed sudden. He said, "Certainly you did not lose time."
+
+"Why should I?" asked Juan with simplicity. "'By-and-by is always too
+late,' as thou wert wont to say; and I would they learned that proverb
+at the camp. In truth," he added more gravely, "I often feared, during
+my stay there, that I might have lost all through my tardiness. But
+thou wert a good brother to me, Carlos."
+
+"Mayest thou ever think so, brother mine," said Carlos, not without a
+pang, as his conscience told him how little he deserved the praise.
+
+"But what in the world," asked Juan hastily, "has induced thee to bury
+thyself here, amongst these drowsy monks?"
+
+"The brethren are excellent men, learned and pious. And I am not
+buried," Carlos returned with a smile.
+
+"And if thou wert buried ten fathoms deep, thou shouldst come up out of
+the grave when I need thee to stand beside me."
+
+"Do not fear for that. Now thou art come, I will not prolong my stay
+here, as otherwise I might have done. But I have been very happy here,
+Juan."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," said the merry-hearted, unsuspecting Juan. "I
+am glad also that you are not in too great haste to tie yourself down
+to the Church's service; though our honoured uncle seems to wish you
+had a keener eye to your own interest, and a better look-out for fat
+benefices. But I believe his own sons have appropriated all the stock
+of worldly prudence meant for the whole family, leaving none over for
+thee and me, Carlos."
+
+"That is true of Don Manuel and Don Balthazar, not of Gonsalvo."
+
+"Gonsalvo! he is far the worst of the three," Juan exclaimed, with
+something like anger in his open, sunny face.
+
+Carlos laughed. "I suppose he has been favouring you with his opinion
+of me," he said.
+
+"If he were not a poor miserable weakling and cripple, I should answer
+him with the point of my good sword. However, this is idle talk. Little
+brother" (Carlos being nearly as tall as himself, the diminutive was
+only a term of affection, recalling the days of their childhood, and
+more suited to masculine lips than its equivalent, dear)--"little
+brother, you look grave and pale, and ten years older than when we
+parted at Alcala."
+
+"Do I? Much has happened with me since. I have been very sorrowful and
+very happy."
+
+Don Juan laid his available hand on his brother's shoulder, and looked
+him earnestly in the face. "No secrets from me, little brother," he
+said. "If thou dost not like the service of Holy Church after all,
+speak out, and thou shalt go back with me to France, or to anywhere
+else in the known world that thou wilt. There may be some fair lady in
+the case," he added, with a keen and searching glance.
+
+"No, brother--not that. I have indeed much to tell thee, but not
+now--not to-day."
+
+"Choose thine own time; only remember, no secrets. That were the one
+unbrotherly act I could never forgive."
+
+"But I am not yet satisfied about your wound," said Carlos, with
+perhaps a little moral cowardice, turning the conversation. "Was the
+bone broken?"
+
+"No, fortunately; only grazed. It would not have signified, but for the
+treatment of the blundering barber-surgeon. I was advised to show it to
+some man of skill; and already my cousins have recommended to me one
+who is both physician and surgeon, and very able, they say."
+
+"Dr. Cristobal Losada?"
+
+"The same. Your favourite, Don Gonsalvo, has just been prevailed upon
+to make trial of his skill."
+
+"I am heartily glad of it," returned Carlos. "There is a change of mind
+on his part, equal to any wherewith he can reproach me; and a change
+for the better, I have little doubt."
+
+Thus the conversation wandered on; touching many subjects, exhausting
+none; and never again drawing dangerously near those deep places which
+one of the brothers knew must be thoroughly explored, and that at no
+distant day. For Juan's sake, for the sake of One whom he loved even
+more than Juan, he dared not--nay, he would not--avoid the task. But he
+needed, or thought he needed, consideration and prayer, that he might
+speak the truth wisely, as well as bravely, to that beloved brother.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVII.
+
+                             Disclosures.
+
+  "No distance breaks the tie of blood;
+  Brothers are brothers evermore;
+  Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood,
+  That magic may o'erpower."
+
+                                    KEBLE.
+
+
+The opportunity for free converse with his brother which Carlos
+desired, yet dreaded, was unexpectedly postponed. It would have been
+in accordance neither with the ideas of the time nor with his own
+feelings to have shortened his period of retreat in the monastery,
+though he would not now prolong it. And though Don Juan did not fail
+to make his appearance upon every day when visitors were admitted,
+he was always accompanied by either of his cousins Don Manuel or Don
+Balthazar, or by both. These shallow, worldly-minded young men were
+little likely to allow for the many things, in which strangers might
+not intermeddle, that brothers long parted might find to say to each
+other; they only thought that they were conferring a high honour on
+their poorer relatives by their favour and notice. In their presence
+the conversation was necessarily confined to the incidents of Juan's
+campaign, and to family matters. Whether Don Balthazar would obtain
+a post he was seeking under Government; whether Doña Sancha would
+eventually bestow the inestimable favour of her hand upon Don Beltran
+Vivarez or Don Alonso de Giron; and whether the disappointed suitor
+would stab himself or his successful rival;--these were questions
+of which Carlos soon grew heartily weary. But in all that concerned
+Beatriz he was deeply interested. Whatever he may once have allowed
+himself to fancy about the sentiments of a very young and childish
+girl, he never dreamed that she would make, or even desire to make,
+any opposition to the expressed wish of her guardian, who destined her
+for Juan. He was sure that she would learn quickly enough to love his
+brother as he deserved, even if she did not already do so. And it gave
+him keen pleasure that his sacrifice had not been in vain; that the
+wine-cup of joy which he had just tasted, then put steadily aside, was
+being drained to the dregs by the lips he loved best. It is true this
+pleasure was not yet unmixed with pain, but the pain was less than a
+few months ago he would have believed possible. The wound which he once
+thought deadly, was in process of being healed; nay, it was nearly
+healed already. But the scar would always remain.
+
+Grand and mighty, but perplexing and mournful thoughts were filling
+his heart every day more and more. Amongst the subjects eagerly and
+continually discussed with the brethren of San Isodro, the most
+prominent just now was the sole priesthood of Christ, with the
+impossibility of his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice being ever
+repeated.
+
+But these truths, in themselves so glorious, had for those who dared
+to admit them one terrible consequence. Their full acknowledgment
+would transform "the main altar's consummation," the sacrifice of the
+mass, from the highest act of Christian worship into a hideous lie,
+dishonouring to God, and ruinous to man.
+
+To this conclusion the monks of San Isodro were drawing nearer slowly
+but surely every day. And Carlos was side by side with the most
+advanced of them in the path of progress. Though timid in action, he
+was bold in speculation. To his keen, quick intellect to think and to
+reason was a necessity; he could not rest content with surface truths,
+nor leave any matter in which he was interested without probing it to
+its depths.
+
+But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now
+imminent was practically a most momentous one. It must transform the
+light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture
+the hands that held and tried to conceal it. They could only guard
+themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting
+it on the candle-stick of a true and faithful profession.
+
+"Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich
+lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison
+to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man? Let us
+go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but
+faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the
+liberty of confessing his name before men." This plan was the most
+popular with the community; though there were some that objected to it,
+not because of the loss of worldly wealth it would entail, but because
+of its extreme difficulty, and the peril in which it would involve
+others.
+
+That the question might be fully discussed and some course of action
+resolved upon, the monks of San Isodro convened a solemn chapter.
+Carlos had not, of course, the right to be present, though his friends
+would certainly inform him immediately afterwards of all that passed.
+So he whiled away part of the anxious hours by a walk in the orange
+grove belonging to the monastery. It was now December, and there had
+been a frost--not very usual in that mild climate. Every blade of
+grass was gemmed with tiny jewels, which were crushed by his footsteps
+as he passed along. He fancied them like the fair and sparkling, but
+unreal dreams of the creed in which he had been nurtured. They must
+perish; even should he weakly turn aside to spare them, God's sun
+would not fail ere long to dissolve them with the warmth of its beams.
+But wherefore mourn them? Would not the sun shine on still, and the
+blue sky, the emblem of eternal truth and love, still stretch above
+his head? Therefore he would look up--up, and not down. Forgetting
+the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those that were
+before, he would fain press forward towards the mark for the prize. And
+then his heart went up in fervent prayer that not only he himself, but
+also all those who shared his faith, might be enabled so to do.
+
+Turning into a path leading back through the grove to the monastery, he
+saw his brother coming towards him.
+
+"I was seeking thee," said Don Juan.
+
+"And always welcome. But why so early? On a Friday too!"
+
+"Wherein is Friday worse than Thursday?" asked Juan with a laugh. "You
+are not a monk, or even a novice, to be bound by rules so strict that
+you may not say, 'Vaya con Dios' to your brother without asking leave
+of my lord Abbot."
+
+Carlos had often noticed, not with displeasure, the freedom which
+Juan since his return assumed in speaking of Churchmen and Church
+ordinances. He answered, "I am only bound by the general rules of the
+house, to which it is seemly that visitors should conform. To-day the
+brethren are holding a Chapter to confer upon matters pertaining to
+their discipline. I cannot well bring you in-doors; but we do not need
+a better parlour than this."
+
+"True. I care for no roof save God's sky; and as for glazed and grated
+windows, I abhor them. Were I thrown into prison, I should die in a
+week. I made an early start for San Isodro, on an unusual day, to get
+rid of the company of my excellent but tiresome cousins; for in truth I
+am sick unto death of their talk and their courtesies. Moreover, I have
+ten thousand things to tell you, brother."
+
+"I have a few for your ear also."
+
+"Let us sit down. Here is a pleasant seat which some of your brethren
+contrived to rest their weary limbs and enjoy the prospect. They know
+how to be comfortable, these monks."
+
+They sat down accordingly. For more than an hour Don Juan was the chief
+speaker; and as he spoke out of the abundance of his heart, it was no
+wonder that the name oftenest on his lips was that of Doña Beatriz. Of
+the long and circumstantial story that he poured into the sympathizing
+ear of Carlos no more than this is necessary to repeat--that Beatriz
+not only did not reject him (no well-bred Spanish girl would behave in
+such a singular manner to a suitor recommended by her guardian), but
+actually looked kindly, nay, even smiled upon him. His exhilaration was
+in consequence extreme; and its expression might have proved tedious to
+any listener not deeply interested in his welfare.
+
+At last, however, the subject was dismissed. "So my path lies clear
+and plain before me," said Juan, his fine determined face glowing with
+resolution and hope. "A soldier's life, with its toils and prizes;
+and a happy home at Nuera, with a sweet face to welcome me when I
+return. And, sooner or later, _that_ voyage to the Indies. But you,
+Carlos--speak out, for I confess you perplex me--what do _you_ wish and
+intend?"
+
+"Had you asked me that question a few months, I might almost say a few
+weeks, ago, I should not have hesitated, as now I do, for an answer."
+
+"You were ever willing, more than willing, for Holy Church's service.
+I know but one cause which could alter your mind; and to the tender
+accusation you have already pleaded not guilty."
+
+"The plea is a true one."
+
+"Certes; it cannot be that you have been seized with a sudden passion
+for a soldier's life," laughed Juan. "That was never your taste,
+little brother; and with all respect for you, I scarce think your
+achievements with sword and arquebus would be specially brilliant. But
+there is something wrong with you," he said in an altered tone, as he
+gazed in his brother's anxious face.
+
+"Not _wrong_, but--"
+
+"I have it!" said Juan, joyously interrupting him. "You are in debt.
+That is soon mended, brother. In fact, it is my fault. I have had far
+too large a share already of what should have been for both of us
+alike. In future--"
+
+"Hush, brother. I have always had enough, more than I needed. And thou
+hast many expenses, and wilt have more henceforward, whilst I shall
+only want a doublet and hosen, and a pair of shoes."
+
+"And a cassock and gown?"
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"I vow it is a harder task to comprehend you than to chase Coligny's
+guard with my single arm! And you so pious, so good a Christian! If
+you were a dull rough soldier like me, and if you had had a Huguenot
+prisoner (and a very fine fellow, too) to share your bed and board for
+months, one could comprehend your not liking certain things over well,
+or even"--and Juan averted his face and lowered his voice--"your having
+certain evil thoughts you would scarcely care to breathe in the ears of
+your father confessor."
+
+"Brother, I too have had thoughts," said Carlos eagerly.
+
+But Juan suddenly tossed off his montero, and ran his fingers through
+his black glossy hair. In old times this gesture used to be a sign that
+he was going to speak seriously. After a moment he began, but with a
+little hesitation, for in fact he held the _mind_ of Carlos in as true
+and unfeigned reverence as Carlos held his _character_. And that is
+enough to say, without mentioning the additional respect with which he
+regarded him, as almost a priest. "Brother Carlos, you are good and
+pious. You were thus from childhood; and therefore it is that you are
+fit for the service of Holy Church. You rise and go to rest, you read
+your books, and tell your beads, and say your prayers, all just as you
+are ordered. It is the best life for you, and for any man who _can_
+live it, and be content with it. You do not sin, you do not doubt;
+therefore you will never come into any grief or trouble. But let me
+tell you, little brother, you have a scant notion what men meet with
+who go forth into the great world and fight their way in it; seeing
+on every side of them things that, take them as they may, will _not_
+always square with the faith they have learned in childhood."
+
+"Brother, I also have struggled and suffered. I also have doubted."
+
+"Oh yes, a Churchman's doubts! You had only to tell yourself doubt
+was a sin, to make the sign of the cross, to say an Ave or two, then
+there was an end of your doubts. 'Twere a different matter if you had
+the evil one in the shape of an angel of light--at least in that of a
+courteous, well-bred Huguenot gentleman, with as nice a sense of honour
+as any Catholic Christian--at your side continually, to whisper that
+the priests are no better than they ought to be, that the Church needs
+reform; and Heaven knows what more, and worse, beside.--Now, my pious
+brother, if thou art going to curse me with bell, book, and candle,
+begin at once. I am ready, and prepared to be duly penitent. Let me
+first put on my cap though, for it is cold," and he suited the action
+to the word.
+
+The voice in which Carlos answered him was low and tremulous with
+emotion. "Instead of cursing thee, brother beloved, I bless thee from
+my heart for words which give me courage to speak. I have doubted--nay,
+why should I shrink from the truth? I have learned, as I believe, from
+God himself that some things which the Church teaches as her doctrines
+are only the commandments of men."
+
+Don Juan started, and his colour changed. His vaguely liberal ideas
+were far from having prepared him for this. "What do you mean?" he
+cried, staring at his brother in amazement.
+
+"That I am now, in very truth, what I think you would call--_a
+Huguenot_."
+
+The die was cast. The avowal was made. Carlos waited its effects in
+breathless silence, as one who has fired a powder magazine might await
+the explosion.
+
+"May all the holy saints have mercy upon us!" cried Juan, in a voice
+that echoed through the grove. But after that one involuntary cry he
+was silent. The eyes of Carlos sought his face, but he turned away from
+him. At last he muttered, striking with his sword at the trunk of a
+tree that was near him, "Huguenot--Protestant--_heretic_!"
+
+"Brother," said Carlos, rising and standing before him--"brother, say
+what thou wilt, only speak to me. Reproach me, curse me, strike me, if
+it please thee, only speak to me."
+
+Juan turned, gazed full in his imploring face, and slowly, very slowly,
+allowed the sword to fall from his hand. There was a moment of doubt,
+of hesitation. Then he stretched out that hand to his brother. "They
+who list may curse thee, but not I," he said.
+
+Carlos strained the offered hand in so close a grasp that his own was
+cut by his brother's diamond ring, and the blood flowed.
+
+For a long time both were silent, Juan in amazement, perhaps in
+consternation; Carlos in deep thankfulness. His confession was made,
+and his brother loved him still.
+
+At last Juan spoke, slowly and as if half bewildered. "The Sieur de
+Ramenais believes in God, and in our Lord and his passion. And you?"
+
+Carlos repeated the Apostles' Creed in the vulgar tongue.
+
+"And in Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God?"
+
+"I believe that she was the most blessed among women, the holiest among
+the holy saints. Yet I ask her intercession no more. I am too well
+assured of His love who says to me; and to all who keep his word, 'My
+brother, my sister, my mother.'"
+
+"I thought devotion to Our Lady was the surest mark of piety," said
+Juan, in utter perplexity. "Then, I am only a man of the world. But oh,
+my brother, this is frightful!" He paused a moment, then added more
+calmly, "Still, I have learned that Huguenots are not beasts with horns
+and hoofs; but, possibly, brave and honourable men enough, as good,
+for this world, as their neighbours. And yet--the disgrace!" His dark
+cheek flushed, then grew pale, as there rose before his mind's eye an
+appalling vision--his brother robed in a hideous sanbenito, bearing a
+torch in the ghastly procession of an _auto-da-fé_! "You have kept your
+secret as your life? My uncle and his family suspect nothing?" he asked
+anxiously.
+
+"Nothing, thank God."
+
+"And who taught you this accursed--these doctrines?"
+
+Carlos briefly told the story of his first acquaintance with the
+Spanish New Testament; suppressing, however, all mention of the
+personal sorrow that had made its teaching so precious to him; nor did
+he think it expedient to give the name of Juliano Hernandez.
+
+"The Church may need reform. I am sure she does," Juan candidly
+admitted. "But Carlos, my brother," he added, while the expression of
+his face softened gradually into mournful, pitying tenderness, "little
+brother, in old times so gentle, so timid, hast thou dreamed--of the
+peril? I speak not now of the disgrace--God wot that is hard enough to
+think of--hard enough," he repeated bitterly. "But the peril?"
+
+Carlos was silent; his hands were clasped, his eyes raised upwards,
+full of thought, perhaps of prayer.
+
+"What is that on thy hand?" asked Juan, with a sudden change of tone.
+"Blood? The Sieur de Ramenais' diamond ring has hurt thee."
+
+Carlos glanced at the little wound, and smiled. "I never felt it," he
+said, "so glad was my heart, Ruy, for that brave grasp of faithful
+brotherhood." And there was a strange light in his eye as he added,
+"Perchance it may be thus with me, if Christ indeed should call me to
+suffer. Weak as I am, he can give, even to me, such blessed assurance
+of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear shall be unfelt, or
+vanish."
+
+Juan could not understand him, but he was awed and impressed. He had
+no heart for many words. He rose and walked towards the gate of the
+monastery grounds, slowly and in silence, Carlos accompanying him. When
+they had nearly reached the spot where they were to part, Carlos said,
+"You have heard Fray Constantino, as I asked you?"
+
+"Yes, and I greatly admire him."
+
+"He teaches God's truth."
+
+"Why can you not rest content with his teaching, then, instead of going
+to look for better bread than wheaten, Heaven knows where?"
+
+"When I return to the city next week I will explain all to thee."
+
+"I hope so. In the meantime, adios." He strode on a pace or two, then
+turned back to say, "Thou and I, Carlos; we will stand together against
+the world."
+
+
+
+
+                                XVIII.
+
+                            The Aged Monk.
+
+  "I will not boast a martyr's might
+    To leave my home without a sigh--
+  The dwelling of my past delight,
+    The shelter where I hoped to die."
+
+                                  ANON.
+
+
+Much was Carlos strengthened by the result of his interview with Don
+Juan. The thing that he greatly feared, his beloved brother's wrath and
+scorn, had not come upon him. Juan had shown, instead, a moderation,
+a candour, and a willingness to listen, which, while it really amazed
+him, inspired him with the happiest hopes. With a glad heart he
+repeated the Psalmist's exulting words: "The Lord is my strength and
+my shield; my heart hath trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my
+heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him."
+
+He soon perceived that the Chapter was over; for figures, robed in
+white and brown, were moving here and there amongst the trees. He
+entered the house, and without happening to meet any one, made his
+way to the deserted Chapter-room. Its sole remaining occupant was a
+very aged monk, the oldest member of the community. He was seated at
+the table, his face buried in his hands, and his frail, worn frame
+quivering as if with sobs.
+
+Carlos went up to him and asked gently, "Father, what ails you?"
+
+The old man slowly raised his head, and gazed at him with sad, tired
+eyes, which had watched the course of more than eighty years. "My son,"
+he said, "if I weep, it is for joy."
+
+Carlos wondered; for he saw no joy on the wrinkled brow or in the
+tearful face. But he merely asked, "What have the brethren resolved?"
+
+"To await God's providence here. Praised be his holy name for that."
+And the old man bowed his silver head, and wept once more.
+
+To Carlos also the determination was a cause for deep gratitude.
+He had all along regarded the proposed flight of the brethren with
+extreme dread, as an almost certain means of awakening the suspicions
+of the Holy Office, and thus exposing all who shared their faith to
+destruction. It was no light matter that the danger was now at least
+postponed, always provided that the respite was purchased by no
+sacrifice of principle.
+
+"Thank God!" reiterated the old monk. "For here I have lived; and here
+I will die and be buried, beside the holy brethren of other days, in
+the chapel of Don Alonzo the Good. My son, I came hither a stripling
+as thou art--no, younger, younger--I know not how many years ago; one
+year is so like another, there is no telling. I could tell by looking
+at the great book, only my eyes are too dim to read it. They have grown
+dim very fast of late; when Doctor Egidius used to visit us, I could
+read my Breviary with the youngest of them all. But no matter how many
+years. They were many enough to change a blooming, black-haired boy
+into an old man tottering on the grave's brink. And I to go forth now
+into that great, wicked world beyond the gate! I to look upon strange
+faces, and to live amongst strange men! Or to die amongst them, for to
+that it would come full soon! No, no, Señor Don Carlos. Here I took
+the cowl; here I lived; and here I will die and lie buried, God and the
+saints helping me!"
+
+"Yet for the Truth's sake, my father, would you not be willing to make
+even this sacrifice, and to go forth in your old age into exile?"
+
+"If the brethren must needs go, so, I suppose, must I. But they are
+_not_ going, St. Jerome be praised," the old man repeated.
+
+"Going or staying, the presence of Him whom they serve and for whom
+they witness will be with them."
+
+"It may be, it may be, for aught I know. But in my young days so many
+fine words were not in use. We sang our matins, our complines, our
+vespers; we said the holy mass and all our offices, and God and St.
+Jerome took care of the rest."
+
+"But you would not have those days back again, would you, my father?
+You did not then know the glorious gospel of the grace of God."
+
+"Gospel, gospel? We always read the gospel for the day. I know my
+Breviary, young sir, just as well as another. And on festival days,
+some one always preached from the gospel. When Fray Domingo preached,
+plenty of great folks used to come out from the city to hear him. For
+he was very eloquent, and as much thought of, in his time, as Fray
+Cristobal is now. But they are forgotten in a little while, all of
+them. So will we, in a few years to come."
+
+Carlos reproached himself for having named the gospel, instead of Him
+whose words and works are the burden of the gospel story. For even to
+that dull ear, heavy with age, the name of Jesus was sweet. And that
+dull mind, drowsy with the slumber of a long lifetime, had half awaked
+at least to the consciousness of his love.
+
+"Dear father," he said gently, "I know you are well acquainted with the
+gospels. You remember what our blessed Lord saith of those who confess
+him before men, how he will not be ashamed to confess them before his
+Father in heaven? And, moreover, is it not a joy for us to show, in any
+way he points out to us, our love to him who loved us and gave himself
+for us?"
+
+"Yes, yes, we love him. And he knows I only wish to do what is right,
+and what is pleasing in his sight."
+
+Afterwards, Carlos talked over the events of the day with the younger
+and more intelligent brethren; especially with his teacher, Fray
+Cristobal, and his particular friend, Fray Fernando. He could but
+admire the spirit that had guided their deliberations, and feel
+increased thankfulness for the decision at which they had arrived. The
+peace which the whole community of Spanish Protestants then enjoyed,
+perilous and unstable as it was, stood at the mercy of every individual
+belonging to that community. The unexplained flight of any obscure
+member of Losada's congregation would have been sufficient to give the
+alarm, and let loose the bloodhounds of persecution upon the Church;
+how much more the abandonment of a wealthy and honourable religious
+house by the greater part of its inmates?
+
+The sword hung over their heads, suspended by a single hair, which a
+hasty or incautious movement, a word, a breath even, might suffice to
+break.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIX.
+
+                          Truth and Freedom.
+
+      "Man is greater than you thought him;
+  The bondage of long slumber he will break,
+  His just and ancient rights he will reclaim,
+  With Nero and Busiris he will rank
+  The name of Philip."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Never before had it fallen to the lot of Don Juan Alvarez to experience
+such bewilderment as that which his brother's disclosure occasioned
+him. That brother, whom he had always regarded as the embodiment
+of goodness and piety, who was rendered illustrious in his eyes by
+all sorts of academic honours, and sanctified by the shadow of the
+coming priesthood, had actually confessed himself to be--what he had
+been taught to hold in deepest, deadliest abomination--a Lutheran
+heretic. But, on the other hand, from the wise, pious, and in every
+way unexceptionable manner in which Carlos had spoken, Juan could not
+help hoping that what, probably through some unaccountable aberration
+of mind, he himself persisted in styling Lutheranism, might prove in
+the end some very harmless and orthodox kind of devotion. Perhaps,
+eventually, his brother might found some new and holy order of monks
+and friars. Or even (he was so clever) he might take the lead in a
+Reformation of the Church, which, there was no use in an honest man's
+denying, was sorely needed. Still, he could not help admitting that
+the Sieur de Ramenais had sometimes expressed himself with nearly as
+much apparent orthodoxy; and he was undoubtedly a confirmed heretic--a
+Huguenot.
+
+But if the recollection of this man, who for months had been his
+guest rather than his prisoner, served, from one point of view, to
+increase his difficulties, from another, it helped to clear away the
+most formidable of them. Don Juan had never been religious; but he had
+always been hotly orthodox, as became a Castilian gentleman of purest
+blood, and heir to all the traditions of an ancient house, foremost
+for generations in the great conflict with the infidel. He had been
+wont to look upon the Catholic faith as a thing bound up irrevocably
+with the knightly honour, the stainless fame, the noble pride of his
+race, and, consequently, with all that was dearest to his heart.
+Heresy he regarded as something unspeakably mean and degrading. It
+was associated in his mind with Jews and Moors, "caitiffs," "beggarly
+fellows;" all of them vulgar and unclean, some of them the hereditary
+enemies of his race. Heretics were Moslems, infidels, such as "my Cid"
+delighted in hewing down with his good sword Tizona, "for God and Our
+Lady's honour." Heretics kept the passover with mysterious, unhallowed
+rites, into which it would be best not to inquire; heretics killed (and
+perhaps ate) Christian children; they spat upon the cross; they had to
+wear ugly yellow sanbenitos at _autos-da-fé_; and, to sum up all in
+one word, they "smelled of the fire." To give full weight to the last
+allusion, it must be remembered that in the eyes of Don Juan and his
+cotemporaries, death by fire had no hallowed or ennobling associations
+to veil its horrors. The burning pile was to him what the cross was
+to our fore-fathers, and what the gibbet is to us, only far more
+disgraceful. Thus it was not so much his conscience as his honour and
+his pride that were arrayed against the new faith.
+
+But, unconsciously to himself, opposition had been silently undermined
+by his intercourse with the Sieur de Ramenais. It would probably have
+been fatal to Protestantism with Don Juan, had his first specimen of a
+Protestant been an humble muleteer. Fortunately, the new opinions had
+come to him represented by a noble and gallant knight, who
+
+  "In open battle or in tilting field
+   Forbore his own advantage;"
+
+who was as careful of his "pundonor"[10] as any Castilian gentleman,
+and scarcely yielded even to himself in all those marks of good
+breeding, which, to say the truth, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya valued far more than any abstract dogmas of faith.
+
+    [10] Point of honour.
+
+This circumstance produced a willingness on his part to give fair play
+to his brother's convictions. When Carlos returned to Seville, which he
+did about a week after the meeting of the Chapter, he was overjoyed to
+find Juan ready to hear all he had to say with patience and candour.
+Moreover, the young soldier was greatly attracted by the preaching of
+Fray Constantino, whom he pronounced, in language borrowed from the
+camp, "a right good camerado." Using these favourable dispositions
+to the best advantage, Carlos repeated to him passages from the
+New Testament; and with deep and prayerful earnestness explained
+and enforced the truths they taught, taking care, of course, not
+unnecessarily to shock his prejudices.
+
+And, as time passed on, it became every day more and more apparent
+that Don Juan was receiving "the new ideas;" and that with far less
+difficulty and conflict than Carlos himself had done. For with him
+the Reformed faith had only prejudices, not convictions, to contend
+against. These once broken down, the rest was easy. And then it came to
+him so naturally to follow the guidance of Carlos in all that pertained
+to _thinking_.
+
+Unmeasured was the joy of the affectionate brother when at last he
+found that he might safely venture to introduce him privately to Losada
+as a promising inquirer.
+
+In the meantime their outward life passed on smoothly and happily. With
+much feasting and rejoicing, Juan was betrothed to Doña Beatriz. He had
+loved her devotedly since boyhood; he loved her now more than ever.
+But his love was a deep, life-long passion--no sudden delirium of the
+fancy--so that it did not render him oblivious of every other tie, and
+callous to every other impression; it rather stimulated, and at the
+same time softened his whole nature. It made him not less, but more,
+sensitive to all the exciting and ennobling influences which were being
+brought to bear upon him.
+
+In Doña Beatriz Carlos perceived a change that surprised him, while,
+at the same time, it made more evident than ever how great would have
+been his own mistake, had he accepted the passive gratitude of a child
+towards one who noticed and flattered her for the true deep love of a
+woman's heart. Doña Beatriz was a passive child no longer now. On the
+betrothal day, a proud and beautiful woman leaned on the arm of his
+handsome brother, and looked around her upon the assembled family,
+queen-like in air and mien, her cheek rivalling the crimson of the
+damask rose, her large dark eye beaming with passionate, exulting joy.
+Carlos compared her in thought to the fair, carved alabaster lamp that
+stood on the inlaid centre table of his aunt's state receiving-room.
+Love had wrought in her the change which light within always did in
+that, revealing its hidden transparency, and glorifying its pale, cold
+whiteness with tints so warmly beautiful, that the clouds of evening
+might have envied them.
+
+The betrothal of Doña Sancha to Don Beltran Vivarez quickly followed.
+Don Balthazar also succeeded in obtaining the desired Government
+appointment, and henceforth enjoyed, much to his satisfaction, the
+honours and emoluments of an "_empleado_." To crown the family good
+fortune, Doña Inez rejoiced in the birth of a son and heir; while even
+Don Gonsalvo, not to be left out, acknowledged some improvement in
+his health, which he attributed to the judicious treatment of Losada.
+The mind of an intelligent man can scarcely be deeply exercised upon
+one great subject, without the result making itself felt throughout
+the whole range of his occupations. Losada's patients could not
+fail to benefit by his habits of independent thought and searching
+investigation, and his freedom from vulgar prejudices. This freedom,
+so rare in his nation, led him occasionally, though very cautiously,
+even to hazard the adoption of a few remedies which were not altogether
+"_cosas de Espana_."[11]
+
+    [11] Things of Spain.
+
+The physician deserved less credit for his treatment of Juan's wounded
+arm, which nature healed, almost as soon as her beneficent operations
+ceased to be retarded by ignorant and blundering leech-craft.
+
+Don Juan was occasionally heard to utter aspirations for the full
+restoration of his cousin Gonsalvo's health, more hearty in their
+expression than charitable in their motive. "I would give one of my
+fingers he could ride a horse and handle a sword, or at least a good
+foil with the button off, and I would soon make him repent his bearing
+and language to thee, Carlos. But what can a man do with a _thing_
+like that, save let him alone for very shame? Yet he is dastard enough
+to presume on such toleration, and to strike those whom his own
+infirmities hinder from returning the blow."
+
+"If he could ride a horse or handle a sword, brother, I think you would
+find a marvellous change for the better in his bearing and language.
+That bitterness, what is it, after all, but the fruit of pain? Or of
+what is even worse than pain, repressed force and energy. He would be
+in the great world doing and daring; and behold, he is chained to a
+narrow room, or at best toils with difficulty a few hundred paces. No
+wonder that the strong winds, bound in their caverns, moan and shriek
+piteously at times. When I hear them I feel far too much compassion to
+think of anger. And I would give one of my fingers--nay, I would give
+my right hand," he added with a smile, "that he shared our blessed
+hope, Juan, my brother."
+
+"The most unlikely person of all our acquaintance to become a convert."
+
+"So say not I. Do you know that he has given money--he that has so
+little--more than once to Señor Cristobal for the poor?"
+
+"That is nothing," said Juan. "He was ever free-handed. Do you not
+remember, in our childhood, how he would strike us upon the least
+provocation, yet insist on our sharing his sweetmeats and his toys, and
+even sometimes fight us for refusing them? While the others knew the
+value of a ducat before they knew their Angelus, and would sell and
+barter their small possessions like Dutch merchants."
+
+"Which you spared not to call them, bearing yourself in the quarrels
+that naturally ensued with undaunted prowess; while I too often
+disgraced you by tearful entreaties for peace at all costs," returned
+Carlos, laughing. "But, my brother," he resumed more gravely, "I
+often ask myself, are we doing all that is possible in our present
+circumstances to share with others the treasure we have found?"
+
+"I trust it will soon be open to them all," said Juan, who had now come
+just far enough to grasp strongly his right to think and judge for
+himself, and with it the idea of emancipation from the control of a
+proud and domineering priesthood. "Great is truth, and shall prevail."
+
+"Certainly, in the end. But much that to mortal eyes looks like defeat
+may come first."
+
+"I think my learned brother, so much wiser than I upon many subjects,
+fails to read well the signs of the times. Whose Word saith, 'When ye
+see the fig-tree put forth her buds, know ye that summer is nigh, even
+at the door'? Everywhere the fig-trees are budding now."
+
+"Still the frosts may return."
+
+"Hold thy peace, too desponding brother. Thou shouldst have learned
+another lesson yesterday, when thou and I watched the eager thousands
+as they hung breathless on the lips of our Fray Constantino. Are not
+those thousands really for _us_, and for truth and freedom?"
+
+"No doubt Christ has his own amongst them."
+
+"You always think of individuals, Carlos, rather than of our country.
+You forget we are sons of Spain, Castilian nobles. Of course we rejoice
+when even one man here and there is won for the truth. But our Spain!
+our glorious land, first and fairest of all the earth! our land of
+conquerors, whose arms reach to the ends of the world--one hand taming
+the infidel in his African stronghold, while the other crowns her with
+the gold and jewels of the far West! She who has led the nations in the
+path of discovery--whose fleets gem the ocean--whose armies rule the
+land,--shall she not also lead the way to the great city of God, and
+bring in the good coming time when all shall know him from the least to
+the greatest--when they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
+them free? Carlos, my brother, I do not dare to doubt it."
+
+It was not often that Don Juan expressed himself in such a lengthened
+and energetic, not to say grandiloquent manner. But his love for Spain
+was a passion, and to extol her or to plead her cause words were never
+lacking with him. In reply to this outburst of enthusiasm, Carlos only
+said gently, "Amen, and the Lord establish it in his time."
+
+Don Juan looked keenly at him. "I thought you had faith, Carlos?" he
+said.
+
+"Faith?" Carlos repeated inquiringly.
+
+"Such faith," said Juan, "as I have. Faith in truth and freedom!" And
+he rang out the sonorous words, "_Verdad y_ _libertad_," as if he
+thought, as indeed he did, that they had but to go forth through a
+submissive, rejoicing world, "conquering and to conquer."
+
+"I have faith _in Christ_," Carlos answered quietly.
+
+And in those two brief phrases each unconsciously revealed to the other
+the very depths of his soul, and told the secret of his history.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XX.
+
+                  The First Drop of a Thunder Shower.
+
+  "Closed doorways that are folded
+    And prayed against in vain."
+
+                           E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Meanwhile the happy weeks glided on noiselessly and rapidly. They
+brought full occupation for head and heart, as well as varied and
+intense enjoyment. Don Juan's constant intercourse with Doña Beatriz
+was not the less delightful because already he sought to imbue her mind
+with the truths which he himself was learning every day to love better.
+He thought her an apt and hopeful pupil, but, under the circumstances,
+he was scarcely the best possible judge.
+
+Carlos was not so well satisfied with her attainments; he advised
+reserve and caution in imparting their secrets to her, lest through
+inadvertence she might betray them to her aunt and cousins. Juan
+considered this a mark of his constitutional timidity; yet he so far
+attended to his warnings, that Doña Beatriz was strongly impressed
+with the necessity of keeping their religious conversations a profound
+secret, whilst her sensibilities were not shocked by any mention of
+words so odious as heresy or Lutheranism.
+
+But there could be no doubt as to Juan's own progress under the
+instructions of his brother, and of Losada and Fray Cassiodoro.
+He began, ere long, to accompany Carlos to the meetings of the
+Protestants, who welcomed the new acquisition to their ranks with
+affectionate enthusiasm. All were attracted by Don Juan's warmth and
+candour of disposition, and by his free, joyous, hopeful temperament;
+though he was not beloved by any as intensely as Carlos was by the few
+who really knew him, such as Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and the
+young monk, Fray Fernando.
+
+Partly through the influence of his religious friends, and partly
+through the brilliant reputation he had brought from Alcala, Carlos
+now obtained a lectureship at the College of Doctrine, of which the
+provost, Fernando de San Juan, was a decided and zealous Lutheran. This
+appointment was an honourable one, considered in no way derogatory to
+his social position, and useful as tending to convince his uncle that
+he was "doing something," not idly dreaming his time away.
+
+Occupations of another kind opened out before him also. Amongst the
+many sincere and anxious inquirers who were troubled with perplexities
+concerning the relations of the old faith and the new, were some
+who turned to him, with an instinctive feeling that he could help
+them. This was just the work that best suited his abilities and his
+temperament. To sympathize, to counsel, to aid in conflict as only
+that man can do who has known conflict himself, was God's special gift
+to him. And he who goes through the world speaking, whenever he can,
+a word in season to the weary, will seldom be without some weary one
+ready to listen to him.
+
+Upon one subject, and only one, the brothers still differed. Juan saw
+the future robed in the glowing hues borrowed from his own ardent,
+hopeful spirit. In his eyes the Spains were already won "for truth
+and freedom," as he loved to say. He anticipated nothing less than a
+glorious regeneration of Christendom, in which his beloved country
+would lead the van. And there were many amongst Losada's congregation
+who shared these bright and beautiful, if delusive dreams, and the
+enthusiasm which had given them birth, and in its turn was nourished by
+them.
+
+Again, there were others who rejoiced with much trembling over the
+good tidings that often reached them of the spread of the faith in
+distant parts of the country, and who welcomed each neophyte to their
+ranks as if they were adorning a victim for the sacrifice. They could
+not forget that name of terror, the Holy Inquisition. And from certain
+ominous indications they thought the sleeping monster was beginning to
+stir in his den. Else why had new and severe decrees against heresy
+been recently obtained from Rome? And above all, why had the Bishop
+of Terragona, Gonzales de Munebrãga, already known as a relentless
+persecutor of Jews and Moors, been appointed Vice-Inquisitor General at
+Seville?
+
+Still, on the whole, hope and confidence predominated; and strange,
+nay, incredible as it may appear to us, beneath the very shadow of the
+Triana the Lutherans continued to hold their meetings "almost with open
+doors."
+
+One evening Don Juan escorted Doña Beatriz to some festivity from which
+he could not very well excuse himself, whilst Carlos attended a reunion
+for prayer and mutual edification at the usual place--the house of Doña
+Isabella de Baena.
+
+Don Juan returned at a late hour, but in high spirits. Going at once to
+the room where his brother sat awaiting him, he threw off his cloak,
+and stood before him, a gay, handsome figure, in his doublet of crimson
+satin, his gold chain, and well-used sword, now worn for ornament, with
+its embossed scabbard and embroidered belt.
+
+"I never saw Doña Beatriz look so charming," he began eagerly. "Don
+Miguel de Santa Cruz was there, but he could not get so much as a
+single dance with her, and looked ready to die for envy. But save me
+from the impertinence of Luis Rotelo! I shall have to cane him one
+of these days, if no milder measures will teach him his place and
+station. _He_, the son of a simple hidalgo, to dare lift his eyes to
+Doña Beatriz de Lavella? The caitiff's presumption!--But thou art not
+listening, brother. What is wrong with thee?"
+
+No wonder he asked. The face of Carlos was pale; and the deep mournful
+eyes looked as if tears had been lately there. "A great sorrow, brother
+mine," he answered in a low voice.
+
+"_My_ sorrow too, then. Tell me, what is it?" asked Juan, his tone and
+manner changed in a moment.
+
+"Juliano is taken."
+
+"Juliano! The muleteer who brought the books, and gave you that
+Testament?"
+
+"The man who put into my hands this precious Book, to which I owe my
+joy now and my hope for eternity," said Carlos, his lip trembling.
+
+"Ay de mi!--But perhaps it is not true."
+
+"Too true. A smith, to whom he showed a copy of the Book, betrayed him.
+God forgive him--if there be forgiveness for such. It may have been a
+month ago, but we only heard it now. And he lies there--_there_."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"All were talking of it at the meeting when I entered. It is the sorrow
+of all; but I doubt if any have such cause to sorrow as I. For he is my
+father in the faith, Juan. And now," he added, after a long, sad pause,
+"I shall _never_ tell him what he has done for me--at least on this
+side of the grave."
+
+"There is no hope for him," said Juan mournfully, as one that mused.
+
+"_Hope!_ Only in the great mercy of God. Even those dreadful dungeon
+walls cannot shut Him out."
+
+"No; thank God."
+
+"But the prolonged, the bitter, the horrible suffering! I have been
+trying to contemplate, to picture it--but I cannot, I dare not. And
+what I dare not think of, he must endure."
+
+"He is a peasant, you are a noble--that makes some difference," said
+Don Juan, with whom the tie of brotherhood in Christ had not yet
+effaced all earthly distinctions. "But Carlos," he questioned suddenly,
+and with a look of alarm, "does not he know everything?"
+
+"_Everything_," Carlos answered quietly. "One word from his lips, and
+the pile is kindled for us all. But that word will never be spoken.
+To-night not one heart amongst us trembled for ourselves, we only wept
+for him."
+
+"You trust him, then, so completely? It is much to say. They in whose
+hands he is are cruel as fiends. No doubt they will--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Carlos, with a look of such exceeding pain, that
+Juan was effectually silenced. "There are things we cannot speak of,
+save to God in prayer. Oh, my brother, pray for him, that He for whom
+he has risked so much may sustain him, and, if it may be, shorten his
+agony."
+
+"Surely more than two or three will join in that prayer. But, my
+brother," he added, after a pause, "be not so downcast. Do you not
+know that every great cause must have its martyr? When was a victory
+won, and no brave man left dead on the field; a city stormed, and none
+fallen in the breach? Perhaps to that poor peasant may be given the
+glory--the great glory--of being honoured throughout all time as the
+sainted martyr whose death has consecrated our holy cause to victory. A
+grand lot truly! Worth suffering for!" And Juan's dark eye kindled, and
+his cheek glowed with enthusiasm.
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"
+
+"I think that Christ is worth suffering for," said Carlos at last.
+"And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith,
+can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May
+that--may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and
+comfort are far away."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXI.
+
+                         By the Guadalquivir.
+
+  "There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,
+  Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Next Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Doña
+Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the
+deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there.
+But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and
+death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death
+for all who trust him. Then came prayer--true incense offered on the
+golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil,"
+still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.[12] But
+in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.
+
+    [12] See Exodus XXX. 6.
+
+"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had
+parted with their friends. "The night is fine."
+
+"Whither shall we bend our steps?"
+
+Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of
+the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.
+
+"Why take such a circuit?" said Carlos, showing a disposition to turn
+in an opposite direction. "This is far the shorter way."
+
+"True; but it is less pleasant."
+
+Carlos looked at him gratefully. "My brother would spare my weakness,"
+he said. "But it needs not. Twice of late, when you were engaged with
+Doña Beatriz, I went alone thither, and--to the Prado San Sebastian."
+
+So they passed through the Puerta de Triana, and having crossed the
+bridge of boats, leisurely took their way beneath the walls of the grim
+old castle. As they did so, both prayed in silence for one who was
+pining in its dungeons. Don Juan, whose interest in the fate of Juliano
+was naturally far less intense than his brother's, was the first to
+break that silence. He remarked that the Dominican convent adjoining
+the Triana looked nearly as gloomy as the inquisitorial prison itself.
+
+"I think it looks like all other convents," returned Carlos, with
+indifference.
+
+They were soon in the shadow of the dark, ghostlike olive trees. The
+moon was young, and gave but little light; but the large clear stars
+looked down through the southern air like lamps of fire, hanging not so
+much in the sky as from it. Were those bright watchers charged with a
+message from the land very far off, which seemed so near to _them_ in
+the high places whence they ruled the night? Carlos drank in the spirit
+of the scene in silence. But this did not please his less meditative
+brother. "What art thou pondering?" he asked.
+
+"'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
+they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'"
+
+"Art thinking still of the prisoner in the Triana?"
+
+"Of him, and also of another very dear to both of us, of whom I have
+for some time been purposing to speak to thee. What if thou and I have
+been, like children, seeking for a star on earth while all the time it
+was shining above us in God's glorious heaven?"
+
+"Knowest thou not of old, little brother, that when thy parables begin
+I am left behind at once? I pray thee, let the stars alone, and speak
+the language of earth."
+
+"What was the task to which thou and I vowed ourselves in childhood,
+brother?"
+
+Juan looked at him keenly through the dim light. "I sometimes feared
+thou hadst forgotten," he said.
+
+"No danger of that. But I had a reason--I think a good and sufficient
+one--for not speaking to thee until well and fully assured of thy
+sympathy."
+
+"My sympathy? In aught that concerned the dream, the passion of my
+life!--of both our young lives! Carlos, how couldst thou even doubt of
+this?"
+
+"I had reason to doubt at first whether a gleam of light which has been
+shed upon our father's fate would be regarded by his son as a blessing
+or a curse."
+
+"Do not keep a man in suspense, brother. Speak at once, in Heaven's
+name."
+
+"I doubt no longer _now_. It will be to thee, Juan, as to me, a joy
+exceeding great to think that our venerated father read God's Word for
+himself, and knew his truth and honoured it, as we have learned to do."
+
+"Now, God be thanked!" cried Juan, pausing in his walk and clasping his
+hands together. "This indeed is joyful news. But speak, brother; how do
+you know it? Are you certain, or is it only dream, hope, conjecture?"
+
+Carlos told him in detail, first the hint dropped by Losada to De Seso;
+then the story of Dolores; lastly, what he had heard at San Isodro
+about Don Rodrigo de Valer. And as he proceeded with his narrative, he
+welded the scattered links into a connected chain of evidence.
+
+Juan, all eagerness, could hardly wait till he came to the end. "Why
+did you not speak to Losada?" he interrupted at last.
+
+"Stay, brother, and hear me out; the best is to come. I have done so
+lately. But until assured how thou wouldst regard the matter, I cared
+not to ask questions, the answers to which might wound thy heart."
+
+"You are in no doubt now. What heard you from Señor Cristobal?"
+
+"I heard that Dr. Egidius named the Conde de Nuera as one of those who
+befriended Don Rodrigo. And that he had been present when that brave
+and faithful teacher privately expounded the Epistle to the Romans."
+
+"There!" Juan exclaimed with a start. "There is the origin of my second
+and favourite name, Rodrigo. Brother, brother, these are the best
+tidings I have heard for years." And uncovering his head, he uttered
+fervent and solemn words of thanksgiving.
+
+To which Carlos added a heartfelt "Amen," and resumed,--
+
+"Then, brother, you think we are justified in taking this joy to our
+hearts?"
+
+"Without doubt," cried the sanguine Don Juan.
+
+"And it follows that his crime--"
+
+"Was what in our eyes constitutes the truest glory, the profession of a
+pure faith," said Juan with decision, leaping at once to the conclusion
+Carlos had reached by a far slower path.
+
+"And those mystic words inscribed upon the window, the delight and
+wonder of our childhood--"
+
+"Ah!" repeated Juan--
+
+  "'El Dorado
+    Yo hé trovado.'
+
+But what they have to do with the matter I see not yet."
+
+"You see not? Surely the knowledge of God in Christ, the kingdom of
+heaven opened up to us, is the true El Dorado, the golden country,
+which enriches those who find it for evermore."
+
+"That is all very good," said Juan, with the air of a man not quite
+satisfied.
+
+"I doubt not that was our father's meaning," Carlos continued.
+
+"I doubt it, though. Up to that point I follow you, Carlos; but there
+we part. _Something_ in the New World, I think, my father must have
+found."
+
+A lengthened debate followed, in which Carlos discovered, rather to his
+surprise, that Juan still clung to his early faith in a literal land
+of gold. The more thoughtful and speculative brother sought in vain to
+reason him out of that belief. Nor was he much more successful when he
+came to state his own settled conviction that they should never see
+their father's face on earth. Not the slightest doubt remained on his
+own mind that, on account of his attachment to the Reformed faith, the
+Conde de Nuera had been, in the phraseology of the time, quietly "put
+out of the way." But whether this had been done during the voyage, or
+on the wild unknown shores of the New World, he believed his children
+would never know.
+
+On this point, however, no argument availed with Juan. He seemed
+determined _not_ to believe in his father's death. He confessed,
+indeed, that his heart bounded at the thought that he had been a
+sufferer "in the cause of truth and freedom." "He has suffered exile,"
+he said, "and the loss of all things. But I see not wherefore he may
+not after all be living still, somewhere in that vast wonderful New
+World."
+
+"I am content to think," Carlos replied, "that all these years he has
+been at rest with the dead in Christ. And that we shall see his face
+first with Christ when he appears in glory."
+
+"But I am not content. We must learn something more."
+
+"We shall never learn more. How can we?" asked Carlos.
+
+"That is so like thee, little brother. Ever desponding, ever turned
+easily from thy purpose."
+
+"Well; be it so," said Carlos meekly.
+
+"But what _I_ determine, that I do," said Juan. "At least I will make
+my uncle speak out," he continued. "I have ever suspected that he knows
+something."
+
+"But how is that to be done?" asked Carlos. "Nevertheless, do all thou
+canst, and God prosper thee. Only," he added with great earnestness,
+"remember the necessities of our present position; and for the sake of
+our friends, as well as of our own lives, use due prudence and caution."
+
+"Fear not, my too prudent brother.--The best and dearest brother in the
+world," he added kindly, "if he had but a little more courage."
+
+Thus conversing they hastily retraced their steps to the city, the hour
+being already late.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Quiet weeks passed on after this unmarked by any event of importance.
+Winter had now given place to spring; the time of the singing of birds
+was come. In spite of numerous and heavy anxieties, and of _one_ sorrow
+that pressed more or less upon all, it was still spring-time in many
+a brave and hopeful heart amongst the adherents of the new faith in
+Seville. Certainly it was spring-time with Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+One Sunday a letter arrived by special messenger from Nuera, containing
+the unwelcome tidings that the old and faithful servant of the house,
+Diego Montes, was dying. It was his last wish to resign his stewardship
+into the hands of his young master, Señor Don Juan. Juan could not
+hesitate. "I will go to-morrow morning," he said to Carlos; "but rest
+assured I will return hither as soon as possible; the days are too
+precious to be lost."
+
+Together they repaired once more to Doña Isabella's house. Don Juan
+told the friends they met there of his intended departure, and ere
+they separated many a hand warmly grasped his, and many a voice spoke
+kindly the "Vaya con Dios" for his journey.
+
+"It needs not formal leave-takings, señores and my brethren," said
+Juan; "my absence will be very short; not next Sunday indeed, but
+possibly in a fortnight, and certainly this day month I shall meet you
+all here again."
+
+"_God willing_," said Losada gravely. And so they parted.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXII.
+
+                        The Flood-Gates Opened.
+
+  "And they feared as they entered into the cloud."
+
+
+For the first stage of Don Juan's journey Carlos accompanied him. They
+spent the time in animated talk, chiefly about Nuera, Carlos sending
+kind messages to the dying man, to Dolores, and indeed to all the
+household. "Remember, brother," he said, "to give Dolores the little
+books I put into the alforjas, specially the 'Confession of a Sinner.'"
+
+"I shall remember everything, even to bringing thee back tidings of all
+the sick folk in the village. Now, Carlos, here we agreed to part;--no,
+not one step further."
+
+They clasped each other's hands. "It is not like a long parting," said
+Juan.
+
+"No. Vaya con Dios, my Ruy."
+
+"Quede con Dios,[13] brother;" and he rode off, followed by his servant.
+
+    [13] Remain with God.
+
+Carlos watched him wistfully; would he turn for a last look? He _did_
+turn. Taking off his velvet montero, he gaily bowed farewell; thus
+allowing Carlos to gaze once more upon his dark, handsome, resolute
+features, keen, sparkling eyes and curling black hair.
+
+Whilst Juan saw a scholar's face, thoughtful, refined, sensitive; a
+broad pale forehead, from which the breeze had blown the waving fair
+hair (fair to a southern eye, though really a bright soft brown), and
+lips that kept the old sweetness of expression, though, whether from
+the manly fringe that graced them or from some actual change, the
+weakness which marred them once had ceased to be apparent now.
+
+Another moment, and both had turned their horses' heads. Carlos, when
+he reached the city, made a circuit to avoid one of the very frequent
+processions of the Host; since, as time passed on, he felt ever
+more and more disinclined to the absolutely necessary prostration.
+Afterwards he called upon Losada, to inquire the exact address of a
+person whom he had asked him to visit. He found him engaged in his
+character of physician, and sat down in the patio to await his leisure.
+
+Ere long Dr. Cristobal passed through, politely accompanying to the
+gate a canon of the cathedral, for whose ailments he had just been
+prescribing. The Churchman, who was evidently on the best terms with
+his physician, was showing his good-nature and affability by giving him
+the current news of the city; to which Losada listened courteously,
+with a grave, quiet smile, and, when necessary, an appropriate
+question or comment. Only one item made any impression upon Carlos: it
+related to a pleasant estate by the sea-side which Munebrãga had just
+purchased, disappointing thereby a relative of the canon's who desired
+to possess it, but could not command the very large price readily
+offered by the Inquisitor.
+
+At last the visitor was gone. In a moment the smile had faded from the
+physician's care-worn face. Turning to Carlos with a strangely altered
+look, he said, "The monks of San Isodro have fled."
+
+"Fled!" Carlos repeated, in blank dismay.
+
+"Yes; no fewer than twelve of them have abandoned the monastery."
+
+"How did you hear it?"
+
+"One of the lay brethren came in this morning to inform me. They held
+another solemn Chapter, in which it was determined that each one should
+follow the guidance of his own conscience, those, therefore, to whom it
+seemed best to go have gone, the rest remain."
+
+For some moments they looked at each other in silence. So fearful was
+the peril in which this rash act involved them all, that it almost
+seemed as if they had heard a sentence of death.
+
+The voice of Carlos faltered as he asked at last,--"Have Fray Cristobal
+or Fray Fernando gone?"
+
+"No; they are both amongst those, more generous if not more wise, who
+have chosen to remain and take what God will send them here. Stay, here
+is a letter from Fray Cristobal which the lay brother brought me; it
+will tell you as much as I know myself."
+
+Carlos read it carefully. "It seems," he said, when he had finished,
+"that the consciences of those who fled would not allow them any longer
+to conform, even outwardly, to the rules of their order. Moreover, from
+the signs of the times, they believe that a storm is about to burst
+upon the company of the faithful."
+
+"God grant it may prove that they have saved _themselves_ from its
+violence," Losada answered, with a slight emphasis on "themselves."
+
+"And for us?--God help us!" Carlos almost moaned, the paper falling
+from his trembling hand. "What shall we do?"
+
+"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," returned Losada
+bravely. "No other strength remains for us. But God grant none of us in
+the city may be so unadvised as to follow the example of the brethren.
+The flight of one might be the ruin of all."
+
+"And those noble, devoted men who remain at San Isodro?"
+
+"Are in God's hands, as we are."
+
+"I will ride out and visit them, especially Fray Fernando."
+
+"Excuse me, Señor Don Carlos, but you will do nothing of the kind; that
+were to court suspicion. I will bear any message you choose to send."
+
+"And you?"
+
+Losada smiled, though sadly. "The physician has occasion to go," he
+said; "he is a very useful personage, who often covers with his ample
+cloak the _dogmatizing heretic_."
+
+Carlos recognized the official phraseology of the Holy Office. He
+repressed a shudder, but could not hide the look of terror that dilated
+his large blue eyes.
+
+The older man, the more experienced Christian, could compassionate
+the youth. Losada, himself standing "face to face with death," spoke
+kind words of counsel and comfort to Carlos. He cautioned him strongly
+against losing his self-possession, and thereby running needlessly into
+danger. "Especially would I urge upon you, Señor Don Carlos," he said,
+"the duty of avoiding unnecessary risk, for already you are useful to
+us; and should God spare your life, you will be still more so. If I
+fall--"
+
+"Do not speak of it, my beloved friend."
+
+"It will be as God pleases," said the pastor calmly. "But I need
+not remind you, others stand in like peril with me. Especially Fray
+Cassiodoro, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon."
+
+"The noblest heads, the likeliest to fall," Carlos murmured.
+
+"Then must younger soldiers step forth from the ranks, and take up
+the standards dropped from their hands. Don Carlos Alvarez, we have
+high hopes of you. Your quiet words reach the heart; for you speak
+that which you know, and testify that which you have seen. And the
+good gifts of mind that God has given you enable you to speak with the
+greater acceptance. He may have much work for you in his harvest-field.
+But whether he should call you to work or to suffer, shrink not,
+but 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
+dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'"
+
+"I will try to trust him; and may he make his strength perfect in my
+weakness," said Carlos. "But for the present," he added, "give me any
+lowly work to do, whereby I may aid you or lighten your cares, my loved
+friend and teacher."
+
+Losada gladly gave him, as indeed he had done several times before,
+instructions to visit certain secret inquirers, and persons in distress
+and perplexity of mind.
+
+He passed the next two or three days in these ministrations, and in
+constant prayer, especially for the remaining monks of San Isodro,
+whose sore peril pressed heavily on his heart. He sought, as much
+as possible, to shut out other thoughts; or, when they would force
+an entrance, to cast their burden, which otherwise would have been
+intolerable, upon Him who would surely care for his own Church, his few
+sheep in the wilderness.
+
+One morning he remained late in his chamber, writing a letter to his
+brother; and then went forth, intending to visit Losada. As it was a
+fast-day, and he kept the Church fasts rigorously, it happened that he
+had not previously met any of his uncle's family.
+
+The entrance to the physician's house did not present its usual
+cheerful appearance. The gate was shut and bolted, and there was no
+sign of patients passing in or out. Carlos became alarmed. It was long
+before he obtained an answer to his repeated calls. At last, however,
+some one inside cried, "_Quien es_?"[14]
+
+    [14] Who is there?
+
+Carlos gave his name, well known to all the household.
+
+Then the door was half opened, and a mulatto serving-lad showed a
+terrified face behind it.
+
+"Where is Señor Cristobal?"
+
+"Gone, señor."
+
+"Gone!--whither?"
+
+The answer was a furtive, frightened whisper. "Last night--the
+Alguazils of the Holy Office." And the door was shut and bolted in his
+face.
+
+He stood rooted to the spot, speechless and motionless, in a trance
+of horror. At last he was startled by feeling some one grasp his arm
+without ceremony, indeed rather roughly.
+
+"Are you moonstruck, Cousin Don Carlos?" asked the voice of Gonsalvo.
+"At least you might have had the courtesy to offer me the aid of your
+arm, without putting me to the shame of requesting it, miserable
+cripple that I am!" and he gave vent to a torrent of curses upon his
+own infirmities, using expressions profane and blasphemous enough to
+make Carlos shiver with pain.
+
+Yet that very pain did him real service. It roused him from his stupor,
+as sharp anguish sometimes brings back a patient from a swoon. He said,
+"Pardon me, my cousin, I did not see you; but I hear you now--with
+sorrow."
+
+Gonsalvo deigned no answer, except his usual short, bitter laugh.
+
+"Whither do you wish to go?"
+
+"Home. I am tired."
+
+They walked along in silence; at last Gonsalvo asked, abruptly,--
+
+"Have you heard the news?"
+
+"What news?"
+
+"The news that is in every one's mouth to-day. Indeed, the city has
+well nigh run mad with holy horror. And no wonder! Their reverences,
+the Lords Inquisitors, have just discovered a community of abominable
+Lutherans, a very viper's nest, in our midst. It is said the wretches
+have actually dared to carry on their worship somewhere in the town.
+Ah, no marvel you look horror-stricken, my pious cousin. _You_ could
+never have dreamed that such a thing was possible, could you?" After
+one quick, keen glance, he did not look again in his cousin's face; but
+he might have felt the beating of his cousin's heart against his arm.
+
+"I am told," he continued, "that nearly two hundred persons have been
+arrested already."
+
+"_Two hundred!_" gasped Carlos.
+
+"And the arrests are going on still."
+
+"Who is taken?" Carlos forced his trembling lips to ask.
+
+"Losada; more's the pity. A good physician, though a bad Christian."
+
+"A good physician, and a good Christian too," said Carlos in the voice
+of one who tries to speak calmly in terrible bodily pain.
+
+"An opinion you would do more wisely to keep to yourself, if a
+reprobate such as I may presume to counsel so learned and pious a
+personage."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"One you would never guess. Don Juan Ponce de Leon, of all men. Think
+of the Count of Baylen's son being thus degraded! Also the master of
+the College of Doctrine, San Juan; and a number of Jeromite friars from
+San Isodro. Those are all I know worth a gentleman's taking account
+of. There are some beggarly tradesfolk, such as Medel d'Espinosa, the
+embroiderer; and Luis d'Abrego, from whom your brother bought that
+beautiful book of the Gospels he gave Doña Beatriz. But if only such
+cattle were concerned in it, no one would care."
+
+"Some fools there be," Don Gonsalvo continued after a pause, "who have
+run to the Triana, and informed against themselves, thinking thereby
+to get off more easily. _Fools_, again I say, for their pains." And he
+emphasized his words by a pressure of the arm on which he was leaning.
+
+At length they reached the door of Don Manuel's house. "Thanks for
+your aid," said Gonsalvo. "Now that I remember it, Don Carlos, I hear
+also that we are to have a grand procession on Tuesday with banners and
+crosses, in honour of Our Lady, and of our holy patronesses Justina
+and Rufina, to beg pardon for the sin and scandal so long permitted in
+the midst of our most Catholic city. You, my pious cousin, licentiate
+of theology and all but consecrated priest--you will carry a taper, no
+doubt?"
+
+Carlos would fain have left the question unanswered; but Gonsalvo meant
+to have an answer. "You will?" he repeated, laying his hand on his arm,
+and looking him in the face, though with a smile. "It would be very
+creditable to the family for one of us to appear. Seriously; I advise
+you to do it."
+
+Then Carlos said quietly, "_No_;" and crossed the patio to the
+staircase which led to his own apartment.
+
+Gonsalvo stood watching him, and mentally retracting, at his last word,
+the verdict formerly pronounced against him as "a coward," "not half a
+man."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXIII.
+
+                         The Reign of Terror.
+
+  "Though shining millions around thee stand,
+  For the sake of him at thy right hand
+  Think of the souls he died for here,
+  Thus wandering in darkness, in doubt and fear.
+
+  "The powers of darkness are all abroad--
+  They own no Saviour, and they fear no God;
+  And we are trembling in dumb dismay;
+  Oh, turn not thou thy face away."
+
+                                            HOGG.
+
+
+It was late in the evening when Carlos emerged from his chamber. How
+the intervening hours had been passed he never told any one. But
+this much is certain,--he contended with and overcame a wild, almost
+uncontrollable impulse to seek refuge in flight. His reason told him
+that this would be to rush upon certain destruction: so sedulously
+guarded were all the ways of egress, and so watchful and complete, in
+every city and village of the land, was the inquisitorial organization;
+not to speak of the "Hermandad," or Brotherhood--a kind of civil
+police, always ready to co-operate with the ecclesiastical authorities.
+
+Still, if he could not be saved, Juan might and should. This thought
+was growing gradually clearer and stronger in his bewildered brain and
+aching heart while he knelt in his chamber, finding a relief in the
+attitude of prayer, though few and broken were the words of prayer
+that passed his trembling lips. Indeed, the burden of his cry was this:
+"Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Thou that carest for
+us, forsake us not in our bitter need. For thine is the kingdom; even
+yet thou reignest."
+
+This was all he could find to plead, either on his own behalf or on
+that of his imprisoned brethren; though for them his heart was wrung
+with unutterable anguish. Once and again did he repeat--"_Thine_ is the
+kingdom and the power. Thine, O Father; thine, O Lord and Saviour. Thou
+_canst_ deliver us."
+
+It was well for him that he had Juan to save. He rose at last; and
+added to the letter previously written to his brother a few lines of
+most earnest entreaty that he would on no account return to Seville.
+But then, recollecting his own position, he marvelled greatly at his
+simplicity in purposing to send such a letter by the King's post--an
+institution which, strange to say, Spain possessed at an earlier period
+than any other country in Europe. If he should fall under suspicion,
+his letter would be liable to detention and examination, and might thus
+be the means of involving Juan in the very peril from which he sought
+to deliver him.
+
+A better plan soon occurred to him. That he might carry it out,
+he descended late in the evening to the cool, marble-paved court,
+or _patio_, in the centre of which the fountain ever murmured and
+glistened, surrounded by tropical plants, some of them in gorgeous
+bloom.
+
+As he had hoped, one solitary lamp burned like a star in a remote
+corner; and its light illumined the form of a young girl seated on
+a low chair, before an inlaid ebony table, writing busily. Doña
+Beatriz had excused herself from accompanying the family on an evening
+visit, that she might devote herself in undisturbed solitude to the
+composition of her first love-letter--indeed, her first letter of any
+kind: for short as he intended his absence to be, Juan had stipulated
+for this consolation, and induced her to promise it; and she knew that
+the King's post went northwards the next day, passing by Nuera on his
+way to the towns of La Mancha.
+
+So engrossing was her occupation that she did not hear the step of
+Carlos. He drew near, and stood behind her. Pearls, golden Agni, and
+a scarlet flower or two, were twined with her glossy raven hair; and
+the lamp shed a subdued radiance over her fine features, which glowed
+through their delicate olive with the rosy light of joy. An exquisite
+though not very costly perfume, that Carlos in other days always
+associated with her presence, still continued a favourite with her, and
+filled the place around with fragrance. It brought back his memory to
+the past--to that wild, vain, yet enchanting dream; the brief romance
+of his life. But there was no time now even for "a dream within a
+dream." There was only time to thank God, from the depths of his soul,
+that in all the wide world there was no heart that would break for
+_him_.
+
+"Doña Beatriz," he said gently.
+
+She started, and half turned, a bright flush mounting to her cheek.
+
+"You are writing to my brother."
+
+"And how know you that, Señor Don Carlos?" asked the young lady, with a
+little innocent affectation.
+
+But Carlos, standing face to face with terrible realities, pushed aside
+her pretty arts, as one hastening to succour a dying man might push
+aside a branch of wild roses that impeded his path.
+
+"I most earnestly request of you, señora, to convey to him a message
+from me."
+
+"And wherefore can you not write to him yourself, Señor Licentiate?"
+
+"Is it possible, señora, that you know not what has happened?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos! how you startle one.--Do you mean these
+horrible arrests?"
+
+Carlos found that a few strong, plain words were absolutely necessary
+in order to make Beatriz understand his brother's peril. She had
+listened hitherto to Don Juan's extracts from Scripture, and the
+arguments and exhortations founded thereon, conscious, indeed, that
+these were secrets which should be jealously guarded, yet unconscious
+that they were what the Church and the world branded as heresy.
+Consequently, although she heard of the arrest of Losada and his
+friends with vague regret and apprehension, she was far from distinctly
+associating the crime for which they suffered with the name dearest to
+her heart. She was still very young; and she had not thought much--she
+had only loved. And she blindly followed him she loved, without caring
+to ask whither he was going himself, or whither he was leading her.
+When at last Carlos made her comprehend that it was for reading the
+Scriptures, and talking of justification by faith alone, that Losada
+was thrown into the dungeons of the Triana, a thrilling cry of anguish
+broke from her lips.
+
+"Hush, señora!" said Carlos; and for once his voice was stern. "If even
+your little black foot-page heard that cry, it might ruin all."
+
+But Beatriz was unused to self-control. Another cry followed, and there
+were symptoms of hysterical tears and laughter. Carlos tried a more
+potent spell.
+
+"Hush, señora" he repeated. "We must be strong and silent, if we are to
+save Don Juan."
+
+She looked piteously up at him, repeating, "Save Don Juan?"
+
+"Yes, señora. Listen to me. _You_, at least, are a good Catholic. You
+have not compromised yourself in any way: you say your angelus; you
+make your vows; you bring flowers to Our Lady's shrine. _You_ are
+safe."
+
+She turned round and faced him--her cheek dyed crimson, and her eyes
+flashing,--
+
+"I am safe! Is that all you have to say? Who cares for that? What is
+_my_ life worth?"
+
+"Patience, dear señora! Your safety aids in securing his. Listen.--You
+are writing to him. Tell him of the arrests; for hear of them he must.
+Use the language about heresy which will occur to you, but which--God
+help me!--I could not use. Then pass from the subject. Write aught
+else that comes to your mind; but before closing your letter, say that
+I am well in mind and body, and would be heartily recommended to him.
+Add that I most earnestly request of him, for our common good and the
+better arrangement of our affairs, not to return to Seville, but to
+remain at Nuera. He will understand that. Lay your own commands upon
+him--your _commands_, remember, señora--to the same effect."
+
+"I will do all that.--But here come my aunt and cousins."
+
+It was true. Already the porter had opened for them the gloomy outer
+gate; and now the gilt and filagreed inner door was thrown open also,
+and the returning family party filled the court. They were talking
+together; not quite so gaily as usual, but still eagerly enough. Doña
+Sancha soon drew near to Beatriz, and began to rally her upon her
+occupation, threatening playfully to carry away and read the unfinished
+letter. No one addressed a word to Carlos; but that might have been
+mere accident.
+
+It was, however, scarcely accidental that his aunt, as she passed him
+on her way to an inner room, drew her mantilla closer round her, lest
+its deep lace fringe might touch his clothing. Shortly afterwards Doña
+Sancha dropped her fan. According to custom, Carlos stooped for it,
+and handed it to her with a bow. The young lady took it mechanically,
+but almost immediately dropped it again with a look of scorn, as if
+polluted by its touch. Its delicate carved ivory, the work of Moorish
+hands, lay in fragments on the marble floor; and from that moment
+Carlos knew that he was under the ban, that he stood alone amidst his
+uncle's household--a suspected and degraded man.
+
+It was not wonderful. His intimacy with the monks of San Isodro,
+his friendship with Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and with the physician
+Losada, were all well-known facts. Moreover, had he not taught at the
+College of Doctrine, under the direct patronage of Fernando de San
+Juan, another of the victims? And there were other indications of his
+tendencies which could scarcely escape notice, once the suspicions of
+those who lived under the same roof with him were awakened.
+
+For a time he stood silent, watching his uncle's countenance, and
+marking the frown that contracted his brow whenever his eye turned
+towards him. But when Don Manuel passed into a smaller saloon that
+opened upon the court, Carlos followed him boldly.
+
+They stood face to face, but could hardly see each other. The room was
+darkness, save for a few struggling moonbeams.
+
+"Señor my uncle," said Carlos, "I fear my presence here is displeasing
+to you."
+
+Don Manuel paused before replying.
+
+"Nephew," he said at length, "you have been lamentably imprudent. The
+saints grant you have been no worse."
+
+A moment of strong emotion will sometimes bring out in a man's face
+characteristic lineaments of his family, in calmer seasons not
+traceable there. Thus it is with features of the soul. It was not the
+gentle timid Don Carlos who spoke now, it was Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya. There was both pride and courage in his tone.
+
+"If it has been my misfortune to offend my honoured uncle, to whom I
+owe so many benefits, I am sorry, though I cannot charge myself with
+any fault. But I should be faulty indeed were I to prolong my stay in
+a house where I am no longer what, thanks to your kindness, señor my
+uncle, I have ever been hitherto, a welcome guest." Having spoken thus,
+he turned to go.
+
+"Stay, young fool!" cried Don Manuel, who thought the better of him for
+his proud words. They raised him, in his estimation, from a mark for
+his scorn to a legitimate object for his indignation. "There spoke your
+father's voice. But I tell you, for all that, you shall not quit the
+shelter of my roof."
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"You may spare the pains. I ask you not, for I prefer to remain in
+ignorance, to what perilous and fool-hardy lengths your intimacy with
+heretics may have gone. Without being a Qualificator of heresy myself,
+I can tell that you smell of the fire. And indeed, young man, were you
+anything less than Alvarez de Meñaya, I would hardly scorch my own
+fingers to hold you out of it. The Devil--to whom, in spite of all your
+fair appearances, I fear you belong--might take care of his own. But
+since truth is the daughter of God, you shall have it from my lips.
+And the plain truth is, that I have no desire to hear every cur dog in
+Seville barking at me and mine; nor to see our ancient and honourable
+name dragged through the mire and filth of the streets."
+
+"I have never disgraced that name."
+
+"Have I not said that I desire no protestations from you? Whatever
+my private opinion may be, it stands upon our family honour to hold
+that yours is still unstained. Therefore, not from love, as I tell you
+plainly, but from motives that may perchance prove stronger in the
+end, I and mine extend to you our protection. I am a good Catholic, a
+faithful son of Mother Church; but I freely confess I am no hero of
+the Faith, to offer up upon its shrine those that bear my own name.
+I pretend not to such heights of sanctity, not I." And Don Manuel
+shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I entreat of you, señor my uncle, to allow me to explain--"
+
+Don Manuel waved his hand with a forbidding gesture. "None of thy
+explanations for me," he said. "I am no silly cock, to scratch till I
+find the knife. Dangerous secrets had best be let alone. This I will
+say, however, that of all the contemptible follies of these evil times,
+this last one of heresy is the worst. If a man _will_ lose his soul, in
+the name of common sense let him lose it for fine houses, broad lands,
+a duke's title, an archbishop's coffers, or something else good at
+least in this world. But to give all up, and to gain nothing, save fire
+here and fire again hereafter! It is sheer, blank idiocy."
+
+"I _have_ gained something," said Carlos firmly. "I have gained a
+treasure worth more than all I risk, more than life itself."
+
+"What! Is there really a meaning in this madness? Have you and your
+friends a secret?" Don Manuel asked in a gentler voice, and not without
+curiosity. For he was the child of his age; and had Carlos told him
+that the heretics had made the discovery of the philosopher's stone, he
+would have seen nothing worthy of disbelief in the statement; he would
+only have asked him for proofs.
+
+"The knowledge of God in Christ," began Carlos eagerly "gives me joy
+and peace--"
+
+"_Is that all?_" cried Don Manuel with an oath. "Fool that I was, to
+imagine, for half an idle minute, that there might be some grain of
+common sense still left in your crazy brain! But since it is only a
+question of words and names, and mystical doctrines, I have the honour
+to wish you good evening, Señor Don Carlos. Only I command you, as you
+value your life, and prefer a residence beneath my roof to a dungeon
+in the Triana, to keep your insanity within bounds, and to conduct
+yourself so as to avert suspicion. On these conditions we will shelter
+you. Eventually, if it can be done with safety, we may even ship you
+out of the Spains to some foreign country, where heretics, rogues, and
+thieves are permitted to go at large." So saying, he left the room.
+
+Carlos was stung to the quick by his contempt; but remembered at last
+that it was a fragment of the true cross (really the first that had
+fallen to his lot) given him to wear in honour of his Master.
+
+Sleep would not visit his eyes that night. The next day was the
+Sabbath, a day he had been wont to welcome and enjoy. But never again
+should the Reformed Church of Seville meet in the upper room which
+had been the scene of so much happy intercourse. The next reunion was
+appointed for another place, a house not made with hands, eternal in
+the heavens. Doña Isabella de Baena and Losada were in the dungeons
+of the Triana. Fray Cassiodoro de Reyna, singularly fortunate, had
+succeeded in making his escape. Fray Constantino, on the other hand,
+had been amongst the first arrested; but Carlos went as usual to the
+Cathedral, where that eloquent voice would never again be heard. A
+heavy silent gloom, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, seemed to
+fill the crowded aisles.
+
+Yet it was there that the first gleam of comfort reached the breaking
+heart of Carlos. It came to him through the familiar words of the Latin
+service, loved from childhood.
+
+He said afterwards to the trembling children of one of the victims,
+whose desolated home he dared to visit, "For myself, horror took
+hold of me. I dared not to think. I scarce dared to pray, save in
+broken words that were only like cries of pain. The first thing that
+helped me was that grand verse in the Te Deum, chanted by the sweet
+childish voices of the Cathedral choir--'Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
+aperuesti credentibus regna coelorum.' Think, dear friends, not death
+alone, but its sting, its sharpness,--for us and our beloved,--He has
+overcome, and they and we in him. The gates of the kingdom of heaven
+stand open; opened by his hands, and neither men nor fiends can shut
+them again."
+
+Such words as these did Carlos find opportunity to speak to many
+bereaved ones, from whom the desire of their eyes had been taken by
+a stroke far more bitter than death. This ministry of love did not
+greatly increase his own peril, since the less he deviated from his
+ordinary habits of life the less suspicion he was likely to awaken.
+But had it been otherwise, he was not now in a position to calculate.
+Perhaps he was too near heaven; at all events, he had already ventured
+too much for Christ's sake not to be willing, at his call, to venture a
+little more.
+
+Meanwhile, the isolation of his position in his uncle's house grew
+overpowering. No one reproached him, no one taunted him, not even
+Gonsalvo. He often longed for some bitter word, ay, though it were a
+curse, to break the oppressive silence. Every eye looked upon him with
+hatred and scorn; every hand shrank from the slightest, most accidental
+contact with his. Almost he came to consider himself what all others
+considered him,--polluted, degraded--under the ban.
+
+Once and again would he have sought escape by flight from an atmosphere
+in which it seemed more and more impossible to breathe. But flight
+meant arrest; and arrest, besides its overwhelming terrors for himself,
+meant the danger of betraying Juan. His uncle and his uncle's family,
+though they seemed now to scorn and hate him, had promised to save him
+if they could, and so far he trusted them.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIV.
+
+                           A Gleam of Light.
+
+  "It is a weary task to school the heart,
+  Ere years or griefs have tamed its fiery throbbings,
+  Into that still and passive fortitude
+  Which is but learned from suffering."
+
+                                            HEMANS
+
+
+Shortly afterwards, the son and heir of Doña Inez was baptized, with
+the usual amount of ceremony and rejoicing. After the event, the family
+and friends partook of a merienda of fruit, confectionery, and wine, in
+the patio of Don Garçia's house. Much against his inclination, Carlos
+was obliged to be present, as his absence would have occasioned remark
+and inquiry.
+
+When the guests were beginning to disperse, the hostess drew near the
+spot where he stood, near to the fountain, admiring, or seeming to
+admire, a pure white azalia in glorious bloom.
+
+"In good sooth, cousin Don Carlos," she said, "you forget old friends
+very easily. But I suppose it is because you are going so soon to take
+Orders. Every one knows how learned and pious you are. And no doubt
+you are right to wean yourself in good time from the concerns and
+amusements of this unprofitable world."
+
+No word of this little speech was lost upon one of the greatest gossips
+in Seville, a lady of rank, who stood near, leaning on the arm of
+Losada's former patient, the wealthy Canon. And this was what the
+speaker, in her good nature, probably intended.
+
+Carlos raised to her face eyes beaming with gratitude for the friendly
+notice.
+
+"No change of state, señora, can ever make me forget the kindness of my
+fair cousin," he responded with a bow.
+
+"Your cousin's little daughter," said the lady, "had once a place in
+your affections. But with you, as with all the rest, I presume the boy
+is everything. As for my poor little Inez, her small person is of small
+account in the world now. It is well she has her mother."
+
+"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to renew my acquaintance
+with Doña Inez, if I maybe permitted so to do."
+
+This was evidently what the mother desired. "Go to the right then,
+amigo mio," she said promptly, indicating the place intended by a quick
+movement of her fan, "and I will send the child to you."
+
+Carlos obeyed, and for a considerable time paced up and down a cool
+spacious apartment, only separated from the court by marble pillars,
+between which costly hangings were suspended. Being a Spaniard, and
+dwelling among Spaniards, he was neither surprised nor disconcerted by
+the long delay.
+
+At last, however, he began to suspect that his cousin had forgotten
+him. But this was not the case. First a painted ivory ball rolled in
+over the smooth floor; then one of the hangings was hastily pushed
+aside, and the little Doña Inez bounded gaily into the room in search
+of her toy. She was a merry, healthy child, about two years old, and
+really very pretty, though her infantine charms were not set off to
+advantage by the miniature nun's habit in which she was dressed, on
+account of a vow made by her mother to "Our Lady of Carmel," during the
+serious illness for which Carlos had summoned Losada to her aid.
+
+She was followed almost immediately, not by the grave elderly nurse
+who usually waited on her, but by a girl of about sixteen, rather a
+beauty, whose quick dark eyes bestowed, from beneath their long lashes,
+bashful but evidently admiring glances on the handsome young nobleman.
+
+Carlos, ever fond of children, and enjoying the momentary relief from
+the painful tension of his daily life, stooped for the ball and held
+it, just allowing its bright red to appear through his fingers. As the
+child was not in the least shy, he was soon engaged in a game with her.
+
+Looking up in the midst of it, he saw that the mother had come in
+silently, and was watching him with searching anxious eyes that brought
+back in a moment all his troubles. He allowed the ball to slide to the
+ground, and then, with a touch of his foot, sent it rolling into one
+of the farthest corners of the spacious hall. The child ran gleefully
+after it; while the mother and the attendant exchanged glances. "You
+may take the noble child away, Juanita," said the former.
+
+Juanita led off her charge without again allowing her to approach
+Carlos, thus rendering unnecessary the ceremony of a farewell. Was this
+the mother's contrivance, lest by spell of word or gesture, or even by
+a kiss, the heretic might pollute or endanger the innocent babe?
+
+When they were alone together, Doña Inez was the first to speak. "I do
+not think you can be so wicked after all; since you love children, and
+play with them still," she said in a low, half-frightened tone.
+
+"God bless you for those words, señora," answered Carlos with a
+trembling lip. He was learning to steel himself to scorn; but kindness
+tested his self-control more severely.
+
+"Amigo mio," she resumed, drawing nearer and speaking more rapidly,
+"I cannot quite forget the past. It is very wrong, I know, and I am
+weak. Ay de mi! If it be true you really are that dreadful thing I do
+not care to name, I ought to have the courage to stand by and see you
+perish."
+
+"But my kinsfolk," said Carlos, "do not intend me to perish. And for
+the protection they afford me I am grateful. More I could not have
+expected from them; less they might well have done for me. But I would
+to God I could show them and you that I am not the foul dishonoured
+thing they deem me."
+
+"If it had only been something _respectable_," said Doña Inez, with a
+sort of writhe, "such as some youthful irregularity, or stabbing or
+slaying somebody!--but what use in words? I would say, I counsel you to
+look to your own safety. Do you not know my brothers?"
+
+"I think I do, señora. That an Alvarez de Meñaya should be defamed of
+heresy would be more than a disgrace--it would be a serious injury to
+them."
+
+"There be more ways than one of avoiding the misfortune."
+
+Carlos looked inquiringly at her. Something in her half-averted face
+and the quick shrug of her shoulders prompted him to ask, "Do you think
+they mean me mischief?"
+
+"Daggers are sharp to cut knots," said the lady, playing with her fan
+and avoiding his eye.
+
+With so many ghastlier terrors had the mind of Carlos grown familiar,
+that this one came to him in the guise of a relief. So "the sharpness
+of death" for him might mean no more than a dagger's thrust, after all!
+One moment here, the next in his Saviour's presence. Who that knew
+aught of the tender mercies of the Holy Office could do less than thank
+God on his bended knees for the prospect of such a fate!
+
+"It is not _death_ that I fear," he answered, looking at her steadily.
+
+"But you may as well live; nay, you had better live. For you may
+repent, may save your unhappy soul. I shall pray for you."
+
+"I thank you, dear and kind señora; but, through the grace of God, my
+soul is saved already. I believe in Jesus Christ--"
+
+"Hush! for Heaven's sake!" Doña Inez interrupted, dropping her fan and
+putting her fingers in her ears. "Hush! or ere I am aware I shall have
+listened to some dreadful heresy. The saints help me! How should I know
+just where the good Catholic words end, and the wicked ones begin? I
+might be caught in the web of the evil one; and then neither saint nor
+angel, no, nor even Our Lady herself, could deliver me. But listen to
+me, Don Carlos, for at all events I would save your life."
+
+"I will listen gratefully to aught from your lips."
+
+"I know that you dare not attempt flight from the city at present.
+But if you could lie concealed in some safe and quiet place within it
+till this storm has blown over, you might then steal away unobserved.
+Don Garçia says that now there is such a keen search made after the
+Lutherans, that every man who cannot give a good account of himself
+is like to be taken for one of the accursed sect. But that cannot
+last for ever; in six months or so the panic will be past. And those
+six months you may spend in safety, hidden away in the lodging of my
+lavandera."[15]
+
+    [15] Washerwoman.
+
+"You are kind--"
+
+"Peace, and listen. I have arranged the whole matter. And once you are
+there, I will see that you lack nothing. It is in the Morrero;[16] a
+house hidden in a very labyrinth of lanes, a chamber in the house which
+a man would need to look for very particularly ere he found it."
+
+    [16] Moorish quarter of the city.
+
+"How shall _I_ succeed in finding it?"
+
+"You noticed the pretty girl who led in my little Inez? Pepe, the
+lavandera's son, is ready to die for the love of her. She will describe
+you to him, and engage his assistance in the adventure, telling him the
+story I have told her, that you wish to conceal yourself for a season,
+having stabbed your rival in a love affair."
+
+"O Doña Inez! _I!_--almost a priest!"
+
+"Well, well; do not look so horror-stricken, amigo mio. What could I
+do? I dared not give them a hint of the truth, or both my hands full
+of double ducats would not have tempted them to stir in the affair. So
+I thought no shame of inventing a crime for you that would win their
+interest and sympathy, and dispose them to aid you."
+
+"Passing strange," said Carlos. "Had I only sinned against the law of
+God and the life of my neighbour, they would gladly help me to escape;
+did they dream that I read his words in my own tongue, they would give
+me up to death."
+
+"Juanita is a good little Christian," remarked Doña Inez; "and Pepe
+also is a very honest lad. But perhaps you may find some sympathy with
+the old crone of a lavandera, who is of Moorish blood, and, it is
+whispered, knows more of Mohammed than she does of her Breviary."
+
+Carlos disclaimed all connection with the followers of the false
+prophet.
+
+"How should I know the difference?" said Doña Inez. "I thought it was
+all the same, heresy and heresy. But I was about to say, Pepe is a
+gallant lad, a regular _majo_; his hand knows its way either amongst
+the strings of a guitar, or on the hilt of a dagger. He has often
+served caballeros who were out of nights serenading their ladies; and
+he will go equipped as if for such an adventure. You, also, bind a
+guitar on your shoulder (you could use one in old times, and to good
+purpose too, if you have not forgotten all Christian accomplishments
+together); bribe old Sancho to leave the gates open, and sally forth
+to-morrow night when the clock strikes the midnight hour. Pepe will
+wait for you in the Calle del Candilejo until one."
+
+"To-morrow night?"
+
+"I would have named to-night, but Pepe has a dance to attend. Moreover,
+I knew not whether I could arrange this interview in sufficient time to
+prepare you. Now, cousin," she added anxiously, "you understand your
+part, and you will not fail in it."
+
+"I understand everything, señora my cousin. From my heart I thank
+you for the noble effort to save me. Whether in its result it shall
+prove successful or no, already it is successful in giving me hope and
+strength, and renewing my faith in old familiar kindness."
+
+"Hush! that step is Don Garçia's. It is best you should go."
+
+"Only one word more, señora. Will my generous cousin add to her
+goodness by giving my brother, when it can be done with safety, a hint
+of how it has fared with me?"
+
+"Yes; that shall be cared for. Now, adios."
+
+"I kiss your feet, señora."
+
+She hastily extended her hand, upon which he pressed a kiss of
+friendship and gratitude. "God bless you, my cousin," he said.
+
+"Vaya con Dios," she responded. "For it is our last meeting," she added
+mentally.
+
+She stood and watched the retreating figure with tears in her bright
+eyes, and in her heart a memory that went back to old times, when she
+used to intercede with her rough brothers for the delicate shrinking
+child, who was younger, as well as frailer, than all the rest. "He was
+ever gentle and good, and fit to be a holy priest," she thought. "Ay de
+mi, for the strange, sad change! Yet, after all, I cannot see that he
+is so greatly changed. Playing with the child, talking with me, he is
+just the same Carlos as of old. But the devil is very cunning. God and
+Our Lady keep us from his wiles!"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXV.
+
+                               Waiting.
+
+  "Our night is dreary, and dim our day,
+  And if thou turn thy face away,
+  We are sinful, feeble, and helpless dust,
+  And have none to look to and none to trust."
+
+                                         HOGG.
+
+
+Thus was Carlos roused from the dull apathy of forced inaction. With
+the courage and energy that are born of hope, he made the few and
+simple preparations for his flight that were in his power. He also
+visited as many as he could of his afflicted friends, feeling that his
+ministry among them was now drawing to a close.
+
+He rejoined his uncle's family as usual at the evening meal. Don
+Balthazar, the empleado, was not present at its commencement, but soon
+came in, looking so much disturbed that his father asked, "What is
+amiss?"
+
+"There is nothing amiss, señor and my father," answered the young man,
+as he raised a large cup of Manzanilla to his lips.
+
+"Is there any news in the city?" asked his brother Don Manuel.
+
+Don Balthazar set down the empty cup. "No great news," he answered. "A
+curse upon those Lutheran dogs that are setting the place in an uproar."
+
+"What! more arrests," said Don Manuel the elder. "It is awful. The
+number reached eight hundred yesterday. Who is taken now?"
+
+"A priest from the country, Doctor Juan Gonzalez, and a friar named
+Olmedo. But that is nothing. They might take all the Churchmen in all
+the Spains, and fling them into the lowest dungeons of the Triana for
+me. It is a different matter when we come to speak of ladies--ladies,
+too, of the first families and highest consideration."
+
+A slight shudder, and a kind of forward movement, as if to catch what
+was coming, passed round the table. But Don Balthazar seemed reluctant
+to say more.
+
+"Is it any of our acquaintances?" asked the sharp, high-pitched voice
+of Doña Sancha at last.
+
+"Every one is acquainted with Don Pedro Garçia de Xeres y Bohorques. It
+is--I tremble to tell you--his daughter."
+
+"_Which?_" cried Gonsalvo, in tones that turned the gaze of all on his
+livid face and fierce eager eyes.
+
+"St. Iago, brother! You need not look thus at me. Is it my fault?--It
+is the learned one, of course, Doña Maria. Poor lady, she may well wish
+now that she had never meddled with anything beyond her Breviary."
+
+"Our Lady and all the saints defend us! Doña Maria in prison for
+heresy--horrible! Who will be safe now?" the ladies exclaimed, crossing
+themselves shudderingly.
+
+But the men used stronger language. Fierce and bitter were the
+anathemas they heaped upon heresy and heretics. Yet it is only just to
+say that, had they dared, they might have spoken differently. Probably
+in their secret hearts they meant the curses less for the victims than
+for their oppressors; and had Spain been a land in which men might
+speak what they thought, Gonzales de Munebrãga would have been devoted
+to a lower place in hell than Luther or Calvin.
+
+Only two were silent. Before the eye of Carlos rose the sweet
+thoughtful face of the young girl, as he had seen it last, radiant
+with the faith and hope kindled by the sublime words of heavenly
+promise spoken by Losada. But the sight of another face--still, rigid,
+deathlike--drove that vision away. Gonsalvo sat opposite to him at the
+table. And had he never heard the strange story Doña Inez told him,
+that look would have revealed it all.
+
+Neither curse nor prayer passed the white lips of Gonsalvo. Not one of
+all the bitter words, found so readily on slighter occasions, came now
+to his aid. The fiercest outburst of passion would have seemed less
+terrible to Carlos than this unnatural silence.
+
+Yet none of the others, after the first moment, appeared to notice
+it. Or if they did observe anything strange in the look and manner
+of Gonsalvo, it was imputed to physical pain, from which he often
+suffered, but for which he rejected, and even resented, sympathy, until
+at last it ceased to be offered him. Having given what expression they
+dared to their outraged feelings, they once more turned their attention
+to the unfinished repast. It was not at all a cheerful meal, yet it was
+duly partaken of, except by Gonsalvo and Carlos, both of whom left the
+table as soon as they could without attracting attention.
+
+Willingly would Carlos have endeavoured to console his cousin; but he
+did not dare to speak to him, or even to allow him to guess that he saw
+the anguish of his soul.
+
+One day still remained to him before his flight. In the morning,
+though not very early, he set out to finish his farewell visits to his
+friends. He had not gone many paces from the house, when he observed a
+gentleman in plain black clothing, with sword and cloak, look at him
+regardfully as he passed. A moment afterwards the same person, having
+apparently changed his mind as to the direction in which he wished
+to go, hurried by him at a rapid pace; and with a murmured "Pardon,
+señor," thrust a billet into his hand.
+
+Not doubting that one of his friends had sent an emissary to warn him
+of some danger, Carlos turned into one of the narrow winding lanes with
+which the semi-oriental city abounds, and finding himself safe from
+observation, cast a hasty glance at the billet.
+
+His eye just caught the words, "His reverence the Lord Inquisitor--Don
+Gonsalvo--after midnight--revelations of importance--strict secrecy."
+What did it all mean? Did the writer wish to inform him that his cousin
+intended betraying him to the Inquisition? He did not believe it. But
+the sound of approaching footsteps made him thrust the paper hastily
+away; and in another moment his sleeve was grasped by Gonsalvo.
+
+"Give it to me," said his cousin in a breathless whisper.
+
+"Give you what?"
+
+"The paper that born idiot and marplot put into thy hands, mistaking
+thee for me. Curse the fool! Did he not know I was lame?"
+
+Carlos showed the note, still holding it. "Is this what you mean?" he
+asked.
+
+"You have read it! _Honourable!_" cried Gonsalvo, with a bitter sneer.
+
+"You are unjust to me. It bears no address; and I could not suppose
+otherwise than that it was intended for myself. However, I only read
+the few disconnected words upon which my eye first chanced to fall."
+
+The cousins stood gazing in each other's faces; as those might do that
+meet in mortal combat, ere they close hand to hand. Each was pondering
+whether the other was capable of doing him a deadly injury. Yet, after
+all, each held, at the bottom of his heart, a conviction that the other
+might be trusted.
+
+Carlos, though he had the greater cause for apprehension, was the first
+to come to a conclusion. Almost with a smile he handed the note to
+Gonsalvo. "Whatever yon mysterious billet may mean to Don Gonsalvo,"
+he said, "I am convinced that he means no harm to any one bearing the
+name of Alvarez de Meñaya."
+
+"You will never repent that word. And it is true--in the sense you
+speak it," returned Gonsalvo, taking the paper from his hand. At that
+moment he was irresolute whether to confide in Carlos or no. But the
+touch of his cousin's hand decided him. It was cold and trembling. One
+so weak in heart and nerve was obviously unfit to share the burden of a
+brave man's desperate resolve.
+
+Carlos went his way, firmly believing that Gonsalvo intended no ill
+to him. But what then did he intend? Had he solicited the Inquisitor
+for a private midnight interview merely to throw himself at his feet,
+and with impassioned eloquence to plead the cause of Doña Maria? Were
+"important revelations" only a blind to procure his admission?
+
+Impossible! who, past the age of infancy, would kneel to the storm to
+implore it to be still, or to the fire to ask it to subdue its rage?
+Perhaps some dreamy enthusiast, unacquainted with the world and its
+ways, might still be found sanguine enough for such a project, but
+certainly not Don Gonsalvo Alvarez de Meñaya.
+
+Or had he a bribe to offer? Inquisitors, like other Churchmen, were
+known to be subject to human frailties; of course they would not touch
+gold, but, according to a well-known Spanish proverb, you were invited
+to throw it into their cowls. And Munebrãga could scarcely have fed his
+numerous train of insolent retainers, decked his splendid barge with
+gold and purple, and brought rare plants and flowers from every known
+country to his magnificent gardens, without very large additions to the
+acknowledged income of the Inquisitor-General's deputy. But, again,
+not all the wealth of the Indies would avail to open the gates of the
+Triana to an obstinate heretic, however it might modify the views of
+"his Reverence" upon the merits of a _doubtful_ case. And even to
+procure a few slight alleviations in the treatment of the accused,
+would have required a much deeper purse than Gonsalvo's.
+
+Moreover, Carlos saw that the young man was "bitter of soul;" ready for
+any desperate deed. What if he meant to accuse _himself_. Amidst the
+careless profanity in which he had been too wont to indulge, many a
+word had fallen from his lips that might be contrary to sound doctrine
+in the estimation of Inquisitors, comparatively lenient as they were to
+_blasphemers_. But what possible benefit to Doña Maria would be gained
+by his throwing himself into the jaws of death? And if it were really
+his resolve to commit suicide, by way of ending his own miseries, he
+could surely accomplish the act in a more direct and far less painful
+manner.
+
+Thus Carlos pondered; but in whatever way he regarded the matter, he
+could not escape from the idea that his cousin intended some dangerous
+or fatal step. Gonsalvo was too still, too silent. This was an evil
+sign. Carlos would have felt comparatively easy about him had he made
+him shrink and shudder by an outburst of the fiercest, most indignant
+curses. For the less emotion is wasted in expression, the more remains,
+like pent-up steam, to drive the engine forward in its course.
+Moreover, there was an evil light in Gonsalvo's eye; a gleam like that
+of hope, but hope that was certainly not kindled from above.
+
+Although the very crisis of his own fate was now approaching, and
+every faculty might have had full occupation nearer home, Carlos was
+haunted perpetually by the thought of his cousin. It continued to
+occupy him not only during his visits to his friends, but afterwards in
+the solitude and silence of his own apartment. We all know the strange
+perversity with which, in times of suspense and sorrow, the mind will
+sometimes run riot upon matters irrelevant, and even apparently trivial.
+
+With slow footsteps the hours stole on; miserable hours to Carlos,
+except in so for as he could spend them in prayer, now his only
+resource and refuge. After pleading for himself, for Juan, for his
+dear imprisoned brethren and sisters, he named Gonsalvo; and was led
+most earnestly to implore God's mercy for his unhappy cousin. As he
+thought of his misery, so much greater than his own; his loneliness,
+without God in the world; his sorrow, without hope,--his pleading grew
+impassioned. And when at last he rose from his knees, it was with that
+sweet sense that God would hear--nay, that he _had_ heard--which is
+one of the mysteries of the new life, the precious things that no man
+knoweth save he that receiveth them.
+
+Then, believing it was nearly midnight, he quickly finished his simple
+preparations, took his guitar (which had now lain unused for a long
+time), and sallied forth from his chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXVI.
+
+                        Don Gonsalvo's Revenge.
+
+                "Our God, the all just,
+  Unto himself reserves this royalty,
+  The secret chastening of the guilty heart;
+  The fiery touch, the scourge that purifies--
+  Leave it with him. Yet make not that thy trust;
+  For that strong heart of thine--oh, listen yet!--
+  Must in its depths o'ercome the very wish
+  Of death or torture to the guilty one,
+  Ere it can sleep again."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Don Manuel's house had once belonged to a Moorish Cid, or lord. It
+had been assigned to the first Conde de Nuera, as one of the original
+_conquistadors_ of Seville; and he had bequeathed it to his second son.
+It had a turret, after the Moorish fashion, and the upper chamber of
+this had been given to Carlos on his first arrival in the city; from an
+idea that the theological student would require a solitary place for
+study and devotion, or, at least, that it would be decorous to suppose
+so. The room beneath had been occupied by Don Juan, but since his
+departure it was appropriated by Gonsalvo, who liked solitude, and took
+advantage of his improved health to escape from the ground-floor, to
+which his infirmities had long confined him.
+
+As Carlos stole noiselessly down the narrow winding stair, he noticed a
+light in his cousin's room. This in itself did not surprise him. But
+he certainly felt a little disconcerted when, just as he passed the
+door, Don Gonsalvo opened it, and met him face to face. He also was
+fully equipped in sword and cloak, and carried a torch in his hand.
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos," he said reproachfully; "after all, thou
+couldst not trust me."
+
+"Nay, I did trust you."
+
+From fear of being overheard, both entered the nearest room--Don
+Gonsalvo's--and its owner closed the door softly.
+
+"You are stealing away from fear of me, and thereby throwing yourself
+into the fire. Do it not, Don Carlos; be advised, and do it not." He
+spoke earnestly, and without a shadow of the old bitterness and sarcasm.
+
+"Nay, it is not thus. My flight was planned ere yesterday; and in
+concert with one who both can and will provide me with the means of
+safety. It is best I should go."
+
+"Enough said then," returned Gonsalvo, more coldly. "Farewell; I seek
+not to detain you. Farewell; for though we may go forth together, our
+paths divide, and for ever, at the door."
+
+"Your path is perhaps less safe than mine, Don Gonsalvo."
+
+"Talk of what you understand, cousin. My path is safety itself. And now
+that I think of it (if you could be trusted), you might aid me perhaps.
+Did you know all, I dare not doubt that you would rejoice to do it."
+
+"God knows how joyfully I would aid you if I could, Don Gonsalvo. But I
+fear you are bound on a useless, and worse than useless, errand."
+
+"You know not my errand."
+
+"But I know to whom you go this night. Oh, my cousin, is it possible
+you can dream that prayer of yours will soften hearts harder than the
+nether millstone?"
+
+"I know the way to one heart; and though it be the hardest of all, I
+shall reach it."
+
+"Were you to pour the wealth of El Dorado at the feet of Gonzales de
+Munebrãga, he neither would nor could unloose one bolt of that prison."
+
+Gonsalvo's wild look changed suddenly into one of wistful earnestness,
+almost of tenderness. He said, lowering his voice,--
+
+"Near as death, the revealer of secrets, may be to me, there are still
+some questions worth the asking. Perchance _you_ can throw a gleam of
+light upon this horrible darkness. We are speaking frankly now, and as
+in God's presence. Tell me, _is that charge true_?"
+
+"Frankly, and in the sense in which you ask--it is."
+
+The last fatal words Carlos only whispered. Gonsalvo made no answer;
+but a kind of momentary spasm passed across his face.
+
+Carlos at length went on in a low voice: "She knew the Evangel long
+before I did, though she is so young--not yet one-and-twenty. She was
+the pupil of Dr. Egidius; but he was wont to say he learned more from
+her than she did from him. Her keen, bright intellect cut through
+sophistries, and reached truth so quickly. And God gave her abundantly
+of his grace; making her willing, for that truth, to endure all things.
+Oft have I seen her sweet face kindle and glow whilst he who taught us
+spoke of the joy and strength given to those that suffer for the name
+of Christ. I am persuaded He is with her now, and will be with her
+even to the end. Could you gain access to her where she is, I think
+she would tell you she possesses a treasure of peace of which neither
+death nor suffering, neither cruelty of fiends nor worse cruelty of
+fiend-like men, can avail to rob her."
+
+"She is a saint--she will be a blessed saint in heaven, let them say
+what they may," murmured Gonsalvo hoarsely. Then the fierce look
+returned to his face again. "But I think the old Christians of Castile,
+the men whose good swords made the infidels bite the dust, and
+planted the cross on their painted towers, are no better than curs and
+dastards."
+
+"In that they suffer these things?"
+
+"Yes; a thousand times, yes. In the name of man's honour and woman's
+loveliness, are there, in our good city of Seville, neither fathers,
+nor brothers, nor lovers left alive? No man who thinks the sweetest
+eyes ever seen worth six inches of steel in five skilful fingers? No
+one man, save the poor forgotten cripple, Don Gonsalvo Alvarez. But he
+thanks God this night that he has spared his life, and left strength
+enough in his feeble limbs to beat him into a murderer's presence."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! what do you mean?" cried Carlos, shrinking from him.
+
+"Lower thy voice, an' it please thee. But why should I fear to tell
+thee--_thee_, who hast good cause to be the death-foe of Inquisitors?
+If thou art not cur and dastard too, thou wilt applaud and pray for me.
+For I suppose heretics pray, at least as well as Inquisitors. I said
+I would reach the heart of Gonzales de Munebrãga this night. Not with
+gold. There is another metal of keener temper, which enters in where
+even gold cannot come."
+
+"Then you mean--_murder_?" said Carlos, again drawing near him,
+and laying his hand on his arm. Gonsalvo sank into a seat, half
+mechanically, half from an instinct that led him to spare the strength
+he would need so sorely by-and-by.
+
+In the momentary pause that followed, the clock of San Vicente tolled
+the midnight hour.
+
+"Yes," replied Gonsalvo steadily; "I mean murder--as the shepherd does
+who strangles the wolf with his paw on the lamb."
+
+"Oh, think--"
+
+"I have thought of everything. And mark me, Don Carlos, I have but one
+regret. It is that my weapon deals an instantaneous death. Such revenge
+is poor and flavourless after all. I have heard of poisons whose least
+drop, mingling with the blood, ensures a slow agonizing death--time
+to learn what torture means, and to drain to the dregs the cup filled
+for others--to curse God and man ere he dies. For a phial of such,
+wherewith to anoint my blade, I would sell my soul to-night."
+
+"O Gonsalvo, this is horrible! They are wild, wicked words you speak.
+Pray God to pardon you!"
+
+"I adjure him by his justice to prosper me," said Gonsalvo, raising his
+head defiantly.
+
+"He will not prosper you. And do you dream that such a mad achievement
+(suppose you even succeed in it) will open prison-doors and set
+captives free? Alas! alas! that we are not at the mercy of a tyrant's
+_will_. For tyrants, the worst of them, sometimes relent; and--they are
+mortal. That which is crushing us is not a living being, an organism
+with nerves, and brain, and blood. It is a system, a THING,
+a terrible engine, that moves on in its resistless way, cold and
+lifeless, without will or feeling. Strong as adamant, it kills,
+tortures, destroys; obeying laws far away out of our sight. Were Valdez
+and Munebrãga, and all the Board of Inquisitors, dead corpses by the
+morning light, not a single dungeon in the Triana would open its
+pitiless gate."
+
+"I do not believe _that_," replied Gonsalvo, rather more quietly.
+"Surely there must be some confusion, of which advantage may be taken
+by friends of the prisoners. This, indeed, is the motive which now
+induces me to confide in you. _You_ may know those who, if they had the
+chance, could strike a shrewd blow to save their dearest on earth from
+torture and death."
+
+But Gonsalvo read no answer in the sorrowful face of Carlos to the
+searching look of inquiry with which he said this. After a silence he
+went on,--
+
+"Suppose the worst, however. The Holy Office sorely needs a little
+blood-letting, and will be much the better for it. Whoever succeeds,
+Munebrãga will have my dagger flashing in his eyes, and will take care
+how he deals with his prisoners, and whom he arrests."
+
+"I implore you to think of yourself," said Carlos.
+
+Gonsalvo smiled. "I know I shall pay the forfeit," he said, "even as
+those who slew the Inquisitor Pedro Arbues before the high altar in
+Saragossa. But"--here the smile faded, and the stern set look returned
+to his face--"I shall not pay more, for a man's triumphant vengeance,
+than those fiends will dare to inflict upon a tender, delicately
+nurtured girl for the crime of a mystic meditation, or a few words of
+prayer not properly rounded off with an Ave."
+
+"True. But then you will suffer alone. She has God with her."
+
+"I _can_ suffer alone."
+
+For that word Carlos envied him. _He_ shrank in terror from loneliness,
+from suffering, shuddering at the very thought of the dungeon and the
+torture-room. And just then the first quarter of his hour of grace
+chimed from the clock of San Vicente. What if he and Pepe should fail
+to meet? He would not think of that now. Whatever happened, Gonsalvo
+_must_ be saved. He went on,--
+
+"Here you can suffer alone and be strong. But how will you endure the
+loneliness of the long hereafter, away from God's presence, from light
+and life and hope? Are you content that you, and she for whom you give
+your life, should be sundered throughout eternity?"
+
+"Nay; I am casting my lot in with hers. If the Church curses her (pure
+and holy as she ever was), its anathema shall fall on me too. If only
+the Church's key opens heaven, she and I will both stand without."
+
+"Yet you know she will enter heaven. Shall _you_?"
+
+Gonsalvo hesitated. "It will not be the blood of a villain that will
+bar my way," he said.
+
+"God says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"
+
+"Then what will he do with Gonzales de Munebrãga?"
+
+"He will do that with him of which, if you but dreamed, it would change
+your fiercest hate into saddest, deepest pity. Have you realized what
+a span is our life here compared with the countless ages of eternity?
+Think! For God's chosen a few weeks, or months at most, of solitude and
+fear and pain, ended perhaps by--but that is as he pleases; _ended_, at
+all events. Then add up the million years, fill them with the joy of
+victory, and the presence and love of Christ himself. Can they not, and
+we for them, be content with this?"
+
+"Are you content with it yourself?" Gonsalvo suddenly interrupted. "You
+seek flight."
+
+The glow faded from the face of Carlos, and his eyes sank to the
+ground. "Christ has not called me yet," he answered in a lower tone.
+There was a silence; then he resumed: "Turn now to the other side.
+Would you change, even this hour, with Gonzales de Munebrãga? But take
+him from his wealth, and his pomp, and his sinful luxuries, all defiled
+with blood, and what remains for him? Everlasting fire, prepared for
+the devil and his angels."
+
+"Everlasting fire!" Gonsalvo repeated, as if the thought pleased him.
+
+"Leave him in God's hand. It is a stronger hand than yours, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Everlasting fire! I would send him there to-night."
+
+"And whither would you send your own sinful soul?"
+
+"God might pardon, though the Church cursed."
+
+"Possibly. But to enter God's heaven you need something besides pardon."
+
+"What?" asked Gonsalvo, half wearily, half incredulously.
+
+"'Holiness; without which no man can see the Lord.'"
+
+"Holiness?" Gonsalvo questioned, as if the word was strange to him, and
+he attached no meaning to it.
+
+"Yes," Carlos went on, with intense and ever increasing earnestness;
+"unless, even from that passionate heart of yours, revenge and hatred
+are banished, you can _never_ see God, never come where--"
+
+"Hold thy peace, trifler!" Gonsalvo interrupted with angry impatience.
+"Too long have I tarried, listening to thine idle talk. Priests and
+women are content with words; brave men _act_. Farewell to thee!"
+
+"One word more, only one." Carlos drew near and laid his hand on his
+cousin's arm. "Nay, you _shall_ listen to me. Seemeth it to you a thing
+incredible that that heart of yours can be changed and softened to a
+love like His who prayed on the cross for his murderers? Yet it can be.
+_He_ can do it. He gives pardon, holiness, peace. Peace of which you
+dream not now, but which _she_ knows full well. O Don Gonsalvo, better
+join her where she is going, than wildly, rashly, and most uselessly
+peril your soul to avenge her!"
+
+"Uselessly! Were that true indeed--"
+
+"Ay de mi! who can doubt it?"
+
+"Would I had time for thought!"
+
+"Take it, in God's name, and pray him to keep you from a great crime."
+
+For a few moments he sat still--still as the dead. Then he started
+suddenly. "Already the hour is passing," he exclaimed; "I shall be too
+late. Fool that I was, to be almost moved from my purpose by the idle
+words of a--The weakness is past now. Still, ere we part, give me thy
+hand, Don Carlos, for, on my faith, I never liked thee half so well."
+
+Very sorrowfully Carlos extended it, rather wondering as he did so that
+the energetic Gonsalvo failed to spring from his seat and prepare to be
+gone.
+
+Gonsalvo stirred not, even to take the offered hand. A deathlike
+paleness overspread his face, and a cry of terror had well nigh broken
+from his lips. But he choked it back. "Something is strangely wrong
+with me," he faltered. "I cannot move. I feel dead--_dead_--from the
+waist down."
+
+"God has spoken to you from heaven," said Carlos solemnly. He felt as
+if a miracle had been wrought in his presence. His Protestantism had
+not freed him from the superstitions of his age. Had he lived three
+centuries later, he would have seen nothing miraculous in the disease
+with which Gonsalvo was stricken, but rather have called it the natural
+result of intense agitation and excitement, acting upon a frame already
+weakened.
+
+Yet the reckless Gonsalvo was the more superstitious of the two. He was
+at war with the creed in which he had been nurtured; but that older and
+deeper kind of superstition which has its root in human nature had, for
+this very reason, a stronger hold upon him.
+
+"Dead--dead!" he repeated, the words falling from his lips in broken,
+awe-struck whispers. "The limbs I misused! The feet that led me into
+sin! God--God have mercy upon me! It is thy hand!"
+
+"It is his hand; a sign he has not forsaken thee; that he means to
+bring thee back to himself. Oh, my cousin, do not despair. Hope yet in
+his mercy, for it is great."
+
+Carlos knelt down beside him, took his passive hand in his, and spoke
+earnest, loving words of hope and comfort. The last quarter, ere the
+single stroke that should announce that the hour appointed for his own
+flight was past, chimed from the clock on the church tower. Yet he did
+not move--he had forgotten self. At last, however, he said, "But it may
+be something can be done to relieve you. You ought to have medical aid
+without delay. I should have thought of this before. I will rouse the
+household."
+
+"No; that would endanger you. Go on your way, and bid the porter do it
+when you are gone."
+
+It was too late, the household _was_ roused. A loud authoritative
+knocking at the outer gate sent the blood back from the hearts of both
+with sudden and horrible fear.
+
+There was a sound of opening gates, followed by
+footsteps--voices--cries.
+
+Gonsalvo was the first to understand all. "The Alguazils of the Holy
+Office!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I am lost!" cried Carlos, large drops gathering on his brow.
+
+"Conceal yourself," said Gonsalvo; but he knew his words were vain.
+Already his quick ear had caught the sound of his cousin's name; and
+already footsteps were on the stairs.
+
+Carlos glanced round the room. For a moment his eye rested on the
+window, eighty feet above the ground. Better spring from it and perish!
+No, that would be self-murder. In God's name he would await them
+manfully.
+
+"You will be searched," Gonsalvo whispered hurriedly; "have you aught
+about your person that may add to your danger?"
+
+Carlos drew from its place of concealment the heroic Juliano's
+treasured gift.
+
+"I will hide it," said his cousin; and taking it hastily, he slipped it
+beneath his inner vest, where it lay in strange neighbourhood with a
+small, exquisitely tempered poniard, destined never to be used.
+
+The torch-light within, perhaps the voices, guided the Alguazils
+to that room. A hand was placed on the door. "They are coming, Don
+Carlos," cried Gonsalvo; "I am thy murderer."
+
+"No--no fault of thine. Always remember that," said Carlos, in his
+sharpest anguish generous still. Then for one brief moment, that seemed
+an age, he was deaf to all outward things. Afterwards he was himself
+again.
+
+And something more than himself perhaps. Now, as in other moments of
+intense excitement, the spirit of his race descended on him. When the
+Alguazils entered, it was Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya
+who met them, with folded arms, with steadfast eye, and pale but
+dauntless forehead.
+
+All was quiet, regular, and most orderly. Don Manuel, roused from his
+slumbers, appeared with the Alguazils, and respectfully requested a
+sight of the warrant upon which they proceeded.
+
+It was produced; and all could see that it was duly signed, and sealed
+with the famous seal--the sword and olive branch, the dog with the
+flaming brand, the sorely outraged, "Justitia et misericordia."
+
+Had Don Manuel Alvarez been king of all the Spains, and Carlos his
+heir-apparent, he dared not have offered the least resistance then. He
+had no wish to resist, however; he bowed obsequiously, and protested
+his own and his family's devotion to the Faith and the Holy Office.
+But he added (perhaps merely as a matter of form), that he could bring
+many witnesses of unimpeachable character to testify to his nephew's
+orthodoxy, and hoped to succeed in clearing him from whatever odious
+imputation had induced their Reverences to order his arrest.
+
+Meanwhile Gonsalvo gnashed his teeth in impotent rage and despair. He
+would have bartered his life for two minutes of health and strength
+in which to rush suddenly on the Alguazils, and give Carlos time to
+escape, let the consequences of such frantic audacity be what they
+might. But the bands of disease, stronger than iron, made the body a
+prison for the indignant, tortured spirit.
+
+Carlos spoke for the first time. "I am ready to go with you," he said
+to the chief of the Alguazils. "Do you wish to examine my apartment?
+You are welcome. It is the chamber over this."
+
+Having gone over every detail of such a scene a thousand times in
+imagination, he knew that the examination of papers and personal
+effects usually formed a part of it. And he had no fears for the
+result, as, in preparation for his flight, he had carefully destroyed
+everything that he thought could implicate himself or any one else.
+
+"Don Carlos--cousin!" cried Gonsalvo suddenly, as surrounded by the
+officers he was about to leave the room. "Vaya con Dios! A braver man
+than you have I never seen."
+
+Carlos turned on him one long, sorrowful gaze. "_Tell Ruy_," he said.
+That was all.
+
+Then there was trampling of footsteps overhead, and the sound of
+voices, not excited or angry, but cool, business-like, even courteous.
+
+Then the footsteps descended, passed the door of Gonsalvo's room,
+sounded along the corridor, grew fainter on the great staircase, died
+away in the court.
+
+Less than an hour afterwards, the great gate of the Triana opened to
+receive a new victim. The grave familiar held it, bowing low, until the
+prisoner and his guard had passed through. Then it was swung to again,
+and barred and bolted, shutting out from Don Carlos Alvarez all help
+and hope, all charity and all mercy--save only the mercy of God.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVII.
+
+                         My Brother's Keeper.
+
+  "Since she loved him, he went carefully,
+  Bearing a thing so precious in his hand."
+
+                                       GEORGE ELIOT.
+
+
+About a week afterwards, Don Juan Alvarez dismounted at the door of his
+uncle's mansion. His shout soon brought the porter, a "pure and ancient
+Christian," who had spent nearly all his life in the service of the
+family.
+
+"God save you, father," said Juan. "Is my brother in the house?"
+
+"No, señor and your worship,"--the old man hesitated, and looked
+confused.
+
+"Where shall I find him, then?" cried Juan; "speak at once, if you
+know."
+
+"May it please your noble Excellency, I--I know nothing. At least--the
+Saints have mercy on us!" and he trembled from head to foot.
+
+Juan thrust him aside, nearly knocking him down in his haste, and
+dashed breathless into his uncle's private room, on the right hand side
+of the patio.
+
+Don Manuel was there, seated at a table, looking over some papers.
+
+"Where is my brother?" asked Juan sternly and abruptly, searching his
+face with his keen dark eyes.
+
+"Holy Saints defend us!" cried Don Manuel, nearly startled out of his
+ordinary decorum. "And what madness brings _you_ here?"
+
+"Where is my brother?" Juan repeated, in the same tone, and without
+moving a muscle.
+
+"Be quiet--be reasonable, nephew Don Juan. Do not make a disturbance;
+it will be worse for all of us. We did all we could--"
+
+"For Heaven's sake, señor, will you answer me?"
+
+"Have patience. We did all we could for him, I was about to say; and
+more than we ought. The Guilt was his own, if he was suspected and
+taken--"
+
+"_Taken!_ Then I come too late." Sinking into the nearest seat, he
+covered his face with both hands, and groaned aloud.
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez had never learned to reverence the sacredness of a
+great sorrow. "Rushing in" where such as he might well fear to tread,
+he presumed to offer consolation. "Come, then, nephew Don Juan," he
+said, "you know as well as I do that 'water that has run by will turn
+no mill,' and that 'there is no good in throwing the rope after the
+bucket.' No man can alter that which is past. All we can do is to avoid
+worse mischief in future."
+
+"When was it?" asked Juan, without looking up.
+
+"A week agone."
+
+"Seven days and nights!"
+
+"Thereabouts. But _you_--are you in love with destruction yourself,
+that, when you were safe and well at Nuera, you must needs comes hither
+again?"
+
+"I came to save him."
+
+"Unheard of folly! If _you_ have been meddling with these matters--and
+it is but too likely, seeing you were always with him (though, the
+Saints forbid I should suspect an honourable soldier like you of
+anything worse than imprudence)--do you not know they will wring the
+whole truth out of _him_ with very little trouble, and your life is not
+worth a brass maravedì?"
+
+Juan started to his feet, and glared scorn and defiance in his uncle's
+face. "Whoever dares to hint so vile a slander," he cried, "by my faith
+he shall repent it, were he my uncle ten times over. Don Carlos Alvarez
+never did, and never will, betray a trust, let those wretches deal with
+him as they may. But I know him; he will die, or worse,--they will make
+him mad." Here Juan's voice failed, and he stood in silent horror,
+gazing on the dread vision that rose before his mind.
+
+Don Manuel was daunted by his vehemence. "You are the best judge
+yourself of what amount of danger you may be incurring," he said. "But
+let me tell you, Señor Don Juan, that I hold you rather a dangerous
+guest to harbour under the circumstances. To have the Alguazils of the
+Holy Office twice in my house would be enough to cost me all my places,
+not to mention the disgrace of it."
+
+"You shall not lose a real by me or mine," returned Juan proudly.
+
+"I did not mean, however, to refuse you hospitality," said Don Manuel,
+relieved, yet a little uneasy, perhaps even remorseful.
+
+"But I mean to decline it, señor. I have only two favours to ask
+of you," he continued: "one, to allow me free intercourse with my
+betrothed; the other, to permit me"--his voice faltered, stopped. With
+a great effort he resumed--"to permit me to examine my brother's room,
+and whatever effects he may have left there."
+
+"Now you speak more rationally," said his uncle, mistaking the
+self-control of indignant pride for genuine calmness. "But as to your
+brother's effects, you may spare your pains; for the Alguazils set
+the seal of the Holy Office upon them on the night of his arrest, and
+they have since carried them away. As to the other matter, what Doña
+Beatriz may think of the connection, after the infamy in which your
+branch of the family is involved, I cannot tell."
+
+A burning flush mounted to Juan's cheek as he answered, "I trust my
+betrothed; even as I trust my brother."
+
+"You can see the lady herself. She may be better able than I to
+persuade you to consult for your own safety. For if you are not a
+madman, you will return at once to Nuera, which you ought never to have
+quitted; or you will take the earliest opportunity of rejoining the
+army."
+
+"I shall not stir from Seville till I obtain my brother's deliverance;
+or--" Juan did not name the other alternative. Involuntarily he placed
+his hand on his belt, in which he had concealed certain old family
+jewels, which he believed would produce a considerable sum of money;
+for his last faint hope for Carlos lay in a judicious appeal to the
+all-powerful "Don Dinero."[17]
+
+    [17] The Lord Dollar.
+
+"You will _never_ leave it, then," said Don Manuel. "And you must
+hold me excused from aiding and abetting your folly. Your brother's
+business has cost me and mine more than enough already. I had rather
+ten thousand times that a man had died of the plague in my house, were
+it for the scandal's sake alone! Nor, bad as it is, is the scandal all.
+Since that miserable night, my unhappy son Gonsalvo, in whose apartment
+the arrest took place, has been sick unto death, and out of his mind."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! What brought my brother to his room?"
+
+"The devil, whose servant he is, may know; I do not. He was found
+there, in his sword and cloak, as if ready to go forth, when the
+officers came."
+
+"Did he leave no message--no word for me?"
+
+"Not one word. I know not if he spoke at all, save to offer to show the
+Alguazils his personal effects. To do him justice, nothing suspicious
+was found amongst them. But the less said on the subject the better. I
+wash my hands of it, and of him. I thought he would have done honour to
+the family; but he has proved its sorest disgrace."
+
+"Señor, what you say of him you say of me also," said Juan, growing
+white with anger. "And already I have heard quite enough."
+
+"That is as you please, Señor Don Juan."
+
+"I shall only trespass upon you for the favour you have promised
+me--permission to wait upon Doña Beatriz."
+
+"I shall apprise her of your presence, and give her leave to act as she
+sees fit." And glad to put an end to the interview, Don Manuel left the
+room.
+
+Juan sank into a seat once more, and gave himself up to an agony of
+grief for his brother.
+
+So absorbed was he in his sorrow, that a light footstep entered and
+approached unheard by him. At last a small hand touched his arm. He
+started and looked up. Whatever his anguish of heart might be, he was
+still the loyal lover of Doña Beatriz. So the next moment found him on
+his knees saluting that hand with his lips. And then followed certain
+ceremonies abundantly interesting to those who enact them, but apt to
+prove tedious when described.
+
+"My lady's devoted slave," said Don Juan, using the ordinary language
+of the time, "bears a breaking heart to-day. We knew neither father nor
+mother; there were but the two of us."
+
+"Did you not receive my letter, praying you to remain at Nuera?" asked
+the lady.
+
+"Pardon me, queen of my heart, in that I dared to disregard a wish of
+yours. But I knew _his_ danger, and I came to save him. Alas! too late."
+
+"I am not sure that I do pardon you, Don Juan."
+
+"Then, I presume so far as to say, that I know Doña Beatriz better than
+she knows herself. Indeed, had I acted otherwise, she would scarce have
+pardoned me. How would it have been possible for me to consult for my
+own safety, leaving him, alone and unaided, in such fearful peril?"
+
+"You acknowledge there is peril--_to you_?"
+
+"There may be, señora."
+
+"Ay de mi! Why, in Heaven's name, have you thus involved yourself? O
+Don Juan, you have dealt very cruelly with me!"
+
+"Light of my eyes, life of my life, what mean you by these words?"
+
+"Was it not cruel to allow your brother, with his gentle, winning ways,
+and his soft specious words, to lead you step by step from the faith
+of our fathers, until he had you entangled in I know not what horrible
+heresies, and made you put in peril your honour, your liberty, your
+life--everything?"
+
+"We only sought Truth."
+
+"Truth!" echoed the lady, with a contemptuous stamp of her small foot
+and twirl of her fan. "What is Truth? What good will Truth do me if
+those cruel men drag you from your bed at midnight, take you to that
+dreadful place, stretch you on the rack?" But that last horror was too
+much to bear; Doña Beatriz hid her face in her hands, and wept and
+sobbed passionately.
+
+Juan soothed her with every tender, lover-like art. "I will be very
+prudent, dearest lady," he said at last; adding, as he gazed on her
+beautiful face, "I have too much to live for not to hold life very
+precious."
+
+"Will you promise to fly--to leave the city _now_, before suspicions
+are awakened which may make flight impossible?"
+
+"My first and my only love, I would die to fulfil your slightest wish.
+But this thing I cannot do."
+
+"And wherefore not, Señor Don Juan?"
+
+"Can you ask? I must hazard everything, spend everything, in the
+chance--if there be a chance--of saving him, or, at least, of softening
+his fate."
+
+"Then God help us both," said Doña Beatriz.
+
+"Amen! Pray to him day and night, señora. Perhaps he may have pity on
+us."
+
+"There is no chance of saving Don Carlos. Know you not that of all the
+prisoners the Holy House receives, scarce one in a thousand goes forth
+again to take his place in the world?"
+
+Juan shook his head. He knew well that his task was almost hopeless;
+yet, even by Doña Beatriz, he was not to be moved from his
+determination.
+
+But he thanked her in strong, passionate words for her faith in him and
+her truth to him. "No sorrow can divide us, my beloved," he said, "nor
+even what they call shame, falsely as they speak therein. You are my
+star, that shines on me throughout the darkness."
+
+"I have promised."
+
+"My uncle's family may seek to divide us, and I think they will. But
+the lady of my heart will not heed their idle words?"
+
+Doña Beatriz smiled. "I am a Lavella," she said. "Do you not know our
+motto?--'True unto death.'"
+
+"It is a glorious motto. May it be mine too."
+
+"Take heed what you do, Don Juan. If you love me, you will look well to
+your footsteps, since, wherever they lead, mine are bound to follow."
+Saying this, she rose, and stood gazing in his face with flushed cheek
+and kindling eyes.
+
+The words were such as might thrill any lover's heart with joy and
+gratitude. Yet there was something in the look which accompanied them
+that changed joy and gratitude into vague fear and apprehension. The
+light in that dark eye seemed borrowed from the fire of some sublime
+but terrible resolve within. Juan's heart quailed, though he knew not
+why, as he said, "My queen should never tread except through flowery
+paths."
+
+Doña Beatriz took up a little golden crucifix that, attached to a
+rosary of coral beads, hung from her girdle. "You see this cross, Don
+Juan?"
+
+"Yes, señora mia."
+
+"On that horrible night when they dragged your brother to prison, I
+swore a sacred oath upon it. You esteemed me a child, Don Juan, when
+you read me chapters from your book, and talked freely to me about God,
+and faith, and the soul's salvation. Perchance I was a child in some
+things. For I supposed them good words; how could they be otherwise,
+since you spoke them? I listened and believed, after a fashion; half
+thinking all the time of the pretty fans and trinkets you brought me,
+or of the pattern of such and such an one's mantilla that I had seen
+at mass. But your brother tore the veil from my eyes at last, and made
+me understand that those specious words, with which a child played
+childishly, were the crime that finds no pardon here or hereafter.
+Of the hereafter I know not; of the here I know too much, God help
+me! There be fair ladies, not more deeply involved than I, who have
+changed their gilded saloons for the dungeons of the Triana. But then
+it matters not so much about me. For I am not like other girls, who
+have fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers to care for them. Saving
+Don Carlos (who was good to me for your sake), no one ever gave me
+more than the half-sorrowful, half-pitying kindness one might give a
+pet parrot from the Indies. Therefore, thinking over all things, and
+knowing well your reckless nature, Señor Don Juan, I swore that night
+upon this holy cross, that if by evil hap _you_ were attainted for
+heresy, _I_ would go next day to the Triana and accuse myself of the
+same crime."
+
+Juan did not for a moment doubt that she would do it; and thus a chain,
+light as silk but strong as adamant, was flung around him.
+
+"Doña Beatriz, for my sake--" he began to plead.
+
+"For _my_ sake, Don Juan will take care of his life and liberty," she
+interrupted, with a smile that, if it had a little sadness, had very
+far more of triumph in it. She knew the power her resolve gave her over
+him: she had bought it dearly, and she meant to use it. "Is it _still_
+your wish to remain here," she continued; "or will you go abroad, and
+wait for better times?"
+
+Juan paused for a moment.
+
+"No choice is left me while Carlos pines uncomforted in a dungeon," he
+said at last, firmly, though very sorrowfully.
+
+"Then you know what you risk, that is all," answered the lady, whose
+will was a match for his.
+
+In a marvellously short time had love and sorrow transformed the young
+and childish girl into a passionate, determined woman, with all the
+fire of her own southern skies in her heart.
+
+Ere he departed, Juan pleaded for permission to visit her frequently.
+But here again she showed a keen-sighted apprehensiveness for _him_,
+which astonished him. She cautioned him against their cousins, Manuel
+and Balthazar; who, if they thought him in danger of arrest, were quite
+capable of informing against him themselves, to secure a share of
+his patrimony. Or they might gain the same end, without the disgrace
+of such a baseness, by putting him quietly out of the way with their
+daggers. On all accounts, his frequent presence at the house would be
+undesirable, and might be dangerous; but she agreed to inform him, by
+means of certain signals (which they arranged together), when he might
+pay a visit to her with safety. Then, having bidden her farewell, Don
+Juan turned his back on his uncle's house with a heavy heart.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVIII.
+
+                        Reaping the Whirlwind.
+
+  "All is lost, except a little life."
+
+                                BYRON.
+
+
+Nearly a fortnight passed away before a tiny lace kerchief, fluttering
+at nightfall through the jealous grating of one of the few windows of
+Don Manuel's house that looked towards the street, told Juan that he
+was at liberty to seek admission the next day. He was permitted to
+enter; but he explored the patio and all the adjacent corridors and
+rooms without seeing the face of which he was in search. He did not,
+indeed, meet any one, not even a domestic; for it was the eve of the
+Feast of the Ascension, and nearly all the household had gone to see
+the great tabernacle carried in state to the Cathedral and set up
+there, in preparation for the solemnities of the following day.
+
+He thought this a good opportunity for satisfying his longing to visit
+the apartment his brother had been wont to occupy. In spite of what his
+uncle had said to the contrary, and indeed of the dictates of his own
+reason, he could not relinquish the hope that something which belonged
+to him--perhaps even some word or line traced by his hand--might reward
+his careful search.
+
+He ascended the stairs; not stealthily, or as if ashamed of his
+errand, for no one had the right to forbid him. He reached the turret
+without meeting any one, but had hardly placed his foot upon the stair
+that led to its upper apartment, when a voice called out, not very
+loudly,--
+
+"Chien va?"
+
+It was Gonsalvo's. Juan answered,--
+
+"It is I--Don Juan."
+
+"Come to me, for Heaven's sake!"
+
+A private interview with a madman is not generally thought particularly
+desirable. But Juan was a stranger to fear. He entered the room
+immediately, and was horror-stricken at the change in his cousin's
+appearance. A tangled mass of black hair mingled with his beard, and
+fell neglected over the pillow; while large, wild, melancholy eyes
+lit up the pallor of his wasted face. He lay, or rather reclined, on
+a couch, half covered by an embroidered quilt, but wearing a loose
+doublet, very carelessly thrown on.
+
+Of late the cousins had been far from friendly. Still Juan from
+compassion stretched out his hand. But Gonsalvo would not touch it.
+
+"Did you know all," he said, "you would stab me where I lie, and thus
+make an end at once of the most miserable life under God's heaven."
+
+"I fear you are very ill, my cousin," said Juan, kindly; for he thought
+Gonsalvo's words the offspring of his wandering fancy.
+
+"From the waist downwards I am dead. It is God's hand; and he is just."
+
+"Does your physician give hope of your recovery from this seizure?"
+
+With something like his old short, bitter laugh, Gonsalvo answered--"I
+have no physician."
+
+"This must be one of his delusions," thought Juan; "or else, since he
+cannot have Losada, he has refused, with his usual obstinacy, to see
+any one else."
+
+He said aloud,--"That is not right, cousin Don Gonsalvo. You ought
+not to neglect lawful means of cure. Señor Sylvester Areto is a very
+skilful physician; you might safely place yourself in his hands."
+
+"Only there is one slight objection--my father and my brothers would
+not permit me to see him."
+
+Juan was in no doubt how to regard this statement; but hoping to
+extract from him some additional information respecting his brother, he
+turned the conversation.
+
+"When did this malady seize you?" he asked.
+
+"Close the door gently, and I will tell you all. And oh! tread softly,
+lest my mother, who lies asleep in the room beneath, worn out with
+watching, should wake and separate us. Then must I bear my guilt and my
+anguish unconfessed to the grave."
+
+Juan obeyed, and took a seat beside his cousin's couch.
+
+"Sit where I can see your face," said Gonsalvo; "I will not shrink even
+from _that_. Don Juan, I am your brother's murderer."
+
+Juan started, and his colour changed rapidly.
+
+"If I did not think you were mad--"
+
+"I am no more mad than you are," Gonsalvo interrupted. "I _was_ mad,
+indeed; but that horrible night, when God smote my body, I regained my
+reason. I see all things clearly now--too late."
+
+"Am I to understand, then," said Juan, rising from his seat, and
+speaking in measured tones, though his eye was like a tiger's--"am I to
+understand that you--_you_--denounced my brother? If so, thank God that
+you are lying helpless there."
+
+"I am not quite so vile a thing as that. I did not intend to harm a
+hair of his head; but I detained him here to his ruin. He had the means
+of escape provided, and but for me would have been in safety ere the
+Alguazils came."
+
+"Well for both of us your guilt was not greater. Still, you cannot
+expect me--just yet--to forgive you."
+
+"I expect no forgiveness from man," said Gonsalvo, who perhaps
+disdained to plead in his own exculpation the generous words of Carlos.
+
+Juan had by this time changed his tone towards his cousin, and assumed
+his perfect sanity; though, engrossed by the thought of his brother, he
+was quite unconscious of the mental process by which he had arrived at
+this conclusion. He asked,--
+
+"But why did you detain him? How did you come to know at all of his
+intended flight?"
+
+"He had a safe asylum provided for him by some friend--I know not
+whom," said Gonsalvo, in reply. "He was going forth at midnight to seek
+it. At the same hour I also"--(for a moment he hesitated, but quickly
+went on)--"was going forth--to plunge a dagger in my enemy's heart. We
+met face to face; and each confided his errand to the other. He sought,
+by argument and entreaty, to move me from a purpose which seemed to
+him a great crime. But ere our debate was ended, God laid his hand in
+judgment upon me; and whilst Don Carlos lingered, speaking words of
+comfort--brave and kind, though vain--the Alguazils came, and he was
+taken."
+
+Juan listened in gloomy silence.
+
+"Did he leave no message, not one word, for me?" he asked at last, in a
+low voice.
+
+"Yes; one word. Filled with wonder at the calmness with which he met
+his terrible fate, I cried out, as they led him from the room, 'Vaya
+con Dios, Don Carlos, a braver man than you have I never seen!' With
+one long mournful look, that haunts me still, he said, '_Tell Ruy!_'"
+
+Strong man as he was, Don Juan Alvarez bowed his head and wept. They
+were the first tears the great sorrow had wrung from him--almost the
+first that he ever remembered shedding. Gonsalvo saw no shame in them.
+
+"Weep on," he said--"weep on; and thank God that thy tears are for
+sorrow only, not for remorse."
+
+Hoarse and heavy sobs shook the strong frame. For some time they were
+the only sounds that broke the stillness. At length Gonsalvo said,
+slowly,--
+
+"He gave me something to keep, which in right should belong to thee."
+
+Juan looked up. Gonsalvo half raised himself, and drew a cushion
+from beneath his head. First he took off its outer cover of fine
+holland; then he inserted his hand into an opening that seemed like
+an accidental rip, and, not without some trouble, drew out a small
+volume. Juan seized it eagerly: well did he know his brother's Spanish
+Testament.
+
+"Take it," said Gonsalvo; "but remember it is a dangerous treasure."
+
+"Perhaps you are not sorry to part with it?"
+
+"I deserve that you should say so," answered Gonsalvo, with unwonted
+gentleness. "But the truth is," he added, with a wan, sickly smile,
+"nothing can part me from it now, for I have learned almost every word
+of it by heart."
+
+"How could you, in so short a time, accomplish such a task?" asked
+Juan, in surprise.
+
+"Easily enough. I was alone long hours of the day, when I could read;
+and in the silent, sleepless nights I could recall and repeat what I
+read during the day. But for that I should be in truth what they call
+me--mad."
+
+"Then you love its words?"
+
+"I _fear_ them," cried Gonsalvo, with strange energy, flinging out
+his wasted arm over the counterpane. "They are words of life--words
+of fire. They are, to the Church's words, the priest's threatenings,
+the priest's pardons, what your limbs, throbbing with healthy
+vigorous life, are to mine--cold, dead, impotent; or what the living
+champion--steel from head to heel, the Toledo blade in his strong right
+hand--is to the painted San Cristofro on the Cathedral door. Because
+I dare to say so much, my father pretends to think me mad; lest,
+wrecked as I am in mind and body, I should still find one terrible
+consolation,--that of flinging the truth for once in the face of the
+scribes and Pharisees, and then suffering for it--like Don Carlos."
+
+He was silent from exhaustion, and lay with closed eyes and deathlike
+countenance. After a long pause, he resumed, in a low, weak voice,--
+
+"Some words are good--perhaps. There was San Pablo, who was a
+blasphemer, and injurious."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo, my brother once said he would give his right hand that
+you shared his faith."
+
+"Oh, did he?" A quick flush overspread the wan face. "But hark! a step
+on the stairs! My mother's."
+
+"I am neither afraid nor ashamed to be found here," said Don Juan.
+
+"My poor mother! She has shown me more tenderness of late than I
+deserved at her hands. Do not let us involve her in trouble."
+
+Juan greeted his aunt with due courtesy, and even attempted some words
+of condolence upon his cousin's illness. But he saw that the poor lady
+was terribly disconcerted, and indeed frightened, by his presence
+there. And not without cause, since mischief, even to bloodshed, might
+have followed had Don Manuel or either of his sons found Juan in
+communication with Gonsalvo. She conjured him to go, adding, by way of
+inducement,--
+
+"Doña Beatriz is taking the air in the garden."
+
+"Availing myself of your gracious permission, señora my aunt, I shall
+offer her my homage there; and so I kiss your feet.--Adiõs, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Adiõs, my cousin."
+
+Doña Katarina followed him out of the room.
+
+"He is not sane," she whispered anxiously, laying her hand on his arm;
+"he is out of his mind. You perceive it clearly, Don Juan?"
+
+"Certainly I shall not dispute it, señora," Juan answered, prudently.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIX.
+
+                          A Friend at Court.
+
+  "I have a soul and body that exact
+  A comfortable care in many ways."
+
+                                R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Juan's peril was extreme. Well known as he was to many of the
+imprisoned Lutherans, it seemed a desperate chance that, amongst the
+numerous confessions wrung from them, no mention of his name should
+occur. He knew himself deeply implicated in the crime for which they
+were suffering--the one unpardonable crime in the eyes of Rome.
+Moreover, unlike his brother, whose temperament would have led him to
+avoid danger by every lawful means, he was by nature brave even to
+rashness, and bold even to recklessness. It was his custom to wear
+his heart on his lips; and though of late stern necessity had taught
+him to conceal what he thought, it was neither his inclination nor
+his habit to disguise what he felt. Probably, not even his desire to
+aid Carlos would have prevented his compromising himself by some rash
+word or deed, had not the soft hand of Doña Beatriz, strong in its
+weakness, held him back from destruction. Not for one instant could
+he forget her terrible vow. With this for ever before his eyes, it is
+little marvel if he was willing to do anything, to bear anything--ay,
+almost to feign anything--rather than involve her he loved in a fate
+inconceivably horrible.
+
+And--alas for the brave, honest-hearted, truthful Don Juan Alvarez!--it
+was often necessary to feign. If he meant to remain in Seville,
+and to avoid the dungeons of the Inquisition, he must obviate--or
+remove--suspicion by protesting, both by word and action, his devotion
+to the Catholic Church, and his hatred of heresy.
+
+Could he stoop to this? Gradually, and more and more, as each day's
+emergency made it more and more necessary, he _did_ stoop to it. He
+told himself it was all for his brother's sake. And though such a
+line of conduct was intensely repugnant to his character, it was not
+contrary to his principles. To conceal an opinion is one thing, to deny
+a friend quite another. And while Carlos had found a Friend, Juan had
+only embraced an opinion.
+
+He himself would have said that he had found Truth--had devoted himself
+to the cause of Freedom. But where were truth and freedom now, with all
+the bright anticipations of their ultimate triumph which he had been
+wont to indulge? As far as his native land was concerned (and it must
+be owned that his native eye scarcely reached beyond "the Spains"),
+a single day had blotted out his glowing visions for ever. Almost at
+the same moment, as if by some secret preconcerted signal, the leading
+Protestants in Seville, in Valladolid, all over the kingdom, had been
+arrested and thrown into prison. Swiftly, silently, with the utmost
+order and regularity, had the whole thing been accomplished. Every name
+that Juan had heard Carlos mention with admiration and sympathy was now
+the name of a helpless captive. The Reformed Church of Spain existed no
+longer, or existed only in dungeons.
+
+In what quarter the storm had first arisen, that burst so suddenly upon
+the community of the faithful, Don Juan never knew. It is probable the
+Holy Office had long been silently watching its prey, waiting for the
+moment of action to arrive. In Seville, it is said, a spy had been set
+upon some of Losada's congregation, who revealed their meeting to the
+Inquisitors. While in Valladolid, the foul treachery of the wife of one
+of the Protestants furnished the Holy Office with the means of bringing
+her husband and his friends to the stake.
+
+Don Juan, whose young heart had lately beat so high with hope, now
+bowed his head in despair. And despairing of freedom, he lost his
+confidence in truth also. In opinion he was still a decided Lutheran.
+He accepted every doctrine of the Reformed as against the Roman
+Catholic creed. But the hold he once had upon these doctrines as living
+realities was slackened. He did not doubt that justification by faith
+was a scriptural dogma, but he did not think it necessary to die for
+it. Compared with the tremendous interest of the fate of Carlos and the
+peril of Beatriz, and amidst his desperate struggles to aid the one and
+shield the other, doctrinal questions grew pale and faint to him.
+
+Nor had he yet learned to throw himself, in utter weakness, upon a
+strength greater than his own, and a love that knows no limits. He did
+not feel his weakness: he felt strong, in the strength of a brave heart
+struggling against cruel wrong; strong to resist, and, if it might be,
+to conquer his fate.
+
+At first he cherished a hope that his brother was not actually in the
+secret dungeons of the Inquisition. For so great was the number of the
+captives, that the public gaols of the city and the convent prisons
+were full of them; and some had to be lodged even in private houses.
+As Carlos had been one of the last arrested, there seemed reason to
+suppose that he might be amongst those thus accommodated; in which case
+it would be much easier both to communicate with him, and to alleviate
+his fate, than if he were within the gloomy walls of the Triana; there
+might be, moreover, the possibility of forming some plan for his
+deliverance.
+
+But Juan's diligent and persevering search resulted at last in the
+conviction that his brother was in the "Santa Casa" itself. This
+conviction sent a chill to his heart. He shuddered to think of his
+present suffering, whilst he feared the worst for the future, supposing
+that the Inquisitors would take care to lodge in their own especial
+fortress those whom they esteemed the most heinous transgressors.
+
+He engaged a lodging in the Triana suburb, which the river, spanned by
+a bridge of boats, separated from the city. There were several reasons
+for this choice of residence; but by far the greatest was, that those
+who lingered beneath the walls of the grim old castle could sometimes
+see, behind its grated windows, spectral faces raised to catch the few
+scanty gleams of daylight which fell to their lot. Long weary hours did
+Juan watch there, hoping to recognize the face he loved. But always in
+vain.
+
+When he went into the city, it was sometimes for other purposes than
+to visit Doña Beatriz. It was as often to seek the precincts of the
+magnificent Cathedral, and to pace up and down that terrace whose
+massive truncated pillars, raised when the Romans founded a heathen
+temple on the spot, had stood throughout the long ages of Moslem
+domination. Now the place was consecrated to Christian worship, and yet
+it was put to no hallowed use. Rich merchants, in many a varying garb,
+that told of different nations, trod the stately colonnade, and bought
+and sold and made bargains there. For in those days (strange as seems
+to us the irreverence of the so-called "ages of faith") that terrace
+was the royal exchange of Seville, then a mercantile city of great
+importance. Don Juan Alvarez diligently resorted thither, and held many
+a close and earnest conversation with a keen-eyed, hawk-nosed Jew, whom
+he met there.
+
+Isaac Osorio, or more properly, Isaac ben Osorio, was a notorious
+money-lender, who had often "obliged" Don Manuel's sons, not unfairly
+requiring heavy interest to counter-balance the hazardous nature of his
+investments. Callings branded as unlawful are apt to prove particularly
+gainful. The Jew was willing to "oblige" Don Juan also, upon certain
+conditions. He was not by any means ignorant of the purpose for which
+his money was needed. Of course he was himself a Christian in name,
+for none other would have been permitted to live upon Spanish ground.
+But by what wrongs, tortures, agonies worse than death, he and those
+like him had been forced to accept Christian baptism, will never be
+known until Christ comes again to judge the false Church that has
+slandered him. Will it be nothing in his sight that millions of the
+souls for whom he died have been driven to hate his Name--that Name so
+unutterably precious?
+
+Osorio derived grim satisfaction from the thought that the Christians
+were now imprisoning, torturing, burning each other. It reminded him
+of the grand old days in his people's history, when the Lord of hosts
+was wont to stretch forth his mighty arm and trouble the armies of the
+aliens, turning every man's hand against his brother. Let the Gentiles
+bite and devour one another, the child of Abraham could look upon
+their quarrels with calm indifference. But if he had any sympathy, it
+was for the weaker side. He was rather disposed to help a Christian
+youth who was trying to save his brother from the same cruel fangs
+in which so many sons of Israel had writhed and struggled. Don Juan,
+therefore, found him accommodating, and even lenient. From time to time
+he advanced to him considerable sums, first upon the jewels he brought
+with him from Nuera, and then, alas! upon his patrimony itself.
+
+Not without a keen pang did Juan thus mortgage the inheritance of his
+fathers. But he began to realize the bitter truth that a flight from
+Spain, and a new career in some foreign land, would eventually be the
+only course open to him--if indeed he escaped with life.
+
+Nor would the armies of Spain henceforth be more free to him than her
+soil. Fortunately, the necessity for rejoining his regiment had not
+arisen. For the brief war in which he served was over now; and as the
+promised captaincy had not yet been assigned to him, he was at liberty
+for the present to remain at home.
+
+He largely bribed the head-gaoler of the inquisitorial prison, besides
+supplying him liberally with necessaries and comforts for his brother's
+use. Gaspar Benevidio bore the worst of characters, both for cruelty
+and avarice; still, Juan had no resource but to trust implicitly to his
+honour, in the hope that at least some portion of what he gave would be
+allowed to reach the prisoner. But not a single gleam of information
+about him could be gained from Benevidio, who, like all other servants
+of the Inquisition, was bound by a solemn oath to reveal nothing that
+passed within its walls.
+
+He also bribed some of the attendants and satellites of the
+all-powerful Inquisitor, Munebrãga. It was his desire to obtain a
+personal interview with the great man himself, that he might have the
+opportunity of trying the intercession of Don Dinero, to whose advances
+he was known to be not altogether obdurate.
+
+For the purpose of soliciting an audience, he repaired one evening to
+the splendid gardens belonging to the Triana, to await the Inquisitor,
+who was expected shortly to return from a sail for pleasure on the
+Guadalquivir. He was sick at heart of the gorgeous tropical plants that
+surrounded him, of the myrtle-blossoms that were showered on his path;
+of all that told of the hateful pomp and luxury in which the persecutor
+lived, while his victims pined unpitied in loathsome dungeons. Yet
+neither by word, look, nor sign dared he betray the rage that was
+gnawing his heart.
+
+At length the shouts of the populace, who thronged the river's side,
+announced the approach of their idol; for such Munebrãga was for the
+time. Clad in costly silks and jewels, and surrounded by a brilliant
+little court, composed both of churchmen and laymen, the "Lord
+Inquisitor" stepped from his splendid purple-decked barge. Don Juan
+threw himself in his way, and modestly requested an audience. His
+bearing, though perfectly respectful, was certainly less obsequious
+than that to which Munebrãga had been accustomed of late. So the
+minister of the Holy Office turned from him haughtily, though, as Juan
+bitterly thought, "his father would have been proud to hold the stirrup
+for mine." "This is no fitting time to talk of business, señor," he
+said. "We are weary to-night, and need repose."
+
+At that moment a Franciscan friar advanced from the group, and with his
+lowest bow and most reverent manner approached the Inquisitor. "With
+the gracious permission of my very good lord, I shall address myself
+to the caballero, and report his errand to your sanctity. I have the
+honour of some acquaintance with his Excellency's noble family."
+
+"As you please, Fray," said the voice accustomed to speak the terrible
+words that doomed to the rack and the pulley, though no one would have
+suspected this from the bland, careless good-nature of its tones. "But
+see that you tarry not so as to lose your supper. Howbeit, there is
+little need to caution you, or any other son of St. Francis, against
+undue neglecting of the body."
+
+The son of St. Francis made no answer, either because it was not
+worth while, or because those who take the crumbs from the rich man's
+table must ofttimes take his taunts therewith. He disengaged himself
+from the group, and turned towards Juan a broad, good-humoured, not
+unintelligent face, which his former pupil recognized immediately.
+
+"Fray Sebastian Gomez!" he exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+"And very much at the service of my noble Señor Don Juan. Will your
+Excellency deign to bear me company for a little time? In yonder walk
+there are some rare flowers of rich colouring, which it were worth your
+while to observe."
+
+They turned into the path he indicated, while the Lord Inquisitor's
+silken train swept towards that half of the Triana where godless luxury
+bore sway; the other half being consecrated to the twin demon, cruelty.
+
+"Will it please your worship to look at these Indian pinks?" said the
+friar. "You will not see that flower elsewhere in all the Spains, save
+in the royal gardens. His Imperial Majesty brought it first from Tunis."
+
+Juan all but cursed the innocent flowers; but recollected in time that
+God made them, though they belonged to Gonzales de Munebrãga. "In
+Heaven's name, what brings you here, Fray Sebastian?" he interrupted
+impatiently. "I thought to see only the black cowls of St. Dominic
+about the--the minister of the Holy Office."
+
+"A little more softly, may I implore of your Excellency? Yonder
+casement is open.--Pues,[18] señor, I am here in the capacity of a
+guest. Nothing more."
+
+    [18] Well, or well then
+
+"Every man to his taste," said Juan, drily, as with a heedless foot he
+kicked off the beautiful scarlet flower of a rare cactus.
+
+"Have a care, señor and your Excellency; my lord is very proud of his
+cactus flowers."
+
+"Then come with me to some spot of God's free earth where we can talk
+together, out of sight of him and his possessions."
+
+"Nay, rest content, señor; and untire yourself in this fair arbour
+overlooking the river."
+
+"At least, God made the river," said Juan, flinging himself, with
+a sigh of irritation and impatience, on the cushioned seat of the
+summer-house.
+
+Fray Sebastian seated himself also. "My lord," he began to explain,
+"has received me with all courtesy, and is good enough to desire my
+continual attendance. The fact is, señor, his reverence is a man of
+literary taste."
+
+Juan allowed himself the solace of a quiet sneer. "Oh, is he? Very
+creditable to him, no doubt."
+
+"Especially he is a great lover of the divine art of poesy."
+
+No _genuine_ love of the gentle art, whose great lesson is sympathy,
+did or could soften the Inquisitor's hard heart. Nor, had his wealth
+been doubled, could he have hired one real poet to sing his praise
+in strains worthy the ear of posterity. In an atmosphere so cold,
+the most ethereal spirit would have frozen. But it was in his power
+to buy flattery in rhyme, and it suited his inclination so to do.
+He liked the trick of rhyme, at once so easy and so charming in the
+sonorous Castilian tongue--it was a pleasure of the ear which he keenly
+appreciated, as he did also those of the eye and the palate.
+
+"I addressed to him," Fray Sebastian continued with becoming modesty,
+"a little effort of my Muse--really a mere trifle--on the suppression
+of heresy, comparing the Lord Inquisitor to Michael the archangel, with
+the dragon beneath his feet. You understand, señor?"
+
+Juan understood so well that it was with difficulty he refrained from
+flinging the unlucky rhymester into the river. But of late he had
+learned many a lesson in prudence. Still, his words sounded almost
+fierce in their angry scorn. "I suppose he gave you in return--a good
+dinner."
+
+But Fray Sebastian would not take offence. He answered mildly, "He was
+pleased to express his approval of my humble effort, and to admit me
+into his noble household; where, except my poor exertions to amuse and
+untire him by my conversation may be accounted a service, I am of no
+service to him whatever."
+
+"So you are clad in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every
+day," said Juan, with contempt that he cared not to conceal.
+
+"As to purple and fine linen, señor, I am an unworthy son of St.
+Francis; and it is well known to your Excellency that by the rules of
+our Order not even one scrap of holland---- But you are laughing at me,
+as you used in old times, Señor Don Juan."
+
+"God knows, I have little heart to laugh. In those old times you speak
+of, Fray, there was no great love between you and me; and no marvel,
+for I was a wild and idle lad. But I think you loved my gentle brother,
+Don Carlos!"
+
+"That I did, señor, as did every one. Has any evil come upon him? St.
+Francis forbid!"
+
+"Worse evil than I care to name. He lies in yonder tower."
+
+"The blessed Virgin have pity on us!" cried Fray Sebastian, crossing
+himself.
+
+"I thought you would have heard of his arrest," Juan continued, sadly.
+
+"I, señor! Never a breath. Holy Saints defend us! How could I, or any
+one, dream that a young gentleman of noblest race, well learned, and
+of truly pious disposition, would have had the ill luck to fall under
+so foul a suspicion? Doubtless it is the work of some personal enemy.
+And--ah, woe is me! 'the clattering horse-shoe ever wants a nail'--here
+have I been naming heresy, 'talking of halters in the house of the
+hanged?'"
+
+"Hold thy tongue about hanging," said Juan, testily, "and listen to me,
+if thou canst."
+
+Fray Sebastian indicated, by a respectful gesture, his profound
+attention.
+
+"It has been whispered to me that the door of his reverence's heart may
+be unlocked by a golden key."
+
+Fray Sebastian assured him this was a foul slander; concluding a
+panegyric on the purity of the Inquisitor's administration with the
+words, "You would forfeit his favour for ever by presuming so far as to
+offer a bribe."
+
+"No doubt," answered Juan with a sneer, and a hard, worldly look in
+his face that of late was often seen there. "I should deserve to pay
+that penalty were I the fool to approach him with a bow, and, 'Here is
+a purse of gold for your sanctity.' But 'one take is worth two I give
+you's,' and there is a way of saying 'take' to every man. And I ask
+you, for old kindness, to show me how to say it to his lordship."
+
+Fray Sebastian pondered. After an interval he said, with some
+hesitation, "May I venture to inquire, señor, what means you possess of
+clearing the character of your noble brother?"
+
+Juan only answered by a sorrowful shake of the head.
+
+Darker and darker grew the friar's sensual but good-natured face.
+
+"His excellent reputation, his brilliant success at college, his
+blameless life should tell in his favour," Juan said at length.
+
+"Have you nothing more direct? If not, I fear it is a bad business. But
+'silence is called holy,' so I hold my peace. Still, if indeed (which
+the Saints forbid) he has fallen inadvertently into error, it is a
+comfort to reflect that there will be little difficulty in reclaiming
+him."
+
+Juan made no reply. Did he expect his brother to retract? Did he _wish_
+him to do it? These were questions he scarcely dared to ask himself.
+From any reply he could give to them he shrank in shuddering dread.
+
+"He was ever gentle and tractable," Fray Sebastian continued, "and
+ofttimes but too easy to persuade."
+
+Juan rose, took up a stone, and threw it into the river. When the
+circles it made in the water had died away, he turned back to the
+friar. "But what can _I_ do for him?" he asked, with an undertone of
+helpless sadness, touching from the lips of one so strong.
+
+Fray Sebastian put his hand to his forehead, and looked as if he were
+composing another poem. "Let me see, your Excellency. There is my
+lord's nephew and pet page, Don Alonzo (where he has got the 'Don' I
+know not, but Don Dinero makes many a noble); I dare say it would not
+hurt the Donzelo's soft white hand to finger a purse of gold ducats,
+and those same ducats might help your brother's cause not a little."
+
+"Manage the matter for me, and I will thank you heartily. Gold, to
+any extent that will serve _him_, shall be forthcoming; and, my good
+friend, see that you spare it not."
+
+"Ah, Señor Don Juan, you were always generous."
+
+"My brother's life is at stake," said Juan, softening a little. But the
+hard look returned as he added, "Those who live in great men's houses
+have many expenses, Fray. Always remember that I am your friend, and
+that my ducats are very much at your service also."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him with his lowest bow. Juan's look changed
+again; this time more rapidly. "If it were possible," he added, in low,
+hurried tones--"if you could only bring me the least word of tidings
+from him--even one word to say if he lives, if he is well, how he is
+entreated. Three months it is now since he was taken, and I have heard
+no more than if they had carried him to his grave."
+
+"It is a difficult matter, a _very_ difficult matter that you ask of
+me. Were I a son of St. Dominic, I might indeed accomplish somewhat.
+For the black cowls are everything now. Still, I will do all I can,
+señor."
+
+"I trust you, Fray. If under cover of seeking his conversion, of
+anything, you could but see him."
+
+"Impossible, señor--utterly impossible."
+
+"Why? They sometimes send friars to reason with the--the prisoners."
+
+"Always Dominicans or Jesuits--men well-known and trusted by the Board
+of the Inquisition. However, señor, nothing that a man may do shall be
+wanting on my part. Will not that content your Excellency?"
+
+"_Content_ me? Well, as far as you are concerned, yes. But, in truth,
+I am haunted day and night by one horrible dread. What if--if they
+should _torture_ him? My gentle brother, frail in mind and body,
+tender and sensitive as a woman! Terror and pain would drive him mad."
+The last words were a quick broken whisper. But outward expressions
+of emotion with Don Juan were always speedily repressed. Recovering
+apparent calmness, he stretched out his hand to Fray Sebastian,
+saying, with a faint smile, "I have kept you too long from my lord's
+supper-table--pardon me."
+
+"Your Excellency's condescension in conversing with me deserves my
+profound gratitude," replied the monk, in true Castilian fashion. His
+residence at the Inquisitor's Court had certainly improved his manners.
+
+Don Juan gave him his address, and it was agreed that he should call on
+him in a few days. Fray Sebastian then offered to bring him on his way
+through the garden and court of that part of the Triana which formed
+the Inquisitor's residence. But Juan declined the favour. He could not
+answer for himself when brought face to face with the impious pomp and
+luxury of the persecutor of the saints. He feared that, by some wild
+word or deed, he might imperil the cause he had at heart. So he hailed
+a waterman who was guiding his little boat down the tranquil stream
+in the waning light. The boat was soon brought to the place where the
+Inquisitor had landed from his barge; and Juan, after shaking the dust
+from his feet, both literally and metaphorically, sprang into it.
+
+The popular ideal of a persecutor is very far from the truth. At the
+word there rises before most minds the vision of a lean, pale-faced,
+fierce-eyed monk, whose frame is worn with fasting, and his scourge
+red with his own blood. He is a fanatic--pitiless, passionate,
+narrow-minded, perhaps half insane--but penetrated to the very core of
+his being with intense zeal for his Church's interest, and prepared in
+her service both to inflict and to endure all things.
+
+Very unlike this ideal were _most_ of the great persecutors who
+carried out the behests of Antichrist. They were generally able men.
+But they were pre-eminently men wise in their generation, men _of_
+their generation, men who "loved this present world." They gave the
+Church the service of strong hand and skilful brain that she needed;
+and she gave _them_, in return, "gold, and silver, and precious stones,
+and pearls; and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and
+all sweet wood; and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of
+vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and marble;
+and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense; and wine, and
+oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and beasts, and sheep, and horses and
+chariots, and slaves and souls of men." It was for these things, not
+for abstract ideas, not for high places in heaven, that they tortured
+and murdered the saints of God. Whilst the cry of the oppressed reached
+the ears of the Most High, those who were "wearing them out" lived in
+unhallowed luxury, in degrading sensuality. Gonzales de Munebrãga was a
+good specimen of the class to which he belonged--he was no exceptional
+case.
+
+Nor was Fray Sebastian anything but an ordinary character. He was
+amiable, good-natured, free from gross vices--what is usually called
+"well disposed." But he "loved wine and oil," and to obtain what he
+loved he was willing to become the servant and the flatterer of worse
+men than himself, at the terrible risk of sinking to their level.
+
+With all the force of his strong nature, Don Juan Alvarez loathed
+Munebrãga, and scorned Fray Sebastian. Gradually a strange alteration
+appeared to come over the little book he constantly studied--his
+brother's Spanish Testament. The words of promise, and hope, and
+comfort, in which he used to delight, seemed to be blotted from its
+pages; while ever more and more those pages were filled with fearful
+threatenings and denunciations of doom--against hypocritical scribes
+and Pharisees, false teachers and wicked high priests--against great
+Babylon, the mother of abominations. The peace-breathing, "Father,
+forgive them, for they know not what they do," grew fainter and more
+faint, until at last it faded completely from his memory; while there
+stood out before him night and day, in characters of fire, "Serpents,
+generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXX.
+
+                             The Captive.
+
+  "Ay, but for _me_--my name called--drawn
+  Like a conscript's lot from the lap's black yawn
+  He has dipped into on the battle dawn.
+  Bid out of life by a nod, a glance,
+  Stumbling, mute mazed, at Nature's chance
+  With a rapid finger circling round,
+  Fixed to the first poor inch of ground
+  To fight from, where his foot was found,
+  Whose ear but a moment since was free
+  To the wide camp's hum and gossipry--
+  Summoned, a solitary man,
+  To end his life where his life began,
+  From the safe glad rear to the awful van."
+
+                                  R. BROWNING.
+
+
+On the night of his arrest, when Don Carlos Alvarez was left alone in
+his dungeon, he stood motionless as one in a dream. At length he raised
+his head, and began to look around him. A lamp had been left with him;
+and its light illumined a cell ten feet square, with a vaulted roof.
+Through a narrow grating, too high for him to reach, one or two stars
+were shining; but these he saw not. He only saw the inner door sheathed
+with iron; the mat of rushes on which he was to sleep; the stool that
+was to be his seat; the two earthen pitchers of water that completed
+his scanty furniture. From the first moment these things looked
+strangely familiar to him.
+
+He threw himself on the mat to think and pray. He comprehended his
+situation perfectly. It seemed as if he had been all his life expecting
+this hour; as if he had been born for it, and led up to it gradually
+through all his previous experience. As yet he did not think that his
+fate was terrible; he only thought that it was inevitable--something
+that was to come upon him, and that in due course had come at last. It
+was his impression that he should always remain there, and never more
+see anything beyond that grated window and that iron door.
+
+There was a degree of unreality about this mood. For the past
+fortnight, or more, his mind had been strained to its utmost tension.
+Suspense, more wearing even than sorrow, had held him on the rack.
+Sleep had seldom visited his eyes; and when it came, it had been broken
+and fitful.
+
+Now the worst had befallen him. Suspense was over; certainty had come.
+This brought at first a kind of rest to the overtaxed mind and frame.
+He was as one who hears a sentence of death, but who is taken off
+the rack. No dread of the future could quite overpower the present
+unreasoning sense of relief.
+
+Thus it happened that an hour afterwards he was sleeping the
+dreamless sleep of exhaustion. Well for him if, instead of "death's
+twin-brother," the angel of death himself had been sent to open the
+prison doors and set the captive free! And yet, after all, _would_ it
+have been well for him?
+
+So utter was his exhaustion, that when food was placed in his cell
+the next morning, he only awaked for a moment, then slept again as
+soundly as before. Not till some hours later did he finally shake off
+his slumber. He lay still for some time, examining with a strange kind
+of curiosity the little bolted aperture which was near the top of
+his door, and watching a solitary broken sunbeam which had struggled
+through the grating that served him for a window, and threw a gleam of
+light on the opposite wall.
+
+Then, with a start, he asked himself, "_Where am I?_" The answer
+brought an agony of fear, of horror, of bitter pain. "Lost! lost! God
+have mercy on me! I am lost!" As one in intense bodily anguish, he
+writhed, moaned--ay, even cried aloud.
+
+No wonder. Hope, love, life--alike in its noblest aims and its
+commonest joys--all were behind him. Before him were the dreary dungeon
+days and nights--it might be months or years; the death of agony and
+shame; and, worst of all, the unutterable horrors of the torture-room,
+from which he shrank as any one of us would shrink to-day.
+
+Slowly and at last came the large burning tears. But very few of them
+fell; for his anguish was as yet too fierce for many tears. All that
+day the storm raged on. When the alcayde brought his evening meal, he
+lay still, his face covered with his cloak. But as night drew on he
+rose, and paced his narrow cell with hasty, irregular steps, like those
+of a caged wild animal.
+
+How should he endure the horrible loneliness of the present, the
+maddening terror of all that was to come? And this life was to _last_.
+To last, until it should be succeeded by worse horrors and fiercer
+anguish. Words of prayer died on his lips. Or, even when he uttered
+them, it seemed as if God heard not--as if those thick walls and grated
+doors shut him out too.
+
+Yet one thing was clear to him from the beginning. Deeper than all
+other fears within him lay the fear of denying his Lord. Again and
+again did he repeat, "When called in question, I will at once confess
+all." For he knew that, according to a law recently enacted by the Holy
+Office, and sanctioned by the Pope, no subsequent retraction could save
+a prisoner who had once confessed--he must die. And he desired finally
+and for ever to put it out of his own power to save his life and lose
+it.
+
+As every dreary morning dawned upon him, he thought that ere its sun
+set he might be called to confess his Master's name before the solemn
+tribunal. At first he awaited the summons with a trembling heart. But
+as time passed on, the delay became more dreadful than the anticipated
+examination. At last he began to long for _any_ change that might break
+the monotony of his prison-life.
+
+The only person, with the exception of his gaoler, that ever entered
+his cell, was a member of the Board of Inquisitors, who was obliged
+by their rules to make a fortnightly inspection of the prisons. But
+the Dominican monk to whom this duty was relegated merely asked the
+prisoner a few formal questions: such as, whether he was well, whether
+he received his appointed provision, whether his warder used him with
+civility. To these Carlos always answered prudently that he had no
+complaint to make. At first he was wont to inquire, in his turn, when
+his case might be expected to come on. To this it would be answered,
+that there was no hurry about the matter. The Lords Inquisitors had
+much business on hand, and many more important cases than his to attend
+to; he must await their leisure and their pleasure.
+
+At length a kind of lethargy stole over him; though it was broken
+frequently by sharp bursts of anguish. He ceased to take note of time,
+ceased to make fruitless inquiries of his gaoler, who would never tell
+him anything. Upon one occasion he asked this man for a Breviary, since
+he sometimes found it difficult to recall even the gospel words that
+he knew so well. But he was answered in the set terms the Inquisitors
+taught their officials, that the book he ought now to study was the
+book of his own heart, which he should examine diligently, in order to
+the confession and repentance of his sins.
+
+During the morning hours the outer door of his cell (there were two)
+was usually left open, in order to admit a little fresh air. At such
+times he often heard footsteps in the corridors, and doors opening
+and shutting. With a kind of sick yearning, not unmixed with hope, he
+longed that some visitant would enter his cell. But none ever came.
+Some of the Inquisitors were keen observers and good students of
+character. They had watched Carlos narrowly before his arrest, and they
+had arrived at the conclusion that utter and prolonged solitude was the
+best remedy for his disease.
+
+Such solitude has driven many a weary tortured soul to insanity. But
+that divine compassion which no dungeon walls or prison bars avail to
+shut out, saved Carlos from such a fate.
+
+One morning he knew from the stir outside that some of his
+fellow-captives had received a visit. But the deep stillness that
+followed the dying away of footsteps in the corridor was broken by a
+most unwonted sound. A loud, clear, and even cheerful voice sang out,--
+
+  "Vençidos van los frailes; vençidos van!
+  Corridos van los lobos; corridos van!"
+
+  [There go the friars; there they run!
+  there go the wolves, the wolves are done!][19]
+
+    [19] Everything related of Juliano Hernandez is strictly true.
+
+Every nerve and fibre of the lonely captive's heart thrilled responsive
+to that strain. Evidently the song was one of triumph. But from whose
+lips? Who could dare to triumph in the abode of misery, the very seat
+of Satan?
+
+Carlos Alvarez had heard that voice before. A striking peculiarity in
+the dialect rivetted this fact upon his mind. The words were neither
+the pure sonorous Castilian that he spoke himself, nor the soft gliding
+sibilant Andaluz that he heard in Seville, nor yet the patois of the
+Manchegan peasants around his mountain home. In such accents one, and
+one alone, had ever spoken in his hearing. And that was the man who
+said, "For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the
+thirsty, light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and
+heavy-laden, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+Whatever men had done to the body, it was evident that Juliano
+Hernandez was still unbroken in heart, strong in hope and courage. A
+fettered, tortured captive, he was yet enabled, not only to hold his
+own faith fast, but actually to minister to that of others. His rough
+rhyme intimated to his fellow-captives that "the wolves" of Rome were
+leaving his cell, vanquished by the sword of the Spirit. And that, as
+he overcame, so might they also.
+
+Carlos heard, understood, and felt from that hour that he was not
+alone. Moreover, the grace and strength so richly given to his
+fellow-sufferer seemed to bring Christ nearer to himself. "Surely God
+is in this place--even here," he said, "and I knew it not." And then,
+bowing his head, he wept--wept such tears as bring help and healing
+with them.
+
+Up to this time he had held Christ's hand indeed, else had he "utterly
+fainted." But he held it in the dark. He clung to him desperately, as
+if for mere life and reason. Now the light began to dawn upon him. He
+began to see the face of Him to whom he had been clinging. His good and
+gracious words--such words as, "Let not your heart be troubled," "My
+peace I give unto you"--became again, as in old times, full of meaning,
+instinct with life. He "remembered the years of the right hand of the
+Most High;" he thought of those days that now seemed so long ago, when,
+with such thrilling joy, he received the truth from Juliano's book.
+And he knew that the same joy might be his even in that dreary prison,
+because the same God was above him, and the same Lord was "rich unto
+all that call upon him."
+
+On the next occasion when Juliano raised his brave song of victory,
+Carlos had the courage to respond, by chanting in the vulgar tongue,
+"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
+defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out
+of Zion."
+
+But this brought him a visit from the alcayde, who commanded him to
+"forbear that noise."
+
+"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.
+
+"No matter. Prisoners are not permitted to disturb the Santa Casa,"
+said Gasper Benevidio, as he quitted the cell.
+
+The "Santa Casa," or Holy House, was the proper style and title of
+the prison of the Holy Inquisition. At first sight the name appears
+a hideous mockery. We seem to catch in it an echo of the laughter of
+fiends, as in that other kindred name, "The Society of Jesus." Yet,
+just then, the Triana was truly a holy house. Precious in the sight
+of the Lord were those who crowded its dismal cells. Many a lonely
+captive wept and prayed and agonized there, who, though now forgotten
+on earth, shall one day shine with a brightness eclipsing kings and
+conquerors--"a star for ever and ever."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXI.
+
+                          Ministering Angels.
+
+  "Thou wilt be near, and not forsake,
+    To turn the bitter pool
+  Into a bright and breezy lake,
+    The throbbing brow to cool;
+  Till, left awhile with Thee alone,
+    The wilful heart be fain to own
+  That he, by whom our bright hours shone,
+    Our darkness best may rule."
+
+                                      KEBLE.
+
+
+The overpowering heat of an Andalusian summer aggravated the physical
+sufferings of the captives. And so did the scanty and unwholesome
+provisions, which were all that reached them through the hands of the
+avaricious Benevidio.
+
+But this last hardship was little felt by Carlos. Small as were the
+rations he received, they usually proved more than enough for him;
+indeed, the coarse food sometimes lay almost untasted in his cell.
+
+One morning, however, to his extreme surprise, something was pushed
+through the grating in the lower part of his inner door, the outer door
+being open, as was usual at that hour. The mysterious gift consisted
+of white bread and good meat, of which he partook with mingled
+astonishment and thankfulness. But the relief to the unvaried monotony
+of his life, and the occupation the little circumstance gave his
+thoughts, was much more to him than the welcome novelty of a wholesome
+meal.
+
+The act of charity was repeated often, indeed almost daily. Sometimes
+bread and meat, sometimes fruit--the large luscious grapes or purple
+figs of that southern climate--were thus conveyed to him. Endless
+were the speculations these gifts awakened in his mind. He longed
+to discover his benefactor, not only to express his gratitude,
+but to supplicate that the same favours might be extended to his
+fellow-sufferers, especially to Juliano. Moreover, would not one so
+kindly disposed be willing to give him what he longed for far more than
+meat or drink--some word of tidings from the world without, or from his
+dear imprisoned brethren?
+
+At first he suspected the under-gaoler, whose name was Herrera. This
+man was far more gentle and compassionate than Benevidio. Carlos often
+thought he would have shown him some kindness, or at least have spoken
+to him, if he dared. But dire would have been the penalty even the
+slightest transgression of the prison rules would have entailed. Carlos
+naturally feared to broach the matter, lest, if Herrera really had
+nothing to do with it, the unknown benefactor might be betrayed.
+
+The same motive prevented his hazarding a question or exclamation at
+the time the little gifts were thrust in. How could he tell who might
+be within hearing? If it were safe to speak, surely the person outside
+would try the experiment.
+
+It was generally very early in the morning, at the hour when the outer
+door was first opened, that the gifts came. Or, if delayed a little
+later, he would often notice something timid and even awkward in the
+way they were pushed through the grating, and the approaching and
+retreating footsteps, for which he used to listen so eagerly, would be
+quick and light, like those of a child.
+
+At last a day came, marked indeed with white in the dark chronicle of
+prison life. Bread and meat were conveyed to him as usual; then there
+was a low knock upon the door. Carlos, who was standing close to it,
+responded by an eager "_Chien es?_"
+
+"A friend. Kneel down, señor, and put your ear to the grating."
+
+The captive obeyed, and a woman's voice whispered, "Do not lose heart,
+your worship. Friends outside are thinking of you."
+
+"One friend is with me, even here," Carlos answered. "But," he added,
+"I entreat of you to tell me your name, that I may know whom to thank
+for the daily kindnesses which lighten my captivity."
+
+"I am only a poor woman, señor, the alcayde's servant. And what I have
+brought you is your own, and but a small part of it."
+
+"My own! How?"
+
+"Robbed from you by my master, who defrauds and spoils the poor
+prisoners even of their necessary food. And if any one dares to
+complain to the Lords Inquisitors, he throws him into the Masmurra."
+
+"The--what?"
+
+"A deep, horrible cistern which he hath in his house." This was spoken
+in a still lower voice.
+
+Carlos was not yet sufficiently naturalized to horrors to repress a
+shudder. He said, "Then I fear it is at great risk to yourself that you
+show kindness to me."
+
+"It is for the dear Lord's sake, senor."
+
+"Then _you_--you too--love his Name!" said Carlos, tears of joy
+starting to his eyes.
+
+"_Chiton_,[20] señor! _chiton!_ But as far as a poor woman may, I _do_
+love him," she added in a frightened whisper. "What I want now to tell
+you is, that the noble lord, your brother--"
+
+    [20] Hush.
+
+"My brother!" cried Carlos; "what of him? Oh, tell me, for Christ's
+dear sake!"
+
+"Let your Excellency speak lower. We may be overheard. I know he has
+seen my master once and again, and has given him much money to provide
+your worship with good food and other conveniences, which he, however,
+not having the fear of God before his eyes--" The rest of the sentence
+did not reach the ear of Carlos; but he could easily guess its import.
+
+"That is little matter," he said. "But oh, kind friend, if I could send
+him a message, were it only one word."
+
+Perhaps the wistful earnestness of his tone awakened latent mother
+instincts in the poor woman's heart. She knew that he was very young;
+that he had lain there for dreary months alone, away from the bright
+world into which he was just entering, and which was now shut to him
+for ever.
+
+"I will do all I can for your Excellency," she said, in a tone that
+betrayed some emotion.
+
+"Then," said Carlos, "tell him it is well with me. 'The Lord is my
+shepherd'--all that psalm, bid him read it. But, above all things, say
+unto him to leave this place--to fly to Germany or England. For I fear,
+I fear--no, do not tell him _what_ I fear. Only implore of him to go.
+You promise?"
+
+"I promise, young sir, to do all I can. God comfort him and you."
+
+"And God reward you, brave and kind friend. But one word more, if
+it may be without risk to you. Tell me of my dear fellow-prisoners.
+Especially of Dr. Cristobal Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, Fray
+Constantino, and Juliano Hernandez, called Juliano El Chico."
+
+"I do not know anything of Fray Constantino. I think he is not here.
+The others you name have--_suffered_."
+
+"Not death!--surely not death!" said Carlos, in terror.
+
+"There be worse things than death, señor," the poor woman answered.
+"Even my master, whose heart is iron, is astonished at the fortitude
+of Señor Juliano. He fears nothing--seems to feel nothing. No tortures
+have wrung from him a word that could harm any one."
+
+"God sustain him! Oh, my friend," Carlos went on with passionate
+earnestness, "if by any deed of kindness, such as you have shown me,
+you could bring God's dear suffering servant so much comfort as a cup
+of cold water, truly your reward would be rich in heaven. For the day
+will come when that poor man will take his station in the court of the
+King of kings, and at the right hand of Christ, in great glory and
+majesty."
+
+"I know it, señor. I have tried--"
+
+Just then an approaching footstep made Carlos start; but the poor woman
+said, "It is only the child, God bless her. But I must go, señor; for
+she comes to tell me her father has arisen, and is making ready to
+begin his daily rounds."
+
+"Her father! Does Benevidio's own child help you to comfort his
+prisoners?"
+
+"Even so, thank the good God. I am her nurse. But I must not linger
+another moment. Adiõs, señor."
+
+"Vaya con Dios, good mother. And God repay your kindness, as he surely
+will."
+
+And surely he did repay it; but not on earth, unless the honour
+of being accounted worthy to suffer shame and stripes and cruel
+imprisonment for his sake be called a reward.[21]
+
+    [21] The story of the gaoler's servant and his little daughter is
+    historical.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXII.
+
+                  The Valley of the Shadow of Death.
+
+  "And shall I fear the coward fear of standing all alone
+  To testify of Zion's King and the glory of his throne?
+  My Father, O my Father, I am poor and frail and weak,
+  Let me not utter of my own, for idle words I speak;
+  But give me grace to wrestle now, and prompt my faltering tongue,
+  And name thy name upon my soul, and so shall I be strong."
+
+                                          MRS. STUART MENTEITH.
+
+
+Many a weary hour did Carlos shorten by chanting the psalms and hymns
+of the church in low voice for himself. At first he sang them loudly
+enough for his fellow-prisoners to hear; but the commands of Benevidio,
+which were accompanied even by threats of personal violence, soon made
+him forbear. Not a few kindly deeds and words of comfort came to him
+through the ministrations of the poor servant Maria Gonsalez, aided by
+the gaoler's little daughter. On the whole, he was growing accustomed
+to his prison life. It seemed as though it would last for ever; as
+though every other kind of life lay far away from him in the dim
+distance. There were slow and weary hours, more than he could count;
+there were bitter hours--of passionate regret, of dark foreboding,
+of unutterable fear. But there were also quiet hours, burdened by no
+special pain or sorrow; there were sometimes even happy hours, when
+Christ seemed very near, and his consolations were not small with his
+prisoner.
+
+It was one of the quiet hours, when thoughts of the past, not full of
+the anguish of vain yearning, as they often were, but calm and even
+pleasant, were occupying his mind. He had been singing the Te Deum
+for himself; and thinking how sweetly the village choristers used to
+chant it at Nuera; not in the time of Father Tomas, but in that of his
+predecessor, a gentle old man with a special taste for music, whom he
+and his brother, then little children, loved, but used to tease. He was
+so deeply engaged in feeling over again his poignant distress upon one
+particular occasion when Juan had offended the aged priest, that all
+his present sorrows were forgotten for the moment, when he heard the
+large key grate harshly in the strong outer door of his cell.
+
+Benevidio entered, bearing some articles of dress, which he ordered the
+prisoner to put on immediately.
+
+Carlos obeyed in silence, though not without surprise, perhaps even
+a passing feeling of indignation. For the very form and fashion of
+the garments he was thus obliged to assume (a kind of jacket without
+sleeves, and long loose trowsers), meant to the Castilian noble keen
+insult and degradation.
+
+"Take off your shoes," said the alcayde. "Prisoners always come before
+their reverences with uncovered head and feet. Now follow me."
+
+It was, then, the summons to stand before his judges. A thrilling dread
+took possession of his soul. Heedless of the alcayde's presence, he
+threw himself for one brief moment on his knees. Then, though his cheek
+was pale, he could speak calmly. "I am ready," he said.
+
+He followed his conductor through several long and gloomy corridors. At
+length he ventured to ask, "Whither are you leading me?"
+
+"_Chiton!_" said Benevidio, placing his finger on his lips. Speech was
+not permitted there.
+
+At last they drew near an open door. The alcayde quickened his pace,
+entered first, made a very low reverence, then drew back again, and
+motioned Carlos to go forward alone.
+
+He did so; and found himself in the presence of his judges--the Board,
+or "Table of the Inquisition." He bowed, though rather from the habit
+of courtesy, than from any special respect to the tribunal, and stood
+silent.
+
+Before any one addressed him, he had ample leisure for observation. The
+room was large, lofty, and surrounded by pillars, between which there
+were handsome hangings of gilt leather. At one end, the furthest from
+him, stood a great crucifix, larger than life. Around the long table
+on the estrada six or seven persons were seated. Of these, one alone
+was covered, he who sat nearest the door by which Carlos had entered,
+and facing the crucifix. He knew that this was Gonzales de Munebrãga,
+and the thought that he had once pleaded earnestly for that man's life,
+helped to give him boldness in his presence.
+
+At Munebrãga's right hand sat a stern and stately man, whom Carlos,
+though he had never seen him before, knew, from his dress and the
+position he occupied, to be the prior of the Dominican convent
+adjoining the Triana. One or two of the subordinate members of the
+Board he had met occasionally in other days, and he had then considered
+them very far his own inferiors, both in education and in social
+position.
+
+At length Munebrãga, half turning, motioned him to approach the table.
+He did so, and a person who sat at the opposite end, and appeared
+by his dress to be a notary, made him lay his hand on a missal, and
+administered an oath to him.
+
+It bound him to speak the truth, and to keep everything secret which he
+might see or hear; and he took it without hesitation. A bench at the
+Inquisitor's left hand was then pointed out to him, and he was desired
+to be seated.
+
+A member of the Board, who bore the title of the Promoter-fiscal,
+conducted the examination. After some merely formal questions, he
+asked him whether he knew the cause of his present imprisonment? Carlos
+answered immediately, "I do."
+
+This was not the course usually taken by prisoners of the Holy
+Office. They commonly denied all knowledge of any offence that could
+have induced "their reverences" to order their arrest. With a slight
+elevation of the eyebrows, perhaps expressive of surprise, his examiner
+continued, gently enough, "Are you then aware of having erred from the
+faith, and by word or deed offended your own soul, and the consciences
+of good Christians? Speak boldly, my son; for to those who acknowledge
+their faults the Holy Office is full of tenderness and mercy."
+
+"I have not erred, consciously, from the true faith, since I knew it."
+
+Here the Dominican prior interposed. "You can ask for an advocate,"
+he said; "and as you are under twenty-five years of age, you can also
+claim the assistance of a curator.[22] Furthermore, you can request a
+copy of the deposition against you, in order to prepare your defence."
+
+    [22] Guardian.
+
+"Always supposing," said Munebrãga himself, "that he formally denies
+the crime laid to his charge.--Do you?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.
+
+"We understand you so to do," said the prior, looking earnestly at
+Carlos. "You plead not guilty?"
+
+Carlos rose from his seat, and advanced a step or two nearer to the
+table where sat the men who held his life in their hands. Addressing
+himself chiefly to the prior, he said, "I know that by taking the
+course your reverence recommends to me, as I believe out of kindness,
+I may defer my fate for a little while. I may beat the air, fighting
+in the dark with witnesses whom you would refuse to name to me, still
+more to confront with me. Or, I may make you wring out the truth from
+me slowly, drop by drop. But what would that avail me? Neither for
+the truth, nor yet for any falsehood I might be base enough to utter,
+would you loose your hand from your prey. I prefer that straight road
+which is ever the shortest way. I stand before your reverences this
+day a professed Lutheran, despairing of mercy from man, but full of
+confidence in the mercy of God."
+
+A movement of surprise ran around the Board at these daring words. The
+prior turned away from the prisoner with a pained, disconcerted look;
+but only to meet a half-triumphant, half-reproachful glance from his
+superior, Munebrãga. But Munebrãga was not displeased; far from it.
+It did not grieve him that the prisoner, a mere youth, "was throwing
+himself into the fire." That was his own concern. He was saving "their
+reverences" a great deal of trouble. Thanks to his hardihood, his
+folly, or his despair, a good piece of work was quickly and easily
+accomplished. For it was the business of the Inquisitors first to
+convict; retractations were an after consideration.
+
+"Thou art a bold heretic, and fit for the fire," he said. "We know how
+to deal with such." And he placed his hand on the bell that was to
+signal the termination of the interview.
+
+But the prior, recovering from his astonishment, once more interposed.
+"My lord and your reverence, be pleased to allow me a few minutes, in
+which I may set plainly before the prisoner both the wonted mercy and
+lenity of the Holy Office to the repentant, and the fatal consequences
+of obstinacy."
+
+Munebrãga acquiesced by a nod, then leant back carelessly in his seat;
+this was not a part of the proceedings in which he felt much interest.
+
+No one could doubt the sincerity with which the prior warned Carlos of
+the doom that awaited the impenitent heretic. The horrors of the death
+of fire, the deeper, darker horror of the fire that never dies, these
+were the theme of his discourse. If not actually eloquent, it had at
+least the earnestness of intense conviction. "But to the penitent," he
+added, and the hard face softened a little, "God is ever merciful, and
+his Church is merciful too."
+
+Carlos listened in silence, his eyes bent on the ground. But when the
+Dominican concluded, he looked up again, glanced first at the great
+crucifix, then fixed his eyes steadily on the prior's face. "I cannot
+deny my Lord," he said. "I am in your hands, and you can do with me as
+you will. But God is mightier than you."
+
+"Enough!" said Munebrãga, and he rang the hand-bell. After a very short
+delay, the alcayde reappeared, and led Carlos back to his cell.
+
+As soon as he was gone, Munebrãga turned to the prior. "My lord," he
+said, "your wonted penetration is at fault for once. Is this the youth
+whom you assured us a few months of solitary confinement would render
+pliant as a reed and plastic as wax? Whereas we find him as bold a
+heretic as Losada, or D'Arellano, or that imp of darkness, little
+Juliano."
+
+"Nay, my lord, I do not despair of him. Far from it. He is much less
+firm than he seems. Give him time, with a due mixture of kindness and
+severity, and, I trust in our Lord and St. Dominic, we will see him a
+hopeful penitent."
+
+"I am of your mind, reverend father," said the Promoter-fiscal. "It is
+probable he confessed only to avoid the Question. Many of them fear it
+more than death."
+
+"You are right," answered Munebrãga quickly.
+
+The notary looked up from his papers. "Please your lordships," he said,
+"I think it is the _sangre azul_ that makes him so bold. He is Alvarez
+de Meñaya."
+
+"Keep to thy quires and thine ink-horn, man of law," interposed
+Munebrãga angrily. "Thy part is to write down what wiser men say, not
+to prate thyself." It was well known that the Inquisitor, far from
+boasting the _sangre azul_ himself, had not even what the Spaniards
+call "good red blood" flowing in his veins; hence his irritation at the
+notary's speech.
+
+There is often a great apparent similarity in the effects of quite
+opposite causes. That which results from a degree of weakness of
+character may sometimes wear the aspect of transcendent courage. A
+bolder man than Don Carlos Alvarez might, in his circumstances, have
+made a struggle for life. He might have fought over every point as it
+arose; have availed himself of every loophole for escape; have thrown
+upon his persecutors the onus of proving his crime. But such a course
+would not have been possible to Carlos. As a running leap is far more
+easy than a standing one, so to sensitive temperaments it is easier to
+rush forward to meet pain or danger than to stand still and fight it
+off, knowing all the time that it must come at last.
+
+He would have been astonished had he guessed the impression made upon
+his examiners. To himself it seemed that he had confessed his Lord in
+much weakness. Still, he had confessed him. And shut out as he was from
+all ordinary "means of grace," the act of confession became a kind of
+sacrament to him. It was a token and an evidence of Christ's presence
+with him, and Christ's power working in him. He could say now, "In the
+day that I called upon thee thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
+with strength in my soul." And from that hour he seemed to live in
+greater nearness to Christ, and more intimate communion with him, than
+he had ever done before.
+
+It was well that he had strong consolation, for his need was great.
+Two other examinations followed after a short interval; and in both of
+these Munebrãga took a far more active part than he had done in the
+first. The Inquisitors were at that time extremely anxious to procure
+evidence upon which to condemn Fray Constantino, who up to this point
+had steadily resisted every effort they had made to induce him to
+criminate himself. They thought it probable that Don Carlos Alvarez
+could assist them if he would, especially since there had been found
+amongst his papers a highly laudatory letter of recommendation from the
+late Canon Magistral.
+
+Still, his assistance was needed even more in other matters. It is
+scarcely necessary to say that Munebrãga, who forgot nothing, had not
+forgotten the mysterious appointment made with him, but never kept, by
+a cousin of the prisoner's, who was now stated to be hopelessly insane.
+What did that mean? Was the story true; or were the family keeping back
+evidence which might compromise one or more of its remaining members?
+
+But Carlos was expected to resolve a yet graver question; or, at least,
+one that touched him more nearly. His own arrest had been decreed in
+consequence of two depositions against him. First, a member of Losada's
+congregation had named him as one of the habitual attendants; then a
+monk of San Isodro had fatally compromised him under the torture. The
+monk's testimony was clear and explicit, and was afterwards confirmed
+by others. But the first witness had deposed that _two_ gentlemen of
+the name of Meñaya had been wont to attend the conventicle. Who was the
+second? Hitherto this problem had baffled the Inquisitors. Don Manuel
+Alvarez and his sons were noted for orthodoxy; and the only other
+Meñaya known to them was the prisoner's brother. But in his favour
+there was every presumption, both from his character as a gallant
+officer in the army of the most Catholic king, and from the fact of his
+voluntary return to Seville; where, instead of shunning, he seemed to
+court observation, by throwing himself continually in the Inquisitor's
+way, and soliciting audience of him.
+
+Still, of course, his guilt was possible. But, in the absence of
+anything suspicious in his conduct, some clearer evidence than the
+vague deposition alluded to was absolutely necessary, in order to
+warrant proceedings against him. According to the inquisitorial laws,
+what they styled "full half proof" of a crime must be obtained before
+ordering the arrest of the supposed criminal.
+
+And the key to all these perplexities had now to be wrung from the
+unwilling hands of Carlos. This needed "half proof" could, and must,
+be furnished by him. "He _must_ speak out," said those stern, pitiless
+men, who held him in their hands.
+
+But here he was stronger than they. Neither arts, persuasions, threats,
+nor promises, availed to unseal those pale, silent lips. Would torture
+do it? He was told plainly, that unless he would answer every question
+put to him freely and distinctly, he must undergo its worst horrors.
+
+His heart throbbed wildly, then grew sick and faint. A dread far keener
+than the dread of death prompted one short sharp struggle against the
+inevitable. He said, "It is against your own law to torture a confessed
+criminal for information concerning others. For the law presumes that
+a man loves himself better than his neighbour; and, therefore, that
+he who has informed against himself would more readily inform against
+other heretics if he knew them."
+
+He was right. His early studies had enabled him to quote correctly one
+of the rules laid down by the highest authority for the regulation of
+the inquisitorial proceedings. But what mattered rules and canons to
+the members of a secret and irresponsible tribunal?
+
+Munebrãga covered his momentary embarrassment with a sneer. "That rule
+was framed for delinquents of another sort," he said. "You Lutheran
+heretics have the command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,'
+so deeply rooted in your hearts, that the very flesh must needs be
+torn from your bones ere you will inform against your brethren.[23] I
+overrule your objection as frivolous."
+
+    [23] Words actually used by this monster.
+
+And then a sentence, more dreaded than the terrible death-sentence
+itself, received the formal sanction of the Board.
+
+Once more alone in his cell, Carlos flung himself on his knees, and
+pressing his burning brow against the cold damp stone, cried aloud in
+his anguish, "Let this cup--only this--pass from me!"
+
+His was just the nature to which the thought of physical suffering
+is most appalling. Keenly sensitive in mind and body, he shrank in
+unspeakable dread from what stronger characters might brave or defy.
+His vivid imagination intensified every pang he felt or feared. His
+mind was like a room hung round with mirrors, in which every terrible
+thing, reflected a hundred times, became a hundred terrors instead of
+one. What another would have endured once, he endured over and over
+again in agonized anticipation.
+
+At times the nervous horror grew absolutely insupportable. Fearfulness
+and trembling took hold upon him. He felt ready to pray that God in his
+great mercy would take away his life, and let the bearer of the dreaded
+summons find him beyond all their malice.
+
+One thought haunted him like a demon, whispering words of despair. It
+had begun to haunt him from the hour when poor Maria Gonsalez told him
+she had seen his brother. What if they dragged that loved name from his
+lips! What if, in his weakness, he became Juan's betrayer! Once it had
+been in his heart to betray him from selfish love; perhaps in judgment
+for that sin he was now to betray him through sharp bodily anguish.
+Even if his will were kept firm all through (which he scarcely dared to
+hope), would not reason give way, and wild words be wrung from his lips
+that would too surely ruin all?
+
+He tried to think of his Saviour's death and passion; tried to pray for
+strength and patience to drink of _his_ cup. Sometimes he prayed that
+prayer with strong crying and tears; sometimes with cold mute lips, too
+weary to cry any longer. If he was heard and answered, he knew it not
+then.
+
+Days of suspense wore on. They were only less dreary than the nights,
+when sleep fled from his eyes, and horrible visions (which yet he knew
+were less horrible than the truth) rose in quick succession before his
+mind.
+
+One evening, seated on his bench in the twilight, he fell into an
+uneasy slumber. The dark dread that never left him, mingling with the
+sunny gleam of old memories, wove a vivid dream of Nuera, of that
+summer morning when the first great conflict of his life found an
+ending in the strong resolve, "Juan, brother! I will never wrong thee,
+so help me God!"
+
+The grating of the key in the door and the sudden flash of the lamp
+aroused him. He started to his feet at the alcayde's entrance. This
+time no change of dress was prescribed him. He knew his doom. He cried,
+but to no human ear. From the very depths of his being the prayer
+arose, "Father, save--sustain me; _I am thine_!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIII.
+
+                          On the Other Side.
+
+  "Happy are they who learn at last,--
+    Though silent suffering teach
+  The secret of enduring strength,
+    And praise too deep for speech,--
+  Peace that no pressure from without,
+    No storm within can reach.
+
+  "There is no death for me to fear,
+    For Christ my Lord hath died:
+  There is no curse in all my pain,
+    For he was crucified;
+  And it is fellowship with him
+    That keeps me near his side."
+
+                              A.L. WARING.
+
+
+When the light of the next morning streamed in through the narrow
+grating of his cell, Carlos was there once more, lying on his bed of
+rushes. But was it indeed the next morning, or was it ten years, twenty
+years afterwards? Without a painful effort of thought and memory, he
+himself could scarcely have told. That last night was like a great
+gulf, fixed between his present and all his past. The moment when he
+entered that torch-lit subterranean room seemed a sharp, black dividing
+line, sundering his life into two halves. And the latter half seemed
+longer than that which had gone before.
+
+Nor could years of suffering have left a sadder impress on the young
+face, out of which the look of youth had passed, apparently for ever.
+Brow and lips were pale; but two crimson spots, still telling of
+feverish pain, burned on the hollow cheeks, while the large lustrous
+eyes beamed with even unnatural brilliance.
+
+The poor woman, who was doing the work of God's bright angels in
+that dismal prison, came softly in. How she obtained entrance there
+Carlos did not know, and was far too weak to ask, or even to wonder.
+But probably she was sent by Benevidio, who knew that, in his present
+condition, some human help was indispensable to the prisoner.
+
+Maria Gonsalez was too well accustomed to scenes of horror to be
+over-much surprised or shocked by what she saw. Silently, though with a
+heart full of compassion, she rendered the few little services in her
+power. She placed the broken frame in as easy a position as she could,
+and once and again she raised to the parched lips the "cup of cold
+water" so eagerly desired.
+
+He roused himself to murmur a word of thanks; then, as she prepared to
+leave him, his eyes followed her wistfully.
+
+"Can I do anything more for you, señor?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, mother. Tell me--have you spoken to my brother?"
+
+"Ay de mi! no, señor," said the poor woman, whose ability was not equal
+to her goodwill. "I have tried, God wot; but I could not get from my
+master the name of the place where he lives without making him suspect
+something, and never since have I had the good fortune to see his face."
+
+"I know you have done--what you could. My message does not matter now.
+Not so much. Still, best he should go. Tell him so, when you find him.
+But, remember, tell him nought of this. You promise, mother? He must
+never know it--_never_!"
+
+She spoke a few words of pity and condolence.
+
+"It _was_ horrible!" he faltered, in faint, broken tones. "Worst of
+all--the return to life. For I thought all was over, and that I should
+awake face to face with Christ. But--I cannot speak of it."
+
+There was a long silence; then his eye kindled, and a look of joy--ay,
+even of triumph--flashed across the wasted, suffering face. "But _I
+have overcome_! No; not I. Christ has overcome in me, the weakest of
+his members. Now I am beyond it--on the other side."
+
+To the poor tortured captive there had been given a foretaste, strange
+and sweet, of what they feel who stand on the sea of glass, having
+the harps of God in their hands. Men had done their worst--their very
+worst. He knew now all "the dread mystery of pain;" all that flesh
+could accomplish in its fiercest conflict with spirit. Yet not one word
+that could injure any one he loved had been wrung from his lips.
+
+_All_ was over now. In that there was mercy--far more mercy than was
+shown to others. He had been permitted to drain the cup at a single
+draught. _Now_ he could feel grateful to the physicians, who with truly
+kind cruelty (and not without some risk to themselves) had prevented,
+in his case, that fiendish device, "the suspension of the torture."
+Even according to the execrable laws of the Inquisition, he had won his
+right to die in peace.
+
+As time passed on, a blessed sense that he was now out of the hands of
+man, and in those of God alone, sank like balm upon his weary spirit.
+Fear was gone; grief had passed away; even memory had almost ceased to
+give him a pang. For how could he long for the loved faces of former
+days, when day and night Christ himself was near him? So strangely
+near, so intimately present, that he sometimes thought that if, through
+some wonderful relenting of his persecutors, Juan were permitted to
+come and stand beside him, that loved brother would still seem further
+away, less real, than the unseen Friend who was keeping watch by his
+couch. And even the bodily pain, that so seldom left him, was not hard
+to hear, for it was only the touch of His finger.
+
+He had passed into the clear air upon the mountain top, where the sun
+shines ever, and the storm winds cannot come. Nothing hurt him; nothing
+disturbed him now. He had visitors; for what had really placed him
+beyond the reach of his enemies was, not unnaturally, supposed by them
+to have brought him into a fitting state to receive their exhortations.
+So Inquisitors, monks, and friars--"persons of good learning and honest
+repute"--came in due course to his lonely cell, armed with persuasions
+and arguments, which were always weighted with threats and promises.
+
+Their voices seemed to reach him faintly, from a great distance. Into
+"the secret place of the Lord," where he dwelt now, they could not
+enter. Threats and promises fell powerless on his ear. What more could
+they do to him? As far as the mere facts of the case were concerned,
+this security may have been misplaced--nay, it _was_ misplaced; but it
+saved him from much suffering. And as for promises, had they thrown
+open the door of his dungeon and bid him go forth free, only that one
+intense longing to see his brother's face would have nerved him to make
+the effort.
+
+Arguments he was glad to answer when permitted. It was a joy to speak
+for his Lord, who had done, and was doing, such great things for him.
+As far as he could, he made use of those Scripture words with which his
+memory was so richly stored. But more than once it happened that he
+was forced to take up the weapons which he had learned in the schools
+to use so skilfully. He tore sophisms to pieces with the dexterity of
+one who knew how they were constructed, and astonished the students of
+Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas by vanquishing them on their own ground.
+
+Reproach and insult he met with a fearless meekness that nothing could
+ruffle. Why should he feel anger? Rather did he pity those who stood
+without in the darkness, not seeing the Face he saw, not hearing the
+Voice he heard. Usually, however, those who visited him yielded to the
+spell of his own sweet and perfect courtesy, and were kinder than they
+intended to be to the "professed impenitent heretic."
+
+His heart, now "at leisure from itself," was filled with sympathy for
+his imprisoned brethren and sisters. But, except to Maria Gonsalez,
+he dared not speak of them, lest the simplest remark or question
+might give rise to some new suspicion, or supply some link, hitherto
+missing, in the chain of evidence against them. But those who came
+to visit him sometimes gave him unasked intelligence about them. He
+could not, however, rely upon the truth of what reached him in this
+way. He was told that Losada had retracted; he did not believe it.
+Equally did he disbelieve a similar story of Don Juan Ponce de Leon,
+in which, unhappily, there was some truth. The constancy of that
+gentle, generous-hearted nobleman had yielded under torture and cruel
+imprisonment, and concessions had been wrung from him that dimmed the
+brightness of his martyr crown. On the other hand, the waverer, Garçias
+Arias, known as the "White Doctor," had come forward with a hardihood
+truly marvellous, and not only confessed his own faith, but mocked and
+defied the Inquisitors.
+
+Of Fray Constantino, the most contradictory stories were told him.
+At one time he was assured that the great preacher had not only
+admitted his own guilt, but also, on the rack, had informed against
+his brethren. Again he was told, and this time with truth, that the
+Emperor's former chaplain and favourite had been spared the horrors of
+the Question, but that the eagerly desired evidence against him had
+been obtained by accident. A lady of rank, one of his chief friends,
+was amongst the prisoners; and the Inquisitors sent an Alguazil
+to her house to demand possession of her jewels. Her son, without
+waiting to ascertain the precise object of the officer's visit,
+surrendered to him in a panic some books which Fray Constantino had
+given his mother to conceal. Amongst them was a volume in his own
+handwriting, containing the most explicit avowal of the principles of
+the Reformation. On this being shown to the prisoner, he struggled no
+longer. "You have there a full and candid confession of my belief,"
+he said. And he was now in one of the dark and loathsome subterranean
+cells of the Triana.
+
+Amongst those who most frequently visited Carlos was the prior of the
+Dominican convent. This man seemed to take a peculiar interest in the
+young heretic's fate. He was a good specimen of a character oftener
+talked about than met with in real life,--the genuine fanatic. When he
+threatened Carlos, as he spared not to do, with the fire that is never
+quenched, at least he believed with all his heart that he was in danger
+of it. Carlos soon perceived this, and accepting his honest intention
+to benefit him, came to regard him with a kind of friendliness.
+Besides, the prior listened to what he said with more attention than
+did most of the others, and even in the prison of the Inquisition a man
+likes to be listened to, especially when his opportunities of speaking
+are few and brief.
+
+Many weeks passed by, and still Carlos lay on his mat, in weakness and
+suffering of body, though in calm gladness of spirit. Surgical and
+medical aid had been afforded him in due course. And it was not the
+fault of either surgeon or physician that he did not recover. They
+could stanch wounds and set dislocated joints, but when the springs of
+life were sapped, how could they renew them? How could they quicken the
+feeble pulse, or send back life and energy into the broken, exhausted
+frame? At this time Carlos himself felt certain--even more certain than
+did his physician--that never again would his footsteps pass the limits
+of that narrow cell.
+
+Once, indeed, there came to him a brief and fleeting pang of regret.
+It was in the spring-time; everywhere else so bright and fair,
+but making little change in those gloomy cells. Maria Gonsalez now
+sometimes obtained access to him, partly through Benevidio's increased
+inattention to all his duties, partly because, any attempt at escape
+on the part of the captive being obviously out of the question, he was
+somewhat less jealously watched. And more than once the gaoler's little
+daughter stole in timidly beside her nurse, bearing some trifling gift
+for the sick prisoner. To Carlos these visits came like sunbeams; and
+in a very short time he succeeded in establishing quite an intimate
+friendship with the child.
+
+One morning she entered his cell with Maria, carrying a basket, from
+which she produced, with shy pleasure, a few golden oranges. "Look,
+señor," she said, "they are good to eat now, for the blossoms are
+out.[24] I gathered some to show you;" and filling both her hands with
+the luscious wealth of the orange flowers, she flung them carelessly
+down on the mat beside him. In her eyes they were of no value compared
+with the fruit.
+
+    [24] The people of Seville do not think the oranges fit to eat
+    until the new blossoms come out in spring.
+
+With Carlos it was far otherwise. The rich perfume that filled the cell
+filled his heart also with sweet sad dreams, which lasted long after
+his kindly visitors had left him. The orange-trees had just been in
+flower last spring when all God's free earth and sky were shut out from
+his sight for ever. Only a year ago! What a long, long year it seemed!
+And only one year further back he was walking in the orange gardens
+with Doña Beatriz, in all the delicious intoxication of his first and
+last dream of youthful love. "Better here than there, better now than
+then," he murmured, though the tears gathered in his eyes. "But oh, for
+one hour of the old free life, one look at orange-trees in flower, or
+blue skies, or the grassy slopes and cork-trees of Nuera! Or"--and more
+painfully intense the yearning grew--"one familiar face, belonging to
+the past, to show me it was not all a dream, as I am sometimes tempted
+to think it. Thine, Ruy, if it might be--O Ruy, Ruy!--But, thank God, I
+have not betrayed thee!"
+
+In the afternoon of that day visitors were announced. Carlos was not
+surprised to see the stern narrow face and white hair of the Dominican
+prior. But he was a little surprised to observe that the person who
+followed him wore the gray cowl of St. Francis. The prior merely
+bestowed the customary salutation upon him, and then, stepping aside,
+allowed his companion to approach.
+
+But as soon as Carlos saw his face, he raised himself eagerly, and
+stretching out both his hands, grasped those of the Franciscan. "Dear
+Fray Sebastian!" he cried; "my good, kind tutor!"
+
+"My lord the prior has been graciously pleased to allow me to visit
+your Excellency."
+
+"It is truly kind of you, my lord. I thank you heartily," said Carlos,
+frankly and promptly turning towards the Dominican, who looked at him
+with somewhat the air of one who is trying to be stern with a child.
+
+"I have ventured to allow you this indulgence," he said, "in the hope
+that the counsels of one whom you hold in honour may lead you to
+repentance."
+
+Carlos turned once more to Fray Sebastian, whose hand he still held.
+"It is a great joy to see you," he said. "Only to-day I had been
+longing for a familiar face. And you are changed never a whit since you
+used to teach me my humanities. How have you come hither? Where have
+you been all these years?"
+
+Poor Fray Sebastian vainly tried to frame an answer to these simple
+questions. He had come to that prison straight from Munebrãga's
+splendid patio, where, amidst the gleam of azulejos and of
+many-coloured marbles, the scent of rare exotics and the music of
+rippling fountains, he had partaken of a sumptuous mid-day repast.
+In this dark foul dungeon there was nothing to please the senses, not
+even God's free air and light. Everything on which his eye rested was
+coarse, painful, loathsome. By the prisoner's side lay the remains of
+a meal, in great contrast to his. And the sleeve, fallen back from the
+hand that held his own, showed deep scars on the wrist. He knew whence
+they were. Yet the face that was looking in his, with kindling eyes,
+and a smile on the parted lips, might have been the face of the boy
+Carlos, when he praised him for a successful task, only for the pain
+in it, and, far deeper than pain, a look of assured peace that boyhood
+could scarcely know.
+
+Repressing a choking sensation, he faltered, "Señor Don Carlos, it
+grieves me to the heart to see you here."
+
+"Do not grieve for me, dear Fray Sebastian, for I tell you truly, I
+have never known such happy hours as since I came here. At first,
+indeed, I suffered; there was storm and darkness. But then"--here for
+a moment his voice failed, and his flushed cheek and quivering lip
+betrayed the anguish a too hasty movement cost the broken frame. But,
+recovering himself quickly, he went on: "Then He arose and rebuked
+the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. That calm lasts
+still. And oftentimes this narrow room seems to me the house of God,
+the very gate of heaven. Moreover," he added, with a smile of strange
+brightness, "there is heaven itself beyond."
+
+"But, señor and your Excellency, consider the disgrace and sorrow
+of your noble family--that is, I mean"--here the speaker paused
+in perplexity, and met the keen eye of the prior, fixed somewhat
+scornfully, as he thought, upon him. He was quite conscious that the
+Dominican was thinking him incapable, and incompetent to the task
+he had so earnestly solicited. He had sedulously prepared himself
+for this important interview, had gone through it in imagination
+beforehand, laying up in his memory several convincing and most
+pertinent exhortations, which could not fail to benefit his old pupil.
+But these were of no avail now; in fact, they all vanished from his
+recollection. He had just begun something rather vague and incoherent
+about Holy Church, when the prior broke in.
+
+"Honoured brother," he said, addressing with scrupulous politeness
+the member of a rival fraternity, "the prisoner may be more willing
+to listen to your pious exhortations, and you may have more freedom
+in addressing him, if you are left for a brief space alone together.
+Therefore, though it is scarcely regular, I will visit a prisoner in a
+neighbouring apartment, and return hither for you in due time."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him, and he withdrew, saying as he did so, "It
+is not necessary for me to remind my reverend brother that conversation
+upon worldly matters is strictly forbidden in the Holy House."
+
+Whether the prior visited the other prisoner or no, it is not for
+us to inquire; but if he did, his visit was a short one; for it is
+certain that for some time he paced the gloomy corridor with troubled
+footsteps. He was thinking of a woman's face, a fair young face, to
+which that of Don Carlos Alvarez bore a startling likeness. "Too harsh,
+needlessly harsh," he murmured; "for, after all, _she_ was no heretic."
+But which of us is always in the right? Ave Maria Sanctissima, ora pro
+me! But if I can, I would fain make some reparation--to _him_. If ever
+there was a true and sincere penitent, he is one."
+
+After a little further delay, he summoned Fray Sebastian by a
+peremptory knock at the inner door, the outer one of course remaining
+open. The Franciscan came, his broad, good-humoured face bathed in
+tears, which he scarcely made an effort to conceal.
+
+The prior glanced at him for a moment, then signed to Herrera, who was
+waiting in the gallery, to come and make the door fast. They walked
+on together in silence, until at length Fray Sebastian said, in a
+trembling voice, "My lord, you are very powerful here; can _you_ do
+nothing for him?"
+
+"I _have_ done much. At my intercession he had nine months of solitude,
+in which to recollect himself and ponder his situation, ere he was
+called on to make answer at all. Judge my amazement when, instead of
+entering upon his defence, or calling witnesses to his character, he
+at once confessed all. Judge my greater amazement at his continued
+obstinacy since. When a man has broken a giant oak in two, he may feel
+some surprise at being battled by a sapling."
+
+"He will not relent," said Fray Sebastian, hardly restraining his sobs.
+"He will die."
+
+"I see one chance to save him," returned the prior; "but it is a
+hazardous experiment. The consent of the Supreme Council is necessary,
+as well as that of my Lord Vice-Inquisitor, and neither may be very
+easy to obtain."
+
+"To save his body or his soul?" Fray Sebastian asked anxiously.
+
+"Both, if it succeeds. But I can say no more," he added rather
+haughtily; "for my plan is bound up with a secret, of which few living
+men, save myself, are in possession."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIV.
+
+                       Fray Sebastian's Trouble.
+
+                          "Now, with fainting frame,
+  With soul just lingering on the flight begun,
+  To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one,
+  I bless thee. Peace be on thy noble head,
+  Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead!
+  I bid this prayer survive me, and retain
+  Its power again to bless thee, and again.
+  Thou hast been gathered into my dark fate
+  Too much; too long for my sake desolate
+  Hath been thine exiled youth; but now take back
+  From dying hands thy freedom."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+It was late in August. All day long the sky had been molten fire, and
+the earth brass. Every one had dozed away the sultry noontide hours
+in the coolest recesses of dwellings made to exclude heat, as ours
+to exclude cold. But when at last the sun sank in flame beneath the
+horizon, people began to creep out languidly to woo the refreshment of
+the evening breeze.
+
+The beautiful gardens of the Triana were still deserted, save by
+two persons. One of these, a young lad--we beg pardon, a young
+gentleman--of fifteen or sixteen, sat, or rather reclined, by the
+river-side, eating slices from an enormous melon, which he cut with a
+small silver-hilted dagger. A plumed cap, and a gay velvet jerkin lined
+with satin, had been thrown aside for coolness sake, and lay near him
+on the ground; so that his present dress consisted merely of a mass
+of the finest white holland, delicately starched and frilled, velvet
+hosen, long silk stockings, and fashionable square-toed shoes. Curls
+of scented hair were thrown back from a face beautiful as that of a
+girl, but bold and insolent in its expression as that of a spoiled and
+mischievous boy.
+
+The other person was seated in the arbour mentioned once before, with
+a book in his hand, of which, however, he did not in the course of
+an hour turn over a single leaf. A look of chronic discontent and
+dejection had replaced the good-humoured smiles of Fray Sebastian
+Gomez. Everything was wrong with the poor Franciscan now. Even the
+delicacies of his patron's table ceased to please him; and he, in his
+turn, was fast ceasing to please his patron. How could it be otherwise,
+when he had lost not only his happy art of indirect ingenious flattery,
+but his power to be commonly agreeable or amusing? No more poems--not
+so much as the briefest sonnet--on the suppression of heresy were to be
+had from him; and he was fast becoming incapable of turning a jest or
+telling a story.
+
+It is said that idiots often manifest peculiar pain and terror at the
+sound of music, because it awakens within them faint stirrings of that
+higher life from which God's mysterious dispensation has shut them out.
+And it is true that the first stirrings of higher life usually come
+to all of us with pain and terror. Moreover, if we do not crush them
+out, but cherish and foster them, they are very apt to take away the
+brightness and pleasantness of the old lower life altogether, and to
+make it seem worthless and distasteful.
+
+A new and higher life had begun for Fray Sebastian. It was not his
+conscience that was quickened, only his heart. Hitherto he had
+chiefly cared for himself. He was a good-natured man, in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term; yet no sympathy for others had ever spoiled
+his appetite or hindered his digestion. But for the past three months
+he had been feeling as he had not felt since he clung weeping to the
+mother who left him in the parlour of the Franciscan convent--a child
+of eight years old. The patient suffering face of the young prisoner in
+the Triana had laid upon him a spell that he could not break.
+
+To say that he would have done anything in his power to save Don
+Carlos, is to say little. Willingly would he have lived for a month
+on black bread and brackish water, if that could have even mitigated
+his fate. But the very intensity of his desire to help him was fast
+making him incapable of rendering him the smallest service. Munebrãga's
+flatterer and favourite might possibly, by dint of the utmost
+self-possession and the most adroit management, have accomplished some
+little good. But Fray Sebastian was now consciously forfeiting even the
+miserable fragment of power that had once been his. He thought himself
+like the salt that had lost its savour, and was fit neither for the
+land nor yet for the dunghill.
+
+Absorbed in his mournful reflections, he continued unconscious of the
+presence of such an important personage as Don Alonzo de Munebrãga, the
+Lord Vice-Inquisitor's favourite page. At length, however, he was made
+aware of the fact by a loud angry shout, "Off with you, varlets, scum
+of the people! How dare you put your accursed fishing-smack to shore in
+my lord's garden, and under his very eyes?"
+
+Fray Sebastian looked up, and saw no fishing-boat, but a decent
+covered barge, from which, in spite of the page's remonstrance, two
+persons were landing: an elderly female clad in deep mourning, and her
+attendant, apparently a tradesman's apprentice, or serving-man.
+
+Fray Sebastian knew well how many distracted petitioners daily sought
+access to Munebrãga, to plead (alas, how vainly!) for the lives of
+parents, husbands, sons, or daughters. This was doubtless one of them.
+He heard her plead, "For the love of Heaven, dear young gentleman,
+hinder me not. Have you a mother? My only son lies--"
+
+"Out upon thee, woman!" interrupted the page; "and the foul fiend take
+thee and thy only son together."
+
+"Hush, Don Alonzo!" Fray Sebastian interposed, coming forward towards
+the spot; and perhaps for the first time in his life there was
+something like dignity in his tone and manner. "You must be aware,
+señora," he said, turning to the woman, "that the right of using
+this landing-place is restricted to my lord's household. You will be
+admitted at the gate of the Triana, if you present yourself at a proper
+hour."
+
+"Alas! good father, once and again have I sought admission to my lord's
+presence. I am the unhappy mother of Luis D'Abrego, he who used to
+paint and illuminate the church missals so beautifully. More than a
+year agone they tore him from me, and carried him away to yonder tower,
+and since then, so help me the good God, never a word of him have I
+heard. Whether he is living or dead, this day I know not."
+
+"Oh, a Lutheran dog! Serve him right," cried the page. "I hope they
+have put him on the pulley."
+
+Fray Sebastian turned suddenly, and dealt the lad a stinging blow
+on the side of his face. To the latest hour of his life this act of
+passion remained incomprehensible to himself. He could only ascribe it
+to the direct agency of the evil one. "I was tempted by the Devil," he
+would say with a sigh, "Vade retro me, Satana."
+
+Crimson to the roots of his perfumed hair, the boy sought his dagger.
+"Vile caitiff! beggarly trencher-scraping Franciscan!" he cried, "you
+shall repent of this."
+
+But apparently changing his mind the next moment, he allowed the dagger
+to drop from his hand, and snatching up his jerkin, ran at full speed
+towards the house.
+
+Fray Sebastian crossed himself, and gazed after him bewildered; his
+unwonted passion dying as suddenly as it had flamed up, and giving
+place to fear.
+
+Meanwhile the mother of Abrego, to whom it did not occur that the
+buffet bestowed on the page could have any serious consequences,
+resumed her pleadings. "Your reverence seems to have a heart that can
+feel for the unhappy," she said. "For Heaven's sake refuse not the
+prayer of the most unhappy woman in the world. Only let me see his
+lordship--let me throw myself at his feet and tell him the whole truth.
+My poor lad had nothing at all to do with the Lutherans; he was a good,
+true Christian, and an old one, like all his family."
+
+"Nay, nay, my good woman; I fear I can do nothing to help you. And I
+entreat of you to leave this place, else some of my lord's household
+are sure to come and compel you. Ay, there they are."
+
+It was true enough. Don Alonzo, as he ran through the porch, shouted to
+the numerous idle attendants who were lounging about, and some of them
+immediately rushed out into the garden.
+
+In justice to Fray Sebastian, it must be recorded, that before he
+consulted for his personal safety, he led the poor woman back to the
+barge, and saw her depart in it. Then he made good his own retreat,
+going straight to the lodging of Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+He found Juan lying asleep on a settle. The day was hot; he had nothing
+to do; and, moreover, the fiery energy of his southern blood was dashed
+by the southern taint of occasional torpor. Starting up suddenly, and
+seeing Fray Sebastian standing before him with a look of terror, he
+asked in alarm, "Any tidings, Fray? Speak--tell me quickly."
+
+"None, Señor Don Juan. But I must leave this place at once." And the
+friar briefly narrated the scene that had just taken place, adding
+mournfully, "Ay de mi! I cannot tell what came over me--_me_, the
+mildest tempered man in all the Spains!"
+
+"And what of all that?" asked Juan rather contemptuously. "I see
+nothing to regret, save that you did not give the insolent lad what he
+deserved, a sound beating."
+
+"But, Señor Don Juan, you don't understand," gasped the poor friar. "I
+must fly immediately. If I stay here over to-night I shall find myself
+before the morning--_there_." And with a significant gesture he pointed
+to the grim fortress that loomed above them.
+
+"Nonsense. They cannot suspect a man of heresy, even _de levi_,[25] for
+boxing the ear of an impudent serving-lad."
+
+    [25] Lightly.
+
+"Ay, and can they not, your worship? Do you not know that the gardener
+of the Triana has lain for many a weary month in one of those dismal
+cells; and all for the grave offence of snatching a reed out of the
+hand of one of my lord's lackeys so roughly as to make it bleed?"[26]
+
+    [26] A fact.
+
+"Truly? Now are things come to a strange pass in our free and royal
+land of Spain! A beggarly upstart, such as this Munebrãga, who could
+not, to save himself from the rack, tell you the name of his own
+great-grandfather, drags the sons and brothers--ay, and God help us!
+the wives and daughter--of our knights and nobles to the dungeon and
+the stake before our eyes. And it is not enough for him to set his
+own heel on our necks. His minions--his very grooms and pages--must
+lord it over us, and woe to him who dares to chastise their insolence.
+Nathless, I would feel it a comfort to make every bone in that urchin's
+body ache soundly. I have a mind--but this is folly. I believe you are
+right, Fray. You should go."
+
+"Moreover," said the friar mournfully, "I am doing no good here."
+
+"No one can do good now," returned Juan, in a tone of deep dejection.
+"And to-day the last blow has fallen. The poor woman who showed him
+kindness, and sometimes told us how he fared, is herself a prisoner."
+
+"What! she has been discovered?"
+
+"Even so: and with those fiends mercy is the greatest of all crimes.
+The child met me to-day (whether by accident or design, I know not),
+and told me, weeping bitterly."
+
+"God help her!"
+
+"Some would gladly endure her punishment if they might commit her
+crime," said Don Juan. There was a pause; then he resumed, "I had been
+about to ask you to apply once more to the prior."
+
+Fray Sebastian shook his head. "That were of no use," he said; "for it
+is certain that my lord the Vice-Inquisitor and the prior have had a
+misunderstanding about the matter. And the prior, so far from obtaining
+permission to deal with him as he desired, is not even allowed to see
+him now."
+
+"And yourself?--whither do you mean to go?" asked Juan, rather abruptly.
+
+"In sooth, I know not, señor. I have had no time to think. But go I
+must."
+
+"I will tell you what to do. Go to Nuera. There for the present you
+will be safe. And if any man inquire your business, you have a fair and
+ready answer. _I_ send you to look after my affairs. Stay; I will write
+by you to Dolores. Poor, true-hearted Dolores!" Don Juan seemed to fall
+into a reverie, so long did he sit motionless, his face shaded by his
+hand.
+
+His mournful air, his unwonted listlessness, his attenuated frame--all
+struck Fray Sebastian painfully. After musing a while in silence, he
+said at last, very suddenly, "Señor Don Juan!"
+
+Juan looked up.
+
+"Have you ever thought since on the message _he_ sent you by me?"
+
+Don Juan looked as though that question were worse than needless. Was
+not every word of his brother's message burned into his heart? This
+it was: "My Ruy, thou hast done all for me that the best of brothers
+could. Leave me now to God, unto whom I am going quickly, and in peace.
+Quit the country as soon as thou canst; and God's best blessings
+surround thy path and guard thee evermore."
+
+One fact Carlos had most earnestly entreated Fray Sebastian to withhold
+from his brother. Juan must never know that he had endured the horrors
+of the Question. The monk would have promised almost anything that
+could bring a glow of pleasure to that pale, patient face. And he had
+kept his promise, though at the expense of a few falsehoods, that did
+not greatly embarrass his conscience. He had conveyed the impression
+to Don Juan that it was merely from the effects of his long and cruel
+imprisonment that his brother was sinking into the only refuge that
+remained to him--a quiet grave.
+
+After a pause, he resumed, looking earnestly at Juan--"_He_ wished you
+to go."
+
+"Do you not know that next month they say there will be--_an Auto_?"
+
+"Yes; but it is not likely--"
+
+They gazed at each other in silence, neither saying _what_ was not
+likely.
+
+"Any horror is _possible_," said Juan at last. "But no more of this.
+Until after the Auto, with its chances of _some_ termination to this
+dreadful suspense, I stir not from Seville. Now, we must think for you.
+I know where to find a boat, the owner of which will take you some
+miles on your way up the river to-night. Then you can hire a horse."
+
+Fray Sebastian groaned. Neither the journey itself, its cause, nor its
+manner were anything but disagreeable to the poor friar. But there was
+no help for him. Juan gave him some further directions about his way;
+then set food and wine before him.
+
+"Eat and drink," he said. "Meanwhile I will secure the boat. When I
+return, I can write to Dolores."
+
+All was done as he planned; and ere the morning broke, Fray Sebastian
+was far on his way to Nuera, with the letter to Dolores stitched into
+the lining of his doublet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXV.
+
+                         The Eve of the Auto.
+
+  "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth
+  He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon
+     him.
+  He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope."
+
+                                       LAMENTATIONS iii, 27-29.
+
+
+On the 21st of September 1559, all Seville wore a festive appearance.
+The shops were closed, and the streets were filled with idle loiterers
+in their gay holiday apparel. For it was the eve of the great
+Auto, and the preliminary ceremonies were going forward amidst the
+admiration of gazing thousands. Two stately scaffolds, in the form of
+an amphitheatre, had been erected in the great square of the city,
+then called the Square of St. Francis; and thither, when the work was
+completed, flags and crosses were borne in solemn procession, with
+music and singing.
+
+But a still more significant ceremonial was enacted in another place.
+Outside the walls, on the Prado San Sebastian, stood the ghastly
+Quemadero--the great altar upon which, for generations, men had offered
+human sacrifices to the God of peace and love. Thither came long files
+of barefooted friars, carrying bushes and faggots, which they laid in
+order on the place of death, while, in sweet yet solemn tones, they
+chanted the "Miserere" and "De Profundis."
+
+Very close together on those festive days were "strong light and deep
+shadow." But our way leads us, for the present, into the light. Turning
+away from the Square of St. Francis, and the Prado San Sebastian, we
+enter a cool upper room in the stately mansion of Don Garçia Ramirez.
+There, in the midst of gold and gems, and of silk and lace, Doña Inez
+is standing, busily engaged in the task of selecting the fairest
+treasures of her wardrobe to grace the grand festival of the following
+day. Doña Beatriz de Lavella, and the young waiting-woman who had been
+employed in the vain though generous effort to save Don Carlos, are
+both aiding her in the choice.
+
+"Please your ladyship," said the girl, "I should recommend rose colour
+for the basquina. Then, with those beautiful pearls, my lord's late
+gift, my lady will be as fine as a duchess; of whom, I hear, many will
+be there.--But what will Señora Doña Beatriz please to wear?"
+
+"I do not intend to go, Juanita," said Doña Beatriz, with a little
+embarrassment.
+
+"Not intend to go!" cried the girl, crossing herself in surprise. "Not
+go to see the grandest sight there has been in Seville for many a year!
+Worth a hundred bull-feasts! Ay de mi! what a pity!"
+
+"Juanita," interposed her mistress, "I think I hear the señorita's
+voice in the garden. It is far too hot for her to be out of doors.
+Oblige me by bringing her in at once."
+
+As soon as the attendant was gone, Doña Inez turned to her cousin. "It
+is really most unreasonable of Don Juan," she said, "to keep you shut
+up here, whilst all Seville is making holiday."
+
+"I am glad--I have no heart to go forth," said Doña Beatriz, with a
+quivering lip.
+
+"Nor have I too much, for that matter. My poor brother is so weak
+and ill to-day, it grieves me to the heart. Moreover, he is still so
+thoughtless about his poor soul. That is the worst of all. I never
+cease praying Our Lady to bring him to a better mind. If he would only
+consent to see a priest; but he was ever obstinate. And if I urge the
+point too strongly, he will think I suppose him dying."
+
+"I thought his health had improved since you had him brought over here."
+
+"Certainly he is happier here than he was in his father's house. But
+of late he seems to me to be sinking, and that quickly. And now, the
+Auto--"
+
+"What of that?" asked Doña Beatriz, with a quick look, half suspicious
+and half frightened.
+
+Doña Inez closed the door carefully, and drew nearer to her cousin.
+"They say _she_ will be amongst the relaxed,"[27] she whispered.
+
+    [27] Those delivered over to the secular arm--that is, to death.
+
+"Does he know it?" asked Beatriz.
+
+"I fear he suspects something; and what to tell him, or not to tell
+him, I know not--Our Lady help me! Ay de mi! 'Tis a horrible business
+from beginning to end. And the last thing--the arrest of the sister,
+Doña Juana! A duke's daughter--a noble's bridge. But--best be silent.
+
+  'Con el re e la Inquisicion,
+   Chiton! Chiton!'"[28]
+
+    [28]
+
+    "With the King or the Inquisition,
+     Hush! Hush!"
+
+    _A Spanish Proverb._
+
+Thus, only in a few hurried words, spoken with 'bated breath, did Doña
+Inez venture to allude to the darkest and saddest of the horrible
+tragedies in that time of horrors. Nor shall we do more.
+
+"Still, you know, amiga mia," she continued, "one must do like one's
+neighbours. It would be so ridiculous to look gloomy on a festival day.
+Besides, every one would talk."
+
+"That is why I say I am glad Don Juan made it his prayer to me that I
+would not go. For not to look sorrowful, when thy father, Don Manuel,
+and my aunt, Doña Katarina, are both doing their utmost to drive me out
+of my senses, would be past my power."
+
+"Have they been urging the suit of Señor Luis upon thee again? My poor
+Beatriz, I am truly sorrow for thee," said Doña Inez, with genuine
+sympathy.
+
+"Urging it again!" Beatriz repeated with flashing eyes. "Nay; but they
+have never ceased to urge it. And they spare not to say such wicked,
+cruel words. They tell me Don Juan is dishonoured by his brother's
+crime. Dishonoured, forsooth! Think of dishonour touching him! After
+the day of St. Quentin, the Duke of Savoy was not of that mind, nor our
+Catholic King himself. And they have the audacity to say that I can
+easily get absolved of my troth to him. Absolved of a solemn promise
+made in the sight of God and of Our Lady, and all the holy Saints! If
+_that_ be not heresy, as bad as--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Doña Inez. "These are dangerous subjects. Moreover,
+I hear some one knocking at the door."
+
+It proved to be a page bearing a message.
+
+"If it please Doña Beatriz de Lavella, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos
+y Meñaya kisses the señora's feet, and most humbly desires the favour
+of an audience."
+
+"I go," said Beatriz.
+
+"Request Señor Don Juan to have the goodness to untire himself a
+little, and bring his Excellency fruit and wine," added Doña Inez. "My
+cousin," she said, turning to Beatriz as soon as the page left the
+room, "do you not know your cheeks are all aflame? Don Juan will think
+we have quarrelled. Rest you here a minute, and let me bathe them for
+you with this water of orange-flowers."
+
+Beatriz submitted, though reluctantly, to her cousin's good offices.
+While she performed them she whispered, "And be not so downcast, amiga
+mia. There is a remedy for most troubles. And as for yours, I see not
+why Don Juan himself should not save you out of them once for all." She
+added, in a whisper, two or three words that more than undid all the
+benefit which the cheeks of Beatriz might otherwise have derived from
+the application of the fragrant water.
+
+"No use," was the agitated reply. "Even were it possible, _they_ would
+not permit it."
+
+"You can come to visit me. Then trust me to manage the rest. The truth
+is, amiga mia," Doña Inez continued hurriedly, as she smoothed her
+cousin's dark glossy hair, "what between sickness, and quarrelling, and
+the Faith, and heresy, and prisons, there is so much trouble in the
+world that no one can help, it seems a pity not to help all one can. So
+you may tell Don Juan that if Doña Inez can do him a good turn she will
+not be found wanting. There, I despair of your cheeks. Yet I must allow
+that their crimson becomes you well. But you would rather hear that
+from Don Juan's lips than from mine. Go to him, my cousin." And with a
+parting kiss Beatriz was dismissed.
+
+But if she expected any flattery that day from the lips of Don Juan,
+she was disappointed. His heart was far too sorrowful. He had merely
+come to tell his betrothed what he intended to do on the morrow--that
+dreadful morrow! "I have secured a station," he said, "from whence
+I can watch the whole procession, as it issues from the gate of the
+Triana. If _he_ is there, I shall dare everything for a last look and
+word. And a desperate man is seldom baffled. If even his dust is there,
+I shall stand beside it till all is over. If not--" Here he broke off,
+leaving his sentence unfinished, as if in that case it did not matter
+what he did.
+
+Just then Doña Inez entered. After customary salutations, she said, "I
+have a request to make of you, my cousin, on the part of my brother,
+Don Gonsalvo. He desires to see you for a few moments."
+
+"Señora my cousin, I am very much at your service, and at his."
+
+Juan was accordingly conducted to the upper room where Gonsalvo lay.
+And at the special request of the sick man, they were left alone
+together.
+
+He stretched out a wasted hand to his cousin, who took it in silence,
+but with a look of compassion. For it needed only a glance at his face
+to show that death was there.
+
+"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.
+
+"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."
+
+"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask.
+Tell me the names of any of the--the _victims_ that have come to your
+knowledge."
+
+"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I
+succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst
+them."
+
+"Tell me--has rumour named in your hearing--Doña Maria de Xeres y
+Bohorques?"
+
+Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Doña Inez had but recently
+confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation,
+though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."
+
+Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great
+silence.
+
+Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth,
+he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."
+
+"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well--for
+her."
+
+"A brave word, bravely spoken."
+
+"Nigh upon eighteen months--long slow months of grief and pain. All
+ended now. To-morrow night she will see the glory of God."
+
+There was another long pause. At last Juan said,--
+
+"Perhaps, if you could, you would gladly share her fate?"
+
+Gonsalvo half raised himself, and a flush overspread the wan face that
+already wore the ashy hue of approaching death. "Share _that_ fate?" he
+cried, with an eagerness contrasting strangely with his former slow and
+measured utterance. "Change with _them_? Ask the beggar, who sits all
+day at the King's gate, waiting for his dole of crumbs, would he gladly
+change with the King's children, when he sees the golden gate flung
+open before them, and watches them pass in robed and crowned, to the
+presence-chamber of the King himself."
+
+"Your faith is greater than mine," said Juan in surprise.
+
+"In one way, yes," replied Gonsalvo, sinking back, and resuming his
+low, quiet tone. "For the beggar dares to hope that the King has looked
+with pity even on _him_."
+
+"You do well to hope in the mercy of God."
+
+"Cousin, do you know what my life has been?"
+
+"I think I do."
+
+"I am past disguise now. Standing on the brink of the grave, I dare
+speak the truth, though it be to my own shame. There was no evil, no
+sin--stay, I will sum up all in one word. _One_ pure, blameless life--a
+man's life, too--I have watched from day to day, from childhood to
+manhood. All that your brother Don Carlos was, I was not; all he was
+not, I was."
+
+"Yet you once thought that life incomplete, unmanly," said Juan,
+remembering the taunts that in past days had so often aroused his wrath.
+
+"I was a fool. It is just retribution that I--I who called him
+coward--should see him march in there triumphant, with the palm of
+victory in his hand. But let me end; for I think it is the last time
+I shall speak of myself in any human ear. I sowed to the flesh, and
+of the flesh I have reaped--_corruption_. It is an awful word, Don
+Juan. All the life in me turned to death; all the good in me (what God
+meant for good, such as force, fire, passion) turned to evil. What
+availed it me that I loved a star in heaven--a bright, lonely, distant
+star--while I was earthy, of the earth? Because I could not (and thank
+God for that!) pluck down my star from the sky and hold it in my hand,
+even that love became corruption too. I fulfilled my course, the
+earthly grew sensual, the sensual grew devilish. And then God smote me,
+though not then for the first time. The stroke of his hand was heavy.
+My heart was crushed, my frame left powerless." He paused for a while,
+then slowly resumed. "The stroke of his hand, your brother's words,
+your brother's book--by these he taught me. There is deliverance even
+from the bondage of corruption, through him who came to call not the
+righteous, but sinners. One day--and that soon--I, even I, shall kneel
+at his feet, and thank him for saving the lost. And then I shall see my
+star, shining far above me in his glorious heaven, and be content and
+glad."
+
+"God has been very gracious to you, my cousin," said Juan in a tone
+of emotion. "And what he has cleansed I dare not call common. Were my
+brother here to-day, I think he would stretch out to you the right
+hand, not of forgiveness, but of fellowship. I have told you how he
+longed for your soul."
+
+"God can fulfil more desires of his than that, Don Juan, and I doubt
+not he will. What know we of his dealings? we who all these dreary
+months have been mourning for and pitying his prisoners, to-morrow to
+be his crowned and sainted martyrs? It were a small thing with him
+to flood the dungeon's gloom with light, and give--even here, even
+now--all their hearts long for to those who suffer for him."
+
+Juan was silent. Truly the last was first, and the first last now.
+Gonsalvo had reached some truths which were still far beyond _his_ ken.
+He did not know how their seed had been sown in his heart by his own
+brother's hand. At length he answered, in a low and faltering voice,
+"There is much in what you say. Fray Sebastian told me--"
+
+"Ay," cried Gonsalvo eagerly, "what did Fray Sebastian tell you of
+_him_?"
+
+"That he found him in perfect peace, though ill and weak in body. It is
+my hope that God himself has delivered him ere now out of their cruel
+hands. And I ought to tell you that he spoke of all his relatives with
+affection, and made special inquiry after your health."
+
+Gonsalvo said quietly, "It is likely I shall see him before you."
+
+Juan sighed. "To-morrow will reveal something," he said.
+
+"Many things, perhaps," Gonsalvo returned. "Well--Doña Beatriz waits
+you now. There is no poison in that wine, though it be of an earthly
+vintage; and God himself puts the cup in your hand; so take it, and be
+comforted. Yet stay; have you patience for one word more?"
+
+"For a thousand, if you will, my cousin."
+
+"I know that in heart you share his--_our_ faith."
+
+Juan shrank a little from his gaze.
+
+"Of course," he replied, "I have been obliged to conceal my opinions;
+and, indeed, of late all things have seemed to grow dim and uncertain
+with me. Sometimes, in my heart of hearts, I cannot tell what truth is."
+
+"'He came not to call the righteous, but sinners,'" said Gonsalvo. "And
+the sinner who has heard his call _must_ believe, let others doubt as
+they may. Thank God, the sinner may not only believe, but love. Yes;
+in that the beggar at the gate may take his stand beside the king's
+children unreproved. Even I dare to say, 'Lord, thou knowest all
+things; thou knowest that I love thee.' Only to them it is given to
+prove it; while I--ay, there was the bitter thought. Long it haunted
+me. At last I prayed that if indeed he deigned to accept me, all sinful
+as I was, he would give me for a sign something to do, to suffer, or to
+give up, whereby I might prove my love."
+
+"And did he hear you?"
+
+"Yes. He showed me one thing harder to give up than life; one thing
+harder to do than to brave the torture and the death of fire."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+Once more Gonsalvo veiled his face. Then he murmured--"Harder to give
+up--vengeance, hatred; harder to do--to pray for _their_ murderers."
+
+"_I_ could never do it," said Juan, starting.
+
+"And if at last--at last--_I_ can,--I, whose anger was fierce, and
+whose wrath was cruel, even unto death,--is not that His own work in
+me?"
+
+Juan half turned away, and did not answer immediately. In his heart
+many thoughts were struggling. Far, indeed, was he from praying for his
+brother's murderers; almost as far from wishing to do it. Rather would
+he invoke God's vengeance upon them. Had Gonsalvo, in the depths of his
+misery, remorse, and penitence, actually found something which Don Juan
+Alvarez still lacked? He said at last, with a humility new and strange
+to him,--
+
+"My cousin, you are nearer heaven than I."
+
+"As to time--yes," said Gonsalvo, with a faint smile. "Now farewell,
+cousin; and thank you."
+
+"Can I do nothing more for you?"
+
+"Yes; tell my sister that I know all. Now, God bless you, and deliver
+you from the evils that beset your path, and bring you and yours to
+some land where you may worship him in peace and safety."
+
+And so the cousins parted, never to meet again upon earth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVI.
+
+             "The Horrible and Tremendous Spectacle."[29]
+
+                                    "All have passed:
+  The fearful, and the desperate, and the strong.
+  Some like the barque that rushes with the blast;
+  Some like the leaf borne tremblingly along;
+  And some like men who have but one more field
+  To fight, and then may slumber on their shield--
+  Therefore they arm in hope."
+
+                                                  HEMANS.
+
+
+At earliest dawn next morning, Juan established himself in an upper
+room of one of the high houses which overlooked the gate of the Triana.
+He had hired it from the owners for the purpose, stipulating for sole
+possession and perfect loneliness.
+
+    [29] So called by the Inquisitor, De Pegna.
+
+At sunrise the great Cathedral bell tolled out solemnly, and all the
+bells in the city responded. Through the crowd, which had already
+gathered in the street, richly dressed citizens were threading their
+way on foot. He knew they were those who, out of zeal for the faith,
+had volunteered to act as _patrinos_, or god-fathers, to the prisoners,
+walking beside them in the procession. Amongst them he recognized his
+cousins, Don Manuel and Don Balthazar. They were all admitted into the
+castle by a private door.
+
+Ere long the great gate was flung open. Juan's eyes were rivetted to
+the spot. There was a sound of singing, sweet and low, as of childish
+voices; for the first to issue from those gloomy portals were the
+boys of the College of Doctrine, dressed in white surplices, and
+chanting litanies to the saints. Clear and full at intervals rose from
+their lips the "Ora pro nobis" of the response; and tears gathered
+unconsciously in the eyes of Juan at the old familiar words.
+
+In great contrast with the white-robed children came the next in
+order. Juan drew his breath hard, for here were the penitents:
+pale, melancholy faces, "ghastly and disconsolate beyond what can
+be imagined;"[30] forms clothed in black, without sleeves, and
+barefooted--hands carrying extinguished tapers.
+
+    [30] Report of De Pegna.
+
+Those who walked foremost in the procession had only been convicted
+of such _minor_ offences as blasphemy, sorcery, or polygamy. But
+by-and-by there came others, wearing ugly sanbenitos--yellow, with red
+crosses--and conical paper mitres on their heads. Juan's eye kindled
+with intenser interest; for he knew that these were Lutherans. Not
+without a wild dream--hope, perhaps--that the near approach of death
+might have subdued his brother's fortitude, did he scan in turn every
+mournful face. There was Luis D'Abrego, the illuminator of church
+books; there, walking long afterwards, as far more guilty, was Medel
+D'Espinosa, the dealer in embroidery, who had received the Testaments
+brought by Juliano. There were many others of much higher rank, with
+whom he was well acquainted. Altogether more than eighty in number, the
+long and melancholy train swept by, every man or woman attended by two
+monks and a patrino. But Carlos was not amongst them.
+
+Then came the great Cross of the Inquisition; the face turned towards
+the penitent, the back to the _impenitent_--those devoted to the death
+of fire. And now Juan's breath came and went--his lips trembled; all
+his soul was in his eager, straining eyes. Now first he saw the hideous
+zamarra--a black robe, painted all over with saffron-coloured flames,
+into which devils and serpents, rudely represented, were thrusting
+the impenitent heretic. A paper crown, or carroza, similarly adorned,
+covered the victim's head. But the face of the wearer was unknown
+to Juan. He was a poor artizan--Juan de Leon by name--who had made
+his escape by flight, but had been afterwards apprehended in the
+Low Countries. Torture and cruel imprisonment had almost killed him
+already; but his heart was strong to suffer for the Lord he loved, and
+though the pallor of death was on his cheek, there was no fear there.
+
+But the countenances of those that followed Juan knew too well. Never
+afterwards could he exactly recall the order in which they walked; yet
+every individual face stamped itself indelibly on his memory. He would
+carry those looks in his heart until his dying hour.
+
+No less than four of the victims wore the white tunic and brown mantle
+of St. Jerome. One of these was an old man--leaning on his staff for
+very age, but with joy and confidence beaming in his countenance. The
+white locks, from which Garçias Arias had gained the name of Doctor
+Blanco, had been shorn away; but Juan easily recognized the waverer of
+past days, now strengthened with all might, according to the glorious
+power of Him whom at last he had learned to trust. The accomplished
+Cristobal D'Arellano, and Fernando de San Juan, Master of the College
+of Doctrine, followed calm and dauntless. Steadfast, too, though not
+without a little natural shrinking from the doom of fire, was a mere
+youth--Juan Crisostomo.
+
+Then came one clad in a doctor's robe, with the step of at conqueror
+and the mien of a king. As he issued from the Triana he chanted, in a
+clear and steady voice, the words of the Hundred and ninth Psalm: "Hold
+not thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the ungodly, yea,
+the mouth of the deceitful, is opened upon me: and they have spoken
+against me with false tongues. They compassed me about also with words
+of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.... Help me, O Lord
+my God: O save me according to thy mercy; and they shall know how that
+this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it. Though they
+curse, yet bless thou." So died away the voice of Juan Gonsalez, one of
+the noblest of Christ's noble band of witnesses in Spain.
+
+All these were arrayed in the garments of their ecclesiastical
+orders, to be solemnly degraded on the scaffold in the Square of St.
+Francis. But there followed one already in the full infamy, or glory,
+of the zamarra and carroza, with painted flames and demons;--with a
+thrill of emotion, Juan recognized his friend and teacher, Cristobal
+Losada--looking calm and fearless--a hero marching to his last battle,
+conquering and to conquer.
+
+Yet even that face soon faded from Juan's thoughts. For there walked
+in that gloomy death procession _six_ females--persons of rank; nearly
+all of them young and beautiful, but worn by imprisonment, and more
+than one amongst them maimed by torture. Yet if man was cruel, Christ,
+for whom they suffered, was pitiful. Their countenances, calm and
+even radiant, revealed the hidden power by which they were sustained.
+Their names--which deserve a place beside those of the women of old
+who were last at his cross and first beside his open sepulchre--were,
+Doña Isabella de Baena, in whose house the church was wont to meet;
+the two sisters of Juan Gonsalez; Doña Maria de Virves; Doña Maria de
+Cornel; and, last of all, Doña Maria de Bohorques, whose face shone
+as the first martyr's, looking up into heaven. She alone, of all the
+female martyr band, appeared wearing the gag, an honour due to her
+heroic efforts to console and sustain her companions in the court of
+the Triana.
+
+Juan's brave heart well-nigh burst with impotent, indignant anguish.
+"Ay de mi, my Spain!" he cried; "thou seest these things, and endurest
+them. Lucifer, son of the morning, thou art fallen--fallen from thy
+high place amongst the nations."
+
+It was true. From the man, or nation, "that hath not," shall be taken
+"even that which he seemeth to have." Had the spirit of chivalry,
+Spain's boast and pride, been faithful to its own dim light, it might
+even then have saved Spain. But its light became darkness; its trust
+was betrayed into the hand of superstition. Therefore, in the just
+judgment of God, its own degradation quickly followed. Spain's chivalry
+lost gradually all that was genuine, all that was noble in it; until it
+became only a faint and ghastly mockery, a sign of corruption, like the
+phosphoric light that flickers above the grave.
+
+Absorbed in his bitter thoughts, Juan well-nigh missed the last of the
+doomed ones--last because highest in worldly rank. Sad and slow, with
+eyes bent down, Don Juan Ponce de Leon walked along. The flames on his
+zamarra were reversed; poor symbol of the poor mercy for which he sold
+his joy and triumph and dimmed the brightness of his martyr crown. Yet
+surely he did not lose the glad welcome that awaited him at the close
+of that terrible day; nor the right to say, with the erring restored
+apostle, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."
+
+All the living victims had passed now. And Don Carlos Alvarez was not
+amongst them. Juan breathed a sigh of relief; but not yet did his
+straining eyes relax their gaze. For Rome's vengeance reached even to
+the grave. Next, there were borne along the statues of those who had
+died in heresy, robed in the hideous zamarra, and followed by black
+chests containing their bones to be burned.
+
+Not there!--No--not there! At last Juan's trembling hands let go the
+framework of the window to which they had been clinging; and, the
+intense strain over, he fell back exhausted.
+
+The stately pageant swept by, unwatched by him. He never saw, what
+all Seville was gazing on with admiration, the grand procession of
+the judges and counsellors of the city, in their robes of office; the
+chapter of the Cathedral; the long slow train of priests and monks that
+followed. And then, in a space left empty out of reverence, the great
+green standard of the Inquisition was borne aloft, and over it a gilded
+crucifix. Then came the Inquisitors themselves, in their splendid
+official dresses. And lastly, on horseback and in gorgeous apparel, the
+familiars of the Inquisition.
+
+It was well that Juan's eyes were turned from that sight. What avails
+it for lips white with passion to heap wild curses on the heads of
+those for whom God's curse already "waits in calm shadow," until
+the day of reckoning be fully come? Curses, after all, are weapons
+dangerous to use, and apt to pierce the hand that wields them.
+
+His first feeling was one of intense relief, almost of joy. He had
+escaped the maddening torture of seeing his brother dragged before
+his eyes to the death of anguish and shame. But to that succeeded the
+bitter thought, growing soon into full, mournful conviction, "I shall
+see his face no more on earth. He is dead--or dying."
+
+Yet that day the deep, strong current of his brotherly love was crossed
+by another tide of emotion. Those heroic men and women, whom he
+watched as they passed along so calmly to their doom, had he no bond
+of sympathy with them? Was it so long since he had pressed Losada's
+hand in grateful friendship, and thanked Doña Isabella de Baena for the
+teaching received beneath her roof? With a thrill of keen and sudden
+shame the gallant soldier saw himself a recreant, who had flaunted his
+gay uniform on the parade and at the field-day, but when the hour of
+conflict came, had stepped aside, and let the sword and the bullet find
+out braver and truer hearts.
+
+_He_ could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him
+but little to conceal it, to live in every respect like an orthodox
+Catholic. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled
+his young brother--the boy who used to weep for a blow--to stand and
+look fearless in the face of a horrible death. Something that enabled
+even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the
+murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVII.
+
+                 Something Ended and Something Begun.
+
+  "O sweet and strange it is to think that ere this day is done,
+  The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun;
+  For ever and for ever with those just souls and true--
+  And what is life that we should mourn, why make we such ado?"
+
+                                                     TENNYSON.
+
+
+Late in the afternoon of that day, Doña Inez entered her sick brother's
+room. A glitter of silk, rose-coloured and black, of costly lace and
+of gems and gold, seemed to surround her. But as she threw aside the
+mantilla that partially shaded her face, and almost sank on a seat
+beside the bed, it was easy to see that she was very faint and weary,
+if not also very sick at heart.
+
+"Santa Maria! I am tired to death," she murmured. "The heat was
+killing; and the whole business interminably long."
+
+Gonsalvo gazed at her with eager eyes, as a man dying of thirst might
+gaze on one who holds a cup of water; but for a while he did not
+speak. At last he said, pointing to some wine that lay near, beside an
+untasted meal,--
+
+"Drink, then."
+
+"What, my brother!" said Doña Inez, reproachfully, "you have not
+touched food to-day! You--so ill and weak!"
+
+"I am a man--even still," said Gonsalvo with a little bitterness in his
+tone.
+
+Doña Inez drank, and for a few moments fanned herself in silence,
+distress and embarrassment in her face.
+
+At last Gonsalvo, who had never withdrawn his eager gaze, said in a low
+voice,--
+
+"Sister, remember your promise."
+
+"I am afraid--for you."
+
+"You need not," he gasped. "Only tell me _all_."
+
+Doña Inez passed her hand wearily across her brow.
+
+"Everything floats before me," she said. "What with the music, and
+the mass, and the incense; and the crosses, and banners, and gorgeous
+robes; and then the taking of the oaths, and the sermon of the faith."
+
+"Still--you kept my charge?"
+
+"I did, brother." She lowered her voice. "Hard as it was, I looked at
+_her_. If it comforts you to know that, all through that long day, her
+face was as calm as ever I have seen it listening to Fray Constantino's
+sermons, you may take that comfort to your heart. When her sentence had
+been read, she was asked to recant; and I heard her answer rise clear
+and distinct, 'I neither can nor will recant.' Ave Maria Sanctissima!
+it is all a great mystery."
+
+There was a silence, then she resumed,--
+
+"And Señor Cristobal Losada--" but the thought of the kind and skilful
+physician who had watched beside her own sick-bed, and brought back her
+babe from the gates of the grave, almost overcame her. Turning quickly
+to other victims, she went on--
+
+"There were four monks of St. Jerome. Think of the White Doctor, that
+every one believed so good a man, so pious and orthodox! Another of
+them, Fray Cristobal D'Arellano, was accused in his sentence of some
+wicked words against Our Lady which, it would seem, he never said. He
+cried out boldly, before them all, 'It is false! I never advanced such
+a blasphemy; and I am ready to prove the contrary with the Bible in my
+hand.' Every one seemed too much amazed even to think of ordering him
+to be gagged: and, for my part, I am glad the poor wretch had his word
+for the last time. I cannot help wishing they had equally forgotten
+to silence Doctor Juan Gonzales; for it does not appear that he was
+speaking any blasphemy, but merely a word of comfort to a poor pale
+girl, his sister, as they told me. Two of them are to die with him--God
+help them!--Holy Saints forgive me; I forgot we were told not to pray
+for them," and she crossed herself.
+
+"Does my sister really believe that compassionate word a sin in God's
+sight?"
+
+"How am I to know? I believe whatever the Church says, of course. And
+surely there is enough in these days to inspire us with a pious horror
+of heresy. _Pues_," she resumed, "there was that long and terrible
+ceremony of degrading from the priesthood. And yet that Gonsalez passed
+through it all as calm and unmoved as though he were but putting on
+his robes to say mass. His mother and his two brothers are still in
+prison, it is said, awaiting their doom. Of all the relaxed, I am told
+that only Don Juan Ponce de Leon showed any sign of penitence. For the
+sake of his noble house, one is glad to think he is not so hardened as
+the rest. Ay de mi! Whether it be right or wrong, I cannot help pitying
+their unhappy souls."
+
+"Pity your own soul, not theirs," said Gonsalvo. "For I tell you Christ
+himself, in all his glory and majesty, at the right hand of the Father,
+will _stand up_ to receive them this night, as he did to welcome St.
+Stephen long ago."
+
+"Oh, my poor brother, what dreadful words you speak! It is a mortal
+sin even to listen to you. Take thought, I implore you, of your own
+situation."
+
+"I _have_ taken thought," interrupted Gonsalvo, faintly. "But I can
+bear no more--just now. Leave me, I pray you, alone with God."
+
+"If you would even try to say an Ave!--But I fear you are
+ill--suffering. I do not like to leave you thus."
+
+"Do not heed me; I shall be better soon. And a vow is upon me that I
+must keep to-day." Once more he flung the wasted hand across his face
+to conceal it.
+
+Irresolute whether to go or stay, she stood for some minutes watching
+him silently. At length she caught a low murmur, and hoping that he
+prayed, she bent over him to hear. Only three words reached her ear.
+They were these--"Father, forgive them."
+
+After an interval, Gonsalvo looked up again. "I thought you were gone,"
+he said. "Go now, I entreat of you. But so soon as you know _the end_,
+spare not to come and tell me. For I wait for that."
+
+Thus entreated, Doña Inez had no choice but to leave him alone, which
+she did.
+
+Evening had worn to night, and night was beginning to wear towards
+daybreak, when at last Don Garçia Ramirez, and those of his servants
+who had accompanied him to the Prado San Sebastian to see the end,
+returned home.
+
+Doña Inez sat awaiting her husband in the patio. She looked pale and
+languid; apparently the great holiday of Seville had been anything but
+a joyful day to her.
+
+Don Garçia divested himself of his cloak and sword, and dismissed
+the servants to their beds. But when his wife invited him to partake
+of the supper she had prepared, he turned upon her with very unusual
+ill-humour. "It is little like thy wonted wit, señora mia, to bid a
+man to his breakfast at midnight," he said. Yet he drank deeply of the
+Xeres wine that stood on the board beside the venison pasty and the
+manchet bread.
+
+At last, after long patience, Doña Inez won from his lips what she
+desired to hear. "Oh yes; all is over. Our Lady defend us! I have never
+seen such obstinacy; nor could I have believed it possible unless I
+had seen it. The criminals encouraged each other to the very last.
+Those girls, the sisters of Gonsalez, repeated their Credo at the
+stake; whereupon the attendant Brethren entreated them to have so much
+pity on their own souls as to say, 'I believe in the _Roman_ Catholic
+Church.' They answered, 'We will do as our brother does.' So the gag
+was removed, and Doctor Juan cried aloud, 'Add nothing to the good
+confession you have made already.' But for all that, order was given
+to strangle them; and one of the friars told us they died in the true
+faith. I suppose it is not a sin to hope they did."
+
+After a pause, he continued, in a deeper tone, "Señor Cristobal amazed
+me as much as any of them. At the very stake, some of the Brethren
+undertook to argue with him. But seeing that we were all listening,
+and might hear somewhat to the hurt of our souls, they began to speak
+in the Latin tongue. Our physician immediately did the same. I am no
+scholar myself; but there were learned men there who marked every word,
+and one of them told me afterwards that the doomed man spoke with
+as much elegance and propriety as if he had been contending for an
+academic prize, instead of waiting for the lighting of the fire which
+was to consume him. This unheard-of calmness and composure, whence is
+it? The devil's own work, or"----he broke off suddenly and resumed
+in a different tone, "Señora mia, have you thought of the hour? In
+Heaven's name, let us to our beds!"
+
+"I cannot go to rest until you tell me one thing more. Doña Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya! have we not had enough of it all?"
+
+"Nay; I have made a promise. I must entreat you to tell me how Doña
+Maria de Bohorques met her doom."
+
+"With unflinching hardihood. Don Juan Ponce tried to urge her to yield
+somewhat. But she refused, saying it was not now a time for reasoning,
+and that they ought rather to meditate on the Lord's death and passion.
+(They believe in _that_, it seems.) When she was bound to the stake,
+the monks and friars crowded round her, and pressed her only to repeat
+the Credo. She did so; but began to add some explanations, which, I
+suppose, were heretical. Then immediately the command was given to
+strangle her; and so, in one moment, while she was yet speaking, death
+came to her."
+
+"Then she did not suffer? She escaped the fire! Thank God!"
+
+Five minutes afterwards, Doña Inez stood by her brother's bed. He lay
+in the same posture, his face still shaded by his hand.
+
+"Brother," she said gently--"brother, all is over. She did not suffer.
+It was done in one moment."
+
+There was no answer.
+
+"Brother, are you not glad she did not feel the fire? Can you not thank
+God for it? Speak to me."
+
+Still no answer.
+
+He could not be asleep! Impossible!--"Speak to me,
+Gonsalvo!--_Brother!_"
+
+She drew close to him; she touched his hand to remove it from his face.
+The next moment a cry of horror rang through the house. It brought the
+servants and Don Garçia himself to the room.
+
+"He is dead! God and Our Lady have mercy on his soul!" said Don Garçia,
+after a brief examination.
+
+"If only he had had the Holy Sacrament, I could have borne it!" said
+Doña Inez; and then, kneeling down beside the couch, she wept bitterly.
+
+So passed the beggar with the King's sons, through the golden gate into
+the King's own presence-chamber. His wrecked and troublous life over,
+his passionate heart at rest for ever, the erring, repentant Gonsalvo
+found entrance into the same heaven as D'Arellano, and Gonsalez, and
+Losada, with their radiant martyr-crowns. In the many mansions there
+was a place for him, as for those heroic and triumphant ones. He wore
+the same robe as they--a robe washed and made white, not in the blood
+of martyrs, but in the blood of the Lamb.
+
+
+
+
+                               XXXVIII.
+
+                             Nuera Again.
+
+  "Happy places have grown holy;
+    If ye went where once ye went,
+  Only tears would fall down slowly,
+    As at solemn Sacrament.
+  Household names, that used to flutter
+    Through your laughter unawares,
+  God's divine one ye can utter
+    With less troubling in your prayers."
+
+                                E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+A chill and dreary torpor stole over Juan's fiery spirit after the
+Auto. The settled conviction that his brother was dead took possession
+of his mind. Moreover, his soul had lost its hold upon the faith which
+he once embraced so warmly. He had consciously ceased to be true to his
+best convictions, and those convictions, in turn, had ceased to support
+him. His confidence in himself, his trust in his own heart, had been
+shaken to its foundations. And he was very far from having gained in
+its stead that strong confidence in God which would have infinitely
+more than counterbalanced its loss.
+
+Thus two or three slow and melancholy months wore away. Then,
+fortunately for him, events happened that forced him, in spite of
+himself, to the exertion that saves from the deadly slumber of despair.
+It became evident, that if he did not wish to see the last earthly
+treasure that remained to him swept out of his reach for ever, he must
+rouse himself from his lethargy so far as to grasp and hold it; for
+now Don Manuel _commanded_ his ward to bestow her hand upon his rival,
+Señor Luis Rotelo.
+
+In her anguish and dismay, Beatriz fled for refuge to her kind-hearted
+cousin, Doña Inez.
+
+Doña Inez received her into her house, where she soothed and comforted
+her; and soon found means to despatch an "esquelita," or billet, to Don
+Juan, to the following effect:--"Doña Beatriz is here. Remember, my
+cousin, 'that a leap over a ditch is better than another man's prayer.'"
+
+To which Juan replied immediately:--
+
+"Señora and my cousin, I kiss your feet. Lend me a helping hand, and I
+take the leap."
+
+Doña Inez desired nothing better. Being a Spanish lady, she loved an
+intrigue for its own sake; being a very kindly disposed lady, she loved
+an intrigue for a benevolent object. With her active co-operation and
+assistance, and her husband's connivance, it was quickly arranged
+that Don Juan should carry off Doña Beatriz from their house to a
+little country chapel in the neighbourhood, where a priest would be
+in readiness to perform the solemn rite which should unite them for
+ever. Thence they were to proceed at once to Nuera, Don Juan disguising
+himself for the journey as the lady's attendant. Doña Inez did not
+anticipate that her father and brothers would take any hostile steps
+after the conclusion of the affair--glad though they might have been
+to prevent it--since there was nothing which they hated and dreaded so
+much as a public scandal.
+
+All Juan's latent fire and energy woke up again to meet the peril and
+to secure the prize. He was successful in everything; the plan had been
+well laid, and was well and promptly carried out. And thus it happened,
+that amidst December snows he bore his beautiful bride home to Nuera in
+triumph. If triumph it could be called, overcast by the ever-present
+memory of the one who "was not," which rested like a deep shadow upon
+all joy, and subdued and chastened it. Few things in life are sadder
+than a great, long-expected blessing coming thus;--like a friend from
+a foreign land whose return has been eagerly anticipated, but who,
+after years of absence, meets us changed in countenance and in heart,
+unrecognizing and unrecognized.
+
+Dolores welcomed her young master and his bride with affection and
+thankfulness. But he noticed that the dark hair, at the time of his
+last visit still only threaded with silver, had grown white as the
+mountain snows. In former days Dolores could not have told which of the
+noble youths, her lady's gallant sons, had been the dearer to her. But
+now she knew full well. Her heart was in the grave with the boy she had
+taken a helpless babe from his dying mother's arms. But, after all,
+_was_ he in the grave? This was the question which she asked herself
+day by day, and many times a day. She was not quite so sure of the
+answer as Señor Don Juan seemed to be. Since the day of the Auto, he
+had assumed all the outward signs of mourning for his brother.
+
+Fray Sebastian was also at Nuera, and proved a real help and comfort to
+its inmates. His very presence served to shield the household from any
+suspicions that might have been awakened with regard to their faith.
+For who could doubt the orthodoxy of Don Juan Alvarez, while he not
+only contributed liberally to the support of his parish church, but
+also kept a pious Franciscan in his family, in the capacity of private
+chaplain? Though it must be confessed that the Fray's duties were
+anything but onerous; now, as in former days, he showed himself a man
+fond of quiet, who for the most part held his peace, and let every one
+do what was right in his own eyes.
+
+He was now on far more cordial terms with Dolores than he had ever been
+before. This was partly because he had learned that worse physical
+evils than ollas of lean mutton, or cheese of goat's milk, _might_ be
+borne with patience, even with thankfulness. But partly also because
+Dolores now really tried to consult his tastes and to promote his
+comfort. Many a savoury dish "which the Fray used to like" did she
+trouble herself to prepare; many a flask of wine from their diminishing
+store did she gladly produce, "for the kind words that he spake to
+_him_ in his sorrow and loneliness."
+
+In spite of the depressing influences around her, Doña Beatriz could
+not but be very happy. For was not Don Juan hers, all her own, her own
+for ever? And with the zeal love inspires, and the skill love imparts,
+she applied herself to the task of brightening his darkened life. Not
+quite without effect. Even from that stern and gloomy brow the shadows
+at length began to roll away.
+
+Don Juan could not speak of his sorrow. For weeks indeed after his
+return to Nuera his brother's name did not pass his lips. Better had
+it been otherwise, both for himself and for Dolores. Her heart, aching
+with its own lonely anguish and its vague, dark surmisings, often
+longed to know her young master's true innermost thought about his
+brother's fate. But she did not dare to ask him.
+
+At last, however, this painful silence was partially broken through.
+One morning the old servant accosted her master with an air of some
+displeasure. It was in the inner room within the hall. Holding in her
+hand a little book, she said,--"May it please your Excellency to pardon
+my freedom, but it is not well done of you to leave this lying open on
+your table. I am a simple woman; still I am at no loss to know what and
+whence it is. If you will not destroy it, and cannot keep it safe and
+secret, I implore of your worship to give it to me."
+
+Juan held out his hand for it. "It is dearer to me than any earthly
+possession," he said briefly.
+
+"It had need to be dearer than your life, señor, if you mean to leave
+it about in that fashion."
+
+"I have lost the right to say so much," Juan answered.
+
+"And yet, Dolores--tell me, would it break your heart if I sold this
+place--you know it is mortgaged heavily already--and quitted the
+country?"
+
+Juan expected a start, if not a cry of surprise and dismay. That
+Alvarez de Meñaya should sell the inheritance of his fathers seemed
+indeed a monstrous proposal. In the eyes of the world it would be an
+act of insanity, if not a crime. What then would it appear to one who
+loved the name of Santillanos y Meñaya far better than her life?
+
+But the still face of Dolores never changed. "Nothing would break my
+heart _now_," she said calmly.
+
+"You would come with us?"
+
+She did not even ask _whither_. She did not care: all her thoughts were
+in the past.
+
+"That is of course, señor," she answered. "If I had but first assurance
+of _one_ thing."
+
+"Name it; and if I can assure you, I will."
+
+Instead of naming it she turned silently away. But presently turning
+again, she asked, "Will your Excellency please to tell me, is it that
+book that is driving you into exile?"
+
+"It is. I am bound to confess the truth before men; and that is
+impossible here."
+
+"But are you sure then that it is the truth?"
+
+"Sure. I have read God's message both in the darkness and in the light.
+I have seen it traced in characters of blood--and fire."
+
+"But--forgive the question, señor--does it make you happy?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Because, Señor Don Juan"--she spoke with an effort, but firmly, and
+fixing her eyes on his face--"he who gave you yon book found therein
+that which made him happy. I know it; he was here, and I watched him.
+When he came first, he was ill, or else very sorrowful, I know not
+why. But he learned from that book that God Almighty loved him, and
+that the Lord and Saviour Christ was his friend; and then his sorrow
+passed away, and his heart grew full of joy, so full that he must needs
+be telling me--ay, and even that poor dolt of a cura down there in
+the village--about the good news. And I think"--but here she stopped,
+frightened at her own boldness.
+
+"What think you?" asked Juan, with difficulty restraining his emotion.
+
+"Well, Señor Don Juan, I think that if that good news be true, it would
+not be so hard to suffer for it. Blessed Virgin! Could it be aught
+but joy to me, for instance, to lie in a dark dungeon, or even to be
+hanged or burned, if that could work out _his_ deliverance? There be
+worse things in the world than pain or prisons. For where there's
+love, señor---- Moreover, it comes upon me sometimes that the Lords
+Inquisitors may have mistaken his case. Wise and learned they may he,
+and good and holy they are, of course--'twere sin to doubt it--yet they
+_may_ mistake sometimes. 'Twas but the other day, my old eyes growing
+dim apace, that I took a blessed gleam of sunlight that had fallen on
+yon oak table for a stain, and set to work to rub it off; the Lord
+forgive me for meddling with one of the best of his works! And, for
+aught we know, just so may they be doing, mistaking God's light upon
+the soul for the devil's stain of heresy. But the sunlight is stronger
+than they, after all."
+
+"Dolores, you are half a Lutheran already yourself," answered Juan in
+surprise.
+
+"I, señor! The Lord forbid! I am an old Christian, and a good Catholic,
+and so I hope to die. But if you must hear all the truth, I would
+walk in a yellow sanbenito, with a taper in my hand, before I would
+acknowledge that _he_ ever said one word or thought one thought that
+was not Catholic and Christian too. All his crime was to find out that
+the good Lord loved him, and to be happy on account of it. If that
+be your religion also, Señor Don Juan, I have nothing to say against
+it. And, as I have said, God granting me, in his great mercy, one
+assurance first, I am ready to follow you and your lady to the world's
+end."
+
+With these words on her lips she left the room. For a time Juan sat
+silent in deep thought. Then he opened the Testament, and turned over
+its leaves until he found the parable of the sower. "'Some fell upon
+stony places,'" he read, "'where they had not much earth; and forthwith
+they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the
+sun was up, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they
+withered away.' There," he said within himself, "in those words is
+written the history of my life, from the day my brother confessed his
+faith to me in the garden of San Isodro. God help me, and forgive my
+backsliding! But at least it is not too late to go humbly back to the
+beginning, and to ask him who alone can do it to break up the fallow
+ground."
+
+He closed the book, walked to the window and looked out. Presently his
+eye was attracted to those dear mystic words on the pane, which both
+the brothers had loved and dreamed over from their childhood,--
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado."
+
+And at that moment the sun was shining on them as brightly as it used
+to do in those old days gone by for ever.
+
+No vague dream of any good, foreshadowed by the omen to him or to his
+house, crossed the mind of the practical Don Juan. But he seemed to
+hear once more the voice of his young brother saying close beside him,
+"Look, Ruy, the light is on our father's words." And memory bore him
+back to a morning long ago, when some slight boyish quarrel had been
+ended thus.
+
+Over his stern, handsome face there passed a look that shaded and
+softened it, and his eyes grew dim--dim with tears.
+
+But just then Doña Beatriz, radiant from a morning walk, and with
+her hands full of early spring flowers, tripped in, singing a Spanish
+ballad,--
+
+  "Ye men that row the galleys,
+    I see my lady fair;
+  She gazes at the fountain
+    That leaps for pleasure there."
+
+Beatriz was a child of the city; and, moreover, her life hitherto had
+been an unloved and unloving one. Now her nature was expanding under
+the wholesome influences of home life and home love, and of simple
+healthful pleasures. "Look, Don Juan, what pretty things grow in your
+fields here! I have never seen the like," she said, breaking off in her
+song to exhibit her treasures.
+
+Don Juan looked carelessly at them, lovingly at her. "I would fain hear
+a morning hymn from those sweet, tuneful lips," he pleaded.
+
+"Most willingly, amigo mio,--
+
+  'Ave Sanctissima--'"
+
+"Hush, my beloved; hush, I entreat of you." And laying his hand lightly
+on her shoulder, he gazed in her face with a mixture of fond and tender
+admiration and of gentle reproach difficult to describe. "_Not that._
+For the sake of all that lies between us and the old faith, not that.
+Rather let us sing together,--
+
+  'Vexilla Regis prodeunt.'
+
+For you know that between us and our King there stands, and there needs
+to stand, no human mediator. Do you not, my beloved?"
+
+"I know that _you_ are right," answered Beatriz, still reading her
+faith in Don Juan's eyes. "But we can sing afterwards, whatever you
+like, and as much as you will. I pray you let us come forth now into
+the sunshine together. Look, what a glorious morning it is!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIX.
+
+                             Left Behind.
+
+  "They are all gone into a world of light,
+  And I alone am lingering here."
+
+                                   HENRY VAUGHAN.
+
+
+The change of seasons brought little change to those dark cells in the
+Triana, where neither the glory of summer nor the breath of spring
+could come. While the world, with its living interests, its hopes and
+fears, its joys and sorrows, kept surging round them, not even an echo
+of its many voices reached the doomed ones within, who lay so near, yet
+so far from all, "fast bound in misery and iron."
+
+Not yet had the Deliverer come to Carlos. More than once he had seemed
+very near. During the summer heats, so terrible in that prison, fever
+had wasted the captive's already enfeebled frame; but this was the
+means of prolonging his life, for the eve of the Auto found him unable
+to walk across his cell. Still he heard without very keen sorrow the
+fate of his beloved friends, so soon did he hope to follow them.
+
+And yet, month after month, life lingered on. In his circumstances
+restoration to health was simply impossible. Not that he endured more
+than others, or even as much as some. He was not loaded with fetters,
+or buried in one of the frightful subterranean cells where daylight
+never entered. Still, when to the many physical sufferings his
+position entailed was added the weight of sickness, weakness, and utter
+loneliness, they formed together a burden heavy enough to have crushed
+even a strong heart to despair.
+
+Long ago the last gleam of human sympathy and kindness had faded from
+him. Maria Gonsalez was herself a prisoner, receiving such payment as
+men had to give her for her brave deeds of charity. God's payment,
+however, was yet to come, and would be of another sort. Herrera, the
+under-gaoler, was humane, but very timid; moreover, his duties seldom
+led him to that part of the prison where Carlos lay. So that he was
+left dependent upon the tender mercies of Gaspar Benevidio, which were
+indeed cruel.
+
+And yet, in spite of all, he was not crushed, not despairing. The lamp
+of patient endurance burned on steadily, because it was continually fed
+with oil by an unseen Hand.
+
+It has been beautifully said, "The personal love of Christ to you,
+felt, delighted in, returned, is actually, truly, simply, without
+exaggeration, the deepest joy and the deepest feeling that the heart of
+man or woman can know. It will absolutely satisfy your heart. It would
+satisfy your heart if it were his will that you should spend the rest
+of your life alone in a dungeon."
+
+Just this, nothing else, nothing less, sustained Carlos throughout
+those long slow months of suffering, which had now come to "add
+themselves and make the years." It proved sufficient for him. It has
+proved sufficient for thousands--God's unknown saints and martyrs,
+whose names we shall learn first in heaven.
+
+Those who still occasionally sought access to him, in the hope of
+transforming the obstinate heretic into a penitent, marvelled greatly
+at the cheerful calm with which he was wont to receive them and to
+answer their arguments.
+
+Sometimes he would even brave all the wrath of Benevidio, and raising
+his voice as loud as he could, he would make the gloomy vaults re-echo
+to such words as these: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
+shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
+afraid?" Or these: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
+upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth;
+but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
+
+But still it was not in Christ's promise, nor was it to be expected,
+that his prisoner should never know hours of sorrow, weariness, and
+heart-sinking. Such hours came sometimes. And on the very morning when
+Don Juan and Doña Beatriz were going forth together into the spring
+sunshine through the castle gate of Nuera, Carlos, in his dungeon, was
+passing through one of the darkest of these. He lay on his mat, his
+face covered with his wasted hands, through which tears were slowly
+falling. It was but very seldom that he wept now; tears had grown rare
+and scarce with him.
+
+The evening before, he had received a visit from two Jesuits, bound
+on the only errand which would have procured their admission there.
+Irritated by his bold and ready answers to the usual arguments, they
+had recourse to declamation. And one of them bethought himself of
+mentioning the fate of the Lutherans who suffered at the two great
+Autos of Valladolid. "Most of the heretics," said the Jesuit, "though
+when they were in prison they were as obstinate as thou art now, yet
+had their eyes opened in the end to the error of their ways, and
+accepted reconciliation at the stake. At the last great Act of Faith,
+held in the presence of King Philip, only Don Carlos de Seso--" Here
+he stopped, surprised at the agitation of the prisoner, who had heard
+their threatenings against himself so calmly.
+
+"De Seso! De Seso! Have they murdered him too?" moaned Carlos, and
+for a few brief moments he gave way to natural emotion. But quickly
+recovering himself he said, "I shall only see him the sooner."
+
+"Were you acquainted with him?" asked the Jesuit.
+
+"I loved and honoured him. My avowing that cannot hurt him _now_,"
+answered Carlos, who had grown used to the bitter thought that any name
+would be disgraced and its owner imperilled, by _his_ mentioning it
+with affection.
+
+"But if you will do me so much kindness," he added, "I pray you to tell
+me anything you know of his last hours. Any word he spoke."
+
+"He could speak nothing," said the younger of his two visitors. "Before
+he left the prison he had uttered so many horrible blasphemies against
+Holy Church and Our Lady that he was obliged to wear the gag during the
+whole ceremony, 'lest he should offend the little ones.'"[31]
+
+    [31] A genuine inquisitorial expression.
+
+This last cruel wrong--the refusal of leave to the dying to speak one
+word in defence of the truths he died for--stung Carlos to the quick.
+It wrung from lips so patient hitherto words of indignant threatening.
+"God will judge your cruelty," he said. "Go on, fill up the measure
+of your guilt, for your time is short. One day, and that soon, there
+will be a grand spectacle, grander than your Autos. Then shall you,
+torturers of God's saints, call upon the mountains and rocks to cover
+you, and to hide you from the wrath of the Lamb."
+
+Once more alone, his passionate anger died away. And it was well.
+Surrounded as he was on every side by strong, cold, relentless wrong
+and cruelty, if his spirit had beaten its wings against those bars of
+iron, it would soon have fallen to the ground faint and helpless, with
+crushed pinions. It was not in such vain strivings that he could find,
+or keep, the deep calm peace with which his heart was filled; it was in
+the quiet place at his Saviour's feet, from whence, if he looked at his
+enemies at all, it was only to pity and forgive them.
+
+But though anger was gone, a heavy burden of sorrow remained. De Seso's
+noble form, shrouded in the hideous zamarra, his head crowned with the
+carroza, his face disfigured by the gag,--these were ever before his
+eyes. He well-nigh forgot that all this was over now--that for him the
+conflict was ended and the triumph begun.
+
+Could he have known even as much as we know now of the close of that
+heroic life, it might have comforted him.
+
+Don Carlos de Seso met his doom at the second of the two great Autos
+celebrated at Valladolid during the year 1559. At the first, the most
+steadfast sufferers were Francisco de Vibero Cazalla, one of a family
+of confessors; and Antonio Herezuelo, whose pathetic story--the most
+thrilling episode of Spanish martyrology--would need an abler pen than
+ours.
+
+During his lingering imprisonment of a year and a half, De Seso never
+varied in his own clear testimony to the truth, never compromised any
+of his brethren. Informed at last that he was to die the next day, he
+requested writing materials. These being furnished him, he placed on
+record a confession of his faith, which Llorente, the historian of the
+Inquisition, thus describes:--"It would be difficult to convey an idea
+of the uncommon vigour of sentiment with which he filled two sheets of
+paper, though he was then in the presence of death. He handed what he
+had written to the Alguazil, with these words: 'This is the true faith
+of the gospel, as opposed to that of the Church of Rome, which has been
+corrupted for ages. In this faith I wish to die, and in the remembrance
+and lively belief of the passion of Jesus Christ, to offer to God my
+body, now reduced so low.'"
+
+All that night and the next morning were spent by the friars in vain
+endeavours to induce him to recant. During the Auto, though he could
+not speak, his countenance showed the steadfastness of his soul--a
+steadfastness which even the sight of his beloved wife amongst those
+condemned to perpetual imprisonment failed to disturb. When at last, as
+he was bound to the stake, the gag was removed, he said to those who
+stood around him, still urging him to yield, "I could show you that
+you ruin yourselves by not following my example; but there is no time.
+Executioners, light the fire that is to consume me."
+
+Even in the act of death it was given him, though unconsciously,
+to strengthen the faith of another. In the martyr band was a poor
+man, Juan Sanchez, who had been a servant of the Cazallas, and was
+apprehended in Flanders with Juan de Leon. He had borne himself bravely
+throughout; but when the fire was kindled, the ropes that bound him
+to the stake having given way, the instinct of self-preservation made
+him rush from the flames, and, not knowing what he did, spring upon
+the scaffold where those who yielded at the last were wont to receive
+absolution. The attendant monks at once surrounded him, offering him
+the alternative of the milder death. Recovering self-possession, he
+looked around him. At one side knelt the penitents, at the other,
+motionless amidst the flames, De Seso stood,
+
+  "As standing in his own high hall."
+
+His choice was made. "I will die like De Seso," he said calmly; and
+then walked deliberately back to the stake, where he met his doom with
+joy.
+
+Another brave sufferer at this Auto, Don Domingo de Roxas, ventured to
+make appeal to the justice of the King, only to receive the memorable
+reply, never to be read without a shudder,--"I would carry wood to burn
+my son, if he were such a wretch as thou!"
+
+All these circumstances Carlos never heard on this side of the grave.
+But in the quiet Sabbath-keeping that remaineth for the people of
+God, there will surely be leisure enough to talk over past trials and
+triumphs. At present, however, he only saw the dark side--only knew
+the bare and bitter facts of suffering and death. He had not merely
+loved De Seso as his instructor; he had admired him with the generous
+enthusiasm of a young man for a senior in whom he recognizes his
+ideal--all that he himself would fain become. If the Spains had but
+known the day of their visitation, he doubted not that man would have
+been their leader in the path of reform. But they knew it not; and so,
+instead, the chariot of fire had come for him. For him, and for nearly
+all the men and women whose hands Carlos had been wont to clasp in
+loving brotherhood. Losada, D'Arellano, Ponce de Leon, Doña Isabella
+de Baena, Doña Maria de Bohorques,--all these honoured names, and many
+more, did he repeat, adding after each one of them, "At rest with
+Christ." Somewhere in the depths of those dreary dungeons it might be
+that the heroic Juliano, his father in the faith, was lingering still;
+and also Fray Constantino, and the young monk of San Isodro, Fray
+Fernando. But the prison walls sundered them quite as hopelessly from
+him as the River of Death itself.
+
+Earlier ties sometimes seemed to him only like things he had read
+or dreamed of. During his fever, indeed, old familiar faces had
+often flitted round him. Dolores sat beside him, laying her hand on
+his burning brow; Fray Sebastian taught him disjointed, meaningless
+fragments from the schoolmen; Juan himself either spoke cheerful words
+of hope and trust, or else talked idly of long-forgotten trifles.
+
+But all this was over now: neither dream nor fancy came to break his
+utter, terrible loneliness. He knew that he was never to see Juan
+again, nor Dolores, nor even Fray Sebastian. The world was dead to him,
+and he to it. And as for his brethren in the faith, they had gone "to
+the light beyond the clouds, and the rest beyond the storms," where he
+would so gladly be. Why, then, was he left so long, like one standing
+without in the cold? Why did not the golden gate open for him as well
+as for them? What was he doing in this place?--what _could_ he do for
+his Master's cause or his Master's honour? He did not murmur. By this
+time his Saviour's prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done," had been
+wrought into the texture of his being with the scarlet, purple, and
+golden threads of pain, of patience, and of faith. But it is well for
+His tried ones that He knows longing is not murmuring. Very full of
+longing were the words--words rather of pleading than of prayer--that
+rose continually from the lips of Carlos that day,--"And now, Lord,
+_what wait I for_?"
+
+
+
+
+                                  XL.
+
+                      "A Satisfactory Penitent."
+
+  "How long in thraldom's grasp I lay
+  I knew not; for my soul was black,
+  And knew no change of night or day."
+
+                                CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Carlos was sleeping tranquilly in his dungeon on the following night,
+when the opening of the door aroused him. He started with sickening
+dread, the horrors of the torture-room rising in an instant before his
+imagination. Benevidio entered, followed by Herrera, and commanded
+him to rise and dress immediately. Long experience of the Santa Casa
+had taught him that he might as well make an inquiry of its doors and
+walls as of any of its officials. So he obeyed in silence, and slowly
+and painfully enough. But he was soon relieved from his worst fear by
+seeing Herrera fold together the few articles of clothing he had been
+allowed to have with him, preparatory to carrying them away. "It is
+only, then, a change of prison," he thought; "and wherever they bring
+me, heaven will be equally near."
+
+His limbs, enfeebled by two years of close confinement, and lame
+from the effects of one terrible night, were sorely tried by what he
+thought an almost interminable walk through corridors and down narrow
+winding stairs. But at last he was conducted to a small postern door,
+which, greatly to his surprise, Benevidio proceeded to unlock. The
+kind-hearted Herrera took advantage of the moment when Benevidio was
+thus occupied to whisper,--
+
+"We are bringing you to the Dominican prison, señor; you will be better
+used there."
+
+Carlos thanked him by a grateful look and a pressure of the hand. But
+an instant afterwards he had forgotten his words. He had forgotten
+everything save that he stood once more in God's free air, and that
+God's own boundless heaven, spangled with ten thousand stars, was
+over him, no dungeon roof between. For one rapturous moment he gazed
+upwards, thanking God in his heart. But the fresh air he breathed
+seemed to intoxicate him like strong wine. He grew faint, and leaned
+for support on Herrera.
+
+"Courage, señor; it is not far--only a few paces," said the
+under-gaoler, kindly.
+
+Weak as he was, Carlos wished the distance a hundred times greater.
+But it proved quite long enough for his strength. By the time he was
+delivered over into the keeping of a couple of lay brothers, and
+locked by them into a cell in the Dominican monastery, he was scarcely
+conscious of anything save excessive fatigue.
+
+The next morning was pretty far advanced before any one came to him;
+but at last he was honoured with a visit from the prior himself. He
+said frankly, and with perfect truth,--
+
+"I am glad to find myself in your hands, my lord."
+
+To one accustomed to feel himself an object of terror, it is a new and
+pleasant sensation to be trusted. Even a wild beast will sometimes
+spare the weak but fearless creature that ventures to play with it: and
+Don Fray Ricardo was not a wild beast; he was only a stern, narrow,
+conscientious man, the willing and efficient agent of a terrible
+system. His brow relaxed visibly as he said,--
+
+"I have always sought your true good, my son."
+
+"I am well aware of it, father."
+
+"And you must acknowledge," the prior resumed, "that great forbearance
+and lenity have been shown towards you. But your infatuation has been
+such that you have deliberately and persistently sought your own ruin.
+You have resisted the wisest arguments, the gentlest persuasions,
+and that with an obstinacy which time and discipline seem only to
+increase. And now at last, as another Auto-da-fé may not be celebrated
+for some time, my Lord Vice-Inquisitor-General, justly incensed at
+your contumacy, would fain have thrown you into one of the underground
+dungeons, where, believe me, you would not live a month. But I have
+interceded for you."
+
+"I thank your kindness, my lord. But I cannot see that it matters much
+how you deal with me now. Sooner or later, in one form or other, it
+must be death; and I thank God it can be no more."
+
+While a man might count twenty, the prior looked silently in that
+steadfast sorrowful young face. Then he said,--
+
+"My son, do not yield to despair; for I come to thee this day with
+a message of hope. I have also made intercession for thee with the
+Supreme Council of the Holy Office; and I have succeeded in obtaining
+from that august tribunal a great and unusual grace."
+
+Carlos looked up, a sudden flush on his cheek. He hoped this unusual
+grace might be permission to see some familiar face ere he died; but
+the prior's next words disappointed him. Alas! it was only the offer
+of escape from death on terms that he might not accept. And yet such
+an ofter really deserved the name the prior gave it--a great and
+unusual grace. For, as has been already intimated, by the laws of the
+Inquisition at that time in force, the man who had _once_ professed
+heretical doctrines, however sincerely he might have retracted them,
+was doomed to die. His penitence would procure him the favour of
+absolution--the mercy of the garotte instead of the stake: that was all.
+
+The prior went on to explain to Carlos, that upon the ground of his
+youth, and the supposition that he had been led into error by others,
+his judges had consented to show him singular favour. "Moreover," he
+added, "there are other reasons for this course of action, upon which
+it would be needless, and might be inexpedient, to enter at present;
+but they have their weight, especially with me. For the preservation,
+therefore, both of your soul and your body--upon which I take more
+compassion than you do yourself--I have, in the first place, obtained
+permission to remove you to a more easy and more healthful confinement,
+where, besides other favours, you will enjoy the great privilege of a
+companion, constant intercourse with whom can scarcely fail to benefit
+you."
+
+Carlos thought this last a doubtful boon; but as it was kindly
+intended, he was bound to be grateful. He thanked the prior
+accordingly; adding, "May I be permitted to ask the name of this
+companion?"
+
+"You will probably find out ere long, if you conduct yourself so as to
+deserve it,"--an answer Carlos found so enigmatical, that after several
+vain endeavours to comprehend it, he gave up the task in despair, and
+not without some apprehension that his long imprisonment had dulled his
+perceptions. "Amongst us he is called Don Juan," the prior continued.
+"And this much I will tell you. He is a very honourable person, who had
+many years ago the great misfortune to be led astray by the same errors
+to which you cling with such obstinacy. God was pleased, however, to
+make use of my poor instrumentality to lead him back to the bosom of
+the Church. He is now a true and sincere penitent, diligent in prayer
+and penance, and heartily detesting his former evil ways. It is my last
+hope for you that his wise and faithful counsels may bring you to the
+same mind."
+
+Carlos did not particularly like the prospect. He feared that this
+vaunted penitent would prove a noisy apostate, who would seek to obtain
+the favour of the monks by vilifying his former associates. Nor, on the
+other hand, did he think it honest to accept without protest kindnesses
+offered him on the supposition that he might even yet be induced to
+recant. He said,--
+
+"I ought to tell you, señor, that my mind will never change, God
+helping me. Rather than lead you to imagine otherwise, I would go at
+once to the darkest cell in the Triana. My faith is based on the Word
+of God, which can never be overthrown."
+
+"The penitent of whom I speak used such words as these, until God
+and Our Lady opened his eyes. Now he sees all things differently.
+So will you, if God is pleased to give you the inestimable benefit
+of his divine grace; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
+that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," said the Dominican,
+who, like others of his order, ingeniously managed to combine strong
+predestinarian theories with the creed of Rome.
+
+"That is most true, señor," Carlos responded.
+
+"But to resume," said the prior; "for I have yet more to say. Should
+you be favoured with the grace of repentance, I am authorized to hold
+out to you a well-grounded hope, that, in consideration of your youth,
+your life may even yet be spared."
+
+"And then, if I were strong enough, I might live out ten or twenty
+years--like the last two," Carlos answered, not without a touch of
+bitterness.
+
+"It is not so, my son," returned the prior mildly. "I cannot promise,
+indeed, under any circumstances, to restore you to the world. For
+that would be to promise what could not be performed; and the laws of
+the Holy Office expressly forbid us to delude prisoners with false
+hopes.[32] But this much I will say, your restraint shall be rendered
+so light and easy, that your position will be preferable to that of
+many a monk, who has taken the vows of his own free will. And if you
+like the society of the penitent of whom I spoke anon, you shall
+continue to enjoy it."
+
+    [32] But these laws were often broken or evaded.
+
+Carlos began to feel a somewhat unreasonable antipathy to this
+penitent, whose face he had never seen. But what mattered the
+antipathies of a prisoner of the Holy Office? He only said, "Permit
+me again to thank you, my lord, for the kindness you have shown me.
+Though my fellow-men cast out my name as evil, and deny me my share of
+God's free air and sky, and my right to live in his world, I still take
+thankfully every word or deed of pity and gentleness they give me by
+the way. For they know not what they do."
+
+The prior turned away, but turned back again a moment afterwards, to
+ask--what for the credit of his humanity he ought to have asked a year
+before--"Do you stand in need of any thing? or have you any request you
+wish to make?"
+
+Carlos hesitated a moment. Then he said, "Of things within your power
+to grant, my lord, there is but one that I care to ask. Two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus visited me the day before yesterday. I spoke
+hastily to one of them, who was named Fray Isodor, I think. Had I the
+opportunity, I should be glad to offer him my hand."
+
+"Now, of all mysterious things in heaven or earth," said the prior, "a
+heretic's conscience is the most difficult to comprehend. Truly you
+strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. But as for Fray Isodor, you may
+rest content. For good and sufficient reasons, he cannot visit you
+here. But I will repeat to him what you have said. And I know well that
+his own tongue is a sharp weapon enough when used in the defence of the
+faith."
+
+The prior withdrew; and shortly afterwards one of the monks appeared,
+and silently conducted Carlos to a cell, or chamber, in the highest
+story of the building. Like the cells in the Triana, it had two
+doors--the outer one secured by strong bolts and bars, the inner one
+furnished with an aperture through which food or other things could be
+passed.
+
+But here the resemblance ceased. Carlos found himself, on entering,
+in what seemed to him more like a hall than a cell; though, indeed,
+it must be remembered that his eye was accustomed to ten feet square.
+It was furnished as comfortably as any room needed to be in that warm
+climate; and it was tolerably clean, a small mercy which he noted with
+no small gratitude. Best perhaps of all, it had a good window, looking
+down on the courtyard, but strongly barred, of course. Near the window
+was a table, upon which stood an ivory crucifix, and a picture of the
+Madonna and child.
+
+But even before his eye took in all these objects, it turned to the
+penitent, whose companionship had been granted him as so great a boon.
+He was utterly unlike all that he had expected. Instead of a fussy,
+noisy pervert, he saw a serene and stately old man, with long white
+hair and beard, and still, clearly chiselled, handsome features. He
+was dressed in a kind of mantle, of a nondescript colour, made like
+a monk's cowl without the hood, and bearing two large St. Andrew's
+crosses, one on the breast and the other on the back; in fact, it was a
+compromised sanbenito.
+
+As Carlos entered, he rose (showing a tall, spare figure, slightly
+stooped), and greeted his new companion with a courteous and elaborate
+bow, but did not speak.
+
+Shortly afterwards, food was handed through the aperture in the
+door; and the half-starved prisoner from the Triana sat down with
+his fellow-captive to what he esteemed a really luxurious repast. He
+had intended to be silent until obliged to speak, but the aspect and
+bearing of the penitent quite disarranged his preconceived ideas.
+During the meal, he tried once and again to open a conversation by some
+slight courteous observation.
+
+All in vain. The penitent did the honours of the table like a prince
+in disguise, and never failed to bow and answer, "Yes, señor," or "No,
+señor," to everything Carlos said. But he seemed either unable or
+unwilling to do more.
+
+As the day wore on, this silence grew oppressive to Carlos; and he
+marvelled increasingly at his companion's want of ordinary interest in
+him, or curiosity about him. Until at length a probable solution of the
+mystery dawned upon his mind. As he considered the penitent an agent
+of the monks deputed to convert him, very likely the penitent, on his
+side, regarded _him_ in the light of a spy commissioned to watch his
+proceedings.
+
+But this, if it was true at all, was only a small part of the truth.
+Carlos failed to take into account the terrible effect of long years
+of solitude, crushing down all the faculties of the mind and heart.
+It is told of some monastery, where the rules were so severe that the
+brethren were only allowed to converse with each other during one hour
+in the week, that they usually sat for that hour in perfect silence:
+they had nothing to say. So it was with the penitent of the Dominican
+convent. He had nothing to say, nothing to ask; curiosity and interest
+were dead within him--dead long ago, of absolute starvation.
+
+Yet Carlos could not help observing him with a strange kind of
+fascination. His face was too still, too coldly calm, like a white
+marble statue; and yet it was a noble face. It was, although not a
+thoughtful face, the face of a thoughtful man asleep. It did not lack
+expressiveness, though it lacked expression. Moreover, there was in it
+a look that awakened dim, undefined memories--shadowy things, that fled
+away like ghosts whenever he tried to grasp them, yet persistently rose
+again, and mingled with all his thoughts.
+
+He told himself many times that he had never seen the man before. Was
+it, then, an accidental likeness to some familiar face that so fixed
+and haunted him? Certainly there was something which belonged to his
+past, and which, even while it perplexed and baffled, strangely soothed
+and pleased him.
+
+At each of the canonical hours (which were announced to them by the
+tolling of the convent bells), the penitent did not fail to kneel
+before the crucifix, and, with the aid of a book and a rosary, to read
+or repeat long Latin prayers, in a half audible voice. He retired
+to rest early, leaving his fellow-prisoner supremely happy in the
+enjoyment of his lamp and his Book of Hours. For it was two years
+since the eyes of the once enthusiastic young scholar had rested on a
+printed page, or since the kindly gleam of lamp or fire had cheered
+his solitude. The privilege of refreshing his memory with the passages
+of Scripture contained in the Romish book of devotion now appeared an
+unspeakable boon to him. And although, accustomed as he was to a life
+of unbroken monotony, the varied impressions of the day had produced
+extreme weariness of mind and body, it was near midnight before he
+could prevail upon himself to close the volume, and lie down to rest on
+the comfortable pallet prepared for him.
+
+He was just falling asleep, when the midnight bell tolled out heavily.
+He saw his companion rise, throw his mantle over his shoulders, and
+betake himself to his devotions. How long these lasted he could
+not tell, for the stately kneeling figure soon mingled with his
+dreams--strange dreams of Juan as a penitent, dressed in a sanbenito,
+and with white hair and an old man's face, kneeling devoutly before the
+altar in the church at Nuera, but reciting one of the songs of the Cid
+instead of _De Profundis_.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLI.
+
+                       More about the Penitent.
+
+             "Ay, thus thy mother looked,
+  With such a sad, yet half-triumphant smile,
+  All radiant with deep meaning."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+A slight incident, that occurred the following morning, partially
+broke down the barrier of reserve between the two prisoners. After his
+early devotions, the penitent laid aside his mantle, took up a besom
+made of long slips of cane, and proceeded, with great deliberation and
+gravity, to sweep out the room. The contrast that his stately figure,
+his noble air, and the dignity of all his movements, offered to the
+menial occupation in which he was engaged, was far too pathetic to
+be ludicrous. Carlos could not but think that he wielded the lowly
+implement as if it were a chamberlain's staff of office, or a grand
+marshal's baton.
+
+He himself was well accustomed to such tasks; for every prisoner of
+the Santa Casa, no matter what his rank might be, was his own servant.
+And it spoke much for the revolution that had taken place in his ideas
+and feelings, that though taught to look on all servile occupations as
+ineffably degrading, he had never associated a thought of degradation
+with anything laid upon him to do or to suffer as the prisoner of
+Christ.
+
+And yet he could not endure to see his aged and stately fellow-prisoner
+thus occupied. He rose immediately, and earnestly entreated to be
+allowed to relieve him of the task, pleading that all such duties ought
+to devolve on him as the younger. At first the penitent resisted,
+saying that it was part of his penance. But when Carlos continued to
+urge the point, he yielded; perhaps the more readily because his will,
+like his other faculties, was weakened for want of exercise. Then,
+with more apparent interest than he had shown in any of his previous
+proceedings, he watched the rather slow and difficult movements of his
+young companion.
+
+"You are lame, señor," he said, a little abruptly, when Carlos, having
+finished his work, sat down to rest.
+
+"From the pulley," Carlos answered quietly; and then his face beamed
+with a sudden smile, for the secret of the Lord was with him, and he
+tasted the sweet, strange joy that springs out of suffering borne for
+Him.
+
+That look was the wire that drew an electric flash of memory from the
+clouds that veiled the old man's soul. What that sudden flash revealed
+was a castle gate, at which stood a stately yet slender form robed in
+silk. In the fair young face tears and smiles were contending; but a
+smile won the victory, as a little child was held up, and made to kiss
+a baby-hand in farewell to its father.
+
+In a moment all was gone; only a vague trouble and uneasiness remained,
+accompanied by that strange sense of having seen or felt just the same
+thing before, with which we are most of us familiar. Accustomed to
+solitude, the penitent spoke aloud, perchance unconsciously.
+
+"Why did they bring you here?" he said, in a half fretful tone. "You
+hurt me. I have done very well alone all these years."
+
+"I am sorry to incommode you, señor," returned Carlos. "But I did
+not come here of my own will; neither, unhappily, can I go. I am a
+prisoner like yourself; but, unlike you, I am a prisoner under sentence
+of death."
+
+For several minutes the penitent did not answer. Then he rose, and
+taking a step or two towards the place where Carlos sat, gravely
+extended his hand. "I fear I have spoken uncourteously," he said. "So
+many years have passed since I have conversed with my fellows, that I
+have well-nigh forgotten how I ought to address them. Do me the favour,
+señor and my brother, to grant me your pardon."
+
+Carlos warmly assured him no offence had been given; and taking the
+offered hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. From that moment he
+loved his fellow-prisoner in his heart.
+
+There was an interval of silence, then the penitent of his own accord
+resumed the conversation. "Did I hear you say you are under sentence of
+death?" he asked.
+
+"I am so actually, though not formally," Carlos replied. "In the
+language of the Holy Office, I am a professed impenitent heretic."
+
+"And you so young!"
+
+"To be a heretic?"
+
+"No; I meant so young to die."
+
+"Do I look young--even yet? I should not have thought it. To me the
+last two years seem like a long lifetime."
+
+"Have you been two years, then, in prison? Poor boy! Yet I have been
+here ten, fifteen, twenty years--I cannot tell how many. I have lost
+the account of them."
+
+Carlos sighed. And such a life was before him, should he be weak enough
+to surrender his hope. He said, "Do you really think, señor, that these
+long years of lonely suffering are less hard to bear than a speedy
+though violent death?"
+
+"I do not think it matters, as to that," was the penitent's not very
+apposite reply. In fact, his mind was not capable, at the time, of
+dealing with such a question; so he turned from it instinctively.
+But in the meantime he was remembering, every moment more and more
+clearly, that a duty had been laid upon him by the authority to
+which his soul held itself in absolute subjection. And that duty had
+reference to his fellow-prisoner.
+
+"I am commanded," he said at last, "to counsel you to seek the
+salvation of your soul, by returning to the bosom of the one true
+Catholic and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no peace and no
+salvation."
+
+Carlos saw that he spoke by rote; that his words echoed the thought
+of another, not his own. It seemed to him, under the circumstances,
+scarcely generous to argue. He spared to put forth his mental powers
+against the aged and broken man, as Juan in like case would have spared
+to use his strong right arm.
+
+After a moment's thought, he replied,--
+
+"May I ask of your courtesy, señor and my father, to bear with me for a
+little while, that I may frankly disclose to you my real belief?"
+
+Appeal could never be made in vain to that penitent's courtesy. No
+heresy, that could have been proposed, would have shocked him half
+so much as the supposition that one Castilian gentleman could be
+uncourteous to another, upon any account. "Do me the favour to state
+your opinions, señor," he responded, with a bow, "and I will honour
+myself by giving them my best attention."
+
+Carlos was little used to language such as this. It induced him to
+speak his mind more freely than he had been able to do for the last two
+years. But, mindful of his experience with old Father Bernardo at San
+Isodro, he did not speak of doctrines, he spoke of a Person. In words
+simple enough for a child to understand, but with a heart glowing with
+faith and love, he told of what He was when he walked on earth, of what
+He is at the right hand of the Father, of what He has done and is doing
+still for every soul that trusts him.
+
+Certainly the faded eye brightened; and something like a look of
+interest began to dawn in the mournfully still and passive countenance.
+For a time Carlos was aware that his listener followed every word, and
+he spoke slowly, on purpose to allow him so to do. But then there came
+a change. The _listening_ look passed out of the eyes; and yet they did
+not wander once from the speaker's face. The expression of the whole
+countenance was gradually altered, from one of rather painful attention
+to the dreamy look of a man who hears sweet music, and gives free
+course to the emotions it is calculated to awaken. In truth, the voice
+of Carlos _was_ sweet music in his fellow-captive's ear; and he would
+willingly have sat thus for ever, gazing at him and enjoying it.
+
+Carlos thought that if this was their reverences' idea of "a
+satisfactory penitent," they were not difficult to satisfy. And he
+marvelled increasingly that so astute a man as the Dominican prior
+should have put the task of his conversion into such hands. For the
+piety so lauded in the penitent appeared to him mere passiveness--the
+submission of a soul out of which all resisting forces had been
+crushed. "It is only life that resists," he thought; "the dead they can
+move whithersoever they will."
+
+Intolerance always sets a premium on mental stagnation. Nay, it
+actually produces it; it "makes a desert, and calls it peace." And what
+the Inquisition did for the penitent, that it has done also for the
+penitent's fair fatherland. Was the resurrection of dead and buried
+faculties possible for _him_? Is such a resurrection possible for _it_?
+
+And yet, in spite of the deadness of heart and brain, which he doubted
+not was the result of cruel suffering, Carlos loved his fellow-prisoner
+every hour more and more. He could not tell why; he only knew that "his
+soul was knit" to his.
+
+When Carlos, for fear of fatiguing him, brought his explanations to a
+close, both relapsed into silence; and the remainder of the day passed
+without much further conversation, but with a constant interchange of
+little kindnesses and courtesies. The first sight that greeted the eyes
+of Carlos when he awoke the next morning, was that of the penitent
+kneeling before the pictured Madonna, his lips motionless, his hands
+crossed on his breast, and his face far more earnest with feeling--it
+might be thought with devotion--than he had ever seen it yet.
+
+Carlos was moved, but saddened. It grieved him sore that his aged
+fellow-prisoner should pour out the last costly libation of love and
+trust left in his desolated heart before the shrine of that which was
+no god. And a great longing awoke within him to lead back this weary
+and heavy-laden one to the only Being who could give him true rest.
+
+"If, indeed, he is one of God's chosen, of his loved and redeemed ones,
+he will be led back," thought Carlos, who had spent the past two years
+in thinking out many things for himself. Certain aspects of truth,
+which may be either strong cordials or rank poisons, as they are used,
+had grown gradually clear to him. Opposed to the Dominican prior upon
+most subjects, he was at one with him upon that of predestination. For
+he had need to be assured, when the great water floods prevailed, that
+the chain which kept him from drifting away with them was a strong
+one. And therefore he had followed it up, link by link, until he came
+at last to that eternal purpose of God in which it was fast anchored.
+Since the day that he first learned it, he had lived in the light of
+that great centre truth, "I have loved thee"--_thee_ individually.
+But as he lay in the gloomy prison, sentenced to die, something more
+was revealed to him. "I have loved thee _with an everlasting love,
+therefore_ with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." The value of this
+truth, to him as to others, lay in the double aspect of that word
+"everlasting;" its look forward to the boundless future, as well as
+backward on the mysterious past. The one was a pledge and assurance of
+the other. And now he was taking to his heart the comfort it gave,
+for the penitent as well as for himself. But it made him, not less,
+but more anxious to be God's fellow-worker in bringing him back to the
+truth.
+
+In the meantime, however, he was quite mistaken as to the feelings
+with which the old man knelt before the pictured Virgin and Child. His
+heart was stirred by no mystic devotion to the Queen of Heaven, but by
+some very human feelings, which had long lain dormant, but which were
+now being gradually awakened there. He was thinking not of heaven,
+but of earth, and of "earth's warm beating joy and dole." And what
+attracted him to that spot was only the representation of womanhood and
+childhood, recalling, though far off and faintly, the fair young wife
+and babe from whom he had been cruelly torn years and years ago.
+
+A little later, as the two prisoners sat over the bread and fruit that
+formed their morning meal, the penitent began to speak more frankly
+than he had done before. "I was quite afraid of you, señor, when you
+first came," he said.
+
+"And perhaps I was not guiltless of the same feeling towards you,"
+Carlos answered. "It is no marvel. Companions in sorrow, such as we
+are, have great power either to help or to hurt one another."
+
+"You may truly say that," returned the penitent. "In fact, I once
+suffered so cruelly from the treachery of a fellow-prisoner, that it is
+not unnatural I should be suspicious."
+
+"How was that, señor?"
+
+"It was very long ago, soon after my arrest. And yet, not soon. For
+weary months of darkness and solitude, I cannot tell how many, I held
+out--I mean to say, I continued impenitent."
+
+"Did you?" asked Carlos with interest. "I thought as much."
+
+"Do not think ill of me, I entreat of you, señor," said the penitent
+anxiously. "I am _reconciled_. I have returned to the bosom of the
+true Church, and I belong to her. I have confessed and received
+absolution. I have even had the Holy Sacrament; and if ill, or in
+danger of death, it is promised I shall receive 'su majestad'[33] at
+any time. And I have abjured and detested all the heresies I learned
+from De Valero."
+
+    [33] "His Majesty," the ordinary term applied by Spaniards to the
+    Host.
+
+"From De Valero! Did you learn from him?" The pale cheek of Carlos
+crimsoned for a moment, then grew paler than before. "Tell me, señor,
+if I may ask it, how long have you been here?"
+
+"That is just what I cannot tell. The first year stands out clearly;
+but all the after years are like a dream to me. It was in that first
+year that the caitiff I spoke of anon, who was imprisoned with me--you
+observe, señor, I had already asked for reconciliation. It was promised
+me. I was to perform penance; to be forgiven; to have my freedom.
+_Pues_, señor, I spoke to that man as I might to you, freely and from
+my heart. For I supposed him a gentleman. I dared to say that their
+reverences had dealt somewhat hardly with me, and the like. Idle words,
+no doubt--idle and wicked. God knows, I have had time enough to repent
+them since. For that man, my fellow-prisoner, he who knew what prison
+was, went forth straightway and delated me to the Lords Inquisitors for
+those idle words--God in heaven forgive him! And thus the door was shut
+upon me--shut--shut for ever. Ay de mi! Ay de mi!"
+
+Carlos heard but little of this speech. He was gazing at him with
+eager, kindling eyes. "Were there left behind in the world any that it
+wrung your heart to part from?" he asked, in a trembling voice.
+
+"There were. And since you came, their looks have never ceased to
+haunt me. Why, I know not. My wife, my child!" And the old man shaded
+his face, while in his eyes, long unused to tears, there rose a mist,
+like the cloud in form as a man's hand, that foretold the approach of
+the beneficent rain, which should refresh and soften the thirsty soil,
+making all things young again.
+
+"Señor," said Carlos, trying to speak calmly, and to keep down the
+wild tumultuous throbbing of his heart--"señor, a boon, I entreat of
+you. Tell me the name you bore amongst men. It was a noble one, I know."
+
+"True. They promised to save it from disgrace. But it was part of my
+penance not to utter it; if possible, to forget it."
+
+"Yet, this once. I do not ask idly--this once--have pity on me, and
+speak it," pleaded Carlos, with intense tremulous earnestness.
+
+"Your face and your voice move me strangely; it seems to me that I
+could not deny you anything. I am--I ought to say, I _was_--Don Juan
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya."
+
+Before the sentence was concluded, Carlos lay senseless at his feet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLII.
+
+                              Quiet Days.
+
+  "I think that by-and-by all things
+    Which were perplexed a while ago
+  And life's long, vain conjecturings,
+    Will simple, calm, and quiet grow.
+  Already round about me, some
+    August and solemn sunset seems
+  Deep sleeping in a dewy dome,
+    And bending o'er a world of dreams."
+
+                              OWEN MEREDITH.
+
+
+The penitent laid Carlos gently on his pallet (he still possessed a
+measure of physical strength, and the worn frame was easy to lift);
+then he knocked loudly on the door for help, as he had been instructed
+to do in any case of need. But no one heard, or at least no one heeded
+him, which was not remarkable, since during more than twenty years he
+had not, on a single occasion, thus summoned his gaolers. Then, in
+utter ignorance what next to do, and in very great distress, he bent
+over his young companion, helplessly wringing his hands.
+
+Carlos stirred at last, and murmured, "Where am I? What is it?" But
+even before full consciousness returned, there came the sense, taught
+by the bitter experience of the last two years, that he must look
+within for aid--he could expect none from any fellow-creature. He tried
+to recollect himself. Some bewildering, awful joy had fallen upon him,
+striking him to the earth. Was he free? Was he permitted to see Juan?
+
+Slowly, very slowly, all grew clear to him. He half raised himself,
+grasped the penitent's hand, and cried aloud, "_My father!_"
+
+"Are you better, señor?" asked the old man with solicitude. "Do me the
+favour to drink this wine."
+
+"Father, my father! I am your son. I am Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya. Do you not understand me, father?"
+
+"I do not understand you, señor," said the penitent, moving a little
+away from him, with a mixture of dignified courtesy and utter amazement
+in his manner strange to behold. "Who is it that I have the honour to
+address?"
+
+"O my father, I am your son--your very son Carlos."
+
+"I have never seen you till--ere yesterday."
+
+"That is quite true; and yet--"
+
+"Nay, nay," interrupted the old man; "you are speaking wild words to
+me. I had but one boy--Juan--Juan Rodrigo. The heir of the house of
+Alvarez de Meñaya was always called Juan."
+
+"He lives. He is Captain Don Juan now, the bravest soldier, and the
+best, truest-hearted man on earth. How you would love him! Would you
+could see him face to face! Yet no; thank God you cannot."
+
+"My babe a captain in His Imperial Majesty's army!" said Don Juan, in
+whose thoughts the great Emperor was reigning still.
+
+"And I," Carlos continued, in a broken, agitated voice--"I, born when
+they thought you dead--I, who opened my young eyes on this sad world
+the day God took my mother home from all its sin and sorrow--I am
+brought here, in his mysterious providence, to comfort you, after your
+long dreary years of suffering."
+
+"Your mother! Did you say your mother? My wife, _Costanza mia_. Oh, let
+me see your face!"
+
+Carlos raised himself to a kneeling attitude, and the old man laid his
+hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him long and earnestly. At length
+Carlos removed the hand, and drawing it gently upwards, placed it on
+his head. "Father," he said, "you will love your son? you will bless
+him, will you not? He has dwelt long amongst those who hated him, and
+never spoke to him save in wrath and scorn, and his heart pines for
+human love and tenderness."
+
+Don Juan did not answer for a while; but he ran his fingers through
+the soft fine hair. "So like hers," he murmured dreamily. "Thine eyes
+are hers too--_zarca_.[34] Yes, yes; I do bless thee--But who am I to
+bless? God bless thee, my son!"
+
+    [34] Blue; a word applied by the Spaniards only to blue eyes.
+
+In the long, long silence that followed, the great convent bell rang
+out. It was noon. For the first time for twenty years the penitent did
+not hear that sound.
+
+Carlos heard it, however. Agitated as he was, he yet feared the
+consequences that might follow should the penitent omit any part of the
+penance he was bound by oath to perform. So he gently reminded him of
+it. "Father--(how strangely sweet the name sounded!)--"father, at this
+hour you always recite the penitential psalms. When you have finished,
+we will talk together. I have ten thousand things to tell you."
+
+With the silent, unreasoning submission that had become a part of his
+nature, the penitent obeyed; and, going to his usual station before the
+crucifix, began his monotonous task. The fresh life newly awakened in
+his heart and brain was far from being strong enough, as yet, to burst
+the bonds of habit. And this was well. Those bonds were his safeguard;
+but for their wholesome restraint, mind or body, or both, might have
+been shattered by the tumultuous rush of new thoughts and feelings.
+But the familiar Latin words, repeated without thought, almost without
+consciousness, soothed the weary brain like a slumber.
+
+Meanwhile, Carlos thanked God with a full heart. Here, then--_here_,
+in the dark prison, the very abode of misery--had God given him the
+desire of his heart, fulfilled the longing of his early years. Now the
+wilderness and the solitary place were glad; the desert rejoiced and
+blossomed as the rose. Now his life seemed complete, its end answering
+its beginning; all its meaning lying clear and plain before him. He was
+satisfied.
+
+"Ruy, Ruy, I have found our father!--Oh, that I could but tell thee,
+my Ruy!"--was the cry of his heart, though he forced his lips to
+silence. Nor could the tears of joy, that sprang unbidden to his eyes,
+be permitted to overflow, since they might perplex and trouble his
+fellow-captive--_his father_.
+
+He had still a task to perform; and to that task his mind soon bent
+itself; perhaps instinctively taking refuge in practical detail from
+emotions that might otherwise have proved too strong for his weakened
+frame. He set himself to consider how best he could revive the past,
+and make the present comprehensible to the aged and broken man, without
+overpowering or bewildering him.
+
+He planned to tell him, in the first instance, all that he could about
+Nuera. And this he accomplished gradually, as he was able to bear the
+strain of conversation. He talked of Dolores and Diego; described both
+the exterior and interior of the castle; in fact, made him see again
+the scenes to which his eye had been accustomed in past days. With
+special minuteness did he picture the little room within the hall, both
+because it was less changed since his father's time than the others,
+and because it had been his favourite apartment. "And on the window,"
+he said, "there were some words, written with a diamond, doubtless
+by your hand, my father. My brother and I used to read them in our
+childhood; we loved them, and dreamed many a wondrous dream about
+them. Do you not remember them?"
+
+But the old man shook his head.
+
+Then Carlos began,--
+
+  "'El Dorado--'"
+
+  "'Yo hé trovado.'
+
+Yes, I remember now," said Don Juan promptly.
+
+"And the golden country you had discovered--was it not the truth as
+revealed in Scripture?" asked Carlos, perhaps a little too eagerly.
+
+The penitent mused a space; grew bewildered; said at last sorrowfully,
+"I know not. I cannot now recall what moved me to write those lines, or
+even when I wrote them."
+
+In the next place, Carlos ventured to tell all he had heard from
+Dolores about his mother. The fact of his wife's death had been
+communicated to the prisoner; but this was the only fragment of
+intelligence about his family that had reached him during all these
+years. When she was spoken of, he showed emotion, slight in the
+beginning, but increasing at every succeeding mention of her name,
+until Carlos, who had at first been glad to find that the slumbering
+chords of feeling responded to his touch, came at last to dread laying
+his hands upon them, they were apt to moan so piteously. And once and
+again did his father say, gazing at him with ever-increasing fondness,
+"Thy face is hers, risen anew before me."
+
+Carlos tried hard to awaken Don Juan's interest in his first-born. It
+is true that he cherished an almost passionate love for Juanito the
+babe, but it was such a love as we feel for children whom God has taken
+to himself in infancy. Juan the youth, Juan the man, seemed to him a
+stranger, difficult to conceive of or to care about. Yet, in time,
+Carlos did succeed in establishing a bond between the long-imprisoned
+father and the brave, noble, free-hearted son, who was so like what
+that father had been in his early manhood. He was never weary of
+telling of Juan's courage, Juan's truthfulness, Juan's generosity;
+often concluding with the words, "_He_ would have been your favourite
+son, had you known him, my father."
+
+As time wore on, he won from his father's lips the principal facts of
+his own story. His past was like a picture from which the colouring,
+once bright and varied, has faded away, leaving only the bare outlines
+of fact, and here and there the shadows of pain still faintly visible.
+What he remembered, that he told his son; but gradually, and often in
+very disjointed fragments, which Carlos carefully pieced together in
+his thoughts, until he formed out of them a tolerably connected whole.
+
+Just three-and-twenty years before, on his arrival in Seville, in
+obedience to what he believed to be a summons from the Emperor, the
+Conde de Nuera had been arrested and thrown into the secret dungeons
+of the Inquisition. He well knew his offence: he had been the friend
+and associate of De Valero; he had read and studied the Scriptures; he
+had even advocated, in the presence of several witnesses, the doctrine
+of justification by faith alone. Nor was he unprepared to pay the
+terrible penalty. Had he, at the time of his arrest, been led at once
+to the rack or the stake, it is probable he would have suffered with
+a constancy that might have placed his name beside that of the most
+heroic martyrs.
+
+But he was allowed to wear out long months in suspense and solitude,
+and in what his eager spirit found even harder to bear, absolute
+inaction. Excitement, motion, stirring occupation for mind and body,
+had all his life been a necessity to him. In the absence of these he
+pined--grew melancholy, listless, morbid. His faith was genuine, and
+would have been strong enough to enable him for anything _in the line
+of his character_; but it failed under trials purposely and sedulously
+contrived to assail that character through its weak points.
+
+When already worn out with dreary imprisonment, he was beset by
+arguments, clever, ingenious, sophistical, framed by men who made
+argument the business of their lives. Thus attacked, he was like a
+brave but unskilful man fencing with adepts in the noble science. He
+_knew_ he was right; and with the Vulgate in his hand, he thought he
+could have proved it. But they assured him they proved the contrary;
+nor could he detect a flaw in their syllogisms when he came to
+examine them. If not convinced, then surely he ought to have been.
+They conjured him not to let pride and vain-glory seduce him into
+self-opinionated obstinacy, but to submit his private judgment to that
+of the Holy Catholic Church. And they promised that he should go forth
+free, only chastised by a suitable and not disgraceful penance, and by
+a pecuniary fine.
+
+The hope of freedom burned in his heart like fire; and by this time
+there was sufficient confusion in his brain for his will to find
+arguments there against the voice of his conscience. So he yielded,
+though not without conflict, fierce and bitter. His retractation was
+drawn up in as mild a form as possible by the Inquisitors, and duly
+signed by him. No public act of penance was required, as strict secrecy
+was to be observed in the whole transaction.
+
+But the Inquisitor-General, Valdez, felt a well-grounded distrust of
+the penitent's sincerity, which was quickened perhaps by a desire
+to appropriate to the use of the Holy Office a larger share of his
+possessions than the moderate fine alluded to. Probably, too, he
+dreaded the disclosures that might have followed had the Count been
+restored to the world. He had recourse, therefore, to an artifice
+often employed by the Inquisitors, and seriously recommended by their
+standard authorities. The "fly" (for such traitors were common enough
+to have a technical name as well as a recognized existence) reported
+that the Conde de Nuera railed at the Holy Office, blasphemed the
+Catholic faith, and still adhered in his heart to all his abominable
+heresies. The result was a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.
+
+Don Juan's condition was truly pitiable then. Like Samson, he was
+shorn of the locks in which his strength lay, bound hand and foot, and
+delivered over to his enemies. Because he could not bear perpetual
+imprisonment he had renounced his faith, and denied his Lord. And now,
+without the faith he had renounced, without the Lord he had denied,
+he _must_ bear it. It told upon him as it would have told on nine men
+out of ten, perhaps on ninety-nine out of a hundred. His mind lost its
+activity, its vigour, its tone. It became, in time, almost a passive
+instrument in the hands of others.
+
+And then the Dominican monk, Fray Ricardo, brought his powerful
+intellect and his strong will to bear upon him. He had been sent by
+his superiors (he was not prior until long afterwards) to impart
+the terrible story of her husband's arrest to the Lady of Nuera,
+with secret instructions to ascertain whether her own faith had been
+tampered with. In his fanatical zeal he performed a cruel task cruelly.
+But he had a conscience, and its fault was not insensibility. When he
+heard the tale of the lady's death, a few days after his visit, he was
+profoundly affected. Accustomed, however, to a religion of weights and
+balances, it came naturally to him to set one thing against another, by
+way of making the scales even. If he could be the means of saving the
+husband's soul, he would feel, to say the least, much more comfortable
+about his conduct to the wife.
+
+He spared no pains upon the task he had set himself; and a measure
+of success crowned his efforts. Having first reduced the mind of the
+penitent to a cold, blank calm, agitated by no wave of restless thought
+or feeling, he had at length the delight of seeing his own image
+reflected there, as in a mirror. He mistook that spectral reflection
+for a reality, and great was his triumph when, day by day, he saw it
+move responsive to every motion of his own.
+
+But the arrest of his penitent's son broke in upon his
+self-satisfaction. It seemed as though a dark doom hung over the
+family, which even the father's repentance was powerless to avert. He
+wished to save the youth, and he had tried to do it after his fashion;
+but his efforts only resulted in bringing up before him the pale
+accusing face of the Lady of Nuera, and in interesting him more than
+he cared to acknowledge in the impenitent heretic, who seemed to him
+such a strange mixture of gentleness and obstinacy. Surely the father's
+influence would prevail with the son, originally a much less courageous
+and determined character, and now already wrought upon by a long period
+of loneliness and suffering.
+
+Perhaps also--monk, fanatic, and inquisitor though he was--the
+pleasantness of trying the experiment, and cheering thereby the last
+days of the pious and docile penitent, his own especial convert,
+weighed a little with him; for he was still a man. Moreover, like
+many hard men, he was capable of great kindness towards those whom
+he liked. And, with the full approbation of his conscience, he liked
+his penitent; whilst, rather in spite of his conscience, he liked his
+penitent's son.
+
+Carlos did not trouble himself over-much about the prior's motives. He
+was too content in his new-found joy, too engrossed in his absorbing
+task--the concern and occupation of his every hour, almost of his every
+moment. He was as one who toils patiently to clear away the moss and
+lichen that has grown over a memorial stone; that he may bring out once
+more, in all their freshness, the precious words engraven upon it.
+The inscription was there, and there it had been always (so he told
+himself); all that he had to do was to remove that which covered and
+obscured it.
+
+He had his reward. Life returned, first through love for him, to the
+heart; then, through the heart, to the brain. Not rapidly and with
+tingling pain, as it returns to a frozen limb, but gradually and
+insensibly, as it comes to the dry trees in spring.
+
+But, in the trees, life shows itself first in the extremities; it
+is slowest in appearing in those parts which are really nearest the
+sources of all life. So the penitent's interest in other subjects,
+and his care for them, revived; yet in one thing, the greatest of
+all, these seemed lacking still. There did _not_ return the spiritual
+light and life, which Carlos could not doubt he had enjoyed in past
+days. Sometimes, it is true, he would startle his son by unexpected
+reminiscences, disjointed fragments of the truth for which he had
+suffered so much. He would occasionally interrupt Carlos, when he was
+repeating to him passages from the Testament, to tell him "something
+Don Rodrigo said about that, when he expounded the Epistle to the
+Romans." But these were only like the rich flowers that surprise the
+explorer amidst the tangled weeds of a waste ground, showing that a
+carefully tended garden has flourished there once--very long ago.
+
+"It is not that I desire him above all things to hold this doctrine
+or that," thought Carlos; "I desire him to find Christ again, and to
+rejoice in his love, as doubtless he did in the old days. And surely
+he will, since Christ found him--chose him for his own even before the
+foundation of the world."
+
+But in order to bring this about, perhaps it was necessary that the
+faded colours of his soul should be steeped in the strong and bitter
+waters of a great agony, that they might regain thereby their full
+freshness.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLIII.
+
+                        El Dorado Found Again.
+
+  "And every power was used, and every art,
+  To bend to falsehood one determined heart;
+  Assailed, in patience it received the shock,
+  Soft as the wave, unbroken as the rock."
+
+                                       CRABBE.
+
+
+What are you doing, my father?" Carlos asked one morning.
+
+Don Juan had produced from some private receptacle a small ink-horn,
+and was moistening its long-dried contents with water.
+
+"I was thinking that I should like to write down somewhat," he said.
+
+"But whereto will ink serve us without pen and paper?"
+
+The penitent smiled; and presently pulled out from within his pallet
+a little faded writing-book, and a pen that looked--what it was--more
+than twenty years old.
+
+"Long ago," he said, "I used to be weary, weary of sitting idle all the
+day; so I bribed one of the lay brothers with my last ducat to bring
+me this, only that I might set down therein whatever happened, for
+pastime."
+
+"May I read it, my father?"
+
+"And welcome, if thou wilt;" and he gave the book into the hand of his
+son. "At first, as you see, there be many things written therein.
+I cannot tell what they are now; I have forgotten them all;--but I
+suppose I thought them, or felt them--once. Or sometimes the brethren
+would come to visit me, and talk, and afterwards I would write what
+they said. But by degrees I set down less and less in it. Many days
+passed in which I wrote nothing, because nothing was to write. Nothing
+ever happened."
+
+Carlos was soon absorbed in the perusal of the little book. The records
+of his father's earlier prison life he scanned with great interest and
+with deep emotion; but coming rather suddenly upon the last entry, he
+could not forbear a smile. He read aloud:
+
+"'A feast day. Had a capon for dinner, and a measure of red wine.'"
+
+"Did I not judge well," asked the father, "that it was time to give
+over writing, when I could stoop low enough to record such trifles?
+Yes; I think I can recall the bitterness of heart with which I laid the
+book aside. I despised myself for what I wrote therein; and yet I had
+nothing else to write--would never have anything else, I thought. But
+now God has given me my son. I will write that down."
+
+Looking up, after a little while, from his self-imposed task, he asked,
+with an air of perplexity,--
+
+"But when was it? How long is it since you came here, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos in his turn was perplexed. The quiet days had glided on swiftly
+and noiselessly, leaving no trace behind.
+
+"To me it seems to have been all one long Sabbath," he said. "But let
+me think. The summer heats had not come; I suppose it must have been
+March or April--April, perhaps. I remember thinking I had been just two
+years in prison."
+
+"And now it is growing cool again. I suppose it may have been four
+months--six months ago. What think you?"
+
+Carlos thought it nearer the latter period than the former.
+
+"I believe we have been visited six times by the brethren," he said.
+"No; only five times."
+
+These visits of inspection had been made by command of the
+prior--himself absent from Seville on important business during most
+of the time--and the result had been duly reported to him. The monks
+to whom the duty had been deputed were aged and respectable members
+of the community; in fact, the only persons in the monastery who were
+acquainted with Don Juan's real name and history. It was their opinion
+that matters were progressing favourably with the prisoners. They found
+the penitent as usual--docile, obedient, submissive, only more inclined
+to converse than formerly; and they thought the young man very gentle
+and courteous, grateful for the smallest kindness, and ready to listen
+attentively, and with apparent interest, to everything that was said.
+
+For more definite results the prior was content to wait: he had great
+faith in waiting. Still, even to him six months seemed long enough for
+the experiment he was trying. At the end of that time--which happened
+to be the day after the conversation just related--he himself made a
+visit to the prisoners.
+
+Both most warmly expressed their gratitude for the singular grace he
+had shown them. Carlos, whose health had greatly improved, said that he
+had not dreamed so much earthly happiness could remain for him still.
+
+"Then, my son," said the prior, "give evidence of thy gratitude in the
+only way possible to thee, or acceptable to me. Do not reject the mercy
+still offered thee by Holy Church. Ask for reconciliation."
+
+"My lord," replied Carlos, firmly, "I can but repeat what I told you
+six months agone--that is impossible."
+
+The prior argued, expostulated, threatened--in vain. At length he
+reminded Carlos that he was already condemned to death--the death of
+fire; and that he was now putting from him his last chance of mercy.
+But when he still remained steadfast, he turned away from him with an
+air of deep disappointment, though more in sorrow than in anger, as one
+pained by keen and unexpected ingratitude.
+
+"I speak to thee no more," he said. "I believe there is in thy father's
+heart some little spark, not only of natural feeling, but of the grace
+of God. I address myself to him."
+
+Whether Don Juan had never fully comprehended the statement of Carlos
+that he was under sentence of death, or whether the tide of emotion
+caused by finding in him his own son had swept the terrible fact from
+his remembrance, it is impossible to say; but it certainly came to him,
+from the lips of the prior, as a dreadful, unexpected blow. So keen
+was his anguish that Fray Ricardo himself was moved; and the rather,
+because it was impossible to the aged and broken man to maintain the
+outward self-restraint a younger and stronger person might have done.
+
+More touched, at the moment, by his father's condition than by all the
+horrors that menaced himself, Carlos came to his side, and gently tried
+to soothe him.
+
+"Cease!" said the prior, sternly. "It is but mockery to pretend
+sympathy with the sorrow thine own obstinacy has caused. If in truth
+thou lovest him, save him this cruel pain. For three days still," he
+added, "the door of grace shall stand open to thee. After that term has
+expired, I dare not promise thy life." Then turning to the agitated
+father--"If _you_ can make this unhappy youth hear the voice of divine
+and human compassion," he said, "you will save both his body and his
+soul alive. You know how to send me a message. God comfort you, and
+incline his heart to repentance." And with these words he departed,
+leaving Carlos to undergo the sharpest trial that had come upon him
+since his imprisonment.
+
+All that day, and the greater part of the night that followed it, the
+two wills strove together. Prayers, tears, entreaties, seemed to the
+agonized father to fall on the strong heart of his son like drops of
+rain on the rock. He did not know that all the time they were falling
+on that heart like sparks of living fire; for Carlos, once so weak,
+had learned now to endure pain, both of mind and body, with brow and
+lip that "gave no sign." Passing tender was the love that had sprung
+up between those two, so strangely brought together. And now Carlos,
+by his own act, must sever that sweet bond--must leave his newly-found
+father in a solitude doubly terrible, where the feeble lamp of his life
+would soon go out in obscure darkness. Was not this bitterness enough,
+without the anguish of seeing that father bow his white head before
+him, and teach his aged lips words of broken, passionate entreaty that
+his son--his one earthly treasure--would not forsake him thus?
+
+"My father," Carlos said at last, as they sat together in the
+moonlight, for their light had gone out unheeded--"my father, you have
+often told me that my face is like my mother's."
+
+"Ay de mi!" moaned the penitent--"and truly it is. Is that why it must
+leave me as hers did? Ay de mi, Costanza mia! Ay de mi, my son!"
+
+"Father, tell me, I pray you, to escape what anguish of mind or body
+would you set your seal to a falsehood told to her dishonour?"
+
+"Boy, how can you ask? Never!--nothing could force me to that." And
+from the faded eye there shot a gleam almost like the fire of old days.
+
+"Father, there is One I love better than ever you loved her. Not to
+save myself, not even to save you, from this bitter pain, can I deny
+him or dishonour his name. Father, I cannot!--Though this is worse than
+the torture," he added.
+
+The anguish of the last words pierced to the very core of the old
+man's heart. He said no more; but he covered his face, and wept long
+and passionately, as a man weeps whose heart is broken, and who has no
+longer any power left him to struggle against his doom.
+
+Their last meal lay untasted. Some wine had formed part of it; and this
+Carlos now brought, and, with a few gentle, loving words, offered to
+his father. Don Juan put it aside, but drew his son closer, and looked
+at him in the moonlight long and earnestly.
+
+"How can I give thee up?" he murmured.
+
+As Carlos tried to return his gaze, it flashed for the first time
+across his mind that his father was changed. He looked older, feebler,
+more wan than he had done at his coming. Was the newly-awakened spirit
+wearing out the body? He said,--
+
+"It may be, my father, that God will not call you to the trial. Perhaps
+months may elapse before they arrange another Auto."
+
+How calmly he could speak of it;--for he had forgotten himself.
+Courage, with him, always had its root in self-forgetting love.
+
+Don Juan caught at the gleam of hope, though not exactly as Carlos
+intended. "Ay, truly," he said, "many things may happen before then."
+
+"And nothing _can_ happen save at the will of Him who loves and cares
+for us. Let us trust him, my beloved father. He will not allow us
+to be tempted above that we are able to bear. For he is good--oh,
+how good!--to the soul that seeketh him. Long ago I believed that;
+but since he has honoured me to suffer for him, once and again have
+I proved it true, true as life or death. Father, I once thought
+the strongest thing on earth--that which reached deepest into our
+nature--was pain. But I have lived to learn that his love is stronger,
+his peace is deeper, than all pain."
+
+With many such words--words of faith, and hope, and tenderness--did he
+soothe his weary, broken-hearted father. And at last, though not till
+towards morning, he succeeded in inducing him to lie down and seek the
+rest he so sorely needed.
+
+Then came his own hour; the hour of bitter, lonely conflict. He
+had grown accustomed to the thought, to the _expectation_, of a
+silent, peaceful death within the prison walls. He had hoped, nay,
+certainly believed, that in the slow hours of some quiet day or night,
+undistinguished from other days and nights, God's messenger would steal
+noiselessly to his gloomy cell, and heart and brain would thrill with
+rapture at the summons, "The Master calleth thee."
+
+Now, indeed, it was true that the Master called him. But he called him
+to go to Him through the scornful gaze of ten thousand eyes; through
+reproach, and shame, and mockery; the hideous zamarra and carroza; the
+long agony of the Auto, spun out from daybreak till midnight; and, last
+of all, through the torture of the doom of fire. How could he bear it?
+Sharp were the pangs of fear that wrung his heart, and dread was the
+struggle that followed.
+
+It was over at last. Raising to the cold moonlight a steadfast though
+sorrowful face, Carlos murmured audibly, "What time I am afraid I will
+put my trust in thee. Lord, I am ready to go with thee, whithersoever
+thou wilt; only--with thee."
+
+He woke, late the following morning, from the sleep of exhaustion to
+the painful consciousness of something terrible to come upon him. But
+he was soon roused from thoughts of self by seeing his father kneel
+before the crucifix, not quietly reciting his appointed penance, but
+uttering broken words of prayer and lamentation, accompanied by bitter
+weeping. As far as he could gather, the burden of the cry was this,
+"God help me! God forgive me! _I have lost it!_" Over and over again
+did he moan those piteous words, "I have lost it!" as if they were the
+burden of some dreary song. They seemed to contain the sum of all his
+sorrow.
+
+Carlos, yearning to comfort him, still did not feel that he could
+interrupt him then. He waited quietly until they were both ready for
+their usual reading or repetition of Scripture; for Carlos, every
+morning, either read from the Book of Hours to his father, or recited
+passages from memory, as suited his inclination at the time.
+
+He knew all the Gospel of John by heart. And this day he began with
+those blessed words, dear in all ages to the tried and sorrowing, "Let
+not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
+my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
+told you. I go to prepare a place for you." He continued without pause
+to the close of the sixteenth chapter, "These things I have spoken
+unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
+tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
+
+Then once more Don Juan uttered that cry of bitter pain, "Ay de mi! I
+have lost it!"
+
+Carlos thought he understood him now. "Lost that peace, my father?" he
+questioned gently.
+
+The old man bowed his head sorrowfully.
+
+"But it is in Him. 'In me ye might have peace.' And Him you have," said
+Carlos.
+
+Don Juan drew his hand across his brow, was silent for a few moments,
+then said slowly, "I will try to tell you how it is with me. There is
+one thing I could do, even yet; one path left open to my footsteps
+in which none could part us.--What hinders my refusing to perform my
+penance, and boldly taking my stand beside thee, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos started, flushed, grew pale again with emotion. He had not
+dreamed of this, and his heart shrank from it in terror. "My beloved
+father!" he exclaimed in a trembling voice. "But no--God has not called
+you. Each one of us must wait to see his guiding hand."
+
+"Once I could have done it bravely, nay, joyfully," said the penitent.
+"_Not now._" And there was a silence.
+
+At last Don Juan resumed, "My boy, thy courage shames my weakness. What
+hast thou seen, what dost thou see, that makes this thing possible to
+thee?"
+
+"My father knows. I see Him who died for me, who rose again for me,
+who lives at the right hand of God to intercede for me."
+
+"_For me?_"
+
+"Yes; it is this thought that gives strength and peace."
+
+"Peace--which I have lost for ever."
+
+"Not for ever, my honoured father. No; you are his, and of such it is
+written, 'Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' Though your
+tired hand has relaxed its grasp of him, his has never ceased to hold
+you, and never can cease."
+
+"I was at peace and happy long ago, when I believed, as Don Rodrigo
+said, that I was justified by faith in him."
+
+"Once justified, justified for ever," said Carlos.
+
+"Don Rodrigo used to say so too, but--I cannot understand it now," and
+a look of perplexity passed over his face.
+
+Carlos spoke more simply. "No! Then come to him now, my father, just as
+if you had never come before. You may not know that you are justified;
+you know well that you are weary and heavy laden. And to such he says,
+'Come. He says it with outstretched arms, with a heart full of love and
+tenderness. He is as willing to save you from sin and sorrow as you are
+this hour to save me from pain and death. Only, you cannot, and he can."
+
+"Come--that is--believe?"
+
+"It is believe, and more. Come, as your heart came out to me, and mine
+to you, when we knew the great bond between us. But with far stronger
+trust and deeper love; for he is more than son or father. He fulfils
+all relationships, satisfies all wants."
+
+"But then, what of those long years in which I forgot him?"
+
+"They were but adding to the sum of sin; sin that he has pardoned, has
+washed away for ever in his blood."
+
+At that point the conversation dropped, and days passed ere it was
+renewed. Don Juan was unusually silent; very tender to his son, making
+no complaint, but often weeping quietly. Carlos thought it best to
+leave God to deal with him directly, so he only prayed for him and with
+him, repeated precious Scripture words, and sometimes sang to him the
+psalms and hymns of the Church.
+
+But one evening, to the affectionate "Good-night" always exchanged by
+the son and father with the sense that many more might not be left to
+them, Don Juan added, "Rejoice with me, my son; for I think that I have
+found again the thing that I lost--
+
+  'El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIV.
+
+                        One Prisoner Set Free.
+
+  "All was ended now, the hope and the fear, and the sorrow;
+  All the aching of heart, the restless unsatisfied longing,
+  All the dull deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."
+
+                                                  LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+The winter rain was pouring down in a steady continuous torrent. It
+was long since a gleam of sunshine had come through the windows of the
+prison-room. But Don Juan Alvarez did not miss the sunlight. For he lay
+on his pallet, weak and ill, and the only sight he greatly cared to
+look upon was the loving face that was ever beside him.
+
+It is possible, by means of the embalmer's art, to enable buried forms
+to retain for ages a ghastly outward similitude to life. Tombs have
+been opened, and kings found therein clothed in their royal robes,
+stern and stately, the sceptre in their cold hands, and no trace of
+the grave and its corruption visible upon them. But no sooner did the
+breath of the upper air and the finger of light touch them than they
+crumbled away, silently and rapidly, and dust returned to dust again.
+Thus, buried in the chill dark tomb of his seclusion, Don Juan might
+have lived for years--if life it could be called--or, at least, he
+might have lingered on in the outward similitude of life. But Carlos
+brought in light and air upon him. His mind and heart revived; and,
+just in proportion, his physical nature sank. It proved too weak to
+bear these powerful influences. He was dying.
+
+Tender and thoughtful as a woman, Carlos, who himself knew so well
+all the bitterness of unpitied pain and sickness, ministered to his
+father's wants. But he did not request their gaolers to afford him any
+medical aid, though, had he done so, it would have been readily granted.
+
+He had good reason for seeking no help from man. The daily penance was
+neglected now; the rosary lay untold; and never again would "Ave Maria
+Sanctissima" pass the lips of Don Juan Alvarez. Therefore it was that
+Carlos, after much thought and prayer, said quietly to him one day, "My
+father, are you afraid to lie here, in God's hands, and in his alone,
+and to take whatever he pleases to send us?"
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+"Do you desire _any_ help they can give, either for your soul or for
+your body?"
+
+"_No_," said the Conde de Nuera, with something like the spirit of
+other days. "I would not confess to them; for Christ is my only priest
+now. And they should not anoint me while I retained my consciousness."
+
+A look of resolution, strange to see, passed over the gentle face of
+Carlos. "It is well said, my father," he responded. "And, God helping
+me, I will let no man trouble you."
+
+"My son," said Don Juan one evening, as Carlos sat beside him in the
+twilight, "I pray you, tell me a little more of those who learned to
+love the truth since I walked amongst men. For I would fain be able to
+recognize them when we meet in heaven."
+
+Then Carlos told him, not indeed for the first time, but more fully
+than ever before, the story of the Reformed Church in Spain. Almost
+every name that he mentioned has come down to us surrounded by the
+mournful halo of martyr glory. With special reverential love, he told
+of Don Carlos de Seso, of Losada, of D'Arellano, and of the heroic
+Juliano Hernandez, who, as he believed, was still waiting for his
+crown. "For him," he said, "I pray even yet; for the others I can
+only thank God. Surely," he added, after a pause, "God will remember
+the land for which these, his faithful martyrs, prayed and toiled and
+suffered! Surely he will hear their voices, that cry under the altar,
+not for vengeance, but for forgiveness and mercy; and one day he will
+return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him!"
+
+"I know not," said the dying man despondingly. "The Spains have had
+their offer of God's truth, and have rejected it. What is there that is
+said, somewhere in the Scriptures, about Noah, Daniel, and Job?"
+
+Carlos repeated the solemn words, "'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were
+in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither
+son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their
+righteousness.' Do you fear that such a terrible doom has gone forth
+over our land, my father? I dare to hope otherwise. For it is not the
+Spains that have rejected the truth. It is the Inquisition that is
+crushing it out."
+
+"But the Spains must answer for its deeds, since they consent to them.
+They heed not. There are brave men enough, with weapons in their
+hands," said the soldier of former days, with a momentary return to old
+habits of thought and feeling.
+
+"Yet God may give our land another trial," Carlos continued. "His truth
+is sometimes offered twice to individuals, why not to nations?"
+
+"True; it was offered twice to me, praised be his name." After an
+interval of silence, he resumed, "My son always speaks of others, never
+of himself. Not yet have I learned how it was that you came to receive
+the Word of God so readily from Juliano."
+
+Then in the dark, with his father's hand in his, Carlos told, for the
+first and last time, the true story of his life.
+
+Before he had gone far, Don Juan started, half-raised himself, and
+exclaimed in surprise, "What, and you!--_you_ too--once loved?"
+
+"Ay, and bitter as the pain has been, I am glad now of all except the
+sin. I am glad that I have tasted earth's very best and sweetest;
+that I know how the wine is red and gives its colour in the cup of
+life he honours me to put aside for him." His voice was low and full
+of feeling as he said this. Presently he resumed. "But the sin, my
+father! Especially my treachery in heart to Juan; that rankled long
+and stung deeply. Juan, my brave, generous brother, who would have
+struck down any man who dared to hint that I could do, or think,
+aught dishonourable! He never knew it; and had he known it, he would
+have forgiven me; but I could not forgive myself. I do not think the
+self-scorn passed away until--_that_ which happened after I had been
+nigh a year in prison. O my father, if God had not interposed to save
+me by withholding me from that crime, I shudder to think what my life
+might have been. I am persuaded I should have sunk lower, lower, and
+ever lower. Perhaps, even, I might have ended in the purple and fine
+linen, and the awful pomp and luxury of the oppressors and persecutors
+of the saints."
+
+"Nay," said Don Juan, "that would _never_ have been possible to thee,
+Carlos. But there is a question I have often longed to ask thee. Does
+Juan, my Juan Rodrigo, know and love the Word of God?"
+
+He had asked that question before; but Carlos had contrived, with tact
+and gentleness, to evade the answer. Up to this hour he had not dared
+to tell his father the truth upon this important subject. Besides the
+terrible risk that in some moment of fear or forgetfulness the prior or
+his agents might draw an incautious word from the old man's lips, there
+was a haunting dread of listeners at key-holes, or secret apertures,
+quite natural in one who knew the customs of the Holy Office. But now
+he bent down close to the dying man, and spoke to him in a long earnest
+whisper.
+
+"Thank God," murmured Don Juan. "I would have no earthly wish
+unsatisfied now--if only _you_ were safe. But still," he added, "it
+seemeth somewhat hard to me that Juan should have _all_, and you
+nothing."
+
+"I _nothing_!" Carlos exclaimed; and had not the room been in darkness
+his father would have seen that his eye kindled, and his whole
+countenance lighted up. "My father, mine has been the best lot, even
+for earth. Were it to do again, I would not change the last two years
+for the deepest love, the brightest hope, the fairest joy life has
+to offer. For the Lord himself has been the portion of my cup, my
+inheritance in the land of the living."
+
+After a silence, he continued, "Moreover, and beside all, I have thee,
+my father. Therefore to me it is a joy to think that my beloved brother
+has also something precious. How he loved her! But the strangest thing
+of all, as I ponder over it now, is the fulfilment of our childhood's
+dream. And in me, the weak one who deserved nothing, not in Juan the
+hero who deserved everything. It is the lame who has taken the prey. It
+is the weak and timid Carlos who has found our father."
+
+"Weak--timid?" said Don Juan, with an incredulous smile. "I marvel who
+ever joined such words with the name of my heroic son. Carlos, have we
+any wine?"
+
+"Abundance, my father," answered Carlos, who carefully treasured for
+his father's use all that was furnished for both of them. Having given
+him a little, he asked, "Do you feel pain to-night?"
+
+"No--no pain. Only weary; always weary."
+
+"I think my beloved father will soon be where the weary are at
+rest"--"and where the wicked cease from troubling," he added mentally,
+not aloud.
+
+He would fain have dropped the conversation then, fearing to exhaust
+his father's strength. But the sick man's restlessness was soothed by
+his talk. Ere long he questioned, "Is it not near Christmas now?"
+
+Well did Carlos know that it was; and keenly did he dread the return
+of the season which ought to bring "peace upon earth." For it would
+certainly bring the prisoners a visit; and almost certainly there would
+be the offer of special privileges to the penitent, perhaps sacramental
+consolation, perhaps permission to hear mass. He shuddered to think
+what a refusal to avail himself of these indulgences might entail. And
+once and again did he breathe the fervent prayer, that whatever came
+upon _him_, neither violence, insult, nor reproach might be allowed to
+touch his father.
+
+Moreover, amongst the great festivities of the season, it was more than
+likely that a solemn Auto-da-fé might find place. But this was a secret
+inner thought, not often put into words, even to himself. Only, if it
+were God's will to call his father first!
+
+"It is December," he said, in answer to Don Juan's question; "but
+I have lost account of the day. It may be perhaps the twelfth or
+fourteenth. Shall I recite the evening psalms for the twelfth, 'Te
+dicet hymnus'?"
+
+As he did so, the old man fell asleep, which was what he desired. Half
+in the sleep of exhaustion, half in weary restlessness, the next day
+and the next night wore on. Once only did Don Juan speak connectedly.
+
+"I think you will see my mother soon," said Carlos, as he bore to his
+lips wine mingled with water.
+
+"True," breathed the dying man; "but I am not thinking of that now. Far
+better--I shall see Christ."
+
+"My father, are you still in peace, resting on him?"
+
+"In perfect peace."
+
+And Carlos said no more. He was content; nay, he was exceeding glad.
+He who in all things will have the pre-eminence, had indeed taken his
+rightful place in the heart of the dying, when even the strong earthly
+love that was "twisted with the strings of life" had paled before the
+love of him.
+
+And in the last watch of the night, when the day was breaking, he sent
+his angel to loose the captive's bonds. So gentle was the touch that
+freed him, that he who sat holding his hand in his, and watching his
+face as we watch the last conscious looks of our beloved, yet knew not
+the exact moment when the Deliverer came. Carlos never said "He is
+going!" he only said "He is gone!" And then he kissed the pale lips and
+closed the sightless eyes--in peace.
+
+None ever thanked God for bringing back their beloved from the gates
+of the grave more fervently than Carlos thanked him that hour for
+so gently opening unto his those gates that "no man can shut." "My
+father, thy rest is won!" he said, as he gazed on the calm and noble
+countenance. "They cannot touch thee now. Not all the malice of men
+or of fiends can give one pang. A moment since so fearfully in their
+power; now so completely beyond it! Thank God! thank God!"
+
+The rain was over, and ere long the sun arose, in his royal robes of
+crimson and purple and gold--to the prisoner from the dungeon of the
+Triana an ever fresh wonder and joy. Yet not even that sight could win
+his eyes to-day from the deeper beauty of the still and solemn face
+before him. And as the soft crimson light fell on the pallid cheek and
+brow, the watcher murmured, with calm thankfulness,--"'To him sun and
+daylight are as nothing, for he sees the glory of God.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLV.
+
+                              Triumphant.
+
+  "For ever with the Lord!
+    Amen! so let it be!"
+
+                      MONTGOMERY.
+
+
+Carlos was still sitting beside that couch, with scarcely more sense of
+time than if he had been already where time exists no longer, when the
+door of his cell was opened to admit two distinguished visitors. First
+came the prior; then another member of the Table of the Inquisition.
+
+Carlos rose up from beside his dead, and said calmly, addressing the
+prior, "My father is free!"
+
+"How? what is this?" cried Fray Ricardo, his brow contracting with
+surprise.
+
+Carlos stood aside, allowing him to approach and look. With real
+concern in his stern countenance, he stooped for a few moments over the
+motionless form. Then he asked,--
+
+"But why was I not summoned? Who was with him when he departed?"
+
+"I,--his son," said Carlos.
+
+"But who besides thee?" Then, in a higher key and with more hurried
+intonation,--"Who gave him the last rites of the Church?"
+
+"He did not receive them, my lord, for he did not desire them. He said
+that Christ was his priest; that he would not confess; and that they
+should not anoint him while he retained consciousness."
+
+The Dominican's face grew white with anger, even to the lips.
+
+"_Liar!_" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "How darest thou tell me
+that he for whom I watched, and prayed, and toiled, after years and
+years of faithful penance, has gone down at last, unanointed and
+unassoiled, to hell with Luther and Calvin?"
+
+"I tell thee that he has gone home in peace to his Father's house."
+
+"Blasphemer! liar, like thy father the devil! But I understand all now.
+Thou, in thy hatred of the Faith, didst refuse to summon help--didst
+let his spirit pass without the aid and consolations of the Church.
+Murderer of his soul--thy father's soul! Not content even with that,
+thou canst stand there and slander his memory, bidding us believe that
+he died in heresy! But that, at least, is false--false as thine own
+accursed creed!"
+
+"It is true; and you believe it," said Carlos, in calm, clear, quiet
+tones, that contrasted strangely with the Dominican's outburst of
+unwonted rage.
+
+And the prior did believe it--there was the sharpest sting. He knew
+perfectly well that the condemned heretic was incapable of falsehood:
+on a matter of fact he would have received his testimony more readily
+than that of the stately "Lord Inquisitor" now standing by his side.
+In the momentary pause that followed, that personage came forward and
+looked upon the face of the dead.
+
+"If there be really any proof that he died in heresy," he said, "he
+ought to be proceeded against according to the laws of the Holy Office
+provided for such cases."
+
+Carlos smiled--smiled in calm triumph.
+
+"You cannot hurt him now," he said. "Look there, señor. The King
+immortal, invisible, has set his own signet upon that brow, that the
+decree may not be reversed nor the purpose changed concerning him."
+
+And the peace of the dead face seemed to have passed into the living
+face that had gazed on it so long. Carlos was as really beyond the
+power of his enemies as his father was that hour. They felt it; or at
+least one of them did. As for the other, his strong heart was torn with
+rage and sorrow: sorrow for the penitent, whom he truly loved, and whom
+he now believed, after all his prayers and efforts, a lost soul; rage
+against the obstinate heretic, whom he had sought to befriend, and who
+had repaid his kindness by snatching his convert from his grasp at the
+very gate of heaven, and plunging him into hell.
+
+"I will _not_ believe it," he reiterated, with pale lips, and eyes
+that gleamed beneath his cowl like coals of fire. Then, softening a
+little as he turned to the dead--"Would that those silent lips could
+utter, were it only one word, to say that death found thee true to the
+Catholic faith!--Not one word! So end the hopes of years. But at least
+thy betrayer shall be with thee amongst the dead to-morrow.--Heretic!"
+he said, turning fiercely to Carlos, "we are here to announce thy doom.
+I came, with a heart full of pity and relenting, to offer counsel
+and comfort, and such mercy as Holy Church still keeps for those
+who return to her bosom at the eleventh hour. But now, I despair of
+thee. Professed, impenitent, dogmatizing heretic, go thine own way to
+everlasting fire!"
+
+"To-morrow! Did you say to-morrow?" asked Carlos, standing motionless,
+as one lost in thought.
+
+The other Inquisitor took up the word.
+
+"It is true," he said. "To-morrow the Church offers to God the
+acceptable sacrifice of a solemn Act of Faith. And we come to announce
+to thee thy sentence, well merited and long delayed--to be relaxed to
+the secular arm as an obstinate heretic. But if even yet thou wilt
+repent, and, confessing and deploring thy sins, supplicate restoration
+to the bosom of the Church, she will so effectually intercede for thee
+with the civil magistrate that the doom of fire will be exchanged for
+the milder punishment of death by strangling."
+
+Something like a faint smile played round the lips of Carlos; but he
+only repeated, "To-morrow!"
+
+"Yes, my son," said the Inquisitor, promptly; for he was a man who knew
+his business well. He had come there to improve the occasion; and he
+meant to do it. "No doubt it seems to thee a sudden blow, and but a
+brief space left thee for preparation. But, at the best, our life here
+is only a span; 'Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to
+live, and is full of misery.'"
+
+Carlos did not look as if he heard; he still stood lost in thought, his
+head sunk upon his breast. But in another moment he raised it suddenly.
+
+"To-morrow I shall be with Christ in glory!" he exclaimed, with a
+countenance as radiant as if that glory were already reflected there.
+
+Some faint feeling of awe and wonder touched the Inquisitor's heart,
+and silenced him for an instant. Then, recovering himself, and falling
+back for help upon wonted words of course, he said,--
+
+"I entreat of you to think of your soul."
+
+"I have thought of it long ago. I have given it into the safe keeping
+of Christ my Lord. Therefore I think no more of it; I only think of
+him."
+
+"But have you no fear of the anguish--the doom of fire?"
+
+"I have no fear," Carlos answered. And this was a great mystery, even
+to himself. "Christ's hand will either lift me over it or sustain me
+through it; which, I know not yet. And I am not careful; he will care."
+
+"Men of noble lineage, such as you are--of high honour and stainless
+name, such as you _were_," said the Inquisitor--"ofttimes dread shame
+more than agony. You, who were called Alvarez de Meñaya, what think
+_you_ of the infamy, the loathing of all men, the scorn and mockery of
+the lowest rabble--the zamarra, the carroza?"
+
+"I shall joyfully go forth with Him without the camp, bearing his
+reproach."
+
+"And stand at the stake beside a vile caitiff, a miserable muleteer,
+convicted of the same crimes?"
+
+"A muleteer? Juliano Hernandez?" Carlos questioned eagerly.
+
+"The same."
+
+A softer light played over the features of Carlos. Then he should see
+that face once more--perhaps even grasp that hand! Truly God was giving
+him everything he desired of him. He said,--
+
+"I am glad to stand, here to the last, at the side of that faithful
+soldier and servant of Christ. For when we go in there together, I dare
+not hope to be so highly honoured as to take a place beside him."
+
+At this point the prior broke in. "Señor and my brother, your words
+are wasted. He is given over to the power of the evil one. Let us
+leave him." And drawing his mantle round him, he turned to go, without
+looking again towards Carlos.
+
+But Carlos came forward. "Pardon me, my lord; I have a few words
+yet to say to you;" and, stretching out his hand to detain him, he
+unconsciously touched his arm with it.
+
+The prior flung it off with a gesture of angry scorn. There was
+contamination in that touch. "I have heard too many words from your
+lips already," he said.
+
+"To-morrow night my lips will be dust, my voice silent for ever. So you
+may well bear with me for a little while to-day."
+
+"Speak then; but be brief."
+
+"It gives me the last pang I think to know on earth, to part thus from
+you; for you have shown me true kindness. I owe you, not forgiveness as
+an enemy, but gratitude as a sincere though mistaken friend. I shall
+pray for you--"
+
+"An impenitent heretic's prayers--"
+
+"Will do my lord the prior no harm; and there may come a day when he
+will not be sorry he had them."
+
+There was a short pause. "Have you anything else to say?" asked the
+prior rather more gently.
+
+"Only one word, señor." He turned and looked at the dead. "I know you
+loved him well. You will deal gently with his dust, will you not? A
+grave is not much to ask for him. You will give it; I trust you."
+
+The stern set face relaxed a little before that pleading look. "It is
+_you_ who have sought to rob him of a grave," said the prior--"you who
+have defamed him of heresy. But your testimony is invalid; and, as I
+have said, I believe you not."
+
+With this declaration of purely official disbelief, he left the room.
+
+His colleague lingered a moment. "You plead for the senseless dust that
+can neither feel nor suffer," he said; "you can pity that. How is it
+you cannot pity yourself?"
+
+"That which you destroy to-morrow is not myself. It is only my garment,
+my tent. Yet even over that Christ watches. He can raise it glorious
+from the ashes of the Quemadero as easily as from the church where the
+bones of my fathers sleep. For I am his, soul and body--the purchase of
+his blood. And why should it be a marvel in your eyes that I rejoice to
+give my life for him who gave his own for me?"
+
+"God grant thee even yet to die in his grace!" answered the Inquisitor,
+somewhat moved. "I do not despair of thee. I will pray for thee, and
+visit thee again to-night." So saying, he hastened after the prior.
+
+For a season Carlos sat motionless, his soul filled to overflowing with
+a calm, deep tide of awed and wondering joy. No room was there for any
+thought save one--"I shall see His face; I shall be with Him for ever."
+Over the Thing that lay between he could spring as joyously as a child
+might leap across a brook to reach his father's outstretched hand.
+
+At length his eye fell, perhaps by accident, on the little writing-book
+which lay near. He drew it towards him, and having found out the place
+where the last entry was made, wrote rapidly beneath it,--
+
+    "To depart and to be with Christ is far better. My beloved father
+    is gone to him in peace to-day. I too go in peace, though by a
+    rougher path, to-morrow. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me
+    all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
+    for ever.
+
+    "CARLOS ALVAREZ DE SANTILLANOS Y MENAYA."
+
+And with a strange consciousness that he had now signed his name for
+the last time, he carefully affixed to it his own especial "rubrica,"
+or sign-manual.
+
+Then came one thought of earth--only one--the last. "God, in his great
+mercy, grant that my brother may be far away! I would not that he saw
+my face to-morrow. For the pain and the shame can be seen of all; while
+that which changes them to glory no man knoweth, save he that receiveth
+it. But, wherever thou art, God bless thee, my Ruy!" And drawing the
+book towards him again, he added, as if by a sudden impulse, to what he
+had already written, "God bless thee, my Ruy!"
+
+Soon afterwards the Alguazils arrived to conduct him back to the
+Triana. Then, turning to his dead once more, he kissed the pale
+forehead, saying, "Farewell, for a little while. Thou didst never taste
+death; nor shall I. Instead of thee and me, Christ drank that cup."
+
+And then, for the second time, the gate of the Triana opened to
+receive Don Carlos Alvarez. At sunrise next morning its gloomy portals
+were unlocked, and he, with others, passed forth from beneath their
+shadow. Not to return again to that dark prison, there to linger
+out the slow and solitary hours of grief and pain. His warfare was
+accomplished, his victory was won. Long before the sun had arisen again
+upon the weary blood-stained earth, a brighter sun arose for him who
+had done with earth. All his desire was granted, all his longings were
+fulfilled. He saw the face of Christ, and he was with Him for ever.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLVI.
+
+                            Is it too Late?
+
+  "Death upon his face
+  Is rather shine than shade;
+  A tender shine by looks beloved made:
+  He seemeth dying in a quiet place."
+
+                                 E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+The mountain-snow lay white around the old castle of Nuera; but
+within there was light and warmth. Joy and gladness were there also,
+"thanksgiving and the voice of melody;" for Doña Beatriz, graver and
+paler than of old, and with the brilliant lustre of her dark eyes
+subdued to a kind of dewy softness, was singing a cradle-song beside
+the cot where her first-born slept.
+
+The babe had just been baptized by Fray Sebastian. With a pleading,
+wistful look had Dolores asked her lord, the day before, what name he
+wished his son to bear. But he only answered, "The heir of our house
+always bears the name of Juan." Another name was far dearer to memory;
+but not yet could he accustom his lips to utter it, or his ear to bear
+the sound.
+
+Now he came slowly into the room, holding in his hand an unsealed
+letter. Doña Beatriz looked up. "He sleeps," she said.
+
+"Then let him sleep on, señora mia."
+
+"But will you not look? See, how pretty he is! How he smiles in his
+sleep! And those dear small hands--"
+
+"Have their share in dragging me further than you wot of, my Beatriz."
+
+Nay; what dost thou mean? Do not be grave and sad to-day--not to-day,
+Don Juan."
+
+"My beloved, God knows I would not cloud thy brow with a single care
+if I could help it. Nor am I sad. Only we must think. Here is a letter
+from the Duke of Savoy (and very gracious and condescending too),
+inviting me to take my place once more in His Catholic Majesty's army."
+
+"But you will not go? We are so happy together here."
+
+"My Beatriz, I _dare_ not go. I would have to fight"--(here he broke
+off, and cast a hasty glance round the room, from the habit of dreading
+listeners)--"I would have to fight against those whose cause is just
+the cause I hold dearest upon earth. I would have to deny my faith
+by the deeds of every day. But yet, how to refuse and not stand
+dishonoured in the eyes of the world, a traitor and a coward, I know
+not."
+
+"No dishonour could ever touch thee, my brave and noble Juan."
+
+Don Juan's brow relaxed a little. "But that men should even _think_ it
+did, is what I could not bear," he said. "Besides"--and he drew nearer
+the cradle, and looked fondly down at the little sleeper--"it does not
+seem to me, my Beatriz, that I dare bring up this child God has given
+me to the bitter heritage of a slave."
+
+"A slave!" repeated Doña Beatriz, almost with a cry. "Now Heaven help
+us, Don Juan; are you mad? You, of noblest lineage--you, Alvarez de
+Meñaya--to call your own first-born a slave!"
+
+"I call any one a slave who dares not speak out what he thinks, and act
+out what he believes," returned Don Juan sadly.
+
+"And what is it that you would do then?"
+
+"Would to God that I knew! But the future is all dark to me. I see not
+a single step before me."
+
+"Then, amigo mio, do not look before you. Let the future alone, and
+enjoy the present, as I do."
+
+"Truly that baby face would charm many a care away," said Juan, with
+another fond glance at the sleeping child. "But a man _must_ look
+before him, and a Christian man must ask what God would have him to do.
+Moreover, this letter of the duke demands an answer, Yea or Nay."
+
+"Señor Don Juan. I desire to speak with your Excellency," said the
+voice of Dolores at the door.
+
+"Come in, Dolores."
+
+"Nay, señor, I want you here." This peremptory sharpness was very
+unlike the wonted manner of Dolores.
+
+Don Juan came forth immediately. Dolores signed to him to shut the
+door. Then, not till then, she began,--"Señor Don Juan, two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus have come from Seville, and are now in the
+village."
+
+"What then? Surely you do not fear that they suspect anything with
+regard to us?" asked Juan, in some alarm.
+
+"No; but they have brought tidings."
+
+"You tremble, Dolores. You are ill. Speak--what is it?"
+
+"They have brought tidings of a great Act of Faith, to be held at
+Seville, upon a day not yet fixed when they left the city, but towards
+the end of this month."
+
+For a moment the two stood silent, gazing in each other's faces. Then
+Dolores said, in an eager breathless whisper, "You will go, señor?"
+
+Juan shook his head. "What you are thinking of Dolores, is a dream--a
+vain, wild dream. Long since, I doubt not, he rests with God."
+
+"But if we had the proof of it, rest might come to us," said Dolores,
+large tears gathering slowly in her eyes.
+
+"It is true," Juan mused; "they may wreak their vengeance on the dust."
+
+"And for the assurance that would give that nothing more was left them,
+I, a poor woman, would joyfully walk barefoot from this to Seville and
+back again."
+
+Juan hesitated no longer. "_I go_" he said. "Dolores, seek Fray
+Sebastian, and send him to me at once. Bid Jorge be ready with the
+horses to start to-morrow at daybreak. Meanwhile, I will prepare Doña
+Beatriz for my sudden departure."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of that hurried winter journey, Don Juan was never afterwards heard
+to speak. No one of its incidents seemed to have made the slightest
+impression on his mind, or even to have been remembered by him.
+
+But at last he drew near Seville. It was late in the evening, however,
+and he had told his attendant they should spend the night at a village
+eight or nine miles from their destination.
+
+Suddenly Jorge cried out. "Look there, señor, the city is on fire."
+
+Don Juan looked. A lurid crimson glow paled the stars in the southern
+sky. With a shudder he bowed his head, and veiled his face from the
+awful sight.
+
+"That fire is _without the gate_," he said at last. "Pray for the souls
+that are passing in anguish now."
+
+Noble, heroic souls! Probably Juliano Hernandez, possibly Fray
+Constantino, was amongst them. These were the only names that occurred
+to Don Juan's mind, or were breathed in his fervent, agitated prayer.
+
+"Yonder is the posada, señor," said the attendant presently.
+
+"Nay, Jorge, we will ride on. There will be no sleepers in Seville
+to-night."
+
+"But, señor," remonstrated the servant, "the horses are weary. We have
+travelled far to-day already."
+
+"Let them rest afterwards," said Juan briefly. Motion, just then, was
+an absolute necessity to him. He could not have rested anywhere, within
+sight of that awful glare.
+
+Two hours afterwards he drew the rein of his weary steed before
+the house of his cousin Doña Inez. He had no scruple in asking for
+admission in the middle of the night, as he knew that, under the
+circumstances, the household would not fail to be astir. His summons
+was speedily answered, and he was conducted to a hall opening on the
+patio.
+
+Thither, after a brief interval, came Juanita, bearing a lamp in
+her hand, which she set down on the table. "My lady will see your
+Excellency presently," said the girl, with a shy, frightened air, which
+was very unlike her, but which Juan was too preoccupied to notice. "But
+she is much indisposed. My lord was obliged to accompany her home from
+the Act of Faith before it was half over."
+
+Juan expressed the concern he felt, and desired that she would not
+incommode herself upon his account. Perhaps Don Garçia, if he had not
+yet retired to rest, would converse with him for a few moments.
+
+"My lady said she must speak with you herself," answered Juanita, as
+she left the room.
+
+After a considerable time Doña Inez appeared. In that southern climate
+youth and beauty fade quickly; and yet Juan was by no means prepared
+for the changed, worn, haggard face that gazed on him now, There was
+no pomp of apparel to carry off the impression. Doña Inez wore a loose
+dark dressing-robe; and a hasty careless hand seemed to have untwined
+the usual ornaments from her black hair. Her eyes were like those of
+one who has wept for hours, and then only ceased for very weariness.
+
+She stretched out both her hands to Juan--"O Don Juan, I never meant
+it! I never meant it!"
+
+"Señora and my cousin, I have but just arrived here. I do not
+understand you," said Juan, rising to greet her.
+
+"Santa Maria! Then you know not!--Horrible!"
+
+She sank into a seat. Juan stood gazing at her eagerly, almost wildly.
+"Yes; I understand all now," he said at last. "I suspected it."
+
+_He_ saw in imagination a black chest, with a little lifeless dust
+within it; a rude shapeless figure, robed in the hideous zamarra, and
+bearing in large letters the venerated name, "Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya." While _she_ saw a living face, that would never cease to haunt
+her memory until death shadowed all things.
+
+"Let me speak," she gasped; "and I will try to be calm. I did not wish
+to go. It was the day of the last Auto, you remember, that my poor
+brother died, and altogether---- But Don Garçia insisted. He said
+everybody would talk, and especially when the taint had touched our own
+house. Besides, Doña Juana de Bohorques, who died in prison, was to be
+publicly declared innocent, and her property restored to her heirs. Out
+of regard to the family, it was thought we ought to be present. O Don
+Juan, if I had but known! I would rather have put on a sanbenito myself
+than have gone there. God grant it did not hurt him!"
+
+"How could it possibly hurt him, my tender-hearted cousin?"
+
+"Hush! Let me go on now, while I can speak of it; or I shall never,
+never tell you. And I must. _He_ would have wished---- Well, we were
+seated in what they called good places; very near the condemned; in
+fact, the scaffold opposite was plain to us as you are to me now. But
+that last time, and Doña Maria's look, and Dr. Cristobal's, haunted
+me, so that I did not dare to raise my eyes to where _they_ sat;--not
+until long after the mass had begun. And I knew besides there were
+so many women there--eight on that dreadful top bench, doomed to
+die. But at last a lady who sat near me bade me look at one of the
+relaxed, a little man, who was pointing upwards and making signs to his
+companions to encourage them. 'Do not look, señora,' said Don Garçia,
+quickly--but too late. O Don Juan, I saw his face!"
+
+"His LIVING face? Not his living face?" cried Juan, with a
+shudder that convulsed his strong frame from head to foot. And the
+Name--the one awful Name that rises to all human lips in moments of
+supreme emotion--broke from his in a wail of anguish.
+
+Doña Inez tried to speak; but in vain. Thoroughly broken down, she wept
+and sobbed aloud. But the sight of the rigid, tearless face before
+her checked her tears at last. She gained power to go on. "I saw him.
+Worn and pale, of course; yet not changed so greatly, after all. The
+same dear, kind, familiar face I had seen last in this room, when he
+caressed and played with my child. Not sad, not as though he suffered.
+Rather as though he had suffered long ago; but was beyond it all, even
+then. A still, patient, fearless look, eyes that saw everything; and
+yet nothing seemed to trouble him. I bore it until they were reading
+the sentences, and came to his. But when I saw the Alguazil strike
+him--the blow that relaxed to the secular arm--I could endure no more.
+I believe I cried aloud. But in fact I know not what I did. I know
+nothing more till Don Garçia and my brother Don Manuel were carrying me
+through the crowd."
+
+"No word? Was there no word spoken?" asked Juan wildly.
+
+"_No_; but I heard some one near me say that he talked with that
+muleteer in the court of the Triana, and spoke words of comfort to a
+poor woman amongst the penitents, whom they called Maria Gonsalez."
+
+All was told now. Maddened with rage and anguish, Juan rushed from
+the room, from the house; and, without being conscious of any settled
+purpose, in five minutes found himself far on his way to the Dominican
+convent adjoining the Triana.
+
+His servant, who was still waiting at the gate, followed him to ask
+for orders, and with difficulty overtook him, and arrested his steps.
+
+Juan sternly silenced his faltering, agitated question as to what was
+wrong with his lord. "Go to rest," he said, "and meet me in the morning
+by the great gate of Sun Isodro." Nothing was clear to him; but that he
+must shake off as soon as possible the dust of the wicked, cruel city
+from his feet. And San Isodro was the only trysting-place without its
+walls that happened at the moment to occur to his bewildered brain.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVII.
+
+                         The Dominican Prior.
+
+  "Oh, deep is a wounded heart, and strong
+  A voice that cries against mighty wrong!
+  And full of death as a hot wind's blight,
+  Doth the ire of a crushed affection light."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Tell the prior Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya desires to
+speak with him, and that instantly," said Juan to the drowsy lay
+brother who at last answered his impatient summons, lantern in hand.
+
+"My lord has but just retired to rest, and cannot now be disturbed,"
+answered the attendant, looking with some curiosity, not to say
+surprise, at the visitor, who seemed to think three o'clock of a winter
+morning a proper and suitable hour to demand instant audience of a
+great man.
+
+"I will wait," said Juan, walking into the court.
+
+The attendant led him to a parlour; then, holding the door ajar, he
+said, "Let his Excellency pardon me, I did not hear distinctly his
+worship's honourable name."
+
+"Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya. The prior knows it--too
+well."
+
+It was evident from his face that the poor lay brother knew it also.
+And so that night did every man, woman, and child in Seville. It had
+become a name of infamy.
+
+With a hasty "Yes, yes, señor," the door was closed, and Juan was left
+alone.
+
+What had brought him there? Did he mean to accuse the Dominican of
+his brother's murder, or did he only intend to reproach him--him who
+had once shown some pity to the captive--for not saving him from that
+horrible doom? He himself scarcely knew. He had been driven thither by
+a wild, unreasoning impulse, an instinct of passionate rage, prompting
+him to grasp at the only shadow of revenge that lay within his reach.
+If he could not execute God's awful judgments against the persecutors,
+at least he could denounce them. A poor substitute, but all that
+remained to him. Without it his heart must break.
+
+Yet that unreasoning impulse had a kind of unconscious reason in it,
+since it led him to seek the presence of the Dominican prior, and not
+that of the far more guilty Munebrãga. For who would accuse a tiger,
+reproach a wolf? Words would be wasted upon such. For them there is no
+argument but the spear and the bullet. A man can only speak to men.
+
+To do Fray Ricardo justice, he was so much of a man that sleep did not
+visit his eyes that night. When at length his attendants thought fit
+to inform him that Don Juan desired to see him, he was still kneeling,
+as he had knelt for hours, before the crucifix in his private oratory.
+"Saviour of the world, so much didst thou suffer," this was the
+key-note of his thoughts; "and shall I weakly pity thine enemies, or
+shrink from seeing them suffer what they have deserved at thy hands and
+those of thy holy Church?"
+
+"Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya waits below!" Just then Don Fray
+Ricardo would rather have held his right hand in the fire than have
+gone forth to face one bearing that name. But, for that very reason, no
+sooner did he hear that Don Juan awaited him than he robed himself in
+his cowl and mantle, took a lamp in his hand (for it was still dark),
+and went down to meet the visitor. For that morning he was in the mood
+to welcome any form of self-torture that came in his way, and to find
+a strange but real relief in it.
+
+"Peace be with thee, my son," was his grave but courteous salutation,
+as he entered the parlour. He looked upon Juan with mournful
+compassion, as the last of a race over which there hung a terrible doom.
+
+"Let your peace be with murderers like yourselves, or with slaves like
+those that work your will; I fling it back to you in scorn," was the
+fierce reply.
+
+The Dominican recoiled a step--only a step, for he was a brave man, and
+his face, pale with conflict and watching, grew a shade paler.
+
+"Do you think I mean to harm you?" cried Juan in yet fiercer scorn.
+"Not a hair of your tonsured head. See there!" He unbuckled his sword,
+and threw it from him, and it fell with a clang on the floor.
+
+"Young man, you would consult your own safety as well as your own
+honour by adopting a different tone," said the prior, not without
+dignity.
+
+"My safety is little worth consulting. I am a bold, rough soldier,
+used to peril and violence. Would it were such, and such alone, that
+you menaced. But, fiends that you are, would no one serve you for a
+victim save my young, gentle, unoffending brother; he who never harmed
+you nor any one? Would nothing satisfy your malice but to immure him
+in your hideous dungeons for two-and-thirty long slow months, in what
+suffering of mind and body God alone can tell; and then, at last, to
+bring him forth to that horrible death? I curse you! I curse you! Nay,
+that is nothing; who am I to curse? I invoke God's curse upon you! I
+give you up into God's hands this hour! When He maketh inquisition for
+blood--another inquisition than yours--I pray him to exact from you,
+murderers of the innocent, torturers of the just, every drop of blood,
+every tear, every pang of which he has been the witness, as he shall be
+the avenger."
+
+At last the prior found a voice. Hitherto he had listened spell-bound,
+as one oppressed by nightmare, powerless to free himself from the
+hideous burden. "Man!" he cried, "you are raving; the Holy Office--"
+
+"Is the arch-fiend's own contrivance, and its ministers his favourite
+servants," interrupted Juan, reckless in his rage, and defying all
+consequences.
+
+"Blasphemy! This may not be borne," and Fray Ricardo stretched out his
+hand towards a bell that lay on the table.
+
+But Juan's strong grasp prevented his touching it. He could not shake
+off that as easily as he had shaken off a pale thin hand two days
+before. "I shall speak forth my mind this once," he said. "After that,
+what you please.--Go on. Fill your cup full to the brim. Immure,
+plunder, burn, destroy. Pile up, high as heaven, your hecatomb of
+victims, offered to the God of love. At least there is one thing that
+may be said in your favour. In your cruelties there is a horrible
+impartiality. It can never be spoken of you that you have gone out into
+the highways and hedges, taken the blind and the lame, and made of them
+your burnt sacrifice. No. You go into the closest guarded homes; you
+take thence the gentlest, the tenderest, the fairest, the best, and of
+such you make your burnt-offering. And you--are your hearts human, or
+are they not? If they are, stifle them, crush them down into silence
+while you can; for a day will come when you can stifle them no longer.
+That will begin your punishment. You will feel remorse."
+
+"Man, let me go!" interrupted the indignant yet half-frightened
+prior, struggling vainly to free himself from his grasp. "Cease your
+blasphemies. Men only feel remorse when they have sinned; and I serve
+God and the Church."
+
+"Yet, servant of the Church (for God's servant I am not profane enough
+to call you), speak to me this once as man to man, and tell me, did a
+victim's pale face never haunt you, a victim's agonized cry never ring
+in your ears?"
+
+For just an instant the prior winced, as one who feels a sharp, sudden
+pain, but determines to conceal it.
+
+"There!" cried Juan--and at last he released his arm and flung it from
+him--"I read an answer in your look. You, at least, are capable of
+remorse."
+
+"You are false there," the prior broke in. "Remorse is not for me."
+
+"No? Then all the worse for you--infinitely the worse. Yet it may be.
+You may sleep and rise, and go to your rest again untroubled by an
+accusing conscience. You may sit down to eat and drink with the wail
+of your brother's anguish ringing in your ears, like Munebrãga, who
+sits feasting yonder in his marble hall, with the ashes yet hot on the
+Quemadero. Until you go down quick into hell, and the pit shuts her
+mouth upon you. Then, THEN shall you drink of the wine of the
+wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
+indignation; and you shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
+presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."
+
+"Thou art beside thyself," cried the prior; "and I, scarce less mad
+than thou, to listen to thy ravings. Yet hear me a moment, Don Juan
+Alvarez. I have not merited these insane reproaches. To you and yours I
+have been more a friend than you wot of."
+
+"Noble friendship! I thank you for it, as it deserves."
+
+"You have given me, this hour, more than cause enough to order your
+instant arrest."
+
+"You are welcome. It were shame indeed if I could not bear at your
+hands what my gentle brother bore."
+
+The last of his race! The father dead in prison; the mother dead long
+ago (Fray Ricardo himself best knew why); the brother burned to ashes.
+"I think you have a wife, perhaps a child?" asked the prior hurriedly.
+
+"A young wife, and an infant son," said Juan, softening a little at the
+thought.
+
+"Wild as your words have been, I am yet willing, for their sakes, to
+show you forbearance. According to the lenity which ministers of the
+Holy Office--"
+
+"Have learned from their father the devil," interrupted Juan, the flame
+of his wrath blazing up again. "After what the stars looked down on
+last night, dare to mock me with thy talk of lenity!"
+
+"You are in love with destruction," said the prior. "But I have heard
+you long enough. Now hear me. You have been, ere this, under grave
+suspicion. Indeed, you would have been arrested, only that your brother
+endured the Question without revealing anything to your disadvantage.
+That saved you."
+
+But here he stopped, struck with astonishment at the sudden change his
+words had wrought.
+
+A man stabbed to the heart makes no outcry, he does not even moan or
+writhe. Nor did Juan. Mutely he sank on the nearest seat, all his rage
+and defiance gone now. A moment before he stood over the shrinking
+Inquisitor like a prophet of doom or an avenging angel; now he cowered
+crushed and silent, stricken to the soul. There was a long silence.
+Then he raised a changed, sad look to the prior's face. "He bore _that_
+for me," he said, "and I never knew it."
+
+In the cold gray morning light, now filling the room, he looked
+utterly forlorn and broken. The prior could even afford to pity him.
+He questioned, mildly enough, "How was it you did not know it? Fray
+Sebastian Gomez, who visited him in prison, was well aware of the fact."
+
+In Juan's present mood every faculty was stimulated to unnatural
+activity. This perhaps enabled him to divine a truth which in calmer
+moments might have escaped him. "My brother," he said, in a low tone of
+deep emotion, "my heroic, tender-hearted brother must have bidden him
+conceal it from me."
+
+"It was strange," said the prior, and his thoughts ran back to other
+things which were strange also--to the uniform patience and gentleness
+of Carlos; to the fortitude with which, whilst acknowledging his own
+faith, he had steadily refused to compromise any one else; to the
+self-forgetfulness with which he had shielded his father's last hours
+from disturbance. Granted that the heretic was a wild beast, "made to
+be taken and destroyed," even the hunter may admire unblamed the grace
+and beauty of the creature who has just fallen beneath his relentless
+weapon. Something like a mist rose to the eyes of Fray Ricardo, taking
+him by surprise.
+
+Still, the interests of the Faith were paramount with him. All that had
+been done had been well done; he would not, if he could, undo any part
+of it. But did his duty to the Faith and to Holy Church require that he
+should hunt the remaining brother to death, and thus "quench the coal
+that was left"? He hoped not; he thought not. And, although he would
+not have allowed it to himself, the words that followed were really a
+peace-offering to the shade of Carlos.
+
+"Young man, I am willing, for my own part, to overlook the wild words
+you have uttered, regarding them as the outpourings of insanity, and
+making moreover due allowance for your natural fraternal sorrow.
+Still you must be aware that you have laid yourself open, and not for
+the first time, to grave suspicion of heresy. I should not only sin
+against my own conscience, but also expose myself to the penalties of a
+grievous irregularity, did I take no steps for the vindication of the
+Faith and your just and well-merited punishment. Therefore give ear to
+what I say. _This day week_ I bring the matter before the Table of the
+Holy Office, of which I have the honour to be an unworthy member. And
+God grant you the grace of repentance, and his forgiveness."
+
+Having said this, Fray Ricardo left the room. He disappears also from
+our pages, where he occupied a place as a type of the less numerous
+and less guilty class of persecutors--those who not only thought they
+were doing God service (Munebrãga may have thought that, but he was
+only willing to do God such service as cost him nothing), but who were
+honestly anxious to serve him to the best of their ability. His future
+is hidden from our sight. We cannot even undertake to say whether, when
+death drew near,--if the name of Alvarez de Meñaya occurred to him at
+all,--he reproached himself for his sternness to the brother whom he
+had consigned to the flames, or for his weakness to the brother to whom
+he had generously given a chance of life and liberty.
+
+It is not usually the most guilty who hear the warning voice that
+denounces their crimes and threatens their doom. Such words as Don Juan
+spoke to Fray Ricardo could not, by any conceivable possibility, have
+been uttered in the presence of Gonzales de Munebrãga.
+
+Soon afterwards a lay brother, the same who had admitted Don Juan,
+entered the room and placed wine on the table before him. "My lord the
+prior bade me say your Excellency seemed exhausted, and should refresh
+yourself ere you depart," he explained.
+
+Juan motioned it away. He could not trust himself to speak. But did
+Fray Ricardo imagine he would either eat bread or drink water beneath
+the roof that sheltered _him?_
+
+Still the poor man lingered, standing before him with the air of one
+who had something to say which he did not exactly know how to bring out.
+
+"You may tell your lord that I am going," said Juan, rising wearily,
+and with a look that certainly told of exhaustion.
+
+"If it please your noble Excellency--" and the lay brother stopped and
+hesitated.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Let his Excellency pardon me. Could his worship have the misfortune to
+be related, very distantly no doubt, to one of the heretics who--"
+
+"Don Carlos Alvarez was my brother," said Juan proudly.
+
+The poor lay brother drew nearer to him, and lowered his voice to a
+mysterious whisper. "Señor and your Excellency, he was here in prison
+for a long time. It was thought that my lord the prior had a kindness
+for him, and wished him better used than they use the criminals in the
+Santa Casa. It happened that the prisoner whose cell he shared died the
+day before his--_removal_. So that the cell was empty, and it fell to
+my lot to cleanse it. Whilst I was doing it I found this; I think it
+belonged to him."
+
+He drew from beneath his serge gown a little book, and handed it to
+Juan, who seized it as a starving man might seize a piece of bread.
+Hastily taking out his purse, he flung it in exchange to the lay
+brother; and then, just as the matin bells began to ring, he buckled on
+his sword and went forth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVIII.
+
+                         San Isodro Once More.
+
+  "And if with milder anguish now I bear
+  To think of thee in thy forsaken rest;
+  If from my heart be lifted the despair,
+  The sharp remorse with healing influence pressed,
+  It is that Thou the sacrifice hast blessed,
+  And filled my spirit, in its inmost cell,
+  With a deep chastened sense that all at last is well."
+
+                                                   HEMANS.
+
+
+The cloudless sky above him, the fresh morning air on his cheek, the
+dew-drops on his feet, Don Juan walked along. The river--his own bright
+Guadalquivir--glistened in the early sunshine; and soon his pathway
+led him amidst the gray ruins of old Italica, while among the brambles
+that half hid them, glittering lizards, startled by his footsteps,
+ran in and out. But he saw nothing, felt nothing, save the passionate
+pain that burned in his heart. During his interview with Fray Ricardo
+he had been, practically and for the time, what the prior called him,
+insane--mad with rage and hate. But now rage was dying out for the
+present, and giving place to anguish.
+
+Is the worst pang earth has to give that of witnessing the sufferings
+of our beloved? Or is there yet one keener, more thrilling? That they
+should suffer alone; no hand near to help, no voice to speak sympathy,
+no eye to look "ancient kindness" on their pain. That they should
+die--die in anguish--and still alone,--
+
+  "With eyes turned away,
+  And no last word to say."
+
+Don Juan was now drinking that bitter cup to its very dregs. What the
+young brother, his one earthly tie, had been to him, need not here be
+told; and assuredly he could not have told it. He had been all his
+life a thing to protect and shield--as the strong protect the weak, as
+manhood shields womanhood and childhood. Had God but taken him with his
+own right hand, Juan would have thought it a light matter, a sorrow
+easily borne. But, instead, He stood afar off--He did not help; whilst
+men, cruel as fiends from the bottomless pit, did their worst, their
+very worst, upon him. And with refined self-torture he went through all
+the horrible details, as far as he knew or could guess them. Nor did he
+spare to stab his own heart with that keenest weapon of all--"It was
+_for me_; for me he endured the Question." The cry of his brother's
+anguish--anguish borne for him--seemed to sound in his ears and to
+haunt him: he felt that it would haunt him evermore.
+
+Of course, there was a well of comfort near, which a child's hand might
+have pointed out to him: "All is over now; he suffers no longer--he is
+at rest." But who ever stoops to drink from that well in the parching
+thirst of the first hour of such a grief as his? In truth, all was over
+for Carlos; but all was _not_ over for Juan. He had to pass through his
+dark hour as really as Carlos had passed through his.
+
+Again the agony almost maddened him; again wild hatred and rage against
+his brother's torturers rose and surged like a flood within him. And
+with these were mingled thoughts, too nearly rebellious, of Him whom
+that brother trusted so firmly and served so faithfully; as if he had
+used his servant hardly, and forsaken him in his hour of sorest need.
+
+He shrank with horror from every wayfarer he chanced to meet,
+imagining that his eyes might have looked on his brother's suffering.
+But at last he came unawares upon the gate of San Isodro. Left unbarred
+by some accident, it yielded to his touch, and he entered the monastery
+grounds. At that very spot, three years ago, the brothers parted, on
+the day that Carlos avowed his change of faith. Yet not even that
+remembrance could bring a tear to the hot and angry eyes of Juan. But
+just then he happened to recollect the book he had received from the
+lay brother. He took it from its place of concealment, and eagerly
+began to examine it. It was almost filled with writing; but not, alas!
+from that beloved hand. So he flung it aside in bitter disappointment.
+Then becoming suddenly conscious of bodily weakness, he half sat down,
+half threw himself on the ground. His vigorous frame and his strong
+nerves saved him from swooning outright: he only lay sick and faint,
+the blue sky looking black above him, and a strange, indistinct sound,
+as of many voices, murmuring in his ears.
+
+By-and-by he became conscious that some one was holding water to his
+lips, and trying, though with an awkward, trembling hand, to loose his
+doublet at the throat. He drank, shook off his weakness, and looked
+about him. A very old man, in a white tunic and brown mantle, was
+bending over him compassionately. In another moment he was on his feet;
+and having briefly thanked the aged monk for his kindness, he turned
+his face to the gate.
+
+"Nay, my son," the old man interposed; "San Isodro is changed--changed!
+Still the sick and weary never left its gates unaided; and they shall
+not begin now--not now. I pray you come with me to the house, and
+refresh and rest yourself there."
+
+Juan was not reckless enough to refuse what in truth he sorely needed.
+He entered the monastery under the guidance of poor old Fray Bernardo,
+who had been passed by, perhaps in scorn, by the persecutors: and so,
+after all, he had his wish--he should die and be buried in peace where
+he had passed his life from boyhood to extreme old age. Yet there was
+something sad in the thought that the storm that swept by had left
+untouched the poor, useless, half-withered tree, while it tore down the
+young and strong and noble oaks, the pride of the now desolated forest.
+
+The few cowed and terrified monks who had been allowed to remain in
+the convent received Don Juan with great kindness. They set food and
+wine before him: food he could not touch, but wine he accepted with
+thankfulness. And they almost insisted on his endeavouring to take some
+rest; assuring him that when his servant and horses should arrive, they
+would see them properly cared for, until such time as he might be able
+to resume his journey.
+
+His journey would not brook delay, as he knew full well. That his young
+wife might not be a widow and his babe an orphan, he "charged his soul
+to hold his body strengthened" for the work that both had to do. Back
+to Nuera for these dear ones as swiftly as the fleetest horses would
+bear him, then to Seville again, and on board the first ship he could
+meet with bound for any foreign port,--would the term of grace assigned
+him by the Inquisitor suffice for all this? Certainly not a moment
+should be lost.
+
+"I will rest for an hour," he said. "But I pray you, my fathers, do me
+one kindness first. Is there a man here who witnessed--what was done
+yesterday?"
+
+A young monk came forward. Juan led him into the cell which had been
+prepared for him to rest in, and leaning against its little window,
+with his face turned away, he murmured one agitated question. Three
+words comprised the answer,--
+
+"_Calmly_, _silently_, _quickly_."
+
+Juan's breast heaved and his strong frame trembled. After a long
+interval he said, still without looking,--
+
+"Now tell me of the others. Name him no more."
+
+"No less than _eight_ ladies died the martyr's death," said the monk,
+who cared not, before _this_ auditor, to conceal his own sentiments.
+"One of them was Señora Maria Gomez; your Excellency probably knows her
+story. Her three daughters and her sister died with her. When their
+sentences were read, they embraced on the scaffold, and bade each other
+farewell with tears. Then they comforted each other with holy words
+about our Lord and his passion, and the home he was preparing for them
+above."
+
+Here the young monk paused for a few moments; then went on, his voice
+still trembling: "There were, moreover, two Englishmen and a Frenchman,
+who all died bravely. Lastly, there was Juliano Hernandez."
+
+"Ah! tell me of him."
+
+"He died as he had lived. In the morning, when brought out into the
+court of the Triana, he cried aloud to his fellow-sufferers,--'Courage,
+comrades! Now must we show ourselves valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ.
+Let us bear faithful testimony to his truth before men, and in a
+few hours we shall receive the testimony of his approbation before
+angels, and triumph with him in heaven.' Though silenced, he continued
+throughout the day to encourage his companions by his gestures. On the
+Quemadero, he knelt down and kissed the stone upon which the stake was
+erected; then thrust his head among the fagots to show his willingness
+to suffer. But at the end, having raised his hands in prayer, one of
+the attendant priests--Dr. Rodriguez--mistook the attitude for a sign
+that he would recant, and made intercession with the Alguazils to give
+him a last opportunity of speaking. He confessed his faith in a few
+strong, brief words; and knowing the character of Rodriguez, told him
+he thought the same himself, but hid his true belief out of fear. The
+angry priest bade them light the pile at once. It was done; but the
+guards, with kind cruelty, thrust the martyr through with their lances,
+so that he passed, without much pain, into the presence of the Lord
+whom he served as few have been honoured to do."
+
+"And--Fray Constantino?" Juan questioned.
+
+"He was not, for God took him. They had only his dust to burn. They
+have sought to slander his memory, saying he raised his hand against
+his own life. But we knew the contrary. It has reached our ears--I dare
+not tell you how--that he died in the arms of one of our dear brethren
+from this place--poor young Fray Fernando, who closed his eyes in
+peace. It was from one of the dark underground cells of the Triana that
+he passed straight to the glory of God."[35]
+
+    [35] At the Auto they produced his effigy, of the size of life,
+    clad in his canon's robe, and with the arms stretched out in the
+    gesture he had been wont to use in preaching; but it caused such a
+    demonstration of feeling among the people, that they were obliged
+    hastily to withdraw it.
+
+It was at this Auto that Maria Gonsalez was sentenced to receive two
+hundred lashes, and to be imprisoned for ten years, for the kindnesses
+she had shown the prisoners. An equally severe punishment was awarded
+to the under-gaoler Herrera for the offence of having allowed a
+mother and three daughters, who were imprisoned in separate cells, an
+interview of half an hour; while the many cruelties and peculations of
+the infamous Benevidio were only chastised by the loss of his situation
+and its advantages, and banishment from Seville.
+
+"I thank you for your tidings," said Juan, slowly and faintly. "And now
+I pray of you to leave me."
+
+After a considerable time, one of the monks softly opened the door of
+their visitor's cell. He sat on the pallet prepared for him, his head
+buried in his hands.
+
+"Señor," said the monk, "your servant has arrived, and begs you to
+excuse his delay. It may be there are some instructions you wish him to
+receive."
+
+Juan roused himself with an effort.
+
+"Yes," he said; "and I thank you. Will you add to your kindness by
+bidding him immediately procure for us fresh horses, the best and
+fleetest that can be had?" He sought his purse; but, remembering in a
+moment what had become of it, drew a ring from his finger to supply
+its loss. It was the diamond ring that the Sieur de Ramenais had given
+him. A keen pang shot through his heart. "No, not that; I cannot part
+with it." He took two others instead--old family jewels. "Bid him bring
+these," he said, "to Isaac Ozorio, who dwells in La Juderia[36]--any
+man there will show him the house; take for them whatever he will give
+him, and therewith hire fresh horses--the best he can--from the posada
+where he rested, leaving our own in pledge. Let him also buy provisions
+for the way; for my business requires haste. I will explain all to you
+anon."
+
+    [36] The Jewish quarter of Seville.
+
+While the monk did the errand, Don Juan sat still, gazing at the
+diamond ring. Slowly there came back upon his memory the words spoken
+by Carlos on the day when the sharp facets cut his hand, unfelt by
+him: "If He calls me to suffer for him, he may give me such blessed
+assurance of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear will vanish."
+
+Could it be possible He _had_ done this? Oh, for some token, to relieve
+his breaking heart by the assurance that thus it had been! And yet,
+wherefore seek a sign? Was not the heroic courage, the calm patience,
+given to that young brother, once so frail and timid, as plain a token
+of the sunlight of God's peace and presence as is the bow in the cloud
+of the sun shining in the heavens? True; but not the less was his soul
+filled with passionate longing for one word--only one word--from the
+lips that were dust and ashes now. "If God would give me _that_," he
+moaned, "I think I could weep for him."
+
+It occurred to him then that he might examine the book more carefully
+than he had done before. Don Juan, of late, had been no great reader,
+except of the Spanish Testament. Instead of glancing rapidly through
+the volume with a practised eye, he carefully began at the beginning
+and perused several pages with diligence, and with a kind of compelled
+and painful attention.
+
+The writer of the diary with which the book seemed filled had not
+prefixed his name. Consequently Juan, who was without a clue to the
+authorship, saw in it merely the effusions of a penitent, with whose
+feelings he had but little sympathy. Still, he reflected that if the
+writer had been his brother's fellow-prisoner, some mention of his
+brother would probably reward his persevering search. So he read on;
+but he was not greatly interested, until at length he came to one
+passage which ran thus:--
+
+"Christ and Our Lady forgive me, if it be a sin. Ofttimes, even by
+prayer and fasting, I cannot prevent my thoughts from wandering to the
+past. Not to the life I lived, and the part I acted in the great world,
+for that is dead to me and I to it; but to the dear faces my eyes shall
+never see again. My Costanza!"--("Costanza!" thought Juan with a start,
+"that was my mothers name!")--"my wife! my babe! O God, in thy great
+mercy, still this hungering and thirsting of the heart!"
+
+Immediately beneath this entry was another. "_May 21._ My Costanza, my
+beloved wife, is in heaven. It is more than a year ago, but they did
+not tell me till to-day. Does death only visit the free?"
+
+Yet another entry caught the eye of Juan. "Burning heat to-day. It
+would be cool enough in the halls of Nuera, on the breezy slope of the
+Sierra Morena. What does my orphaned Juan Rodrigo there, I wonder?"
+
+"Nuera! Sierra Morena! Juan Rodrigo!" reiterated the astonished reader.
+What did it all mean? He was stunned and bewildered, so that he had
+scarcely power left even to form a conjecture. At last it occurred
+to him turn to the other end of the book, if perchance some name,
+affording a clue to the mystery, might be inscribed there.
+
+And then he read, in another, well-known hand, a few calm words,
+breathing peace and joy, "quietness and assurance for ever."
+
+He pressed the loved handwriting to his lips, to his heart. He sobbed
+over it and wept; blistering it with such burning tears as scarcely
+come from a strong man's eyes more than once in a lifetime. Then,
+flinging himself on his knees, he thanked God--God whom he had doubted,
+murmured against, almost blasphemed, and who yet had been true to his
+promise--true to his tried and suffering servant in the hour of need.
+
+When he rose, he took up the book again, and read and re-read those
+precious words. All but the first he thought he could comprehend. "My
+beloved father is gone to Him in peace." Would the preceding entries
+throw any light upon _that_ saying?
+
+Once more, with changed feelings and quickened perceptions, he turned
+back to the records of the penitent's long captivity. Slowly and
+gradually the secret they revealed unfolded itself before him. The
+history of the last nine months of his brother's life lay clearly
+traced; and the light it shed illumined another life also, longer,
+sadder, less glorious than his.
+
+One entry, almost the last, and traced with a trembling hand, he read
+over and over, till his eyes grew too dim to see the words.
+
+"He entreats of me to pray for my absent Juan, and to bless him. My
+son, my first-born, whose face I know not, but whom he has taught me
+to love, I do bless thee. All blessings rest upon thee--blessings of
+heaven above, blessings of the earth beneath, blessings of the deep
+that lieth under! But for _thee_, Carlos, what shall I say? I have no
+blessing fit for thee--no word of love deep and strong enough to join
+with that name of thine. Doth not He say, of whose tenderness thou
+tellest me ours is but the shadow, 'He will _be silent_ in his love'?
+But may he read my heart in its silence, and bless thee, and repay thee
+when thou comest to thy home, where already thy heart is."
+
+It might have been two hours afterwards, when the same friendly monk
+who had narrated to Don Juan the circumstances of the Auto-da-fé, came
+to apprise him that his servant had fulfilled his errand, and was
+waiting with the horses.
+
+Don Juan rose and met him. His face was sad; it would be a sad face
+always; but there was in it a look as of one who saw the end, and
+who knew that, however dark the way might be, the end was light
+everlasting. "Look here, my friend," he said, for no concealment was
+necessary there; truth could hurt no one. "See how wondrously God has
+dealt with me and mine. Here is the record of the life and death of my
+honoured father. For three-and-twenty years he lay in the Dominican
+monastery, a prisoner for Christ's sake. And to my heroic martyr
+brother God has given the honour and the joy of unravelling the mystery
+of his fate, and thus fulfilling our youthful dream. Carlos has found
+our father!"
+
+He went forth into the hall, and bade the other monks a grateful
+farewell. Old Fray Bernardo embraced and blessed him with tears, moved
+by the likeness, now discerned for the first time, between the stately
+soldier and the noble and gentle youth, whose kindness to him, during
+his residence at the monastery three years before, he well remembered.
+
+Then Don Juan set his face towards Nuera, with patient endurance,
+rather sad than stern, upon his brow, and in his heart "a grief as deep
+as life or thought," but no rebellion, and no despair. Something like
+resignation had come to him; already he could say, or at least try to
+say, "Thy will be done." And he foresaw, as in the distance, far off
+and faintly, a time when he might even be able to share in spirit the
+joy of the crowned and victorious one, to whom, in the dark prison,
+face to face with death, God had so wondrously given the desire of his
+heart, and not denied him the request of his lips.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIX.
+
+                               Farewell.
+
+                            "My country is there;
+  Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow."
+
+                                               E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+About a fortnight afterwards, a closely veiled lady, dressed in deep
+mourning, leaned over the side of a merchant vessel, and gazed into the
+sapphire depths of the Bay of Cadiz. A respectable elderly woman was
+standing near her, holding her pretty dark-eyed babe. They seemed to be
+under the protection of a Franciscan friar; and of a stately, handsome
+serving-man, whose bearing and appearance were rather out of keeping
+with his supposed rank. It was said amongst the crew that the lady
+was the widow of a rich Sevillian merchant, who during a residence in
+London some years before had married an Englishwoman. She was now going
+to join her kindred in the heretical country, and much compassion was
+expended on her, as she was said to be very Catholic and very pious.
+It was a signal proof of these dispositions that she ventured to bring
+with her, as private chaplain, the Franciscan friar, who, the sailors
+thought, would probably soon fall a martyr to his attachment to the
+Faith.
+
+But a few illusions might have been dispelled, if the conversation
+of the party, when for a brief space they had the deck to themselves,
+could have been overheard.
+
+"Dost thou mourn that the shores of our Spain are fading from us?" said
+the lady to the supposed servant.
+
+"Not as I should once have done, my Beatriz; though it is still my
+fatherland, dearest and best of all lands to me. And you, my beloved?"
+
+"Where thou art is my country, Don Juan. Besides," she added softly,
+"God is everywhere. And think what it will be to worship him in peace,
+none making us afraid."
+
+"And you, my brave, true-hearted Dolores?" asked Don Juan.
+
+"Señor Don Juan, my country is _there_; with those that I love best,"
+said Dolores, with an upward glance of the large wistful eyes, which
+had yet, in their sorrowful depths, a look of peace unknown in past
+days. "What is Spain to me--Spain, that would not give to the noblest
+of them all a few feet of her earth for a grave?"
+
+"Do not let us stain with one bitter thought our last look at those
+shores," said Don Juan, with the gentleness that was growing upon him
+of late. "Remember that they who denied a grave to our beloved, are
+powerless to rob us of one precious memory of him. His grave is in our
+hearts; his memorial is the faith which every one of us now standing
+here has learned from him."
+
+"That is true." said Doña Beatriz. "I think that not all thy teaching,
+Don Juan, made me understand what 'precious faith' is, until I learned
+it by his death."
+
+"He gave up all for Christ, freely and joyfully," Juan continued.
+"While I gave up nothing, save as it was wrenched from my unwilling
+hand. Therefore for him there is the 'abundant entrance,' the 'crown of
+glory.' For me, at the best, 'Seekest thou great things for thyself,
+seek them not. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all
+places whither thou goest.'"
+
+Fray Sebastian drew near at the moment, and happening to overhear the
+last words, he asked, "Have you any plan, señor, as to whither you will
+go?"
+
+"I have no plan," Don Juan answered. "But I think God will guide us. I
+have indeed a dream," he added, after a pause, "which may, or may not,
+come true eventually. My thoughts often turn to that great New World,
+where, at least, there should be room for truth and liberty. It was
+our childhood's dream, to go forth to the New World and to find our
+father. And the lesser half of it, comparatively worthless as it is,
+may fitly fall to my lot to fulfil, another worthier than I having done
+the rest." His voice grew gentler, his whole countenance softened as
+he continued,--"That the prize was his, not mine, I rejoice. It is but
+an earnest of the nobler victory, the grander triumph, he enjoys now,
+amongst those who stand evermore before the King of kings--CALLED,
+CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL."
+
+
+                           Historical Note.
+
+It may be asked by some thoughtful reader who has followed the
+narrative of the foregoing pages, How much is fact, how much fiction?
+As the writers sole object is to reveal, to enforce, and to illustrate
+Truth, an answer to the question is gladly supplied. All is fact,
+except what concerns the personal history of the Brothers and their
+family. Whatever relates to the rise, progress, and downfall of the
+Protestant Church in Spain, is strictly historical. Especially may be
+mentioned the story of the two great Autos at Seville. But much of
+interest on the subject remains untold, as nothing was taken up but
+what would naturally amalgamate with the narrative; and it was not
+designed to supersede history, only to stimulate to its study. Except
+in the instance of a conversation with Juliano Hernandez, another with
+Don Carlos de Seso, and a few words required by the exigencies of the
+tale from Losada, the glorious martyr names have been left untouched
+by the hand of fiction. It was a sense of their sacredness which led
+the writer to choose for hero a character not historical, but typical
+and illustrative. But nothing is told of him which did not occur over
+and over again, if we except the act of mercy which is supposed to have
+shed a brightness over his last days. He is merely a given example, a
+specimen of the ordinary fate of such prisoners of the Inquisition as
+were enabled to remain faithful to the end; and, thank God, these were
+numerous. He is even a favourable specimen; for the conditions of art
+require that in a work of fiction a veil should be thrown over some of
+the worst horrors of persecution. Those who accuse Protestant writers
+of exaggeration in these matters, little know what they say. Easily
+could we show greater abominations than these; but we forbear.
+
+As for the joy and triumph ascribed to the steadfast martyr at the
+close of his career, we have a thousand well-authenticated instances
+that such has been really given. These embrace all classes and ages,
+and all varieties of character, and range throughout all time, from the
+day that Stephen saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God, until the
+martyrs of Madagascar sang hymns in the fire, and "prayed as long as
+they had any life; and then they died, softly, gently."
+
+It is not fiction, but truest truth, that He repays his faithful
+servants an hundred-fold, even in this life, for anything they do or
+suffer for his name's sake.
+
+
+
+
+                     Library of Historical Tales.
+
+    =The City and the Castle.= A Story of the Reformation in
+      Switzerland. By ANNIE LUCAS, Author of "Leonie," etc. Crown 8vo,
+      cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming
+      connected by circumstances, the relation of which faithfully
+      portrays the state and character of society at the time of the
+      Reformation (in Switzerland)._
+
+    =Leonie=; or, Light out of Darkness: and =Within Iron Walls=, a
+      Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the Franco-German War.
+      By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country
+      life in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged
+      capital. These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches
+      of French life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful
+      description of the leading events of the Franco-German War._
+
+    =Wenzel's Inheritance=; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of Bohemia
+      in the Fifteenth Century. By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra.
+      Price 4s.
+
+      _Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social conditions
+      of Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering
+      and martyrdom borne for faith's sake._
+
+    =Helena's Household.= A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With
+      Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the
+      primitive ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the
+      Spirit of God, to the promulgation of the faith._
+
+    =The Spanish Brothers.= A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the
+      Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee." Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+      4s.
+
+      _A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of
+      the cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition._
+
+    =The Czar.= A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812-13;
+      the characters partly French, partly Russian._
+
+    =Arthur Erskine's Story.= A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of
+      the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time
+      are vividly described, and the story of Scotland's Reformation is
+      effectively re-told._
+
+    =Under the Southern Cross.= A Tale of the New World. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A thrilling and fascinating story, most exciting in incident, and
+      most instructive in its accurate reproduction of the manners and
+      customs in Peru during the later years of the sixteenth century._
+
+    =Pendower.= A Story of Cornwall in the Reign of Henry the Eighth.
+      By M. FILLEUL. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English
+      history previous to the Reformation._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                        WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF
+
+              "Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family."
+
+    =Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family.= Crown 8vo, cloth, red
+      edges. Price 5s.
+
+      _An intensely interesting tale of German family-life in the times
+      of Luther, including much of the personal history of the great
+      Reformer._
+
+    =On Both Sides of the Sea.= A Story of the Commonwealth and the
+      Restoration. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 5s.
+
+      _Two tales, the one being the sequel to the other, of English
+      families on opposite sides during the great Civil Wars._
+
+    =Watchwords for the Warfare of Life.= From Dr. MARTIN LUTHER. Crown
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. 5s.
+
+    =Joan the Maid:= Deliverer of England and France. A Story of the
+      Fifteenth Century. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 4s.
+
+      _A story of the career and death of Joan of Arc, professedly
+      narrated by those who witnessed some of her achievements, and who
+      believed in her purity and sincerity._
+
+    =Winifred Bertram, and the World She Lived in.= Post 8vo, cloth,
+      red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+    _A Tale for young people, the scene chiefly in London. Wealth and
+      poverty are contrasted, and the happiness shown of living, not for
+      selfish indulgence, but in the service of Christ, and doing good
+      to others._
+
+    =Diary of Mrs. Kitty Trevylyan.= A Story of the Times of Whitefield
+      and the Wesleys. Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _This Diary forms a charming tale; introducing the lights and
+      shades, the trials and pleasures, of that most interesting revival
+      period that occurred in the middle of last century._
+
+    =The Bertram Family.= A Sequel to "Winifred Bertram." Post 8vo,
+      cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of English family life and experience in modern times._
+
+    =The Draytons and the Davenants.= A Story of the Civil Wars. Post
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of the times of Charles I. and Cromwell: records kept by
+      two English families--one Royalist, the other Puritan--of public
+      events and domestic experiences._
+
+    =The Ravens and the Angels.= With other Stories and Parables. Post
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A volume of interesting stories and sketches, many of them in the
+      allegorical form._
+
+    =The Victory of the Vanquished.= Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price
+      3s. 6d.
+
+      _The struggles and trials of the early Christians are graphically
+      described in this volume._
+
+    =Wanderings over Bible Lands and Seas.= Post 8vo, cloth, red edges.
+      Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A lady's notes of a tour in the Holy Land, returning home by
+      Damascus and the coast of Asia Minor._
+
+    =Songs Old and New.= By the Author of "Chronicles of the
+      Schönberg-Cotta Family," etc. _Collected Edition_. Square 16mo,
+      cloth antique, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _The many readers who have been charmed by the prose writings of
+      this well-known and much-admired writer, will no doubt be glad to
+      see a collection of poems from the same pen._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                     Library of Tales and Stories.
+
+    =Thankful Rest.= A Tale. By ANNIE S. SWAN, Author of "Aldersyde,"
+      "Carlowrie," "Shadowed Lives," etc. Large foolscap 8vo, cloth
+      extra. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting story for young people. The scene an American
+      township and farmstead; the principal characters an orphan brother
+      and sister, with the relatives who ungraciously give them a home
+      in "Thankful Rest."_
+
+    =Willie's Choice=; or, All is not Gold that Glitters. By M.A.
+      PAULL. Foolscap 8vo. 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale for young people, of life-lessons and experience dearly
+      bought._
+
+    =At the Pastor's.= By the Author of "The Swedish Twins," etc. Royal
+      18mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A charming Swedish story, describing domestic life, with its
+      usual vicissitudes, in a Swedish rural parsonage._
+
+    =The Adventures of Mark Willis.= By Mrs. GEORGE CUPPLES, Author of
+      "The Little Captain," etc. With 45 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price
+      1s. 6d.
+
+      _A young sailor's story of adventures on the West Coast of Africa,
+      in China, etc._
+
+    =The Boy Artist.= A Tale. By the Author of "Hope On." With Coloured
+      Frontispiece and numerous Engravings. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _The trials and success at last of a youthful artist._
+
+    =Tempered Steel=; or, Tried in the Fire. By the Rev. E.N. HOARE,
+      M.A., Author of "Roe Carson's Enemy," etc. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s.
+      6d.
+
+      _"A well-written story, with a good purpose. It is likely to
+      impress the reader at once with the earnestness of the writer, and
+      with a sense of his ability."_--SCOTSMAN.
+
+    =Brother Reginald's Golden Secret.= By the Author of "Hope On,"
+      etc. With Coloured Frontispiece and Vignette, and numerous
+      Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A Christmas tale for children,--the best way of securing a truly
+      happy Christmas._
+
+    =Christian Principle in Little Things.= A Book for the Young. With
+      Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of home life for the young, to illustrate how self-will
+      and other faults of temper may be corrected and subdued by the
+      power of Christian motives and influence._
+
+    =Emily Herbert=; or, The Happy Home. By MARIA M'INTOSH, Author of
+      "Praise and Principle," etc. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A story of family life, inculcating the lesson that a cheerful
+      performance of the duties assigned to us makes a home happy._
+
+    =Father's Coming Home.= A Tale. By the Author of "Under the
+      Microscope." Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A family preparing for their father's return from India, by
+      seeking to please him by improvement in character and conduct; and
+      the various incidents which help or hinder them._
+
+    =Under the Microscope=; or, "Thou Shalt Call Me My Father." By the
+      Author of "Village Missionaries." With Coloured Frontispiece and
+      17 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _"Our Father which art in heaven," read by children in
+      photographic letters under the microscope; and the lesson of divine
+      love giving comfort afterwards under the trials of daily life._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                        Prize Temperance Tales.
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Frank Oldfield=; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. T.P. WILSON, M.A.
+      With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in
+      Lancashire, partly in Australia._
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Sought and Saved.= By M.A. PAULL, Author of "Tim's Troubles; or,
+      Tried and True." With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+      3s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative
+      engravings._
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Through Storm to Sunshine.= By WILLIAM J. LACEY, Author of "A
+      Life's Motto," "The Captain's Plot," etc. With Illustrations. Post
+      8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last
+      year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the £100 prize.
+      It now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations._
+
+
+FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Tim's Troubles=; or, Tried and True. By M.A. PAULL. With Five
+      Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy,
+      who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope
+      in boyhood._
+
+
+FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Lionel Franklin's Victory.= By E. VAN SOMMER. With Six Engravings.
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with
+      illustrative engravings._
+
+
+SEVENTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =The Naresborough Victory.= A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev. T.
+      KEYWORTH, Author of "Dick the Newsboy," "Green and Grey," etc.,
+      etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.
+
+      _"In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and
+      it is certain to be a general favourite."_--MANCHESTER EXAMINER.
+
+      _"Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its
+      lessons."_--LIVERPOOL ALBION.
+
+
+SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Owen's Hobby=; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By ELMER
+      BURLEIGH. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing
+      incidents._
+
+
+SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Every-Day Doings.= By HELLENA RICHARDSON. With Six Illustrations.
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale, "written for an earnest purpose," and
+      consisting almost entirely of facts._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+    =By Uphill Paths=; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to be
+      Done. By E. VAN SOMMER, Author of "Lionel Franklin's Victory."
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+    =True to His Colours=; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the Rev.
+      T.P. WILSON, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of "Frank Oldfield,"
+      etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting tale--the scene laid in England--illustrating the
+      influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and
+      temperance advocate._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+          T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+There were a number of printing errors in this book. These have been
+corrected silently. The following errors in spelling have been changed.
+
+  desengãno is now desengaño
+  persume is now presume.
+
+The oe ligature has been expanded.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44262 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44262 ***</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" id="coverpage">
+<img src="images/coverpage.jpg" width="392" height="600" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/decotitle.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>THE ALGUAZILS PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT FOR ARREST.</small></p>
+
+<p class="indent60 space-below"><small><i>page 215</i></small></p></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS</small>
+<br />
+<small><i>LONDON, EDINBURGH AND NEW YORK.</i></small><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>THE</small><br /></p>
+
+
+<h1><span class="smcap">Spanish Brothers</span></h1>
+
+
+<p class="center space-above space-below no-indent">A Tale of the Sixteenth Century</p>
+
+
+<p class="center space-above no-indent"><i>By the Author of<br />
+
+<small>"THE CZAR: A TALE OF THE FIRST NAPOLEON."</small></i><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent space-below"><i>&amp;c. &amp;c.</i><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center no-indent">"Thy loving-kindness is better than life."</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center space-above no-indent">London:</p>
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW.</small><br />
+<small><small>EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.</small></small><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="no-indent center"><small><small>1888</small></small>.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</a></h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="toc">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#I">I.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#I">BOYHOOD,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#I">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#II">II.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#II">THE MONK'S LETTER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#II">18</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#III">III.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#III">SWORD AND CASSOCK,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#III">22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#IV">IV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#IV">ALCALA DE HENAREZ,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#IV">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#V">V.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#V">DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#V">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VI">VI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#VI">DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF STILL FURTHER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VI">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VII">VII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#VII">THE DESENGANO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VII">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VIII">VIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIII">THE MULETEER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VIII">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#IX">IX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#IX">EL DORADO FOUND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#IX">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#X">X.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#X">DOLORES,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#X">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XI">XI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XI">THE LIGHT ENJOYED,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XI">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XII">XII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XII">THE LIGHT DIVIDED FROM THE DARKNESS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XII">91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIII">XIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIII">SEVILLE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIII">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIV">XIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIV">THE MONKS OF SAN ISODRO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIV">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XV">XV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XV">THE GREAT SANBENITO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XV">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVI">XVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVI">WELCOME HOME,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVI">131</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVII">XVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVII">DISCLOSURES,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVII">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVIII">XVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVIII">THE AGED MONK,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVIII">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIX">XIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIX">TRUTH AND FREEDOM,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIX">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XX">XX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XX">THE FIRST DROP OF A THUNDER SHOWER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XX">160</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXI">XXI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXI">BY THE GUADALQUIVIR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXI">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXII">XXII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXII">THE FLOOD-GATES OPENED,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXII">173</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIII">XXIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIII">THE REIGN OF TERROR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIII">181</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIV">XXIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIV">A GLEAM OF LIGHT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIV">191</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXV">XXV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXV">WAITING,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXV">198</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVI">XXVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVI">DON GONSALVO'S REVENGE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVI">205</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVII">XXVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVII">MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVII">217</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVIII">XXVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVIII">REAPING THE WHIRLWIND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVIII">226</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIX">XXIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIX">A FRIEND AT COURT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIX">233</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXX">XXX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXX">THE CAPTIVE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXX">248</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXI">XXXI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXI">MINISTERING ANGELS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXI">255</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXII">XXXII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXII">THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXII">260</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIII">XXXIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIII">ON THE OTHER SIDE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIII">271</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIV">XXXIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIV">FRAY SEBASTIAN'S TROUBLE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIV">282</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXV">XXXV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXV">THE EVE OF THE AUTO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXV">290</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVI">XXXVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVI">"THE HORRIBLE AND TREMENDOUS SPECTACLE,"</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVI">300</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVII">XXXVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVII">SOMETHING ENDED AND SOMETHING BEGUN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVII">307</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVIII">NUERA AGAIN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVIII">313</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIX">XXXIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIX">LEFT BEHIND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIX">321</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XL">XL.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XL">"A SATISFACTORY PENITENT,"</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XL">329</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLI">XLI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLI">MORE ABOUT THE PENITENT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLI">338</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">XLII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLII">QUIET DAYS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">347</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">XLIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIII">EL DORADO FOUND AGAIN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIII">357</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIV">XLIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIV">ONE PRISONER SET FREE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIV">367</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLV">XLV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLV">TRIUMPHANT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLV">374</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVI">XLVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVI">IS IT TOO LATE?</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVI">382</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVII">XLVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVII">THE DOMINICAN PRIOR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVII">390</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVIII">XLVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVIII">SAN ISODRO ONCE MORE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVIII">399</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIX">XLIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIX">FAREWELL,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIX">409</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+<p class="title">THE SPANISH BROTHERS.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 94px;">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="I" id="I">I.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Boyhood.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+   <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse">"A boy's will is the wind's will,</div>
+    <div class="verse">&nbsp;And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."</div>
+    </div>
+   <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Longfellow.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n one of the green slopes of the Sierra Morena, shaded by a few
+cork-trees, and with wild craggy heights and bare brown wastes
+stretching far above, there stood, about the middle of the sixteenth
+century, a castle even then old and rather dilapidated. It had once
+been a strong place, but was not very spacious; and certainly,
+according to our modern ideas of comfort, the interior could not have
+been a particularly comfortable dwelling-place. A large proportion
+of it was occupied by the great hall, which was hung with faded,
+well-repaired tapestry, and furnished with oaken tables, settles, and
+benches, very elaborately carved, but bearing evident marks of age.
+Narrow unglazed slits in the thick wall admitted the light and air;
+and beside one of these, on a gloomy autumn morning, two boys stood
+together, watching the rain that pored down without intermission.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They were dressed exactly alike, in loose jackets of blue cloth,
+homespun, indeed, but so fresh and neatly-fashioned as to look more
+becoming than many a costlier dress. Their long stockings were of
+silk, and their cuffs and wide shirt-frills of fine Holland, carefully
+starched and plaited. The elder&mdash;a very handsome lad, who looked
+fourteen at least, but was really a year younger&mdash;had raven hair,
+black sparkling eager eyes, good but strongly-marked features, and
+a complexion originally dark, and well-tanned by exposure to sun
+and wind. A broader forehead, wider nostrils, and a weaker mouth,
+distinguished the more delicate-looking younger brother, whose hair was
+also less dark, and his complexion fairer.</p>
+
+<p>"Rain&mdash;rain! Will it rain for ever?" cried, in a tone of impatience,
+the elder, whose name was Juan; or rather, his proper style and title
+(and very angry would he have felt had any part been curtailed or
+omitted) was Don Juan Rodrigo Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. He
+was of the purest blood in Spain; by the father's side, of noblest
+Castilian lineage; by the mother's, of an ancient Asturian family. Well
+he knew it, and proudly he held up his young head in consequence, in
+spite of poverty, and of what was still worse, the mysterious blight
+that had fallen on the name and fortunes of his house, bringing poverty
+in its train, as the least of its attendant evils.</p>
+
+<p>"'Rising early will not make the daylight come sooner,' nor watching
+bring the sunshine," said the quick-witted Carlos, who, apt in learning
+whatever he heard, was already an adept in the proverbial philosophy
+which was then, and is now, the inheritance of his race.</p>
+
+<p>"True enough. So let us fetch the canes, and have a merry play. Or,
+better still, the foils for a fencing match."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos acquiesced readily, though apparently without pleasure. In all
+outward things, such as the choice of pursuits and games, Juan was
+the unquestioned leader; Carlos never dreamed of disputing his fiat.
+Yet in other, and really more <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>important matters, it was Carlos who,
+quite unconsciously to himself, performed the part of guide to his
+stronger-willed but less thoughtful brother.</p>
+
+<p>Juan now fetched the carefully guarded foils with which the boys were
+accustomed to practise fencing; either, as now, simply for their own
+amusement, or under the instructions of the gray-haired Diego, who had
+served with their father in the Emperor's wars, and was now mayor-domo,
+butler, and seneschal, all in one. He it was, moreover, from whom
+Carlos had learned his store of proverbs.</p>
+
+<p>"Now stand up. Oh, you are too low; wait a moment." Juan left the hall
+again, but quickly returned with a large heavy volume, which he threw
+on the floor, directing his brother to take his stand upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos hesitated. "But what if the Fray should catch us using our great
+Horace after such a fashion?"</p>
+
+<p>"I just wish he might," answered Juan, with a mischievous sparkle in
+his black eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The matter of height being thus satisfactorily adjusted, the game
+began, and for some time went merrily forward. To do the elder brother
+justice, he gave every advantage to his less active and less skilful
+companion; often shouting (with very unnecessary exertion of his lungs)
+words of direction or warning about fore-thrust, side-thrust, back-hand
+strokes, hitting, and parrying. At last, however, in an unlucky moment,
+Carlos, through some awkward movement of his own in violation of the
+rules of the game, received a blow on the cheek from his brother's
+foil, severe enough to make the blood flow. Juan instantly sprang
+forward, full of vexation, with an "Ay de mi!" on his lips. But Carlos
+turned away from him, covering his face with both hands; and Juan, much
+to his disgust, soon heard the sound of a heavy sob.</p>
+
+<p>"You little coward!" he exclaimed, "to weep for a blow. Shame&mdash;shame
+upon you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Coward yourself, to call me ill names when I cannot fight you,"
+retorted Carlos, as soon as he could speak for weeping.</p>
+
+<p>"That is ever your way, little tearful. <i>You</i> to talk of going to find
+our father! A brave man you would make to sail to the Indies and fight
+the savages. Better sit at home and spin, with Mother Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>Far too deeply stung to find a proverb suited to the occasion, or
+indeed to make any answer whatever, Carlos, still in tears, left the
+hall with hasty footsteps, and took refuge in a smaller apartment that
+opened into it.</p>
+
+<p>The hangings of this room were comparatively new and very beautiful,
+being tastefully wrought with the needle; and the furniture was much
+more costly than that in the hall. There was also a glazed window, and
+near this Carlos took his stand, looking moodily out on the falling
+rain, and thinking hard thoughts of his brother, who had first hurt him
+so sorely, then called him coward, and last, and far worst of all, had
+taunted him with his unfitness for the task which, child as he was, his
+whole heart and soul were bent on attempting.</p>
+
+<p>But he could not quarrel very seriously with Juan, nor indeed could he
+for any considerable time do without him. Before long his anger began
+to give way to utter loneliness and discomfort, and a great longing to
+"be friends" again.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was Juan much more comfortable, though he told himself he was
+quite right to reprove his brother sharply for his lack of manliness;
+and that he would be ready to die for shame if Carlos, when he went
+to Seville, should disgrace himself before his cousins by crying when
+he was hurt, like a baby or a girl. It is true that in his heart he
+rather wished he himself had held his peace, or at least had spoken
+more gently; but he braved it out, and stamped up and down the hall,
+singing, in as cheery a voice as he could command,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The Cid rode through the horse-shoe gate, Omega like it stood,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A symbol of the moon that waned before the Christian rood.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He was all sheathed in golden mail, his cloak was white as shroud;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;His vizor down, his sword unsheathed, corpse still he rode, and proud."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>"Ruy!" Carlos called at last, just a little timidly, from the next
+room&mdash;"Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>Ruy is the Spanish diminutive of Rodrigo, Juan's second name, and the
+one by which, for reasons of his own, it pleased him best to be called;
+so the very use of it by Carlos was a kind of overture for peace.
+Juan came right gladly at the call; and having convinced himself, by
+a moment's inspection, that his brother's hurt signified nothing, he
+completed the reconciliation by putting his arm, in familiar boyish
+fashion, round his neck. Thus, without a word spoken, the brief quarrel
+was at an end. It happened that the rain was over also, and the sun
+just beginning to shine out again. It was, indeed, an effect of the
+sunlight which had given Carlos a pretext for calling Juan again to his
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, Ruy," he said, "the sun shines on our father's words!"</p>
+
+<p>These children had a secret of their own, carefully guarded, with the
+strange reticence of childhood, even from Dolores, who had been the
+faithful nurse of their infancy, and who still cast upon their young
+lives the only shadow of motherly love they had ever known&mdash;a shadow,
+it is true, pale and faint, yet the best thing that had fallen to their
+lot: for even Juan could remember neither parent; while Carlos had
+never seen his father's face, and his mother had died at his birth.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it happened that in the imaginary world which the children had
+created around them, and where they chiefly lived, their unknown father
+was by far the most important personage. All great nations in their
+childhood have their legends, their epics, written or unwritten, and
+their hero, one or many of them, upon whose exploits Fancy rings its
+changes at will during the ages when national language, literature, and
+character are in process of development. So it is with <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>individuals.
+Children of imagination&mdash;especially if they are brought up in
+seclusion, and guarded from coarse and worldly companionship&mdash;are sure
+to have their legends, perhaps their unwritten epic, certainly their
+hero. Nor are these dreams of childhood idle fancies. In their time
+they are good and beautiful gifts of God&mdash;healthful for the present,
+helpful for after-years. There is deep truth in the poets words, "When
+thou art a man, reverence the dreams of thy youth."</p>
+
+<p>The Cid Campeador, the Charlemagne, and the King Arthur of our youthful
+Spanish brothers, was no other than Don Juan Alvarez de Menaya, second
+and last Conde de Nuera. And as the historical foundation of national
+romance is apt to be of the slightest&mdash;nay, the testimony of credible
+history is often ruthlessly set at defiance&mdash;so it is with the romances
+of children; nor did the present instance form any exception. All the
+world said that their father's bones lay bleaching on a wild Araucanian
+battle-field; but this went for nothing in the eyes of Juan and
+Carlos Alvarez. Quite enough to build their childish faith upon was a
+confidential whisper of Dolores&mdash;when she thought them sleeping&mdash;to the
+village barber-surgeon, who was helping her to tend them through some
+childish malady: "Dead? Would to all the Saints, and the blessed Queen
+of Heaven, that we only had assurance of it!"</p>
+
+<p>They had, however, more than this. Almost every day they read and
+re-read those mysterious words, traced with a diamond by their father's
+hand&mdash;as it never entered their heads to doubt&mdash;on the window of the
+room which had once been his favourite place of retirement:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent1">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent1">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+   <div class="verse">"I have found El Dorado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>No eyes but their own had ever noticed this inscription; and marvellous
+indeed was the superstructure their fancy contrived to raise on the
+slight and airy foundation of its enigmatical five words. They had
+heard from the lips of Diego many of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>fables current at the period
+about the "golden country" of which Spanish adventurers dreamed so
+wildly, and which they sought so vainly in the New World. They were
+aware that their father in his early days had actually made a voyage to
+the Indies: and they had thoroughly persuaded themselves, therefore, of
+nothing less than that he was the fortunate discoverer of El Dorado;
+that he had returned thither, and was reigning there as a king, rich
+and happy&mdash;only, perhaps, longing for his brave boys to come and join
+him. And join him one day they surely would, even though unheard of
+dangers (of which giants twelve feet high and fiery dragons&mdash;things in
+which they quite believed&mdash;were among the least) might lie in their
+way, thick as the leaves of the cork-trees when the autumn winds swept
+down through the mountain gorges.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, Ruy," said Carlos, "the light is on our father's words!"</p>
+
+<p>"So it is! What good fortune is coming now? Something always comes to
+us when they look like that."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish for most?"</p>
+
+<p>"A new bow, and a set of real arrows tipped with steel. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;the 'Chronicles of the Cid,' I think."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like that too. But I should like better still&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"That Fray Sebastian would fall ill of the rheum, and find the mountain
+air too cold for his health; or get some kind of good place at his
+beloved Complutum."</p>
+
+<p>"We might go farther and fare worse, like those that go to look for
+better bread than wheaten," returned Carlos, laughing. "Wish again,
+Juan; and truly this time&mdash;your wish of wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"What else but to find my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean, next to that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, truly, to go once more to Seville, to see the shops, and the
+bull-fights, and the great Church; to tilt with our cousins, and dance
+the cachuca with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That would not I. There be folk that go out for wool, and come home
+shorn. Though I like Do&ntilde;a Beatriz as well as any one."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! here comes Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>A tall, slender woman, robed in black serge, relieved by a neat white
+head-dress, entered the room. Dark hair, threaded with silver, and
+pale, sunken, care-worn features, made her look older than she really
+was. She had once been beautiful; and it seemed as though her beauty
+had been burned up in the glare of some fierce agony, rather than had
+faded gradually beneath the suns of passing years. With the silent
+strength of a deep, passionate heart, that had nothing else left to
+cling to, Dolores loved the children of her idolized mistress and
+foster-sister. It was chiefly her talent and energy that kept together
+the poor remains of their fortune. She surrounded them with as many
+inexpensive comforts as possible; still, like a true Spaniard, she
+would at any moment have sacrificed their comfort to the maintenance of
+their rank, or the due upholding of their dignity. On this occasion she
+held an open letter in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen," she said, using the formal style of address no
+familiarity ever induced her to drop, "I bring your worships good
+tidings. Your noble uncle, Don Manuel, is about to honour your castle
+with his presence."</p>
+
+<p>"Good tidings indeed! I am as glad as if you had given me a satin
+doublet. He may take us back with him to Seville," cried Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"He might have stayed at home, with good luck and my blessing,"
+murmured Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Whether you go to Seville or no, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan," said Dolores,
+gravely, "may very probably depend on the contentment you give your
+noble uncle respecting your progress in your Latin, your grammar, and
+your other humanities."</p>
+
+<p>"A green fig for my noble uncle's contentment!" said Juan,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>irreverently. "I know already as much as any gentleman need, and ten
+times more than he does himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, truly," struck in Carlos, coming forward from the embrasure of the
+window; "my uncle thinks a man of learning&mdash;except he be a fellow of
+college, perchance&mdash;not worth his ears full of water. I heard him say
+such only trouble the world, and bring sorrow on themselves and all
+their kin. So, Juan, it is you who are likely to find favour in his
+sight, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, what ails your face?" asked Dolores, noticing now
+for the first time the marks of the hurt he had received.</p>
+
+<p>Both the boys spoke together.</p>
+
+<p>"Only a blow caught in fencing; all through my own awkwardness. It is
+nothing," said Carlos, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I hurt him with my foil. It was a mischance. I am very sorry," said
+Juan, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Dolores wisely abstained from exhorting them to greater carefulness.
+She only said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen who mean to be knights and captains must learn to give
+hard blows and take them." Adding mentally&mdash;"Bless the lads! May they
+stand by each other as loyally ten or twenty years hence as they do
+now."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="II" id="II">II.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Monk's Letter.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Quoth the good fat friar,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Wiping his own mouth&mdash;'twas refection time."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>ray Sebastian Gomez, to the Honourable Se&ntilde;or Felipe de Santa Maria,
+Licentiate of Theology, residing at Alcala de Henarez, commonly called
+Complutum.</p>
+
+
+<blockquote><p><br />"Most Illustrious and Reverend Se&ntilde;or,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In my place of banishment, amidst these gloomy and inhospitable
+mountains, I frequently solace my mind by reflections upon the friends
+of my youth, and the happy period spent in those ancient halls of
+learning, where in the morning of our days you and I together attended
+the erudite prelections of those noble and most orthodox Grecians,
+Demetrius Ducas and Nicetus Phaustus, or sat at the feet of that
+venerable patriarch of science, Don Fernando Nu&ntilde;ez. Fortunate are you,
+O friend, in being able to pass your days amidst scenes so pleasant
+and occupations so congenial; while I, unhappy, am compelled by fate,
+and by the neglect of friends and patrons, to take what I may have,
+in place of having what I might wish. I am, alas! under the necessity
+of wearing out my days in the ungrateful <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>occupation of instilling
+the rudiments of humane learning into the dull and careless minds of
+children, whom to instruct is truly to write upon sand or water. But
+not to weary your excellent and illustrious friendship with undue
+prolixity, I shall briefly relate the circumstances which led to my
+sojourn here."</p>
+
+<p>(The good friar proceeds with his personal narrative, but by no means
+briefly; and as it has, moreover, little or nothing to do with our
+story, it may be omitted with advantage.)</p>
+
+<p>"In this desert, as I may truly style it" (he continues), "nutriment
+for the corporeal frame is as poor and bare as nutriment for the
+intellectual part is altogether lacking. Alas! for the golden wine of
+Xerez, that ambery nectar wherewith we were wont to refresh our jaded
+spirits! I may not mention now our temperate banquets: the crisp red
+mullet, the succulent pasties, the delicious ham of Estremadura, the
+savoury olla podrida. Here beef is rarely seen, veal never. Our olla
+is of lean mutton (if it be not rather of the flesh of goats), washed
+down with bad vinegar, called wine by courtesy, and supplemented
+by a few naughty figs or roasted chestnuts, with cheese of goat's
+milk, hard as the heads of the rustics who make it. Certainly I am
+experiencing the truth of the proverb, 'A bad cook is an inconvenient
+relation.' And marvellously would a cask of Xerez wine, if, through
+the kindness of my generous friends, it could find its way to these
+remote mountains, mend my fare, and in all probability prolong my
+days. The provider here is an antiquated, sour-faced duenna, who rules
+everything in this old ruin of a castle, where poverty and pride are
+the only things to be found in plenty. She is an Asturian, and came
+hither in the train of the late unfortunate countess. Like all of
+that race, where the very shepherds style themselves nobles, she is
+proud; but it is just to add that she is also active, industrious, and
+thrifty to a miracle.</p>
+
+<p>"But to pass on to affairs of greater importance. I have presumed,
+on the part of my illustrious friend, some acquaint<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>ance with the
+sorrowful history of my young pupils' family. You will remember the
+sudden shadow that fell, like the eclipse of one of the bright orbs
+of heaven, upon the fame and fortunes of the Conde de Nuera, known,
+some fifteen years ago or more, as a brilliant soldier and courtier,
+and personal favourite of his Imperial Majesty. There was a rumour of
+some black treason, I know not what, but men said it even struck at
+the life of the great Emperor, his friend and patron. It is supposed
+that the Emperor (whom God preserve!), in his just wrath remembered
+mercy, and generously saved the honour, while he punished the crime,
+of his ungrateful servant. At all events, the world was told that the
+Count had accepted a command in the Indies, and that he sailed thither
+from some port in the Low Countries to which the Emperor had summoned
+him, without returning to Spain. It is believed that, to save his
+neck from the axe and his name from dire disgrace, he signed away, by
+his own act, his large property to the Emperor and to Holy Church,
+reserving only a pittance for his children. One year afterwards, his
+death, in battle with the Araucanian savages, was announced, and, if I
+am not mistaken, His Majesty was gracious enough to have masses said
+for his soul. But, at the time, the tongue of rumour whispered a far
+more dreadful ending to the tale. Men hinted that, upon the discovery
+of his treason, he despaired alike of human and divine compassion, and
+perished miserably by his own hand. But all possible pains were taken,
+for the sake of the family, to hush up the affair; and nothing certain
+has ever, or probably will ever, transpire. I am doubtful whether I am
+not a transgressor in having committed to paper what is written above.
+Still, as it is written, it shall stand. With you, most illustrious
+and honourable friend, all things are safe.</p>
+
+<p>"The youths whom it is my task to instruct are not deficient in
+parts. But the elder, Don Juan, is idle and insolent; and withal, of
+so fiery a temper, that he will brook no manner of correction. The
+younger, Don Carlos, is more toward in dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>position, and really apt at
+his humanities, were it not that his good-for-nothing brother is for
+ever leading him into mischief. Don Manuel Alvarez, their uncle and
+guardian, who is a shrewd man of the world, will certainly cause him
+to enter the Church. But I pray, as I am bound in Christian charity,
+that it may not occur to him to make the lad a Minorite friar, since,
+as I can testify from sorrowful experience, such go barely enough
+through this wicked and miserable world.</p>
+
+<p>"In conclusion, I entreat of you, most illustrious friend, with the
+utmost despatch and carefulness, to commit this writing to the flames;
+and so I pray our Lady and the blessed St. Luke, upon whose vigil I
+write, to have you in their good keeping.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="toright2">Your unworthy brother,</p>
+<p class="toright4">"<span class="smcap">Sebastian</span>."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus, with averted face, or head shaken doubtfully, or murmured "Ay de
+mi," the world spoke of him, of whom his own children, happy at least
+in this, knew scarce anything, save words that seemed like a cry of
+joy.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III">III.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Sword and Cassock.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The helmet and the cap make houses strong."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Spanish Proverb.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Manuel Alvarez stayed for several days at Nuera, as the half-ruined
+castle in the Sierra Morena was styled. Grievous, during this period,
+were the sufferings of Dolores, and unceasing her efforts to provide
+suitable accommodation, not merely for the stately and fastidious guest
+himself, but also for the troop of retainers he saw fit to bring with
+him, comprising three or four personal attendants, and half a score of
+men-at-arms&mdash;the last perhaps really necessary for a journey through
+that wild district. Don Manuel scarcely enjoyed the situation more than
+did his entertainers, but he esteemed it his duty to pay an occasional
+visit to the estate of his orphan nephews, to see that it was properly
+taken care of. Perhaps the only member of the party quite at his ease
+was the worthy Fray Sebastian, a good-natured, self-indulgent friar,
+with a better education and more refined tastes than the average
+of his order; fond of eating and drinking, fond of gossip, fond of
+a little superficial literature, and not fond of troubling himself
+about anything. He was comforted by the improved fare Don Manuel's
+visit introduced; and was, moreover, soon relieved from his very
+natural appre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>hensions that the guardian of his pupils might express
+discontent at the slowness of their progress. He speedily discovered
+that Don Manuel did not care to have his nephews made good scholars:
+he only cared to have them ready, in two or three years, to go to the
+University of Complutum, or to that of Salamanca, where they might
+remain until they were satisfactorily provided for&mdash;one in the Army,
+the other in the Church.</p>
+
+<p>As for Juan and Carlos, they felt, with the sure instinct of children,
+in this respect something like that of animals, that their uncle had
+little love for them. Juan dreaded, more than under the circumstances
+he need have done, too careful inquiries into his progress; and
+Carlos, while he stood in great outward awe of his uncle, all the time
+contrived to despise him in his heart, because he neither knew Latin,
+nor could repeat any of the ballads of the Cid.</p>
+
+<p>On the third day of his visit, after dinner, which was at noon,
+Don Manuel solemnly seated himself in the great carved armchair
+that stood on the estrada at one end of the hall, and summoned his
+nephews to his side. He was a tall, wiry-looking man, with a narrow
+forehead, thin lips, and a pointed beard. His dress was of the finest
+mulberry-coloured cloth, turned back with velvet; everything about him
+was rich, handsome, and in good keeping, but without extravagance. His
+manner was dignified, perhaps a little pompous, like that of a man bent
+upon making the most of himself, as he had unquestionably made the most
+of his fortune.</p>
+
+<p>He first addressed Juan, whom he gravely reminded that his father's
+<i>imprudence</i> had left him nothing save that poor ruin of a castle,
+and a few barren acres of rocky ground, at which the boy's eyes
+flashed, and he shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. Don Manuel then
+proceeded, at some length, to extol the noble profession of arms as
+the road to fame and fortune. This kind of language proved much more
+acceptable to his nephew, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>looking up, he said promptly, "Yes,
+se&ntilde;or my uncle, I will gladly be a soldier, as all my fathers were."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken. And when thou art old enough, I promise to use my
+influence to obtain for thee a good appointment in His Imperial
+Majesty's army. I trust thou wilt honour thine ancient name."</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust me," said Juan, in slow, earnest tones. Then raising his
+head, he went on more rapidly: "Beside his own name, Juan, my father
+gave me that of Rodrigo, borne by the Cid Ruy Diaz, the Campeador,
+meaning no doubt to show&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, boy!" Don Miguel interrupted, cutting short the only words
+that his nephew had ever spoken really from his heart in his presence,
+with as much unconsciousness as a countryman might set his foot on a
+glow-worm. "Thou wert never named Rodrigo after thy Cid and his idle
+romances. Thy father called thee so after some madcap friend of his
+own, of whom the less spoken the better."</p>
+
+<p>"My father's friend must have been good and noble, like himself," said
+Juan proudly, almost defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man," returned Don Manuel severely, and lifting his eyebrows as
+if in surprise at his audacity, "learn that a humbler tone and more
+courteous manners would become thee in the presence of thy superiors."
+Then turning haughtily away from him, he addressed himself to Carlos:
+"As for thee, nephew Carlos, I hear with pleasure of thy progress in
+learning. Fray Sebastian reports of thee that thou hast a good ready
+wit and a retentive memory. Moreover, if I mistake not, sword cuts
+are less in thy way than in thy brother's. The service of Holy Mother
+Church will fit thee like a glove; and let me tell thee, boy, for thou
+art old enough to understand me, 'tis a right good service. Churchmen
+eat well and drink well&mdash;churchmen sleep soft&mdash;churchmen spend their
+days fingering the gold other folk toil and bleed for. For those who
+have fair interest in high places, and shuffle their own cards deftly,
+there be good fat <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>benefices, comfortable canonries, and perhaps&mdash;who
+knows?&mdash;a rich bishopric at the end of all; with a matter of ten
+thousand hard ducats, at the least, coming in every year to save or
+spend, or lend, if you like it better."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten thousand ducats!" said Carlos, who had been gazing in his
+uncle's face, his large blue eyes full of half-incredulous,
+half-uncomprehending wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, my son, that is about the least. The Archbishop of Seville has
+sixty thousand every year, and more."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten thousand ducats!" Carlos repeated again in a kind of awe-struck
+whisper. "That would buy a ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Don Manuel, highly pleased with what he considered an
+indication of precocious intelligence in money matters. "And an
+excellent thought that is of thine, my son. A good ship chartered for
+the Indies, and properly freighted, would bring thee back thy ducats
+<i>well perfumed</i>.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> For a ship is sailing while you are sleeping. As
+the saying is, Let the idle man buy a ship or marry a wife. I perceive
+thou art a youth of much ingenuity. What thinkest thou, then, of the
+Church?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was still too much the child to say anything in answer except,
+"If it please you, se&ntilde;or my uncle, I should like it well."</p>
+
+<p>And thus, with rather more than less consideration of their tastes and
+capacities than was usual at the time, the future of Juan and Carlos
+Alvarez was decided.</p>
+
+<p>When the brothers were alone together, Juan said, "Dolores must have
+been praying Our Lady for us, Carlos. An appointment in the army is
+the very thing for me. I shall perform some great feat of arms, like
+Alphonso Vives, for instance, who took the Duke of Saxony prisoner; I
+shall win fame and promotion, and then come back and ask my uncle for
+the hand of his ward, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, and I&mdash;if I enter the Church, I can never marry," said Carlos
+rather ruefully, and with a vague perception that his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>brother was to
+have some good thing from which he must be shut out for ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not; but you will not care."</p>
+
+<p>"Never a whit," said the boy of twelve, very confidently. "I shall
+ever have thee, Juan. And all the gold my uncle says churchmen win so
+easily, I will save to buy our ship."</p>
+
+<p>"I will also save, so that one day we may sail together. I will be the
+captain, and thou shalt be the mass-priest, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"But I marvel if it be true that churchmen grow rich so fast. The cura
+in the village must be very poor, for Diego told me he took old Pedro's
+cloak because he could not pay the dues for his wife's burial."</p>
+
+<p>"More shame for him, the greedy vulture. Carlos, you and I have each
+half a ducat; let us buy it back."</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart. It will be worth something to see the old man's
+face."</p>
+
+<p>"The cura is covetous rather than poor," said Juan. "But poor or no, no
+one dreams of <i>your</i> being a beggarly cura like that. It is only vulgar
+fellows of whom they make parish priests in the country. You will get
+some fine preferment, my uncle says. And he ought to know, for he has
+feathered his own nest well."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is he rich when we are poor, Juan? Where does he get all his
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>"The saints know best. He has places under Government. Something about
+the taxes. I think, that he buys and sells again."</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, he's not one to measure oil without getting some on his
+fingers. How different from him our father must have been."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Juan. "<i>His</i> riches, won by his own sword and battle-axe,
+and his good right hand, will be worth having. Ay, and even worth
+seeing; will they not?"</p>
+
+<p>So these children dreamed of the future&mdash;that future of which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>nothing
+was certain, except its unlikeness to their dreams. No thing was
+certain; but what was only too probable? That the brave, free-hearted
+boy, who had never willingly injured any one, and who was ready to
+share his last coin with the poor man, would be hardened and brutalized
+into a soldier of fortune, like those who massacred tribes of trusting,
+unoffending Indians, or burned Flemish cities to the ground, amidst
+atrocities that even now make hearts quail and ears tingle. And yet
+worse, that the fair child beside him, whose life still shone with
+that child-like innocence which is truly the dew of youth, as bright
+and as fleeting, would be turned over, soul and spirit, to a system of
+training too surely calculated to obliterate the sense of truth, to
+deprave the moral taste, to make natural and healthful joys impossible,
+and unlawful and degrading ones fearfully easy and attainable; to teach
+the strong nature the love of power, the mean the love of money, and
+all alike falsehood, cowardice, and cruelty.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV">IV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Alcala de Henarez.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Give me back, give me back the wild freshness of morning,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Her tears and her smiles are worth evening's best light."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>ew are the lives in which seven years come and go without witnessing
+any great event. But whether they are eventful or no, the years that
+change children into men must necessarily be important. Three years of
+these important seven, Juan and Carlos Alvarez spent in their mountain
+home; the remaining four at the University of Alcala, or Complutum.</p>
+
+<p>The university training was of course needful for the younger brother,
+who was intended for the Church. That the elder was allowed to share
+the privilege, although destined for the profession of arms, was the
+result of circumstances. His guardian, Don Manuel Alvarez, although
+worldly and selfish, still retained a lingering regard for the memory
+of that lost brother whose latest message to him had been, "Have my
+boy carefully educated." And, moreover, he could scarcely have left
+the high-spirited youth to wear out the years that must elapse before
+he could obtain his commission in the dreary solitude of his mountain
+home, with Diego and Dolores for companions, and for sole amusement, a
+horse and a few greyhounds. Better that he should take his chance at
+Alcala, and enjoy himself there as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>best he might, with no obligation
+to severe study, and but one duty strongly impressed on him&mdash;that of
+keeping out of debt.</p>
+
+<p>He derived real benefit from the university training, though no
+academic laurels rested on his brow, nor did he take a degree. Fray
+Sebastian had taught him to read and write, and had even contrived to
+pass him through the Latin grammar, of which he afterwards remembered
+scarcely anything. To have urged him to learn more would have required
+severity only too popular at the time; but this Fray Sebastian was too
+timid, perhaps too prudent, to employ; while of interesting him in his
+studies he never thought. At Alcala, however, he <i>was</i> interested.
+He did not care, indeed, for the ordinary scholastic course; but
+he found in the college library all the books yet written in his
+native language, and it was then the palmy age of Spanish literature.
+Beginning with the poems and romances relating to the history of his
+country, he read through everything; poetry, romance, history, science,
+nothing came amiss to him, except perhaps theology. He studied with
+especial care all that had reference to the story of the New World,
+whither he hoped one day to go. He attended lectures; he even acquired
+Latin enough to learn anything he really wanted to know, and could not
+find except in that language.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, at the end of his four years' residence, he had acquired a good
+deal of useful though somewhat desultory information; and he had gained
+the art of expressing himself in the purest Castilian, by tongue or
+pen, with energy, vigour, and precision.</p>
+
+<p>The sixteenth century gives us many specimens of such men&mdash;and
+not a few of them were Spaniards&mdash;men of intelligence and general
+cultivation, whose profession was that of arms, but who can handle the
+pen with as much ease and dexterity as the sword; men who could not
+only do valiant deeds, but also describe them when done, and that often
+with singular effectiveness.</p>
+
+<p>With his contemporaries Juan was popular, for his pride was
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>inaggressive, and his fiery temper was counterbalanced by great
+generosity of disposition. During his residence at Alcala he fought
+three duels; one to chastise a fellow-student who had called his
+brother "Do&ntilde;a Carlotta," the other two on being provoked by the far
+more serious offence of covert sneers at his father's memory. He also
+caned severely a youth whom he did not think of sufficient rank to
+honour with his sword, merely for observing, when Carlos won a prize
+from him, "Don Carlos Alvarez unites genius and industry, as he would
+need to do, who is the <i>son of his own good works</i>." But afterwards,
+when the same student was in danger, through poverty, of having to give
+up his career and return home, Juan stole into his chamber during his
+absence, and furtively deposited four gold ducats (which he could ill
+spare) between the leaves of his breviary.</p>
+
+<p>Far more outwardly successful, but more really disastrous, was the
+academic career of Carlos. As student of theology, most of his days,
+and even some of his nights, were spent over the musty tomes of the
+Schoolmen. Like living water on the desert, his young bright intellect
+was poured out on the dreary sands of scholastic divinity (little else,
+in truth, than "bad metaphysics"), to no appreciable result, except its
+own utter waste. The kindred study of casuistry was even worse than
+waste of intellect; it was positive defilement and degradation. It was
+bad enough to tread with painful steps through roads that led nowhere;
+but it became worse when the roads were miry, and the mud at every step
+clung to the traveller's feet. Though here the parallel must cease; for
+the moral defilement, alas! is most deadly and dangerous when least
+felt or heeded.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, or unfortunately, according as we look on the things seen
+or the things not seen, Carlos offered to his instructors admirable
+raw material out of which to fashion a successful, even a great
+Churchman. He came to them a stripling of fifteen, innocent, truthful,
+affectionate. He had "parts," as they styled them, and singularly good
+ones. He had just the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>acute perception, the fine and ready wit, which
+enabled him to cut his way through scholastic subtleties and conceits
+with ease and credit. And, to do his teachers justice, they sharpened
+his intellectual weapon well, until its temper grew as exquisite as
+that of the scimitar of Saladin, which could divide a gauze kerchief by
+the thread at a single blow. But how would it fare with such a weapon,
+and with him who, having proved no other, could wield only that, in the
+great conflict with the Dragon that guarded the golden apples of truth?
+The question is idle, for truth was a luxury of which Carlos was not
+taught to dream. To find truth, to think truth, to speak truth, to act
+truth, was not placed before him as an object worth his attainment. Not
+the <i>True</i>, but the <i>Best</i>, was always held up to him as the mark to be
+aimed at: the best for the Church, the best for his family, the best
+for himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had much imagination, he was quick in invention and ready in
+expedients; good gifts in themselves, but very perilous where the
+sense of truth is lacking, or blunted. He was timid, as sensitive and
+reflective natures are apt to be, perhaps also from physical causes.
+And in those rough ages, the Church offered almost the only path in
+which the timid man could not only escape infamy, but actually attain
+to honour. In her service a strong head could more than atone for
+weak nerves. Power, fame, wealth, might be gained in abundance by
+the Churchman without stirring from his cell or chapel, or facing a
+single drawn sword or loaded musket. Always provided that his subtle,
+cultivated intellect could guide the rough hands that wielded the
+swords, or, better still, the crowned head that commanded them.</p>
+
+<p>There may have been even then at that very university (there certainly
+were a few years earlier), a little band of students who had quite
+other aims, and who followed other studies than those from which Carlos
+hoped to reap worldly success and fame. These youths really desired
+to find the truth and to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>keep it; and therefore they turned from
+the pages of the Fathers and the Schoolmen to the Scriptures in the
+original languages. But the "Biblists," as they were called, were few
+and obscure. Carlos did not, during his whole term of residence, come
+in contact with any of them. The study of Hebrew, and even of Greek,
+was by this time discouraged; the breath of calumny had blown upon it,
+linking it with all that was horrible in the eyes of Spanish Catholics,
+summed up in the one word, heresy. Carlos never even dreamed of any
+excursion out of the beaten path marked out for him, and which he was
+travelling so successfully as to distance nearly all his competitors.</p>
+
+<p>Both Juan and Carlos still clung fondly to their early dream; though
+their wider knowledge had necessarily modified some of its details.
+Carlos, at least, was not quite so confident as he had once been about
+the existence of El Dorado; but he was as fully determined as Juan to
+search out the mystery of their father's fate, and either to clasp his
+living hand, or to stand beside his grave. The love of the brothers,
+and their trust in each other, had only strengthened with their years,
+and was beautiful to witness.</p>
+
+<p>Occasional journeys to Seville, and brief intervals of making holiday
+there, varied the monotony of their college life, and were not without
+important results.</p>
+
+<p>It was the summer of 1556. The great Carlos, so lately King and Kaiser,
+had laid down the heavy burden of sovereignty, and would soon be on his
+way to pleasant San Yuste, to mortify the flesh, and prepare for his
+approaching end, as the world believed; but in reality to eat, drink,
+and enjoy himself as well as his worn-out body and mind would allow
+him. Just then our young Juan, healthy, hearty, hopeful, and with the
+world before him, received the long wished-for appointment in the army
+of the new King of all the Spains, Don Felipe Segunde.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The brothers have eaten their last temperate meal together, in their
+handsome, though not very comfortable, lodging at Alcala. Juan pushes
+away the wine-cup that Carlos would fain have refilled, and toys
+absently with the rind of a melon. "Carlos," he says, without looking
+his brother in the face, "remember that thing of which we spoke;"
+adding in lower and more earnest tones, "and so may God remember thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, brother. You have, however, little to fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Little to fear!" and there was the old quick flash in the dark eyes.
+"Because, forsooth, to spare my aunt's selfishness and my cousin's
+vanity, she must not be seen at dance, or theatre, or bull-feast? It is
+enough for her to show her face on the Alameda or at mass to raise me
+up a host of rivals."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, my uncle favours you; and Do&ntilde;a Beatriz herself will not be
+found of a different mind when you come home with your promotion and
+your glory, as you will, my Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then, brother, watch thou in my absence, and fail not to speak the
+right word at the right moment, as thou canst so well. So shall I hold
+myself at ease, and give my whole mind to the noble task of breaking
+the heads of all the enemies of my liege lord the king."</p>
+
+<p>Then, rising from the table, he girt on his new Toledo sword with its
+embroidered belt, threw over his shoulders his short scarlet cloak, and
+flung a gay velvet montero over his rich black curls. Don Carlos went
+out with him, and mounting the horses a lad from their country-home
+held in readiness, they rode together down the street and through the
+gate of Alcala; Don Juan followed by many an admiring gaze, and many a
+hearty "Vaya con Dios,"<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> from his late companions.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V">V.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Carlos Forgets Himself.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"A fair face and a tender voice had made me mad and blind."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Carlos Alvarez found Alcala, after his brother's departure,
+insupportably dull; moreover, he had now almost finished his brilliant
+university career. As soon, therefore, as he could, he took his degree
+as Licentiate of Theology. He then wrote to inform his uncle of the
+fact; adding that he would be glad to spend part of the interval that
+must elapse before his ordination at Seville, where he might attend
+the lectures of the celebrated Fray Constantino Ponce de la Fuente,
+Professor of Divinity in the College of Doctrine in that city. But, in
+fact, a desire to fulfil his brother's last charge weighed more with
+him than an eagerness for further instruction; especially as rumours
+that his watchfulness was not unnecessary had reached his ears at
+Alcala.</p>
+
+<p>He received a prompt and kind invitation from his uncle to make his
+house his home for as long a period as he might desire. Now, although
+Don Manuel was highly pleased with the genius and industry of his
+younger nephew, the hospitality he extended to him was not altogether
+disinterested. He thought Carlos capable of rendering what he deemed an
+essential service to a member of his own family.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>That family consisted of a beautiful, gay, frivolous wife, three sons,
+two daughters, and his wife's orphan niece, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella.
+The two elder sons were cast in their father's mould; which, to speak
+truth, was rather that of a merchant than of a cavalier. Had he been
+born of simple parents in the flats of Holland or the back streets of
+London, a vulgar Hans or Thomas, his tastes and capabilities might have
+brought him honest wealth. But since he had the misfortune to be Don
+Manuel Alvarez, of the bluest blood in Spain, he was taught to look on
+industry as ineffably degrading, and trade and commerce scarcely less
+so. Only one species of trade, one kind of commerce, was open to the
+needy and avaricious, but proud grandee. Unhappily it was almost the
+only kind that is really degrading&mdash;the traffic in public money, in
+places, and in taxes. "A sweeping rain leaving no food," such traffic
+was, in truth. The Government was defrauded; the people, especially the
+poorer classes, were cruelly oppressed. No one was enriched except the
+greedy jobber, whose birth rendered him infinitely too proud to work,
+but by no means too proud to cheat and steal.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel the younger, and Don Balthazar Alvarez, were ready and
+longing to tread in their father's footsteps. Of the two pale-faced
+dark-eyed sisters, Do&ntilde;a Inez and Do&ntilde;a Sancha, one was already married,
+and the other had also plans satisfactory to her parents. But the
+person in the family who was not of it was the youngest son, Don
+Gonsalvo. He was the representative, not of his father, but of his
+grandfather; as we so often see types of character reproduced in the
+third generation. The first Conde de Nuera had been a wild soldier of
+fortune in the Moorish wars, fierce and fiery, with strong unbridled
+passions. At eighteen, Gonsalvo was his image; and there was scarcely
+any mischief possible to a youth of fortune in a great city, into
+which he had not already found his way. For two years he continued to
+scandalize his family, and to vex the soul of his prudent and decorous
+father.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, however, a change came over him. He reformed; became
+quiet and regular in his conduct; gave himself up to study, making
+extraordinary progress in a very short time; and even showed what those
+around him called "a pious disposition." But these hopeful appearances
+passed as suddenly and as unaccountably as they came. After an interval
+of less than a year, he returned to his former habits, and plunged even
+more madly than ever into all kinds of vice and dissipation.</p>
+
+<p>His father resolved to procure him a commission, and send him away to
+the wars. But an accident frustrated his intentions. In those days,
+cavaliers of rank frequently sought the dangerous triumphs of the
+bull-ring. The part of matador was performed, not, as now, by hired
+bravos of the lowest class, but often by scions of the most honourable
+houses. Gonsalvo had more than once distinguished himself in the bloody
+arena by courage and coolness. But he tempted his fate too often. Upon
+one occasion he was flung violently from his horse, and then gored by
+the furious bull, whose rage had been excited to the utmost pitch by
+the cruel arts usually practised. He escaped with life, but remained
+a crippled invalid, apparently condemned for the rest of his days to
+inaction, weakness, and suffering.</p>
+
+<p>His father thought a good canonry would be a decent and comfortable
+provision for him, and pressed him accordingly to enter the Church. But
+the invalided youth manifested an intense repugnance to the step; and
+Don Manuel hoped that the influence of Carlos would help to overcome
+this feeling; believing that he would gladly endeavour to persuade his
+cousin that no way of life was so pleasant or so easy as that which he
+himself was about to adopt.</p>
+
+<p>The good nature of Carlos led him to fall heartily into his uncle's
+plans. He really pitied his cousin, moreover, and gladly gave himself
+to the task of trying in every possible way to console and amuse him.
+But Gonsalvo rudely repelled all his efforts. In his eyes the destined
+priest was half a woman, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>with no knowledge of a man's aims or a man's
+passions, and consequently no right to speak of them.</p>
+
+<p>"Turn priest!" he said to him one day; "I have as good a mind to turn
+Turk. Nay, cousin, I am not pious&mdash;you may present my orisons to Our
+Lady with your own, if it so please you. Perhaps she may attend to them
+better than to those I offered before entering the bull-ring on that
+unlucky day of St. Thomas."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, though not particularly devout, was shocked by this language.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, cousin," he said; "your words sound rather like blasphemy."</p>
+
+<p>"And yours sound like the words of what you are, half a priest
+already," retorted Gonsalvo. "It is ever the priest's cry, if you
+displease him, 'Open heresy!' 'Rank blasphemy!' And next, 'the Holy
+Office, and a yellow Sanbenito.' I marvel it did not occur to your
+sanctity to menace me with that."</p>
+
+<p>The gentle-tempered Carlos did not answer; a forbearance which further
+exasperated Gonsalvo, who hated nothing so much as being, on account of
+his infirmities, borne with like a woman or a child. "But the saints
+help the Churchmen," he went on ironically. "Good simple souls, they do
+not know even their own business! Else they would smell heresy close
+enough at hand. What doctrine does your Fray Constantino preach in the
+great Church every feast-day, since they made him canon-magistral?"</p>
+
+<p>"The most orthodox and Catholic doctrine, and no other," said Carlos,
+roused, in his turn, by the attack upon his teacher; though he did
+not greatly care for his instructions, which turned principally upon
+subjects about which he had learned little or nothing in the schools.
+"But to hear thee discuss doctrine is to hear a blind man talking of
+colours."</p>
+
+<p>"If I be the blind man talking of colours, thou art the deaf prating of
+music," retorted his cousin. "Come and tell me, if <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>thou canst, what
+are these doctrines of thy Fray Constantino, and wherein they differ
+from the Lutheran heresy? I wager my gold chain and medal against thy
+new velvet cloak, that thou wouldst fall thyself into as many heresies
+by the way as there are nuts in Barcelona."</p>
+
+<p>Allowing for Gonsalvo's angry exaggeration, there was some truth in his
+assertion. Once out of the region of dialectic subtleties, the champion
+of the schools would have become weak as another man. And he could
+not have expounded Fray Constantino's preaching;&mdash;because he did not
+understand it.</p>
+
+<p>"What, cousin!" he exclaimed, affronted in his tenderest part,
+his reputation as a theological scholar. "Dost thou take me for a
+barefooted friar or a village cura? Me, who only two months ago was
+crowned victor in a debate upon the doctrines taught by Raymondus
+Lullius!"</p>
+
+<p>But whatever chagrin Carlos may have felt at finding himself utterly
+unable to influence Gonsalvo, was soon effectually banished by the
+delight with which he watched the success of his diplomacy with Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>Beatriz was almost a child in years, and entirely a child in mind and
+character. Hitherto, she had been studiously kept in the background,
+lest her brilliant beauty should throw her cousins into the shade.
+Indeed, she would probably have been consigned to a convent, had not
+her portion been too small to furnish the donative usually bestowed by
+the friends of a novice upon any really aristocratic establishment.
+"And pity would it have been," thought Carlos, "that so fair a flower
+should wither in a convent garden."</p>
+
+<p>He made the most of the limited opportunities of intercourse which the
+ceremonious manners of the time and country afforded, even to inmates
+of the same house. He would stand beside her chair, and watch the
+quick flush mount to her olive, delicately-rounded cheek, as he talked
+eloquently of the absent <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>Juan. He was never tired of relating stories
+of Juan's prowess, Juan's generosity. In the last duel he fought, for
+instance, the ball had passed through his cap and grazed his head. But
+he only smiled, and re-arranged his locks, remarking, while he did so,
+that with the addition of a gold chain and medal, the spoiled cap would
+be as good, or better than ever. Then he would dilate on his kindness
+to the vanquished; rejoicing in the effect produced, a tribute as well
+to his own eloquence as to his brother's merit. The occupation was
+too fascinating not to be resorted to once and again, even had he not
+persuaded himself that he was fulfilling a sacred duty.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, he soon discovered that the bright dark eyes which were
+beginning to visit him nightly in his dreams, were pining all day for
+a sight of that gay world from which their owner was jealously and
+selfishly excluded. So he managed to procure for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz many a
+pleasure of the kind she most valued. He prevailed upon his aunt and
+cousins to bring her with them to places of public resort; and then he
+was always at hand, with the reverence of a loyal cavalier, and the
+freedom of a destined priest, to render her every quiet unobtrusive
+service in his power. At the theatre, at the dance, at the numerous
+Church ceremonies, on the promenade, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was his especial
+charge.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst such occupations, pleasant weeks and months glided by almost
+unnoticed by him. Never before had he been so happy. "Alcala was well
+enough," he thought; "but Seville is a thousand times better. All my
+life heretofore seems to me only like a dream, now I am awake."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! he was not awake, but wrapped in a deep sleep, and cradling a
+bright delusive vision. As yet he was not even "as those that dream,
+and know the while they dream." His slumber was too profound even for
+this dim half-consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>No one suspected, any more than he suspected himself, the enchantment
+that was stealing over him. But every one re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>marked his frank, genial
+manners, his cheerfulness, his good looks. Naturally, the name of Juan
+dropped gradually more and more out of his conversation; as at the same
+time the thought of Juan faded from his mind. His studies, too, were
+neglected; his attendance upon the lectures of Fray Constantino became
+little more than a formality; while "receiving Orders" seemed a remote
+if not an uncertain contingency. In fact, he lived in the present, not
+caring to look either at the past or the future.</p>
+
+<p>In the very midst of his intoxication, at slight incident affected him
+for a moment with such a chill as we feel when, on a warm spring day,
+the sun passes suddenly behind a cloud.</p>
+
+<p>His cousin, Do&ntilde;a Inez, had been married more than a year to a wealthy
+gentleman of Seville, Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez. Carlos, calling one morning
+at the lady's house with some unimportant message from Do&ntilde;a Beatriz,
+found her in great trouble on account of the sudden illness of her babe.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go and fetch a physician?" he asked, knowing well that Spanish
+servants can never be depended upon to make haste, however great the
+emergency may be.</p>
+
+<p>"You will do a great kindness, amigo mio," said the anxious young
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>"But which shall I summon?" asked Carlos. "Our family physician, or Don
+Gar&ccedil;ia's?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gar&ccedil;ia's, by all means,&mdash;Dr. Cristobal Losada. I would not give a
+green fig for any other in Seville. Do you know his dwelling?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. But should he be absent or engaged?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must have him. Him, and no other. Once before he saved my darling's
+life. And if my poor brother would but consult him, it might fare
+better with him. Go quickly, cousin, and fetch him, in Heaven's name."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos lost no time in complying; but on reaching the dwelling of the
+physician, found that though the hour was early <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>he had already gone
+forth. After leaving a message, he went to visit a friend in the Triana
+suburb. He passed close by the Cathedral, with its hundred pinnacles,
+and that wonder of beauty, the old Moorish Giralda, soaring far up
+above it into the clear southern sky. It occurred to him that a few
+Aves said within for the infant's recovery would be both a benefit to
+the child and a comfort to the mother. So he entered, and was making
+his way to a gaudy tinselled Virgin and Babe, when, happening to glance
+towards a different part of the building, his eyes rested on the
+physician, with whose person he was well acquainted, as he had often
+noticed him amongst Fray Constantino's hearers. Losada was now pacing
+up and down one of the side aisles, in company with a gentleman of very
+distinguished appearance.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos drew nearer, it occurred to him that he had never seen this
+personage in any place of public resort, and for this reason, as well
+as from certain slight indications in his dress of fashions current
+in the north of Spain, he gathered that he was a stranger in Seville,
+who might be visiting the Cathedral from motives of curiosity. Before
+he came up the two men paused in their walk, and turning their backs
+to him, stood gazing thoughtfully at the hideous row of red and yellow
+Sanbenitos, or penitential garments, that hung above them.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely," thought Carlos, "they might find better objects of
+attention than these ugly memorials of sin and shame, which bear
+witness that their late miserable wearers&mdash;Jews, Moors, blasphemers,
+or sorcerers,&mdash;have ended their dreary lives of penance, if not of
+penitence."</p>
+
+<p>The attention of the stranger seemed to be particularly attracted
+by one of them, the largest of all. Indeed, Carlos himself had been
+struck by its unusual size; and upon one occasion he had even had the
+curiosity to read the inscription, which he remembered because it
+contained Juan's favourite name, Rodrigo. It was this: "Rodrigo Valer,
+a citizen of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>Lebrixa and Seville; an apostate and false apostle, who
+pretended to be sent from God." And now, as he approached with light
+though hasty footsteps, he distinctly heard Dr. Cristobal Losada, still
+looking at the Sanbenito, say to his companion, "Yes, se&ntilde;or; and also
+the Conde de Nuera, Don Juan Alvarez."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan Alvarez! What possible tie could link his father's name with
+the hideous thing they were gazing at? And what could the physician
+know about him of whom his own children knew so little? Carlos stood
+amazed, and pale with sudden emotion.</p>
+
+<p>And thus the physician saw him, happening to turn at that moment. Had
+he not exerted all his presence of mind (and he possessed a great
+deal), he would himself have started visibly. The unexpected appearance
+of the person of whom we speak is in itself disconcerting; but it
+deserves another name when we are saying that of him or his which, if
+overheard, might endanger life, or what is more precious still than
+life. Losada was equal to the occasion, however. The usual greetings
+having been exchanged, he asked quietly whether Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos had
+come in search of him, and hoped that he did not owe the honour to any
+indisposition in his worship's noble family.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos felt it rather a relief, under the circumstances, to have to
+say that his cousin's babe was alarmingly ill. "You will do us a great
+favour," he added, "by coming immediately. Do&ntilde;a Inez is very anxious."</p>
+
+<p>The physician promised compliance; and turning to his companion,
+respectfully apologized for leaving him abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>"A sick child's claim must not be postponed," said the stranger in
+reply. "Go, se&ntilde;or doctor, and God's blessing rest on your skill."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was struck by the noble bearing and courteous manner of the
+stranger, who, in his turn, was interested by the young <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>man's anxiety
+about a sick babe. But with only a passing glance at the other, each
+went his different way, not dreaming that once again at least their
+paths were destined to cross.</p>
+
+<p>The strange mention of his father's name that he had overheard filled
+the heart of Carlos with undefined uneasiness. He knew enough by that
+time to feel his childish belief in his father's stainless virtue
+a little shaken. What if a dreadful unexplained something, linking
+his fate with that of a convicted heretic, were yet to be learned?
+After all, the accursed arts of magic and sorcery were not so far
+removed from the alchemist's more legitimate labours, that a rash
+or presumptuous student might not very easily slide from one into
+the other. He had reason to believe that his father had played with
+alchemy, if he had not seriously devoted himself to its study. Nay, the
+thought had sometimes flashed unbidden across his mind that the "El
+Dorado" found might after all have been no other than the philosopher's
+stone. For he who has attained the power of producing gold at will may
+surely be said, without any stretch of metaphor, to have discovered a
+golden country. But at this period of his life the personal feelings of
+Carlos were so keen and absorbing that almost everything, consciously
+or unconsciously, was referred to them. And thus it was that an intense
+wish sprang up in his heart, that his father's secret might have
+descended to <i>him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Vain wish! The gold he needed or desired must be procured from a
+less inaccessible region than El Dorado, and without the aid of the
+philosopher's stone.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI">VI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Carlos Forgets Himself Still Further.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The not so very false, as falsehood goes,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The spinning out and drawing fine, you know;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Really mere novel-writing, of a sort,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Acting, improvising, make-believe,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Surely not downright cheatery!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t cost Carlos some time and trouble to drive away the haunting
+thoughts which Losada's words had awakened. But he succeeded at length;
+or perhaps it would be more truthful to say the bright eyes and
+witching smiles of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz accomplished the work for him.</p>
+
+<p>Every dream, however, must have a waking. Sometimes a slight sound,
+ludicrously trivial in its cause, dispels a slumber fraught with
+wondrous visions, in which we have been playing the part of kings and
+emperors.</p>
+
+<p>"Nephew Don Carlos," said Don Manuel one day, "is it not time you
+thought of shaving your head? You are learned enough for your Orders
+long ago, and 'in a plentiful house supper is soon dressed.'"</p>
+
+<p>"True, se&ntilde;or my uncle," murmured Carlos, looking suddenly aghast. "But
+I am under the canonical age."</p>
+
+<p>"But you can get a dispensation."</p>
+
+<p>"Why such haste? There is time yet and to spare."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is not so sure. I hear the cura of San Lucar has one foot in the
+grave. The living is a good one, and I think I know where to go for it.
+So take care you lose not a heifer for want of a halter to hold it by."</p>
+
+<p>With these words on his lips, Don Manuel went out. At the same moment
+Gonsalvo, who lay listlessly on a sofa at one end of the room, or
+rather court, reading "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first Spanish novel,
+burst into a loud paroxysm of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"What may be the theme of your merriment?" asked Carlos, turning his
+large dreamy eyes languidly towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yourself, amigo mio. You would make the stone saints of the Cathedral
+laugh on their pedestals. There you stand, pale as marble, a living
+image of despair. Come, rouse yourself! What do you mean to do? Will
+you take what you wish, or let your chance slip by, and then sit and
+weep because you have it not? Will you be a <i>priest</i> or a <i>man</i>? Make
+your choice this hour, for one you must be, and both you cannot be."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos answered him not; in truth, he dared not answer him. Every word
+was the voice of his own heart; perhaps it was also, though he knew it
+not, the voice of the great tempter. He withdrew to his chamber, and
+barred and bolted himself in it. This was the first time in his life
+that solitude was a necessity to him. His uncle's words had brought
+with them a terrible revelation. He knew himself now too well; he knew
+what he loved, what he desired, or rather what he hungered and thirsted
+for with agonizing intensity. No; never the priest's frock for him. He
+must call Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella his&mdash;his before God's altar&mdash;or die.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a thought, stinging him with sharp, sudden pain. It was a
+thought that should have come to him long ago,&mdash;"Juan!" And with the
+name, affection, memory, conscience, rose up together within him to
+combat the mad resolve of his passion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fiery passions slumbered in the heart of Carlos. Such are sometimes
+found united with a gentle temper, a weak will, and sensitive nerves.
+Woe to their possessor when they are aroused in their strength!</p>
+
+<p>Had Carlos been a plain soldier, like the brother he was tempted to
+betray, it is possible he might have come forth from this terrible
+conflict still holding fast his honour and his brotherly affection.
+It was his priestly training that turned the scale. He had been
+taught that simple truth between man and man was a thing of little
+consequence. He had been taught the art of making a hundred clever,
+plausible excuses for whatever he saw best to do. He had been taught,
+in short, every species of sophistry by which, to the eyes of others,
+and to his own also, wrong might be made to seem right, and black to
+appear the purest white.</p>
+
+<p>His subtle imagination forged in the fire of his kindled passions
+chains of reasoning in which no skill could detect a flaw. Juan had
+never loved as he did; Juan would not care; probably by this time he
+had forgotten Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "Besides," the tempter whispered furtively
+within him, "he might never return at all; he might die in battle."
+But Carlos was not yet sunk so low as to give ear for a single instant
+to this wicked whisper; though certainly he could not henceforth look
+for his brother's return with the joy with which he had been wont to
+anticipate that event. But, in any case, Beatriz herself should be the
+judge between them. And he told himself that he knew (how did he know
+it?) that Beatriz preferred <i>him</i>. Then it would be only right and kind
+to prepare Juan for an inevitable disappointment. This he could easily
+do. Letters, carefully written, might gradually suggest to his brother
+that Beatriz had other views; and he knew Juan's pride and his fiery
+temper well enough to calculate that if his jealousy were once aroused,
+these would soon accomplish the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Ere we, who have been taught from our cradles to "speak the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>truth from
+the heart," turn with loathing from the wiles of Carlos Alvarez, we
+ought to remember that he was a Spaniard&mdash;one of a nation whose genius
+and passion is for intrigue. He was also a Spaniard of the sixteenth
+century; but, above all, he was a Spanish Catholic, educated for the
+priesthood.</p>
+
+<p>The ability with which he laid his plans, and the enjoyment which its
+exercise gave him, served in itself to blind him to the treachery and
+ingratitude upon which those plans were founded.</p>
+
+<p>He sought an interview with Fray Constantino, and implored from him a
+letter of recommendation to the imperial recluse at San Yuste, whose
+chaplain and personal favourite the canon-magistral had been. But
+that eloquent preacher, though warm-hearted and generous to a fault,
+hesitated to grant the request. He represented to Carlos that His
+Imperial Majesty did not choose his retreat to be invaded by applicants
+for favours, and that the journey to San Yuste would therefore be, in
+all probability, worse than useless. Carlos answered that he had fully
+weighed the difficulties of the case; but that if the line of conduct
+he adopted seemed peculiar, his circumstances were so also. He believed
+that his father (who died before his birth) had enjoyed the special
+regard of His Imperial Majesty, and he hoped that, for his sake, he
+might now be willing to show him some kindness. At all events, he was
+sure of an introduction to his presence through his mayor-domo, Don
+Luis Quixada, lord of Villagar&ccedil;ia, who was a friend of their house.
+What he desired to obtain, through the kindness of His Imperial
+Majesty, was a Latin secretaryship, or some similar office, at the
+court of the new king, where his knowledge of Latin, and the talents he
+hoped he possessed, might stand him in good stead, and enable him to
+support, though with modesty, the station to which his birth entitled
+him. For, although already a licentiate of theology, and with good
+prospects in the Church, he did not wish to take orders, as he had
+thoughts of marrying.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Constantino felt a sympathy with the young man; and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>perhaps the
+rather because, if report speaks true, he had once been himself in a
+somewhat similar position. So he compromised matters by giving him a
+general letter of recommendation, in which he spoke of his talents and
+his blameless manners as warmly as he could, from the experience of
+the nine or ten months during which he had been acquainted with him.
+And although the attention paid by Carlos to his instructions had been
+slight, and of late almost perfunctory, his great natural intelligence
+had enabled him to stand his ground more creditably than many far more
+diligent students. The Fray's letter Carlos thankfully added to the
+numerous laudatory epistles from the doctors and professors of Alcala
+that he already had in his possession.</p>
+
+<p>All these he enclosed in a cedar box, which he carefully locked, and
+consigned in its turn to a travelling portmanteau, along with a fair
+stock of wearing apparel, sufficiently rich in material to suit his
+rank, but modest in colour and fashion. He then informed his uncle that
+before he took Orders it would be necessary for him, in his brother's
+absence, to take a journey to their little estate, and set its concerns
+in order.</p>
+
+<p>His uncle, suspecting nothing, approved his plan, and insisted on
+providing him with the attendance of an armed guard to Nuera, whither
+he really intended to go in the first instance.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII">VII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Desengaño.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And I should evermore be vexed with thee</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;In vacant robe, or hanging ornament,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Or ghostly foot-fall lingering on the stair."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he journey from the city of oranges to the green slopes of the Sierra
+Morena ought to have been a delightful one to Don Carlos Alvarez. It
+was certainly bright with hope. He scarcely harboured a doubt of the
+ultimate success of his plans, and the consequent attainment of all his
+wishes. Already he seemed to feel the soft hand of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz in his,
+and to stand by her side before the high altar of the great Cathedral.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, as days passed on, the brightness within grew fainter, and
+an acknowledged shadow, ever deepening, began to take its place. At
+last he drew near his home, and rode through the little grove of
+cork-trees where he and Juan had played as children. When last they
+were there together the autumn winds were strewing the leaves, all dim
+and discoloured, about their paths. Now he looked through the fresh
+green foliage at the deep intense blue of the summer sky. But, though
+scarcely more than twenty, he felt at that moment old and worn, and
+wished back the time of his boyish sports with <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>his brother. Never
+again could he feel quite happy with Juan.</p>
+
+<p>Soon, however, his sorrowful fancies were put to flight by the
+joyous greeting of the hounds, who rushed with much clamour from the
+castle-yard to welcome him. There they were, all of them&mdash;Pedro, Zina,
+Pepe, Grullo, Butron&mdash;it was Juan who had named them, every one. And
+there, at the gate, stood Diego and Dolores, ready to give him joyful
+welcome. Throwing himself from his horse, he shook hands with these
+faithful old retainers, and answered their kindly but respectful
+inquiries both for himself and Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Then, having caressed
+the dogs, inquired for each of the under-servants by name, and given
+orders for the due entertainment of his guard, he passed on slowly into
+the great deserted hall.</p>
+
+<p>His arrival being unexpected, he merely surrendered his travelling
+cloak into the hands of Diego, and sat down to wait patiently while the
+servants, always dilatory, prepared for him suitable accommodation.
+Dolores soon appeared with a flask of wine and some bread and grapes;
+but this was only a <i>merienda</i>, or slight afternoon luncheon, which
+she laid before her young master until she could make ready a supper
+fit for him to partake of. Carlos spent half an hour listening to her
+tidings of the household and the village, and felt sorry when she
+quitted the room and left him to his own reflections.</p>
+
+<p>Every object on which his eyes rested reminded him of his brother.
+There hung the cross-bow with which, in old days, Juan had made such
+vigorous war on the rooks and the sparrows. There lay the foils and
+the canes with which they had so often fenced and played; Juan, in his
+unquestioned superiority, usually so patient with the younger brother's
+timidity and awkwardness. And upon that bench he had carved, with a
+hunting-knife, his name in full, adding the title that had expired with
+his father, "Conde de Nuera."</p>
+
+<p>The memories these things recalled were becoming intrusive; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>he would
+fain shake them off. Gladly would he have had recourse to his favourite
+pastime of reading, but there was not a book in the castle, to his
+knowledge, except the breviary he had brought with him. For lack of
+more congenial occupation, he went out at last to the stable to look at
+the horses, and to talk to those who were grooming and feeding them.</p>
+
+<p>Later in the evening Dolores told him that supper was ready, adding
+that she had laid it in the small inner room, which she thought Se&ntilde;or
+Don Carlos would find more comfortable than the great hall.</p>
+
+<p>That inner room was, even more than the hall, haunted by the shadowy
+presence of Juan. But it was usually daylight when the brothers were
+there together. Now, a tapestry curtain shaded the window, and a silver
+lamp shed its light on the well-spread table with its snowy drapery,
+and cover laid for one.</p>
+
+<p>A lonely meal, however luxurious, is always apt to be somewhat dreary;
+it seems a provision for the lowest wants of our nature, and nothing
+more. Carlos sought to escape from the depressing influence by giving
+wings to his imagination, and dreaming of the time when wealth enough
+to repair and refurnish that half-ruinous old homestead might be his.
+He pleased himself with pictures of the long tables in the great hall,
+groaning beneath the weight of a bountiful provision for a merry
+company of guests, upon whom the sweet face of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz might
+beam a welcome. But how idle such fancies! The castle, after all, was
+Juan's, not his. Unless, indeed, more difficulties than one should
+be solved by Juan's death upon some French or Flemish battle-field.
+This thought he could not bear to entertain. Grown suddenly sick at
+heart, he pushed aside his plate of stewed pigeon, and, regardless
+of the feelings of Dolores, sent away untasted her dessert of sweet
+butter-cakes dipped in honey. He was weary, he said, and he would go to
+rest at once.</p>
+
+<p>It was long before sleep would visit his eyelids; and when <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>at last
+it came, his brother's dark reproachful eyes haunted him still. At
+daybreak he awoke with a start from a feverish dream that Juan, all
+pale and ghostlike, had come to his bedside, and laying his hand on his
+arm, said solemnly, "I claim the jewel I left thee in trust."</p>
+
+<p>Further sleep was impossible. He rose, and wandered out into the fresh
+air. As yet no one was astir. Fair and sweet was all that met his gaze:
+the faint pearly light, the first blush of dawn in the quiet sky, the
+silvery dew that bathed his footsteps. But the storm within raged more
+fiercely for the calm without. There was first an agonizing struggle
+to repress the rising thought, "Better, after all, <i>not</i> to do this
+thing." But, in spite of his passionate efforts, the thought gained a
+hearing, it seemed to cry aloud within him, "Better, after all, not to
+betray Juan!" "And give up Beatriz for ever? <i>For ever!</i>" he repeated
+over and over again, beating it</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent3">"In upon his weary brain,</div>
+   <div class="verse">As though it were the burden of a song."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>He had climbed, almost unawares, to the top of a rocky hill; and now
+he stood, looking around him at the prospect, just as if he saw it.
+In truth, he saw nothing, felt nothing outward, until at last a misty
+mountain rain swept in his face, refreshing his burning brow with a
+touch as of cool fingers.</p>
+
+<p>Then he descended mechanically. Exchanging salutations (as if nothing
+were amiss with him) with the milk-maid and the wood-boy, he crossed
+the open courtyard and re-entered the hall. There Dolores, and a girl
+who worked under her, were already busy, so he passed by them into the
+inner room.</p>
+
+<p>Its darkness seemed to stifle him; with hasty hand he drew aside the
+heavy tapestry curtain. As he did so something caught his eye. For the
+hundredth time he re-read the mystic inscription on the glass:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent1">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent1">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>
+<p>And, as an infant's touch may open a sluice that lets in the mighty
+ocean, those simple words broke up the fountains of the great deep
+within. He gave full course to the emotions they awakened. Again he
+heard Juan's voice repeat them; again he saw Juan's deep earnest eyes
+look into his; not now reproachfully, but with full unshaken trust, as
+in the old days when first he said, "We will go forth together and find
+our father."</p>
+
+<p>"Juan&mdash;brother!" he cried aloud, "I will never wrong thee, so help
+me God!" At that moment the morning sun, having scattered the mists
+with the glory of its rising, sent one of its early beams to kiss the
+handwriting on the window-pane. "Old token for good," thought Carlos,
+whose imaginative nature could play with fancies even in the hours of
+supreme emotion. "And true still even yet. Only the good is all for
+Juan; for me&mdash;nothing but despair."</p>
+
+<p>And so Don Carlos found his "desenga&ntilde;o," or disenchantment, and it was
+a very thorough one.</p>
+
+<p>Body and mind were well-nigh exhausted with the violence of the
+struggle. Perhaps this was fortunate, in so far that it won for the
+decision of his better nature a more rapid and easy acceptance. In
+a sense and for a season any decision was welcome to the weary,
+tempest-tossed soul.</p>
+
+<p>It was afterwards that he asked himself how were long years to be
+dragged on without the face that was the joy of his heart and the life
+of his life? How was he to bear the never-ending pain, the aching
+loneliness, of such a lot? Better to die at once than to endure this
+slow, living death. He knew well that it was not in his nature to point
+the pistol or the dagger at his own breast. But he might pine away and
+die silently&mdash;as many thousands die&mdash;of blighted hopes and a ruined
+life. Or&mdash;and this was more likely, perhaps&mdash;as time passed on he
+might grow dead and hard in soul; until at last he would become a dry,
+cold, mechanical mass-priest, mumbling the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>Church's Latin with thin,
+bloodless lips, a keen eye to his dues, and a heart that might serve
+for a Church relic, so much faith would it require to believe that it
+had been warm and living once.</p>
+
+<p>Still, laudably anxious to provide against possible future waverings
+of the decision so painfully attained, he wrote informing his uncle
+of his safe arrival; adding that he had fully made up his mind to
+take Orders at Christmas, but that he found it advisable to remain in
+his present quarters for a month or two. He at once dispatched two of
+the men-at-arms with the letter; and much was the thrifty Don Manuel
+surprised that his nephew should spend a handful of silver reals in
+order to inform him of what he knew already.</p>
+
+<p>Gloomily the day wore on. The instinctive reserve of a sensitive nature
+made Carlos talk to the servants, receive the accounts, inspect the
+kine and sheep&mdash;do everything, in short, except eat and drink&mdash;as he
+would have done if a great sorrow had not all the time been crushing
+his heart. It is true that Dolores, who loved him as her own son, was
+not deceived. It was for no trivial cause that the young master was
+pale as a corpse, restless and irritable, talking hurriedly by fitful
+snatches, and then relapsing into moody silence. But Dolores was a
+prudent woman, as well as a loving and faithful one; therefore she held
+her peace, and bided her time.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos noticed one effort she made to console him. Coming in
+towards evening from a consultation with Diego about some cork-trees
+which a Morisco merchantman wished to purchase and cut down, he saw
+upon his table a carefully sealed wine-flask, with a cup beside it. He
+knew whence it came. His father had left in the cellar a small quantity
+of choice wine of Xeres; and this relic of more prosperous times being,
+like most of their other possessions, in the care of Dolores, was only
+produced very sparingly, and on rare occasions. But she evidently
+thought "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos" needed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>it now. Touched by her watchful,
+unobtrusive affection, he would have gratified her by drinking; but he
+had a peculiar dislike to drinking alone, while he knew he would only
+render his sanity doubtful by inviting either her or Diego to share
+the luxurious beverage. So he put it aside for the present, and drew
+towards him a sheet of figures, an ink-horn, and a pen. He could not
+work, however. With the silence and solitude, his great grief came back
+upon him again. But nature all this time had been silently working
+for him. His despair was giving way to a more violent but less bitter
+sorrow. Tears came now: a long, passionate fit of weeping relieved his
+aching heart. Since his early childhood he had not wept thus.</p>
+
+<p>An approaching footstep recalled him to himself. He rose with haste and
+shame, and stood beside the window, hoping that his position and the
+waning light might together shield him from observation. It was only
+Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," she said, entering somewhat hastily, "will it please you to
+see to those men of Seville that came with your Excellency? They are
+insulting a poor little muleteer, and threatening to rob his packages."</p>
+
+<p>Yanguesian carriers and other muleteers, bringing goods across the
+Sierra Morena from the towns of La Mancha to those of Andalusia, often
+passed by the castle, and sometimes received hospitality there. Carlos
+rose at once at the summons, saying to Dolores&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is not a boy, se&ntilde;or, he is a man; a very little man, but with a
+greater spirit, if I mistake not, than some twice his size."</p>
+
+<p>It was true enough. On the green plot at the back of the castle, beside
+which the mountain pathway led, there were gathered the ten or twelve
+rough Seville pikemen, taken from the lowest of the population, and
+most of them of Moorish blood. In their midst, beside the foremost of
+his three mules, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>with one arm thrown round her neck and the other
+raised to give effect by animated gestures to his eager oratory, stood
+the muleteer. He was a very short, spare, active-looking man, clad from
+head to foot in chestnut-coloured leather. His mules were well laden;
+each with three large alforjas, one at each side and one laid across
+the neck. But they were evidently well fed and cared for also; and they
+presented a gay appearance, with their adornments of bright-coloured
+worsted tassels and tiny bells.</p>
+
+<p>"You know, my friends," the muleteer was saying, as Carlos came within
+hearing, "an arriero's alforjas<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> are like a soldier's colours,&mdash;it
+stands him upon his honour to guard them inviolate. No, no! Ask him for
+aught else&mdash;his purse, his blood&mdash;they are at your service; but never
+touch his colours, if you care for a long life."</p>
+
+<p>"My honest friend, your colours, as you call them, shall be safe here,"
+said Carlos, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer turned towards him a good-humoured, intelligent face, and,
+bowing low, thanked him heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?" asked Carlos; "and whence do you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Juliano; Juliano el Chico (Julian the Little) men generally call
+me&mdash;since, as your Excellency sees, I am not very great. And I come
+last from Toledo."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed! And what wares do you carry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some matters, small in bulk, yet costly, which I am bringing for
+a Seville merchant&mdash;Medel de Espinosa by name, if your worship has
+heard of him? I have mirrors, for example, of a new kind; excellent in
+workmanship, and true as steel, as well they may be."</p>
+
+<p>"I know the shop of Espinosa well. I have been much in Seville," said
+Carlos, with a sudden pang, caused by the recollection of the many
+pretty trifles that he had purchased there <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "But
+follow me, my friend, and a good supper shall make you amends for the
+rudeness of these fellows.&mdash;Andres, take the best care thou canst of
+his mules; 'twill be only fair penance for thy sin in molesting their
+owner."</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred thousand thanks, se&ntilde;or. Still, with your worship's good
+leave, and no offence to friend Andres, I had rather look to the beasts
+myself. We are old companions; they know my ways, and I know theirs."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please, my good fellow. Andres will show you the stable, and I
+shall tell my mayor-domo to see that you lack nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Again I render to your Excellency my poor but hearty thanks."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos went in, gave the necessary directions to Diego, and then
+returned to his solitary chamber.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII">VIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Muleteer.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Are ye resigned that they be spent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;In such world's help? The spirits bent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Their awful brows, and said, 'Content!'</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Content! It sounded like Amen</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Said by a choir of mourning men:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;An affirmation full of pain</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And patience,&mdash;ay, of glorying,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And adoration, as a king</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Might seal an oath for governing."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hen Carlos stood once more face to face with his sorrow&mdash;as he did as
+soon as he had closed the door&mdash;he found that it had somewhat changed
+its aspect. A trouble often does this when some interruption from the
+outer world makes us part company with it for a little while. We find
+on our return that it has developed quite a new phase, and seldom a
+more hopeful one.</p>
+
+<p>It now entered the mind of Carlos, for the first time, that he had
+been acting very basely towards his brother. Not only had he planned
+and intended a treason, but by endeavouring to engage the affections
+of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, he had actually committed one. Heaven grant it might
+not prove irreparable! Though the time that had passed since his better
+self gained the victory was only measured by hours, it represented to
+him a much longer period. Already it enabled him to look upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>what
+had gone before from the vantage-ground that some degree of distance
+gives. He now beheld in true, perhaps even in exaggerated colours, the
+meanness and the treachery of his conduct. He, who prided himself upon
+the nobility of his nature matching that of his birth&mdash;he, Don Carlos
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya, the gentleman of stainless manners,
+of reputation untarnished by a single blot&mdash;he, who had never yet been
+ashamed of anything,&mdash;in his solitude he blushed and covered his face
+in shame, as the villany he had planned rose up before his mind. It
+would have broken his heart to be scorned by any man; and was it not
+worse a thousand-fold to be thus scorned by himself? He thought even
+more of the meanness of his plan than of its treachery. Of its sin he
+did not think at all. Sin was a theological term which he had been
+wont to handle in the schools, and to toss to and fro with the other
+materials upon which he showed off his dialectic skill; but it no more
+occurred to him to take it out of the scholastic world and to bring it
+into that in which he really lived and acted, than it did to talk Latin
+to Diego, or softly to whisper quotations from Thomas Aquinas into the
+ear of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz between the pauses of the dance.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely any consideration, however, could have made him more miserable
+than he was. Past and future&mdash;all alike seemed dreary. Not a happy
+memory, not a cheering anticipation could he find to comfort him. He
+was as one who goes forth to face the driving storm of a wintry night:
+not strong in hope and courage&mdash;a warm hearth behind him, and before
+him the pleasant starry glimmer that tells of another soon to be
+reached&mdash;but chilled, weary, forlorn, the wind whistling through thin
+garments, and nothing to meet his eye but the bare, bleak, shelterless
+moor stretching far out into the distance.</p>
+
+<p>He sat long, too crushed in heart even to finish his slight,
+unimportant task. Sometimes he drew towards him the sheet of figures,
+and for a moment or two tried to fix his attention <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>upon it; but soon
+he would push it away again, or make aimless dots and circles on its
+margin. While thus engaged, he heard a cheery and not unmelodious
+voice chanting a fragment of song in some foreign tongue. Listening
+more attentively, he believed the words were French, and supposed the
+singer must be his humble guest, the muleteer, on his way to the stable
+to take a last look at the beloved companions of his toils before he
+lay down to rest. The man had probably exercised his vocation at some
+former period in the passes of the Pyrenees, and had thus acquired some
+knowledge of French.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour's talk with any one seemed to Carlos at that moment a
+most desirable diversion from the gloom of his own thoughts. He might
+converse with this stranger when he dared not summon to his presence
+Diego or Dolores, because they knew and loved him well enough to
+discover in two minutes that something was seriously wrong with him.
+He waited until he heard the voice once more close beneath his window;
+then softly opening it, he called the muleteer. Juliano responded with
+ready alertness; and Carlos, going round to the door, admitted him, and
+led him into his sanctum.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe," he said, "that was a French song I heard you sing. You
+have been in France, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or; I have crossed the Pyrenees more than once. I have also
+been in Switzerland."</p>
+
+<p>"You must, then, have visited many places worthy of note; and not with
+your eyes shut, I think. I wish you would tell me, for pastime, the
+story of your travels."</p>
+
+<p>"Willingly, se&ntilde;or," said the muleteer, who, though perfectly
+respectful, had an ease and independence of manner that made Carlos
+suspect it was not the first time he had conversed with his superiors.
+"Where shall I begin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever crossed the Santillanos, or visited the Asturias?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or. A man cannot be everywhere; 'he that rings the bells does
+not walk in the procession.' I am only master of the route from Lyons
+here; knowing a little also, as I have said, of Switzerland."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me first of Lyons, then. And be seated, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer sat down, and began his story, telling of the places he
+had seen with an intelligence that more and more engaged the attention
+of Carlos, who failed not to draw out his information by many pertinent
+questions. As they conversed, each observed the other with gradually
+increasing interest. Carlos admired the muleteer's courage and energy
+in the prosecution of his calling, and enjoyed his quaint and shrewd
+observations. Moreover, he was struck by certain indications of a
+degree of education and even of refinement not usual in his class.
+Especially he noticed the small, finely-formed hand, which was
+sometimes in the warmth of conversation laid on the table, and which
+looked as if it had been accustomed to wield some implement far more
+delicate than a riding-whip. Another thing he took note of. Though
+Juliano's language abounded in proverbs, in provincialisms, in quaint
+and racy expressions, not a single oath escaped his lips. "I never
+saw an arriero before," thought Carlos, "who could get through two
+sentences without half a dozen of them."</p>
+
+<p>Juliano, on the other hand, was observing his host, and with a far
+shrewder and deeper insight than Carlos could have imagined. During
+supper he had gathered from the servants that their young master was
+kind-hearted, gentle, easy-tempered, and had never injured any one in
+his life; and knowing all this, he was touched with genuine sympathy
+for the young noble, whose haggard face and sorrowful looks told but
+too plainly that some great grief was pressing on his heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency must be weary of my stories," he said at length. "It
+is time I left you to your repose."</p>
+
+<p>And so indeed it was, for the hour was late.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ere you go," said Carlos kindly, "you shall drink a cup of wine with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He had no wine at hand but the costly beverage Dolores had produced
+for his own especial use. Wondering a little what Juliano would think
+of such a luxurious beverage, he sought a second cup, for the proud
+Castilian gentleman was too "finely courteous" not to drink with his
+guest, although that guest was only a muleteer.</p>
+
+<p>Juliano, evidently a temperate man, remonstrated: "But I have already
+tasted your Excellency's hospitality."</p>
+
+<p>"That should not hinder your drinking to my good health," said Carlos,
+producing a small hunting-cup, forgotten until now, from the pocket of
+his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>Then filling the larger cup, he handed it to Juliano. It was a very
+little thing, a trifling act of kindness. But to the last hour of his
+life, Carlos Alvarez thanked God that he had put it into his heart to
+offer that cup of wine.</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer raised it to his lips, saying earnestly, "God grant you
+health and happiness, noble se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos drank also, glad to relieve a painful feeling of exhaustion.
+As he set down the cup, a sudden impulse prompted him to say, with a
+bitter smile, "Happiness is not likely to come my way at present."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, se&ntilde;or, and wherefore not? With your good leave be it spoken, you
+are young, noble, amiable, with much learning and excellent parts, as
+they tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"All these things may not prevent a man being very miserable," said
+Carlos frankly.</p>
+
+<p>"God comfort you, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks for the good wish," said Carlos, rather lightly, and conscious
+of having already said too much. "All men have their troubles, I
+suppose, but most men contrive to live through them. So shall I, no
+doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"But God <i>can</i> comfort you," Juliano repeated with a kind of wistful
+earnestness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos, surprised at his manner, looked at him dreamily, but with some
+curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said Juliano, leaning forward and speaking in a low tone
+full of meaning. "Let your worship excuse a plain man's plain
+question&mdash;Se&ntilde;or, <i>do you know God</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started visibly. Was the man mad? Certainly not; as all
+his previous conversation bore witness. He was evidently a very
+clever, half-educated man, who spoke with just the simplicity and
+unconsciousness of an intelligent child. And now he had asked a true
+child's question; one which it would exhaust a wise man's wisdom to
+answer. Thoroughly perplexed, Carlos at last determined to take it in
+its easiest sense. He said, "Yes; I have studied theology, and taken
+out my licentiate's degree at the University of Alcala."</p>
+
+<p>"If it please your worship, what may that fine word theology mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have said so many wise things, that I marvel you know not. Science
+about God."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, se&ntilde;or, your Excellency knows <i>about God</i>. But is it not another
+thing <i>to know God</i>? I know much about the Emperor Carlos, now at San
+Yuste; I could tell you the story of all his campaigns. But I never
+saw him, still less spoke with him. And far indeed am I from knowing
+him to be my friend; and so trusting him that if my mules died, or the
+Alguazils seized me at Cordova for bringing over something contraband,
+or other mishap befell me, I should go or send to him, certain that he
+would help and save me."</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to understand you," said Carlos; and a suspicion crossed his
+mind that the muleteer was a friar in disguise. But that could scarcely
+be, since his black abundant hair showed no marks of the tonsure.
+"After the manner you speak of, only great saints know God."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, se&ntilde;or! Can that be true? For I have heard that our Lord
+Christ"&mdash;(at the mention of the name Carlos crossed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>himself, a
+ceremony which the muleteer was so engrossed by his argument as to
+forget)&mdash;"that our Lord Christ came into the world to make men know the
+Father; and that, to all that believe on him, he truly reveals him."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get this strange learning?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is simple learning; and yet very blessed, se&ntilde;or," returned Juliano,
+evading the question. "For those who know God are happy. Whatever
+sorrows they have without, within they have joy and peace."</p>
+
+<p>"You are advising me to seek peace in religion?"</p>
+
+<p>It was singular certainly that a muleteer should advise <i>him</i>; but then
+this was a very uncommon muleteer. "And so I ought," he added, "since I
+am destined for the Church."</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or; not to seek peace in religion, but to seek peace from God,
+and in Christ who reveals him."</p>
+
+<p>"It is only the words that differ, the things are the same."</p>
+
+<p>"Again I say, with all submission to your Excellency, not so. It is
+Christ Jesus himself&mdash;Christ Jesus, God and man&mdash;who alone can give the
+peace and happiness for which the heart aches. Are we oppressed with
+sin? He says, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee!' Are we hungry? He is bread.
+Thirsty? He is living water. Weary? He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that
+are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'"</p>
+
+<p>"Man! who or what are you? You are quoting the Holy Scriptures to me.
+Do you then read Latin?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or," said the muleteer humbly, casting his eyes down to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or; in very truth. But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well? Go on!"</p>
+
+<p>Juliano looked up again, a steady light in his eyes. "Will you promise,
+on the faith of a gentleman, not to betray me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Most assuredly I will not betray you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I trust you, se&ntilde;or. I do not believe it would be possible for <i>you</i> to
+betray one who trusted you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos winced, and rather shrank from the muleteer's look of hearty,
+honest confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"Though I cannot guess your reason for such precautions," he said, "I
+am willing, if you wish it, to swear secrecy upon the holy crucifix."</p>
+
+<p>"It needs not, se&ntilde;or; your word of honour is as much as your oath.
+Though I am putting my life in your hands when I tell you that I have
+dared to read the words of my Lord Christ in my own tongue."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you then a heretic?" Carlos exclaimed, recoiling involuntarily, as
+one who suddenly sees the plague spot on the forehead of a friend whose
+hand he has been grasping.</p>
+
+<p>"That depends upon your notion of a heretic, se&ntilde;or. Many a better man
+than I has been branded with the name. Even the great preacher Don Fray
+Constantino, whom all the fine lords and ladies in Seville flock to
+hear, has often been called heretic by his enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"I have resided in Seville, and attended Fray Constantino's theological
+lectures," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Then your worship knows there is not a better Christian in all the
+Spains. And yet men say that he narrowly escaped a prosecution for
+heresy. But enough of what men say. Let us hear what God says for once.
+His words cannot lead us astray."</p>
+
+<p>"No; not the Holy Scriptures, properly expounded by learned and
+orthodox doctors. But heretics put their own construction upon the
+sacred text, which, moreover, they corrupt and interpolate."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or, you are a scholar; you can consult the original, and judge for
+yourself how far that charge is true."</p>
+
+<p>"But I do not want to read heretic writings."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I, se&ntilde;or. Yet I confess that I have read the words of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>my
+Saviour in my own tongue, which some misinformed or ignorant persons
+call heresy; and through them, to my soul's joy, I have learned to
+know Him and the Father. I am bold enough to wish the same knowledge
+yours, se&ntilde;or, that the same joy may be yours also." The poor man's eye
+kindled, and his features, otherwise homely enough, glowed with an
+enthusiasm that lent them true spiritual beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not unmoved. After a moment's pause he said, "If I could
+procure what you style God's Word in my own tongue, I do not say that I
+would refuse to read it. Should I discover any heretical mistranslation
+or interpolation, I could blot out the passage; or, it necessary, burn
+the book."</p>
+
+<p>"I can place in your hands this very hour the New Testament of our
+Saviour Christ, lately translated into Castilian by Juan Perez, a
+learned man, well acquainted with the Greek."</p>
+
+<p>"What! have you got it with you? In God's name bring it then; and at
+least I will look at it."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it truly in God's name, se&ntilde;or," said Juliano, as he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>During his absence Carlos pondered upon this singular adventure.
+Throughout his lengthened conversation with him, he had discerned no
+marks of heresy in the muleteer, except his possession of the Spanish
+New Testament. And being very proud of his dialectic acuteness, he
+thought he should certainly have discovered such had they existed.
+"He had need to be a clever heretic that would circumvent <i>me</i>," he
+said, with the vanity of a young and successful scholar. Moreover,
+his ten months' attendance on the lectures of Fray Constantino had,
+unconsciously to himself, somewhat imbued his mind with liberal ideas.
+He could have read the Vulgate at Alcala if he had cared to do so (only
+he never had); where then could be the harm of glancing, out of mere
+curiosity, at a Spanish translation from the same original?</p>
+
+<p>He regarded the New Testament in the light of some very <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>dangerous,
+though effective, weapon of the explosive kind; likely to overwhelm
+with terrible destruction the careless or ignorant meddler with its
+intricacies, and therefore wisely forbidden by the authorities; though
+in able and scientific hands, such as his own, it might be harmless and
+even useful.</p>
+
+<p>But it was a very different matter for the poor man who brought it
+to him. Was he, after all, a madman? Or was he a heretic? Or was he
+a great saint or holy hermit in disguise? But whatever his spiritual
+peril might or might not be, it was only too evident that he was
+incurring temporal dangers of a very awful kind. And perhaps he was
+doing so in the simplicity of ignorance. Carlos could not do less than
+warn him of them.</p>
+
+<p>He soon returned; and drawing a small brown volume from beneath his
+leathern jerkin, handed it to the young nobleman.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said Carlos kindly, as he took it from him, "do you know
+what you dare by offering this to me, or even by keeping it yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it well, se&ntilde;or," was the calm reply; and the muleteer's dark
+eye met his undauntedly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are playing a dangerous game. This time you are safe. But take
+care. You may try it once too often."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not, se&ntilde;or. I shall witness for my Lord just so often as he
+permits. When he has no more need of me, he will call me home."</p>
+
+<p>"God help you. I fear you are throwing yourself into the fire. And for
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>"For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the thirsty,
+light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and heavy-laden.
+Se&ntilde;or, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's silence he continued: "I leave within your hands the
+treasure brought at such cost. But God alone, by his Divine Spirit,
+can reveal to you its true worth. Se&ntilde;or, seek that Spirit. Nay, be not
+offended. You are very noble <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>and very learned; and it is a poor and
+ignorant man who speaks to you. But that poor man is risking his life
+for your soul's salvation; and thus he proves, at least, how true his
+desire to see you one day at the right hand of Christ, his King and
+Master. Adios, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>He bowed low; and before Carlos had sufficiently recovered from his
+astonishment to say a word in answer, he had left the room and closed
+the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange being!" thought Carlos; "but I shall talk with him again
+to-morrow." And ere he was aware, his eyelids were wet; for the courage
+and self-sacrifice of the poor muleteer had stirred some answering
+chord of emotion in his heart. Probably, in spite of all appearances to
+the contrary, he was a madman; or else he was a heretical fanatic. But
+he was a man willing to brave numberless sufferings (of which a death
+of torture was the last and least), to bring his fellow-men something
+which he imagined would make them happy. "The Church has no more
+orthodox son than I," said Don Carlos Alvarez; "but I shall read his
+book for all that."</p>
+
+<p>Then, the hour being late, he retired to rest, and slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>He did not rise exactly with the sun, and when he came forth from his
+chamber breakfast was already in preparation.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the muleteer who was here last night?" he asked Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"He was up and away at sunrise," she answered. "Fortunately, it is
+not my custom to stop in bed and see the sunshine; so I just caught
+him loading his mules, and gave him a piece of bread and cheese and
+a draught of wine. A smart little man he is, and one who knows his
+business."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I had seen him ere he left," said Carlos aloud. "Shall I ever
+look upon his face again?" he added mentally.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos Alvarez saw that face again, not by the ray of sun or moon, nor
+yet by the gleam of the student's lamp, but clear and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>distinct in a
+lurid awful light more terrible than Egyptian darkness, yet fraught
+with strange blessing, since it showed the way to the city of God,
+where the sun no more goes down, neither doth the moon withdraw herself.</p>
+
+<p>Juliano el Chico, otherwise Julian Hernandez, is no fancy sketch, no
+"character of fiction." It is matter of history that, cunningly stowed
+away in his alforjas, amongst the ribbons, laces, and other trifles
+that formed their ostensible freight, there was a large supply of
+Spanish New Testaments, of the translation of Juan Perez. And that, in
+spite of all the difficulties and dangers of his self-imposed task, he
+succeeded in conveying his precious charge safely to Seville.</p>
+
+<p>Our cheeks grow pale, our hearts shudder, at the thought of what he and
+others dared, that they might bring to the lips of their countrymen
+that living water which was truly "the blood of the men that went for
+it in jeopardy of their lives." More than jeopardy. Not alone did
+Juliano brave danger, he encountered certain death. Sooner or later,
+it was impossible that he should not fall into the pitiless grasp of
+that hideous engine of royal and priestly tyranny, called the Holy
+Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>We have no words in which to praise such heroism as his. We leave
+that&mdash;and we may be content to leave it&mdash;to Him whose lips shall one
+day pronounce the sublime award, "Well done, good and faithful servant;
+enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But in the view of such things
+done and suffered for his name's sake, there is another thought that
+presses on the mind. How real and great, nay, how unutterably precious,
+must be that treasure which men were found willing, at such cost, not
+only to secure for themselves, but even to impart to others.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX">IX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">El Dorado Found.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"So, the All-Great were the all-loving too&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;So, through the thunder comes a human voice,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Saying, O heart I made, a heart beats here!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But love I gave thee with myself to love,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And thou must love me who have died for thee!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>hree silent months stole away in the old castle of Nuera. No outward
+event affecting the fortunes of its inmates marked their progress.
+And yet they were by far the most important months Don Carlos had
+ever seen, or perhaps would ever see. They witnessed a change in him,
+mysterious in its progress but momentous in its results. An influence
+passed over him, mighty as the wind in its azure pathway, but, like it,
+visible only by its effects; no man could tell "whence it cometh or
+whither it goeth."</p>
+
+<p>Again it was early morning, a bright Sunday morning in September.
+Already Carlos stood prepared to go forth. He had quite discarded his
+student's habit, and was dressed like any other young nobleman, in a
+doublet and short cloak of Genoa velvet, with a sword by his side. His
+Breviary was in his hand, however, and he was on the point of taking
+up his hat when Dolores entered the room, bearing a cup of wine and a
+manchet of bread.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos shook his head, saying, "I intend to communicate. And you,
+Dolores," he added, "are you not also going to hear mass?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, se&ntilde;or; we will all attend our duty. But there is still time to
+spare; your worship sets us an example in the matter of early rising."</p>
+
+<p>"It were shame to lose such fair hours as these. Prithee, Dolores, and
+lest I forget, hast thou something savoury in the house for dinner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad I am to hear you ask, se&ntilde;or. Hitherto it has seemed alike to your
+Excellency whether they served you with a pottage of lentils or a stew
+of partridges. But since Diego had the good fortune to kill that buck
+on Wednesday, we are better than well provided. Your worship shall dine
+on roast venison to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"That will do. And if thou wouldst add some of the batter ware, in
+which thou art so skilful, it would be better still; for I intend to
+bring home a guest."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, the Saints help me, that is news! Without meaning offence, your
+worship might have told me before. Any noble caballero coming to these
+parts to visit you must needs have bed as well as board found him. And
+how can I, in three hours, more or less&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, be not alarmed, Dolores; no stranger is coming here. Only I wish
+to bring the cura home to dinner."</p>
+
+<p>Even the self-restrained Dolores could not repress an exclamation of
+surprise. For both the brothers had been accustomed to regard the
+ignorant vulgar cura of the neighbouring village with unmitigated
+dislike and contempt. In old times Dolores herself had sometimes tried
+to induce them to show him some trifling courtesies, "for their soul's
+health." They were willing enough to send "that beggar"&mdash;as Don Juan
+used to call him&mdash;presents of meat or game when they could, but these
+they would not have grudged to their worst enemy. To <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>converse with
+him, or to seat him at their table, was a very different matter. He was
+"no fit associate for noblemen," said the boys; and Dolores, in her
+heart, agreed with them. She looked at her young master to see whether
+he were jesting.</p>
+
+<p>"He likes a good dinner," Carlos added quietly. "Let us for once give
+him one."</p>
+
+<p>"In good faith, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, I cannot tell what has come to you.
+You must be about doing penance for your sins, though I will say no
+young gentleman of your years has fewer to answer for. Still, to please
+your whim, the cura shall eat the best we have, though beans and bacon
+would be more fitting fare for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, mother Dolores," said Carlos kindly. "In truth, neither Don
+Juan nor I had ever whim yet you did not strive to gratify."</p>
+
+<p>"And who would not do more than that for so pleasant and kind a young
+master?" thought Dolores, as she withdrew to superintend the cooking
+operations. "God's blessing and Our Lady's rest on him, and in sooth I
+think they do. Three months ago he came here looking like a corpse out
+of the grave, and fitter, as it seemed to me, to don his shroud than
+his priest's frock. But the free mountain air wherein he was born is
+bringing back the red to his cheek and the light to his eye, thank the
+holy Saints. Ah, if his lady mother could only see her gallant sons
+now!"</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Don Carlos leisurely took his way down the hill. Having
+abundance of time to spare, he chose a solitary, devious path through
+the cork-trees and the pasture land belonging to the castle. His heart
+was alive to every pleasant sight and sound that met his eye and ear;
+although, or rather because, a low, sweet song of thankfulness was all
+the while chanting itself within him.</p>
+
+<p>During his solitary walk he distinctly realized for the first time the
+stupendous change that had passed over him. For <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>such changes cannot
+be understood or measured until afterwards, perhaps not always then.
+Drawing from his pocket Juliano's little book, he clasped it in both
+hands. "<i>This</i>, God be thanked, has done it all, under him. And yet, at
+first, it added to my misery a hundred-fold." Then his mind ran back
+to the dreary days of helpless, almost hopeless wretchedness, when he
+first began its perusal. Much of it had then been quite unintelligible
+to him; but what he understood had only made his darkness darker still.
+He who had but just learned from that stern teacher, Life, the meaning
+of sorrow, learned from the pages of his book the awful significance
+of that other word, Sin. Bitter hours, never to be remembered without
+a shudder, were those that followed. Already prostrate on the ground
+beneath the weight of his selfish sorrow for the love that might never
+be his, cruel blows seemed rained upon him by the very hand to which
+he turned to lift him up. "All was his own fault," said conscience.
+But had conscience, enlightened by his book, said no more, he could
+have borne it. It was a different thing to recognize that all was his
+own <i>sin</i>&mdash;to feel more keenly every day that the whole current of his
+thoughts and affections was set in opposition to the will of God as
+revealed in that book, and illustrated in the life of him of whom it
+told.</p>
+
+<p>But this sickness of heart, deadly though it seemed, was not unto
+death. The Word had indeed proved a mirror, in which he saw his own
+face reflected with the lines and colours of truth. But it had a
+farther use for him. As he did not fling it away in despair, but still
+gazed on, at length he saw in its clear depths another Face&mdash;a Face
+radiant with divine majesty, yet beaming with tender love and pity. He
+whom the mirror thus gave back to him had been "not far" from him all
+his life; had been standing over against him, watching and waiting for
+the moment in which to reveal himself. At last that moment came. He
+looked up from the mirror to the real Face; from <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>the Word to him whom
+the Word revealed. He turned himself and said unto him, "Rabboni, which
+is to say, My Master." He laid his soul at his feet in love, in trust,
+in gratitude. And he knew then, not until then, that this was the
+"coming" to him, the "believing" on him, the receiving him, of which He
+spoke as the condition of life, of pardon, and of happiness.</p>
+
+<p>From that hour he possessed life, he knew himself forgiven, he was
+<i>happy</i>. This was no theory, but a fact&mdash;a fact which changed all his
+present and was destined to change all his future.</p>
+
+<p>He longed to impart the wonderful secret he had found. This longing
+overcame his contempt for the cura, and made him seek to win him by
+kindness to listen to words which perhaps might open for him also the
+same wonderful fountain of joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I am going to worship my Lord, afterwards I shall speak of him,"
+he said, as he crossed the threshold of the little village church.</p>
+
+<p>In due season the service was over. Its ceremonies did not pain or
+offend Carlos in any way; he took part in them with much real devotion,
+as acts of homage paid to his Lord. Still, if he had analyzed his
+feelings (which he did not), he would have found them like those of a
+king's child, who is obliged, on days of courtly ceremonial, to pay
+his father the same distant homage as the other peers of the realm,
+and yet knows that all this for him is but an idle show, and longs to
+throw aside its cumbrous pomp, and to rejoice once more in the free
+familiar intercourse which is his habit and his privilege. But that the
+ceremonial itself could be otherwise than pleasing to his King, he had
+not the most distant suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke kindly to the priest, and inquired by name after all the sick
+folk in the village, though in fact he knew more about them himself by
+this time than did Father Tomas.</p>
+
+<p>The cura's heart was glad when the catechism came to a ter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>mination so
+satisfactory as an invitation to dine at the castle. Whatever the fare
+might be&mdash;and his expectations were not extravagantly high&mdash;it could
+scarce fail to be an improvement on the olla of which he had intended
+to make his Sunday repast. Moreover, one favour from the castle might
+be the earnest of others; and favours from the castle, poor though its
+lords might be, were not to be despised. Nor was he ill at ease in the
+society of an accomplished gentleman, as a man just a little better
+bred would probably have been. A wealthy peasant's son, and with but
+scanty education, Father Tomas was so hopelessly vulgar that he never
+once imagined he was vulgar at all.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos bore as patiently as he could with his coarse manners, and
+conversation something worse than commonplace. Not until the repast
+was concluded did he find an opportunity of bringing forward the topic
+upon which he longed to speak. Then, with more tact than his guest
+could appreciate, he began by inquiring&mdash;as one himself intended for
+the priesthood might naturally do&mdash;whether he could always keep his
+thoughts from wandering while he was celebrating the holy mysteries of
+the faith.</p>
+
+<p>Father Tomas crossed himself, and answered that he was a sinner like
+other men, but that he tried to do his duty to our holy Mother Church
+to the best of his ability.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos remarked, that unless we ourselves know the love of God by
+experience we cannot love him, and that without love there is no
+acceptable service.</p>
+
+<p>"Most true, se&ntilde;or," said the priest, turning his eyes upwards. "As the
+holy St. Augustine saith. Your worship quotes from him, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"I have quoted nothing," said Carlos, beginning to feel that he was
+speaking to the deaf; "but I know the words of Christ." And then he
+spoke, out of a full heart, of Christ's work for us, of his love to us,
+and of the pardon and peace which those receive that trust him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But his listener's stolid face betrayed no interest, only a vague
+uneasiness, which increased as Carlos proceeded. The poor parish cura
+began to suspect that the clever young collegian meant to astonish and
+bewilder him by the exhibition of his learning and his "new ideas."
+Indeed, he was not quite sure whether his host was eloquently enlarging
+all the time upon Catholic truths, or now and then mischievously
+throwing out a few heretical propositions, in order to try whether he
+would have skill enough to detect them. Naturally, he did not greatly
+relish this style of entertainment. Nothing could be got from him save
+a cautious, "That is true, se&ntilde;or," or, "Very good, your worship;" and
+as soon as his notions of politeness would permit, he took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos marvelled greatly at his dulness; but soon dismissed him
+from his mind, and took his Testament out to read under the shade
+of the cork-trees. Ere long the light began to fade, but he sat
+there still in the fast deepening twilight. Thoughts and fancies
+thronged upon his mind; and dreams of the past sought, as even yet
+they often did, to reassert their supremacy over his heart. One of
+those apparently unaccountable freaks of memory, which we all know by
+experience, brought back to him suddenly the luscious perfume of the
+orange-blossoms, called by the Spaniards the azahar. Such fragrance had
+filled the air, and such flowers had been strewed upon his pathway,
+when last he walked with Donna Beatriz in the fairy gardens of the
+Alcazar of Seville.</p>
+
+<p>Keen was the pang that shot through his heart at the remembrance. But
+it was conquered soon. As he went in-doors he repeated the words he had
+just been reading, "'He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.' And <i>this</i> hunger of the soul, as
+well as every other, He can stay. Having him, I have all things.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'El dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+<p>Father, dear, unknown father, I have found the golden country! Not in
+the sense thou didst fondly seek, and I as fondly dream to find it. Yet
+the only true land of gold I have found indeed&mdash;the treasure unfailing,
+the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
+reserved in heaven for me."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X">X.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Dolores.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Oh, hearts that break and give no sign,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Save whitening lip and fading tresses;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Till death pours out his cordial wine,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Slow dropped from misery's crushing presses,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;If singing breath or echoing chord</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To every hidden pang were given,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;What endless melodies were poured,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">O.W. Holmes.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> great modern poet has compared the soul of man to a pilgrim who
+passes through the world staff in hand, never resting, ever pressing
+onwards to some point as yet unattained, ever sighing wearily, "Alas!
+that <i>there</i> is never <i>here</i>." And with deep significance adds his
+Christian commentator, "In Christ <i>there</i> is <i>here</i>."</p>
+
+<p>He who has found Christ "is already at the goal." "For he stills our
+innermost fears, and fulfils our utmost longings." "In him the dry
+land, the mirage of the desert, becomes living water." "He who knows
+him knows the reason of all things." Passing all along the ages, we
+might gather from the silent lips of the dead such words as these,
+bearing emphatic witness to what human hearts have found in him. Yet,
+after all, we would come back to his own grand and simple words, as
+best expressing the truth: "I am the bread of life;" "I will give you
+rest;" "In me ye shall have peace."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With the peace which he gave there came to Carlos a strange new
+knowledge also. The Testament, from its first page to its last, became
+intelligible to him. From a mere sketch, partly dim and partly blurred
+and blotted, it grew into a transparency through which light shone upon
+his soul, every word being itself a star.</p>
+
+<p>He often read his book to Dolores, though he allowed her to suppose it
+was Latin, and that he was improvising a translation for her benefit.
+She would listen attentively, though with a deeper shade of sadness on
+her melancholy face. Never did she volunteer an observation, but she
+always thanked him at the end in her usual respectful manner.</p>
+
+<p>These readings were, in fact, a trouble to Dolores. They gave her pain,
+like the sharp throbs that accompany the first return of consciousness
+to a frozen member, for they awakened feelings that had long been
+dormant, and that she thought were dead for ever. But, on the other
+hand, she was gratified by the condescension of her young master in
+reading aloud for her edification. She had gone through the world
+giving very largely out of her own large loving heart, and expecting
+little or nothing in return. She would most gladly have laid down her
+life for Don Juan or Don Carlos; yet she did not imagine that the
+old servant of the house could be to them much more than one of the
+oak tables or the carved chairs. That "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos" should take
+thought for her, and trouble himself to do her good, thrilled her with
+a sensation more like joy than any she had known for years. Little
+do those whose cups are so full of human love that they carry them
+carelessly, spilling many a precious drop as they pass along, dream how
+others cherish the few poor lees and remnants left to them.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover Carlos, in the eyes of Dolores, was half a priest already, and
+this lent additional weight, and even sacredness, to all that he said
+and did.</p>
+
+<p>One evening he had been reading to her, in the inner room <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>by the light
+of the little silver lamp. He had just finished the story of Lazarus,
+and he made some remark on the grateful love of Mary, and the costly
+sacrifice by which she proved it. Tears gathered in the dark wistful
+eyes of Dolores, and she said with sudden and, for her, most unusual
+energy, "That was small wonder. Any one would do as much for him that
+brought the dear dead back from the grave."</p>
+
+<p>"He has done a greater thing than even that for each of us," said
+Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But Dolores withdrew into her ordinary self again, as some timid
+creature might shrink into its shell from a touch. "I thank your
+Excellency," she said, rising to withdraw, "and I also make my
+acknowledgments to Our Lady, who has inspired you with such true piety,
+suitable to your holy calling."</p>
+
+<p>"Stay a little, Dolores," said Carlos, as a sudden thought occurred to
+him; "I marvel it has so seldom come into my mind to ask you about my
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or. When you were both children, I used to wonder that you and
+Don Juan, while you talked often together of my lord your father, had
+scarce a thought at all of your lady mother. Yet if she had lived <i>you</i>
+would have been her favourite, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"And Juan my father's," said Carlos, not without a slight pang of
+jealousy. "Was my noble father, then, more like what my brother is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;or; he was bold and brave. No offence to your Excellency, for
+one you love I warrant me <i>you</i> could be brave enough. But he loved
+his sword and his lance and his good steed. Moreover, he loved travel
+and adventure greatly, and never could bear to abide long in the same
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he not make a voyage to the Indies in his youth?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did; and then he fought under the Emperor, both in Italy, and in
+Africa against the Moors. Once His Imperial Majesty sent him on some
+errand to Leon, and there he first <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>met my lady. Afterwards he crossed
+the mountains to our home, and wooed and won her. He brought her, the
+fairest young bride eyes could rest on, to Seville, where he had a
+stately palace on the Alameda."</p>
+
+<p>"You must have grieved to leave your mountains for the southern city."</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or, I did not grieve. Wherever your lady mother dwelt was home
+to me. Besides, 'a great grief kills all the rest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you had known sorrow before. I thought you lived with our house
+from your childhood."</p>
+
+<p>"Not altogether; though my mother nursed yours, and we slept in the
+same cradle, and as we grew older shared each other's plays. At seven
+years old I went home to my father and mother, who were honest,
+well-to-do people, like all my forbears&mdash;good 'old Christians,' and
+noble&mdash;they could wear their caps in the presence of His Catholic
+Majesty. They had no girl but me, so they would fain have me ever in
+their sight. For ten years and more I was the light of their eyes; and
+no blither lass ever led the goats to the mountain in summer, or spun
+wool and roasted chestnuts at the winter fire. But, the year of the
+bad fever, both were stricken. Christmas morning, with the bells for
+early mass ringing in my ears, I closed my father's eyes; and three
+days afterwards, set the last kiss on my mother's cold lips. Nigh upon
+five-and-twenty years ago,&mdash;but it seems like yesterday. Folks say
+there are many good things in the world, but I have known none so good
+as the love of father and mother. Ay de mi, se&ntilde;or, <i>you</i> never knew
+either."</p>
+
+<p>"When your parents died, did you return to my mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"For half a year I stayed with my brother. Though no daughter ever shed
+truer tears over the grave of better parents, I was not then quite
+broken-hearted. There was another love to whisper hope, and to keep me
+from desolation. He&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>Alphonso ('tis years and years since I uttered
+the name save in my prayers) had gone to the war, telling me he would
+come back and claim me for his bride. So I watched for him hour by
+hour, and toiled and spun, and spun and toiled, that I might not go
+home to him empty-handed. But at last a lad from our parish, who had
+been a comrade of his, returned and told me all. <i>He</i> was lying on the
+bloody field of Marignano, with a French bullet in his heart. Se&ntilde;or,
+the sisters you read of could 'go to the grave and weep there.' And yet
+the Lord pitied them."</p>
+
+<p>"He pities all who weep," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"All good Christians, he may. But though an old Christian, I was not
+a good one. For I thought it bitter hard that my candle should be
+quenched in a moment, like a wax taper when the procession is done.
+And it came often into my mind how the Almighty, or Our Lady, or the
+Saints, could have helped me if they would. May they forgive me; it is
+hard to be religious."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think so."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is not hard to learned gentlemen who have been at the
+colleges. But how can simple men and women tell whether they are
+keeping all the commandments of God and Holy Church? It well may be
+that I had done something, or left something undone, whereby Our Lady
+was displeased."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not Our Lady, but our Lord himself, who holds the keys of hell
+and of death," said Carlos, gaining at the moment a new truth for his
+own heart. "None enter the gates of death, as none shall come forth
+through them, save at his command. But go on, Dolores, and tell me how
+did comfort come to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Comfort never came to me, se&ntilde;or. But after a time there came a kind
+of numbness and hardness that helped me to live my life as if I cared
+for it. And your lady mother (God rest her soul!) showed me wondrous
+kindness in my sorrow. It <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>was then she took me to be her own maiden.
+She had me taught many things, such as reading and various cunning
+kinds of embroidery, that I might serve her with them, she said; but I
+well knew they were meant to turn my heart away from its own aching. I
+went with her to Seville. I could be glad for her, se&ntilde;or, that God had
+given her the good thing he had denied to me. At last it came to be
+almost like joy to me to see the great deep love there was between your
+father and her."</p>
+
+<p>This was a degree of unselfishness beyond the comprehension of Carlos
+just then. He felt his own wound throb painfully, and was not sorry
+to turn the conversation. "Did my parents reside long in Seville?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not long, se&ntilde;or. Their life there was a gay one, as became their rank
+and wealth (for, as your worship knows, your father had a noble estate
+then). But soon they both grew tired of the gay world. My lady ever
+loved the free mountains, and my lord&mdash;I scarce can tell what change
+passed over him. He lost his care for the tourney and the dance, and
+betook himself instead to study. Both were glad to withdraw to this
+quiet spot. Here your brother Don Juan was born; and for nigh a year
+afterwards no lord and lady could have led a happier and, at the same
+time, more pious and orderly life, than did your noble parents."</p>
+
+<p>The thoughtful eye of Carlos turned to the inscription on the window,
+and kindled with a strange light. "Was not this room my father's
+favourite place of study?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It was, se&ntilde;or. Of course, the house was not then as it now is. Though
+simple enough, after the Seville palace with its fountains and marble
+statues, and doors grated with golden network, it was still a seemly
+dwelling-place for a noble lord and lady. There was glass in all the
+windows then, though through neglect and carelessness it has been
+broken (even your worship may remember how Don Juan sent an arrow
+through a quarrel-pane in the west window one day), so we thought it
+best to remove the traces."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"My parents led a pious life, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly they did, se&ntilde;or. They were good and charitable to the poor; and
+they spent much of their time reading holy books, as you do now. Ay de
+mi! what was wrong with them I know not, save that perhaps they were
+scarce careful enough to give Holy Church all her dues. And I used
+sometimes to wish that my lady would show more devotion to the blessed
+Mother of God. But she <i>felt</i> it all, no doubt; only it was not her
+way, nor my lord's either, to be for ever running about on pilgrimage
+or offering wax candles, nor yet to keep the father confessor every
+instant with his ear to their lips."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started, and turned an earnest inquiring gaze upon her. "Did my
+mother ever read to you as I have done?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"She sometimes read me good words out of the Breviary, se&ntilde;or. All
+thing went on thus, until one day when a letter came from the Emperor
+himself (as I believe), desiring your father to go to him, to Antwerp.
+The matter was to be kept very private, but my lady used to tell me
+everything. My lord thought he was to be sent on some secret mission
+where skill was needed, and perchance peril was to be met. For it
+was well known that he loved such affairs, and was dexterous in the
+management of them. So he parted cheerily from my lady, she standing
+at the gate yonder, and making little Don Juan kiss hands to him as he
+rode down the path. Woe for the poor babe, that never saw his father's
+face again! And worse woe for the mother! But death heals all things,
+except sin.</p>
+
+<p>"After three weeks or a month, more or less, two monks of St. Dominic
+rode to the gates one day. The younger stayed without in the hall with
+us; while the elder, a man of stern and stately presence, had private
+audience of my lady in this chamber where we sit now&mdash;a place of death
+it has seemed to me ever since. For the audience had not lasted long
+until I heard a cry&mdash;such a cry!&mdash;it rings in my ears even now. I
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>hastened to my lady. She had swooned&mdash;and long, long was it before
+sense returned again. Do not keep looking at me, se&ntilde;or, with eyes so
+like hers, or I cannot tell you more."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she speak? Did she reveal anything to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Nothing</i>, se&ntilde;or. During the days that followed, only things without
+meaning or connection, such as those in fever speak, or broken words of
+prayer, were on her lips. Until the very last, and then she was worn
+and weak, and could but receive the rites of the Church, and whisper
+a few directions about the poor babes. She bade us give you the name
+you bear, since <i>he</i> had said that his next boy should be called for
+the great Emperor. Then she prayed very earnestly, 'Lord, take him
+Thyself&mdash;take him Thyself!' Doctor Marco, who was present, thought she
+meant the poor little new-born babe&mdash;supposing, and no wonder, that it
+would be better tended in heaven by Our Lady and the angels, than here
+on earth. But I <i>know</i> it was not you she thought of."</p>
+
+<p>"My poor mother&mdash;God rest her soul! Nay, I doubt not that now she rests
+in God," Carlos added, softly.</p>
+
+<p>"And so the curse fell on your house, se&ntilde;or; and in such sorrow were
+you born. Yet you grew up merry lads, you and Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to thy care and kindness, well-beloved and faithful nurse. But,
+Dolores, tell me truly&mdash;have you never heard anything further of, or
+from, my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"From him, never. Of him, that I believed, <i>never</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you believe?" Carlos asked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing, se&ntilde;or. I have heard all that your worship has heard,
+and no more."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it is true&mdash;what we have all been told&mdash;of his death in
+the Indies?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing, se&ntilde;or," Dolores repeated, with the air of a person
+determined to <i>say</i> nothing.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos would not allow her to escape thus. Both had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>gone too far
+to leave the subject without probing it to its depths. And both felt
+instinctively that it was not likely again to be discussed between
+them. Laying his hand on her arm, and looking steadily in her face, he
+asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dolores, are you sure my father is dead?"</p>
+
+<p>Seemingly relieved by the form the question had taken, she met his gaze
+without flinching, and answered in tones of evident sincerity, "Sure as
+that I sit here&mdash;so help me God." After a long pause she added, as she
+rose to go, "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, be not offended if I counsel you this
+once, since I held you a babe in my arms, and you will find none that
+loves you better&mdash;if a poor old woman may say so to a young and noble
+caballero."</p>
+
+<p>"Say all you think to me, my dear and kind nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, se&ntilde;or, I say, leave vain thoughts and questions about your
+father's fate. 'There are no birds in last year's nests;' and 'Water
+that has run by will turn no mill.' And I entreat of you to repeat the
+same to your noble brother when you find opportunity. Look before you,
+se&ntilde;or, and not behind; and God's best blessings rest on you!"</p>
+
+<p>Dolores turned to go, but turning back again, stood irresolute.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Dolores?" Carlos asked; hoping, perhaps, for some further
+glimmer of light upon that dark past, from which she implored him to
+turn his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos&mdash;" and she paused and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything for you?" said Carlos, in a kind, encouraging tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or, that you can. With your learning and your good Book, surely
+you can tell me whether the soul of my poor Alphonso, dead on the
+battle-field without shrift or sacrament, has yet found rest with God?"</p>
+
+<p>Thus the true woman's heart, though so full of sympathy for <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>others,
+still turned back to its own sorrow, which lay deepest of all.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos felt himself unexpectedly involved in a difficulty. "My book
+tells me nothing on the subject," he said, after some thought. "But I
+am sure you may be comforted, after all these years, during which you
+have diligently prayed, and sought the Church's prayers for him."</p>
+
+<p>The long eager gaze of her wistful eyes asked mournfully, "Is this
+<i>all</i> you can tell me?" But her lips only said, "I thank your
+Excellency," as she withdrew.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI">XI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Light Enjoyed.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Doubt is slow to clear and sorrow is hard to bear,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And each sufferer has his say, his scheme of the weal and the woe;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The rest may reason and welcome, 'tis we musicians <i>know</i>."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapb"><span class="hide">B</span></span>ewildering were the trains of thought which the conversation just
+narrated awakened in the mind of Carlos. On the one hand, a gleam
+of light was shed upon his father's career, suggesting a possible
+interpretation of the inscription on the window, that thrilled his
+heart with joy. On the other, the termination of that career was
+involved in even deeper obscurity than before; and he was made to feel,
+more keenly than ever, how childish and unreal were the dreams which he
+and his brother had been wont to cherish upon the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, Dolores, just before she left him, had drawn a bow at a
+venture, and most unintentionally sent a sharp arrow through a joint
+in his harness. Why could he find no answer to a question so simple
+and natural as the one she had asked him? Why did the Book, which had
+solved so many mysteries for him, shed not a ray of light upon this
+one? Whence this ominous silence of the apostles and evangelists upon
+so many things that the Church most loudly proclaimed? Where, in his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>Book, was purgatory to be found at all? Where was the adoration of the
+Virgin and the saints? Where were works of supererogation? But here
+he started in horror, as one who suddenly saw himself on the brink of
+a precipice. Or rather, as one dwelling secure and contented within
+a little circle of light and warmth, to whom such questions came as
+intimations of a chaos surrounding it on every side, into which a
+chance step might at any moment plunge him.</p>
+
+<p>Most earnestly he entreated that the Lord of his life, the Guide of
+his spirit, would not let him go forth to wander there. He prayed,
+expressly and repeatedly, that the doubts which began to trouble him
+might be laid and silenced. His prayer was answered, as all true prayer
+is sure to be, but it was not <i>granted</i>. He whose love is strong
+and deep enough to work out its good purpose in us even against the
+pleadings of our own hearts, saw that his child must needs pass through
+"a land of darkness" to reach the clearer light beyond. Conflicts
+fierce and terrible must be his portion, if indeed he were to take his
+place amongst those "called and chosen and faithful" ones who, having
+stood beside the Lamb in his contest with Antichrist, shall stand
+beside him on the sea of glass mingled with fire.</p>
+
+<p>Already Carlos was in training for that contest&mdash;though as yet he knew
+not that there was any contest before him, save the general "striving
+against sin" in which all Christians have to take part. For the joy
+of the Lord is the Christian's strength in the day of battle. And he
+usually prepares those faithful soldiers whom he means to set in the
+forefront of the hottest battle, by previously bestowing that joy upon
+them in very full measure. He who is willing to "sell all that he
+hath," must first have found a treasure, and what "the joy thereof" is
+none else may declare.</p>
+
+<p>In this joy Carlos lived now; and it was as yet too fresh and new to be
+greatly disturbed by haunting doubts or perplexing <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>questions. These,
+for the present, came and passed like a breath upon a surface of molten
+gold, scarcely dimming its lustre for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>It had become his great wish to receive Orders as soon as possible,
+that he might consecrate himself more entirely to the service of his
+Lord, and spread abroad the knowledge of his love more widely. With
+this view, he determined on returning to Seville early in October.</p>
+
+<p>He left Nuera with regret, especially on account of Dolores, who had
+taken a new place in his consideration, and even in his affections,
+since he had begun to read to her from his Book. And, though usually
+very calm and impassive in manner, she could scarcely refrain from
+tears at the parting. She entreated him, with almost passionate
+earnestness, to be very prudent and careful of himself in the great
+city.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, who saw no special danger likely to menace him, save such as
+might arise from his own heart, felt tempted to smile at her foreboding
+tone, and asked her what she feared for him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," she pleaded, with clasped hands, "for the love
+of God, take care; and do not be reading and telling your good words to
+every one you meet. For the world is an ill place, your worship, where
+good is ofttimes evil-spoken of."</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear for me," returned Carlos, with his frank, pleasant smile.
+"I have found nothing in my Book but the most Catholic verities, which
+will be useful to all and hurtful to none. But of course I shall be
+prudent, and take due care of my words, lest by any extraordinary
+chance they might be misinterpreted. So that you may keep your mind at
+peace, dear Mother Dolores."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XII" id="XII">XII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Light Divided from the Darkness.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I felt and feel, what'er befalls,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The footsteps of thy life in mine."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>n the glorious autumn weather, Don Carlos rode joyfully through cork
+and chestnut groves, across bare brown plains, and amidst gardens
+of pale olives and golden orange globes shining through dark glossy
+leaves. He had long ago sent back to Seville the guard with which his
+uncle had furnished him, so that his only companion was a country
+youth, trained by Diego to act as his servant. But although he passed
+through the very district afterwards immortalized by the adventures of
+the renowned Don Quixote, no adventure fell to his lot. Unless it may
+count for an adventure that near the termination of his journey the
+weather suddenly changed, and torrents of ruin, accompanied by unusual
+cold, drove him to seek shelter.</p>
+
+<p>"Ride on quickly, Jorge," he said to his attendant, "for I remember
+there is a venta<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> by the roadside not far off. A poor place truly,
+where we are little likely to find a supper. But we shall find a roof
+to shelter us and fire to warm us, and these at present are our most
+pressing needs."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the venta, they were surprised to see the lazy landlord
+so far stirred out of his usual apathy as to busy himself in trying
+to secure the fastening of the outer door, that it might not swing
+backwards and forwards in the wind, to the great discomfort of all
+within the house. The proud indifferent Spaniard looked calmly up from
+his task, and remarked that he would do all in his power to accommodate
+his worship. "But unfortunately, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, a <i>very</i>
+great and principal nobleman has just arrived here, with a most
+distinguished train of fine caballeros&mdash;his lordship's gentlemen and
+servants; and kitchen, hall, and chamber are as full of them as a hive
+is full of bees."</p>
+
+<p>This was evil news to Carlos. Proud, sensitive, and shy, there could
+be nothing more foreign to his character than to throw himself into
+the society of a person who, though really only his equal in rank, was
+so much his superior in all that lends rank its charm in the eyes of
+the vulgar. "We had better push on to Ecija," said he to his reluctant
+attendant, bravely turning his face to the storm, and making up his
+mind to ten miles more in drenching rain.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, however, a tall figure emerged from the inner door,
+opening into the long room behind the stable and kitchen, that formed
+the only tolerable accommodation the one-storied venta afforded.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, se&ntilde;or, you do not intend to go further in this storm," said
+the nobleman, whose fine thoughtful countenance Carlos could not but
+fancy that he had seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not far to Ecija, se&ntilde;or," returned Carlos, bowing. "And 'First
+come first served,' is an excellent proverb."</p>
+
+<p>"The first-comer has certainly one privilege which I am not disposed
+to waive&mdash;that of hospitably welcoming the second. Do me the favour to
+come in, se&ntilde;or. You will find an excellent fire."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos could not decline an invitation so courteously given. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>He was
+soon seated by the wood fire that blazed on the hearth of the inner
+room, exchanging compliments, in true Spanish fashion, with the
+nobleman who had welcomed him so kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Though no one could doubt for an instant the strangers possession of
+the pure "sangre azul,"<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> yet his manners were more frank and easy and
+less ceremonious than those to which Carlos had been accustomed in the
+exclusive and privileged class of Seville society&mdash;a fact accounted for
+by the discovery, afterwards made, that he was horn and educated in
+Italy.</p>
+
+<p>"I have the pleasure of recognizing Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya," said he. "I hope the babe about whom his worship showed such
+amiable anxiety recovered from its indisposition?"</p>
+
+<p>This then was the personage whom Carlos had seen in such close
+conversation with the physician Losada. The association of ideas
+immediately brought back the mysterious remark about his father he
+had overheard on that occasion. Putting that aside, however, for the
+present, he answered, "Perfectly, I thank your grace. We attribute the
+recovery mainly to the skill and care of the excellent Dr. Cristobal
+Losada."</p>
+
+<p>"A gentleman whose medical skill cannot be praised too highly,
+except, indeed, it were exalted at the expense of his other excellent
+qualities, and particularly his charity to the poor."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heartily acquiesced, and added some instances of the physician's
+kindness to those who could not recompense him again. They were new to
+his companion, who listened with interest.</p>
+
+<p>During this conversation supper was laid. As the principal guest had
+brought his own provisions with him, it was a comfortable and plentiful
+repast. Carlos, ere he sat down, left the room to re-arrange his
+dress, and found opportunity to ask the innkeeper if he knew the noble
+strangers name.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"His Excellency is a great noble from Castile," returned mine host,
+with an air of much importance. "His name, as I am informed, is Don
+Carlos de Seso; and his illustrious lady, Do&ntilde;a Isabella, is of the
+blood royal."</p>
+
+<p>"Where does he reside?"</p>
+
+<p>"His gentlemen tell me, principally at one of his fine estates in the
+north, Villamediana they call it. He is also corregidor<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> of Toro.
+He has been visiting Seville upon business of importance, and is now
+returning home."</p>
+
+<p>Pleased to be the guest of such a man (for in fact he was his guest),
+Carlos took his seat at the table, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. An
+hour's intercourse with a man who had read and travelled much, but had
+thought much more, was a rare treat to him. Moreover, De Seso showed
+him all that fine courtesy which a youth so highly appreciates from a
+senior, giving careful attention to every observation he hazarded, and
+manifestly bringing the best of his powers to bear on his own share of
+the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke of Fray Constantino's preaching, with an enthusiasm that made
+Carlos regret that he had been hitherto such an inattentive hearer.
+"Have you seen a little treatise by the Fray, entitled 'The Confession
+of a Sinner'?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos having answered in the negative, his new friend drew a tract
+from the pocket of his doublet, and gave it to him to read while he
+wrote a letter.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, after the manner of eager, rapid readers, plunged at once into
+the heart of the matter, disdaining beginnings.</p>
+
+<p>Almost the first words upon which his eyes fell arrested his attention
+and drew him irresistibly onwards. "Such has been the pride of man,"
+he read, "that he aimed at being God; but so great was thy compassion
+towards him in his fallen state, that thou abasedst thyself to become
+not only of the rank of men, but a true man, and the least of men,
+taking upon thee <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>the form of a servant, that thou mightest set me at
+liberty, and that by means of thy grace, wisdom, and righteousness,
+man might obtain more than he had lost by his ignorance and pride....
+Wast thou not chastised for the iniquity of others? Has not thy blood
+sufficient virtue to wash out the sins of all the human race? Are not
+thy treasures more able to enrich me than all the debt of Adam to
+impoverish me? Lord, although I had been the only person alive, or the
+only sinner in the world, thou wouldst not have failed to die for me.
+O my Saviour, I would say, and say it with truth, that I individually
+stand in need of those blessings which thou hast given to all. What
+though the guilt of all had been mine? thy death is all mine. Even
+though I had committed all the sins of all, yet would I continue to
+trust thee, and to assure myself that thy sacrifice and pardon is all
+mine, though it belong to all."</p>
+
+<p>So far he read in silence, then the tract fell from his hand, and an
+involuntary exclamation broke from his lips&mdash;"Passing strange!"</p>
+
+<p>De Seso paused, pen in hand, and looked up surprised. "What find you
+'passing strange,' se&ntilde;or?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That he&mdash;that Fray Constantino should have felt precisely what&mdash;what
+he describes here."</p>
+
+<p>"That such a holy man should feel so deeply his own utter sinfulness?
+But you are doubtless aware that the holiest saints in all ages have
+shared this experience. St. Augustine, for instance, with whose
+writings so ripe a theological scholar is doubtless well acquainted."</p>
+
+<p>"Such," returned Carlos, "are not worse than others; but they know what
+they are as others do not."</p>
+
+<p>"True. Tried by the standard of God's perfect law, the purest life must
+appear a miserable failure. We may call the marble of our churches and
+dwellings white, until we see God's snow, pure and fresh from heaven,
+upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or," said Carlos, with joyful eagerness; "but the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>Hand that
+points out the stains can cleanse them. No snow is half so pure as the
+linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints."</p>
+
+<p>It was De Seso's turn to be astonished now. In the look that, half
+leaning over the table, he bent upon the eager face of Carlos, surprise
+and emotion blended. For a moment their eyes met with a flash, like
+that which flint strikes from steel, of mutual intelligence and
+sympathy. But it passed again as quickly. De Seso said, "I suspect
+that I see in you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, one of those admirable scholars
+who have devoted their talents to the study of that sacred language in
+which the words of the holy apostles are handed down to us. You are a
+Grecian?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos shook his head. "Greek is but little studied at Complutum now,"
+he said, "and I confined myself to the usual theological course."</p>
+
+<p>"In which, I have heard, your success has been brilliant. But it is a
+sore disgrace to us, and a heavy loss to the youth of our nation, that
+the language of St. John and St. Paul should be deemed unworthy of
+their attention."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency is aware that it was otherwise in former years,"
+returned Carlos. "Perhaps the present neglect is owing to the suspicion
+of heresy which, truly or falsely, has attached itself to most of the
+accomplished Greek scholars of our time."</p>
+
+<p>"A miserable misapprehension; the growth of monkish ignorance and envy,
+and popular superstition. Heresy is a convenient stigma with which men
+ofttimes brand as evil the good they are incapable of comprehending."</p>
+
+<p>"Most true, se&ntilde;or. Even Fray Constantino has not escaped."</p>
+
+<p>"His crime has been, that he has sought to turn the minds of men from
+outward acts and ceremonies to the great spiritual truths of which
+these are the symbols. To the vulgar, Religion is nothing but a series
+of shows and postures."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Carlos; "but the heart that loves God, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>and truly
+believes in our Lord and Saviour, is taught to put such in their
+proper place. 'These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
+undone.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," said De Seso, with surprise he could no longer
+suppress, "you are evidently a devout and earnest student of the
+Scriptures."</p>
+
+<p>"I search the Scriptures; in them I think I have eternal life. And they
+testify of Christ," promptly responded the less cautious youth.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that you do not quote the Vulgate."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled. "No, se&ntilde;or. To a man of your enlightened views I am
+not afraid to acknowledge the truth. I have seen&mdash;nay, why should I
+hesitate?&mdash;I possess a rare treasure&mdash;the New Testament of our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus Christ in our own noble Castilian tongue."</p>
+
+<p>Even through the calm and dignified deportment of his companion Carlos
+could perceive the thrill that this communication caused. There was
+a pause; then he said softly, "And your treasure is also mine." The
+low quiet words came from even greater depths of feeling than the
+eager tremulous tones of Carlos. For <i>his</i> convictions, slowly reached
+and dearly purchased, were "built below" the region of the soul that
+passions agitate,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Based on the crystalline sea</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Of thought and its eternity."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>The heart of Carlos glowed with sudden ardent love towards the man
+who shared his treasure, and, he doubted not, his faith also. He
+could joyfully have embraced him on the spot. But the force of habit
+and the sensitive reserve of his character checked this impetuous
+demonstrativeness. He only said, with a look that was worth an embrace,
+"I knew it. Your Excellency spoke as one who held our Lord and his
+truth in honour."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Ella es pues honor a vosotros que creeis.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It would have been hard to begin a verse that Carlos could not at this
+time have instantly completed. He went on: "<i>Mas para los que no creen,
+la piedra que los edificatores reprobaron</i>."<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p>
+
+<p>"A sorrowful truth," said De Seso, "which my young friend must needs
+bear in mind. His Word, like himself, is rejected by the many. Its very
+mention may expose to obloquy and danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Only another instance, se&ntilde;or, of those lamentable prejudices about
+heresy about which we spoke anon. I am aware that there are those that
+would brand me (<i>me</i>, a scholar too!) with the odious name of heretic,
+merely for reading God's Word in my own tongue. But how utterly absurd
+the charge! The blessed Book has but confirmed my faith in all the
+doctrines of our holy Mother Church."</p>
+
+<p>"Has it?" said De Seso, quietly, perhaps a little drily.</p>
+
+<p>"Most assuredly, se&ntilde;or," Carlos rejoined, with warmth. "In fact I never
+understood, or, I may say, truly believed those holy verities until
+now. Beginning with the Credo itself, and the orthodox Catholic faith
+in our Lord's divinity and atonement."</p>
+
+<p>Here their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the
+attendants, who removed supper, replenished the lamp, and heaped fresh
+chestnut logs on the fire. But as soon as the room was cleared they
+returned eagerly to subjects so interesting to both.</p>
+
+<p>"Our salvation rests," said De Seso, "upon the great cardinal truths
+you have named. By the faith which receives into your heart the
+atonement of Christ as a work done for you, you are justified."</p>
+
+<p>"I am forgiven, and I shall be justified."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, se&ntilde;or; Scripture teaches that your justification is already
+complete. Therefore, <i>being justified by faith</i>, we have peace with
+God."</p>
+
+<p>"But that cannot surely be the apostle's meaning," said Carlos, "Ay de
+mi! I know too well that I am not yet completely justified. Far from
+it; evil thoughts throng my heart; and not with heart alone, but with
+lips, eyes, hands, I transgress daily."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Yet, you see, peace can only be consequent on justification. And peace
+you have."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked perplexed. Misled by the teaching of his Church, he
+confused justification with sanctification; consequently he could
+not legitimately enjoy the peace that ought to flow from the one as
+a complete and finished work, because the other necessarily remained
+imperfect.</p>
+
+<p>De Seso explained that the word justify is never used in Scripture in
+its derivative sense, to <i>make</i> righteous; but always in its common and
+universally accepted sense, to <i>account</i> or <i>declare</i> righteous. Quite
+easily and naturally he glided into the teacher's place, whilst Carlos
+gladly took that of the learner; not, indeed, without astonishment at
+the layman's skill in divinity, but with too intense an interest in
+what he said to waste much thought upon his manner of saying it.</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto he had been like an unlearned man, who, without guide or
+companion, explores the trackless shores of a newly-discovered land.
+Should such an one meet in his course a scientific explorer, who has
+mapped and named every mountain, rock, and bay, who has traced out
+the coast-line, and can tell what lies beyond the white hills in the
+distance, it is easy to understand the eagerness with which he would
+listen to his narrative, and the intentness with which he would bend
+over the chart in which the scene of his own journeyings lies portrayed.</p>
+
+<p>Thus De Seso not only taught Carlos the true meaning of Scripture
+terms, and the connection of Scripture truths with each other; he also
+made clear to him the facts of his own experience, and gave names to
+them for him.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I understand now," said Carlos after a lengthened
+conversation, in which, moving from point to point, he had sug<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>gested
+many doubts and not a few objections, and these in turn had been taken
+up and answered by his friend. "God be thanked, there is no more
+condemnation, no more punishment for us. Nothing, either in act or
+suffering, can be added to the work of Christ, which is complete."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, now you have grasped the truth which is the source of our joy and
+strength."</p>
+
+<p>"It must then be our sanctification which suffering promotes, both in
+this life and in purgatory."</p>
+
+<p>"All God's dealings with us in this life are meant to promote our
+sanctification. Joy may do it, by his grace, as well as sorrow. It is
+written, not alone, 'He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger,' but
+also, 'He fed thee with manna, to teach the secret of life in him, from
+him, and by him.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But suffering is purifying&mdash;like fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Not in itself. Criminals released from the galleys usually come forth
+hardened in their crimes by the lash and the oar."</p>
+
+<p>Having said this, De Seso rose and extinguished the expiring lamp,
+while Carlos remained thoughtfully gazing into the fire. "Se&ntilde;or,"
+he said, after a long pause, during which the stream of thought ran
+continuously underground, to reappear consequently in an unexpected
+place&mdash;"Se&ntilde;or, do you think God's Word, which solves so many mysteries,
+can answer every question for us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Scarcely. Some questions we may ask, of which the answers, in our
+present state, would be beyond our comprehension. And others may
+indeed be answered there, but we may miss the answers, because through
+weakness of faith we are not yet able to receive them."</p>
+
+<p>"For instance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had rather not name an instance&mdash;at present," said De Seso, and
+Carlos thought his face had a sorrowful look as he gazed at it in the
+firelight.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not willingly miss anything my Lord meant to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>teach. I desire
+to know <i>all</i> his will, and to follow it," Carlos rejoined earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be that you know not what you desire. Still, name any question
+you wish; and I will tell you freely whether in my judgment God's Word
+contains an answer."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stated the difficulty suggested by the inquiry of Dolores. Who
+can tell the exact moment when his bark leaves the gently-flowing river
+for the great deep ocean? That of Carlos, on the instant when he put
+this question, was met by the first wave of the mighty sea upon which
+he was to be tossed by many a storm. But he did not know it.</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you as to the silence of God's Word about purgatory,"
+returned his friend; and for some time both gazed into the fire without
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"This and similar discoveries have sometimes given me, I own, a feeling
+of blank disappointment, and even of terror," said Carlos at length.
+For with him it was one of those rare hours in which a man can bear
+to translate into words the "dark misgivings" of the soul, usually
+unacknowledged even to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say," was the answer, "that the thought of passing through
+the gate of death into the immediate presence of my glorified Lord
+affects me with 'blank disappointment' or 'terror.'"</p>
+
+<p>"How?&mdash;What do you say?" cried Carlos, starting visibly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' 'To depart and to be
+with Christ is far better.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But it was San Pablo, the great apostle and martyr, who said that. For
+us,&mdash;we have the Church's teaching," Carlos rejoined in quick, anxious
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, I venture to think that, in the face of all you have
+learned from God's Word, you will find it a task somewhat of the
+hardest to prove purgatory."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," said Carlos; and immediately he bounded into <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>the
+arena of controversy, laid his lance in rest, and began an animated
+tilting-match with his new friend, who was willing (of course, thought
+Carlos, for argument's sake alone, and as an intellectual exercise) to
+personate a Lutheran antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>But not a few doughty champions have met the stern reality of a bloody
+death in the mimic warfare of the tilting-field. At every turn Carlos
+found himself answered, baffled, confounded. Yet, how could he, how
+dared he, acknowledge defeat, even to himself, when with the imperilled
+doctrine so much else must fall? What would become of private masses,
+indulgences, prayers for the dead? Nay, what would become of the
+infallibility of Mother Church herself?</p>
+
+<p>So he fought desperately. Fear, ever increasing, quickened his
+preceptions, baptized his lips with eloquence, made his sense acute
+and his memory retentive. Driven at last from the ground of Scripture
+and reason, he took his stand upon that of scholastic divinity. Using
+the weapons with which he had been taught to play so deftly for once
+in terrible earnest, he spun clever syllogisms, in which he hoped to
+entangle his adversary. But De Seso caught the flimsy webs in the naked
+hand of his strong sense, and crushed them to atoms.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos knew that the battle was lost. "I can say no more," he
+acknowledged, sorrowfully bowing his head.</p>
+
+<p>"And what I have said&mdash;is it not in accordance with the Word of God?"</p>
+
+<p>With a cry of dismay on his lips, Carlos turned and looked at him&mdash;"God
+help us! Are we then Lutherans?"</p>
+
+<p>"It may be Christ is asking another question&mdash;Are we amongst those who
+follow him <i>whithersoever</i> he goeth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not <i>there</i>&mdash;not to <i>that</i>!" cried Carlos, rising in his agitation
+and beginning to pace the room. "I abhor heresy&mdash;I eschew the thought.
+From my cradle I have done so. Anywhere but that!"</p>
+
+<p>Pausing at last in his walk before the place where De Seso <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>sat, he
+asked, "And you, se&ntilde;or, have you considered whither this would lead?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have. I do not ask thee to follow. But this I say: if Christ bids
+any man leave the ship and come to him upon these dark and stormy
+waters, he will stretch out his own right hand to uphold and sustain
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"To leave the ship&mdash;his Church? That would be leaving him. And leaving
+him, I am lost, soul and body&mdash;lost&mdash;lost!"</p>
+
+<p>"Fear not. At his feet, clinging to him, soul of man was never lost
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"I will cleave to him, and to the Church too."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, if one must be forsaken, let not that one be Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, <i>never</i>&mdash;so help me God!" After a pause he added, as if
+speaking to himself, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
+eternal life."</p>
+
+<p>He stood motionless, wrapt in thought; while De Seso rose softly, and
+going to the window, put aside the rude shutter that had been fastened
+across it.</p>
+
+<p>"The night is bright," said Carlos dreamily. "The moon must have risen."</p>
+
+<p>"That is daylight you see," returned his companion with a smile. "Time
+for wayfarers to seek rest in sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Prayer is better than sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"True, and we who own the same precious faith can well unite in prayer."</p>
+
+<p>With the willing consent of Carlos, his new friend laid their common
+desires and perplexities before God. The prayer was in itself a
+revelation to him; he forgot even to wonder that it came from the lips
+of a layman. For De Seso spoke as one accustomed to converse with the
+Unseen, and to enter by faith to the inner sanctuary, the very presence
+of God himself. And Carlos found that it was good thus to draw nigh
+to God. He felt his troubled soul returning to its rest, to its quiet
+con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>fidence in Him who, he knew, would guide him by his counsel, and
+afterwards receive him into glory.</p>
+
+<p>When they rose, instinctively their right hands sought each other, and
+were locked in that strong grasp which is sometimes worth more than an
+embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"We have confidence each in the other," said De Seso, "so that we need
+exchange no pledge of faithfulness or secrecy."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos bowed his head. "Pray for me, se&ntilde;or," he said. "Pray that God,
+who sent you here to teach me, may in his own time complete the work he
+has begun."</p>
+
+<p>Then both lay down in their cloaks; one to sleep, the other to ponder
+and pray.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning each went his several way. And never was it given to
+Carlos, in this world, to look upon that face or to grasp that hand
+again.</p>
+
+<p>He who had thus crossed his path, as it were for a moment, was perhaps
+the noblest of all the heroic band of Spanish martyrs, that forlorn
+hope of Christ's army, who fought and fell "where Satan's seat was."
+His high birth and lofty station, his distinguished abilities, even
+those more superficial graces of person and manner which are not
+without their strong fascination, were all&mdash;like the precious ointment
+with the odour of which the house was filled&mdash;consecrated to the
+service of the Lord for whom he lived and died. The eye of imagination
+lingers with special and reverential love upon that grand calm figure.
+But our simple story leads us far away amongst other scenes and other
+characters. We must now turn to a different part of the wide missionary
+harvest-field, in which the lowly muleteer Juliano Hernandez, and the
+great noble Don Carlos de Seso, were both labouring. Was their labour
+in vain?</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIII" id="XIII">XIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Seville.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There is a multitude around,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Responsive to my prayer;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I hear the voice of my desire</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Resounding everywhere."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Carlos felt surprised, on returning to Seville, to find the circle
+in which he had been wont to move exactly as he left it. His absence
+appeared to him a great deal longer than it really was. Moreover,
+there lurked in his mind an undefined idea that a period so fraught
+with momentous change to him could not have passed without change over
+the heads of others. But the worldly only seemed more worldly, the
+frivolous more frivolous, the vain more vain than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Around the presence of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz there still hung a sweet dangerous
+fascination, against which he struggled, and, in the strength of his
+new and mighty principle of action, struggled successfully. Still, for
+the sake of his own peace, he longed to find some fair pretext for
+making his home elsewhere than beneath his uncle's roof.</p>
+
+<p>One great pleasure awaited his return&mdash;a letter from Juan. It was the
+second he had received; the first having merely told of his brother's
+safe arrival at the headquarters of the royal army <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>at Cambray. Don
+Juan had obtained his commission just in time for active service in
+the brief war between France and Spain that immediately followed the
+accession of Philip II. And now, though he said not much of his own
+exploits, it was evident that he had already begun to distinguish
+himself by the prompt and energetic courage which was a part of his
+character. Moreover, a signal piece of good fortune had fallen to his
+lot. The Spaniards were then engaged in the siege of St. Quentin.
+Before the works were quite completed, the French General&mdash;the
+celebrated Admiral Coligny&mdash;managed to throw himself into the town
+by a brilliant and desperate <i>coup-de-main</i>. Many of his heroic band
+were killed or taken prisoners, however; and amongst the latter was a
+gentleman of rank and fortune, a member of the admiral's suite, who
+surrendered his sword into the hands of young Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>Juan was delighted with his prize, as he well might be. Not only was
+the distinction an honourable one for so young a soldier; but the
+ransom he might hope to receive would serve very materially to smooth
+his pathway to the attainment of his dearest wishes.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was now able to share his brother's joy with unselfish sympathy.
+With a peculiar kind of pleasure, not quite unmixed with superstition,
+he recalled Juan's boyish words, more than once repeated, "When I go
+to the wars, I shall make some great prince or duke my prisoner." They
+had found a fair, if not exactly literal, fulfilment, and that so early
+in his career. And a belief that had grown up with him from childhood
+was strengthened thereby. Juan would surely accomplish everything upon
+which his heart was set. Certainly he would find his father&mdash;if that
+father should prove to be after all in the land of the living.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was warmly welcomed back by his relatives&mdash;at least by all of
+them save one. To a mild temper and amiable disposition he united the
+great advantage of rivalling no man, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>and interfering with no man's
+career. At the same time, he had a well-defined and honourable career
+of his own, in which he bid fair to be successful; so that he was
+not despised, but regarded as a credit to the family. The solitary
+exception to the favourable sentiments he inspired was found in the
+bitter disdain which Gonsalvo, with scarcely any attempt at disguise,
+exhibited towards him.</p>
+
+<p>This was painful to him, both because he was sensitively alive to the
+opinions of others; and also because he actually preferred Gonsalvo,
+notwithstanding his great and glaring faults, to his more calculating
+and worldly-minded brothers. Force of any kind possesses a real
+fascination for an intellectual and sympathetic, but rather weak
+character; and this fascination grows in intensity when the weaker has
+a reason to pity and a desire to help the stronger.</p>
+
+<p>It was not altogether grace, therefore, which checked the proud words
+that often rose to the lips of Carlos in answer to his cousin's sneers
+or sarcasms. He was not ignorant of the cause of Gonsalvo's contempt
+for him. It was Gonsalvo's creed that a man who deserved the name
+always got what he wanted, or died in the attempt; unless, of course,
+absolutely insuperable physical obstacles interfered, as they did in
+his own case. As he knew well enough what Carlos wanted before his
+departure from Seville, the fact of his quietly resigning the prize,
+without even an effort to secure it, was final with him.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when Carlos had returned a forbearing answer to some taunt,
+Do&ntilde;a Inez, who was present, took occasion to apologize for her brother,
+as soon as he had quitted the room. Carlos liked Do&ntilde;a Inez much better
+than her still unmarried sister, because she was more generous and
+considerate to Beatriz. "You are very good, amigo mio," she said,
+"to show so great forbearance to my poor brother. And I cannot think
+wherefore he should treat you so uncourteously. But he is often rude to
+his brothers, sometimes even to his father."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I fear it is because he suffers. Though rather less helpless than he
+was six months ago, he seems really more frail and sickly."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi, that is too true. And have you heard his last whim? He tells
+us he has given up physicians for ever. He has almost as ill an opinion
+of them as&mdash;forgive me, cousin&mdash;of priests."</p>
+
+<p>"Could you not persuade him to consult your friend, Doctor Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have tried, but in vain. To speak the truth, cousin," she added,
+drawing nearer to Carlos, and lowering her voice, "there is another
+cause that has helped to make him what he is. No one knows or even
+guesses aught of it but myself; I was ever his favourite sister. If I
+tell you, will you promise the strictest secrecy?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did so; wondering a little what his cousin would think could she
+surmise the weightier secrets which were burdening his own heart.</p>
+
+<p>"You have heard of the marriage of Do&ntilde;a Juana de Xeres y Bohorques with
+Don Francisco de Vargas?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and I account Don Francisco a very fortunate man."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you acquainted with the young lady's sister, Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have met her. A fair, pale, queenly girl. She is not fond of gaiety,
+but very learned and very pious, as I have been told."</p>
+
+<p>"You will scarce believe me, Don Carlos, when I tell you that pale,
+quiet girl is Gonsalvo's choice, his dream, his idol. How she contrived
+to gain that fierce, eager young heart, I know not&mdash;but hers it is, and
+hers alone. Of course, he had passing fancies before; but she was his
+first serious passion, and she will be his last."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled. "Red fire and white marble," he said. "But, after all,
+the fiercest fire could not feed on marble. It must die out, in time."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"From the first, Gonsalvo had not the shadow of a chance," Do&ntilde;a Inez
+replied, with an expressive flutter of her fan. "I have not the least
+idea whether the young lady even knows he loves her. But it matters
+not. We are Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya; still we could not expect a grandee of
+the first order to give his daughter to a younger son of our house.
+Even before that unlucky bull-feast. <i>Now</i>, of course, he himself would
+be the first to say, 'Pine-apple kernels are not for monkeys,' nor fair
+ladies for crippled caballeros. And yet&mdash;you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Carlos; and in truth he <i>did</i> understand, far better than
+Do&ntilde;a Inez imagined.</p>
+
+<p>She turned to leave the room, but turned back again to say kindly, "I
+trust, my cousin, your own health has not suffered from your residence
+among those bleak inhospitable mountains? Don Gar&ccedil;ia tells me he has
+seen you twice, since your return, coming forth late in the evening
+from the dwelling of our good Se&ntilde;or Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>There was a sufficient reason for these visits. Before they parted, De
+Seso had asked Carlos if he would like an introduction to a person in
+Seville who could give him further instruction upon the subjects they
+had discussed together. The offer having been thankfully accepted,
+he was furnished with a note addressed, much to his surprise, to the
+physician Losada; and the connection thus begun was already proving a
+priceless boon to Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But nature had not designed him for a keeper of secrets. The colour
+mounted rapidly to his cheek, as he answered,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am flattered by my lady cousin's solicitude for me. But, I thank
+God, my health is as good as ever. In truth, Doctor Cristobal is
+a man of learning and a pleasant companion, and I enjoy an hour's
+conversation with him. Moreover, he has some rare and valuable books,
+which he is kind enough to lend me."</p>
+
+<p>"He is certainly very well-bred, for a man of his station," said Do&ntilde;a
+Inez, condescendingly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not resume his attendance upon the lectures of Fray
+Constantino at the College of Doctrine; but when the voice of the
+eloquent preacher was heard in the cathedral, he was never absent.
+He had no difficulty <i>now</i> in recognizing the truths that he loved
+so well, covered with a thin veil of conventional phraseology. All
+mention, not absolutely necessary, of dogmas peculiarly Romish was
+avoided, unless when the congregation were warned earnestly, though
+in terms well-studied and jealously guarded, against "risking their
+salvation" upon indulgences or ecclesiastical pardons. The vanity of
+trusting to their own works was shown also; and in every sermon Christ
+was faithfully held up before the sinner as the one all-sufficient
+Saviour.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos listened always with rapt attention, usually with keen delight.
+Often would he look around him upon the sea of earnest upturned faces,
+saying within himself, "Many of these my brethren and sisters have
+found Christ&mdash;many more are seeking him;" and at the thought his heart
+would thrill with thankfulness. But even at that moment some word from
+the preacher's lips might change his joy into a chill of apprehension.
+It frequently happened that Fray Constantino, borne onward by the
+torrent of his own eloquence, was betrayed into uttering some sentiment
+so very nearly heretical as to make his hearer tingle with the peculiar
+sense of pain that is caused by seeing one rush heedlessly to the verge
+of a precipice.</p>
+
+<p>"I often thank God for the stupidity of evil men and the simplicity of
+good ones," Carlos said to his new friend Losada, after one of these
+dangerous discourses.</p>
+
+<p>For by this time, what De Seso had first led him to suspect, had
+become a certainty with him. He knew himself <i>a heretic</i>&mdash;a terrible
+consciousness to sink into the heart of any man in those days,
+especially in Catholic Spain. Fortunately the revelation had come to
+him gradually; and still more gradually came the knowledge of all that
+it involved. Yet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>those were sorrowful hours in which he first felt
+himself cut off from every hallowed association of his childhood and
+youth; from the long chain of revered tradition, which was all he knew
+of the past; from the vast brotherhood of the Church visible&mdash;that
+mighty organization, pervading all society, leavening all thought,
+controlling all custom, ruling everything in this world, even if not
+in the next. His own past life was shattered: the ambitions he had
+cherished were gone&mdash;the studies he had excelled and delighted in were
+proved for the most part worse than vain. It is true that he believed,
+even still, that he might accept priestly ordination from the hands
+of Rome (for the idolatry of the mass was amongst the things not yet
+revealed to him); but he could no longer hope for honour or preferment,
+or what men call a career, in the Church. Joy enough would it be if
+he were permitted, in some obscure corner of the land, to tell his
+countrymen of a Saviour's love; and perpetual watchfulness, extreme
+caution, and the most judicious management would be necessary to
+preserve him&mdash;as hitherto they had preserved Fray Constantino&mdash;from the
+grasp of the Holy Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>To us, who read that word in the lurid light that martyr fires kindled
+after this period have flung upon it, it may seem strange that Carlos
+was not more a prey to fear of the perils entailed by his heresy.
+But so slowly did he pass out of the stage in which he believed
+himself still a sincere Catholic into that in which he shudderingly
+acknowledged that he was in very truth a Lutheran, that the shock
+of the discovery was wonderfully broken to him. Nor did he think
+the danger that menaced him either near or pressing, so long as he
+conducted himself with reserve and prudence.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that this reserve involved a degree of secrecy, if not of
+dissimulation, that was fast becoming very irksome. Formerly the kind
+of fencing, feinting, and doubling into which he was often forced,
+would rather have pleased him, as affording scope for the exercise of
+ingenuity. But his moral nature was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>growing so much more sensitive,
+that he began to recoil from slight departures from truth, in which
+heretofore he would only have seen a proper exercise of the advantage
+which a keen and quick intellect possesses over dull ones. Moreover,
+he longed to be able to speak freely to others of the things which he
+himself found so precious.</p>
+
+<p>Though quite sufficiently afraid of pain and danger, the thought of
+disgrace was still more intolerable to him. Keener than any suffering
+he had yet known&mdash;except the pang of renouncing Beatriz&mdash;was the
+consciousness that all those amongst whom he lived, and who now
+respected and loved him, would, if they guessed the truth, turn away
+from him with unutterable scorn and loathing.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when walking in the city with his aunt and Do&ntilde;a Sancha, they
+turned down a side-street to avoid meeting the death procession of a
+murderer on his way to the scaffold. The crime for which he suffered
+had been notorious; and with the voluble exclamations of horror and
+congratulations at getting safely out of the way to which the ladies
+gave expression, were mingled prayers for the soul of the miserable
+man. "If they knew all," thought Carlos, as the slight, closely-veiled
+forms clung trustingly to him for protection, "they would think <i>me</i>
+worse, more degraded, than yon wretched being. They pity <i>him</i>, they
+pray for <i>him</i>; <i>me</i> they would only loathe and execrate. And Juan, my
+beloved, my honoured brother&mdash;what will he think?" This last thought
+was the one that haunted him most frequently and troubled him most
+deeply.</p>
+
+<p>But had he nothing to counter-balance these pangs of fear and shame,
+these manifold dark misgivings? He had much. First and best, he had
+the peace that passeth all understanding shed abroad in his heart. Its
+light did not grow pale and faint with time; on the other hand, it
+increased in brightness and steadiness, as new truths arose like stars
+upon his soul, every new truth being in itself "a new joy" to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Moreover, he found keen enjoyment in the communion of saints. Great was
+his surprise when, after sufficiently instructing him in private, and
+satisfactorily testing his sincerity, Losada cautiously revealed to him
+the existence of a regularly-organized Lutheran Church in Seville, of
+which he himself was actually the pastor. He invited Carlos to attend
+its meetings, which were held, with due precaution, and usually after
+nightfall, in the house of a lady of rank&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos readily accepted the perilous invitation, and with deep emotion
+took his place amongst the band of "called, chosen, and faithful" men
+and women, every one of whom, as he believed, shared the same joys and
+hopes that he did. They were not at all such a "little band" as he
+expected to find them. Nor were they, with very few exceptions, of the
+poor of this world. If that bright southern land, so rich in all that
+kindles the imagination, eventually to her own ruin rejected the truth
+of God, at least she offered upon his altar some of her choicest and
+fairest flowers. Many of those who met in Do&ntilde;a Isabella's upper room
+were "chief men" and "devout and honourable women." Talent, learning,
+excellence of every kind was largely represented there; so also was
+the <i>sangre azul</i>, the boast of the proud Spanish grandees. One of
+the first faces that Carlos recognized was the sweet, thoughtful one
+of the young Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques, whose precocious learning and
+accomplishments had often been praised in his hearing, and in whom he
+had now a new and peculiar interest.</p>
+
+<p>There were two noblemen of the first order&mdash;Don Domingo de Guzman, son
+of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon, son of the
+Count of Baylen. Carlos had often heard of the munificent charities of
+the latter, who had actually embarrassed his estates by his unbounded
+liberality to the poor. But while Ponce de Leon was thus labouring
+to relieve the sorrows of others, a deep sadness brooded over his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>own spirit. He was wont to go forth by night, and pace up and down
+the great stone platform in the Prado San Sebastian, that bore the
+ghastly name of the Quemadero, or <i>Burning-place</i>, while in his heart
+the shadow of death&mdash;the darkest shadow of the dreadest death&mdash;was
+struggling with the light of immortality.</p>
+
+<p>Did the rest of that devoted band share the agony of apprehension that
+filled those lonely midnight hours with passionate prayer? Some amongst
+them did, no doubt. But with most, the circumstances and occupations
+of daily life wove, with their multitudinous slender threads, a veil
+dense enough to hide, or at least to soften, the perils of their
+situation. The Protestants of Seville contrived to pass their lives
+and to do their work side by side with other men; they moved amongst
+their fellow-citizens and were not recognized; they even married and
+were given in marriage; though all the time there fell upon their daily
+paths the shadow of the grim old fortress where the Holy Inquisition
+held its awful secret court.</p>
+
+<p>But then, at this period the Holy Inquisition was by no means
+exhibiting its usual terrible activity. The Inquisitor-General,
+Fernando de Valdez, Archbishop of Seville, was an old man of
+seventy-four, relentless when roused, but not particularly
+enterprising. Moreover, he was chiefly occupied in amassing enormous
+wealth from his rich and numerous Church preferments. Hitherto, the
+fires of St. Dominic had been kindled for Jews and Moors; only one
+Protestant had suffered death in Spain, and Valladolid, not Seville,
+had been the scene of his martyrdom. Seville, indeed, had witnessed two
+notable prosecutions for Lutheranism&mdash;that of Rodrigo de Valer and that
+of Juan Gil, commonly called Dr. Egidius. But Valer had been only sent
+to a monastery to die, while, by a disgraceful artifice, retraction had
+been obtained from Egidius.</p>
+
+<p>During the years that had passed since then, the Holy Office had
+appeared to slumber. Victims who refused to eat pork, or kept Sabbath
+on Saturday, were growing scarce for obvious <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>reasons. And not yet had
+the wild beast "exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron and his
+nails of brass," begun to devour a nobler prey. Did the monster, gorged
+with human blood, really slumber in his den; or did he only assume the
+attitude and appearance of slumber, as some wild beasts are said to do,
+to lure his unwary victims within the reach of his terrible crouch and
+spring?</p>
+
+<p>No one can certainly tell; but however it may have been, we doubt not
+the Master used the breathing-time thus afforded his Church to prepare
+and polish many a precious gem, destined to shine through all ages in
+his crown of glory.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIV" id="XIV">XIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Monks of San Esodro.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The earnest of eternal joy</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">In every prayer I trace;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I see the likeness of the Lord</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">In every patient face.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;How oft, in still communion known,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Those spirits have been sent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To share the travail of my soul,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Or show me what it meant."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t is amongst the perplexing conditions of our earthly life, that we
+cannot first reflect, then act; first form our opinions, then, and
+not till then, begin to carry them out into practice. Thought and
+action have usually to run beside each other in parallel lines; a
+terrible necessity, and never more terrible than during the progress of
+momentous inward changes.</p>
+
+<p>A man becomes convinced that the star by which he has hitherto been
+steering is not the true pole-star, and that if he perseveres in his
+present course his barque will inevitably be lost. At his peril,
+he must find out the one unerring guide; yet, while he seeks it,
+his hand must not for an instant quit his hold on the helm, for the
+winds of circumstance fill his sails, and he cannot choose whether he
+will go, he can <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>only choose where. This lies at the root of much of
+the apparent inconsistency which has often been made a reproach to
+reformers.</p>
+
+<p>Though Carlos did not feel this difficulty as keenly as some of his
+brethren in the faith, he yet felt it. His uncle was continually
+pressing him to take Orders, and to seek for this or that tempting
+preferment; whilst every day he had stronger doubts as to the
+possibility of his accepting any preferment in the Church, and was even
+beginning to entertain scruples about taking Orders at all.</p>
+
+<p>During this period of deliberation and uncertainty, one of his new
+friends, Fray Cassiodoro, an eloquent Jeromite friar, who assisted
+Losada in his ministrations, said to him, "If you intend embracing a
+religious life, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, you will find the white tunic and
+brown mantle of St. Jerome more to your taste than any other habit."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos pondered the hint; and shortly afterwards announced to his
+relatives that he intended to "go into retreat" for a season, at the
+Jeromite Convent of San Isodro del Campo, which was about two miles
+from Seville.</p>
+
+<p>His uncle approved this resolution; and none the less, because he
+thought it was probably intended as a preparation for taking the cowl.
+"After all, nephew, it may turn out that you have the longest head
+amongst us," he said. "In the race for wealth and honours, no man can
+doubt that the Regulars beat the Seculars now-a-days. And there is
+not a saint in all the Spains so popular as St. Jerome. You know the
+proverb,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'He who is a count, and to be a duke aspires,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Let him straight to Guadaloupe, and sing among the friars.'"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo, who was present, here looked up from his book and observed
+sharply,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No man will ever be a duke who changes his mind three times within
+three months."</p>
+
+<p>"But I only changed my mind once," returned Carlos.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You have never changed it at all, that I wot of," said Don Manuel.
+"And I would that thine were turned in the same profitable direction,
+son Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes! By all means. Offer the blind and the lame in sacrifice. Put
+Heaven off with the wreck of a man that the world will not condescend
+to take into her service."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, son born to cross me!" said the father, losing his
+temper at by no means the worst of the many provocations he had
+recently received. "Is it not enough to look at thee lying there a
+useless log, and to suffer thy vile temper; but thou must set thyself
+against me, when I point out to thee the only path in which a cripple
+such as thou could earn green figs to eat with his bread, not to speak
+of supporting the rank of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya as he ought."</p>
+
+<p>Here Carlos, out of consideration for the feelings of Gonsalvo, left
+the room; but the angry altercation between the father and son lasted
+long after his departure.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Don Carlos rode out, by a lonely path amidst the gray
+ruins of old Italica, to the stately castellated convent of San
+Isodro. Amidst all his new interests, the young Castilian noble still
+remembered with due enthusiasm how the building had been reared, more
+than two hundred years ago, by the devotion of the heroic Alonzo Guzman
+the Good, who gave up his own son to death, under the walls of Tarifa,
+rather than surrender the city to the Moors.</p>
+
+<p>Before he left Seville, he placed a copy of Fray Constantino's "Sum of
+Christian Doctrine" between two volumes of Gonsalvo's favourite "Lope
+de Vega." He had previously introduced to the notice of the ladies
+several of the Fray's little treatises, which contained a large amount
+of Scripture truth, so cautiously expressed as to have not only escaped
+the censure, but actually obtained the express approbation of the Holy
+Office. He had also induced them occasionally to accompany him to the
+preachings at the Cathedral. Further than this he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>dared not go; nor
+did he on other accounts think it advisable, as yet, to permit himself
+much communication with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>The monks of San Isodro welcomed him with that strong, peculiar
+love which springs up between the disciples of the same Lord, more
+especially when they are a little flock surrounded by enemies. They
+knew that he was already one of the initiated, a regular member of
+Losada's congregation. Both this fact, and the warm recommendations of
+Fray Cassiodoro, led them to trust him implicitly; and very quickly
+they made him a sharer in their secrets, their difficulties, and their
+perplexities.</p>
+
+<p>To his astonishment, he found himself in the midst of a community,
+Protestant in heart almost to a man, and as far as possible acting out
+their convictions; while at the same time they retained (how could they
+discard them?) the outward ceremonies of their Church and their Order.</p>
+
+<p>He soon fraternized with a gentle, pious young monk named Fray
+Fernando, and asked him to explain this extraordinary state of things.</p>
+
+<p>"I am but just out of my novitiate, having been here little more than
+a year," said the young man, who was about his own age; "and already,
+when I came, the fathers carefully instructed the novices out of the
+Scriptures, exhorting us to lay no stress upon outward ceremonies,
+penances, crosses, holy water, and the like. But I have often heard
+them speak of the manner in which they were led to adopt these views."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was their teacher? Fray Cassiodoro?"</p>
+
+<p>"Latterly; not at first. It was Dr. Blanco who sowed the first seed of
+truth here."</p>
+
+<p>"Whom do you mean? We in the city give the name of Dr. Blanco (the
+white doctor), from his silver hairs, to a man of your holy order,
+certainly, but one most zealous for the old faith. He is a friend
+and confidant of the Inquisitors, if indeed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>he is not himself a
+Qualificator of Heresy:<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> I speak of Dr. Gar&ccedil;ias Ari&acirc;s."</p>
+
+<p>"The same man. You are astonished, se&ntilde;or; nevertheless it is true.
+The elder brethren say that when he came to the convent all were sunk
+in ignorance and superstition. The monks cared for nothing but vain
+repetitions of unfelt prayers, and showy mummeries of idle ceremonial.
+But the white doctor told them all these would avail them nothing,
+unless their hearts were given to God, and they worshipped him in
+spirit and in truth. They listened, were convinced, began to study the
+Holy Scriptures as he recommended them, and truly to seek Him who is
+revealed therein."</p>
+
+<p>"'Out of the eater came forth meat,'" said Carlos. "I am truly amazed
+to hear of such teaching from the lips of Gar&ccedil;ias Ari&acirc;s."</p>
+
+<p>"Not more amazed than the brethren were by his after conduct," returned
+Fray Fernando. "Just when they had received the truth with joy, and
+were beginning heartily to follow it, their teacher suddenly changed
+his tone, and addressed himself diligently to the task of building up
+the things that he once destroyed. When Lent came round, the burden of
+his preaching was nothing but penance and mortification of the flesh.
+No less would content him than that the poor brethren should sleep on
+the bare ground, or standing; and wear sackcloth and iron girdles. They
+could not tell what to make of these bewildering instructions. Some
+followed them, others clung to the simpler faith they had learned to
+love, many tried to unite both. In fact, the convent was filled with
+confusion, and several of the brethren were driven half distracted.
+But at last God put it into their hearts to consult Dr. Egidius. Your
+Excellency is well acquainted with his history, doubtless?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Not so well as I should like to be. Still, for the present, let us
+keep to the brethren. Did Dr. Egidius confirm their faith?"</p>
+
+<p>"That he did, se&ntilde;or; and in many ways he led them into a further
+acquaintance with the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"And that enigma, Dr. Blanco?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Fernando shook his head. "Whether his mind was really changed, or
+whether he concealed his true opinions through fear, or through love of
+the present world, I know not. I should not judge him."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Carlos, softly. "It is not for us, who have never been
+tried, to judge those who have failed in the day of trial. But it must
+be a terrible thing to fail, Fray Fernando."</p>
+
+<p>"As good Dr. Egidius did himself. Ah, se&ntilde;or, if you had but seen him
+when he came forth from his prison! His head was bowed, his hair was
+white; they who spoke with him say his heart was well-nigh broken.
+Still he was comforted, and thanked God, when he saw the progress the
+truth had made during his imprisonment, both in Valladolid and in
+Seville, especially amongst the brethren here. His visit was of great
+use to us. But the most precious boon we ever received was a supply of
+God's Word in our own tongue, which was brought to us some months ago."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked at him eagerly. "I think I know whose hand brought it,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot fail to know, se&ntilde;or. You have doubtless heard of Juliano El
+Chico?"</p>
+
+<p>The colour rose to the cheek of Carlos as he answered, "I shall thank
+God all my life, and beyond it, that I have not heard of him alone, but
+met him. He it was who put this book into my hand," and he drew out his
+own Testament.</p>
+
+<p>"We also have good cause to thank him. And we mean that others
+shall have it through us. For the books he brought <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>we not only use
+ourselves, but diligently circulate far and wide, according to our
+ability."</p>
+
+<p>"It is strange to know so little of a man, and yet to owe him so much.
+Can you tell me anything more than the name, Juliano Hernandez, which I
+repeat every day when I ask God in my prayers to bless and reward him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only know he is a poor, unlearned man, a native of Villaverda, in
+Campos. He went to Germany, and entered the service of Juan Peres, who,
+as you are aware, translated the Testament, and printed it, Juliano
+aiding in the work as compositor. He then undertook, of his own free
+will, the task of bringing a supply into this country; you well know
+how perilous a task, both the sea-ports and the passes of the Pyrenees
+being so closely watched by the emissaries of the Holy Office. Juliano
+chose the overland journey, since, knowing the mountains well, he
+thought he could manage to make his way unchallenged by some of their
+hazardous, unfrequented paths. God be thanked, he arrived in safety
+with his precious freight early last summer."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where he is now?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Doubtless he is wandering somewhere, perhaps not far distant,
+carrying on, in darkness and silence, his noble missionary work."</p>
+
+<p>"What would I give&mdash;rather, what would I not give&mdash;to see him once
+more, to take his hand in mine, and to thank him for what he has done
+for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there is the vesper bell. You know, se&ntilde;or, that Fray Cristobal is
+to lecture this evening on the Epistle to the Hebrews. That is why I
+love Tuesday best of all days in the week."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Cristobal D'Arellano was a monk of San Isodro, remarkable for his
+great learning, which was consecrated to the task of explaining and
+spreading the Reformed doctrines. Carlos put himself under the tuition
+of this man, to perfect his knowledge of Greek, a language of which he
+had learned very <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>little, and that little very imperfectly, at Alcala.
+He profited exceedingly by the teaching he received, and partially
+repaid the obligation by instructing the novices in Latin, a task which
+was very congenial to him, and which he performed with much success.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XV" id="XV">XV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Great Sanbenito.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The thousands that, uncheered by praise,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Have made one offering of their days;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For Truth's, for Heaven's, for Freedom's sake,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Resigned the bitter cup to take."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapy"><span class="hide">Y</span></span>oung as was the Protestant Church in Seville, she already had her
+history. There was one name that Carlos had heard mentioned in
+connection with her first origin, round which there gathered in his
+thoughts a peculiar interest, or rather fascination. He knew now that
+the monks of San Isodro had been largely indebted to the instructions
+of Doctor Juan Gil, or Egidius. And he had been told previously that
+Egidius himself had learned the truth from an earlier and bolder
+witness, Rodrigo de Valer. This was the name that Losada once coupled
+in his hearing with that of his own father.</p>
+
+<p>Why then had he not sought information, which might have proved so
+deeply interesting to him, directly from Losada himself, his friend
+and teacher? Several causes contributed to his reluctance to broach
+the subject. But by far the greatest was a kind of chivalrous, half
+romantic tenderness for that absent brother, whom he could now truly
+say that he loved best on earth. It is very difficult for us to put
+ourselves in the position <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>of Spaniards of the sixteenth century, so
+far as at all to understand the way in which they were accustomed to
+look upon heresy. In their eyes it was not only a crime, infinitely
+more dreadful than that of murder; it was also a horrible disgrace,
+branding a man's whole lineage up and down for generations, and
+extending its baleful influence to his remotest kindred. Carlos asked
+himself, day by day, how would the high-hearted Don Juan Alvarez, whose
+idol was glory, and his dearest pride a noble and venerated name,
+endure to hear that his beloved and only brother was stained with that
+surpassing infamy? But at least it would be anguish enough to stab Juan
+once, as it were, with his own hand, without arming the dead hand of
+the father whose memory they both revered, and then driving home the
+weapon into his brother's heart. Rather would he let the matter remain
+in obscurity, even if (which was extremely doubtful) he could by any
+effort of his own shed a ray of light upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Still he took occasion one day to inquire of his friend Fray Fernando,
+who had received full information on these subjects from the older
+monks, "Was not that Rodrigo de Valer, whose sanbenito hangs in the
+Cathedral, the first teacher of the pure faith in Seville?"</p>
+
+<p>"True, se&ntilde;or, he taught many. While he himself, as I have heard,
+received the faith from none save God only."</p>
+
+<p>"He must have been a remarkable man. Tell me all you know of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Our Fray Cassiodoro has often heard Dr. Egidius speak of him; so that,
+though his lips were silenced long before your time or mine, se&ntilde;or, he
+seems still one of our company."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, already some of our number have joined the Church triumphant, but
+they are still one with us in Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Rodrigo de Valer," continued the young monk, "was of a noble
+family, and very wealthy. He was born at Lebrixa, but came to reside
+in Seville, a gay, light-hearted, brilliant <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>young caballero, who
+was soon a leader in all the folly and fashion of the great city.
+But suddenly these things lost their charm for him. Much to the
+astonishment of the gay world, to which he had been such an ornament,
+he disappeared from the scenes of amusement and festivity he had been
+wont to love. His companions could not understand the change that came
+over him&mdash;but <i>we</i> can understand it well. God's arrows of conviction
+were sharp in his heart. And he led him to turn for comfort, not to
+penance and self-mortification, but to his own Word. Only in one form
+was that Word accessible to him. He gathered up the fragments of
+his old school studies&mdash;little cared for at the time, and well-nigh
+forgotten afterwards&mdash;to enable him to read the Vulgate. There he
+found justification by faith, and through it, peace to his troubled
+conscience. But he did not find, as I need scarcely say to you, Don
+Carlos, purgatory, the worship of Our Lady and the saints, and certain
+other things our fathers taught us."</p>
+
+<p>"How long since was all this?" asked Carlos, who was listening with
+much interest, and at the same time comparing the narrative with that
+other story he had heard from Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"Long enough, se&ntilde;or. Twenty years ago or more. When God had thus
+enlightened him, he returned to the world. But he returned to it a
+new man, determined henceforth to know nothing save Christ and him
+crucified. He addressed himself in the first instance to the priests
+and monks, whom, with a boldness truly amazing, he accosted wherever he
+met them, were it even in the most public places of the city, proving
+to them from Scripture that their doctrines were not the truth of God."</p>
+
+<p>"It was no hopeful soil in which to sow the Word."</p>
+
+<p>"No, truly; but it seemed laid upon him as a burden from God to speak
+what he felt and knew, whether men would hear or whether they would
+forbear. He very soon aroused the bitter enmity of those who hate the
+light because their deeds are evil. Had he been a poor man, he would
+have been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>burned at the stake, as that brave, honest-hearted young
+convert, Francisco de San Romano, was burned at Valladolid not so long
+ago, saying to those who offered him mercy at the last, 'Did you envy
+me my happiness?' But Don Rodrigo's rank and connections saved him from
+that fate. I have heard, too, that there were those in high places who
+shared, or at least favoured his opinions in secret. Such interceded
+for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then his words were received by some?" Carlos asked anxiously. "Have
+you ever heard the names of any of those who were his friends or
+patrons?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Fernando shook his head. "Even amongst ourselves, se&ntilde;or," he said,
+"names are not mentioned oftener than is needful. For 'a bird of the
+air will carry the matter;' and when life depends on our silence, it
+is no wonder if at last we become a trifle over-silent. In the lapse
+of years, some names that ought to be remembered amongst us may well
+chance to be forgotten, from this dread of breathing them, even in
+a whisper. Always excepting Dr. Egidius, Don Rodrigo's friends or
+converts are unknown to me. But I was about to say, the Inquisitors
+were prevailed upon, by those who interceded for him, to regard him
+as insane. They dismissed him, therefore, with no more severe penalty
+than the loss of his property, and with many cautions as to his future
+behaviour."</p>
+
+<p>"I hold it scarce likely that he observed them."</p>
+
+<p>"Very far otherwise, se&ntilde;or. For a short time, indeed, his friends
+prevailed on him to express his sentiments more privately; and Fray
+Cassiodoro says that during this interval he confirmed them in the
+faith by expounding the Epistle to the Romans. But he could not long
+hide the light he held. To all remonstrances he answered, that he
+was a soldier sent on a forlorn hope, and must needs press forward
+to the breach. If he fell, it mattered not; in his place God would
+raise up others, whose would be the glory and the joy of victory. So,
+once again, the Holy Office laid its grasp upon him. It was resolved
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>that his voice should be heard no more on earth; and he was therefore
+consigned to the living death of perpetual imprisonment. And yet, in
+spite of all their care and all their malice, one more testimony for
+God and his truth was heard from his lips."</p>
+
+<p>"How was that?"</p>
+
+<p>"They led him, robed in that great sanbenito you have often seen, to
+the Church of San Salvador, to sit and listen, with the other weeping
+penitents, while some ignorant priest denounced their heresies and
+blasphemies. But he was not afraid after the sermon to stand up in his
+place, and warn the people against the preacher's erroneous doctrine,
+showing them where and how it differed from the Word of God. It is
+marvellous they did not burn him; but God restrained the remainder of
+their wrath. They sent him at last to the monastery of San Lucar, where
+he remained in solitary confinement until his death."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos mused a little. Then he said, "What a blessed change, from
+solitary confinement to the company of just men made perfect; from the
+gloom of a convent prison to the glory of God's house, eternal in the
+heavens!"</p>
+
+<p>"Some of the elder brethren say <i>we</i> may be called upon to pass through
+trials even more severe," remarked Fray Fernando. "I know not. Being
+amongst the youngest here, I should speak my mind with humility; still
+I cannot help looking around me, and seeing that everywhere men are
+receiving the Word of God with joy. Think of the learned and noble men
+and women in the city who have joined our band already, and are eager
+to gain others! New converts are won for us every day; not to speak of
+that great multitude among Fray Constantino's hearers who are really on
+our side, without dreaming it themselves. Moreover, your noble friend,
+Don Carlos de Seso, told us last summer that the signs in the north are
+equally encouraging. He thinks the Lutherans of Valladolid are more
+numerous than those of Seville. In Toro and Logrono also <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>the light is
+spreading rapidly. And throughout the districts near the Pyrenees the
+Word has free course, thanks to the Huguenot traders from B&eacute;arn."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard these things in Seville, and truly my heart rejoices at
+them. But yet&mdash;" here Carlos broke off suddenly, and remained silent,
+gazing mournfully into the fire, near which, as it was now winter, they
+had seated themselves.</p>
+
+<p>At last Fray Fernando asked, "What do <i>you</i> think, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised his dark blue eyes and fixed them on the questioner's
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Of the future," he said slowly, "I think&mdash;<i>nothing</i>. I dare not think
+of it. It is in God's hand, and he thinks for us. Still, one thing I
+cannot choose but see. Where we are we cannot remain. We are bound to a
+great wheel that is turning&mdash;turning&mdash;and turn with it, even in spite
+of ourselves, we must and do. But it is the wheel, not of chance, but
+of God's mighty purposes; that is all our comfort."</p>
+
+<p>"And those purposes, are they not mercy and truth unto our beloved
+land?"</p>
+
+<p>"They may be; but I know not. They are not revealed. 'Mercy and truth
+unto such as keep his covenant,' that indeed is written."</p>
+
+<p>"We are they that keep his covenant."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos sighed, and resumed the thread of his own thought,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The wheel turns round, and we with it. Even since I came here it has
+turned perceptibly. And how it is to turn one step further without
+bringing us into contact with the solid frame of things as they are,
+and so crushing us, truly I see not. I see not; but I trust God."</p>
+
+<p>"You allude to these discussions about the sacrifice of the mass now
+going on so continually amongst us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do. Hitherto we have been able to work underground; but if doubt
+must be thrown upon <i>that</i>, the thin shell of earth <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>that has concealed
+and protected us, will break and fall in upon our heads. And then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Already we are all asking, 'And then?'" said Fray Fernando. "There
+will be nothing before us but flight to some foreign land."</p>
+
+<p>"And how, in God's name, is that to be accomplished? But God forgive
+me these words; and God keep me, and all of us, from the subtle snare
+of mixing with the question, 'What is his will?' that other question,
+'What will be our fate if we try to do it?' As the noble De Seso said
+to me, all that matters to us is to be found amongst those who 'follow
+the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.' <i>But he went to Calvary.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The last words were spoken in so low a tone that Fray Fernando heard
+them not.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you say?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Time enough to hear if God himself speaks it in our ears."</p>
+
+<p>Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a lay brother,
+who informed Carlos that a visitor awaited him in the convent parlour.
+As it was one of the hours during which the rules of the house
+(which were quite liberal enough, without being lax) permitted the
+entertainment of visitors, Carlos went to receive his without much
+delay.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that if the guest had been one of "their own," their loved
+brethren in the faith, even the attendant would have been well
+acquainted with his person, and would naturally have named him. He
+entered the room, therefore, with no very lively anticipations;
+expecting, at most, to see one of his cousins, who might have paid him
+the compliment of riding out from the city to visit him.</p>
+
+<p>A tall, handsome, sunburnt man, who had his left arm in a sling, was
+standing with his back to the window. But in one moment more the other
+arm was flung round the neck of Carlos, and heart pressed to heart, and
+lip to lip&mdash;the brothers stood together.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVI" id="XVI">XVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Welcome Home.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"We are so unlike each other,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Thou and I, that none would guess</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;We were children of one mother,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">But for mutual tenderness."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>fter the first tumult of greeting, in which affection was expressed
+rather by look and gesture than by word, the brothers sat down and
+talked. Eager questions rose to the lips of both, but especially to
+those of Carlos, whose surprise at Juan's unexpected appearance only
+equalled his delight.</p>
+
+<p>"But you are wounded, my brother," he said. "Not seriously, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no! Only a bullet through my arm. A piece of my usual good luck. I
+got it in The Battle."</p>
+
+<p>No adjective was needed to specify the glorious day of St. Quentin,
+when Flemish Egmont's chivalrous courage, seconded by Castilian
+bravery, gained for King Philip such a brilliant victory over the arms
+of France. Carlos knew the story already from public sources. And it
+did not occur to Juan, nor indeed to Carlos either, that there had
+ever been, or would ever be again, a battle so worthy of being held in
+everlasting remembrance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But do you count the wound part of your good luck?" asked Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, truly, and well I may. It has brought me home; as you ought to
+have known ere this."</p>
+
+<p>"I received but two letters from you&mdash;that written on your first
+arrival, and dated from Cambray; and that which told of your notable
+prize, the French prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"But I wrote two others: one, I entrusted to a soldier who was coming
+home invalided&mdash;I suppose the fellow lost it; the other (written just
+after the great St. Laurence's day) arrived in Seville the night
+before I made my own appearance there. His Majesty will need to look
+to his posts; certes, they are the slowest carriers to be found in any
+Christian country." And Juan's merry laugh rang through the convent
+parlour, little enough used to echo such sounds.</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard almost nothing of you, brother; save what could be
+gathered from the public accounts," Carlos continued.</p>
+
+<p>"All the better now. I have only such news as is pleasant for me to
+tell; and will not be ill, I think, for thee to hear. First, then, and
+in due order&mdash;I am promised my company!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good news, indeed! My brother must have honoured our name by some
+special deed of valour. Was it at St. Quentin?" asked Carlos, looking
+at him with honest, brotherly pride. He was not much changed by his
+campaign, except that his dark cheek wore a deeper bronze, and his face
+was adorned with a formidable pair of <i>bigotes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"That story must wait," returned Juan. "I have so much else to tell
+thee. Dost thou remember how I said, as a boy, that I should take a
+noble prisoner, like Alphonso Vives, and enrich myself by his ransom?
+And thou seest I have done it."</p>
+
+<p>"In a good day! Still, he was not the Duke of Saxony."</p>
+
+<p>"Like him, at least, in being a heretic, or Huguenot, if that be a
+less unsavoury word to utter in these holy precincts. Moreover, he is
+a tried and trusted officer of Admiral Coligny's <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>suite. It was that
+day when the admiral so gallantly threw himself into the besieged town.
+And, for my part, I am heartily obliged to him. But for his presence,
+there would have been no defence of St. Quentin, to speak of, at all;
+but for the defence, no battle; but for the battle, no grand victory
+for the Spains and King Philip. We cut off half of the admiral's
+troops, however, and it fell to my lot to save the life of a brave
+French officer whom I saw fighting alone amongst a crowd. He gave me
+his sword; and I led him to my tent, and provided him with all the
+solace and succour I could, for he was sorely wounded. He was the Sieur
+de Ramenais; a gentleman of Provence, and an honest, merry-hearted,
+valiant man, as it was ever my lot to meet withal. He shared my bed
+and board, a pleasant guest rather than a prisoner, until we took the
+town, making the admiral himself our captive, as you know already. By
+that time, his brother had raised the sum for his ransom, and sent it
+honourably to me. But, in any case, I should have dismissed him on
+parole, as soon as his wounds were healed. He was pleased to give me,
+beside the good gold pistoles, this diamond ring you see on my finger,
+in token of friendship."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos took the costly trinket in his hand, and duly admired it.
+He did not fail to gather from Juan's simple narrative many things
+that he told not, and was little likely to tell. In the time of
+action, chivalrous daring; when the conflict was over, gentleness
+and generosity no less chivalrous, endearing him to all&mdash;even to
+the vanquished enemy. No wonder Carlos was proud of his brother!
+But beneath all the pride and joy there was, even already, a secret
+whisper of fear. How could he bear to see that noble brow clouded with
+anger&mdash;those bright confiding eyes averted from him in disdain? Turning
+from his own thoughts as if they had been guilty things, he asked
+quickly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you obtain leave of absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Through the kindness of his Highness."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Duke of Savoy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. And a braver general I would never ask to serve."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it might have been from the King himself, when he came to
+the camp after the battle."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's cheek glowed with modest triumph. "His Highness was good
+enough to point me out to His Catholic Majesty," he said. "And the King
+spoke to me himself!"</p>
+
+<p>It is difficult for us to understand how a few formal words of praise
+from the lips of one of the meanest and vilest of men could be looked
+upon by the really noble-hearted Don Juan Alvarez as almost the
+crowning joy of his life. With the enthusiastic loyalty of his age and
+country he honoured Philip the king; Philip the man being all the time
+a personage as utterly unknown to him as the Sultan of Turkey. But
+not choosing to expatiate upon a theme so flattering to himself, he
+continued,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Duke contrived to send me home with despatches, saying kindly
+that he thought my wound required a little rest and care. Though I had
+affairs of importance" (and here the colour mounted to his brow) "to
+settle in Seville, I would not have quitted the camp, with my goodwill,
+had we been about any enterprise likely to give us fair fighting. But
+in truth Carlos, things have been abundantly dull since the fall of St.
+Quentin. Though we have our King with us, and Henry of France and the
+Duke of Guise have both joined the enemy, all are standing at gaze as
+if they were frozen, and doomed to stay there motionless till the day
+of judgment. I have no mind for that kind of sport, not I! I became a
+soldier to fight His Catholic Majesty's battles, not to stare at his
+enemies as if they were puppets paid to make a show for my amusement.
+So I was not sorry to take leave of absence."</p>
+
+<p>"And your important business in Seville. May a brother ask what that
+means?"</p>
+
+<p>"A brother may ask what he pleases, and be answered. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>Wish me joy,
+Carlos; I have arranged that little matter with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz." And
+his light words half hid, half revealed the great deep joy of his
+own strong heart. "My uncle," he continued, "is favourable to my
+views; indeed, I have never known him so friendly. We are to have our
+betrothal feast at Christmas, when your time of retreat here is over."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos "wished him joy" most sincerely. Fervently did he thank God
+that it was in his power to do it; that the snare that had once wound
+itself so subtly around his footsteps was broken, and his soul escaped.
+He could now meet his brother's eye without self-reproach. Still, this
+seemed sudden. He said, "Certainly you did not lose time."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I?" asked Juan with simplicity. "'By-and-by is always too
+late,' as thou wert wont to say; and I would they learned that proverb
+at the camp. In truth," he added more gravely, "I often feared, during
+my stay there, that I might have lost all through my tardiness. But
+thou wert a good brother to me, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"Mayest thou ever think so, brother mine," said Carlos, not without a
+pang, as his conscience told him how little he deserved the praise.</p>
+
+<p>"But what in the world," asked Juan hastily, "has induced thee to bury
+thyself here, amongst these drowsy monks?"</p>
+
+<p>"The brethren are excellent men, learned and pious. And I am not
+buried," Carlos returned with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And if thou wert buried ten fathoms deep, thou shouldst come up out of
+the grave when I need thee to stand beside me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear for that. Now thou art come, I will not prolong my stay
+here, as otherwise I might have done. But I have been very happy here,
+Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it," said the merry-hearted, unsuspecting Juan. "I
+am glad also that you are not in too great haste to tie yourself down
+to the Church's service; though our honoured uncle seems to wish you
+had a keener eye to your <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>own interest, and a better look-out for fat
+benefices. But I believe his own sons have appropriated all the stock
+of worldly prudence meant for the whole family, leaving none over for
+thee and me, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true of Don Manuel and Don Balthazar, not of Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Gonsalvo! he is far the worst of the three," Juan exclaimed, with
+something like anger in his open, sunny face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos laughed. "I suppose he has been favouring you with his opinion
+of me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"If he were not a poor miserable weakling and cripple, I should answer
+him with the point of my good sword. However, this is idle talk. Little
+brother" (Carlos being nearly as tall as himself, the diminutive was
+only a term of affection, recalling the days of their childhood, and
+more suited to masculine lips than its equivalent, dear)&mdash;"little
+brother, you look grave and pale, and ten years older than when we
+parted at Alcala."</p>
+
+<p>"Do I? Much has happened with me since. I have been very sorrowful and
+very happy."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan laid his available hand on his brother's shoulder, and looked
+him earnestly in the face. "No secrets from me, little brother," he
+said. "If thou dost not like the service of Holy Church after all,
+speak out, and thou shalt go back with me to France, or to anywhere
+else in the known world that thou wilt. There may be some fair lady in
+the case," he added, with a keen and searching glance.</p>
+
+<p>"No, brother&mdash;not that. I have indeed much to tell thee, but not
+now&mdash;not to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Choose thine own time; only remember, no secrets. That were the one
+unbrotherly act I could never forgive."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not yet satisfied about your wound," said Carlos, with
+perhaps a little moral cowardice, turning the conversation. "Was the
+bone broken?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, fortunately; only grazed. It would not have signified, but for the
+treatment of the blundering barber-surgeon. I was advised to show it to
+some man of skill; and already my cousins have recommended to me one
+who is both physician and surgeon, and very able, they say."</p>
+
+<p>"Dr. Cristobal Losada?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same. Your favourite, Don Gonsalvo, has just been prevailed upon
+to make trial of his skill."</p>
+
+<p>"I am heartily glad of it," returned Carlos. "There is a change of mind
+on his part, equal to any wherewith he can reproach me; and a change
+for the better, I have little doubt."</p>
+
+<p>Thus the conversation wandered on; touching many subjects, exhausting
+none; and never again drawing dangerously near those deep places which
+one of the brothers knew must be thoroughly explored, and that at no
+distant day. For Juan's sake, for the sake of One whom he loved even
+more than Juan, he dared not&mdash;nay, he would not&mdash;avoid the task. But he
+needed, or thought he needed, consideration and prayer, that he might
+speak the truth wisely, as well as bravely, to that beloved brother.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVII" id="XVII">XVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Disclosures.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"No distance breaks the tie of blood;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Brothers are brothers evermore;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;That magic may o'erpower."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Keble.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he opportunity for free converse with his brother which Carlos
+desired, yet dreaded, was unexpectedly postponed. It would have been
+in accordance neither with the ideas of the time nor with his own
+feelings to have shortened his period of retreat in the monastery,
+though he would not now prolong it. And though Don Juan did not fail
+to make his appearance upon every day when visitors were admitted,
+he was always accompanied by either of his cousins Don Manuel or Don
+Balthazar, or by both. These shallow, worldly-minded young men were
+little likely to allow for the many things, in which strangers might
+not intermeddle, that brothers long parted might find to say to each
+other; they only thought that they were conferring a high honour on
+their poorer relatives by their favour and notice. In their presence
+the conversation was necessarily confined to the incidents of Juan's
+campaign, and to family matters. Whether Don Balthazar would obtain
+a post he was seeking under Government; whether Do&ntilde;a Sancha would
+eventually bestow the inestimable <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>favour of her hand upon Don Beltran
+Vivarez or Don Alonso de Giron; and whether the disappointed suitor
+would stab himself or his successful rival;&mdash;these were questions
+of which Carlos soon grew heartily weary. But in all that concerned
+Beatriz he was deeply interested. Whatever he may once have allowed
+himself to fancy about the sentiments of a very young and childish
+girl, he never dreamed that she would make, or even desire to make,
+any opposition to the expressed wish of her guardian, who destined her
+for Juan. He was sure that she would learn quickly enough to love his
+brother as he deserved, even if she did not already do so. And it gave
+him keen pleasure that his sacrifice had not been in vain; that the
+wine-cup of joy which he had just tasted, then put steadily aside, was
+being drained to the dregs by the lips he loved best. It is true this
+pleasure was not yet unmixed with pain, but the pain was less than a
+few months ago he would have believed possible. The wound which he once
+thought deadly, was in process of being healed; nay, it was nearly
+healed already. But the scar would always remain.</p>
+
+<p>Grand and mighty, but perplexing and mournful thoughts were filling
+his heart every day more and more. Amongst the subjects eagerly and
+continually discussed with the brethren of San Isodro, the most
+prominent just now was the sole priesthood of Christ, with the
+impossibility of his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice being ever
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>But these truths, in themselves so glorious, had for those who dared
+to admit them one terrible consequence. Their full acknowledgment
+would transform "the main altar's consummation," the sacrifice of the
+mass, from the highest act of Christian worship into a hideous lie,
+dishonouring to God, and ruinous to man.</p>
+
+<p>To this conclusion the monks of San Isodro were drawing nearer slowly
+but surely every day. And Carlos was side by side with the most
+advanced of them in the path of progress. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>Though timid in action, he
+was bold in speculation. To his keen, quick intellect to think and to
+reason was a necessity; he could not rest content with surface truths,
+nor leave any matter in which he was interested without probing it to
+its depths.</p>
+
+<p>But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now
+imminent was practically a most momentous one. It must transform the
+light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture
+the hands that held and tried to conceal it. They could only guard
+themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting
+it on the candle-stick of a true and faithful profession.</p>
+
+<p>"Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich
+lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison
+to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man? Let us
+go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but
+faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the
+liberty of confessing his name before men." This plan was the most
+popular with the community; though there were some that objected to it,
+not because of the loss of worldly wealth it would entail, but because
+of its extreme difficulty, and the peril in which it would involve
+others.</p>
+
+<p>That the question might be fully discussed and some course of action
+resolved upon, the monks of San Isodro convened a solemn chapter.
+Carlos had not, of course, the right to be present, though his friends
+would certainly inform him immediately afterwards of all that passed.
+So he whiled away part of the anxious hours by a walk in the orange
+grove belonging to the monastery. It was now December, and there had
+been a frost&mdash;not very usual in that mild climate. Every blade of
+grass was gemmed with tiny jewels, which were crushed by his footsteps
+as he passed along. He fancied them like the fair and sparkling, but
+unreal dreams of the creed in which he had been nurtured. They must
+perish; even should he weakly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>turn aside to spare them, God's sun
+would not fail ere long to dissolve them with the warmth of its beams.
+But wherefore mourn them? Would not the sun shine on still, and the
+blue sky, the emblem of eternal truth and love, still stretch above
+his head? Therefore he would look up&mdash;up, and not down. Forgetting
+the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those that were
+before, he would fain press forward towards the mark for the prize. And
+then his heart went up in fervent prayer that not only he himself, but
+also all those who shared his faith, might be enabled so to do.</p>
+
+<p>Turning into a path leading back through the grove to the monastery, he
+saw his brother coming towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"I was seeking thee," said Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"And always welcome. But why so early? On a Friday too!"</p>
+
+<p>"Wherein is Friday worse than Thursday?" asked Juan with a laugh. "You
+are not a monk, or even a novice, to be bound by rules so strict that
+you may not say, 'Vaya con Dios' to your brother without asking leave
+of my lord Abbot."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos had often noticed, not with displeasure, the freedom which
+Juan since his return assumed in speaking of Churchmen and Church
+ordinances. He answered, "I am only bound by the general rules of the
+house, to which it is seemly that visitors should conform. To-day the
+brethren are holding a Chapter to confer upon matters pertaining to
+their discipline. I cannot well bring you in-doors; but we do not need
+a better parlour than this."</p>
+
+<p>"True. I care for no roof save God's sky; and as for glazed and grated
+windows, I abhor them. Were I thrown into prison, I should die in a
+week. I made an early start for San Isodro, on an unusual day, to get
+rid of the company of my excellent but tiresome cousins; for in truth I
+am sick unto death of their talk and their courtesies. Moreover, I have
+ten thousand things to tell you, brother."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have a few for your ear also."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us sit down. Here is a pleasant seat which some of your brethren
+contrived to rest their weary limbs and enjoy the prospect. They know
+how to be comfortable, these monks."</p>
+
+<p>They sat down accordingly. For more than an hour Don Juan was the chief
+speaker; and as he spoke out of the abundance of his heart, it was no
+wonder that the name oftenest on his lips was that of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. Of
+the long and circumstantial story that he poured into the sympathizing
+ear of Carlos no more than this is necessary to repeat&mdash;that Beatriz
+not only did not reject him (no well-bred Spanish girl would behave in
+such a singular manner to a suitor recommended by her guardian), but
+actually looked kindly, nay, even smiled upon him. His exhilaration was
+in consequence extreme; and its expression might have proved tedious to
+any listener not deeply interested in his welfare.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, the subject was dismissed. "So my path lies clear
+and plain before me," said Juan, his fine determined face glowing with
+resolution and hope. "A soldier's life, with its toils and prizes;
+and a happy home at Nuera, with a sweet face to welcome me when I
+return. And, sooner or later, <i>that</i> voyage to the Indies. But you,
+Carlos&mdash;speak out, for I confess you perplex me&mdash;what do <i>you</i> wish and
+intend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Had you asked me that question a few months, I might almost say a few
+weeks, ago, I should not have hesitated, as now I do, for an answer."</p>
+
+<p>"You were ever willing, more than willing, for Holy Church's service.
+I know but one cause which could alter your mind; and to the tender
+accusation you have already pleaded not guilty."</p>
+
+<p>"The plea is a true one."</p>
+
+<p>"Certes; it cannot be that you have been seized with a sudden passion
+for a soldier's life," laughed Juan. "That was never your taste,
+little brother; and with all respect for you, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>scarce think your
+achievements with sword and arquebus would be specially brilliant. But
+there is something wrong with you," he said in an altered tone, as he
+gazed in his brother's anxious face.</p>
+
+<p>"Not <i>wrong</i>, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have it!" said Juan, joyously interrupting him. "You are in debt.
+That is soon mended, brother. In fact, it is my fault. I have had far
+too large a share already of what should have been for both of us
+alike. In future&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, brother. I have always had enough, more than I needed. And thou
+hast many expenses, and wilt have more henceforward, whilst I shall
+only want a doublet and hosen, and a pair of shoes."</p>
+
+<p>"And a cassock and gown?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I vow it is a harder task to comprehend you than to chase Coligny's
+guard with my single arm! And you so pious, so good a Christian! If
+you were a dull rough soldier like me, and if you had had a Huguenot
+prisoner (and a very fine fellow, too) to share your bed and board for
+months, one could comprehend your not liking certain things over well,
+or even"&mdash;and Juan averted his face and lowered his voice&mdash;"your having
+certain evil thoughts you would scarcely care to breathe in the ears of
+your father confessor."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, I too have had thoughts," said Carlos eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>But Juan suddenly tossed off his montero, and ran his fingers through
+his black glossy hair. In old times this gesture used to be a sign that
+he was going to speak seriously. After a moment he began, but with a
+little hesitation, for in fact he held the <i>mind</i> of Carlos in as true
+and unfeigned reverence as Carlos held his <i>character</i>. And that is
+enough to say, without mentioning the additional respect with which he
+regarded him, as almost a priest. "Brother Carlos, you are good and
+pious. You were thus from childhood; and therefore it is that you are
+fit <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>for the service of Holy Church. You rise and go to rest, you read
+your books, and tell your beads, and say your prayers, all just as you
+are ordered. It is the best life for you, and for any man who <i>can</i>
+live it, and be content with it. You do not sin, you do not doubt;
+therefore you will never come into any grief or trouble. But let me
+tell you, little brother, you have a scant notion what men meet with
+who go forth into the great world and fight their way in it; seeing
+on every side of them things that, take them as they may, will <i>not</i>
+always square with the faith they have learned in childhood."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, I also have struggled and suffered. I also have doubted."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, a Churchman's doubts! You had only to tell yourself doubt
+was a sin, to make the sign of the cross, to say an Ave or two, then
+there was an end of your doubts. 'Twere a different matter if you had
+the evil one in the shape of an angel of light&mdash;at least in that of a
+courteous, well-bred Huguenot gentleman, with as nice a sense of honour
+as any Catholic Christian&mdash;at your side continually, to whisper that
+the priests are no better than they ought to be, that the Church needs
+reform; and Heaven knows what more, and worse, beside.&mdash;Now, my pious
+brother, if thou art going to curse me with bell, book, and candle,
+begin at once. I am ready, and prepared to be duly penitent. Let me
+first put on my cap though, for it is cold," and he suited the action
+to the word.</p>
+
+<p>The voice in which Carlos answered him was low and tremulous with
+emotion. "Instead of cursing thee, brother beloved, I bless thee from
+my heart for words which give me courage to speak. I have doubted&mdash;nay,
+why should I shrink from the truth? I have learned, as I believe, from
+God himself that some things which the Church teaches as her doctrines
+are only the commandments of men."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan started, and his colour changed. His vaguely liberal ideas
+were far from having prepared him for this. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>"What do you mean?" he
+cried, staring at his brother in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"That I am now, in very truth, what I think you would call&mdash;<i>a
+Huguenot</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The die was cast. The avowal was made. Carlos waited its effects in
+breathless silence, as one who has fired a powder magazine might await
+the explosion.</p>
+
+<p>"May all the holy saints have mercy upon us!" cried Juan, in a voice
+that echoed through the grove. But after that one involuntary cry he
+was silent. The eyes of Carlos sought his face, but he turned away from
+him. At last he muttered, striking with his sword at the trunk of a
+tree that was near him, "Huguenot&mdash;Protestant&mdash;<i>heretic</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," said Carlos, rising and standing before him&mdash;"brother, say
+what thou wilt, only speak to me. Reproach me, curse me, strike me, if
+it please thee, only speak to me."</p>
+
+<p>Juan turned, gazed full in his imploring face, and slowly, very slowly,
+allowed the sword to fall from his hand. There was a moment of doubt,
+of hesitation. Then he stretched out that hand to his brother. "They
+who list may curse thee, but not I," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos strained the offered hand in so close a grasp that his own was
+cut by his brother's diamond ring, and the blood flowed.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time both were silent, Juan in amazement, perhaps in
+consternation; Carlos in deep thankfulness. His confession was made,
+and his brother loved him still.</p>
+
+<p>At last Juan spoke, slowly and as if half bewildered. "The Sieur de
+Ramenais believes in God, and in our Lord and his passion. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos repeated the Apostles' Creed in the vulgar tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"And in Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that she was the most blessed among women, the holiest among
+the holy saints. Yet I ask her intercession no <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>more. I am too well
+assured of His love who says to me; and to all who keep his word, 'My
+brother, my sister, my mother.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought devotion to Our Lady was the surest mark of piety," said
+Juan, in utter perplexity. "Then, I am only a man of the world. But oh,
+my brother, this is frightful!" He paused a moment, then added more
+calmly, "Still, I have learned that Huguenots are not beasts with horns
+and hoofs; but, possibly, brave and honourable men enough, as good,
+for this world, as their neighbours. And yet&mdash;the disgrace!" His dark
+cheek flushed, then grew pale, as there rose before his mind's eye an
+appalling vision&mdash;his brother robed in a hideous sanbenito, bearing a
+torch in the ghastly procession of an <i>auto-da-f&eacute;</i>! "You have kept your
+secret as your life? My uncle and his family suspect nothing?" he asked
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, thank God."</p>
+
+<p>"And who taught you this accursed&mdash;these doctrines?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos briefly told the story of his first acquaintance with the
+Spanish New Testament; suppressing, however, all mention of the
+personal sorrow that had made its teaching so precious to him; nor did
+he think it expedient to give the name of Juliano Hernandez.</p>
+
+<p>"The Church may need reform. I am sure she does," Juan candidly
+admitted. "But Carlos, my brother," he added, while the expression of
+his face softened gradually into mournful, pitying tenderness, "little
+brother, in old times so gentle, so timid, hast thou dreamed&mdash;of the
+peril? I speak not now of the disgrace&mdash;God wot that is hard enough to
+think of&mdash;hard enough," he repeated bitterly. "But the peril?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent; his hands were clasped, his eyes raised upwards,
+full of thought, perhaps of prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that on thy hand?" asked Juan, with a sudden change of tone.
+"Blood? The Sieur de Ramenais' diamond ring has hurt thee."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos glanced at the little wound, and smiled. "I never felt it," he
+said, "so glad was my heart, Ruy, for that brave grasp of faithful
+brotherhood." And there was a strange light in his eye as he added,
+"Perchance it may be thus with me, if Christ indeed should call me to
+suffer. Weak as I am, he can give, even to me, such blessed assurance
+of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear shall be unfelt, or
+vanish."</p>
+
+<p>Juan could not understand him, but he was awed and impressed. He had
+no heart for many words. He rose and walked towards the gate of the
+monastery grounds, slowly and in silence, Carlos accompanying him. When
+they had nearly reached the spot where they were to part, Carlos said,
+"You have heard Fray Constantino, as I asked you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I greatly admire him."</p>
+
+<p>"He teaches God's truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can you not rest content with his teaching, then, instead of going
+to look for better bread than wheaten, Heaven knows where?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I return to the city next week I will explain all to thee."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so. In the meantime, adios." He strode on a pace or two, then
+turned back to say, "Thou and I, Carlos; we will stand together against
+the world."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVIII" id="XVIII">XVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Aged Monk.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I will not boast a martyr's might</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">To leave my home without a sigh&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The dwelling of my past delight,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The shelter where I hoped to die."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Anon.</span>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>uch was Carlos strengthened by the result of his interview with Don
+Juan. The thing that he greatly feared, his beloved brother's wrath and
+scorn, had not come upon him. Juan had shown, instead, a moderation,
+a candour, and a willingness to listen, which, while it really amazed
+him, inspired him with the happiest hopes. With a glad heart he
+repeated the Psalmist's exulting words: "The Lord is my strength and
+my shield; my heart hath trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my
+heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him."</p>
+
+<p>He soon perceived that the Chapter was over; for figures, robed in
+white and brown, were moving here and there amongst the trees. He
+entered the house, and without happening to meet any one, made his
+way to the deserted Chapter-room. Its sole remaining occupant was a
+very aged monk, the oldest member of the community. He was seated at
+the table, his face buried in his hands, and his frail, worn frame
+quivering as if with sobs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos went up to him and asked gently, "Father, what ails you?"</p>
+
+<p>The old man slowly raised his head, and gazed at him with sad, tired
+eyes, which had watched the course of more than eighty years. "My son,"
+he said, "if I weep, it is for joy."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos wondered; for he saw no joy on the wrinkled brow or in the
+tearful face. But he merely asked, "What have the brethren resolved?"</p>
+
+<p>"To await God's providence here. Praised be his holy name for that."
+And the old man bowed his silver head, and wept once more.</p>
+
+<p>To Carlos also the determination was a cause for deep gratitude.
+He had all along regarded the proposed flight of the brethren with
+extreme dread, as an almost certain means of awakening the suspicions
+of the Holy Office, and thus exposing all who shared their faith to
+destruction. It was no light matter that the danger was now at least
+postponed, always provided that the respite was purchased by no
+sacrifice of principle.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God!" reiterated the old monk. "For here I have lived; and here
+I will die and be buried, beside the holy brethren of other days, in
+the chapel of Don Alonzo the Good. My son, I came hither a stripling
+as thou art&mdash;no, younger, younger&mdash;I know not how many years ago; one
+year is so like another, there is no telling. I could tell by looking
+at the great book, only my eyes are too dim to read it. They have grown
+dim very fast of late; when Doctor Egidius used to visit us, I could
+read my Breviary with the youngest of them all. But no matter how many
+years. They were many enough to change a blooming, black-haired boy
+into an old man tottering on the grave's brink. And I to go forth now
+into that great, wicked world beyond the gate! I to look upon strange
+faces, and to live amongst strange men! Or to die amongst them, for to
+that it would come full soon! No, no, Se&ntilde;or <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>Don Carlos. Here I took
+the cowl; here I lived; and here I will die and lie buried, God and the
+saints helping me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yet for the Truth's sake, my father, would you not be willing to make
+even this sacrifice, and to go forth in your old age into exile?"</p>
+
+<p>"If the brethren must needs go, so, I suppose, must I. But they are
+<i>not</i> going, St. Jerome be praised," the old man repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Going or staying, the presence of Him whom they serve and for whom
+they witness will be with them."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, it may be, for aught I know. But in my young days so many
+fine words were not in use. We sang our matins, our complines, our
+vespers; we said the holy mass and all our offices, and God and St.
+Jerome took care of the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"But you would not have those days back again, would you, my father?
+You did not then know the glorious gospel of the grace of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Gospel, gospel? We always read the gospel for the day. I know my
+Breviary, young sir, just as well as another. And on festival days,
+some one always preached from the gospel. When Fray Domingo preached,
+plenty of great folks used to come out from the city to hear him. For
+he was very eloquent, and as much thought of, in his time, as Fray
+Cristobal is now. But they are forgotten in a little while, all of
+them. So will we, in a few years to come."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos reproached himself for having named the gospel, instead of Him
+whose words and works are the burden of the gospel story. For even to
+that dull ear, heavy with age, the name of Jesus was sweet. And that
+dull mind, drowsy with the slumber of a long lifetime, had half awaked
+at least to the consciousness of his love.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear father," he said gently, "I know you are well acquainted with the
+gospels. You remember what our blessed Lord saith of those who confess
+him before men, how he will <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>not be ashamed to confess them before his
+Father in heaven? And, moreover, is it not a joy for us to show, in any
+way he points out to us, our love to him who loved us and gave himself
+for us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, we love him. And he knows I only wish to do what is right,
+and what is pleasing in his sight."</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards, Carlos talked over the events of the day with the younger
+and more intelligent brethren; especially with his teacher, Fray
+Cristobal, and his particular friend, Fray Fernando. He could but
+admire the spirit that had guided their deliberations, and feel
+increased thankfulness for the decision at which they had arrived. The
+peace which the whole community of Spanish Protestants then enjoyed,
+perilous and unstable as it was, stood at the mercy of every individual
+belonging to that community. The unexplained flight of any obscure
+member of Losada's congregation would have been sufficient to give the
+alarm, and let loose the bloodhounds of persecution upon the Church;
+how much more the abandonment of a wealthy and honourable religious
+house by the greater part of its inmates?</p>
+
+<p>The sword hung over their heads, suspended by a single hair, which a
+hasty or incautious movement, a word, a breath even, might suffice to
+break.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIX" id="XIX">XIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Truth and Freedom.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent2">"Man is greater than you thought him;</div>
+   <div class="verse">The bondage of long slumber he will break,</div>
+   <div class="verse">His just and ancient rights he will reclaim,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With Nero and Busiris he will rank</div>
+   <div class="verse">The name of Philip."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Schiller.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>ever before had it fallen to the lot of Don Juan Alvarez to experience
+such bewilderment as that which his brother's disclosure occasioned
+him. That brother, whom he had always regarded as the embodiment
+of goodness and piety, who was rendered illustrious in his eyes by
+all sorts of academic honours, and sanctified by the shadow of the
+coming priesthood, had actually confessed himself to be&mdash;what he had
+been taught to hold in deepest, deadliest abomination&mdash;a Lutheran
+heretic. But, on the other hand, from the wise, pious, and in every
+way unexceptionable manner in which Carlos had spoken, Juan could not
+help hoping that what, probably through some unaccountable aberration
+of mind, he himself persisted in styling Lutheranism, might prove in
+the end some very harmless and orthodox kind of devotion. Perhaps,
+eventually, his brother might found some new and holy order of monks
+and friars. Or even (he was so clever) he might take the lead in a
+Reformation of the Church, which, there was no use <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>in an honest man's
+denying, was sorely needed. Still, he could not help admitting that
+the Sieur de Ramenais had sometimes expressed himself with nearly as
+much apparent orthodoxy; and he was undoubtedly a confirmed heretic&mdash;a
+Huguenot.</p>
+
+<p>But if the recollection of this man, who for months had been his
+guest rather than his prisoner, served, from one point of view, to
+increase his difficulties, from another, it helped to clear away the
+most formidable of them. Don Juan had never been religious; but he had
+always been hotly orthodox, as became a Castilian gentleman of purest
+blood, and heir to all the traditions of an ancient house, foremost
+for generations in the great conflict with the infidel. He had been
+wont to look upon the Catholic faith as a thing bound up irrevocably
+with the knightly honour, the stainless fame, the noble pride of his
+race, and, consequently, with all that was dearest to his heart.
+Heresy he regarded as something unspeakably mean and degrading. It
+was associated in his mind with Jews and Moors, "caitiffs," "beggarly
+fellows;" all of them vulgar and unclean, some of them the hereditary
+enemies of his race. Heretics were Moslems, infidels, such as "my Cid"
+delighted in hewing down with his good sword Tizona, "for God and Our
+Lady's honour." Heretics kept the passover with mysterious, unhallowed
+rites, into which it would be best not to inquire; heretics killed (and
+perhaps ate) Christian children; they spat upon the cross; they had to
+wear ugly yellow sanbenitos at <i>autos-da-f&eacute;</i>; and, to sum up all in
+one word, they "smelled of the fire." To give full weight to the last
+allusion, it must be remembered that in the eyes of Don Juan and his
+cotemporaries, death by fire had no hallowed or ennobling associations
+to veil its horrors. The burning pile was to him what the cross was
+to our fore-fathers, and what the gibbet is to us, only far more
+disgraceful. Thus it was not so much his conscience as his honour and
+his pride that were arrayed against the new faith.</p>
+
+<p>But, unconsciously to himself, opposition had been silently <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>undermined
+by his intercourse with the Sieur de Ramenais. It would probably have
+been fatal to Protestantism with Don Juan, had his first specimen of a
+Protestant been an humble muleteer. Fortunately, the new opinions had
+come to him represented by a noble and gallant knight, who</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"In open battle or in tilting field</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Forbore his own advantage;"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>who was as careful of his "pundonor"<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> as any Castilian gentleman,
+and scarcely yielded even to himself in all those marks of good
+breeding, which, to say the truth, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya valued far more than any abstract dogmas of faith.</p>
+
+<p>This circumstance produced a willingness on his part to give fair play
+to his brother's convictions. When Carlos returned to Seville, which he
+did about a week after the meeting of the Chapter, he was overjoyed to
+find Juan ready to hear all he had to say with patience and candour.
+Moreover, the young soldier was greatly attracted by the preaching of
+Fray Constantino, whom he pronounced, in language borrowed from the
+camp, "a right good camerado." Using these favourable dispositions
+to the best advantage, Carlos repeated to him passages from the
+New Testament; and with deep and prayerful earnestness explained
+and enforced the truths they taught, taking care, of course, not
+unnecessarily to shock his prejudices.</p>
+
+<p>And, as time passed on, it became every day more and more apparent
+that Don Juan was receiving "the new ideas;" and that with far less
+difficulty and conflict than Carlos himself had done. For with him
+the Reformed faith had only prejudices, not convictions, to contend
+against. These once broken down, the rest was easy. And then it came to
+him so naturally to follow the guidance of Carlos in all that pertained
+to <i>thinking</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Unmeasured was the joy of the affectionate brother when at last he
+found that he might safely venture to introduce him privately to Losada
+as a promising inquirer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime their outward life passed on smoothly and happily. With
+much feasting and rejoicing, Juan was betrothed to Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. He had
+loved her devotedly since boyhood; he loved her now more than ever.
+But his love was a deep, life-long passion&mdash;no sudden delirium of the
+fancy&mdash;so that it did not render him oblivious of every other tie, and
+callous to every other impression; it rather stimulated, and at the
+same time softened his whole nature. It made him not less, but more,
+sensitive to all the exciting and ennobling influences which were being
+brought to bear upon him.</p>
+
+<p>In Do&ntilde;a Beatriz Carlos perceived a change that surprised him, while,
+at the same time, it made more evident than ever how great would have
+been his own mistake, had he accepted the passive gratitude of a child
+towards one who noticed and flattered her for the true deep love of a
+woman's heart. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was a passive child no longer now. On the
+betrothal day, a proud and beautiful woman leaned on the arm of his
+handsome brother, and looked around her upon the assembled family,
+queen-like in air and mien, her cheek rivalling the crimson of the
+damask rose, her large dark eye beaming with passionate, exulting joy.
+Carlos compared her in thought to the fair, carved alabaster lamp that
+stood on the inlaid centre table of his aunt's state receiving-room.
+Love had wrought in her the change which light within always did in
+that, revealing its hidden transparency, and glorifying its pale, cold
+whiteness with tints so warmly beautiful, that the clouds of evening
+might have envied them.</p>
+
+<p>The betrothal of Do&ntilde;a Sancha to Don Beltran Vivarez quickly followed.
+Don Balthazar also succeeded in obtaining the desired Government
+appointment, and henceforth enjoyed, much to his satisfaction, the
+honours and emoluments of an "<i>empleado</i>." To crown the family good
+fortune, Do&ntilde;a Inez <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>rejoiced in the birth of a son and heir; while even
+Don Gonsalvo, not to be left out, acknowledged some improvement in
+his health, which he attributed to the judicious treatment of Losada.
+The mind of an intelligent man can scarcely be deeply exercised upon
+one great subject, without the result making itself felt throughout
+the whole range of his occupations. Losada's patients could not
+fail to benefit by his habits of independent thought and searching
+investigation, and his freedom from vulgar prejudices. This freedom,
+so rare in his nation, led him occasionally, though very cautiously,
+even to hazard the adoption of a few remedies which were not altogether
+"<i>cosas de Espana</i>."<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p>The physician deserved less credit for his treatment of Juan's wounded
+arm, which nature healed, almost as soon as her beneficent operations
+ceased to be retarded by ignorant and blundering leech-craft.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan was occasionally heard to utter aspirations for the full
+restoration of his cousin Gonsalvo's health, more hearty in their
+expression than charitable in their motive. "I would give one of my
+fingers he could ride a horse and handle a sword, or at least a good
+foil with the button off, and I would soon make him repent his bearing
+and language to thee, Carlos. But what can a man do with a <i>thing</i>
+like that, save let him alone for very shame? Yet he is dastard enough
+to presume on such toleration, and to strike those whom his own
+infirmities hinder from returning the blow."</p>
+
+<p>"If he could ride a horse or handle a sword, brother, I think you would
+find a marvellous change for the better in his bearing and language.
+That bitterness, what is it, after all, but the fruit of pain? Or of
+what is even worse than pain, repressed force and energy. He would be
+in the great world doing and daring; and behold, he is chained to a
+narrow room, or at best toils with difficulty a few hundred paces. No
+wonder that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>strong winds, bound in their caverns, moan and shriek
+piteously at times. When I hear them I feel far too much compassion to
+think of anger. And I would give one of my fingers&mdash;nay, I would give
+my right hand," he added with a smile, "that he shared our blessed
+hope, Juan, my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"The most unlikely person of all our acquaintance to become a convert."</p>
+
+<p>"So say not I. Do you know that he has given money&mdash;he that has so
+little&mdash;more than once to Se&ntilde;or Cristobal for the poor?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is nothing," said Juan. "He was ever free-handed. Do you not
+remember, in our childhood, how he would strike us upon the least
+provocation, yet insist on our sharing his sweetmeats and his toys, and
+even sometimes fight us for refusing them? While the others knew the
+value of a ducat before they knew their Angelus, and would sell and
+barter their small possessions like Dutch merchants."</p>
+
+<p>"Which you spared not to call them, bearing yourself in the quarrels
+that naturally ensued with undaunted prowess; while I too often
+disgraced you by tearful entreaties for peace at all costs," returned
+Carlos, laughing. "But, my brother," he resumed more gravely, "I
+often ask myself, are we doing all that is possible in our present
+circumstances to share with others the treasure we have found?"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust it will soon be open to them all," said Juan, who had now come
+just far enough to grasp strongly his right to think and judge for
+himself, and with it the idea of emancipation from the control of a
+proud and domineering priesthood. "Great is truth, and shall prevail."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, in the end. But much that to mortal eyes looks like defeat
+may come first."</p>
+
+<p>"I think my learned brother, so much wiser than I upon many subjects,
+fails to read well the signs of the times. Whose Word saith, 'When ye
+see the fig-tree put forth her buds, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>know ye that summer is nigh, even
+at the door'? Everywhere the fig-trees are budding now."</p>
+
+<p>"Still the frosts may return."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, too desponding brother. Thou shouldst have learned
+another lesson yesterday, when thou and I watched the eager thousands
+as they hung breathless on the lips of our Fray Constantino. Are not
+those thousands really for <i>us</i>, and for truth and freedom?"</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt Christ has his own amongst them."</p>
+
+<p>"You always think of individuals, Carlos, rather than of our country.
+You forget we are sons of Spain, Castilian nobles. Of course we rejoice
+when even one man here and there is won for the truth. But our Spain!
+our glorious land, first and fairest of all the earth! our land of
+conquerors, whose arms reach to the ends of the world&mdash;one hand taming
+the infidel in his African stronghold, while the other crowns her with
+the gold and jewels of the far West! She who has led the nations in the
+path of discovery&mdash;whose fleets gem the ocean&mdash;whose armies rule the
+land,&mdash;shall she not also lead the way to the great city of God, and
+bring in the good coming time when all shall know him from the least to
+the greatest&mdash;when they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
+them free? Carlos, my brother, I do not dare to doubt it."</p>
+
+<p>It was not often that Don Juan expressed himself in such a lengthened
+and energetic, not to say grandiloquent manner. But his love for Spain
+was a passion, and to extol her or to plead her cause words were never
+lacking with him. In reply to this outburst of enthusiasm, Carlos only
+said gently, "Amen, and the Lord establish it in his time."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked keenly at him. "I thought you had faith, Carlos?" he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith?" Carlos repeated inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Such faith," said Juan, "as I have. Faith in truth and freedom!" And
+he rang out the sonorous words, "<i>Verdad y</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span><i>libertad</i>," as if he
+thought, as indeed he did, that they had but to go forth through a
+submissive, rejoicing world, "conquering and to conquer."</p>
+
+<p>"I have faith <i>in Christ</i>," Carlos answered quietly.</p>
+
+<p>And in those two brief phrases each unconsciously revealed to the other
+the very depths of his soul, and told the secret of his history.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XX" id="XX">XX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The First Drop of a Thunder Shower.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Closed doorways that are folded</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And prayed against in vain."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>eanwhile the happy weeks glided on noiselessly and rapidly. They
+brought full occupation for head and heart, as well as varied and
+intense enjoyment. Don Juan's constant intercourse with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz
+was not the less delightful because already he sought to imbue her mind
+with the truths which he himself was learning every day to love better.
+He thought her an apt and hopeful pupil, but, under the circumstances,
+he was scarcely the best possible judge.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not so well satisfied with her attainments; he advised
+reserve and caution in imparting their secrets to her, lest through
+inadvertence she might betray them to her aunt and cousins. Juan
+considered this a mark of his constitutional timidity; yet he so far
+attended to his warnings, that Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was strongly impressed
+with the necessity of keeping their religious conversations a profound
+secret, whilst her sensibilities were not shocked by any mention of
+words so odious as heresy or Lutheranism.</p>
+
+<p>But there could be no doubt as to Juan's own progress under <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>the
+instructions of his brother, and of Losada and Fray Cassiodoro.
+He began, ere long, to accompany Carlos to the meetings of the
+Protestants, who welcomed the new acquisition to their ranks with
+affectionate enthusiasm. All were attracted by Don Juan's warmth and
+candour of disposition, and by his free, joyous, hopeful temperament;
+though he was not beloved by any as intensely as Carlos was by the few
+who really knew him, such as Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and the
+young monk, Fray Fernando.</p>
+
+<p>Partly through the influence of his religious friends, and partly
+through the brilliant reputation he had brought from Alcala, Carlos
+now obtained a lectureship at the College of Doctrine, of which the
+provost, Fernando de San Juan, was a decided and zealous Lutheran. This
+appointment was an honourable one, considered in no way derogatory to
+his social position, and useful as tending to convince his uncle that
+he was "doing something," not idly dreaming his time away.</p>
+
+<p>Occupations of another kind opened out before him also. Amongst the
+many sincere and anxious inquirers who were troubled with perplexities
+concerning the relations of the old faith and the new, were some
+who turned to him, with an instinctive feeling that he could help
+them. This was just the work that best suited his abilities and his
+temperament. To sympathize, to counsel, to aid in conflict as only
+that man can do who has known conflict himself, was God's special gift
+to him. And he who goes through the world speaking, whenever he can,
+a word in season to the weary, will seldom be without some weary one
+ready to listen to him.</p>
+
+<p>Upon one subject, and only one, the brothers still differed. Juan saw
+the future robed in the glowing hues borrowed from his own ardent,
+hopeful spirit. In his eyes the Spains were already won "for truth
+and freedom," as he loved to say. He anticipated nothing less than a
+glorious regeneration of Christendom, in which his beloved country
+would lead the van. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>And there were many amongst Losada's congregation
+who shared these bright and beautiful, if delusive dreams, and the
+enthusiasm which had given them birth, and in its turn was nourished by
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Again, there were others who rejoiced with much trembling over the
+good tidings that often reached them of the spread of the faith in
+distant parts of the country, and who welcomed each neophyte to their
+ranks as if they were adorning a victim for the sacrifice. They could
+not forget that name of terror, the Holy Inquisition. And from certain
+ominous indications they thought the sleeping monster was beginning to
+stir in his den. Else why had new and severe decrees against heresy
+been recently obtained from Rome? And above all, why had the Bishop
+of Terragona, Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga, already known as a relentless
+persecutor of Jews and Moors, been appointed Vice-Inquisitor General at
+Seville?</p>
+
+<p>Still, on the whole, hope and confidence predominated; and strange,
+nay, incredible as it may appear to us, beneath the very shadow of the
+Triana the Lutherans continued to hold their meetings "almost with open
+doors."</p>
+
+<p>One evening Don Juan escorted Do&ntilde;a Beatriz to some festivity from which
+he could not very well excuse himself, whilst Carlos attended a reunion
+for prayer and mutual edification at the usual place&mdash;the house of Do&ntilde;a
+Isabella de Baena.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan returned at a late hour, but in high spirits. Going at once to
+the room where his brother sat awaiting him, he threw off his cloak,
+and stood before him, a gay, handsome figure, in his doublet of crimson
+satin, his gold chain, and well-used sword, now worn for ornament, with
+its embossed scabbard and embroidered belt.</p>
+
+<p>"I never saw Do&ntilde;a Beatriz look so charming," he began eagerly. "Don
+Miguel de Santa Cruz was there, but he could not get so much as a
+single dance with her, and looked ready <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>to die for envy. But save me
+from the impertinence of Luis Rotelo! I shall have to cane him one
+of these days, if no milder measures will teach him his place and
+station. <i>He</i>, the son of a simple hidalgo, to dare lift his eyes to
+Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella? The caitiff's presumption!&mdash;But thou art not
+listening, brother. What is wrong with thee?"</p>
+
+<p>No wonder he asked. The face of Carlos was pale; and the deep mournful
+eyes looked as if tears had been lately there. "A great sorrow, brother
+mine," he answered in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>My</i> sorrow too, then. Tell me, what is it?" asked Juan, his tone and
+manner changed in a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Juliano is taken."</p>
+
+<p>"Juliano! The muleteer who brought the books, and gave you that
+Testament?"</p>
+
+<p>"The man who put into my hands this precious Book, to which I owe my
+joy now and my hope for eternity," said Carlos, his lip trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi!&mdash;But perhaps it is not true."</p>
+
+<p>"Too true. A smith, to whom he showed a copy of the Book, betrayed him.
+God forgive him&mdash;if there be forgiveness for such. It may have been a
+month ago, but we only heard it now. And he lies there&mdash;<i>there</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you?"</p>
+
+<p>"All were talking of it at the meeting when I entered. It is the sorrow
+of all; but I doubt if any have such cause to sorrow as I. For he is my
+father in the faith, Juan. And now," he added, after a long, sad pause,
+"I shall <i>never</i> tell him what he has done for me&mdash;at least on this
+side of the grave."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no hope for him," said Juan mournfully, as one that mused.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Hope!</i> Only in the great mercy of God. Even those dreadful dungeon
+walls cannot shut Him out."</p>
+
+<p>"No; thank God."</p>
+
+<p>"But the prolonged, the bitter, the horrible suffering! I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>have been
+trying to contemplate, to picture it&mdash;but I cannot, I dare not. And
+what I dare not think of, he must endure."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a peasant, you are a noble&mdash;that makes some difference," said
+Don Juan, with whom the tie of brotherhood in Christ had not yet
+effaced all earthly distinctions. "But Carlos," he questioned suddenly,
+and with a look of alarm, "does not he know everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Everything</i>," Carlos answered quietly. "One word from his lips, and
+the pile is kindled for us all. But that word will never be spoken.
+To-night not one heart amongst us trembled for ourselves, we only wept
+for him."</p>
+
+<p>"You trust him, then, so completely? It is much to say. They in whose
+hands he is are cruel as fiends. No doubt they will&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" interrupted Carlos, with a look of such exceeding pain, that
+Juan was effectually silenced. "There are things we cannot speak of,
+save to God in prayer. Oh, my brother, pray for him, that He for whom
+he has risked so much may sustain him, and, if it may be, shorten his
+agony."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely more than two or three will join in that prayer. But, my
+brother," he added, after a pause, "be not so downcast. Do you not
+know that every great cause must have its martyr? When was a victory
+won, and no brave man left dead on the field; a city stormed, and none
+fallen in the breach? Perhaps to that poor peasant may be given the
+glory&mdash;the great glory&mdash;of being honoured throughout all time as the
+sainted martyr whose death has consecrated our holy cause to victory. A
+grand lot truly! Worth suffering for!" And Juan's dark eye kindled, and
+his cheek glowed with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think that Christ is worth suffering for," said Carlos at <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>last.
+"And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith,
+can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May
+that&mdash;may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and
+comfort are far away."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXI" id="XXI">XXI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">By the Guadalquivir.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Schiller.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>ext Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Do&ntilde;a
+Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the
+deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there.
+But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and
+death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death
+for all who trust him. Then came prayer&mdash;true incense offered on the
+golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil,"
+still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> But
+in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had
+parted with their friends. "The night is fine."</p>
+
+<p>"Whither shall we bend our steps?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of
+the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.</p>
+
+<p>"Why take such a circuit?" said Carlos, showing a disposition to turn
+in an opposite direction. "This is far the shorter way."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"True; but it is less pleasant."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked at him gratefully. "My brother would spare my weakness,"
+he said. "But it needs not. Twice of late, when you were engaged with
+Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, I went alone thither, and&mdash;to the Prado San Sebastian."</p>
+
+<p>So they passed through the Puerta de Triana, and having crossed the
+bridge of boats, leisurely took their way beneath the walls of the grim
+old castle. As they did so, both prayed in silence for one who was
+pining in its dungeons. Don Juan, whose interest in the fate of Juliano
+was naturally far less intense than his brother's, was the first to
+break that silence. He remarked that the Dominican convent adjoining
+the Triana looked nearly as gloomy as the inquisitorial prison itself.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it looks like all other convents," returned Carlos, with
+indifference.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon in the shadow of the dark, ghostlike olive trees. The
+moon was young, and gave but little light; but the large clear stars
+looked down through the southern air like lamps of fire, hanging not so
+much in the sky as from it. Were those bright watchers charged with a
+message from the land very far off, which seemed so near to <i>them</i> in
+the high places whence they ruled the night? Carlos drank in the spirit
+of the scene in silence. But this did not please his less meditative
+brother. "What art thou pondering?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
+they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Art thinking still of the prisoner in the Triana?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of him, and also of another very dear to both of us, of whom I have
+for some time been purposing to speak to thee. What if thou and I have
+been, like children, seeking for a star <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>on earth while all the time it
+was shining above us in God's glorious heaven?"</p>
+
+<p>"Knowest thou not of old, little brother, that when thy parables begin
+I am left behind at once? I pray thee, let the stars alone, and speak
+the language of earth."</p>
+
+<p>"What was the task to which thou and I vowed ourselves in childhood,
+brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked at him keenly through the dim light. "I sometimes feared
+thou hadst forgotten," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that. But I had a reason&mdash;I think a good and sufficient
+one&mdash;for not speaking to thee until well and fully assured of thy
+sympathy."</p>
+
+<p>"My sympathy? In aught that concerned the dream, the passion of my
+life!&mdash;of both our young lives! Carlos, how couldst thou even doubt of
+this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had reason to doubt at first whether a gleam of light which has been
+shed upon our father's fate would be regarded by his son as a blessing
+or a curse."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not keep a man in suspense, brother. Speak at once, in Heaven's
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt no longer <i>now</i>. It will be to thee, Juan, as to me, a joy
+exceeding great to think that our venerated father read God's Word for
+himself, and knew his truth and honoured it, as we have learned to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, God be thanked!" cried Juan, pausing in his walk and clasping his
+hands together. "This indeed is joyful news. But speak, brother; how do
+you know it? Are you certain, or is it only dream, hope, conjecture?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos told him in detail, first the hint dropped by Losada to De Seso;
+then the story of Dolores; lastly, what he had heard at San Isodro
+about Don Rodrigo de Valer. And as he proceeded with his narrative, he
+welded the scattered links into a connected chain of evidence.</p>
+
+<p>Juan, all eagerness, could hardly wait till he came to the end. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>"Why
+did you not speak to Losada?" he interrupted at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, brother, and hear me out; the best is to come. I have done so
+lately. But until assured how thou wouldst regard the matter, I cared
+not to ask questions, the answers to which might wound thy heart."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in no doubt now. What heard you from Se&ntilde;or Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard that Dr. Egidius named the Conde de Nuera as one of those who
+befriended Don Rodrigo. And that he had been present when that brave
+and faithful teacher privately expounded the Epistle to the Romans."</p>
+
+<p>"There!" Juan exclaimed with a start. "There is the origin of my second
+and favourite name, Rodrigo. Brother, brother, these are the best
+tidings I have heard for years." And uncovering his head, he uttered
+fervent and solemn words of thanksgiving.</p>
+
+<p>To which Carlos added a heartfelt "Amen," and resumed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Then, brother, you think we are justified in taking this joy to our
+hearts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt," cried the sanguine Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"And it follows that his crime&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Was what in our eyes constitutes the truest glory, the profession of a
+pure faith," said Juan with decision, leaping at once to the conclusion
+Carlos had reached by a far slower path.</p>
+
+<p>"And those mystic words inscribed upon the window, the delight and
+wonder of our childhood&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" repeated Juan&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>But what they have to do with the matter I see not yet."</p>
+
+<p>"You see not? Surely the knowledge of God in Christ, the kingdom of
+heaven opened up to us, is the true El Dorado, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>golden country,
+which enriches those who find it for evermore."</p>
+
+<p>"That is all very good," said Juan, with the air of a man not quite
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt not that was our father's meaning," Carlos continued.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it, though. Up to that point I follow you, Carlos; but there
+we part. <i>Something</i> in the New World, I think, my father must have
+found."</p>
+
+<p>A lengthened debate followed, in which Carlos discovered, rather to his
+surprise, that Juan still clung to his early faith in a literal land
+of gold. The more thoughtful and speculative brother sought in vain to
+reason him out of that belief. Nor was he much more successful when he
+came to state his own settled conviction that they should never see
+their father's face on earth. Not the slightest doubt remained on his
+own mind that, on account of his attachment to the Reformed faith, the
+Conde de Nuera had been, in the phraseology of the time, quietly "put
+out of the way." But whether this had been done during the voyage, or
+on the wild unknown shores of the New World, he believed his children
+would never know.</p>
+
+<p>On this point, however, no argument availed with Juan. He seemed
+determined <i>not</i> to believe in his father's death. He confessed,
+indeed, that his heart bounded at the thought that he had been a
+sufferer "in the cause of truth and freedom." "He has suffered exile,"
+he said, "and the loss of all things. But I see not wherefore he may
+not after all be living still, somewhere in that vast wonderful New
+World."</p>
+
+<p>"I am content to think," Carlos replied, "that all these years he has
+been at rest with the dead in Christ. And that we shall see his face
+first with Christ when he appears in glory."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not content. We must learn something more."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall never learn more. How can we?" asked Carlos.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is so like thee, little brother. Ever desponding, ever turned
+easily from thy purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"Well; be it so," said Carlos meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"But what <i>I</i> determine, that I do," said Juan. "At least I will make
+my uncle speak out," he continued. "I have ever suspected that he knows
+something."</p>
+
+<p>"But how is that to be done?" asked Carlos. "Nevertheless, do all thou
+canst, and God prosper thee. Only," he added with great earnestness,
+"remember the necessities of our present position; and for the sake of
+our friends, as well as of our own lives, use due prudence and caution."</p>
+
+<p>"Fear not, my too prudent brother.&mdash;The best and dearest brother in the
+world," he added kindly, "if he had but a little more courage."</p>
+
+<p>Thus conversing they hastily retraced their steps to the city, the hour
+being already late.</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p>Quiet weeks passed on after this unmarked by any event of importance.
+Winter had now given place to spring; the time of the singing of birds
+was come. In spite of numerous and heavy anxieties, and of <i>one</i> sorrow
+that pressed more or less upon all, it was still spring-time in many
+a brave and hopeful heart amongst the adherents of the new faith in
+Seville. Certainly it was spring-time with Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>One Sunday a letter arrived by special messenger from Nuera, containing
+the unwelcome tidings that the old and faithful servant of the house,
+Diego Montes, was dying. It was his last wish to resign his stewardship
+into the hands of his young master, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Juan could not
+hesitate. "I will go to-morrow morning," he said to Carlos; "but rest
+assured I will return hither as soon as possible; the days are too
+precious to be lost."</p>
+
+<p>Together they repaired once more to Do&ntilde;a Isabella's house. Don Juan
+told the friends they met there of his intended de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>parture, and ere
+they separated many a hand warmly grasped his, and many a voice spoke
+kindly the "Vaya con Dios" for his journey.</p>
+
+<p>"It needs not formal leave-takings, se&ntilde;ores and my brethren," said
+Juan; "my absence will be very short; not next Sunday indeed, but
+possibly in a fortnight, and certainly this day month I shall meet you
+all here again."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>God willing</i>," said Losada gravely. And so they parted.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXII" id="XXII">XXII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Flood-Gates Opened.</p>
+
+<p class="center">"And they feared as they entered into the cloud."</p>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>or the first stage of Don Juan's journey Carlos accompanied him. They
+spent the time in animated talk, chiefly about Nuera, Carlos sending
+kind messages to the dying man, to Dolores, and indeed to all the
+household. "Remember, brother," he said, "to give Dolores the little
+books I put into the alforjas, specially the 'Confession of a Sinner.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall remember everything, even to bringing thee back tidings of all
+the sick folk in the village. Now, Carlos, here we agreed to part;&mdash;no,
+not one step further."</p>
+
+<p>They clasped each other's hands. "It is not like a long parting," said
+Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"No. Vaya con Dios, my Ruy."</p>
+
+<p>"Quede con Dios,<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> brother;" and he rode off, followed by his servant.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos watched him wistfully; would he turn for a last look? He <i>did</i>
+turn. Taking off his velvet montero, he gaily bowed farewell; thus
+allowing Carlos to gaze once more upon his dark, handsome, resolute
+features, keen, sparkling eyes and curling black hair.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whilst Juan saw a scholar's face, thoughtful, refined, sensitive; a
+broad pale forehead, from which the breeze had blown the waving fair
+hair (fair to a southern eye, though really a bright soft brown), and
+lips that kept the old sweetness of expression, though, whether from
+the manly fringe that graced them or from some actual change, the
+weakness which marred them once had ceased to be apparent now.</p>
+
+<p>Another moment, and both had turned their horses' heads. Carlos, when
+he reached the city, made a circuit to avoid one of the very frequent
+processions of the Host; since, as time passed on, he felt ever
+more and more disinclined to the absolutely necessary prostration.
+Afterwards he called upon Losada, to inquire the exact address of a
+person whom he had asked him to visit. He found him engaged in his
+character of physician, and sat down in the patio to await his leisure.</p>
+
+<p>Ere long Dr. Cristobal passed through, politely accompanying to the
+gate a canon of the cathedral, for whose ailments he had just been
+prescribing. The Churchman, who was evidently on the best terms with
+his physician, was showing his good-nature and affability by giving him
+the current news of the city; to which Losada listened courteously,
+with a grave, quiet smile, and, when necessary, an appropriate
+question or comment. Only one item made any impression upon Carlos: it
+related to a pleasant estate by the sea-side which Munebr&atilde;ga had just
+purchased, disappointing thereby a relative of the canon's who desired
+to possess it, but could not command the very large price readily
+offered by the Inquisitor.</p>
+
+<p>At last the visitor was gone. In a moment the smile had faded from the
+physician's care-worn face. Turning to Carlos with a strangely altered
+look, he said, "The monks of San Isodro have fled."</p>
+
+<p>"Fled!" Carlos repeated, in blank dismay.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes; no fewer than twelve of them have abandoned the monastery."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you hear it?"</p>
+
+<p>"One of the lay brethren came in this morning to inform me. They held
+another solemn Chapter, in which it was determined that each one should
+follow the guidance of his own conscience, those, therefore, to whom it
+seemed best to go have gone, the rest remain."</p>
+
+<p>For some moments they looked at each other in silence. So fearful was
+the peril in which this rash act involved them all, that it almost
+seemed as if they had heard a sentence of death.</p>
+
+<p>The voice of Carlos faltered as he asked at last,&mdash;"Have Fray Cristobal
+or Fray Fernando gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; they are both amongst those, more generous if not more wise, who
+have chosen to remain and take what God will send them here. Stay, here
+is a letter from Fray Cristobal which the lay brother brought me; it
+will tell you as much as I know myself."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos read it carefully. "It seems," he said, when he had finished,
+"that the consciences of those who fled would not allow them any longer
+to conform, even outwardly, to the rules of their order. Moreover, from
+the signs of the times, they believe that a storm is about to burst
+upon the company of the faithful."</p>
+
+<p>"God grant it may prove that they have saved <i>themselves</i> from its
+violence," Losada answered, with a slight emphasis on "themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"And for us?&mdash;God help us!" Carlos almost moaned, the paper falling
+from his trembling hand. "What shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," returned Losada
+bravely. "No other strength remains for us. But God grant none of us in
+the city may be so unadvised as to follow the example of the brethren.
+The flight of one might be the ruin of all."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And those noble, devoted men who remain at San Isodro?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are in God's hands, as we are."</p>
+
+<p>"I will ride out and visit them, especially Fray Fernando."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, but you will do nothing of the kind; that
+were to court suspicion. I will bear any message you choose to send."</p>
+
+<p>"And you?"</p>
+
+<p>Losada smiled, though sadly. "The physician has occasion to go," he
+said; "he is a very useful personage, who often covers with his ample
+cloak the <i>dogmatizing heretic</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos recognized the official phraseology of the Holy Office. He
+repressed a shudder, but could not hide the look of terror that dilated
+his large blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The older man, the more experienced Christian, could compassionate
+the youth. Losada, himself standing "face to face with death," spoke
+kind words of counsel and comfort to Carlos. He cautioned him strongly
+against losing his self-possession, and thereby running needlessly into
+danger. "Especially would I urge upon you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," he said,
+"the duty of avoiding unnecessary risk, for already you are useful to
+us; and should God spare your life, you will be still more so. If I
+fall&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not speak of it, my beloved friend."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be as God pleases," said the pastor calmly. "But I need
+not remind you, others stand in like peril with me. Especially Fray
+Cassiodoro, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon."</p>
+
+<p>"The noblest heads, the likeliest to fall," Carlos murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"Then must younger soldiers step forth from the ranks, and take up
+the standards dropped from their hands. Don Carlos Alvarez, we have
+high hopes of you. Your quiet words reach the heart; for you speak
+that which you know, and testify that which you have seen. And the
+good gifts of mind that God has given you enable you to speak with the
+greater acceptance. He may have much work for you in his harvest-field.
+But <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>whether he should call you to work or to suffer, shrink not,
+but 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
+dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I will try to trust him; and may he make his strength perfect in my
+weakness," said Carlos. "But for the present," he added, "give me any
+lowly work to do, whereby I may aid you or lighten your cares, my loved
+friend and teacher."</p>
+
+<p>Losada gladly gave him, as indeed he had done several times before,
+instructions to visit certain secret inquirers, and persons in distress
+and perplexity of mind.</p>
+
+<p>He passed the next two or three days in these ministrations, and in
+constant prayer, especially for the remaining monks of San Isodro,
+whose sore peril pressed heavily on his heart. He sought, as much
+as possible, to shut out other thoughts; or, when they would force
+an entrance, to cast their burden, which otherwise would have been
+intolerable, upon Him who would surely care for his own Church, his few
+sheep in the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he remained late in his chamber, writing a letter to his
+brother; and then went forth, intending to visit Losada. As it was a
+fast-day, and he kept the Church fasts rigorously, it happened that he
+had not previously met any of his uncle's family.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to the physician's house did not present its usual
+cheerful appearance. The gate was shut and bolted, and there was no
+sign of patients passing in or out. Carlos became alarmed. It was long
+before he obtained an answer to his repeated calls. At last, however,
+some one inside cried, "<i>Quien es</i>?"<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p>Carlos gave his name, well known to all the household.</p>
+
+<p>Then the door was half opened, and a mulatto serving-lad showed a
+terrified face behind it.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Se&ntilde;or Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Gone, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Gone!&mdash;whither?"</p>
+
+<p>The answer was a furtive, frightened whisper. "Last night&mdash;the
+Alguazils of the Holy Office." And the door was shut and bolted in his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>He stood rooted to the spot, speechless and motionless, in a trance
+of horror. At last he was startled by feeling some one grasp his arm
+without ceremony, indeed rather roughly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you moonstruck, Cousin Don Carlos?" asked the voice of Gonsalvo.
+"At least you might have had the courtesy to offer me the aid of your
+arm, without putting me to the shame of requesting it, miserable
+cripple that I am!" and he gave vent to a torrent of curses upon his
+own infirmities, using expressions profane and blasphemous enough to
+make Carlos shiver with pain.</p>
+
+<p>Yet that very pain did him real service. It roused him from his stupor,
+as sharp anguish sometimes brings back a patient from a swoon. He said,
+"Pardon me, my cousin, I did not see you; but I hear you now&mdash;with
+sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo deigned no answer, except his usual short, bitter laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Whither do you wish to go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Home. I am tired."</p>
+
+<p>They walked along in silence; at last Gonsalvo asked, abruptly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard the news?"</p>
+
+<p>"What news?"</p>
+
+<p>"The news that is in every one's mouth to-day. Indeed, the city has
+well nigh run mad with holy horror. And no wonder! Their reverences,
+the Lords Inquisitors, have just discovered a community of abominable
+Lutherans, a very viper's nest, in our midst. It is said the wretches
+have actually dared to carry on their worship somewhere in the town.
+Ah, no marvel you look horror-stricken, my pious cousin. <i>You</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>could
+never have dreamed that such a thing was possible, could you?" After
+one quick, keen glance, he did not look again in his cousin's face; but
+he might have felt the beating of his cousin's heart against his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I am told," he continued, "that nearly two hundred persons have been
+arrested already."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Two hundred!</i>" gasped Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"And the arrests are going on still."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is taken?" Carlos forced his trembling lips to ask.</p>
+
+<p>"Losada; more's the pity. A good physician, though a bad Christian."</p>
+
+<p>"A good physician, and a good Christian too," said Carlos in the voice
+of one who tries to speak calmly in terrible bodily pain.</p>
+
+<p>"An opinion you would do more wisely to keep to yourself, if a
+reprobate such as I may presume to counsel so learned and pious a
+personage."</p>
+
+<p>"Who else?"</p>
+
+<p>"One you would never guess. Don Juan Ponce de Leon, of all men. Think
+of the Count of Baylen's son being thus degraded! Also the master of
+the College of Doctrine, San Juan; and a number of Jeromite friars from
+San Isodro. Those are all I know worth a gentleman's taking account
+of. There are some beggarly tradesfolk, such as Medel d'Espinosa, the
+embroiderer; and Luis d'Abrego, from whom your brother bought that
+beautiful book of the Gospels he gave Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. But if only such
+cattle were concerned in it, no one would care."</p>
+
+<p>"Some fools there be," Don Gonsalvo continued after a pause, "who have
+run to the Triana, and informed against themselves, thinking thereby
+to get off more easily. <i>Fools</i>, again I say, for their pains." And he
+emphasized his words by a pressure of the arm on which he was leaning.</p>
+
+<p>At length they reached the door of Don Manuel's house. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>"Thanks for
+your aid," said Gonsalvo. "Now that I remember it, Don Carlos, I hear
+also that we are to have a grand procession on Tuesday with banners and
+crosses, in honour of Our Lady, and of our holy patronesses Justina
+and Rufina, to beg pardon for the sin and scandal so long permitted in
+the midst of our most Catholic city. You, my pious cousin, licentiate
+of theology and all but consecrated priest&mdash;you will carry a taper, no
+doubt?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos would fain have left the question unanswered; but Gonsalvo meant
+to have an answer. "You will?" he repeated, laying his hand on his arm,
+and looking him in the face, though with a smile. "It would be very
+creditable to the family for one of us to appear. Seriously; I advise
+you to do it."</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos said quietly, "<i>No</i>;" and crossed the patio to the
+staircase which led to his own apartment.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo stood watching him, and mentally retracting, at his last word,
+the verdict formerly pronounced against him as "a coward," "not half a
+man."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIII" id="XXIII">XXIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Reign of Terror.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Though shining millions around thee stand,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For the sake of him at thy right hand</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Think of the souls he died for here,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Thus wandering in darkness, in doubt and fear.</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The powers of darkness are all abroad&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;They own no Saviour, and they fear no God;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And we are trembling in dumb dismay;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Oh, turn not thou thy face away."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hogg.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t was late in the evening when Carlos emerged from his chamber. How
+the intervening hours had been passed he never told any one. But
+this much is certain,&mdash;he contended with and overcame a wild, almost
+uncontrollable impulse to seek refuge in flight. His reason told him
+that this would be to rush upon certain destruction: so sedulously
+guarded were all the ways of egress, and so watchful and complete, in
+every city and village of the land, was the inquisitorial organization;
+not to speak of the "Hermandad," or Brotherhood&mdash;a kind of civil
+police, always ready to co-operate with the ecclesiastical authorities.</p>
+
+<p>Still, if he could not be saved, Juan might and should. This thought
+was growing gradually clearer and stronger in his bewildered brain and
+aching heart while he knelt in his chamber, finding a relief in the
+attitude of prayer, though <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>few and broken were the words of prayer
+that passed his trembling lips. Indeed, the burden of his cry was this:
+"Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Thou that carest for
+us, forsake us not in our bitter need. For thine is the kingdom; even
+yet thou reignest."</p>
+
+<p>This was all he could find to plead, either on his own behalf or on
+that of his imprisoned brethren; though for them his heart was wrung
+with unutterable anguish. Once and again did he repeat&mdash;"<i>Thine</i> is the
+kingdom and the power. Thine, O Father; thine, O Lord and Saviour. Thou
+<i>canst</i> deliver us."</p>
+
+<p>It was well for him that he had Juan to save. He rose at last; and
+added to the letter previously written to his brother a few lines of
+most earnest entreaty that he would on no account return to Seville.
+But then, recollecting his own position, he marvelled greatly at his
+simplicity in purposing to send such a letter by the King's post&mdash;an
+institution which, strange to say, Spain possessed at an earlier period
+than any other country in Europe. If he should fall under suspicion,
+his letter would be liable to detention and examination, and might thus
+be the means of involving Juan in the very peril from which he sought
+to deliver him.</p>
+
+<p>A better plan soon occurred to him. That he might carry it out,
+he descended late in the evening to the cool, marble-paved court,
+or <i>patio</i>, in the centre of which the fountain ever murmured and
+glistened, surrounded by tropical plants, some of them in gorgeous
+bloom.</p>
+
+<p>As he had hoped, one solitary lamp burned like a star in a remote
+corner; and its light illumined the form of a young girl seated on
+a low chair, before an inlaid ebony table, writing busily. Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz had excused herself from accompanying the family on an evening
+visit, that she might devote herself in undisturbed solitude to the
+composition of her first love-letter&mdash;indeed, her first letter of any
+kind: for short as he intended <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>his absence to be, Juan had stipulated
+for this consolation, and induced her to promise it; and she knew that
+the King's post went northwards the next day, passing by Nuera on his
+way to the towns of La Mancha.</p>
+
+<p>So engrossing was her occupation that she did not hear the step of
+Carlos. He drew near, and stood behind her. Pearls, golden Agni, and
+a scarlet flower or two, were twined with her glossy raven hair; and
+the lamp shed a subdued radiance over her fine features, which glowed
+through their delicate olive with the rosy light of joy. An exquisite
+though not very costly perfume, that Carlos in other days always
+associated with her presence, still continued a favourite with her, and
+filled the place around with fragrance. It brought back his memory to
+the past&mdash;to that wild, vain, yet enchanting dream; the brief romance
+of his life. But there was no time now even for "a dream within a
+dream." There was only time to thank God, from the depths of his soul,
+that in all the wide world there was no heart that would break for
+<i>him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz," he said gently.</p>
+
+<p>She started, and half turned, a bright flush mounting to her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"You are writing to my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"And how know you that, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos?" asked the young lady, with a
+little innocent affectation.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos, standing face to face with terrible realities, pushed aside
+her pretty arts, as one hastening to succour a dying man might push
+aside a branch of wild roses that impeded his path.</p>
+
+<p>"I most earnestly request of you, se&ntilde;ora, to convey to him a message
+from me."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore can you not write to him yourself, Se&ntilde;or Licentiate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible, se&ntilde;ora, that you know not what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos! how you startle one.&mdash;Do you mean these
+horrible arrests?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos found that a few strong, plain words were absolutely necessary
+in order to make Beatriz understand his brother's peril. She had
+listened hitherto to Don Juan's extracts from Scripture, and the
+arguments and exhortations founded thereon, conscious, indeed, that
+these were secrets which should be jealously guarded, yet unconscious
+that they were what the Church and the world branded as heresy.
+Consequently, although she heard of the arrest of Losada and his
+friends with vague regret and apprehension, she was far from distinctly
+associating the crime for which they suffered with the name dearest to
+her heart. She was still very young; and she had not thought much&mdash;she
+had only loved. And she blindly followed him she loved, without caring
+to ask whither he was going himself, or whither he was leading her.
+When at last Carlos made her comprehend that it was for reading the
+Scriptures, and talking of justification by faith alone, that Losada
+was thrown into the dungeons of the Triana, a thrilling cry of anguish
+broke from her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, se&ntilde;ora!" said Carlos; and for once his voice was stern. "If even
+your little black foot-page heard that cry, it might ruin all."</p>
+
+<p>But Beatriz was unused to self-control. Another cry followed, and there
+were symptoms of hysterical tears and laughter. Carlos tried a more
+potent spell.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, se&ntilde;ora" he repeated. "We must be strong and silent, if we are to
+save Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>She looked piteously up at him, repeating, "Save Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;ora. Listen to me. <i>You</i>, at least, are a good Catholic. You
+have not compromised yourself in any way: you say your angelus; you
+make your vows; you bring flowers to Our Lady's shrine. <i>You</i> are
+safe."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She turned round and faced him&mdash;her cheek dyed crimson, and her eyes
+flashing,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am safe! Is that all you have to say? Who cares for that? What is
+<i>my</i> life worth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Patience, dear se&ntilde;ora! Your safety aids in securing his. Listen.&mdash;You
+are writing to him. Tell him of the arrests; for hear of them he must.
+Use the language about heresy which will occur to you, but which&mdash;God
+help me!&mdash;I could not use. Then pass from the subject. Write aught
+else that comes to your mind; but before closing your letter, say that
+I am well in mind and body, and would be heartily recommended to him.
+Add that I most earnestly request of him, for our common good and the
+better arrangement of our affairs, not to return to Seville, but to
+remain at Nuera. He will understand that. Lay your own commands upon
+him&mdash;your <i>commands</i>, remember, se&ntilde;ora&mdash;to the same effect."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do all that.&mdash;But here come my aunt and cousins."</p>
+
+<p>It was true. Already the porter had opened for them the gloomy outer
+gate; and now the gilt and filagreed inner door was thrown open also,
+and the returning family party filled the court. They were talking
+together; not quite so gaily as usual, but still eagerly enough. Do&ntilde;a
+Sancha soon drew near to Beatriz, and began to rally her upon her
+occupation, threatening playfully to carry away and read the unfinished
+letter. No one addressed a word to Carlos; but that might have been
+mere accident.</p>
+
+<p>It was, however, scarcely accidental that his aunt, as she passed him
+on her way to an inner room, drew her mantilla closer round her, lest
+its deep lace fringe might touch his clothing. Shortly afterwards Do&ntilde;a
+Sancha dropped her fan. According to custom, Carlos stooped for it,
+and handed it to her with a bow. The young lady took it mechanically,
+but almost immediately dropped it again with a look of scorn, as if
+polluted by its touch. Its delicate carved ivory, the work of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>Moorish
+hands, lay in fragments on the marble floor; and from that moment
+Carlos knew that he was under the ban, that he stood alone amidst his
+uncle's household&mdash;a suspected and degraded man.</p>
+
+<p>It was not wonderful. His intimacy with the monks of San Isodro,
+his friendship with Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and with the physician
+Losada, were all well-known facts. Moreover, had he not taught at the
+College of Doctrine, under the direct patronage of Fernando de San
+Juan, another of the victims? And there were other indications of his
+tendencies which could scarcely escape notice, once the suspicions of
+those who lived under the same roof with him were awakened.</p>
+
+<p>For a time he stood silent, watching his uncle's countenance, and
+marking the frown that contracted his brow whenever his eye turned
+towards him. But when Don Manuel passed into a smaller saloon that
+opened upon the court, Carlos followed him boldly.</p>
+
+<p>They stood face to face, but could hardly see each other. The room was
+darkness, save for a few struggling moonbeams.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or my uncle," said Carlos, "I fear my presence here is displeasing
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel paused before replying.</p>
+
+<p>"Nephew," he said at length, "you have been lamentably imprudent. The
+saints grant you have been no worse."</p>
+
+<p>A moment of strong emotion will sometimes bring out in a man's face
+characteristic lineaments of his family, in calmer seasons not
+traceable there. Thus it is with features of the soul. It was not the
+gentle timid Don Carlos who spoke now, it was Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya. There was both pride and courage in his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"If it has been my misfortune to offend my honoured uncle, to whom I
+owe so many benefits, I am sorry, though I cannot charge myself with
+any fault. But I should be faulty indeed were I to prolong my stay in
+a house where I am no longer <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>what, thanks to your kindness, se&ntilde;or my
+uncle, I have ever been hitherto, a welcome guest." Having spoken thus,
+he turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, young fool!" cried Don Manuel, who thought the better of him for
+his proud words. They raised him, in his estimation, from a mark for
+his scorn to a legitimate object for his indignation. "There spoke your
+father's voice. But I tell you, for all that, you shall not quit the
+shelter of my roof."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"You may spare the pains. I ask you not, for I prefer to remain in
+ignorance, to what perilous and fool-hardy lengths your intimacy with
+heretics may have gone. Without being a Qualificator of heresy myself,
+I can tell that you smell of the fire. And indeed, young man, were you
+anything less than Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya, I would hardly scorch my own
+fingers to hold you out of it. The Devil&mdash;to whom, in spite of all your
+fair appearances, I fear you belong&mdash;might take care of his own. But
+since truth is the daughter of God, you shall have it from my lips.
+And the plain truth is, that I have no desire to hear every cur dog in
+Seville barking at me and mine; nor to see our ancient and honourable
+name dragged through the mire and filth of the streets."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never disgraced that name."</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not said that I desire no protestations from you? Whatever
+my private opinion may be, it stands upon our family honour to hold
+that yours is still unstained. Therefore, not from love, as I tell you
+plainly, but from motives that may perchance prove stronger in the
+end, I and mine extend to you our protection. I am a good Catholic, a
+faithful son of Mother Church; but I freely confess I am no hero of
+the Faith, to offer up upon its shrine those that bear my own name.
+I pretend not to such heights of sanctity, not I." And Don Manuel
+shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I entreat of you, se&ntilde;or my uncle, to allow me to explain&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel waved his hand with a forbidding gesture. "None of thy
+explanations for me," he said. "I am no silly cock, to scratch till I
+find the knife. Dangerous secrets had best be let alone. This I will
+say, however, that of all the contemptible follies of these evil times,
+this last one of heresy is the worst. If a man <i>will</i> lose his soul, in
+the name of common sense let him lose it for fine houses, broad lands,
+a duke's title, an archbishop's coffers, or something else good at
+least in this world. But to give all up, and to gain nothing, save fire
+here and fire again hereafter! It is sheer, blank idiocy."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> gained something," said Carlos firmly. "I have gained a
+treasure worth more than all I risk, more than life itself."</p>
+
+<p>"What! Is there really a meaning in this madness? Have you and your
+friends a secret?" Don Manuel asked in a gentler voice, and not without
+curiosity. For he was the child of his age; and had Carlos told him
+that the heretics had made the discovery of the philosopher's stone, he
+would have seen nothing worthy of disbelief in the statement; he would
+only have asked him for proofs.</p>
+
+<p>"The knowledge of God in Christ," began Carlos eagerly "gives me joy
+and peace&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Is that all?</i>" cried Don Manuel with an oath. "Fool that I was, to
+imagine, for half an idle minute, that there might be some grain of
+common sense still left in your crazy brain! But since it is only a
+question of words and names, and mystical doctrines, I have the honour
+to wish you good evening, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos. Only I command you, as you
+value your life, and prefer a residence beneath my roof to a dungeon
+in the Triana, to keep your insanity within bounds, and to conduct
+yourself so as to avert suspicion. On these conditions we will shelter
+you. Eventually, if it can be done with safety, we may <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>even ship you
+out of the Spains to some foreign country, where heretics, rogues, and
+thieves are permitted to go at large." So saying, he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was stung to the quick by his contempt; but remembered at last
+that it was a fragment of the true cross (really the first that had
+fallen to his lot) given him to wear in honour of his Master.</p>
+
+<p>Sleep would not visit his eyes that night. The next day was the
+Sabbath, a day he had been wont to welcome and enjoy. But never again
+should the Reformed Church of Seville meet in the upper room which
+had been the scene of so much happy intercourse. The next reunion was
+appointed for another place, a house not made with hands, eternal in
+the heavens. Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena and Losada were in the dungeons
+of the Triana. Fray Cassiodoro de Reyna, singularly fortunate, had
+succeeded in making his escape. Fray Constantino, on the other hand,
+had been amongst the first arrested; but Carlos went as usual to the
+Cathedral, where that eloquent voice would never again be heard. A
+heavy silent gloom, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, seemed to
+fill the crowded aisles.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it was there that the first gleam of comfort reached the breaking
+heart of Carlos. It came to him through the familiar words of the Latin
+service, loved from childhood.</p>
+
+<p>He said afterwards to the trembling children of one of the victims,
+whose desolated home he dared to visit, "For myself, horror took
+hold of me. I dared not to think. I scarce dared to pray, save in
+broken words that were only like cries of pain. The first thing that
+helped me was that grand verse in the Te Deum, chanted by the sweet
+childish voices of the Cathedral choir&mdash;'Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
+aperuesti credentibus regna c&oelig;lorum.' Think, dear friends, not death
+alone, but its sting, its sharpness,&mdash;for us and our beloved,&mdash;He has
+overcome, and they and we in him. The gates of the kingdom of heaven
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>stand open; opened by his hands, and neither men nor fiends can shut
+them again."</p>
+
+<p>Such words as these did Carlos find opportunity to speak to many
+bereaved ones, from whom the desire of their eyes had been taken by
+a stroke far more bitter than death. This ministry of love did not
+greatly increase his own peril, since the less he deviated from his
+ordinary habits of life the less suspicion he was likely to awaken.
+But had it been otherwise, he was not now in a position to calculate.
+Perhaps he was too near heaven; at all events, he had already ventured
+too much for Christ's sake not to be willing, at his call, to venture a
+little more.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the isolation of his position in his uncle's house grew
+overpowering. No one reproached him, no one taunted him, not even
+Gonsalvo. He often longed for some bitter word, ay, though it were a
+curse, to break the oppressive silence. Every eye looked upon him with
+hatred and scorn; every hand shrank from the slightest, most accidental
+contact with his. Almost he came to consider himself what all others
+considered him,&mdash;polluted, degraded&mdash;under the ban.</p>
+
+<p>Once and again would he have sought escape by flight from an atmosphere
+in which it seemed more and more impossible to breathe. But flight
+meant arrest; and arrest, besides its overwhelming terrors for himself,
+meant the danger of betraying Juan. His uncle and his uncle's family,
+though they seemed now to scorn and hate him, had promised to save him
+if they could, and so far he trusted them.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIV" id="XXIV">XXIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">A Gleam of Light.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"It is a weary task to school the heart,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Ere years or griefs have tamed its fiery throbbings,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Into that still and passive fortitude</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Which is but learned from suffering."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcaps"><span class="hide">S</span></span>hortly afterwards, the son and heir of Do&ntilde;a Inez was baptized, with
+the usual amount of ceremony and rejoicing. After the event, the family
+and friends partook of a merienda of fruit, confectionery, and wine, in
+the patio of Don Gar&ccedil;ia's house. Much against his inclination, Carlos
+was obliged to be present, as his absence would have occasioned remark
+and inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>When the guests were beginning to disperse, the hostess drew near the
+spot where he stood, near to the fountain, admiring, or seeming to
+admire, a pure white azalia in glorious bloom.</p>
+
+<p>"In good sooth, cousin Don Carlos," she said, "you forget old friends
+very easily. But I suppose it is because you are going so soon to take
+Orders. Every one knows how learned and pious you are. And no doubt
+you are right to wean yourself in good time from the concerns and
+amusements of this unprofitable world."</p>
+
+<p>No word of this little speech was lost upon one of the greatest gossips
+in Seville, a lady of rank, who stood near, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>leaning on the arm of
+Losada's former patient, the wealthy Canon. And this was what the
+speaker, in her good nature, probably intended.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised to her face eyes beaming with gratitude for the friendly
+notice.</p>
+
+<p>"No change of state, se&ntilde;ora, can ever make me forget the kindness of my
+fair cousin," he responded with a bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Your cousin's little daughter," said the lady, "had once a place in
+your affections. But with you, as with all the rest, I presume the boy
+is everything. As for my poor little Inez, her small person is of small
+account in the world now. It is well she has her mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to renew my acquaintance
+with Do&ntilde;a Inez, if I maybe permitted so to do."</p>
+
+<p>This was evidently what the mother desired. "Go to the right then,
+amigo mio," she said promptly, indicating the place intended by a quick
+movement of her fan, "and I will send the child to you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos obeyed, and for a considerable time paced up and down a cool
+spacious apartment, only separated from the court by marble pillars,
+between which costly hangings were suspended. Being a Spaniard, and
+dwelling among Spaniards, he was neither surprised nor disconcerted by
+the long delay.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, he began to suspect that his cousin had forgotten
+him. But this was not the case. First a painted ivory ball rolled in
+over the smooth floor; then one of the hangings was hastily pushed
+aside, and the little Do&ntilde;a Inez bounded gaily into the room in search
+of her toy. She was a merry, healthy child, about two years old, and
+really very pretty, though her infantine charms were not set off to
+advantage by the miniature nun's habit in which she was dressed, on
+account of a vow made by her mother to "Our Lady of Carmel," during the
+serious illness for which Carlos had summoned Losada to her aid.</p>
+
+<p>She was followed almost immediately, not by the grave <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>elderly nurse
+who usually waited on her, but by a girl of about sixteen, rather a
+beauty, whose quick dark eyes bestowed, from beneath their long lashes,
+bashful but evidently admiring glances on the handsome young nobleman.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, ever fond of children, and enjoying the momentary relief from
+the painful tension of his daily life, stooped for the ball and held
+it, just allowing its bright red to appear through his fingers. As the
+child was not in the least shy, he was soon engaged in a game with her.</p>
+
+<p>Looking up in the midst of it, he saw that the mother had come in
+silently, and was watching him with searching anxious eyes that brought
+back in a moment all his troubles. He allowed the ball to slide to the
+ground, and then, with a touch of his foot, sent it rolling into one
+of the farthest corners of the spacious hall. The child ran gleefully
+after it; while the mother and the attendant exchanged glances. "You
+may take the noble child away, Juanita," said the former.</p>
+
+<p>Juanita led off her charge without again allowing her to approach
+Carlos, thus rendering unnecessary the ceremony of a farewell. Was this
+the mother's contrivance, lest by spell of word or gesture, or even by
+a kiss, the heretic might pollute or endanger the innocent babe?</p>
+
+<p>When they were alone together, Do&ntilde;a Inez was the first to speak. "I do
+not think you can be so wicked after all; since you love children, and
+play with them still," she said in a low, half-frightened tone.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you for those words, se&ntilde;ora," answered Carlos with a
+trembling lip. He was learning to steel himself to scorn; but kindness
+tested his self-control more severely.</p>
+
+<p>"Amigo mio," she resumed, drawing nearer and speaking more rapidly,
+"I cannot quite forget the past. It is very wrong, I know, and I am
+weak. Ay de mi! If it be true you really are that dreadful thing I do
+not care to name, I ought to have the courage to stand by and see you
+perish."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But my kinsfolk," said Carlos, "do not intend me to perish. And for
+the protection they afford me I am grateful. More I could not have
+expected from them; less they might well have done for me. But I would
+to God I could show them and you that I am not the foul dishonoured
+thing they deem me."</p>
+
+<p>"If it had only been something <i>respectable</i>," said Do&ntilde;a Inez, with a
+sort of writhe, "such as some youthful irregularity, or stabbing or
+slaying somebody!&mdash;but what use in words? I would say, I counsel you to
+look to your own safety. Do you not know my brothers?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do, se&ntilde;ora. That an Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya should be defamed of
+heresy would be more than a disgrace&mdash;it would be a serious injury to
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"There be more ways than one of avoiding the misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked inquiringly at her. Something in her half-averted face
+and the quick shrug of her shoulders prompted him to ask, "Do you think
+they mean me mischief?"</p>
+
+<p>"Daggers are sharp to cut knots," said the lady, playing with her fan
+and avoiding his eye.</p>
+
+<p>With so many ghastlier terrors had the mind of Carlos grown familiar,
+that this one came to him in the guise of a relief. So "the sharpness
+of death" for him might mean no more than a dagger's thrust, after all!
+One moment here, the next in his Saviour's presence. Who that knew
+aught of the tender mercies of the Holy Office could do less than thank
+God on his bended knees for the prospect of such a fate!</p>
+
+<p>"It is not <i>death</i> that I fear," he answered, looking at her steadily.</p>
+
+<p>"But you may as well live; nay, you had better live. For you may
+repent, may save your unhappy soul. I shall pray for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, dear and kind se&ntilde;ora; but, through the grace of God, my
+soul is saved already. I believe in Jesus Christ&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Hush! for Heaven's sake!" Do&ntilde;a Inez interrupted, dropping her fan and
+putting her fingers in her ears. "Hush! or ere I am aware I shall have
+listened to some dreadful heresy. The saints help me! How should I know
+just where the good Catholic words end, and the wicked ones begin? I
+might be caught in the web of the evil one; and then neither saint nor
+angel, no, nor even Our Lady herself, could deliver me. But listen to
+me, Don Carlos, for at all events I would save your life."</p>
+
+<p>"I will listen gratefully to aught from your lips."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that you dare not attempt flight from the city at present.
+But if you could lie concealed in some safe and quiet place within it
+till this storm has blown over, you might then steal away unobserved.
+Don Gar&ccedil;ia says that now there is such a keen search made after the
+Lutherans, that every man who cannot give a good account of himself
+is like to be taken for one of the accursed sect. But that cannot
+last for ever; in six months or so the panic will be past. And those
+six months you may spend in safety, hidden away in the lodging of my
+lavandera."<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p>
+
+<p>"You are kind&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, and listen. I have arranged the whole matter. And once you are
+there, I will see that you lack nothing. It is in the Morrero;<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> a
+house hidden in a very labyrinth of lanes, a chamber in the house which
+a man would need to look for very particularly ere he found it."</p>
+
+<p>"How shall <i>I</i> succeed in finding it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You noticed the pretty girl who led in my little Inez? Pepe, the
+lavandera's son, is ready to die for the love of her. She will describe
+you to him, and engage his assistance in the adventure, telling him the
+story I have told her, that you wish to conceal yourself for a season,
+having stabbed your rival in a love affair."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"O Do&ntilde;a Inez! <i>I!</i>&mdash;almost a priest!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well; do not look so horror-stricken, amigo mio. What could I
+do? I dared not give them a hint of the truth, or both my hands full
+of double ducats would not have tempted them to stir in the affair. So
+I thought no shame of inventing a crime for you that would win their
+interest and sympathy, and dispose them to aid you."</p>
+
+<p>"Passing strange," said Carlos. "Had I only sinned against the law of
+God and the life of my neighbour, they would gladly help me to escape;
+did they dream that I read his words in my own tongue, they would give
+me up to death."</p>
+
+<p>"Juanita is a good little Christian," remarked Do&ntilde;a Inez; "and Pepe
+also is a very honest lad. But perhaps you may find some sympathy with
+the old crone of a lavandera, who is of Moorish blood, and, it is
+whispered, knows more of Mohammed than she does of her Breviary."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos disclaimed all connection with the followers of the false
+prophet.</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know the difference?" said Do&ntilde;a Inez. "I thought it was
+all the same, heresy and heresy. But I was about to say, Pepe is a
+gallant lad, a regular <i>majo</i>; his hand knows its way either amongst
+the strings of a guitar, or on the hilt of a dagger. He has often
+served caballeros who were out of nights serenading their ladies; and
+he will go equipped as if for such an adventure. You, also, bind a
+guitar on your shoulder (you could use one in old times, and to good
+purpose too, if you have not forgotten all Christian accomplishments
+together); bribe old Sancho to leave the gates open, and sally forth
+to-morrow night when the clock strikes the midnight hour. Pepe will
+wait for you in the Calle del Candilejo until one."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would have named to-night, but Pepe has a dance to attend. Moreover,
+I knew not whether I could arrange this interview in sufficient time to
+prepare you. Now, cousin," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>she added anxiously, "you understand your
+part, and you will not fail in it."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand everything, se&ntilde;ora my cousin. From my heart I thank
+you for the noble effort to save me. Whether in its result it shall
+prove successful or no, already it is successful in giving me hope and
+strength, and renewing my faith in old familiar kindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! that step is Don Gar&ccedil;ia's. It is best you should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Only one word more, se&ntilde;ora. Will my generous cousin add to her
+goodness by giving my brother, when it can be done with safety, a hint
+of how it has fared with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; that shall be cared for. Now, adios."</p>
+
+<p>"I kiss your feet, se&ntilde;ora."</p>
+
+<p>She hastily extended her hand, upon which he pressed a kiss of
+friendship and gratitude. "God bless you, my cousin," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya con Dios," she responded. "For it is our last meeting," she added
+mentally.</p>
+
+<p>She stood and watched the retreating figure with tears in her bright
+eyes, and in her heart a memory that went back to old times, when she
+used to intercede with her rough brothers for the delicate shrinking
+child, who was younger, as well as frailer, than all the rest. "He was
+ever gentle and good, and fit to be a holy priest," she thought. "Ay de
+mi, for the strange, sad change! Yet, after all, I cannot see that he
+is so greatly changed. Playing with the child, talking with me, he is
+just the same Carlos as of old. But the devil is very cunning. God and
+Our Lady keep us from his wiles!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXV" id="XXV">XXV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Waiting.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Our night is dreary, and dim our day,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And if thou turn thy face away,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;We are sinful, feeble, and helpless dust,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And have none to look to and none to trust."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hogg.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>hus was Carlos roused from the dull apathy of forced inaction. With
+the courage and energy that are born of hope, he made the few and
+simple preparations for his flight that were in his power. He also
+visited as many as he could of his afflicted friends, feeling that his
+ministry among them was now drawing to a close.</p>
+
+<p>He rejoined his uncle's family as usual at the evening meal. Don
+Balthazar, the empleado, was not present at its commencement, but soon
+came in, looking so much disturbed that his father asked, "What is
+amiss?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing amiss, se&ntilde;or and my father," answered the young man,
+as he raised a large cup of Manzanilla to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any news in the city?" asked his brother Don Manuel.</p>
+
+<p>Don Balthazar set down the empty cup. "No great news," he answered. "A
+curse upon those Lutheran dogs that are setting the place in an uproar."</p>
+
+<p>"What! more arrests," said Don Manuel the elder. "It is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>awful. The
+number reached eight hundred yesterday. Who is taken now?"</p>
+
+<p>"A priest from the country, Doctor Juan Gonzalez, and a friar named
+Olmedo. But that is nothing. They might take all the Churchmen in all
+the Spains, and fling them into the lowest dungeons of the Triana for
+me. It is a different matter when we come to speak of ladies&mdash;ladies,
+too, of the first families and highest consideration."</p>
+
+<p>A slight shudder, and a kind of forward movement, as if to catch what
+was coming, passed round the table. But Don Balthazar seemed reluctant
+to say more.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it any of our acquaintances?" asked the sharp, high-pitched voice
+of Do&ntilde;a Sancha at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Every one is acquainted with Don Pedro Gar&ccedil;ia de Xeres y Bohorques. It
+is&mdash;I tremble to tell you&mdash;his daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Which?</i>" cried Gonsalvo, in tones that turned the gaze of all on his
+livid face and fierce eager eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"St. Iago, brother! You need not look thus at me. Is it my fault?&mdash;It
+is the learned one, of course, Do&ntilde;a Maria. Poor lady, she may well wish
+now that she had never meddled with anything beyond her Breviary."</p>
+
+<p>"Our Lady and all the saints defend us! Do&ntilde;a Maria in prison for
+heresy&mdash;horrible! Who will be safe now?" the ladies exclaimed, crossing
+themselves shudderingly.</p>
+
+<p>But the men used stronger language. Fierce and bitter were the
+anathemas they heaped upon heresy and heretics. Yet it is only just to
+say that, had they dared, they might have spoken differently. Probably
+in their secret hearts they meant the curses less for the victims than
+for their oppressors; and had Spain been a land in which men might
+speak what they thought, Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga would have been devoted
+to a lower place in hell than Luther or Calvin.</p>
+
+<p>Only two were silent. Before the eye of Carlos rose the sweet
+thoughtful face of the young girl, as he had seen it last, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>radiant
+with the faith and hope kindled by the sublime words of heavenly
+promise spoken by Losada. But the sight of another face&mdash;still, rigid,
+deathlike&mdash;drove that vision away. Gonsalvo sat opposite to him at the
+table. And had he never heard the strange story Do&ntilde;a Inez told him,
+that look would have revealed it all.</p>
+
+<p>Neither curse nor prayer passed the white lips of Gonsalvo. Not one of
+all the bitter words, found so readily on slighter occasions, came now
+to his aid. The fiercest outburst of passion would have seemed less
+terrible to Carlos than this unnatural silence.</p>
+
+<p>Yet none of the others, after the first moment, appeared to notice
+it. Or if they did observe anything strange in the look and manner
+of Gonsalvo, it was imputed to physical pain, from which he often
+suffered, but for which he rejected, and even resented, sympathy, until
+at last it ceased to be offered him. Having given what expression they
+dared to their outraged feelings, they once more turned their attention
+to the unfinished repast. It was not at all a cheerful meal, yet it was
+duly partaken of, except by Gonsalvo and Carlos, both of whom left the
+table as soon as they could without attracting attention.</p>
+
+<p>Willingly would Carlos have endeavoured to console his cousin; but he
+did not dare to speak to him, or even to allow him to guess that he saw
+the anguish of his soul.</p>
+
+<p>One day still remained to him before his flight. In the morning,
+though not very early, he set out to finish his farewell visits to his
+friends. He had not gone many paces from the house, when he observed a
+gentleman in plain black clothing, with sword and cloak, look at him
+regardfully as he passed. A moment afterwards the same person, having
+apparently changed his mind as to the direction in which he wished
+to go, hurried by him at a rapid pace; and with a murmured "Pardon,
+se&ntilde;or," thrust a billet into his hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Not doubting that one of his friends had sent an emissary to warn him
+of some danger, Carlos turned into one of the narrow winding lanes with
+which the semi-oriental city abounds, and finding himself safe from
+observation, cast a hasty glance at the billet.</p>
+
+<p>His eye just caught the words, "His reverence the Lord Inquisitor&mdash;Don
+Gonsalvo&mdash;after midnight&mdash;revelations of importance&mdash;strict secrecy."
+What did it all mean? Did the writer wish to inform him that his cousin
+intended betraying him to the Inquisition? He did not believe it. But
+the sound of approaching footsteps made him thrust the paper hastily
+away; and in another moment his sleeve was grasped by Gonsalvo.</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to me," said his cousin in a breathless whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Give you what?"</p>
+
+<p>"The paper that born idiot and marplot put into thy hands, mistaking
+thee for me. Curse the fool! Did he not know I was lame?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos showed the note, still holding it. "Is this what you mean?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"You have read it! <i>Honourable!</i>" cried Gonsalvo, with a bitter sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"You are unjust to me. It bears no address; and I could not suppose
+otherwise than that it was intended for myself. However, I only read
+the few disconnected words upon which my eye first chanced to fall."</p>
+
+<p>The cousins stood gazing in each other's faces; as those might do that
+meet in mortal combat, ere they close hand to hand. Each was pondering
+whether the other was capable of doing him a deadly injury. Yet, after
+all, each held, at the bottom of his heart, a conviction that the other
+might be trusted.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, though he had the greater cause for apprehension, was the first
+to come to a conclusion. Almost with a smile he handed the note to
+Gonsalvo. "Whatever yon mysterious <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>billet may mean to Don Gonsalvo,"
+he said, "I am convinced that he means no harm to any one bearing the
+name of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>"You will never repent that word. And it is true&mdash;in the sense you
+speak it," returned Gonsalvo, taking the paper from his hand. At that
+moment he was irresolute whether to confide in Carlos or no. But the
+touch of his cousin's hand decided him. It was cold and trembling. One
+so weak in heart and nerve was obviously unfit to share the burden of a
+brave man's desperate resolve.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos went his way, firmly believing that Gonsalvo intended no ill
+to him. But what then did he intend? Had he solicited the Inquisitor
+for a private midnight interview merely to throw himself at his feet,
+and with impassioned eloquence to plead the cause of Do&ntilde;a Maria? Were
+"important revelations" only a blind to procure his admission?</p>
+
+<p>Impossible! who, past the age of infancy, would kneel to the storm to
+implore it to be still, or to the fire to ask it to subdue its rage?
+Perhaps some dreamy enthusiast, unacquainted with the world and its
+ways, might still be found sanguine enough for such a project, but
+certainly not Don Gonsalvo Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya.</p>
+
+<p>Or had he a bribe to offer? Inquisitors, like other Churchmen, were
+known to be subject to human frailties; of course they would not touch
+gold, but, according to a well-known Spanish proverb, you were invited
+to throw it into their cowls. And Munebr&atilde;ga could scarcely have fed his
+numerous train of insolent retainers, decked his splendid barge with
+gold and purple, and brought rare plants and flowers from every known
+country to his magnificent gardens, without very large additions to the
+acknowledged income of the Inquisitor-General's deputy. But, again,
+not all the wealth of the Indies would avail to open the gates of the
+Triana to an obstinate heretic, however it might modify the views of
+"his Reverence" upon the merits of a <i>doubt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>ful</i> case. And even to
+procure a few slight alleviations in the treatment of the accused,
+would have required a much deeper purse than Gonsalvo's.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, Carlos saw that the young man was "bitter of soul;" ready for
+any desperate deed. What if he meant to accuse <i>himself</i>. Amidst the
+careless profanity in which he had been too wont to indulge, many a
+word had fallen from his lips that might be contrary to sound doctrine
+in the estimation of Inquisitors, comparatively lenient as they were to
+<i>blasphemers</i>. But what possible benefit to Do&ntilde;a Maria would be gained
+by his throwing himself into the jaws of death? And if it were really
+his resolve to commit suicide, by way of ending his own miseries, he
+could surely accomplish the act in a more direct and far less painful
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Carlos pondered; but in whatever way he regarded the matter, he
+could not escape from the idea that his cousin intended some dangerous
+or fatal step. Gonsalvo was too still, too silent. This was an evil
+sign. Carlos would have felt comparatively easy about him had he made
+him shrink and shudder by an outburst of the fiercest, most indignant
+curses. For the less emotion is wasted in expression, the more remains,
+like pent-up steam, to drive the engine forward in its course.
+Moreover, there was an evil light in Gonsalvo's eye; a gleam like that
+of hope, but hope that was certainly not kindled from above.</p>
+
+<p>Although the very crisis of his own fate was now approaching, and
+every faculty might have had full occupation nearer home, Carlos was
+haunted perpetually by the thought of his cousin. It continued to
+occupy him not only during his visits to his friends, but afterwards in
+the solitude and silence of his own apartment. We all know the strange
+perversity with which, in times of suspense and sorrow, the mind will
+sometimes run riot upon matters irrelevant, and even apparently trivial.</p>
+
+<p>With slow footsteps the hours stole on; miserable hours to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>Carlos,
+except in so for as he could spend them in prayer, now his only
+resource and refuge. After pleading for himself, for Juan, for his
+dear imprisoned brethren and sisters, he named Gonsalvo; and was led
+most earnestly to implore God's mercy for his unhappy cousin. As he
+thought of his misery, so much greater than his own; his loneliness,
+without God in the world; his sorrow, without hope,&mdash;his pleading grew
+impassioned. And when at last he rose from his knees, it was with that
+sweet sense that God would hear&mdash;nay, that he <i>had</i> heard&mdash;which is
+one of the mysteries of the new life, the precious things that no man
+knoweth save he that receiveth them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, believing it was nearly midnight, he quickly finished his simple
+preparations, took his guitar (which had now lain unused for a long
+time), and sallied forth from his chamber.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVI" id="XXVI">XXVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Gonsalvo's Revenge.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent3">"Our God, the all just,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Unto himself reserves this royalty,</div>
+   <div class="verse">The secret chastening of the guilty heart;</div>
+   <div class="verse">The fiery touch, the scourge that purifies&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Leave it with him. Yet make not that thy trust;</div>
+   <div class="verse">For that strong heart of thine&mdash;oh, listen yet!&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Must in its depths o'ercome the very wish</div>
+   <div class="verse">Of death or torture to the guilty one,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Ere it can sleep again."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Manuel's house had once belonged to a Moorish Cid, or lord. It
+had been assigned to the first Conde de Nuera, as one of the original
+<i>conquistadors</i> of Seville; and he had bequeathed it to his second son.
+It had a turret, after the Moorish fashion, and the upper chamber of
+this had been given to Carlos on his first arrival in the city; from an
+idea that the theological student would require a solitary place for
+study and devotion, or, at least, that it would be decorous to suppose
+so. The room beneath had been occupied by Don Juan, but since his
+departure it was appropriated by Gonsalvo, who liked solitude, and took
+advantage of his improved health to escape from the ground-floor, to
+which his infirmities had long confined him.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos stole noiselessly down the narrow winding stair, he noticed a
+light in his cousin's room. This in itself did not sur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>prise him. But
+he certainly felt a little disconcerted when, just as he passed the
+door, Don Gonsalvo opened it, and met him face to face. He also was
+fully equipped in sword and cloak, and carried a torch in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos," he said reproachfully; "after all, thou
+couldst not trust me."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I did trust you."</p>
+
+<p>From fear of being overheard, both entered the nearest room&mdash;Don
+Gonsalvo's&mdash;and its owner closed the door softly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are stealing away from fear of me, and thereby throwing yourself
+into the fire. Do it not, Don Carlos; be advised, and do it not." He
+spoke earnestly, and without a shadow of the old bitterness and sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, it is not thus. My flight was planned ere yesterday; and in
+concert with one who both can and will provide me with the means of
+safety. It is best I should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough said then," returned Gonsalvo, more coldly. "Farewell; I seek
+not to detain you. Farewell; for though we may go forth together, our
+paths divide, and for ever, at the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Your path is perhaps less safe than mine, Don Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Talk of what you understand, cousin. My path is safety itself. And now
+that I think of it (if you could be trusted), you might aid me perhaps.
+Did you know all, I dare not doubt that you would rejoice to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"God knows how joyfully I would aid you if I could, Don Gonsalvo. But I
+fear you are bound on a useless, and worse than useless, errand."</p>
+
+<p>"You know not my errand."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know to whom you go this night. Oh, my cousin, is it possible
+you can dream that prayer of yours will soften hearts harder than the
+nether millstone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know the way to one heart; and though it be the hardest of all, I
+shall reach it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Were you to pour the wealth of El Dorado at the feet of Gonzales de
+Munebr&atilde;ga, he neither would nor could unloose one bolt of that prison."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo's wild look changed suddenly into one of wistful earnestness,
+almost of tenderness. He said, lowering his voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Near as death, the revealer of secrets, may be to me, there are still
+some questions worth the asking. Perchance <i>you</i> can throw a gleam of
+light upon this horrible darkness. We are speaking frankly now, and as
+in God's presence. Tell me, <i>is that charge true</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frankly, and in the sense in which you ask&mdash;it is."</p>
+
+<p>The last fatal words Carlos only whispered. Gonsalvo made no answer;
+but a kind of momentary spasm passed across his face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos at length went on in a low voice: "She knew the Evangel long
+before I did, though she is so young&mdash;not yet one-and-twenty. She was
+the pupil of Dr. Egidius; but he was wont to say he learned more from
+her than she did from him. Her keen, bright intellect cut through
+sophistries, and reached truth so quickly. And God gave her abundantly
+of his grace; making her willing, for that truth, to endure all things.
+Oft have I seen her sweet face kindle and glow whilst he who taught us
+spoke of the joy and strength given to those that suffer for the name
+of Christ. I am persuaded He is with her now, and will be with her
+even to the end. Could you gain access to her where she is, I think
+she would tell you she possesses a treasure of peace of which neither
+death nor suffering, neither cruelty of fiends nor worse cruelty of
+fiend-like men, can avail to rob her."</p>
+
+<p>"She is a saint&mdash;she will be a blessed saint in heaven, let them say
+what they may," murmured Gonsalvo hoarsely. Then the fierce look
+returned to his face again. "But I think the old Christians of Castile,
+the men whose good swords made the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>infidels bite the dust, and
+planted the cross on their painted towers, are no better than curs and
+dastards."</p>
+
+<p>"In that they suffer these things?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; a thousand times, yes. In the name of man's honour and woman's
+loveliness, are there, in our good city of Seville, neither fathers,
+nor brothers, nor lovers left alive? No man who thinks the sweetest
+eyes ever seen worth six inches of steel in five skilful fingers? No
+one man, save the poor forgotten cripple, Don Gonsalvo Alvarez. But he
+thanks God this night that he has spared his life, and left strength
+enough in his feeble limbs to beat him into a murderer's presence."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo! what do you mean?" cried Carlos, shrinking from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Lower thy voice, an' it please thee. But why should I fear to tell
+thee&mdash;<i>thee</i>, who hast good cause to be the death-foe of Inquisitors?
+If thou art not cur and dastard too, thou wilt applaud and pray for me.
+For I suppose heretics pray, at least as well as Inquisitors. I said
+I would reach the heart of Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga this night. Not with
+gold. There is another metal of keener temper, which enters in where
+even gold cannot come."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you mean&mdash;<i>murder</i>?" said Carlos, again drawing near him,
+and laying his hand on his arm. Gonsalvo sank into a seat, half
+mechanically, half from an instinct that led him to spare the strength
+he would need so sorely by-and-by.</p>
+
+<p>In the momentary pause that followed, the clock of San Vicente tolled
+the midnight hour.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Gonsalvo steadily; "I mean murder&mdash;as the shepherd does
+who strangles the wolf with his paw on the lamb."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, think&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of everything. And mark me, Don Carlos, I have but one
+regret. It is that my weapon deals an instantaneous death. Such revenge
+is poor and flavourless after all. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>I have heard of poisons whose least
+drop, mingling with the blood, ensures a slow agonizing death&mdash;time
+to learn what torture means, and to drain to the dregs the cup filled
+for others&mdash;to curse God and man ere he dies. For a phial of such,
+wherewith to anoint my blade, I would sell my soul to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"O Gonsalvo, this is horrible! They are wild, wicked words you speak.
+Pray God to pardon you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I adjure him by his justice to prosper me," said Gonsalvo, raising his
+head defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>"He will not prosper you. And do you dream that such a mad achievement
+(suppose you even succeed in it) will open prison-doors and set
+captives free? Alas! alas! that we are not at the mercy of a tyrant's
+<i>will</i>. For tyrants, the worst of them, sometimes relent; and&mdash;they are
+mortal. That which is crushing us is not a living being, an organism
+with nerves, and brain, and blood. It is a system, a <span class="smcap">THING</span>,
+a terrible engine, that moves on in its resistless way, cold and
+lifeless, without will or feeling. Strong as adamant, it kills,
+tortures, destroys; obeying laws far away out of our sight. Were Valdez
+and Munebr&atilde;ga, and all the Board of Inquisitors, dead corpses by the
+morning light, not a single dungeon in the Triana would open its
+pitiless gate."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe <i>that</i>," replied Gonsalvo, rather more quietly.
+"Surely there must be some confusion, of which advantage may be taken
+by friends of the prisoners. This, indeed, is the motive which now
+induces me to confide in you. <i>You</i> may know those who, if they had the
+chance, could strike a shrewd blow to save their dearest on earth from
+torture and death."</p>
+
+<p>But Gonsalvo read no answer in the sorrowful face of Carlos to the
+searching look of inquiry with which he said this. After a silence he
+went on,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the worst, however. The Holy Office sorely needs a little
+blood-letting, and will be much the better for it. Who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>ever succeeds,
+Munebr&atilde;ga will have my dagger flashing in his eyes, and will take care
+how he deals with his prisoners, and whom he arrests."</p>
+
+<p>"I implore you to think of yourself," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo smiled. "I know I shall pay the forfeit," he said, "even as
+those who slew the Inquisitor Pedro Arbues before the high altar in
+Saragossa. But"&mdash;here the smile faded, and the stern set look returned
+to his face&mdash;"I shall not pay more, for a man's triumphant vengeance,
+than those fiends will dare to inflict upon a tender, delicately
+nurtured girl for the crime of a mystic meditation, or a few words of
+prayer not properly rounded off with an Ave."</p>
+
+<p>"True. But then you will suffer alone. She has God with her."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>can</i> suffer alone."</p>
+
+<p>For that word Carlos envied him. <i>He</i> shrank in terror from loneliness,
+from suffering, shuddering at the very thought of the dungeon and the
+torture-room. And just then the first quarter of his hour of grace
+chimed from the clock of San Vicente. What if he and Pepe should fail
+to meet? He would not think of that now. Whatever happened, Gonsalvo
+<i>must</i> be saved. He went on,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Here you can suffer alone and be strong. But how will you endure the
+loneliness of the long hereafter, away from God's presence, from light
+and life and hope? Are you content that you, and she for whom you give
+your life, should be sundered throughout eternity?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay; I am casting my lot in with hers. If the Church curses her (pure
+and holy as she ever was), its anathema shall fall on me too. If only
+the Church's key opens heaven, she and I will both stand without."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you know she will enter heaven. Shall <i>you</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo hesitated. "It will not be the blood of a villain that will
+bar my way," he said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"God says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Then what will he do with Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will do that with him of which, if you but dreamed, it would change
+your fiercest hate into saddest, deepest pity. Have you realized what
+a span is our life here compared with the countless ages of eternity?
+Think! For God's chosen a few weeks, or months at most, of solitude and
+fear and pain, ended perhaps by&mdash;but that is as he pleases; <i>ended</i>, at
+all events. Then add up the million years, fill them with the joy of
+victory, and the presence and love of Christ himself. Can they not, and
+we for them, be content with this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you content with it yourself?" Gonsalvo suddenly interrupted. "You
+seek flight."</p>
+
+<p>The glow faded from the face of Carlos, and his eyes sank to the
+ground. "Christ has not called me yet," he answered in a lower tone.
+There was a silence; then he resumed: "Turn now to the other side.
+Would you change, even this hour, with Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga? But take
+him from his wealth, and his pomp, and his sinful luxuries, all defiled
+with blood, and what remains for him? Everlasting fire, prepared for
+the devil and his angels."</p>
+
+<p>"Everlasting fire!" Gonsalvo repeated, as if the thought pleased him.</p>
+
+<p>"Leave him in God's hand. It is a stronger hand than yours, Don
+Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Everlasting fire! I would send him there to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"And whither would you send your own sinful soul?"</p>
+
+<p>"God might pardon, though the Church cursed."</p>
+
+<p>"Possibly. But to enter God's heaven you need something besides pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"What?" asked Gonsalvo, half wearily, half incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>"'Holiness; without which no man can see the Lord.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Holiness?" Gonsalvo questioned, as if the word was strange to him, and
+he attached no meaning to it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Carlos went on, with intense and ever increasing earnestness;
+"unless, even from that passionate heart of yours, revenge and hatred
+are banished, you can <i>never</i> see God, never come where&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, trifler!" Gonsalvo interrupted with angry impatience.
+"Too long have I tarried, listening to thine idle talk. Priests and
+women are content with words; brave men <i>act</i>. Farewell to thee!"</p>
+
+<p>"One word more, only one." Carlos drew near and laid his hand on his
+cousin's arm. "Nay, you <i>shall</i> listen to me. Seemeth it to you a thing
+incredible that that heart of yours can be changed and softened to a
+love like His who prayed on the cross for his murderers? Yet it can be.
+<i>He</i> can do it. He gives pardon, holiness, peace. Peace of which you
+dream not now, but which <i>she</i> knows full well. O Don Gonsalvo, better
+join her where she is going, than wildly, rashly, and most uselessly
+peril your soul to avenge her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Uselessly! Were that true indeed&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! who can doubt it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would I had time for thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, in God's name, and pray him to keep you from a great crime."</p>
+
+<p>For a few moments he sat still&mdash;still as the dead. Then he started
+suddenly. "Already the hour is passing," he exclaimed; "I shall be too
+late. Fool that I was, to be almost moved from my purpose by the idle
+words of a&mdash;The weakness is past now. Still, ere we part, give me thy
+hand, Don Carlos, for, on my faith, I never liked thee half so well."</p>
+
+<p>Very sorrowfully Carlos extended it, rather wondering as he did so that
+the energetic Gonsalvo failed to spring from his seat and prepare to be
+gone.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo stirred not, even to take the offered hand. A deathlike
+paleness overspread his face, and a cry of terror had well nigh broken
+from his lips. But he choked it back. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>"Something is strangely wrong
+with me," he faltered. "I cannot move. I feel dead&mdash;<i>dead</i>&mdash;from the
+waist down."</p>
+
+<p>"God has spoken to you from heaven," said Carlos solemnly. He felt as
+if a miracle had been wrought in his presence. His Protestantism had
+not freed him from the superstitions of his age. Had he lived three
+centuries later, he would have seen nothing miraculous in the disease
+with which Gonsalvo was stricken, but rather have called it the natural
+result of intense agitation and excitement, acting upon a frame already
+weakened.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the reckless Gonsalvo was the more superstitious of the two. He was
+at war with the creed in which he had been nurtured; but that older and
+deeper kind of superstition which has its root in human nature had, for
+this very reason, a stronger hold upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead&mdash;dead!" he repeated, the words falling from his lips in broken,
+awe-struck whispers. "The limbs I misused! The feet that led me into
+sin! God&mdash;God have mercy upon me! It is thy hand!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is his hand; a sign he has not forsaken thee; that he means to
+bring thee back to himself. Oh, my cousin, do not despair. Hope yet in
+his mercy, for it is great."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos knelt down beside him, took his passive hand in his, and spoke
+earnest, loving words of hope and comfort. The last quarter, ere the
+single stroke that should announce that the hour appointed for his own
+flight was past, chimed from the clock on the church tower. Yet he did
+not move&mdash;he had forgotten self. At last, however, he said, "But it may
+be something can be done to relieve you. You ought to have medical aid
+without delay. I should have thought of this before. I will rouse the
+household."</p>
+
+<p>"No; that would endanger you. Go on your way, and bid the porter do it
+when you are gone."</p>
+
+<p>It was too late, the household <i>was</i> roused. A loud authori<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>tative
+knocking at the outer gate sent the blood back from the hearts of both
+with sudden and horrible fear.</p>
+
+<p>There was a sound of opening gates, followed by
+footsteps&mdash;voices&mdash;cries.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo was the first to understand all. "The Alguazils of the Holy
+Office!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am lost!" cried Carlos, large drops gathering on his brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Conceal yourself," said Gonsalvo; but he knew his words were vain.
+Already his quick ear had caught the sound of his cousin's name; and
+already footsteps were on the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos glanced round the room. For a moment his eye rested on the
+window, eighty feet above the ground. Better spring from it and perish!
+No, that would be self-murder. In God's name he would await them
+manfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You will be searched," Gonsalvo whispered hurriedly; "have you aught
+about your person that may add to your danger?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos drew from its place of concealment the heroic Juliano's
+treasured gift.</p>
+
+<p>"I will hide it," said his cousin; and taking it hastily, he slipped it
+beneath his inner vest, where it lay in strange neighbourhood with a
+small, exquisitely tempered poniard, destined never to be used.</p>
+
+<p>The torch-light within, perhaps the voices, guided the Alguazils
+to that room. A hand was placed on the door. "They are coming, Don
+Carlos," cried Gonsalvo; "I am thy murderer."</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no fault of thine. Always remember that," said Carlos, in his
+sharpest anguish generous still. Then for one brief moment, that seemed
+an age, he was deaf to all outward things. Afterwards he was himself
+again.</p>
+
+<p>And something more than himself perhaps. Now, as in other moments of
+intense excitement, the spirit of his race descended <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>on him. When the
+Alguazils entered, it was Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya
+who met them, with folded arms, with steadfast eye, and pale but
+dauntless forehead.</p>
+
+<p>All was quiet, regular, and most orderly. Don Manuel, roused from his
+slumbers, appeared with the Alguazils, and respectfully requested a
+sight of the warrant upon which they proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>It was produced; and all could see that it was duly signed, and sealed
+with the famous seal&mdash;the sword and olive branch, the dog with the
+flaming brand, the sorely outraged, "Justitia et misericordia."</p>
+
+<p>Had Don Manuel Alvarez been king of all the Spains, and Carlos his
+heir-apparent, he dared not have offered the least resistance then. He
+had no wish to resist, however; he bowed obsequiously, and protested
+his own and his family's devotion to the Faith and the Holy Office.
+But he added (perhaps merely as a matter of form), that he could bring
+many witnesses of unimpeachable character to testify to his nephew's
+orthodoxy, and hoped to succeed in clearing him from whatever odious
+imputation had induced their Reverences to order his arrest.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Gonsalvo gnashed his teeth in impotent rage and despair. He
+would have bartered his life for two minutes of health and strength
+in which to rush suddenly on the Alguazils, and give Carlos time to
+escape, let the consequences of such frantic audacity be what they
+might. But the bands of disease, stronger than iron, made the body a
+prison for the indignant, tortured spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos spoke for the first time. "I am ready to go with you," he said
+to the chief of the Alguazils. "Do you wish to examine my apartment?
+You are welcome. It is the chamber over this."</p>
+
+<p>Having gone over every detail of such a scene a thousand times in
+imagination, he knew that the examination of papers and personal
+effects usually formed a part of it. And he had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>no fears for the
+result, as, in preparation for his flight, he had carefully destroyed
+everything that he thought could implicate himself or any one else.</p>
+
+<p>"Don Carlos&mdash;cousin!" cried Gonsalvo suddenly, as surrounded by the
+officers he was about to leave the room. "Vaya con Dios! A braver man
+than you have I never seen."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos turned on him one long, sorrowful gaze. "<i>Tell Ruy</i>," he said.
+That was all.</p>
+
+<p>Then there was trampling of footsteps overhead, and the sound of
+voices, not excited or angry, but cool, business-like, even courteous.</p>
+
+<p>Then the footsteps descended, passed the door of Gonsalvo's room,
+sounded along the corridor, grew fainter on the great staircase, died
+away in the court.</p>
+
+<p>Less than an hour afterwards, the great gate of the Triana opened to
+receive a new victim. The grave familiar held it, bowing low, until the
+prisoner and his guard had passed through. Then it was swung to again,
+and barred and bolted, shutting out from Don Carlos Alvarez all help
+and hope, all charity and all mercy&mdash;save only the mercy of God.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVII" id="XXVII">XXVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">My Brother's Keeper.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Since she loved him, he went carefully,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Bearing a thing so precious in his hand."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">George Eliot.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>bout a week afterwards, Don Juan Alvarez dismounted at the door of his
+uncle's mansion. His shout soon brought the porter, a "pure and ancient
+Christian," who had spent nearly all his life in the service of the
+family.</p>
+
+<p>"God save you, father," said Juan. "Is my brother in the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or and your worship,"&mdash;the old man hesitated, and looked
+confused.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall I find him, then?" cried Juan; "speak at once, if you
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"May it please your noble Excellency, I&mdash;I know nothing. At least&mdash;the
+Saints have mercy on us!" and he trembled from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>Juan thrust him aside, nearly knocking him down in his haste, and
+dashed breathless into his uncle's private room, on the right hand side
+of the patio.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel was there, seated at a table, looking over some papers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Where is my brother?" asked Juan sternly and abruptly, searching his
+face with his keen dark eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Holy Saints defend us!" cried Don Manuel, nearly startled out of his
+ordinary decorum. "And what madness brings <i>you</i> here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my brother?" Juan repeated, in the same tone, and without
+moving a muscle.</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet&mdash;be reasonable, nephew Don Juan. Do not make a disturbance;
+it will be worse for all of us. We did all we could&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"For Heaven's sake, se&ntilde;or, will you answer me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have patience. We did all we could for him, I was about to say; and
+more than we ought. The Guilt was his own, if he was suspected and
+taken&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Taken!</i> Then I come too late." Sinking into the nearest seat, he
+covered his face with both hands, and groaned aloud.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel Alvarez had never learned to reverence the sacredness of a
+great sorrow. "Rushing in" where such as he might well fear to tread,
+he presumed to offer consolation. "Come, then, nephew Don Juan," he
+said, "you know as well as I do that 'water that has run by will turn
+no mill,' and that 'there is no good in throwing the rope after the
+bucket.' No man can alter that which is past. All we can do is to avoid
+worse mischief in future."</p>
+
+<p>"When was it?" asked Juan, without looking up.</p>
+
+<p>"A week agone."</p>
+
+<p>"Seven days and nights!"</p>
+
+<p>"Thereabouts. But <i>you</i>&mdash;are you in love with destruction yourself,
+that, when you were safe and well at Nuera, you must needs comes hither
+again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came to save him."</p>
+
+<p>"Unheard of folly! If <i>you</i> have been meddling with these matters&mdash;and
+it is but too likely, seeing you were always with him (though, the
+Saints forbid I should suspect an honourable <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>soldier like you of
+anything worse than imprudence)&mdash;do you not know they will wring the
+whole truth out of <i>him</i> with very little trouble, and your life is not
+worth a brass maraved&igrave;?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan started to his feet, and glared scorn and defiance in his uncle's
+face. "Whoever dares to hint so vile a slander," he cried, "by my faith
+he shall repent it, were he my uncle ten times over. Don Carlos Alvarez
+never did, and never will, betray a trust, let those wretches deal with
+him as they may. But I know him; he will die, or worse,&mdash;they will make
+him mad." Here Juan's voice failed, and he stood in silent horror,
+gazing on the dread vision that rose before his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel was daunted by his vehemence. "You are the best judge
+yourself of what amount of danger you may be incurring," he said. "But
+let me tell you, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, that I hold you rather a dangerous
+guest to harbour under the circumstances. To have the Alguazils of the
+Holy Office twice in my house would be enough to cost me all my places,
+not to mention the disgrace of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not lose a real by me or mine," returned Juan proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not mean, however, to refuse you hospitality," said Don Manuel,
+relieved, yet a little uneasy, perhaps even remorseful.</p>
+
+<p>"But I mean to decline it, se&ntilde;or. I have only two favours to ask
+of you," he continued: "one, to allow me free intercourse with my
+betrothed; the other, to permit me"&mdash;his voice faltered, stopped. With
+a great effort he resumed&mdash;"to permit me to examine my brother's room,
+and whatever effects he may have left there."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you speak more rationally," said his uncle, mistaking the
+self-control of indignant pride for genuine calmness. "But as to your
+brother's effects, you may spare your pains; for the Alguazils set
+the seal of the Holy Office upon them on the night of his arrest, and
+they have since carried them away. As to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>the other matter, what Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz may think of the connection, after the infamy in which your
+branch of the family is involved, I cannot tell."</p>
+
+<p>A burning flush mounted to Juan's cheek as he answered, "I trust my
+betrothed; even as I trust my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"You can see the lady herself. She may be better able than I to
+persuade you to consult for your own safety. For if you are not a
+madman, you will return at once to Nuera, which you ought never to have
+quitted; or you will take the earliest opportunity of rejoining the
+army."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not stir from Seville till I obtain my brother's deliverance;
+or&mdash;" Juan did not name the other alternative. Involuntarily he placed
+his hand on his belt, in which he had concealed certain old family
+jewels, which he believed would produce a considerable sum of money;
+for his last faint hope for Carlos lay in a judicious appeal to the
+all-powerful "Don Dinero."<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p>
+
+<p>"You will <i>never</i> leave it, then," said Don Manuel. "And you must
+hold me excused from aiding and abetting your folly. Your brother's
+business has cost me and mine more than enough already. I had rather
+ten thousand times that a man had died of the plague in my house, were
+it for the scandal's sake alone! Nor, bad as it is, is the scandal all.
+Since that miserable night, my unhappy son Gonsalvo, in whose apartment
+the arrest took place, has been sick unto death, and out of his mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo! What brought my brother to his room?"</p>
+
+<p>"The devil, whose servant he is, may know; I do not. He was found
+there, in his sword and cloak, as if ready to go forth, when the
+officers came."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he leave no message&mdash;no word for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not one word. I know not if he spoke at all, save to offer to show the
+Alguazils his personal effects. To do him justice, nothing suspicious
+was found amongst them. But the less said on the subject the better. I
+wash my hands of it, and of him. I thought he would have done honour to
+the family; but he has proved its sorest disgrace."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or, what you say of him you say of me also," said Juan, growing
+white with anger. "And already I have heard quite enough."</p>
+
+<p>"That is as you please, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall only trespass upon you for the favour you have promised
+me&mdash;permission to wait upon Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall apprise her of your presence, and give her leave to act as she
+sees fit." And glad to put an end to the interview, Don Manuel left the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Juan sank into a seat once more, and gave himself up to an agony of
+grief for his brother.</p>
+
+<p>So absorbed was he in his sorrow, that a light footstep entered and
+approached unheard by him. At last a small hand touched his arm. He
+started and looked up. Whatever his anguish of heart might be, he was
+still the loyal lover of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. So the next moment found him on
+his knees saluting that hand with his lips. And then followed certain
+ceremonies abundantly interesting to those who enact them, but apt to
+prove tedious when described.</p>
+
+<p>"My lady's devoted slave," said Don Juan, using the ordinary language
+of the time, "bears a breaking heart to-day. We knew neither father nor
+mother; there were but the two of us."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not receive my letter, praying you to remain at Nuera?" asked
+the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, queen of my heart, in that I dared to disregard a wish of
+yours. But I knew <i>his</i> danger, and I came to save him. Alas! too late."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure that I do pardon you, Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, I presume so far as to say, that I know Do&ntilde;a Beatriz better than
+she knows herself. Indeed, had I acted otherwise, she would scarce have
+pardoned me. How would it have been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>possible for me to consult for my
+own safety, leaving him, alone and unaided, in such fearful peril?"</p>
+
+<p>"You acknowledge there is peril&mdash;<i>to you</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"There may be, se&ntilde;ora."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! Why, in Heaven's name, have you thus involved yourself? O
+Don Juan, you have dealt very cruelly with me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Light of my eyes, life of my life, what mean you by these words?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not cruel to allow your brother, with his gentle, winning ways,
+and his soft specious words, to lead you step by step from the faith
+of our fathers, until he had you entangled in I know not what horrible
+heresies, and made you put in peril your honour, your liberty, your
+life&mdash;everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"We only sought Truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Truth!" echoed the lady, with a contemptuous stamp of her small foot
+and twirl of her fan. "What is Truth? What good will Truth do me if
+those cruel men drag you from your bed at midnight, take you to that
+dreadful place, stretch you on the rack?" But that last horror was too
+much to bear; Do&ntilde;a Beatriz hid her face in her hands, and wept and
+sobbed passionately.</p>
+
+<p>Juan soothed her with every tender, lover-like art. "I will be very
+prudent, dearest lady," he said at last; adding, as he gazed on her
+beautiful face, "I have too much to live for not to hold life very
+precious."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you promise to fly&mdash;to leave the city <i>now</i>, before suspicions
+are awakened which may make flight impossible?"</p>
+
+<p>"My first and my only love, I would die to fulfil your slightest wish.
+But this thing I cannot do."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore not, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can you ask? I must hazard everything, spend everything, in the
+chance&mdash;if there be a chance&mdash;of saving him, or, at least, of softening
+his fate."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then God help us both," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"Amen! Pray to him day and night, se&ntilde;ora. Perhaps he may have pity on
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no chance of saving Don Carlos. Know you not that of all the
+prisoners the Holy House receives, scarce one in a thousand goes forth
+again to take his place in the world?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan shook his head. He knew well that his task was almost hopeless;
+yet, even by Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, he was not to be moved from his
+determination.</p>
+
+<p>But he thanked her in strong, passionate words for her faith in him and
+her truth to him. "No sorrow can divide us, my beloved," he said, "nor
+even what they call shame, falsely as they speak therein. You are my
+star, that shines on me throughout the darkness."</p>
+
+<p>"I have promised."</p>
+
+<p>"My uncle's family may seek to divide us, and I think they will. But
+the lady of my heart will not heed their idle words?"</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Beatriz smiled. "I am a Lavella," she said. "Do you not know our
+motto?&mdash;'True unto death.'"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a glorious motto. May it be mine too."</p>
+
+<p>"Take heed what you do, Don Juan. If you love me, you will look well to
+your footsteps, since, wherever they lead, mine are bound to follow."
+Saying this, she rose, and stood gazing in his face with flushed cheek
+and kindling eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The words were such as might thrill any lover's heart with joy and
+gratitude. Yet there was something in the look which accompanied them
+that changed joy and gratitude into vague fear and apprehension. The
+light in that dark eye seemed borrowed from the fire of some sublime
+but terrible resolve within. Juan's heart quailed, though he knew not
+why, as he said, "My queen should never tread except through flowery
+paths."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Beatriz took up a little golden crucifix that, attached <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>to a
+rosary of coral beads, hung from her girdle. "You see this cross, Don
+Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;ora mia."</p>
+
+<p>"On that horrible night when they dragged your brother to prison, I
+swore a sacred oath upon it. You esteemed me a child, Don Juan, when
+you read me chapters from your book, and talked freely to me about God,
+and faith, and the soul's salvation. Perchance I was a child in some
+things. For I supposed them good words; how could they be otherwise,
+since you spoke them? I listened and believed, after a fashion; half
+thinking all the time of the pretty fans and trinkets you brought me,
+or of the pattern of such and such an one's mantilla that I had seen
+at mass. But your brother tore the veil from my eyes at last, and made
+me understand that those specious words, with which a child played
+childishly, were the crime that finds no pardon here or hereafter.
+Of the hereafter I know not; of the here I know too much, God help
+me! There be fair ladies, not more deeply involved than I, who have
+changed their gilded saloons for the dungeons of the Triana. But then
+it matters not so much about me. For I am not like other girls, who
+have fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers to care for them. Saving
+Don Carlos (who was good to me for your sake), no one ever gave me
+more than the half-sorrowful, half-pitying kindness one might give a
+pet parrot from the Indies. Therefore, thinking over all things, and
+knowing well your reckless nature, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I swore that night
+upon this holy cross, that if by evil hap <i>you</i> were attainted for
+heresy, <i>I</i> would go next day to the Triana and accuse myself of the
+same crime."</p>
+
+<p>Juan did not for a moment doubt that she would do it; and thus a chain,
+light as silk but strong as adamant, was flung around him.</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, for my sake&mdash;" he began to plead.</p>
+
+<p>"For <i>my</i> sake, Don Juan will take care of his life and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>liberty," she
+interrupted, with a smile that, if it had a little sadness, had very
+far more of triumph in it. She knew the power her resolve gave her over
+him: she had bought it dearly, and she meant to use it. "Is it <i>still</i>
+your wish to remain here," she continued; "or will you go abroad, and
+wait for better times?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan paused for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"No choice is left me while Carlos pines uncomforted in a dungeon," he
+said at last, firmly, though very sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you know what you risk, that is all," answered the lady, whose
+will was a match for his.</p>
+
+<p>In a marvellously short time had love and sorrow transformed the young
+and childish girl into a passionate, determined woman, with all the
+fire of her own southern skies in her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Ere he departed, Juan pleaded for permission to visit her frequently.
+But here again she showed a keen-sighted apprehensiveness for <i>him</i>,
+which astonished him. She cautioned him against their cousins, Manuel
+and Balthazar; who, if they thought him in danger of arrest, were quite
+capable of informing against him themselves, to secure a share of
+his patrimony. Or they might gain the same end, without the disgrace
+of such a baseness, by putting him quietly out of the way with their
+daggers. On all accounts, his frequent presence at the house would be
+undesirable, and might be dangerous; but she agreed to inform him, by
+means of certain signals (which they arranged together), when he might
+pay a visit to her with safety. Then, having bidden her farewell, Don
+Juan turned his back on his uncle's house with a heavy heart.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVIII" id="XXVIII">XXVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Reaping the Whirlwind.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"All is lost, except a little life."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Byron.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>early a fortnight passed away before a tiny lace kerchief, fluttering
+at nightfall through the jealous grating of one of the few windows of
+Don Manuel's house that looked towards the street, told Juan that he
+was at liberty to seek admission the next day. He was permitted to
+enter; but he explored the patio and all the adjacent corridors and
+rooms without seeing the face of which he was in search. He did not,
+indeed, meet any one, not even a domestic; for it was the eve of the
+Feast of the Ascension, and nearly all the household had gone to see
+the great tabernacle carried in state to the Cathedral and set up
+there, in preparation for the solemnities of the following day.</p>
+
+<p>He thought this a good opportunity for satisfying his longing to visit
+the apartment his brother had been wont to occupy. In spite of what his
+uncle had said to the contrary, and indeed of the dictates of his own
+reason, he could not relinquish the hope that something which belonged
+to him&mdash;perhaps even some word or line traced by his hand&mdash;might reward
+his careful search.</p>
+
+<p>He ascended the stairs; not stealthily, or as if ashamed of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>his
+errand, for no one had the right to forbid him. He reached the turret
+without meeting any one, but had hardly placed his foot upon the stair
+that led to its upper apartment, when a voice called out, not very
+loudly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Chien va?"</p>
+
+<p>It was Gonsalvo's. Juan answered,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is I&mdash;Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Come to me, for Heaven's sake!"</p>
+
+<p>A private interview with a madman is not generally thought particularly
+desirable. But Juan was a stranger to fear. He entered the room
+immediately, and was horror-stricken at the change in his cousin's
+appearance. A tangled mass of black hair mingled with his beard, and
+fell neglected over the pillow; while large, wild, melancholy eyes
+lit up the pallor of his wasted face. He lay, or rather reclined, on
+a couch, half covered by an embroidered quilt, but wearing a loose
+doublet, very carelessly thrown on.</p>
+
+<p>Of late the cousins had been far from friendly. Still Juan from
+compassion stretched out his hand. But Gonsalvo would not touch it.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you know all," he said, "you would stab me where I lie, and thus
+make an end at once of the most miserable life under God's heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear you are very ill, my cousin," said Juan, kindly; for he thought
+Gonsalvo's words the offspring of his wandering fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"From the waist downwards I am dead. It is God's hand; and he is just."</p>
+
+<p>"Does your physician give hope of your recovery from this seizure?"</p>
+
+<p>With something like his old short, bitter laugh, Gonsalvo answered&mdash;"I
+have no physician."</p>
+
+<p>"This must be one of his delusions," thought Juan; "or else, since he
+cannot have Losada, he has refused, with his usual obstinacy, to see
+any one else."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He said aloud,&mdash;"That is not right, cousin Don Gonsalvo. You ought
+not to neglect lawful means of cure. Se&ntilde;or Sylvester Areto is a very
+skilful physician; you might safely place yourself in his hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Only there is one slight objection&mdash;my father and my brothers would
+not permit me to see him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was in no doubt how to regard this statement; but hoping to
+extract from him some additional information respecting his brother, he
+turned the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"When did this malady seize you?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Close the door gently, and I will tell you all. And oh! tread softly,
+lest my mother, who lies asleep in the room beneath, worn out with
+watching, should wake and separate us. Then must I bear my guilt and my
+anguish unconfessed to the grave."</p>
+
+<p>Juan obeyed, and took a seat beside his cousin's couch.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit where I can see your face," said Gonsalvo; "I will not shrink even
+from <i>that</i>. Don Juan, I am your brother's murderer."</p>
+
+<p>Juan started, and his colour changed rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"If I did not think you were mad&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am no more mad than you are," Gonsalvo interrupted. "I <i>was</i> mad,
+indeed; but that horrible night, when God smote my body, I regained my
+reason. I see all things clearly now&mdash;too late."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I to understand, then," said Juan, rising from his seat, and
+speaking in measured tones, though his eye was like a tiger's&mdash;"am I to
+understand that you&mdash;<i>you</i>&mdash;denounced my brother? If so, thank God that
+you are lying helpless there."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not quite so vile a thing as that. I did not intend to harm a
+hair of his head; but I detained him here to his ruin. He had the means
+of escape provided, and but for me would have been in safety ere the
+Alguazils came."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well for both of us your guilt was not greater. Still, you cannot
+expect me&mdash;just yet&mdash;to forgive you."</p>
+
+<p>"I expect no forgiveness from man," said Gonsalvo, who perhaps
+disdained to plead in his own exculpation the generous words of Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Juan had by this time changed his tone towards his cousin, and assumed
+his perfect sanity; though, engrossed by the thought of his brother, he
+was quite unconscious of the mental process by which he had arrived at
+this conclusion. He asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But why did you detain him? How did you come to know at all of his
+intended flight?"</p>
+
+<p>"He had a safe asylum provided for him by some friend&mdash;I know not
+whom," said Gonsalvo, in reply. "He was going forth at midnight to seek
+it. At the same hour I also"&mdash;(for a moment he hesitated, but quickly
+went on)&mdash;"was going forth&mdash;to plunge a dagger in my enemy's heart. We
+met face to face; and each confided his errand to the other. He sought,
+by argument and entreaty, to move me from a purpose which seemed to
+him a great crime. But ere our debate was ended, God laid his hand in
+judgment upon me; and whilst Don Carlos lingered, speaking words of
+comfort&mdash;brave and kind, though vain&mdash;the Alguazils came, and he was
+taken."</p>
+
+<p>Juan listened in gloomy silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he leave no message, not one word, for me?" he asked at last, in a
+low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; one word. Filled with wonder at the calmness with which he met
+his terrible fate, I cried out, as they led him from the room, 'Vaya
+con Dios, Don Carlos, a braver man than you have I never seen!' With
+one long mournful look, that haunts me still, he said, '<i>Tell Ruy!</i>'"</p>
+
+<p>Strong man as he was, Don Juan Alvarez bowed his head and wept. They
+were the first tears the great sorrow had wrung from him&mdash;almost the
+first that he ever remembered shedding. Gonsalvo saw no shame in them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Weep on," he said&mdash;"weep on; and thank God that thy tears are for
+sorrow only, not for remorse."</p>
+
+<p>Hoarse and heavy sobs shook the strong frame. For some time they were
+the only sounds that broke the stillness. At length Gonsalvo said,
+slowly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He gave me something to keep, which in right should belong to thee."</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked up. Gonsalvo half raised himself, and drew a cushion
+from beneath his head. First he took off its outer cover of fine
+holland; then he inserted his hand into an opening that seemed like
+an accidental rip, and, not without some trouble, drew out a small
+volume. Juan seized it eagerly: well did he know his brother's Spanish
+Testament.</p>
+
+<p>"Take it," said Gonsalvo; "but remember it is a dangerous treasure."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are not sorry to part with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I deserve that you should say so," answered Gonsalvo, with unwonted
+gentleness. "But the truth is," he added, with a wan, sickly smile,
+"nothing can part me from it now, for I have learned almost every word
+of it by heart."</p>
+
+<p>"How could you, in so short a time, accomplish such a task?" asked
+Juan, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Easily enough. I was alone long hours of the day, when I could read;
+and in the silent, sleepless nights I could recall and repeat what I
+read during the day. But for that I should be in truth what they call
+me&mdash;mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you love its words?"</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>fear</i> them," cried Gonsalvo, with strange energy, flinging out
+his wasted arm over the counterpane. "They are words of life&mdash;words
+of fire. They are, to the Church's words, the priest's threatenings,
+the priest's pardons, what your limbs, throbbing with healthy
+vigorous life, are to mine&mdash;cold, dead, impotent; or what the living
+champion&mdash;steel from head to heel, the Toledo blade in his strong right
+hand&mdash;is to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>painted San Cristofro on the Cathedral door. Because
+I dare to say so much, my father pretends to think me mad; lest,
+wrecked as I am in mind and body, I should still find one terrible
+consolation,&mdash;that of flinging the truth for once in the face of the
+scribes and Pharisees, and then suffering for it&mdash;like Don Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent from exhaustion, and lay with closed eyes and deathlike
+countenance. After a long pause, he resumed, in a low, weak voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Some words are good&mdash;perhaps. There was San Pablo, who was a
+blasphemer, and injurious."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo, my brother once said he would give his right hand that
+you shared his faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did he?" A quick flush overspread the wan face. "But hark! a step
+on the stairs! My mother's."</p>
+
+<p>"I am neither afraid nor ashamed to be found here," said Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor mother! She has shown me more tenderness of late than I
+deserved at her hands. Do not let us involve her in trouble."</p>
+
+<p>Juan greeted his aunt with due courtesy, and even attempted some words
+of condolence upon his cousin's illness. But he saw that the poor lady
+was terribly disconcerted, and indeed frightened, by his presence
+there. And not without cause, since mischief, even to bloodshed, might
+have followed had Don Manuel or either of his sons found Juan in
+communication with Gonsalvo. She conjured him to go, adding, by way of
+inducement,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz is taking the air in the garden."</p>
+
+<p>"Availing myself of your gracious permission, se&ntilde;ora my aunt, I shall
+offer her my homage there; and so I kiss your feet.&mdash;Adi&otilde;s, Don
+Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Adi&otilde;s, my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Katarina followed him out of the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He is not sane," she whispered anxiously, laying her hand on his arm;
+"he is out of his mind. You perceive it clearly, Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I shall not dispute it, se&ntilde;ora," Juan answered, prudently.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIX" id="XXIX">XXIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">A Friend at Court.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I have a soul and body that exact</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A comfortable care in many ways."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Juan's peril was extreme. Well known as he was to many of the
+imprisoned Lutherans, it seemed a desperate chance that, amongst the
+numerous confessions wrung from them, no mention of his name should
+occur. He knew himself deeply implicated in the crime for which they
+were suffering&mdash;the one unpardonable crime in the eyes of Rome.
+Moreover, unlike his brother, whose temperament would have led him to
+avoid danger by every lawful means, he was by nature brave even to
+rashness, and bold even to recklessness. It was his custom to wear
+his heart on his lips; and though of late stern necessity had taught
+him to conceal what he thought, it was neither his inclination nor
+his habit to disguise what he felt. Probably, not even his desire to
+aid Carlos would have prevented his compromising himself by some rash
+word or deed, had not the soft hand of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, strong in its
+weakness, held him back from destruction. Not for one instant could
+he forget her terrible vow. With this for ever before his eyes, it is
+little marvel if he was willing to do anything, to bear anything&mdash;ay,
+almost <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>to feign anything&mdash;rather than involve her he loved in a fate
+inconceivably horrible.</p>
+
+<p>And&mdash;alas for the brave, honest-hearted, truthful Don Juan Alvarez!&mdash;it
+was often necessary to feign. If he meant to remain in Seville,
+and to avoid the dungeons of the Inquisition, he must obviate&mdash;or
+remove&mdash;suspicion by protesting, both by word and action, his devotion
+to the Catholic Church, and his hatred of heresy.</p>
+
+<p>Could he stoop to this? Gradually, and more and more, as each day's
+emergency made it more and more necessary, he <i>did</i> stoop to it. He
+told himself it was all for his brother's sake. And though such a
+line of conduct was intensely repugnant to his character, it was not
+contrary to his principles. To conceal an opinion is one thing, to deny
+a friend quite another. And while Carlos had found a Friend, Juan had
+only embraced an opinion.</p>
+
+<p>He himself would have said that he had found Truth&mdash;had devoted himself
+to the cause of Freedom. But where were truth and freedom now, with all
+the bright anticipations of their ultimate triumph which he had been
+wont to indulge? As far as his native land was concerned (and it must
+be owned that his native eye scarcely reached beyond "the Spains"),
+a single day had blotted out his glowing visions for ever. Almost at
+the same moment, as if by some secret preconcerted signal, the leading
+Protestants in Seville, in Valladolid, all over the kingdom, had been
+arrested and thrown into prison. Swiftly, silently, with the utmost
+order and regularity, had the whole thing been accomplished. Every name
+that Juan had heard Carlos mention with admiration and sympathy was now
+the name of a helpless captive. The Reformed Church of Spain existed no
+longer, or existed only in dungeons.</p>
+
+<p>In what quarter the storm had first arisen, that burst so suddenly upon
+the community of the faithful, Don Juan never knew. It is probable the
+Holy Office had long been silently <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>watching its prey, waiting for the
+moment of action to arrive. In Seville, it is said, a spy had been set
+upon some of Losada's congregation, who revealed their meeting to the
+Inquisitors. While in Valladolid, the foul treachery of the wife of one
+of the Protestants furnished the Holy Office with the means of bringing
+her husband and his friends to the stake.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan, whose young heart had lately beat so high with hope, now
+bowed his head in despair. And despairing of freedom, he lost his
+confidence in truth also. In opinion he was still a decided Lutheran.
+He accepted every doctrine of the Reformed as against the Roman
+Catholic creed. But the hold he once had upon these doctrines as living
+realities was slackened. He did not doubt that justification by faith
+was a scriptural dogma, but he did not think it necessary to die for
+it. Compared with the tremendous interest of the fate of Carlos and the
+peril of Beatriz, and amidst his desperate struggles to aid the one and
+shield the other, doctrinal questions grew pale and faint to him.</p>
+
+<p>Nor had he yet learned to throw himself, in utter weakness, upon a
+strength greater than his own, and a love that knows no limits. He did
+not feel his weakness: he felt strong, in the strength of a brave heart
+struggling against cruel wrong; strong to resist, and, if it might be,
+to conquer his fate.</p>
+
+<p>At first he cherished a hope that his brother was not actually in the
+secret dungeons of the Inquisition. For so great was the number of the
+captives, that the public gaols of the city and the convent prisons
+were full of them; and some had to be lodged even in private houses.
+As Carlos had been one of the last arrested, there seemed reason to
+suppose that he might be amongst those thus accommodated; in which case
+it would be much easier both to communicate with him, and to alleviate
+his fate, than if he were within the gloomy walls of the Triana; there
+might be, moreover, the possibility of forming some plan for his
+deliverance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But Juan's diligent and persevering search resulted at last in the
+conviction that his brother was in the "Santa Casa" itself. This
+conviction sent a chill to his heart. He shuddered to think of his
+present suffering, whilst he feared the worst for the future, supposing
+that the Inquisitors would take care to lodge in their own especial
+fortress those whom they esteemed the most heinous transgressors.</p>
+
+<p>He engaged a lodging in the Triana suburb, which the river, spanned by
+a bridge of boats, separated from the city. There were several reasons
+for this choice of residence; but by far the greatest was, that those
+who lingered beneath the walls of the grim old castle could sometimes
+see, behind its grated windows, spectral faces raised to catch the few
+scanty gleams of daylight which fell to their lot. Long weary hours did
+Juan watch there, hoping to recognize the face he loved. But always in
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>When he went into the city, it was sometimes for other purposes than
+to visit Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. It was as often to seek the precincts of the
+magnificent Cathedral, and to pace up and down that terrace whose
+massive truncated pillars, raised when the Romans founded a heathen
+temple on the spot, had stood throughout the long ages of Moslem
+domination. Now the place was consecrated to Christian worship, and yet
+it was put to no hallowed use. Rich merchants, in many a varying garb,
+that told of different nations, trod the stately colonnade, and bought
+and sold and made bargains there. For in those days (strange as seems
+to us the irreverence of the so-called "ages of faith") that terrace
+was the royal exchange of Seville, then a mercantile city of great
+importance. Don Juan Alvarez diligently resorted thither, and held many
+a close and earnest conversation with a keen-eyed, hawk-nosed Jew, whom
+he met there.</p>
+
+<p>Isaac Osorio, or more properly, Isaac ben Osorio, was a notorious
+money-lender, who had often "obliged" Don <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>Manuel's sons, not unfairly
+requiring heavy interest to counter-balance the hazardous nature of his
+investments. Callings branded as unlawful are apt to prove particularly
+gainful. The Jew was willing to "oblige" Don Juan also, upon certain
+conditions. He was not by any means ignorant of the purpose for which
+his money was needed. Of course he was himself a Christian in name,
+for none other would have been permitted to live upon Spanish ground.
+But by what wrongs, tortures, agonies worse than death, he and those
+like him had been forced to accept Christian baptism, will never be
+known until Christ comes again to judge the false Church that has
+slandered him. Will it be nothing in his sight that millions of the
+souls for whom he died have been driven to hate his Name&mdash;that Name so
+unutterably precious?</p>
+
+<p>Osorio derived grim satisfaction from the thought that the Christians
+were now imprisoning, torturing, burning each other. It reminded him
+of the grand old days in his people's history, when the Lord of hosts
+was wont to stretch forth his mighty arm and trouble the armies of the
+aliens, turning every man's hand against his brother. Let the Gentiles
+bite and devour one another, the child of Abraham could look upon
+their quarrels with calm indifference. But if he had any sympathy, it
+was for the weaker side. He was rather disposed to help a Christian
+youth who was trying to save his brother from the same cruel fangs
+in which so many sons of Israel had writhed and struggled. Don Juan,
+therefore, found him accommodating, and even lenient. From time to time
+he advanced to him considerable sums, first upon the jewels he brought
+with him from Nuera, and then, alas! upon his patrimony itself.</p>
+
+<p>Not without a keen pang did Juan thus mortgage the inheritance of his
+fathers. But he began to realize the bitter truth that a flight from
+Spain, and a new career in some foreign land, would eventually be the
+only course open to him&mdash;if indeed he escaped with life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Nor would the armies of Spain henceforth be more free to him than her
+soil. Fortunately, the necessity for rejoining his regiment had not
+arisen. For the brief war in which he served was over now; and as the
+promised captaincy had not yet been assigned to him, he was at liberty
+for the present to remain at home.</p>
+
+<p>He largely bribed the head-gaoler of the inquisitorial prison, besides
+supplying him liberally with necessaries and comforts for his brother's
+use. Gaspar Benevidio bore the worst of characters, both for cruelty
+and avarice; still, Juan had no resource but to trust implicitly to his
+honour, in the hope that at least some portion of what he gave would be
+allowed to reach the prisoner. But not a single gleam of information
+about him could be gained from Benevidio, who, like all other servants
+of the Inquisition, was bound by a solemn oath to reveal nothing that
+passed within its walls.</p>
+
+<p>He also bribed some of the attendants and satellites of the
+all-powerful Inquisitor, Munebr&atilde;ga. It was his desire to obtain a
+personal interview with the great man himself, that he might have the
+opportunity of trying the intercession of Don Dinero, to whose advances
+he was known to be not altogether obdurate.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of soliciting an audience, he repaired one evening to
+the splendid gardens belonging to the Triana, to await the Inquisitor,
+who was expected shortly to return from a sail for pleasure on the
+Guadalquivir. He was sick at heart of the gorgeous tropical plants that
+surrounded him, of the myrtle-blossoms that were showered on his path;
+of all that told of the hateful pomp and luxury in which the persecutor
+lived, while his victims pined unpitied in loathsome dungeons. Yet
+neither by word, look, nor sign dared he betray the rage that was
+gnawing his heart.</p>
+
+<p>At length the shouts of the populace, who thronged the river's side,
+announced the approach of their idol; for such <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>Munebr&atilde;ga was for the
+time. Clad in costly silks and jewels, and surrounded by a brilliant
+little court, composed both of churchmen and laymen, the "Lord
+Inquisitor" stepped from his splendid purple-decked barge. Don Juan
+threw himself in his way, and modestly requested an audience. His
+bearing, though perfectly respectful, was certainly less obsequious
+than that to which Munebr&atilde;ga had been accustomed of late. So the
+minister of the Holy Office turned from him haughtily, though, as Juan
+bitterly thought, "his father would have been proud to hold the stirrup
+for mine." "This is no fitting time to talk of business, se&ntilde;or," he
+said. "We are weary to-night, and need repose."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a Franciscan friar advanced from the group, and with his
+lowest bow and most reverent manner approached the Inquisitor. "With
+the gracious permission of my very good lord, I shall address myself
+to the caballero, and report his errand to your sanctity. I have the
+honour of some acquaintance with his Excellency's noble family."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please, Fray," said the voice accustomed to speak the terrible
+words that doomed to the rack and the pulley, though no one would have
+suspected this from the bland, careless good-nature of its tones. "But
+see that you tarry not so as to lose your supper. Howbeit, there is
+little need to caution you, or any other son of St. Francis, against
+undue neglecting of the body."</p>
+
+<p>The son of St. Francis made no answer, either because it was not
+worth while, or because those who take the crumbs from the rich man's
+table must ofttimes take his taunts therewith. He disengaged himself
+from the group, and turned towards Juan a broad, good-humoured, not
+unintelligent face, which his former pupil recognized immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Fray Sebastian Gomez!" he exclaimed in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"And very much at the service of my noble Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Will your
+Excellency deign to bear me company for a little <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>time? In yonder walk
+there are some rare flowers of rich colouring, which it were worth your
+while to observe."</p>
+
+<p>They turned into the path he indicated, while the Lord Inquisitor's
+silken train swept towards that half of the Triana where godless luxury
+bore sway; the other half being consecrated to the twin demon, cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>"Will it please your worship to look at these Indian pinks?" said the
+friar. "You will not see that flower elsewhere in all the Spains, save
+in the royal gardens. His Imperial Majesty brought it first from Tunis."</p>
+
+<p>Juan all but cursed the innocent flowers; but recollected in time that
+God made them, though they belonged to Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga. "In
+Heaven's name, what brings you here, Fray Sebastian?" he interrupted
+impatiently. "I thought to see only the black cowls of St. Dominic
+about the&mdash;the minister of the Holy Office."</p>
+
+<p>"A little more softly, may I implore of your Excellency? Yonder
+casement is open.&mdash;Pues,<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> se&ntilde;or, I am here in the capacity of a
+guest. Nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"Every man to his taste," said Juan, drily, as with a heedless foot he
+kicked off the beautiful scarlet flower of a rare cactus.</p>
+
+<p>"Have a care, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency; my lord is very proud of his
+cactus flowers."</p>
+
+<p>"Then come with me to some spot of God's free earth where we can talk
+together, out of sight of him and his possessions."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, rest content, se&ntilde;or; and untire yourself in this fair arbour
+overlooking the river."</p>
+
+<p>"At least, God made the river," said Juan, flinging himself, with
+a sigh of irritation and impatience, on the cushioned seat of the
+summer-house.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian seated himself also. "My lord," he began to explain,
+"has received me with all courtesy, and is good enough to desire my
+continual attendance. The fact is, se&ntilde;or, his reverence is a man of
+literary taste."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juan allowed himself the solace of a quiet sneer. "Oh, is he? Very
+creditable to him, no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"Especially he is a great lover of the divine art of poesy."</p>
+
+<p>No <i>genuine</i> love of the gentle art, whose great lesson is sympathy,
+did or could soften the Inquisitor's hard heart. Nor, had his wealth
+been doubled, could he have hired one real poet to sing his praise
+in strains worthy the ear of posterity. In an atmosphere so cold,
+the most ethereal spirit would have frozen. But it was in his power
+to buy flattery in rhyme, and it suited his inclination so to do.
+He liked the trick of rhyme, at once so easy and so charming in the
+sonorous Castilian tongue&mdash;it was a pleasure of the ear which he keenly
+appreciated, as he did also those of the eye and the palate.</p>
+
+<p>"I addressed to him," Fray Sebastian continued with becoming modesty,
+"a little effort of my Muse&mdash;really a mere trifle&mdash;on the suppression
+of heresy, comparing the Lord Inquisitor to Michael the archangel, with
+the dragon beneath his feet. You understand, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan understood so well that it was with difficulty he refrained from
+flinging the unlucky rhymester into the river. But of late he had
+learned many a lesson in prudence. Still, his words sounded almost
+fierce in their angry scorn. "I suppose he gave you in return&mdash;a good
+dinner."</p>
+
+<p>But Fray Sebastian would not take offence. He answered mildly, "He was
+pleased to express his approval of my humble effort, and to admit me
+into his noble household; where, except my poor exertions to amuse and
+untire him by my conversation may be accounted a service, I am of no
+service to him whatever."</p>
+
+<p>"So you are clad in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every
+day," said Juan, with contempt that he cared not to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>"As to purple and fine linen, se&ntilde;or, I am an unworthy son <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>of St.
+Francis; and it is well known to your Excellency that by the rules of
+our Order not even one scrap of holland&mdash;&mdash; But you are laughing at me,
+as you used in old times, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"God knows, I have little heart to laugh. In those old times you speak
+of, Fray, there was no great love between you and me; and no marvel,
+for I was a wild and idle lad. But I think you loved my gentle brother,
+Don Carlos!"</p>
+
+<p>"That I did, se&ntilde;or, as did every one. Has any evil come upon him? St.
+Francis forbid!"</p>
+
+<p>"Worse evil than I care to name. He lies in yonder tower."</p>
+
+<p>"The blessed Virgin have pity on us!" cried Fray Sebastian, crossing
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would have heard of his arrest," Juan continued, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"I, se&ntilde;or! Never a breath. Holy Saints defend us! How could I, or any
+one, dream that a young gentleman of noblest race, well learned, and
+of truly pious disposition, would have had the ill luck to fall under
+so foul a suspicion? Doubtless it is the work of some personal enemy.
+And&mdash;ah, woe is me! 'the clattering horse-shoe ever wants a nail'&mdash;here
+have I been naming heresy, 'talking of halters in the house of the
+hanged?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy tongue about hanging," said Juan, testily, "and listen to me,
+if thou canst."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian indicated, by a respectful gesture, his profound
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>"It has been whispered to me that the door of his reverence's heart may
+be unlocked by a golden key."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian assured him this was a foul slander; concluding a
+panegyric on the purity of the Inquisitor's administration with the
+words, "You would forfeit his favour for ever by presuming so far as to
+offer a bribe."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt," answered Juan with a sneer, and a hard, worldly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>look in
+his face that of late was often seen there. "I should deserve to pay
+that penalty were I the fool to approach him with a bow, and, 'Here is
+a purse of gold for your sanctity.' But 'one take is worth two I give
+you's,' and there is a way of saying 'take' to every man. And I ask
+you, for old kindness, to show me how to say it to his lordship."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian pondered. After an interval he said, with some
+hesitation, "May I venture to inquire, se&ntilde;or, what means you possess of
+clearing the character of your noble brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan only answered by a sorrowful shake of the head.</p>
+
+<p>Darker and darker grew the friar's sensual but good-natured face.</p>
+
+<p>"His excellent reputation, his brilliant success at college, his
+blameless life should tell in his favour," Juan said at length.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you nothing more direct? If not, I fear it is a bad business. But
+'silence is called holy,' so I hold my peace. Still, if indeed (which
+the Saints forbid) he has fallen inadvertently into error, it is a
+comfort to reflect that there will be little difficulty in reclaiming
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan made no reply. Did he expect his brother to retract? Did he <i>wish</i>
+him to do it? These were questions he scarcely dared to ask himself.
+From any reply he could give to them he shrank in shuddering dread.</p>
+
+<p>"He was ever gentle and tractable," Fray Sebastian continued, "and
+ofttimes but too easy to persuade."</p>
+
+<p>Juan rose, took up a stone, and threw it into the river. When the
+circles it made in the water had died away, he turned back to the
+friar. "But what can <i>I</i> do for him?" he asked, with an undertone of
+helpless sadness, touching from the lips of one so strong.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian put his hand to his forehead, and looked as if he were
+composing another poem. "Let me see, your Excellency. There is my
+lord's nephew and pet page, Don Alonzo (where he has got the 'Don' I
+know not, but Don Dinero <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>makes many a noble); I dare say it would not
+hurt the Donzelo's soft white hand to finger a purse of gold ducats,
+and those same ducats might help your brother's cause not a little."</p>
+
+<p>"Manage the matter for me, and I will thank you heartily. Gold, to
+any extent that will serve <i>him</i>, shall be forthcoming; and, my good
+friend, see that you spare it not."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, you were always generous."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother's life is at stake," said Juan, softening a little. But the
+hard look returned as he added, "Those who live in great men's houses
+have many expenses, Fray. Always remember that I am your friend, and
+that my ducats are very much at your service also."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian thanked him with his lowest bow. Juan's look changed
+again; this time more rapidly. "If it were possible," he added, in low,
+hurried tones&mdash;"if you could only bring me the least word of tidings
+from him&mdash;even one word to say if he lives, if he is well, how he is
+entreated. Three months it is now since he was taken, and I have heard
+no more than if they had carried him to his grave."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a difficult matter, a <i>very</i> difficult matter that you ask of
+me. Were I a son of St. Dominic, I might indeed accomplish somewhat.
+For the black cowls are everything now. Still, I will do all I can,
+se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust you, Fray. If under cover of seeking his conversion, of
+anything, you could but see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, se&ntilde;or&mdash;utterly impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? They sometimes send friars to reason with the&mdash;the prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"Always Dominicans or Jesuits&mdash;men well-known and trusted by the Board
+of the Inquisition. However, se&ntilde;or, nothing that a man may do shall be
+wanting on my part. Will not that content your Excellency?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Content</i> me? Well, as far as you are concerned, yes. But, in truth,
+I am haunted day and night by one horrible dread. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>What if&mdash;if they
+should <i>torture</i> him? My gentle brother, frail in mind and body,
+tender and sensitive as a woman! Terror and pain would drive him mad."
+The last words were a quick broken whisper. But outward expressions
+of emotion with Don Juan were always speedily repressed. Recovering
+apparent calmness, he stretched out his hand to Fray Sebastian,
+saying, with a faint smile, "I have kept you too long from my lord's
+supper-table&mdash;pardon me."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency's condescension in conversing with me deserves my
+profound gratitude," replied the monk, in true Castilian fashion. His
+residence at the Inquisitor's Court had certainly improved his manners.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan gave him his address, and it was agreed that he should call on
+him in a few days. Fray Sebastian then offered to bring him on his way
+through the garden and court of that part of the Triana which formed
+the Inquisitor's residence. But Juan declined the favour. He could not
+answer for himself when brought face to face with the impious pomp and
+luxury of the persecutor of the saints. He feared that, by some wild
+word or deed, he might imperil the cause he had at heart. So he hailed
+a waterman who was guiding his little boat down the tranquil stream
+in the waning light. The boat was soon brought to the place where the
+Inquisitor had landed from his barge; and Juan, after shaking the dust
+from his feet, both literally and metaphorically, sprang into it.</p>
+
+<p>The popular ideal of a persecutor is very far from the truth. At the
+word there rises before most minds the vision of a lean, pale-faced,
+fierce-eyed monk, whose frame is worn with fasting, and his scourge
+red with his own blood. He is a fanatic&mdash;pitiless, passionate,
+narrow-minded, perhaps half insane&mdash;but penetrated to the very core of
+his being with intense zeal for his Church's interest, and prepared in
+her service both to inflict and to endure all things.</p>
+
+<p>Very unlike this ideal were <i>most</i> of the great persecutors who
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>carried out the behests of Antichrist. They were generally able men.
+But they were pre-eminently men wise in their generation, men <i>of</i>
+their generation, men who "loved this present world." They gave the
+Church the service of strong hand and skilful brain that she needed;
+and she gave <i>them</i>, in return, "gold, and silver, and precious stones,
+and pearls; and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and
+all sweet wood; and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of
+vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and marble;
+and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense; and wine, and
+oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and beasts, and sheep, and horses and
+chariots, and slaves and souls of men." It was for these things, not
+for abstract ideas, not for high places in heaven, that they tortured
+and murdered the saints of God. Whilst the cry of the oppressed reached
+the ears of the Most High, those who were "wearing them out" lived in
+unhallowed luxury, in degrading sensuality. Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga was a
+good specimen of the class to which he belonged&mdash;he was no exceptional
+case.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was Fray Sebastian anything but an ordinary character. He was
+amiable, good-natured, free from gross vices&mdash;what is usually called
+"well disposed." But he "loved wine and oil," and to obtain what he
+loved he was willing to become the servant and the flatterer of worse
+men than himself, at the terrible risk of sinking to their level.</p>
+
+<p>With all the force of his strong nature, Don Juan Alvarez loathed
+Munebr&atilde;ga, and scorned Fray Sebastian. Gradually a strange alteration
+appeared to come over the little book he constantly studied&mdash;his
+brother's Spanish Testament. The words of promise, and hope, and
+comfort, in which he used to delight, seemed to be blotted from its
+pages; while ever more and more those pages were filled with fearful
+threatenings and denunciations of doom&mdash;against hypocritical scribes
+and Pharisees, false teachers and wicked high priests&mdash;against great
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>Babylon, the mother of abominations. The peace-breathing, "Father,
+forgive them, for they know not what they do," grew fainter and more
+faint, until at last it faded completely from his memory; while there
+stood out before him night and day, in characters of fire, "Serpents,
+generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXX" id="XXX">XXX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Captive.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ay, but for <i>me</i>&mdash;my name called&mdash;drawn</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Like a conscript's lot from the lap's black yawn</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He has dipped into on the battle dawn.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Bid out of life by a nod, a glance,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Stumbling, mute mazed, at Nature's chance</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;With a rapid finger circling round,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Fixed to the first poor inch of ground</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To fight from, where his foot was found,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Whose ear but a moment since was free</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To the wide camp's hum and gossipry&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Summoned, a solitary man,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To end his life where his life began,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;From the safe glad rear to the awful van."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n the night of his arrest, when Don Carlos Alvarez was left alone in
+his dungeon, he stood motionless as one in a dream. At length he raised
+his head, and began to look around him. A lamp had been left with him;
+and its light illumined a cell ten feet square, with a vaulted roof.
+Through a narrow grating, too high for him to reach, one or two stars
+were shining; but these he saw not. He only saw the inner door sheathed
+with iron; the mat of rushes on which he was to sleep; the stool that
+was to be his seat; the two earthen pitchers of water that completed
+his scanty furniture. From the first moment these things looked
+strangely familiar to him.</p>
+
+<p>He threw himself on the mat to think and pray. He com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>prehended his
+situation perfectly. It seemed as if he had been all his life expecting
+this hour; as if he had been born for it, and led up to it gradually
+through all his previous experience. As yet he did not think that his
+fate was terrible; he only thought that it was inevitable&mdash;something
+that was to come upon him, and that in due course had come at last. It
+was his impression that he should always remain there, and never more
+see anything beyond that grated window and that iron door.</p>
+
+<p>There was a degree of unreality about this mood. For the past
+fortnight, or more, his mind had been strained to its utmost tension.
+Suspense, more wearing even than sorrow, had held him on the rack.
+Sleep had seldom visited his eyes; and when it came, it had been broken
+and fitful.</p>
+
+<p>Now the worst had befallen him. Suspense was over; certainty had come.
+This brought at first a kind of rest to the overtaxed mind and frame.
+He was as one who hears a sentence of death, but who is taken off
+the rack. No dread of the future could quite overpower the present
+unreasoning sense of relief.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened that an hour afterwards he was sleeping the
+dreamless sleep of exhaustion. Well for him if, instead of "death's
+twin-brother," the angel of death himself had been sent to open the
+prison doors and set the captive free! And yet, after all, <i>would</i> it
+have been well for him?</p>
+
+<p>So utter was his exhaustion, that when food was placed in his cell
+the next morning, he only awaked for a moment, then slept again as
+soundly as before. Not till some hours later did he finally shake off
+his slumber. He lay still for some time, examining with a strange kind
+of curiosity the little bolted aperture which was near the top of
+his door, and watching a solitary broken sunbeam which had struggled
+through the grating that served him for a window, and threw a gleam of
+light on the opposite wall.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a start, he asked himself, "<i>Where am I?</i>" The <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>answer
+brought an agony of fear, of horror, of bitter pain. "Lost! lost! God
+have mercy on me! I am lost!" As one in intense bodily anguish, he
+writhed, moaned&mdash;ay, even cried aloud.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder. Hope, love, life&mdash;alike in its noblest aims and its
+commonest joys&mdash;all were behind him. Before him were the dreary dungeon
+days and nights&mdash;it might be months or years; the death of agony and
+shame; and, worst of all, the unutterable horrors of the torture-room,
+from which he shrank as any one of us would shrink to-day.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly and at last came the large burning tears. But very few of them
+fell; for his anguish was as yet too fierce for many tears. All that
+day the storm raged on. When the alcayde brought his evening meal, he
+lay still, his face covered with his cloak. But as night drew on he
+rose, and paced his narrow cell with hasty, irregular steps, like those
+of a caged wild animal.</p>
+
+<p>How should he endure the horrible loneliness of the present, the
+maddening terror of all that was to come? And this life was to <i>last</i>.
+To last, until it should be succeeded by worse horrors and fiercer
+anguish. Words of prayer died on his lips. Or, even when he uttered
+them, it seemed as if God heard not&mdash;as if those thick walls and grated
+doors shut him out too.</p>
+
+<p>Yet one thing was clear to him from the beginning. Deeper than all
+other fears within him lay the fear of denying his Lord. Again and
+again did he repeat, "When called in question, I will at once confess
+all." For he knew that, according to a law recently enacted by the Holy
+Office, and sanctioned by the Pope, no subsequent retraction could save
+a prisoner who had once confessed&mdash;he must die. And he desired finally
+and for ever to put it out of his own power to save his life and lose
+it.</p>
+
+<p>As every dreary morning dawned upon him, he thought that ere its sun
+set he might be called to confess his Master's name before the solemn
+tribunal. At first he awaited the summons <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>with a trembling heart. But
+as time passed on, the delay became more dreadful than the anticipated
+examination. At last he began to long for <i>any</i> change that might break
+the monotony of his prison-life.</p>
+
+<p>The only person, with the exception of his gaoler, that ever entered
+his cell, was a member of the Board of Inquisitors, who was obliged
+by their rules to make a fortnightly inspection of the prisons. But
+the Dominican monk to whom this duty was relegated merely asked the
+prisoner a few formal questions: such as, whether he was well, whether
+he received his appointed provision, whether his warder used him with
+civility. To these Carlos always answered prudently that he had no
+complaint to make. At first he was wont to inquire, in his turn, when
+his case might be expected to come on. To this it would be answered,
+that there was no hurry about the matter. The Lords Inquisitors had
+much business on hand, and many more important cases than his to attend
+to; he must await their leisure and their pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>At length a kind of lethargy stole over him; though it was broken
+frequently by sharp bursts of anguish. He ceased to take note of time,
+ceased to make fruitless inquiries of his gaoler, who would never tell
+him anything. Upon one occasion he asked this man for a Breviary, since
+he sometimes found it difficult to recall even the gospel words that
+he knew so well. But he was answered in the set terms the Inquisitors
+taught their officials, that the book he ought now to study was the
+book of his own heart, which he should examine diligently, in order to
+the confession and repentance of his sins.</p>
+
+<p>During the morning hours the outer door of his cell (there were two)
+was usually left open, in order to admit a little fresh air. At such
+times he often heard footsteps in the corridors, and doors opening
+and shutting. With a kind of sick yearning, not unmixed with hope, he
+longed that some visitant would enter his cell. But none ever came.
+Some of the Inquisitors were <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>keen observers and good students of
+character. They had watched Carlos narrowly before his arrest, and they
+had arrived at the conclusion that utter and prolonged solitude was the
+best remedy for his disease.</p>
+
+<p>Such solitude has driven many a weary tortured soul to insanity. But
+that divine compassion which no dungeon walls or prison bars avail to
+shut out, saved Carlos from such a fate.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he knew from the stir outside that some of his
+fellow-captives had received a visit. But the deep stillness that
+followed the dying away of footsteps in the corridor was broken by a
+most unwonted sound. A loud, clear, and even cheerful voice sang out,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ven&ccedil;idos van los frailes; ven&ccedil;idos van!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Corridos van los lobos; corridos van!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">[There go the friars; there they run!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;There go the wolves, the wolves are done!]<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Every nerve and fibre of the lonely captive's heart thrilled responsive
+to that strain. Evidently the song was one of triumph. But from whose
+lips? Who could dare to triumph in the abode of misery, the very seat
+of Satan?</p>
+
+<p>Carlos Alvarez had heard that voice before. A striking peculiarity in
+the dialect rivetted this fact upon his mind. The words were neither
+the pure sonorous Castilian that he spoke himself, nor the soft gliding
+sibilant Andaluz that he heard in Seville, nor yet the patois of the
+Manchegan peasants around his mountain home. In such accents one, and
+one alone, had ever spoken in his hearing. And that was the man who
+said, "For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the
+thirsty, light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and
+heavy-laden, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."</p>
+
+<p>Whatever men had done to the body, it was evident that Juliano
+Hernandez was still unbroken in heart, strong in hope and courage. A
+fettered, tortured captive, he was yet enabled, not only to hold his
+own faith fast, but actually to minister to that of others. His rough
+rhyme intimated to his fellow-captives that "the wolves" of Rome were
+leaving his cell, vanquished by the sword of the Spirit. And that, as
+he overcame, so might they also.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard, understood, and felt from that hour that he was not
+alone. Moreover, the grace and strength so richly given to his
+fellow-sufferer seemed to bring Christ nearer to himself. "Surely God
+is in this place&mdash;even here," he said, "and I knew it not." And then,
+bowing his head, he wept&mdash;wept such tears as bring help and healing
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this time he had held Christ's hand indeed, else had he "utterly
+fainted." But he held it in the dark. He clung to him desperately, as
+if for mere life and reason. Now the light began to dawn upon him. He
+began to see the face of Him to whom he had been clinging. His good and
+gracious words&mdash;such words as, "Let not your heart be troubled," "My
+peace I give unto you"&mdash;became again, as in old times, full of meaning,
+instinct with life. He "remembered the years of the right hand of the
+Most High;" he thought of those days that now seemed so long ago, when,
+with such thrilling joy, he received the truth from Juliano's book.
+And he knew that the same joy might be his even in that dreary prison,
+because the same God was above him, and the same Lord was "rich unto
+all that call upon him."</p>
+
+<p>On the next occasion when Juliano raised his brave song of victory,
+Carlos had the courage to respond, by chanting in the vulgar tongue,
+"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
+defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out
+of Zion."</p>
+
+<p>But this brought him a visit from the alcayde, who commanded him to
+"forbear that noise."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Prisoners are not permitted to disturb the Santa Casa,"
+said Gasper Benevidio, as he quitted the cell.</p>
+
+<p>The "Santa Casa," or Holy House, was the proper style and title of
+the prison of the Holy Inquisition. At first sight the name appears
+a hideous mockery. We seem to catch in it an echo of the laughter of
+fiends, as in that other kindred name, "The Society of Jesus." Yet,
+just then, the Triana was truly a holy house. Precious in the sight
+of the Lord were those who crowded its dismal cells. Many a lonely
+captive wept and prayed and agonized there, who, though now forgotten
+on earth, shall one day shine with a brightness eclipsing kings and
+conquerors&mdash;"a star for ever and ever."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXI" id="XXXI">XXXI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Ministering Angels.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Thou wilt be near, and not forsake,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">To turn the bitter pool</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Into a bright and breezy lake,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The throbbing brow to cool;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Till, left awhile with Thee alone,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The wilful heart be fain to own</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;That he, by whom our bright hours shone,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Our darkness best may rule."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Keble.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he overpowering heat of an Andalusian summer aggravated the physical
+sufferings of the captives. And so did the scanty and unwholesome
+provisions, which were all that reached them through the hands of the
+avaricious Benevidio.</p>
+
+<p>But this last hardship was little felt by Carlos. Small as were the
+rations he received, they usually proved more than enough for him;
+indeed, the coarse food sometimes lay almost untasted in his cell.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, however, to his extreme surprise, something was pushed
+through the grating in the lower part of his inner door, the outer door
+being open, as was usual at that hour. The mysterious gift consisted
+of white bread and good meat, of which he partook with mingled
+astonishment and thankfulness. But the relief to the unvaried monotony
+of his life, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>the occupation the little circumstance gave his
+thoughts, was much more to him than the welcome novelty of a wholesome
+meal.</p>
+
+<p>The act of charity was repeated often, indeed almost daily. Sometimes
+bread and meat, sometimes fruit&mdash;the large luscious grapes or purple
+figs of that southern climate&mdash;were thus conveyed to him. Endless
+were the speculations these gifts awakened in his mind. He longed
+to discover his benefactor, not only to express his gratitude,
+but to supplicate that the same favours might be extended to his
+fellow-sufferers, especially to Juliano. Moreover, would not one so
+kindly disposed be willing to give him what he longed for far more than
+meat or drink&mdash;some word of tidings from the world without, or from his
+dear imprisoned brethren?</p>
+
+<p>At first he suspected the under-gaoler, whose name was Herrera. This
+man was far more gentle and compassionate than Benevidio. Carlos often
+thought he would have shown him some kindness, or at least have spoken
+to him, if he dared. But dire would have been the penalty even the
+slightest transgression of the prison rules would have entailed. Carlos
+naturally feared to broach the matter, lest, if Herrera really had
+nothing to do with it, the unknown benefactor might be betrayed.</p>
+
+<p>The same motive prevented his hazarding a question or exclamation at
+the time the little gifts were thrust in. How could he tell who might
+be within hearing? If it were safe to speak, surely the person outside
+would try the experiment.</p>
+
+<p>It was generally very early in the morning, at the hour when the outer
+door was first opened, that the gifts came. Or, if delayed a little
+later, he would often notice something timid and even awkward in the
+way they were pushed through the grating, and the approaching and
+retreating footsteps, for which he used to listen so eagerly, would be
+quick and light, like those of a child.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At last a day came, marked indeed with white in the dark chronicle of
+prison life. Bread and meat were conveyed to him as usual; then there
+was a low knock upon the door. Carlos, who was standing close to it,
+responded by an eager "<i>Chien es?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"A friend. Kneel down, se&ntilde;or, and put your ear to the grating."</p>
+
+<p>The captive obeyed, and a woman's voice whispered, "Do not lose heart,
+your worship. Friends outside are thinking of you."</p>
+
+<p>"One friend is with me, even here," Carlos answered. "But," he added,
+"I entreat of you to tell me your name, that I may know whom to thank
+for the daily kindnesses which lighten my captivity."</p>
+
+<p>"I am only a poor woman, se&ntilde;or, the alcayde's servant. And what I have
+brought you is your own, and but a small part of it."</p>
+
+<p>"My own! How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Robbed from you by my master, who defrauds and spoils the poor
+prisoners even of their necessary food. And if any one dares to
+complain to the Lords Inquisitors, he throws him into the Masmurra."</p>
+
+<p>"The&mdash;what?"</p>
+
+<p>"A deep, horrible cistern which he hath in his house." This was spoken
+in a still lower voice.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not yet sufficiently naturalized to horrors to repress a
+shudder. He said, "Then I fear it is at great risk to yourself that you
+show kindness to me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is for the dear Lord's sake, senor."</p>
+
+<p>"Then <i>you</i>&mdash;you too&mdash;love his Name!" said Carlos, tears of joy
+starting to his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Chiton</i>,<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> se&ntilde;or! <i>chiton!</i> But as far as a poor woman may, I <i>do</i>
+love him," she added in a frightened whisper. "What I want now to tell
+you is, that the noble lord, your brother&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p></div>
+
+<p>"My brother!" cried Carlos; "what of him? Oh, tell me, for Christ's
+dear sake!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let your Excellency speak lower. We may be overheard. I know he has
+seen my master once and again, and has given him much money to provide
+your worship with good food and other conveniences, which he, however,
+not having the fear of God before his eyes&mdash;" The rest of the sentence
+did not reach the ear of Carlos; but he could easily guess its import.</p>
+
+<p>"That is little matter," he said. "But oh, kind friend, if I could send
+him a message, were it only one word."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the wistful earnestness of his tone awakened latent mother
+instincts in the poor woman's heart. She knew that he was very young;
+that he had lain there for dreary months alone, away from the bright
+world into which he was just entering, and which was now shut to him
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>"I will do all I can for your Excellency," she said, in a tone that
+betrayed some emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Carlos, "tell him it is well with me. 'The Lord is my
+shepherd'&mdash;all that psalm, bid him read it. But, above all things, say
+unto him to leave this place&mdash;to fly to Germany or England. For I fear,
+I fear&mdash;no, do not tell him <i>what</i> I fear. Only implore of him to go.
+You promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"I promise, young sir, to do all I can. God comfort him and you."</p>
+
+<p>"And God reward you, brave and kind friend. But one word more, if
+it may be without risk to you. Tell me of my dear fellow-prisoners.
+Especially of Dr. Cristobal Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, Fray
+Constantino, and Juliano Hernandez, called Juliano El Chico."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know anything of Fray Constantino. I think he is not here.
+The others you name have&mdash;<i>suffered</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Not death!&mdash;surely not death!" said Carlos, in terror.</p>
+
+<p>"There be worse things than death, se&ntilde;or," the poor woman answered.
+"Even my master, whose heart is iron, is astonished <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>at the fortitude
+of Se&ntilde;or Juliano. He fears nothing&mdash;seems to feel nothing. No tortures
+have wrung from him a word that could harm any one."</p>
+
+<p>"God sustain him! Oh, my friend," Carlos went on with passionate
+earnestness, "if by any deed of kindness, such as you have shown me,
+you could bring God's dear suffering servant so much comfort as a cup
+of cold water, truly your reward would be rich in heaven. For the day
+will come when that poor man will take his station in the court of the
+King of kings, and at the right hand of Christ, in great glory and
+majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, se&ntilde;or. I have tried&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Just then an approaching footstep made Carlos start; but the poor woman
+said, "It is only the child, God bless her. But I must go, se&ntilde;or; for
+she comes to tell me her father has arisen, and is making ready to
+begin his daily rounds."</p>
+
+<p>"Her father! Does Benevidio's own child help you to comfort his
+prisoners?"</p>
+
+<p>"Even so, thank the good God. I am her nurse. But I must not linger
+another moment. Adi&otilde;s, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya con Dios, good mother. And God repay your kindness, as he surely
+will."</p>
+
+<p>And surely he did repay it; but not on earth, unless the honour
+of being accounted worthy to suffer shame and stripes and cruel
+imprisonment for his sake be called a reward.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXII" id="XXXII">XXXII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Valley of the Shadow of Death.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And shall I fear the coward fear of standing all alone</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To testify of Zion's King and the glory of his throne?</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;My Father, O my Father, I am poor and frail and weak,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Let me not utter of my own, for idle words I speak;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But give me grace to wrestle now, and prompt my faltering tongue,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And name thy name upon my soul, and so shall I be strong."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Stuart Menteith.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>any a weary hour did Carlos shorten by chanting the psalms and hymns
+of the church in low voice for himself. At first he sang them loudly
+enough for his fellow-prisoners to hear; but the commands of Benevidio,
+which were accompanied even by threats of personal violence, soon made
+him forbear. Not a few kindly deeds and words of comfort came to him
+through the ministrations of the poor servant Maria Gonsalez, aided by
+the gaoler's little daughter. On the whole, he was growing accustomed
+to his prison life. It seemed as though it would last for ever; as
+though every other kind of life lay far away from him in the dim
+distance. There were slow and weary hours, more than he could count;
+there were bitter hours&mdash;of passionate regret, of dark foreboding,
+of unutterable fear. But there were also quiet hours, burdened by no
+special pain or sorrow; there were sometimes even happy hours, when
+Christ seemed very near, and his consolations were not small with his
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p>
+<p>It was one of the quiet hours, when thoughts of the past, not full of
+the anguish of vain yearning, as they often were, but calm and even
+pleasant, were occupying his mind. He had been singing the Te Deum
+for himself; and thinking how sweetly the village choristers used to
+chant it at Nuera; not in the time of Father Tomas, but in that of his
+predecessor, a gentle old man with a special taste for music, whom he
+and his brother, then little children, loved, but used to tease. He was
+so deeply engaged in feeling over again his poignant distress upon one
+particular occasion when Juan had offended the aged priest, that all
+his present sorrows were forgotten for the moment, when he heard the
+large key grate harshly in the strong outer door of his cell.</p>
+
+<p>Benevidio entered, bearing some articles of dress, which he ordered the
+prisoner to put on immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos obeyed in silence, though not without surprise, perhaps even
+a passing feeling of indignation. For the very form and fashion of
+the garments he was thus obliged to assume (a kind of jacket without
+sleeves, and long loose trowsers), meant to the Castilian noble keen
+insult and degradation.</p>
+
+<p>"Take off your shoes," said the alcayde. "Prisoners always come before
+their reverences with uncovered head and feet. Now follow me."</p>
+
+<p>It was, then, the summons to stand before his judges. A thrilling dread
+took possession of his soul. Heedless of the alcayde's presence, he
+threw himself for one brief moment on his knees. Then, though his cheek
+was pale, he could speak calmly. "I am ready," he said.</p>
+
+<p>He followed his conductor through several long and gloomy corridors. At
+length he ventured to ask, "Whither are you leading me?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Chiton!</i>" said Benevidio, placing his finger on his lips. Speech was
+not permitted there.</p>
+
+<p>At last they drew near an open door. The alcayde quickened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>his pace,
+entered first, made a very low reverence, then drew back again, and
+motioned Carlos to go forward alone.</p>
+
+<p>He did so; and found himself in the presence of his judges&mdash;the Board,
+or "Table of the Inquisition." He bowed, though rather from the habit
+of courtesy, than from any special respect to the tribunal, and stood
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>Before any one addressed him, he had ample leisure for observation. The
+room was large, lofty, and surrounded by pillars, between which there
+were handsome hangings of gilt leather. At one end, the furthest from
+him, stood a great crucifix, larger than life. Around the long table
+on the estrada six or seven persons were seated. Of these, one alone
+was covered, he who sat nearest the door by which Carlos had entered,
+and facing the crucifix. He knew that this was Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga,
+and the thought that he had once pleaded earnestly for that man's life,
+helped to give him boldness in his presence.</p>
+
+<p>At Munebr&atilde;ga's right hand sat a stern and stately man, whom Carlos,
+though he had never seen him before, knew, from his dress and the
+position he occupied, to be the prior of the Dominican convent
+adjoining the Triana. One or two of the subordinate members of the
+Board he had met occasionally in other days, and he had then considered
+them very far his own inferiors, both in education and in social
+position.</p>
+
+<p>At length Munebr&atilde;ga, half turning, motioned him to approach the table.
+He did so, and a person who sat at the opposite end, and appeared
+by his dress to be a notary, made him lay his hand on a missal, and
+administered an oath to him.</p>
+
+<p>It bound him to speak the truth, and to keep everything secret which he
+might see or hear; and he took it without hesitation. A bench at the
+Inquisitor's left hand was then pointed out to him, and he was desired
+to be seated.</p>
+
+<p>A member of the Board, who bore the title of the Promoter-fiscal,
+conducted the examination. After some merely formal <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>questions, he
+asked him whether he knew the cause of his present imprisonment? Carlos
+answered immediately, "I do."</p>
+
+<p>This was not the course usually taken by prisoners of the Holy
+Office. They commonly denied all knowledge of any offence that could
+have induced "their reverences" to order their arrest. With a slight
+elevation of the eyebrows, perhaps expressive of surprise, his examiner
+continued, gently enough, "Are you then aware of having erred from the
+faith, and by word or deed offended your own soul, and the consciences
+of good Christians? Speak boldly, my son; for to those who acknowledge
+their faults the Holy Office is full of tenderness and mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not erred, consciously, from the true faith, since I knew it."</p>
+
+<p>Here the Dominican prior interposed. "You can ask for an advocate,"
+he said; "and as you are under twenty-five years of age, you can also
+claim the assistance of a curator.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> Furthermore, you can request a
+copy of the deposition against you, in order to prepare your defence."</p>
+
+<p>"Always supposing," said Munebr&atilde;ga himself, "that he formally denies
+the crime laid to his charge.&mdash;Do you?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"We understand you so to do," said the prior, looking earnestly at
+Carlos. "You plead not guilty?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos rose from his seat, and advanced a step or two nearer to the
+table where sat the men who held his life in their hands. Addressing
+himself chiefly to the prior, he said, "I know that by taking the
+course your reverence recommends to me, as I believe out of kindness,
+I may defer my fate for a little while. I may beat the air, fighting
+in the dark with witnesses whom you would refuse to name to me, still
+more to confront with me. Or, I may make you wring out the truth from
+me slowly, drop by drop. But what would that avail me? Neither for
+the truth, nor yet for any falsehood I might be base enough to utter,
+would you loose your hand from your prey. I prefer that straight road
+which is ever the shortest way. I stand before your reverences this
+day a professed Lutheran, despairing of mercy from man, but full of
+confidence in the mercy of God."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A movement of surprise ran around the Board at these daring words. The
+prior turned away from the prisoner with a pained, disconcerted look;
+but only to meet a half-triumphant, half-reproachful glance from his
+superior, Munebr&atilde;ga. But Munebr&atilde;ga was not displeased; far from it.
+It did not grieve him that the prisoner, a mere youth, "was throwing
+himself into the fire." That was his own concern. He was saving "their
+reverences" a great deal of trouble. Thanks to his hardihood, his
+folly, or his despair, a good piece of work was quickly and easily
+accomplished. For it was the business of the Inquisitors first to
+convict; retractations were an after consideration.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a bold heretic, and fit for the fire," he said. "We know how
+to deal with such." And he placed his hand on the bell that was to
+signal the termination of the interview.</p>
+
+<p>But the prior, recovering from his astonishment, once more interposed.
+"My lord and your reverence, be pleased to allow me a few minutes, in
+which I may set plainly before the prisoner both the wonted mercy and
+lenity of the Holy Office to the repentant, and the fatal consequences
+of obstinacy."</p>
+
+<p>Munebr&atilde;ga acquiesced by a nod, then leant back carelessly in his seat;
+this was not a part of the proceedings in which he felt much interest.</p>
+
+<p>No one could doubt the sincerity with which the prior warned Carlos of
+the doom that awaited the impenitent heretic. The horrors of the death
+of fire, the deeper, darker horror of the fire that never dies, these
+were the theme of his discourse. If not actually eloquent, it had at
+least the earnestness of intense conviction. "But to the penitent," he
+added, and the hard face <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>softened a little, "God is ever merciful, and
+his Church is merciful too."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos listened in silence, his eyes bent on the ground. But when the
+Dominican concluded, he looked up again, glanced first at the great
+crucifix, then fixed his eyes steadily on the prior's face. "I cannot
+deny my Lord," he said. "I am in your hands, and you can do with me as
+you will. But God is mightier than you."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough!" said Munebr&atilde;ga, and he rang the hand-bell. After a very short
+delay, the alcayde reappeared, and led Carlos back to his cell.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was gone, Munebr&atilde;ga turned to the prior. "My lord," he
+said, "your wonted penetration is at fault for once. Is this the youth
+whom you assured us a few months of solitary confinement would render
+pliant as a reed and plastic as wax? Whereas we find him as bold a
+heretic as Losada, or D'Arellano, or that imp of darkness, little
+Juliano."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my lord, I do not despair of him. Far from it. He is much less
+firm than he seems. Give him time, with a due mixture of kindness and
+severity, and, I trust in our Lord and St. Dominic, we will see him a
+hopeful penitent."</p>
+
+<p>"I am of your mind, reverend father," said the Promoter-fiscal. "It is
+probable he confessed only to avoid the Question. Many of them fear it
+more than death."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," answered Munebr&atilde;ga quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The notary looked up from his papers. "Please your lordships," he said,
+"I think it is the <i>sangre azul</i> that makes him so bold. He is Alvarez
+de Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep to thy quires and thine ink-horn, man of law," interposed
+Munebr&atilde;ga angrily. "Thy part is to write down what wiser men say, not
+to prate thyself." It was well known that the Inquisitor, far from
+boasting the <i>sangre azul</i> himself, had not even what the Spaniards
+call "good red blood" flowing in his veins; hence his irritation at the
+notary's speech.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There is often a great apparent similarity in the effects of quite
+opposite causes. That which results from a degree of weakness of
+character may sometimes wear the aspect of transcendent courage. A
+bolder man than Don Carlos Alvarez might, in his circumstances, have
+made a struggle for life. He might have fought over every point as it
+arose; have availed himself of every loophole for escape; have thrown
+upon his persecutors the onus of proving his crime. But such a course
+would not have been possible to Carlos. As a running leap is far more
+easy than a standing one, so to sensitive temperaments it is easier to
+rush forward to meet pain or danger than to stand still and fight it
+off, knowing all the time that it must come at last.</p>
+
+<p>He would have been astonished had he guessed the impression made upon
+his examiners. To himself it seemed that he had confessed his Lord in
+much weakness. Still, he had confessed him. And shut out as he was from
+all ordinary "means of grace," the act of confession became a kind of
+sacrament to him. It was a token and an evidence of Christ's presence
+with him, and Christ's power working in him. He could say now, "In the
+day that I called upon thee thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
+with strength in my soul." And from that hour he seemed to live in
+greater nearness to Christ, and more intimate communion with him, than
+he had ever done before.</p>
+
+<p>It was well that he had strong consolation, for his need was great.
+Two other examinations followed after a short interval; and in both of
+these Munebr&atilde;ga took a far more active part than he had done in the
+first. The Inquisitors were at that time extremely anxious to procure
+evidence upon which to condemn Fray Constantino, who up to this point
+had steadily resisted every effort they had made to induce him to
+criminate himself. They thought it probable that Don Carlos Alvarez
+could assist them if he would, especially since there had been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>found
+amongst his papers a highly laudatory letter of recommendation from the
+late Canon Magistral.</p>
+
+<p>Still, his assistance was needed even more in other matters. It is
+scarcely necessary to say that Munebr&atilde;ga, who forgot nothing, had not
+forgotten the mysterious appointment made with him, but never kept, by
+a cousin of the prisoner's, who was now stated to be hopelessly insane.
+What did that mean? Was the story true; or were the family keeping back
+evidence which might compromise one or more of its remaining members?</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos was expected to resolve a yet graver question; or, at least,
+one that touched him more nearly. His own arrest had been decreed in
+consequence of two depositions against him. First, a member of Losada's
+congregation had named him as one of the habitual attendants; then a
+monk of San Isodro had fatally compromised him under the torture. The
+monk's testimony was clear and explicit, and was afterwards confirmed
+by others. But the first witness had deposed that <i>two</i> gentlemen of
+the name of Me&ntilde;aya had been wont to attend the conventicle. Who was the
+second? Hitherto this problem had baffled the Inquisitors. Don Manuel
+Alvarez and his sons were noted for orthodoxy; and the only other
+Me&ntilde;aya known to them was the prisoner's brother. But in his favour
+there was every presumption, both from his character as a gallant
+officer in the army of the most Catholic king, and from the fact of his
+voluntary return to Seville; where, instead of shunning, he seemed to
+court observation, by throwing himself continually in the Inquisitor's
+way, and soliciting audience of him.</p>
+
+<p>Still, of course, his guilt was possible. But, in the absence of
+anything suspicious in his conduct, some clearer evidence than the
+vague deposition alluded to was absolutely necessary, in order to
+warrant proceedings against him. According to the inquisitorial laws,
+what they styled "full half proof" of a crime must be obtained before
+ordering the arrest of the supposed criminal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And the key to all these perplexities had now to be wrung from the
+unwilling hands of Carlos. This needed "half proof" could, and must,
+be furnished by him. "He <i>must</i> speak out," said those stern, pitiless
+men, who held him in their hands.</p>
+
+<p>But here he was stronger than they. Neither arts, persuasions, threats,
+nor promises, availed to unseal those pale, silent lips. Would torture
+do it? He was told plainly, that unless he would answer every question
+put to him freely and distinctly, he must undergo its worst horrors.</p>
+
+<p>His heart throbbed wildly, then grew sick and faint. A dread far keener
+than the dread of death prompted one short sharp struggle against the
+inevitable. He said, "It is against your own law to torture a confessed
+criminal for information concerning others. For the law presumes that
+a man loves himself better than his neighbour; and, therefore, that
+he who has informed against himself would more readily inform against
+other heretics if he knew them."</p>
+
+<p>He was right. His early studies had enabled him to quote correctly one
+of the rules laid down by the highest authority for the regulation of
+the inquisitorial proceedings. But what mattered rules and canons to
+the members of a secret and irresponsible tribunal?</p>
+
+<p>Munebr&atilde;ga covered his momentary embarrassment with a sneer. "That rule
+was framed for delinquents of another sort," he said. "You Lutheran
+heretics have the command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,'
+so deeply rooted in your hearts, that the very flesh must needs be
+torn from your bones ere you will inform against your brethren.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> I
+overrule your objection as frivolous."</p>
+
+<p>And then a sentence, more dreaded than the terrible death-sentence
+itself, received the formal sanction of the Board.</p>
+
+<p>Once more alone in his cell, Carlos flung himself on his knees, and
+pressing his burning brow against the cold damp stone, cried aloud in
+his anguish, "Let this cup&mdash;only this&mdash;pass from me!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His was just the nature to which the thought of physical suffering
+is most appalling. Keenly sensitive in mind and body, he shrank in
+unspeakable dread from what stronger characters might brave or defy.
+His vivid imagination intensified every pang he felt or feared. His
+mind was like a room hung round with mirrors, in which every terrible
+thing, reflected a hundred times, became a hundred terrors instead of
+one. What another would have endured once, he endured over and over
+again in agonized anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>At times the nervous horror grew absolutely insupportable. Fearfulness
+and trembling took hold upon him. He felt ready to pray that God in his
+great mercy would take away his life, and let the bearer of the dreaded
+summons find him beyond all their malice.</p>
+
+<p>One thought haunted him like a demon, whispering words of despair. It
+had begun to haunt him from the hour when poor Maria Gonsalez told him
+she had seen his brother. What if they dragged that loved name from his
+lips! What if, in his weakness, he became Juan's betrayer! Once it had
+been in his heart to betray him from selfish love; perhaps in judgment
+for that sin he was now to betray him through sharp bodily anguish.
+Even if his will were kept firm all through (which he scarcely dared to
+hope), would not reason give way, and wild words be wrung from his lips
+that would too surely ruin all?</p>
+
+<p>He tried to think of his Saviour's death and passion; tried to pray for
+strength and patience to drink of <i>his</i> cup. Sometimes he prayed that
+prayer with strong crying and tears; sometimes with cold mute lips, too
+weary to cry any longer. If he was heard and answered, he knew it not
+then.</p>
+
+<p>Days of suspense wore on. They were only less dreary than the nights,
+when sleep fled from his eyes, and horrible visions <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>(which yet he knew
+were less horrible than the truth) rose in quick succession before his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, seated on his bench in the twilight, he fell into an
+uneasy slumber. The dark dread that never left him, mingling with the
+sunny gleam of old memories, wove a vivid dream of Nuera, of that
+summer morning when the first great conflict of his life found an
+ending in the strong resolve, "Juan, brother! I will never wrong thee,
+so help me God!"</p>
+
+<p>The grating of the key in the door and the sudden flash of the lamp
+aroused him. He started to his feet at the alcayde's entrance. This
+time no change of dress was prescribed him. He knew his doom. He cried,
+but to no human ear. From the very depths of his being the prayer
+arose, "Father, save&mdash;sustain me; <i>I am thine</i>!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIII" id="XXXIII">XXXIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">On the Other Side.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Happy are they who learn at last,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Though silent suffering teach</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The secret of enduring strength,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And praise too deep for speech,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Peace that no pressure from without,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">No storm within can reach.</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There is no death for me to fear,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">For Christ my Lord hath died:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;There is no curse in all my pain,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">For he was crucified;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And it is fellowship with him</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">That keeps me near his side."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hen the light of the next morning streamed in through the narrow
+grating of his cell, Carlos was there once more, lying on his bed of
+rushes. But was it indeed the next morning, or was it ten years, twenty
+years afterwards? Without a painful effort of thought and memory, he
+himself could scarcely have told. That last night was like a great
+gulf, fixed between his present and all his past. The moment when he
+entered that torch-lit subterranean room seemed a sharp, black dividing
+line, sundering his life into two halves. And the latter half seemed
+longer than that which had gone before.</p>
+
+<p>Nor could years of suffering have left a sadder impress on the young
+face, out of which the look of youth had passed, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>apparently for ever.
+Brow and lips were pale; but two crimson spots, still telling of
+feverish pain, burned on the hollow cheeks, while the large lustrous
+eyes beamed with even unnatural brilliance.</p>
+
+<p>The poor woman, who was doing the work of God's bright angels in
+that dismal prison, came softly in. How she obtained entrance there
+Carlos did not know, and was far too weak to ask, or even to wonder.
+But probably she was sent by Benevidio, who knew that, in his present
+condition, some human help was indispensable to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>Maria Gonsalez was too well accustomed to scenes of horror to be
+over-much surprised or shocked by what she saw. Silently, though with a
+heart full of compassion, she rendered the few little services in her
+power. She placed the broken frame in as easy a position as she could,
+and once and again she raised to the parched lips the "cup of cold
+water" so eagerly desired.</p>
+
+<p>He roused himself to murmur a word of thanks; then, as she prepared to
+leave him, his eyes followed her wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything more for you, se&ntilde;or?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mother. Tell me&mdash;have you spoken to my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! no, se&ntilde;or," said the poor woman, whose ability was not equal
+to her goodwill. "I have tried, God wot; but I could not get from my
+master the name of the place where he lives without making him suspect
+something, and never since have I had the good fortune to see his face."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you have done&mdash;what you could. My message does not matter now.
+Not so much. Still, best he should go. Tell him so, when you find him.
+But, remember, tell him nought of this. You promise, mother? He must
+never know it&mdash;<i>never</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>She spoke a few words of pity and condolence.</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>was</i> horrible!" he faltered, in faint, broken tones. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>"Worst of
+all&mdash;the return to life. For I thought all was over, and that I should
+awake face to face with Christ. But&mdash;I cannot speak of it."</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence; then his eye kindled, and a look of joy&mdash;ay,
+even of triumph&mdash;flashed across the wasted, suffering face. "But <i>I
+have overcome</i>! No; not I. Christ has overcome in me, the weakest of
+his members. Now I am beyond it&mdash;on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>To the poor tortured captive there had been given a foretaste, strange
+and sweet, of what they feel who stand on the sea of glass, having
+the harps of God in their hands. Men had done their worst&mdash;their very
+worst. He knew now all "the dread mystery of pain;" all that flesh
+could accomplish in its fiercest conflict with spirit. Yet not one word
+that could injure any one he loved had been wrung from his lips.</p>
+
+<p><i>All</i> was over now. In that there was mercy&mdash;far more mercy than was
+shown to others. He had been permitted to drain the cup at a single
+draught. <i>Now</i> he could feel grateful to the physicians, who with truly
+kind cruelty (and not without some risk to themselves) had prevented,
+in his case, that fiendish device, "the suspension of the torture."
+Even according to the execrable laws of the Inquisition, he had won his
+right to die in peace.</p>
+
+<p>As time passed on, a blessed sense that he was now out of the hands of
+man, and in those of God alone, sank like balm upon his weary spirit.
+Fear was gone; grief had passed away; even memory had almost ceased to
+give him a pang. For how could he long for the loved faces of former
+days, when day and night Christ himself was near him? So strangely
+near, so intimately present, that he sometimes thought that if, through
+some wonderful relenting of his persecutors, Juan were permitted to
+come and stand beside him, that loved brother would still seem further
+away, less real, than the unseen Friend who was keeping watch by his
+couch. And even the bodily pain, that <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>so seldom left him, was not hard
+to hear, for it was only the touch of His finger.</p>
+
+<p>He had passed into the clear air upon the mountain top, where the sun
+shines ever, and the storm winds cannot come. Nothing hurt him; nothing
+disturbed him now. He had visitors; for what had really placed him
+beyond the reach of his enemies was, not unnaturally, supposed by them
+to have brought him into a fitting state to receive their exhortations.
+So Inquisitors, monks, and friars&mdash;"persons of good learning and honest
+repute"&mdash;came in due course to his lonely cell, armed with persuasions
+and arguments, which were always weighted with threats and promises.</p>
+
+<p>Their voices seemed to reach him faintly, from a great distance. Into
+"the secret place of the Lord," where he dwelt now, they could not
+enter. Threats and promises fell powerless on his ear. What more could
+they do to him? As far as the mere facts of the case were concerned,
+this security may have been misplaced&mdash;nay, it <i>was</i> misplaced; but it
+saved him from much suffering. And as for promises, had they thrown
+open the door of his dungeon and bid him go forth free, only that one
+intense longing to see his brother's face would have nerved him to make
+the effort.</p>
+
+<p>Arguments he was glad to answer when permitted. It was a joy to speak
+for his Lord, who had done, and was doing, such great things for him.
+As far as he could, he made use of those Scripture words with which his
+memory was so richly stored. But more than once it happened that he
+was forced to take up the weapons which he had learned in the schools
+to use so skilfully. He tore sophisms to pieces with the dexterity of
+one who knew how they were constructed, and astonished the students of
+Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas by vanquishing them on their own ground.</p>
+
+<p>Reproach and insult he met with a fearless meekness that nothing could
+ruffle. Why should he feel anger? Rather did <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>he pity those who stood
+without in the darkness, not seeing the Face he saw, not hearing the
+Voice he heard. Usually, however, those who visited him yielded to the
+spell of his own sweet and perfect courtesy, and were kinder than they
+intended to be to the "professed impenitent heretic."</p>
+
+<p>His heart, now "at leisure from itself," was filled with sympathy for
+his imprisoned brethren and sisters. But, except to Maria Gonsalez,
+he dared not speak of them, lest the simplest remark or question
+might give rise to some new suspicion, or supply some link, hitherto
+missing, in the chain of evidence against them. But those who came
+to visit him sometimes gave him unasked intelligence about them. He
+could not, however, rely upon the truth of what reached him in this
+way. He was told that Losada had retracted; he did not believe it.
+Equally did he disbelieve a similar story of Don Juan Ponce de Leon,
+in which, unhappily, there was some truth. The constancy of that
+gentle, generous-hearted nobleman had yielded under torture and cruel
+imprisonment, and concessions had been wrung from him that dimmed the
+brightness of his martyr crown. On the other hand, the waverer, Gar&ccedil;ias
+Arias, known as the "White Doctor," had come forward with a hardihood
+truly marvellous, and not only confessed his own faith, but mocked and
+defied the Inquisitors.</p>
+
+<p>Of Fray Constantino, the most contradictory stories were told him.
+At one time he was assured that the great preacher had not only
+admitted his own guilt, but also, on the rack, had informed against
+his brethren. Again he was told, and this time with truth, that the
+Emperor's former chaplain and favourite had been spared the horrors of
+the Question, but that the eagerly desired evidence against him had
+been obtained by accident. A lady of rank, one of his chief friends,
+was amongst the prisoners; and the Inquisitors sent an Alguazil
+to her house to demand possession of her jewels. Her son, without
+waiting to ascertain the precise object of the officer's visit,
+surrendered <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>to him in a panic some books which Fray Constantino had
+given his mother to conceal. Amongst them was a volume in his own
+handwriting, containing the most explicit avowal of the principles of
+the Reformation. On this being shown to the prisoner, he struggled no
+longer. "You have there a full and candid confession of my belief,"
+he said. And he was now in one of the dark and loathsome subterranean
+cells of the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst those who most frequently visited Carlos was the prior of the
+Dominican convent. This man seemed to take a peculiar interest in the
+young heretic's fate. He was a good specimen of a character oftener
+talked about than met with in real life,&mdash;the genuine fanatic. When he
+threatened Carlos, as he spared not to do, with the fire that is never
+quenched, at least he believed with all his heart that he was in danger
+of it. Carlos soon perceived this, and accepting his honest intention
+to benefit him, came to regard him with a kind of friendliness.
+Besides, the prior listened to what he said with more attention than
+did most of the others, and even in the prison of the Inquisition a man
+likes to be listened to, especially when his opportunities of speaking
+are few and brief.</p>
+
+<p>Many weeks passed by, and still Carlos lay on his mat, in weakness and
+suffering of body, though in calm gladness of spirit. Surgical and
+medical aid had been afforded him in due course. And it was not the
+fault of either surgeon or physician that he did not recover. They
+could stanch wounds and set dislocated joints, but when the springs of
+life were sapped, how could they renew them? How could they quicken the
+feeble pulse, or send back life and energy into the broken, exhausted
+frame? At this time Carlos himself felt certain&mdash;even more certain than
+did his physician&mdash;that never again would his footsteps pass the limits
+of that narrow cell.</p>
+
+<p>Once, indeed, there came to him a brief and fleeting pang of regret.
+It was in the spring-time; everywhere else so bright <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>and fair,
+but making little change in those gloomy cells. Maria Gonsalez now
+sometimes obtained access to him, partly through Benevidio's increased
+inattention to all his duties, partly because, any attempt at escape
+on the part of the captive being obviously out of the question, he was
+somewhat less jealously watched. And more than once the gaoler's little
+daughter stole in timidly beside her nurse, bearing some trifling gift
+for the sick prisoner. To Carlos these visits came like sunbeams; and
+in a very short time he succeeded in establishing quite an intimate
+friendship with the child.</p>
+
+<p>One morning she entered his cell with Maria, carrying a basket, from
+which she produced, with shy pleasure, a few golden oranges. "Look,
+se&ntilde;or," she said, "they are good to eat now, for the blossoms are
+out.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> I gathered some to show you;" and filling both her hands with
+the luscious wealth of the orange flowers, she flung them carelessly
+down on the mat beside him. In her eyes they were of no value compared
+with the fruit.</p>
+
+<p>With Carlos it was far otherwise. The rich perfume that filled the cell
+filled his heart also with sweet sad dreams, which lasted long after
+his kindly visitors had left him. The orange-trees had just been in
+flower last spring when all God's free earth and sky were shut out from
+his sight for ever. Only a year ago! What a long, long year it seemed!
+And only one year further back he was walking in the orange gardens
+with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, in all the delicious intoxication of his first and
+last dream of youthful love. "Better here than there, better now than
+then," he murmured, though the tears gathered in his eyes. "But oh, for
+one hour of the old free life, one look at orange-trees in flower, or
+blue skies, or the grassy slopes and cork-trees of Nuera! Or"&mdash;and more
+painfully intense the yearning grew&mdash;"one familiar face, belonging to
+the past, to show me it was not all a dream, as I am sometimes tempted
+to think it. Thine, Ruy, if it might be&mdash;O Ruy, Ruy!&mdash;But, thank God, I
+have not betrayed thee!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of that day visitors were announced. Carlos was not
+surprised to see the stern narrow face and white hair of the Dominican
+prior. But he was a little surprised to observe that the person who
+followed him wore the gray cowl of St. Francis. The prior merely
+bestowed the customary salutation upon him, and then, stepping aside,
+allowed his companion to approach.</p>
+
+<p>But as soon as Carlos saw his face, he raised himself eagerly, and
+stretching out both his hands, grasped those of the Franciscan. "Dear
+Fray Sebastian!" he cried; "my good, kind tutor!"</p>
+
+<p>"My lord the prior has been graciously pleased to allow me to visit
+your Excellency."</p>
+
+<p>"It is truly kind of you, my lord. I thank you heartily," said Carlos,
+frankly and promptly turning towards the Dominican, who looked at him
+with somewhat the air of one who is trying to be stern with a child.</p>
+
+<p>"I have ventured to allow you this indulgence," he said, "in the hope
+that the counsels of one whom you hold in honour may lead you to
+repentance."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos turned once more to Fray Sebastian, whose hand he still held.
+"It is a great joy to see you," he said. "Only to-day I had been
+longing for a familiar face. And you are changed never a whit since you
+used to teach me my humanities. How have you come hither? Where have
+you been all these years?"</p>
+
+<p>Poor Fray Sebastian vainly tried to frame an answer to these simple
+questions. He had come to that prison straight from Munebr&atilde;ga's
+splendid patio, where, amidst the gleam of azulejos and of
+many-coloured marbles, the scent of rare exotics and the music of
+rippling fountains, he had partaken of a sumptuous <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>mid-day repast.
+In this dark foul dungeon there was nothing to please the senses, not
+even God's free air and light. Everything on which his eye rested was
+coarse, painful, loathsome. By the prisoner's side lay the remains of
+a meal, in great contrast to his. And the sleeve, fallen back from the
+hand that held his own, showed deep scars on the wrist. He knew whence
+they were. Yet the face that was looking in his, with kindling eyes,
+and a smile on the parted lips, might have been the face of the boy
+Carlos, when he praised him for a successful task, only for the pain
+in it, and, far deeper than pain, a look of assured peace that boyhood
+could scarcely know.</p>
+
+<p>Repressing a choking sensation, he faltered, "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, it
+grieves me to the heart to see you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not grieve for me, dear Fray Sebastian, for I tell you truly, I
+have never known such happy hours as since I came here. At first,
+indeed, I suffered; there was storm and darkness. But then"&mdash;here for
+a moment his voice failed, and his flushed cheek and quivering lip
+betrayed the anguish a too hasty movement cost the broken frame. But,
+recovering himself quickly, he went on: "Then He arose and rebuked
+the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. That calm lasts
+still. And oftentimes this narrow room seems to me the house of God,
+the very gate of heaven. Moreover," he added, with a smile of strange
+brightness, "there is heaven itself beyond."</p>
+
+<p>"But, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, consider the disgrace and sorrow
+of your noble family&mdash;that is, I mean"&mdash;here the speaker paused
+in perplexity, and met the keen eye of the prior, fixed somewhat
+scornfully, as he thought, upon him. He was quite conscious that the
+Dominican was thinking him incapable, and incompetent to the task
+he had so earnestly solicited. He had sedulously prepared himself
+for this important interview, had gone through it in imagination
+beforehand, laying up in his memory several convincing and most
+pertinent exhortations, which could not fail to benefit his old pupil.
+But these were <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>of no avail now; in fact, they all vanished from his
+recollection. He had just begun something rather vague and incoherent
+about Holy Church, when the prior broke in.</p>
+
+<p>"Honoured brother," he said, addressing with scrupulous politeness
+the member of a rival fraternity, "the prisoner may be more willing
+to listen to your pious exhortations, and you may have more freedom
+in addressing him, if you are left for a brief space alone together.
+Therefore, though it is scarcely regular, I will visit a prisoner in a
+neighbouring apartment, and return hither for you in due time."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian thanked him, and he withdrew, saying as he did so, "It
+is not necessary for me to remind my reverend brother that conversation
+upon worldly matters is strictly forbidden in the Holy House."</p>
+
+<p>Whether the prior visited the other prisoner or no, it is not for
+us to inquire; but if he did, his visit was a short one; for it is
+certain that for some time he paced the gloomy corridor with troubled
+footsteps. He was thinking of a woman's face, a fair young face, to
+which that of Don Carlos Alvarez bore a startling likeness. "Too harsh,
+needlessly harsh," he murmured; "for, after all, <i>she</i> was no heretic."
+But which of us is always in the right? Ave Maria Sanctissima, ora pro
+me! But if I can, I would fain make some reparation&mdash;to <i>him</i>. If ever
+there was a true and sincere penitent, he is one."</p>
+
+<p>After a little further delay, he summoned Fray Sebastian by a
+peremptory knock at the inner door, the outer one of course remaining
+open. The Franciscan came, his broad, good-humoured face bathed in
+tears, which he scarcely made an effort to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>The prior glanced at him for a moment, then signed to Herrera, who was
+waiting in the gallery, to come and make the door fast. They walked
+on together in silence, until at length Fray Sebastian said, in a
+trembling voice, "My lord, you are very powerful here; can <i>you</i> do
+nothing for him?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> done much. At my intercession he had nine months of solitude,
+in which to recollect himself and ponder his situation, ere he was
+called on to make answer at all. Judge my amazement when, instead of
+entering upon his defence, or calling witnesses to his character, he
+at once confessed all. Judge my greater amazement at his continued
+obstinacy since. When a man has broken a giant oak in two, he may feel
+some surprise at being battled by a sapling."</p>
+
+<p>"He will not relent," said Fray Sebastian, hardly restraining his sobs.
+"He will die."</p>
+
+<p>"I see one chance to save him," returned the prior; "but it is a
+hazardous experiment. The consent of the Supreme Council is necessary,
+as well as that of my Lord Vice-Inquisitor, and neither may be very
+easy to obtain."</p>
+
+<p>"To save his body or his soul?" Fray Sebastian asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Both, if it succeeds. But I can say no more," he added rather
+haughtily; "for my plan is bound up with a secret, of which few living
+men, save myself, are in possession."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIV" id="XXXIV">XXXIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Fray Sebastian's Trouble.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Now, with fainting frame,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With soul just lingering on the flight begun,</div>
+   <div class="verse">To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one,</div>
+   <div class="verse">I bless thee. Peace be on thy noble head,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead!</div>
+   <div class="verse">I bid this prayer survive me, and retain</div>
+   <div class="verse">Its power again to bless thee, and again.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Thou hast been gathered into my dark fate</div>
+   <div class="verse">Too much; too long for my sake desolate</div>
+   <div class="verse">Hath been thine exiled youth; but now take back</div>
+   <div class="verse">From dying hands thy freedom."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t was late in August. All day long the sky had been molten fire, and
+the earth brass. Every one had dozed away the sultry noontide hours
+in the coolest recesses of dwellings made to exclude heat, as ours
+to exclude cold. But when at last the sun sank in flame beneath the
+horizon, people began to creep out languidly to woo the refreshment of
+the evening breeze.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful gardens of the Triana were still deserted, save by
+two persons. One of these, a young lad&mdash;we beg pardon, a young
+gentleman&mdash;of fifteen or sixteen, sat, or rather reclined, by the
+river-side, eating slices from an enormous melon, which he cut with a
+small silver-hilted dagger. A plumed cap, and a gay velvet jerkin lined
+with satin, had been thrown aside for <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>coolness sake, and lay near him
+on the ground; so that his present dress consisted merely of a mass
+of the finest white holland, delicately starched and frilled, velvet
+hosen, long silk stockings, and fashionable square-toed shoes. Curls
+of scented hair were thrown back from a face beautiful as that of a
+girl, but bold and insolent in its expression as that of a spoiled and
+mischievous boy.</p>
+
+<p>The other person was seated in the arbour mentioned once before, with
+a book in his hand, of which, however, he did not in the course of
+an hour turn over a single leaf. A look of chronic discontent and
+dejection had replaced the good-humoured smiles of Fray Sebastian
+Gomez. Everything was wrong with the poor Franciscan now. Even the
+delicacies of his patron's table ceased to please him; and he, in his
+turn, was fast ceasing to please his patron. How could it be otherwise,
+when he had lost not only his happy art of indirect ingenious flattery,
+but his power to be commonly agreeable or amusing? No more poems&mdash;not
+so much as the briefest sonnet&mdash;on the suppression of heresy were to be
+had from him; and he was fast becoming incapable of turning a jest or
+telling a story.</p>
+
+<p>It is said that idiots often manifest peculiar pain and terror at the
+sound of music, because it awakens within them faint stirrings of that
+higher life from which God's mysterious dispensation has shut them out.
+And it is true that the first stirrings of higher life usually come
+to all of us with pain and terror. Moreover, if we do not crush them
+out, but cherish and foster them, they are very apt to take away the
+brightness and pleasantness of the old lower life altogether, and to
+make it seem worthless and distasteful.</p>
+
+<p>A new and higher life had begun for Fray Sebastian. It was not his
+conscience that was quickened, only his heart. Hitherto he had
+chiefly cared for himself. He was a good-natured man, in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term; yet no sympathy <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>for others had ever spoiled
+his appetite or hindered his digestion. But for the past three months
+he had been feeling as he had not felt since he clung weeping to the
+mother who left him in the parlour of the Franciscan convent&mdash;a child
+of eight years old. The patient suffering face of the young prisoner in
+the Triana had laid upon him a spell that he could not break.</p>
+
+<p>To say that he would have done anything in his power to save Don
+Carlos, is to say little. Willingly would he have lived for a month
+on black bread and brackish water, if that could have even mitigated
+his fate. But the very intensity of his desire to help him was fast
+making him incapable of rendering him the smallest service. Munebr&atilde;ga's
+flatterer and favourite might possibly, by dint of the utmost
+self-possession and the most adroit management, have accomplished some
+little good. But Fray Sebastian was now consciously forfeiting even the
+miserable fragment of power that had once been his. He thought himself
+like the salt that had lost its savour, and was fit neither for the
+land nor yet for the dunghill.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in his mournful reflections, he continued unconscious of the
+presence of such an important personage as Don Alonzo de Munebr&atilde;ga, the
+Lord Vice-Inquisitor's favourite page. At length, however, he was made
+aware of the fact by a loud angry shout, "Off with you, varlets, scum
+of the people! How dare you put your accursed fishing-smack to shore in
+my lord's garden, and under his very eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian looked up, and saw no fishing-boat, but a decent
+covered barge, from which, in spite of the page's remonstrance, two
+persons were landing: an elderly female clad in deep mourning, and her
+attendant, apparently a tradesman's apprentice, or serving-man.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian knew well how many distracted petitioners daily sought
+access to Munebr&atilde;ga, to plead (alas, how vainly!) for the lives of
+parents, husbands, sons, or daughters. This <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>was doubtless one of them.
+He heard her plead, "For the love of Heaven, dear young gentleman,
+hinder me not. Have you a mother? My only son lies&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon thee, woman!" interrupted the page; "and the foul fiend take
+thee and thy only son together."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Don Alonzo!" Fray Sebastian interposed, coming forward towards
+the spot; and perhaps for the first time in his life there was
+something like dignity in his tone and manner. "You must be aware,
+se&ntilde;ora," he said, turning to the woman, "that the right of using
+this landing-place is restricted to my lord's household. You will be
+admitted at the gate of the Triana, if you present yourself at a proper
+hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! good father, once and again have I sought admission to my lord's
+presence. I am the unhappy mother of Luis D'Abrego, he who used to
+paint and illuminate the church missals so beautifully. More than a
+year agone they tore him from me, and carried him away to yonder tower,
+and since then, so help me the good God, never a word of him have I
+heard. Whether he is living or dead, this day I know not."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a Lutheran dog! Serve him right," cried the page. "I hope they
+have put him on the pulley."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian turned suddenly, and dealt the lad a stinging blow
+on the side of his face. To the latest hour of his life this act of
+passion remained incomprehensible to himself. He could only ascribe it
+to the direct agency of the evil one. "I was tempted by the Devil," he
+would say with a sigh, "Vade retro me, Satana."</p>
+
+<p>Crimson to the roots of his perfumed hair, the boy sought his dagger.
+"Vile caitiff! beggarly trencher-scraping Franciscan!" he cried, "you
+shall repent of this."</p>
+
+<p>But apparently changing his mind the next moment, he allowed the dagger
+to drop from his hand, and snatching up his jerkin, ran at full speed
+towards the house.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian crossed himself, and gazed after him be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>wildered; his
+unwonted passion dying as suddenly as it had flamed up, and giving
+place to fear.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the mother of Abrego, to whom it did not occur that the
+buffet bestowed on the page could have any serious consequences,
+resumed her pleadings. "Your reverence seems to have a heart that can
+feel for the unhappy," she said. "For Heaven's sake refuse not the
+prayer of the most unhappy woman in the world. Only let me see his
+lordship&mdash;let me throw myself at his feet and tell him the whole truth.
+My poor lad had nothing at all to do with the Lutherans; he was a good,
+true Christian, and an old one, like all his family."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay, my good woman; I fear I can do nothing to help you. And I
+entreat of you to leave this place, else some of my lord's household
+are sure to come and compel you. Ay, there they are."</p>
+
+<p>It was true enough. Don Alonzo, as he ran through the porch, shouted to
+the numerous idle attendants who were lounging about, and some of them
+immediately rushed out into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>In justice to Fray Sebastian, it must be recorded, that before he
+consulted for his personal safety, he led the poor woman back to the
+barge, and saw her depart in it. Then he made good his own retreat,
+going straight to the lodging of Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>He found Juan lying asleep on a settle. The day was hot; he had nothing
+to do; and, moreover, the fiery energy of his southern blood was dashed
+by the southern taint of occasional torpor. Starting up suddenly, and
+seeing Fray Sebastian standing before him with a look of terror, he
+asked in alarm, "Any tidings, Fray? Speak&mdash;tell me quickly."</p>
+
+<p>"None, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. But I must leave this place at once." And the
+friar briefly narrated the scene that had just taken place, adding
+mournfully, "Ay de mi! I cannot tell what came over me&mdash;<i>me</i>, the
+mildest tempered man in all the Spains!"</p>
+
+<p>"And what of all that?" asked Juan rather contemptuously. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>"I see
+nothing to regret, save that you did not give the insolent lad what he
+deserved, a sound beating."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, you don't understand," gasped the poor friar. "I
+must fly immediately. If I stay here over to-night I shall find myself
+before the morning&mdash;<i>there</i>." And with a significant gesture he pointed
+to the grim fortress that loomed above them.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense. They cannot suspect a man of heresy, even <i>de levi</i>,<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> for
+boxing the ear of an impudent serving-lad."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, and can they not, your worship? Do you not know that the gardener
+of the Triana has lain for many a weary month in one of those dismal
+cells; and all for the grave offence of snatching a reed out of the
+hand of one of my lord's lackeys so roughly as to make it bleed?"<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Truly? Now are things come to a strange pass in our free and royal
+land of Spain! A beggarly upstart, such as this Munebr&atilde;ga, who could
+not, to save himself from the rack, tell you the name of his own
+great-grandfather, drags the sons and brothers&mdash;ay, and God help us!
+the wives and daughter&mdash;of our knights and nobles to the dungeon and
+the stake before our eyes. And it is not enough for him to set his
+own heel on our necks. His minions&mdash;his very grooms and pages&mdash;must
+lord it over us, and woe to him who dares to chastise their insolence.
+Nathless, I would feel it a comfort to make every bone in that urchin's
+body ache soundly. I have a mind&mdash;but this is folly. I believe you are
+right, Fray. You should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Moreover," said the friar mournfully, "I am doing no good here."</p>
+
+<p>"No one can do good now," returned Juan, in a tone of deep dejection.
+"And to-day the last blow has fallen. The poor woman who showed him
+kindness, and sometimes told us how he fared, is herself a prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"What! she has been discovered?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Even so: and with those fiends mercy is the greatest of all crimes.
+The child met me to-day (whether by accident or design, I know not),
+and told me, weeping bitterly."</p>
+
+<p>"God help her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Some would gladly endure her punishment if they might commit her
+crime," said Don Juan. There was a pause; then he resumed, "I had been
+about to ask you to apply once more to the prior."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian shook his head. "That were of no use," he said; "for it
+is certain that my lord the Vice-Inquisitor and the prior have had a
+misunderstanding about the matter. And the prior, so far from obtaining
+permission to deal with him as he desired, is not even allowed to see
+him now."</p>
+
+<p>"And yourself?&mdash;whither do you mean to go?" asked Juan, rather abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>"In sooth, I know not, se&ntilde;or. I have had no time to think. But go I
+must."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what to do. Go to Nuera. There for the present you
+will be safe. And if any man inquire your business, you have a fair and
+ready answer. <i>I</i> send you to look after my affairs. Stay; I will write
+by you to Dolores. Poor, true-hearted Dolores!" Don Juan seemed to fall
+into a reverie, so long did he sit motionless, his face shaded by his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>His mournful air, his unwonted listlessness, his attenuated frame&mdash;all
+struck Fray Sebastian painfully. After musing a while in silence, he
+said at last, very suddenly, "Se&ntilde;or Don Juan!"</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever thought since on the message <i>he</i> sent you by me?"</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked as though that question were worse than needless. Was
+not every word of his brother's message burned into his heart? This
+it was: "My Ruy, thou hast done all for me that the best of brothers
+could. Leave me now to God, unto whom I am going quickly, and in peace.
+Quit the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>country as soon as thou canst; and God's best blessings
+surround thy path and guard thee evermore."</p>
+
+<p>One fact Carlos had most earnestly entreated Fray Sebastian to withhold
+from his brother. Juan must never know that he had endured the horrors
+of the Question. The monk would have promised almost anything that
+could bring a glow of pleasure to that pale, patient face. And he had
+kept his promise, though at the expense of a few falsehoods, that did
+not greatly embarrass his conscience. He had conveyed the impression
+to Don Juan that it was merely from the effects of his long and cruel
+imprisonment that his brother was sinking into the only refuge that
+remained to him&mdash;a quiet grave.</p>
+
+<p>After a pause, he resumed, looking earnestly at Juan&mdash;"<i>He</i> wished you
+to go."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not know that next month they say there will be&mdash;<i>an Auto</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but it is not likely&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>They gazed at each other in silence, neither saying <i>what</i> was not
+likely.</p>
+
+<p>"Any horror is <i>possible</i>," said Juan at last. "But no more of this.
+Until after the Auto, with its chances of <i>some</i> termination to this
+dreadful suspense, I stir not from Seville. Now, we must think for you.
+I know where to find a boat, the owner of which will take you some
+miles on your way up the river to-night. Then you can hire a horse."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian groaned. Neither the journey itself, its cause, nor its
+manner were anything but disagreeable to the poor friar. But there was
+no help for him. Juan gave him some further directions about his way;
+then set food and wine before him.</p>
+
+<p>"Eat and drink," he said. "Meanwhile I will secure the boat. When I
+return, I can write to Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>All was done as he planned; and ere the morning broke, Fray Sebastian
+was far on his way to Nuera, with the letter to Dolores stitched into
+the lining of his doublet.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXV" id="XXXV">XXXV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Eve of the Auto.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Lamentations</span> iii, 27-29.</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n the 21st of September 1559, all Seville wore a festive appearance.
+The shops were closed, and the streets were filled with idle loiterers
+in their gay holiday apparel. For it was the eve of the great
+Auto, and the preliminary ceremonies were going forward amidst the
+admiration of gazing thousands. Two stately scaffolds, in the form of
+an amphitheatre, had been erected in the great square of the city,
+then called the Square of St. Francis; and thither, when the work was
+completed, flags and crosses were borne in solemn procession, with
+music and singing.</p>
+
+<p>But a still more significant ceremonial was enacted in another place.
+Outside the walls, on the Prado San Sebastian, stood the ghastly
+Quemadero&mdash;the great altar upon which, for generations, men had offered
+human sacrifices to the God of peace and love. Thither came long files
+of barefooted friars, carrying bushes and faggots, which they laid in
+order on the place of death, while, in sweet yet solemn tones, they
+chanted the "Miserere" and "De Profundis."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Very close together on those festive days were "strong light and deep
+shadow." But our way leads us, for the present, into the light. Turning
+away from the Square of St. Francis, and the Prado San Sebastian, we
+enter a cool upper room in the stately mansion of Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez.
+There, in the midst of gold and gems, and of silk and lace, Do&ntilde;a Inez
+is standing, busily engaged in the task of selecting the fairest
+treasures of her wardrobe to grace the grand festival of the following
+day. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella, and the young waiting-woman who had been
+employed in the vain though generous effort to save Don Carlos, are
+both aiding her in the choice.</p>
+
+<p>"Please your ladyship," said the girl, "I should recommend rose colour
+for the basquina. Then, with those beautiful pearls, my lord's late
+gift, my lady will be as fine as a duchess; of whom, I hear, many will
+be there.&mdash;But what will Se&ntilde;ora Do&ntilde;a Beatriz please to wear?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not intend to go, Juanita," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a little
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"Not intend to go!" cried the girl, crossing herself in surprise. "Not
+go to see the grandest sight there has been in Seville for many a year!
+Worth a hundred bull-feasts! Ay de mi! what a pity!"</p>
+
+<p>"Juanita," interposed her mistress, "I think I hear the se&ntilde;orita's
+voice in the garden. It is far too hot for her to be out of doors.
+Oblige me by bringing her in at once."</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the attendant was gone, Do&ntilde;a Inez turned to her cousin. "It
+is really most unreasonable of Don Juan," she said, "to keep you shut
+up here, whilst all Seville is making holiday."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad&mdash;I have no heart to go forth," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a
+quivering lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor have I too much, for that matter. My poor brother is so weak
+and ill to-day, it grieves me to the heart. Moreover, he is still so
+thoughtless about his poor soul. That is the worst <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>of all. I never
+cease praying Our Lady to bring him to a better mind. If he would only
+consent to see a priest; but he was ever obstinate. And if I urge the
+point too strongly, he will think I suppose him dying."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought his health had improved since you had him brought over here."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly he is happier here than he was in his father's house. But
+of late he seems to me to be sinking, and that quickly. And now, the
+Auto&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What of that?" asked Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a quick look, half suspicious
+and half frightened.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez closed the door carefully, and drew nearer to her cousin.
+"They say <i>she</i> will be amongst the relaxed,"<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he know it?" asked Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear he suspects something; and what to tell him, or not to tell
+him, I know not&mdash;Our Lady help me! Ay de mi! 'Tis a horrible business
+from beginning to end. And the last thing&mdash;the arrest of the sister,
+Do&ntilde;a Juana! A duke's daughter&mdash;a noble's bridge. But&mdash;best be silent.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'Con el re e la Inquisicion,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Chiton! Chiton!'"<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Thus, only in a few hurried words, spoken with 'bated breath, did Do&ntilde;a
+Inez venture to allude to the darkest and saddest of the horrible
+tragedies in that time of horrors. Nor shall we do more.</p>
+
+<p>"Still, you know, amiga mia," she continued, "one must do like one's
+neighbours. It would be so ridiculous to look gloomy on a festival day.
+Besides, every one would talk."</p>
+
+<p>"That is why I say I am glad Don Juan made it his prayer to me that I
+would not go. For not to look sorrowful, when thy father, Don Manuel,
+and my aunt, Do&ntilde;a Katarina, are both doing their utmost to drive me out
+of my senses, would be past my power."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Have they been urging the suit of Se&ntilde;or Luis upon thee again? My poor
+Beatriz, I am truly sorrow for thee," said Do&ntilde;a Inez, with genuine
+sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>"Urging it again!" Beatriz repeated with flashing eyes. "Nay; but they
+have never ceased to urge it. And they spare not to say such wicked,
+cruel words. They tell me Don Juan is dishonoured by his brother's
+crime. Dishonoured, forsooth! Think of dishonour touching him! After
+the day of St. Quentin, the Duke of Savoy was not of that mind, nor our
+Catholic King himself. And they have the audacity to say that I can
+easily get absolved of my troth to him. Absolved of a solemn promise
+made in the sight of God and of Our Lady, and all the holy Saints! If
+<i>that</i> be not heresy, as bad as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" interrupted Do&ntilde;a Inez. "These are dangerous subjects. Moreover,
+I hear some one knocking at the door."</p>
+
+<p>It proved to be a page bearing a message.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos
+y Me&ntilde;aya kisses the se&ntilde;ora's feet, and most humbly desires the favour
+of an audience."</p>
+
+<p>"I go," said Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"Request Se&ntilde;or Don Juan to have the goodness to untire himself a
+little, and bring his Excellency fruit and wine," added Do&ntilde;a Inez. "My
+cousin," she said, turning to Beatriz as soon as the page left the
+room, "do you not know your cheeks are all aflame? Don Juan will think
+we have quarrelled. Rest you here a minute, and let me bathe them for
+you with this water of orange-flowers."</p>
+
+<p>Beatriz submitted, though reluctantly, to her cousin's good offices.
+While she performed them she whispered, "And be not so downcast, amiga
+mia. There is a remedy for most <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>troubles. And as for yours, I see not
+why Don Juan himself should not save you out of them once for all." She
+added, in a whisper, two or three words that more than undid all the
+benefit which the cheeks of Beatriz might otherwise have derived from
+the application of the fragrant water.</p>
+
+<p>"No use," was the agitated reply. "Even were it possible, <i>they</i> would
+not permit it."</p>
+
+<p>"You can come to visit me. Then trust me to manage the rest. The truth
+is, amiga mia," Do&ntilde;a Inez continued hurriedly, as she smoothed her
+cousin's dark glossy hair, "what between sickness, and quarrelling, and
+the Faith, and heresy, and prisons, there is so much trouble in the
+world that no one can help, it seems a pity not to help all one can. So
+you may tell Don Juan that if Do&ntilde;a Inez can do him a good turn she will
+not be found wanting. There, I despair of your cheeks. Yet I must allow
+that their crimson becomes you well. But you would rather hear that
+from Don Juan's lips than from mine. Go to him, my cousin." And with a
+parting kiss Beatriz was dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>But if she expected any flattery that day from the lips of Don Juan,
+she was disappointed. His heart was far too sorrowful. He had merely
+come to tell his betrothed what he intended to do on the morrow&mdash;that
+dreadful morrow! "I have secured a station," he said, "from whence
+I can watch the whole procession, as it issues from the gate of the
+Triana. If <i>he</i> is there, I shall dare everything for a last look and
+word. And a desperate man is seldom baffled. If even his dust is there,
+I shall stand beside it till all is over. If not&mdash;" Here he broke off,
+leaving his sentence unfinished, as if in that case it did not matter
+what he did.</p>
+
+<p>Just then Do&ntilde;a Inez entered. After customary salutations, she said, "I
+have a request to make of you, my cousin, on the part of my brother,
+Don Gonsalvo. He desires to see you for a few moments."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora my cousin, I am very much at your service, and at his."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was accordingly conducted to the upper room where Gonsalvo lay.
+And at the special request of the sick man, they were left alone
+together.</p>
+
+<p>He stretched out a wasted hand to his cousin, who took it in silence,
+but with a look of compassion. For it needed only a glance at his face
+to show that death was there.</p>
+
+<p>"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask.
+Tell me the names of any of the&mdash;the <i>victims</i> that have come to your
+knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I
+succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me&mdash;has rumour named in your hearing&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Maria de Xeres y
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Do&ntilde;a Inez had but recently
+confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation,
+though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth,
+he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well&mdash;for
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"A brave word, bravely spoken."</p>
+
+<p>"Nigh upon eighteen months&mdash;long slow months of grief and pain. All
+ended now. To-morrow night she will see the glory of God."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was another long pause. At last Juan said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps, if you could, you would gladly share her fate?"</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo half raised himself, and a flush overspread the wan face that
+already wore the ashy hue of approaching death. "Share <i>that</i> fate?" he
+cried, with an eagerness contrasting strangely with his former slow and
+measured utterance. "Change with <i>them</i>? Ask the beggar, who sits all
+day at the King's gate, waiting for his dole of crumbs, would he gladly
+change with the King's children, when he sees the golden gate flung
+open before them, and watches them pass in robed and crowned, to the
+presence-chamber of the King himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Your faith is greater than mine," said Juan in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"In one way, yes," replied Gonsalvo, sinking back, and resuming his
+low, quiet tone. "For the beggar dares to hope that the King has looked
+with pity even on <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"You do well to hope in the mercy of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Cousin, do you know what my life has been?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do."</p>
+
+<p>"I am past disguise now. Standing on the brink of the grave, I dare
+speak the truth, though it be to my own shame. There was no evil, no
+sin&mdash;stay, I will sum up all in one word. <i>One</i> pure, blameless life&mdash;a
+man's life, too&mdash;I have watched from day to day, from childhood to
+manhood. All that your brother Don Carlos was, I was not; all he was
+not, I was."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you once thought that life incomplete, unmanly," said Juan,
+remembering the taunts that in past days had so often aroused his wrath.</p>
+
+<p>"I was a fool. It is just retribution that I&mdash;I who called him
+coward&mdash;should see him march in there triumphant, with the palm of
+victory in his hand. But let me end; for I think it is the last time
+I shall speak of myself in any human ear. I sowed to the flesh, and
+of the flesh I have reaped&mdash;<i>corruption</i>. It is an awful word, Don
+Juan. All the life in me turned to death; all the good in me (what God
+meant for good, such as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>force, fire, passion) turned to evil. What
+availed it me that I loved a star in heaven&mdash;a bright, lonely, distant
+star&mdash;while I was earthy, of the earth? Because I could not (and thank
+God for that!) pluck down my star from the sky and hold it in my hand,
+even that love became corruption too. I fulfilled my course, the
+earthly grew sensual, the sensual grew devilish. And then God smote me,
+though not then for the first time. The stroke of his hand was heavy.
+My heart was crushed, my frame left powerless." He paused for a while,
+then slowly resumed. "The stroke of his hand, your brother's words,
+your brother's book&mdash;by these he taught me. There is deliverance even
+from the bondage of corruption, through him who came to call not the
+righteous, but sinners. One day&mdash;and that soon&mdash;I, even I, shall kneel
+at his feet, and thank him for saving the lost. And then I shall see my
+star, shining far above me in his glorious heaven, and be content and
+glad."</p>
+
+<p>"God has been very gracious to you, my cousin," said Juan in a tone
+of emotion. "And what he has cleansed I dare not call common. Were my
+brother here to-day, I think he would stretch out to you the right
+hand, not of forgiveness, but of fellowship. I have told you how he
+longed for your soul."</p>
+
+<p>"God can fulfil more desires of his than that, Don Juan, and I doubt
+not he will. What know we of his dealings? we who all these dreary
+months have been mourning for and pitying his prisoners, to-morrow to
+be his crowned and sainted martyrs? It were a small thing with him
+to flood the dungeon's gloom with light, and give&mdash;even here, even
+now&mdash;all their hearts long for to those who suffer for him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was silent. Truly the last was first, and the first last now.
+Gonsalvo had reached some truths which were still far beyond <i>his</i> ken.
+He did not know how their seed had been sown in his heart by his own
+brother's hand. At length he answered, in a low and faltering voice,
+"There is much in what you say. Fray Sebastian told me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ay," cried Gonsalvo eagerly, "what did Fray Sebastian tell you of
+<i>him</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"That he found him in perfect peace, though ill and weak in body. It is
+my hope that God himself has delivered him ere now out of their cruel
+hands. And I ought to tell you that he spoke of all his relatives with
+affection, and made special inquiry after your health."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo said quietly, "It is likely I shall see him before you."</p>
+
+<p>Juan sighed. "To-morrow will reveal something," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Many things, perhaps," Gonsalvo returned. "Well&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Beatriz waits
+you now. There is no poison in that wine, though it be of an earthly
+vintage; and God himself puts the cup in your hand; so take it, and be
+comforted. Yet stay; have you patience for one word more?"</p>
+
+<p>"For a thousand, if you will, my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that in heart you share his&mdash;<i>our</i> faith."</p>
+
+<p>Juan shrank a little from his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," he replied, "I have been obliged to conceal my opinions;
+and, indeed, of late all things have seemed to grow dim and uncertain
+with me. Sometimes, in my heart of hearts, I cannot tell what truth is."</p>
+
+<p>"'He came not to call the righteous, but sinners,'" said Gonsalvo. "And
+the sinner who has heard his call <i>must</i> believe, let others doubt as
+they may. Thank God, the sinner may not only believe, but love. Yes;
+in that the beggar at the gate may take his stand beside the king's
+children unreproved. Even I dare to say, 'Lord, thou knowest all
+things; thou knowest that I love thee.' Only to them it is given to
+prove it; while I&mdash;ay, there was the bitter thought. Long it haunted
+me. At last I prayed that if indeed he deigned to accept me, all sinful
+as I was, he would give me for a sign something to do, to suffer, or to
+give up, whereby I might prove my love."</p>
+
+<p>"And did he hear you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He showed me one thing harder to give up than life; one thing
+harder to do than to brave the torture and the death of fire."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>Once more Gonsalvo veiled his face. Then he murmured&mdash;"Harder to give
+up&mdash;vengeance, hatred; harder to do&mdash;to pray for <i>their</i> murderers."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> could never do it," said Juan, starting.</p>
+
+<p>"And if at last&mdash;at last&mdash;<i>I</i> can,&mdash;I, whose anger was fierce, and
+whose wrath was cruel, even unto death,&mdash;is not that His own work in
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan half turned away, and did not answer immediately. In his heart
+many thoughts were struggling. Far, indeed, was he from praying for his
+brother's murderers; almost as far from wishing to do it. Rather would
+he invoke God's vengeance upon them. Had Gonsalvo, in the depths of his
+misery, remorse, and penitence, actually found something which Don Juan
+Alvarez still lacked? He said at last, with a humility new and strange
+to him,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My cousin, you are nearer heaven than I."</p>
+
+<p>"As to time&mdash;yes," said Gonsalvo, with a faint smile. "Now farewell,
+cousin; and thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do nothing more for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; tell my sister that I know all. Now, God bless you, and deliver
+you from the evils that beset your path, and bring you and yours to
+some land where you may worship him in peace and safety."</p>
+
+<p>And so the cousins parted, never to meet again upon earth.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVI" id="XXXVI">XXXVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">"The Horrible and Tremendous Spectacle."<small><a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"All have passed:</div>
+   <div class="verse">The fearful, and the desperate, and the strong.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Some like the barque that rushes with the blast;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Some like the leaf borne tremblingly along;</div>
+   <div class="verse">And some like men who have but one more field</div>
+   <div class="verse">To fight, and then may slumber on their shield&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Therefore they arm in hope."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>t earliest dawn next morning, Juan established himself in an upper
+room of one of the high houses which overlooked the gate of the Triana.
+He had hired it from the owners for the purpose, stipulating for sole
+possession and perfect loneliness.</p>
+
+<p>At sunrise the great Cathedral bell tolled out solemnly, and all the
+bells in the city responded. Through the crowd, which had already
+gathered in the street, richly dressed citizens were threading their
+way on foot. He knew they were those who, out of zeal for the faith,
+had volunteered to act as <i>patrinos</i>, or god-fathers, to the prisoners,
+walking beside them in the procession. Amongst them he recognized his
+cousins, Don Manuel and Don Balthazar. They were all admitted into the
+castle by a private door.</p>
+
+<p>Ere long the great gate was flung open. Juan's eyes were rivetted to
+the spot. There was a sound of singing, sweet and low, as of childish
+voices; for the first to issue from those gloomy portals were the
+boys of the College of Doctrine, dressed in white surplices, and
+chanting litanies to the saints. Clear and full at intervals rose from
+their lips the "Ora pro nobis" of the response; and tears gathered
+unconsciously in the eyes of Juan at the old familiar words.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In great contrast with the white-robed children came the next in
+order. Juan drew his breath hard, for here were the penitents:
+pale, melancholy faces, "ghastly and disconsolate beyond what can
+be imagined;"<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> forms clothed in black, without sleeves, and
+barefooted&mdash;hands carrying extinguished tapers.</p>
+
+<p>Those who walked foremost in the procession had only been convicted
+of such <i>minor</i> offences as blasphemy, sorcery, or polygamy. But
+by-and-by there came others, wearing ugly sanbenitos&mdash;yellow, with red
+crosses&mdash;and conical paper mitres on their heads. Juan's eye kindled
+with intenser interest; for he knew that these were Lutherans. Not
+without a wild dream&mdash;hope, perhaps&mdash;that the near approach of death
+might have subdued his brother's fortitude, did he scan in turn every
+mournful face. There was Luis D'Abrego, the illuminator of church
+books; there, walking long afterwards, as far more guilty, was Medel
+D'Espinosa, the dealer in embroidery, who had received the Testaments
+brought by Juliano. There were many others of much higher rank, with
+whom he was well acquainted. Altogether more than eighty in number, the
+long and melancholy train swept by, every man or woman attended by two
+monks and a patrino. But Carlos was not amongst them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then came the great Cross of the Inquisition; the face turned towards
+the penitent, the back to the <i>impenitent</i>&mdash;those devoted to the death
+of fire. And now Juan's breath came and went&mdash;his lips trembled; all
+his soul was in his eager, straining eyes. Now first he saw the hideous
+zamarra&mdash;a black robe, painted all over with saffron-coloured flames,
+into which devils and serpents, rudely represented, were thrusting
+the impenitent heretic. A paper crown, or carroza, similarly adorned,
+covered the victim's head. But the face of the wearer was unknown
+to Juan. He was a poor artizan&mdash;Juan de Leon by name&mdash;who had made
+his escape by flight, but had been afterwards apprehended in the
+Low Countries. Torture and cruel imprisonment had almost killed him
+already; but his heart was strong to suffer for the Lord he loved, and
+though the pallor of death was on his cheek, there was no fear there.</p>
+
+<p>But the countenances of those that followed Juan knew too well. Never
+afterwards could he exactly recall the order in which they walked; yet
+every individual face stamped itself indelibly on his memory. He would
+carry those looks in his heart until his dying hour.</p>
+
+<p>No less than four of the victims wore the white tunic and brown mantle
+of St. Jerome. One of these was an old man&mdash;leaning on his staff for
+very age, but with joy and confidence beaming in his countenance. The
+white locks, from which Gar&ccedil;ias Arias had gained the name of Doctor
+Blanco, had been shorn away; but Juan easily recognized the waverer of
+past days, now strengthened with all might, according to the glorious
+power of Him whom at last he had learned to trust. The accomplished
+Cristobal D'Arellano, and Fernando de San Juan, Master of the College
+of Doctrine, followed calm and dauntless. Steadfast, too, though not
+without a little natural shrinking from the doom of fire, was a mere
+youth&mdash;Juan Crisostomo.</p>
+
+<p>Then came one clad in a doctor's robe, with the step of at conqueror
+and the mien of a king. As he issued from the Triana he chanted, in a
+clear and steady voice, the words of the Hundred and ninth Psalm: "Hold
+not thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the ungodly, yea,
+the mouth of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>the deceitful, is opened upon me: and they have spoken
+against me with false tongues. They compassed me about also with words
+of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.... Help me, O Lord
+my God: O save me according to thy mercy; and they shall know how that
+this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it. Though they
+curse, yet bless thou." So died away the voice of Juan Gonsalez, one of
+the noblest of Christ's noble band of witnesses in Spain.</p>
+
+<p>All these were arrayed in the garments of their ecclesiastical
+orders, to be solemnly degraded on the scaffold in the Square of St.
+Francis. But there followed one already in the full infamy, or glory,
+of the zamarra and carroza, with painted flames and demons;&mdash;with a
+thrill of emotion, Juan recognized his friend and teacher, Cristobal
+Losada&mdash;looking calm and fearless&mdash;a hero marching to his last battle,
+conquering and to conquer.</p>
+
+<p>Yet even that face soon faded from Juan's thoughts. For there walked
+in that gloomy death procession <i>six</i> females&mdash;persons of rank; nearly
+all of them young and beautiful, but worn by imprisonment, and more
+than one amongst them maimed by torture. Yet if man was cruel, Christ,
+for whom they suffered, was pitiful. Their countenances, calm and
+even radiant, revealed the hidden power by which they were sustained.
+Their names&mdash;which deserve a place beside those of the women of old
+who were last at his cross and first beside his open sepulchre&mdash;were,
+Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena, in whose house the church was wont to meet;
+the two sisters of Juan Gonsalez; Do&ntilde;a Maria de Virves; Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Cornel; and, last of all, Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques, whose face shone
+as the first martyr's, looking up into heaven. She alone, of all the
+female martyr band, appeared wearing the gag, an honour due to her
+heroic efforts to console and sustain her companions in the court of
+the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>Juan's brave heart well-nigh burst with impotent, indignant <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>anguish.
+"Ay de mi, my Spain!" he cried; "thou seest these things, and endurest
+them. Lucifer, son of the morning, thou art fallen&mdash;fallen from thy
+high place amongst the nations."</p>
+
+<p>It was true. From the man, or nation, "that hath not," shall be taken
+"even that which he seemeth to have." Had the spirit of chivalry,
+Spain's boast and pride, been faithful to its own dim light, it might
+even then have saved Spain. But its light became darkness; its trust
+was betrayed into the hand of superstition. Therefore, in the just
+judgment of God, its own degradation quickly followed. Spain's chivalry
+lost gradually all that was genuine, all that was noble in it; until it
+became only a faint and ghastly mockery, a sign of corruption, like the
+phosphoric light that flickers above the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in his bitter thoughts, Juan well-nigh missed the last of the
+doomed ones&mdash;last because highest in worldly rank. Sad and slow, with
+eyes bent down, Don Juan Ponce de Leon walked along. The flames on his
+zamarra were reversed; poor symbol of the poor mercy for which he sold
+his joy and triumph and dimmed the brightness of his martyr crown. Yet
+surely he did not lose the glad welcome that awaited him at the close
+of that terrible day; nor the right to say, with the erring restored
+apostle, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."</p>
+
+<p>All the living victims had passed now. And Don Carlos Alvarez was not
+amongst them. Juan breathed a sigh of relief; but not yet did his
+straining eyes relax their gaze. For Rome's vengeance reached even to
+the grave. Next, there were borne along the statues of those who had
+died in heresy, robed in the hideous zamarra, and followed by black
+chests containing their bones to be burned.</p>
+
+<p>Not there!&mdash;No&mdash;not there! At last Juan's trembling hands let go the
+framework of the window to which they had been clinging; and, the
+intense strain over, he fell back exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>The stately pageant swept by, unwatched by him. He never <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>saw, what
+all Seville was gazing on with admiration, the grand procession of
+the judges and counsellors of the city, in their robes of office; the
+chapter of the Cathedral; the long slow train of priests and monks that
+followed. And then, in a space left empty out of reverence, the great
+green standard of the Inquisition was borne aloft, and over it a gilded
+crucifix. Then came the Inquisitors themselves, in their splendid
+official dresses. And lastly, on horseback and in gorgeous apparel, the
+familiars of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>It was well that Juan's eyes were turned from that sight. What avails
+it for lips white with passion to heap wild curses on the heads of
+those for whom God's curse already "waits in calm shadow," until
+the day of reckoning be fully come? Curses, after all, are weapons
+dangerous to use, and apt to pierce the hand that wields them.</p>
+
+<p>His first feeling was one of intense relief, almost of joy. He had
+escaped the maddening torture of seeing his brother dragged before
+his eyes to the death of anguish and shame. But to that succeeded the
+bitter thought, growing soon into full, mournful conviction, "I shall
+see his face no more on earth. He is dead&mdash;or dying."</p>
+
+<p>Yet that day the deep, strong current of his brotherly love was crossed
+by another tide of emotion. Those heroic men and women, whom he
+watched as they passed along so calmly to their doom, had he no bond
+of sympathy with them? Was it so long since he had pressed Losada's
+hand in grateful friendship, and thanked Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena for the
+teaching received beneath her roof? With a thrill of keen and sudden
+shame the gallant soldier saw himself a recreant, who had flaunted his
+gay uniform on the parade and at the field-day, but when the hour of
+conflict came, had stepped aside, and let the sword and the bullet find
+out braver and truer hearts.</p>
+
+<p><i>He</i> could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him
+but little to conceal it, to live in every respect like an <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>orthodox
+Catholic. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled
+his young brother&mdash;the boy who used to weep for a blow&mdash;to stand and
+look fearless in the face of a horrible death. Something that enabled
+even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the
+murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVII" id="XXXVII">XXXVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Something Ended and Something Begun.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"O sweet and strange it is to think that ere this day is done,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For ever and for ever with those just souls and true&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And what is life that we should mourn, why make we such ado?"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapl"><span class="hide">L</span></span>ate in the afternoon of that day, Do&ntilde;a Inez entered her sick brother's
+room. A glitter of silk, rose-coloured and black, of costly lace and
+of gems and gold, seemed to surround her. But as she threw aside the
+mantilla that partially shaded her face, and almost sank on a seat
+beside the bed, it was easy to see that she was very faint and weary,
+if not also very sick at heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Santa Maria! I am tired to death," she murmured. "The heat was
+killing; and the whole business interminably long."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo gazed at her with eager eyes, as a man dying of thirst might
+gaze on one who holds a cup of water; but for a while he did not
+speak. At last he said, pointing to some wine that lay near, beside an
+untasted meal,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Drink, then."</p>
+
+<p>"What, my brother!" said Do&ntilde;a Inez, reproachfully, "you have not
+touched food to-day! You&mdash;so ill and weak!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am a man&mdash;even still," said Gonsalvo with a little bitterness in his
+tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez drank, and for a few moments fanned herself in silence,
+distress and embarrassment in her face.</p>
+
+<p>At last Gonsalvo, who had never withdrawn his eager gaze, said in a low
+voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Sister, remember your promise."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid&mdash;for you."</p>
+
+<p>"You need not," he gasped. "Only tell me <i>all</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez passed her hand wearily across her brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything floats before me," she said. "What with the music, and
+the mass, and the incense; and the crosses, and banners, and gorgeous
+robes; and then the taking of the oaths, and the sermon of the faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Still&mdash;you kept my charge?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, brother." She lowered her voice. "Hard as it was, I looked at
+<i>her</i>. If it comforts you to know that, all through that long day, her
+face was as calm as ever I have seen it listening to Fray Constantino's
+sermons, you may take that comfort to your heart. When her sentence had
+been read, she was asked to recant; and I heard her answer rise clear
+and distinct, 'I neither can nor will recant.' Ave Maria Sanctissima!
+it is all a great mystery."</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence, then she resumed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"And Se&ntilde;or Cristobal Losada&mdash;" but the thought of the kind and skilful
+physician who had watched beside her own sick-bed, and brought back her
+babe from the gates of the grave, almost overcame her. Turning quickly
+to other victims, she went on&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"There were four monks of St. Jerome. Think of the White Doctor, that
+every one believed so good a man, so pious and orthodox! Another of
+them, Fray Cristobal D'Arellano, was accused in his sentence of some
+wicked words against Our Lady which, it would seem, he never said. He
+cried out boldly, before them all, 'It is false! I never advanced such
+a blasphemy; and I am ready to prove the contrary with the Bible in my
+hand.' Every one seemed too much amazed even to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>think of ordering him
+to be gagged: and, for my part, I am glad the poor wretch had his word
+for the last time. I cannot help wishing they had equally forgotten
+to silence Doctor Juan Gonzales; for it does not appear that he was
+speaking any blasphemy, but merely a word of comfort to a poor pale
+girl, his sister, as they told me. Two of them are to die with him&mdash;God
+help them!&mdash;Holy Saints forgive me; I forgot we were told not to pray
+for them," and she crossed herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Does my sister really believe that compassionate word a sin in God's
+sight?"</p>
+
+<p>"How am I to know? I believe whatever the Church says, of course. And
+surely there is enough in these days to inspire us with a pious horror
+of heresy. <i>Pues</i>," she resumed, "there was that long and terrible
+ceremony of degrading from the priesthood. And yet that Gonsalez passed
+through it all as calm and unmoved as though he were but putting on
+his robes to say mass. His mother and his two brothers are still in
+prison, it is said, awaiting their doom. Of all the relaxed, I am told
+that only Don Juan Ponce de Leon showed any sign of penitence. For the
+sake of his noble house, one is glad to think he is not so hardened as
+the rest. Ay de mi! Whether it be right or wrong, I cannot help pitying
+their unhappy souls."</p>
+
+<p>"Pity your own soul, not theirs," said Gonsalvo. "For I tell you Christ
+himself, in all his glory and majesty, at the right hand of the Father,
+will <i>stand up</i> to receive them this night, as he did to welcome St.
+Stephen long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my poor brother, what dreadful words you speak! It is a mortal
+sin even to listen to you. Take thought, I implore you, of your own
+situation."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> taken thought," interrupted Gonsalvo, faintly. "But I can
+bear no more&mdash;just now. Leave me, I pray you, alone with God."</p>
+
+<p>"If you would even try to say an Ave!&mdash;But I fear you are
+ill&mdash;suffering. I do not like to leave you thus."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do not heed me; I shall be better soon. And a vow is upon me that I
+must keep to-day." Once more he flung the wasted hand across his face
+to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>Irresolute whether to go or stay, she stood for some minutes watching
+him silently. At length she caught a low murmur, and hoping that he
+prayed, she bent over him to hear. Only three words reached her ear.
+They were these&mdash;"Father, forgive them."</p>
+
+<p>After an interval, Gonsalvo looked up again. "I thought you were gone,"
+he said. "Go now, I entreat of you. But so soon as you know <i>the end</i>,
+spare not to come and tell me. For I wait for that."</p>
+
+<p>Thus entreated, Do&ntilde;a Inez had no choice but to leave him alone, which
+she did.</p>
+
+<p>Evening had worn to night, and night was beginning to wear towards
+daybreak, when at last Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez, and those of his servants
+who had accompanied him to the Prado San Sebastian to see the end,
+returned home.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez sat awaiting her husband in the patio. She looked pale and
+languid; apparently the great holiday of Seville had been anything but
+a joyful day to her.</p>
+
+<p>Don Gar&ccedil;ia divested himself of his cloak and sword, and dismissed
+the servants to their beds. But when his wife invited him to partake
+of the supper she had prepared, he turned upon her with very unusual
+ill-humour. "It is little like thy wonted wit, se&ntilde;ora mia, to bid a
+man to his breakfast at midnight," he said. Yet he drank deeply of the
+Xeres wine that stood on the board beside the venison pasty and the
+manchet bread.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after long patience, Do&ntilde;a Inez won from his lips what she
+desired to hear. "Oh yes; all is over. Our Lady defend us! I have never
+seen such obstinacy; nor could I have believed it possible unless I
+had seen it. The criminals encouraged each other to the very last.
+Those girls, the sisters of Gonsalez, repeated their Credo at the
+stake; whereupon the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>attendant Brethren entreated them to have so much
+pity on their own souls as to say, 'I believe in the <i>Roman</i> Catholic
+Church.' They answered, 'We will do as our brother does.' So the gag
+was removed, and Doctor Juan cried aloud, 'Add nothing to the good
+confession you have made already.' But for all that, order was given
+to strangle them; and one of the friars told us they died in the true
+faith. I suppose it is not a sin to hope they did."</p>
+
+<p>After a pause, he continued, in a deeper tone, "Se&ntilde;or Cristobal amazed
+me as much as any of them. At the very stake, some of the Brethren
+undertook to argue with him. But seeing that we were all listening,
+and might hear somewhat to the hurt of our souls, they began to speak
+in the Latin tongue. Our physician immediately did the same. I am no
+scholar myself; but there were learned men there who marked every word,
+and one of them told me afterwards that the doomed man spoke with
+as much elegance and propriety as if he had been contending for an
+academic prize, instead of waiting for the lighting of the fire which
+was to consume him. This unheard-of calmness and composure, whence is
+it? The devil's own work, or"&mdash;&mdash;he broke off suddenly and resumed
+in a different tone, "Se&ntilde;ora mia, have you thought of the hour? In
+Heaven's name, let us to our beds!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot go to rest until you tell me one thing more. Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya! have we not had enough of it all?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay; I have made a promise. I must entreat you to tell me how Do&ntilde;a
+Maria de Bohorques met her doom."</p>
+
+<p>"With unflinching hardihood. Don Juan Ponce tried to urge her to yield
+somewhat. But she refused, saying it was not now a time for reasoning,
+and that they ought rather to meditate on the Lord's death and passion.
+(They believe in <i>that</i>, it seems.) When she was bound to the stake,
+the monks and friars crowded round her, and pressed her only to repeat
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>the Credo. She did so; but began to add some explanations, which, I
+suppose, were heretical. Then immediately the command was given to
+strangle her; and so, in one moment, while she was yet speaking, death
+came to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she did not suffer? She escaped the fire! Thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes afterwards, Do&ntilde;a Inez stood by her brother's bed. He lay
+in the same posture, his face still shaded by his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," she said gently&mdash;"brother, all is over. She did not suffer.
+It was done in one moment."</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, are you not glad she did not feel the fire? Can you not thank
+God for it? Speak to me."</p>
+
+<p>Still no answer.</p>
+
+<p>He could not be asleep! Impossible!&mdash;"Speak to me,
+Gonsalvo!&mdash;<i>Brother!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>She drew close to him; she touched his hand to remove it from his face.
+The next moment a cry of horror rang through the house. It brought the
+servants and Don Gar&ccedil;ia himself to the room.</p>
+
+<p>"He is dead! God and Our Lady have mercy on his soul!" said Don Gar&ccedil;ia,
+after a brief examination.</p>
+
+<p>"If only he had had the Holy Sacrament, I could have borne it!" said
+Do&ntilde;a Inez; and then, kneeling down beside the couch, she wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>So passed the beggar with the King's sons, through the golden gate into
+the King's own presence-chamber. His wrecked and troublous life over,
+his passionate heart at rest for ever, the erring, repentant Gonsalvo
+found entrance into the same heaven as D'Arellano, and Gonsalez, and
+Losada, with their radiant martyr-crowns. In the many mansions there
+was a place for him, as for those heroic and triumphant ones. He wore
+the same robe as they&mdash;a robe washed and made white, not in the blood
+of martyrs, but in the blood of the Lamb.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVIII" id="XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Nuera Again.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Happy places have grown holy;</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">If ye went where once ye went,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Only tears would fall down slowly,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">As at solemn Sacrament.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Household names, that used to flutter</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Through your laughter unawares,</div>
+   <div class="verse">God's divine one ye can utter</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">With less troubling in your prayers."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> chill and dreary torpor stole over Juan's fiery spirit after the
+Auto. The settled conviction that his brother was dead took possession
+of his mind. Moreover, his soul had lost its hold upon the faith which
+he once embraced so warmly. He had consciously ceased to be true to his
+best convictions, and those convictions, in turn, had ceased to support
+him. His confidence in himself, his trust in his own heart, had been
+shaken to its foundations. And he was very far from having gained in
+its stead that strong confidence in God which would have infinitely
+more than counterbalanced its loss.</p>
+
+<p>Thus two or three slow and melancholy months wore away. Then,
+fortunately for him, events happened that forced him, in spite of
+himself, to the exertion that saves from the deadly slumber of despair.
+It became evident, that if he did not wish <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>to see the last earthly
+treasure that remained to him swept out of his reach for ever, he must
+rouse himself from his lethargy so far as to grasp and hold it; for
+now Don Manuel <i>commanded</i> his ward to bestow her hand upon his rival,
+Se&ntilde;or Luis Rotelo.</p>
+
+<p>In her anguish and dismay, Beatriz fled for refuge to her kind-hearted
+cousin, Do&ntilde;a Inez.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez received her into her house, where she soothed and comforted
+her; and soon found means to despatch an "esquelita," or billet, to Don
+Juan, to the following effect:&mdash;"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz is here. Remember, my
+cousin, 'that a leap over a ditch is better than another man's prayer.'"</p>
+
+<p>To which Juan replied immediately:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora and my cousin, I kiss your feet. Lend me a helping hand, and I
+take the leap."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez desired nothing better. Being a Spanish lady, she loved an
+intrigue for its own sake; being a very kindly disposed lady, she loved
+an intrigue for a benevolent object. With her active co-operation and
+assistance, and her husband's connivance, it was quickly arranged
+that Don Juan should carry off Do&ntilde;a Beatriz from their house to a
+little country chapel in the neighbourhood, where a priest would be
+in readiness to perform the solemn rite which should unite them for
+ever. Thence they were to proceed at once to Nuera, Don Juan disguising
+himself for the journey as the lady's attendant. Do&ntilde;a Inez did not
+anticipate that her father and brothers would take any hostile steps
+after the conclusion of the affair&mdash;glad though they might have been
+to prevent it&mdash;since there was nothing which they hated and dreaded so
+much as a public scandal.</p>
+
+<p>All Juan's latent fire and energy woke up again to meet the peril and
+to secure the prize. He was successful in everything; the plan had been
+well laid, and was well and promptly carried out. And thus it happened,
+that amidst December snows he bore his beautiful bride home to Nuera in
+triumph. If triumph it could be called, overcast by the ever-present
+memory of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>one who "was not," which rested like a deep shadow upon
+all joy, and subdued and chastened it. Few things in life are sadder
+than a great, long-expected blessing coming thus;&mdash;like a friend from
+a foreign land whose return has been eagerly anticipated, but who,
+after years of absence, meets us changed in countenance and in heart,
+unrecognizing and unrecognized.</p>
+
+<p>Dolores welcomed her young master and his bride with affection and
+thankfulness. But he noticed that the dark hair, at the time of his
+last visit still only threaded with silver, had grown white as the
+mountain snows. In former days Dolores could not have told which of the
+noble youths, her lady's gallant sons, had been the dearer to her. But
+now she knew full well. Her heart was in the grave with the boy she had
+taken a helpless babe from his dying mother's arms. But, after all,
+<i>was</i> he in the grave? This was the question which she asked herself
+day by day, and many times a day. She was not quite so sure of the
+answer as Se&ntilde;or Don Juan seemed to be. Since the day of the Auto, he
+had assumed all the outward signs of mourning for his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian was also at Nuera, and proved a real help and comfort to
+its inmates. His very presence served to shield the household from any
+suspicions that might have been awakened with regard to their faith.
+For who could doubt the orthodoxy of Don Juan Alvarez, while he not
+only contributed liberally to the support of his parish church, but
+also kept a pious Franciscan in his family, in the capacity of private
+chaplain? Though it must be confessed that the Fray's duties were
+anything but onerous; now, as in former days, he showed himself a man
+fond of quiet, who for the most part held his peace, and let every one
+do what was right in his own eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He was now on far more cordial terms with Dolores than he had ever been
+before. This was partly because he had learned that worse physical
+evils than ollas of lean mutton, or cheese of goat's milk, <i>might</i> be
+borne with patience, even with thankful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>ness. But partly also because
+Dolores now really tried to consult his tastes and to promote his
+comfort. Many a savoury dish "which the Fray used to like" did she
+trouble herself to prepare; many a flask of wine from their diminishing
+store did she gladly produce, "for the kind words that he spake to
+<i>him</i> in his sorrow and loneliness."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the depressing influences around her, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz could
+not but be very happy. For was not Don Juan hers, all her own, her own
+for ever? And with the zeal love inspires, and the skill love imparts,
+she applied herself to the task of brightening his darkened life. Not
+quite without effect. Even from that stern and gloomy brow the shadows
+at length began to roll away.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan could not speak of his sorrow. For weeks indeed after his
+return to Nuera his brother's name did not pass his lips. Better had
+it been otherwise, both for himself and for Dolores. Her heart, aching
+with its own lonely anguish and its vague, dark surmisings, often
+longed to know her young master's true innermost thought about his
+brother's fate. But she did not dare to ask him.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, this painful silence was partially broken through.
+One morning the old servant accosted her master with an air of some
+displeasure. It was in the inner room within the hall. Holding in her
+hand a little book, she said,&mdash;"May it please your Excellency to pardon
+my freedom, but it is not well done of you to leave this lying open on
+your table. I am a simple woman; still I am at no loss to know what and
+whence it is. If you will not destroy it, and cannot keep it safe and
+secret, I implore of your worship to give it to me."</p>
+
+<p>Juan held out his hand for it. "It is dearer to me than any earthly
+possession," he said briefly.</p>
+
+<p>"It had need to be dearer than your life, se&ntilde;or, if you mean to leave
+it about in that fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost the right to say so much," Juan answered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And yet, Dolores&mdash;tell me, would it break your heart if I sold this
+place&mdash;you know it is mortgaged heavily already&mdash;and quitted the
+country?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan expected a start, if not a cry of surprise and dismay. That
+Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya should sell the inheritance of his fathers seemed
+indeed a monstrous proposal. In the eyes of the world it would be an
+act of insanity, if not a crime. What then would it appear to one who
+loved the name of Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya far better than her life?</p>
+
+<p>But the still face of Dolores never changed. "Nothing would break my
+heart <i>now</i>," she said calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"You would come with us?"</p>
+
+<p>She did not even ask <i>whither</i>. She did not care: all her thoughts were
+in the past.</p>
+
+<p>"That is of course, se&ntilde;or," she answered. "If I had but first assurance
+of <i>one</i> thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Name it; and if I can assure you, I will."</p>
+
+<p>Instead of naming it she turned silently away. But presently turning
+again, she asked, "Will your Excellency please to tell me, is it that
+book that is driving you into exile?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is. I am bound to confess the truth before men; and that is
+impossible here."</p>
+
+<p>"But are you sure then that it is the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure. I have read God's message both in the darkness and in the light.
+I have seen it traced in characters of blood&mdash;and fire."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;forgive the question, se&ntilde;or&mdash;does it make you happy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan"&mdash;she spoke with an effort, but firmly, and
+fixing her eyes on his face&mdash;"he who gave you yon book found therein
+that which made him happy. I know it; he was here, and I watched him.
+When he came first, he was ill, or else very sorrowful, I know not
+why. But he learned from that book that God Almighty loved him, and
+that the Lord and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>Saviour Christ was his friend; and then his sorrow
+passed away, and his heart grew full of joy, so full that he must needs
+be telling me&mdash;ay, and even that poor dolt of a cura down there in
+the village&mdash;about the good news. And I think"&mdash;but here she stopped,
+frightened at her own boldness.</p>
+
+<p>"What think you?" asked Juan, with difficulty restraining his emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I think that if that good news be true, it would
+not be so hard to suffer for it. Blessed Virgin! Could it be aught
+but joy to me, for instance, to lie in a dark dungeon, or even to be
+hanged or burned, if that could work out <i>his</i> deliverance? There be
+worse things in the world than pain or prisons. For where there's
+love, se&ntilde;or&mdash;&mdash; Moreover, it comes upon me sometimes that the Lords
+Inquisitors may have mistaken his case. Wise and learned they may he,
+and good and holy they are, of course&mdash;'twere sin to doubt it&mdash;yet they
+<i>may</i> mistake sometimes. 'Twas but the other day, my old eyes growing
+dim apace, that I took a blessed gleam of sunlight that had fallen on
+yon oak table for a stain, and set to work to rub it off; the Lord
+forgive me for meddling with one of the best of his works! And, for
+aught we know, just so may they be doing, mistaking God's light upon
+the soul for the devil's stain of heresy. But the sunlight is stronger
+than they, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"Dolores, you are half a Lutheran already yourself," answered Juan in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I, se&ntilde;or! The Lord forbid! I am an old Christian, and a good Catholic,
+and so I hope to die. But if you must hear all the truth, I would
+walk in a yellow sanbenito, with a taper in my hand, before I would
+acknowledge that <i>he</i> ever said one word or thought one thought that
+was not Catholic and Christian too. All his crime was to find out that
+the good Lord loved him, and to be happy on account of it. If that
+be your religion also, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I have nothing to say against
+it. And, as I have said, God granting me, in his great mercy, one
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>assurance first, I am ready to follow you and your lady to the world's
+end."</p>
+
+<p>With these words on her lips she left the room. For a time Juan sat
+silent in deep thought. Then he opened the Testament, and turned over
+its leaves until he found the parable of the sower. "'Some fell upon
+stony places,'" he read, "'where they had not much earth; and forthwith
+they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the
+sun was up, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they
+withered away.' There," he said within himself, "in those words is
+written the history of my life, from the day my brother confessed his
+faith to me in the garden of San Isodro. God help me, and forgive my
+backsliding! But at least it is not too late to go humbly back to the
+beginning, and to ask him who alone can do it to break up the fallow
+ground."</p>
+
+<p>He closed the book, walked to the window and looked out. Presently his
+eye was attracted to those dear mystic words on the pane, which both
+the brothers had loved and dreamed over from their childhood,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>And at that moment the sun was shining on them as brightly as it used
+to do in those old days gone by for ever.</p>
+
+<p>No vague dream of any good, foreshadowed by the omen to him or to his
+house, crossed the mind of the practical Don Juan. But he seemed to
+hear once more the voice of his young brother saying close beside him,
+"Look, Ruy, the light is on our father's words." And memory bore him
+back to a morning long ago, when some slight boyish quarrel had been
+ended thus.</p>
+
+<p>Over his stern, handsome face there passed a look that shaded and
+softened it, and his eyes grew dim&mdash;dim with tears.</p>
+
+<p>But just then Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, radiant from a morning walk, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>with
+her hands full of early spring flowers, tripped in, singing a Spanish
+ballad,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ye men that row the galleys,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">I see my lady fair;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;She gazes at the fountain</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">That leaps for pleasure there."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Beatriz was a child of the city; and, moreover, her life hitherto had
+been an unloved and unloving one. Now her nature was expanding under
+the wholesome influences of home life and home love, and of simple
+healthful pleasures. "Look, Don Juan, what pretty things grow in your
+fields here! I have never seen the like," she said, breaking off in her
+song to exhibit her treasures.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked carelessly at them, lovingly at her. "I would fain hear
+a morning hymn from those sweet, tuneful lips," he pleaded.</p>
+
+<p>"Most willingly, amigo mio,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">'Ave Sanctissima&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, my beloved; hush, I entreat of you." And laying his hand lightly
+on her shoulder, he gazed in her face with a mixture of fond and tender
+admiration and of gentle reproach difficult to describe. "<i>Not that.</i>
+For the sake of all that lies between us and the old faith, not that.
+Rather let us sing together,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">'Vexilla Regis prodeunt.'</p>
+
+<p>For you know that between us and our King there stands, and there needs
+to stand, no human mediator. Do you not, my beloved?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know that <i>you</i> are right," answered Beatriz, still reading her
+faith in Don Juan's eyes. "But we can sing afterwards, whatever you
+like, and as much as you will. I pray you let us come forth now into
+the sunshine together. Look, what a glorious morning it is!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIX" id="XXXIX">XXXIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Left Behind.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"They are all gone into a world of light,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And I alone am lingering here."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Henry Vaughan.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he change of seasons brought little change to those dark cells in the
+Triana, where neither the glory of summer nor the breath of spring
+could come. While the world, with its living interests, its hopes and
+fears, its joys and sorrows, kept surging round them, not even an echo
+of its many voices reached the doomed ones within, who lay so near, yet
+so far from all, "fast bound in misery and iron."</p>
+
+<p>Not yet had the Deliverer come to Carlos. More than once he had seemed
+very near. During the summer heats, so terrible in that prison, fever
+had wasted the captive's already enfeebled frame; but this was the
+means of prolonging his life, for the eve of the Auto found him unable
+to walk across his cell. Still he heard without very keen sorrow the
+fate of his beloved friends, so soon did he hope to follow them.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, month after month, life lingered on. In his circumstances
+restoration to health was simply impossible. Not that he endured more
+than others, or even as much as some. He was not loaded with fetters,
+or buried in one of the frightful subterranean cells where daylight
+never entered. Still, when to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>the many physical sufferings his
+position entailed was added the weight of sickness, weakness, and utter
+loneliness, they formed together a burden heavy enough to have crushed
+even a strong heart to despair.</p>
+
+<p>Long ago the last gleam of human sympathy and kindness had faded from
+him. Maria Gonsalez was herself a prisoner, receiving such payment as
+men had to give her for her brave deeds of charity. God's payment,
+however, was yet to come, and would be of another sort. Herrera, the
+under-gaoler, was humane, but very timid; moreover, his duties seldom
+led him to that part of the prison where Carlos lay. So that he was
+left dependent upon the tender mercies of Gaspar Benevidio, which were
+indeed cruel.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, in spite of all, he was not crushed, not despairing. The lamp
+of patient endurance burned on steadily, because it was continually fed
+with oil by an unseen Hand.</p>
+
+<p>It has been beautifully said, "The personal love of Christ to you,
+felt, delighted in, returned, is actually, truly, simply, without
+exaggeration, the deepest joy and the deepest feeling that the heart of
+man or woman can know. It will absolutely satisfy your heart. It would
+satisfy your heart if it were his will that you should spend the rest
+of your life alone in a dungeon."</p>
+
+<p>Just this, nothing else, nothing less, sustained Carlos throughout
+those long slow months of suffering, which had now come to "add
+themselves and make the years." It proved sufficient for him. It has
+proved sufficient for thousands&mdash;God's unknown saints and martyrs,
+whose names we shall learn first in heaven.</p>
+
+<p>Those who still occasionally sought access to him, in the hope of
+transforming the obstinate heretic into a penitent, marvelled greatly
+at the cheerful calm with which he was wont to receive them and to
+answer their arguments.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes he would even brave all the wrath of Benevidio, and raising
+his voice as loud as he could, he would make the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>gloomy vaults re-echo
+to such words as these: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
+shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
+afraid?" Or these: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
+upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth;
+but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."</p>
+
+<p>But still it was not in Christ's promise, nor was it to be expected,
+that his prisoner should never know hours of sorrow, weariness, and
+heart-sinking. Such hours came sometimes. And on the very morning when
+Don Juan and Do&ntilde;a Beatriz were going forth together into the spring
+sunshine through the castle gate of Nuera, Carlos, in his dungeon, was
+passing through one of the darkest of these. He lay on his mat, his
+face covered with his wasted hands, through which tears were slowly
+falling. It was but very seldom that he wept now; tears had grown rare
+and scarce with him.</p>
+
+<p>The evening before, he had received a visit from two Jesuits, bound
+on the only errand which would have procured their admission there.
+Irritated by his bold and ready answers to the usual arguments, they
+had recourse to declamation. And one of them bethought himself of
+mentioning the fate of the Lutherans who suffered at the two great
+Autos of Valladolid. "Most of the heretics," said the Jesuit, "though
+when they were in prison they were as obstinate as thou art now, yet
+had their eyes opened in the end to the error of their ways, and
+accepted reconciliation at the stake. At the last great Act of Faith,
+held in the presence of King Philip, only Don Carlos de Seso&mdash;" Here
+he stopped, surprised at the agitation of the prisoner, who had heard
+their threatenings against himself so calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"De Seso! De Seso! Have they murdered him too?" moaned Carlos, and
+for a few brief moments he gave way to natural emotion. But quickly
+recovering himself he said, "I shall only see him the sooner."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Were you acquainted with him?" asked the Jesuit.</p>
+
+<p>"I loved and honoured him. My avowing that cannot hurt him <i>now</i>,"
+answered Carlos, who had grown used to the bitter thought that any name
+would be disgraced and its owner imperilled, by <i>his</i> mentioning it
+with affection.</p>
+
+<p>"But if you will do me so much kindness," he added, "I pray you to tell
+me anything you know of his last hours. Any word he spoke."</p>
+
+<p>"He could speak nothing," said the younger of his two visitors. "Before
+he left the prison he had uttered so many horrible blasphemies against
+Holy Church and Our Lady that he was obliged to wear the gag during the
+whole ceremony, 'lest he should offend the little ones.'"<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p>This last cruel wrong&mdash;the refusal of leave to the dying to speak one
+word in defence of the truths he died for&mdash;stung Carlos to the quick.
+It wrung from lips so patient hitherto words of indignant threatening.
+"God will judge your cruelty," he said. "Go on, fill up the measure
+of your guilt, for your time is short. One day, and that soon, there
+will be a grand spectacle, grander than your Autos. Then shall you,
+torturers of God's saints, call upon the mountains and rocks to cover
+you, and to hide you from the wrath of the Lamb."</p>
+
+<p>Once more alone, his passionate anger died away. And it was well.
+Surrounded as he was on every side by strong, cold, relentless wrong
+and cruelty, if his spirit had beaten its wings against those bars of
+iron, it would soon have fallen to the ground faint and helpless, with
+crushed pinions. It was not in such vain strivings that he could find,
+or keep, the deep calm peace with which his heart was filled; it was in
+the quiet place at his Saviour's feet, from whence, if he looked at his
+enemies at all, it was only to pity and forgive them.</p>
+
+<p>But though anger was gone, a heavy burden of sorrow remained. De Seso's
+noble form, shrouded in the hideous zamarra, his head crowned with the
+carroza, his face disfigured by the gag,&mdash;these were ever before his
+eyes. He well-nigh forgot that all this was over now&mdash;that for him the
+conflict was ended and the triumph begun.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Could he have known even as much as we know now of the close of that
+heroic life, it might have comforted him.</p>
+
+<p>Don Carlos de Seso met his doom at the second of the two great Autos
+celebrated at Valladolid during the year 1559. At the first, the most
+steadfast sufferers were Francisco de Vibero Cazalla, one of a family
+of confessors; and Antonio Herezuelo, whose pathetic story&mdash;the most
+thrilling episode of Spanish martyrology&mdash;would need an abler pen than
+ours.</p>
+
+<p>During his lingering imprisonment of a year and a half, De Seso never
+varied in his own clear testimony to the truth, never compromised any
+of his brethren. Informed at last that he was to die the next day, he
+requested writing materials. These being furnished him, he placed on
+record a confession of his faith, which Llorente, the historian of the
+Inquisition, thus describes:&mdash;"It would be difficult to convey an idea
+of the uncommon vigour of sentiment with which he filled two sheets of
+paper, though he was then in the presence of death. He handed what he
+had written to the Alguazil, with these words: 'This is the true faith
+of the gospel, as opposed to that of the Church of Rome, which has been
+corrupted for ages. In this faith I wish to die, and in the remembrance
+and lively belief of the passion of Jesus Christ, to offer to God my
+body, now reduced so low.'"</p>
+
+<p>All that night and the next morning were spent by the friars in vain
+endeavours to induce him to recant. During the Auto, though he could
+not speak, his countenance showed the steadfastness of his soul&mdash;a
+steadfastness which even the sight of his beloved wife amongst those
+condemned to perpetual imprisonment failed to disturb. When at last, as
+he was bound to the stake, the gag was removed, he said to those who
+stood around <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>him, still urging him to yield, "I could show you that
+you ruin yourselves by not following my example; but there is no time.
+Executioners, light the fire that is to consume me."</p>
+
+<p>Even in the act of death it was given him, though unconsciously,
+to strengthen the faith of another. In the martyr band was a poor
+man, Juan Sanchez, who had been a servant of the Cazallas, and was
+apprehended in Flanders with Juan de Leon. He had borne himself bravely
+throughout; but when the fire was kindled, the ropes that bound him
+to the stake having given way, the instinct of self-preservation made
+him rush from the flames, and, not knowing what he did, spring upon
+the scaffold where those who yielded at the last were wont to receive
+absolution. The attendant monks at once surrounded him, offering him
+the alternative of the milder death. Recovering self-possession, he
+looked around him. At one side knelt the penitents, at the other,
+motionless amidst the flames, De Seso stood,</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">"As standing in his own high hall."</p>
+
+<p>His choice was made. "I will die like De Seso," he said calmly; and
+then walked deliberately back to the stake, where he met his doom with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>Another brave sufferer at this Auto, Don Domingo de Roxas, ventured to
+make appeal to the justice of the King, only to receive the memorable
+reply, never to be read without a shudder,&mdash;"I would carry wood to burn
+my son, if he were such a wretch as thou!"</p>
+
+<p>All these circumstances Carlos never heard on this side of the grave.
+But in the quiet Sabbath-keeping that remaineth for the people of
+God, there will surely be leisure enough to talk over past trials and
+triumphs. At present, however, he only saw the dark side&mdash;only knew
+the bare and bitter facts of suffering and death. He had not merely
+loved De Seso as his instructor; he had admired him with the generous
+enthusiasm of a young man for a senior in whom he recognizes <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span>his
+ideal&mdash;all that he himself would fain become. If the Spains had but
+known the day of their visitation, he doubted not that man would have
+been their leader in the path of reform. But they knew it not; and so,
+instead, the chariot of fire had come for him. For him, and for nearly
+all the men and women whose hands Carlos had been wont to clasp in
+loving brotherhood. Losada, D'Arellano, Ponce de Leon, Do&ntilde;a Isabella
+de Baena, Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques,&mdash;all these honoured names, and many
+more, did he repeat, adding after each one of them, "At rest with
+Christ." Somewhere in the depths of those dreary dungeons it might be
+that the heroic Juliano, his father in the faith, was lingering still;
+and also Fray Constantino, and the young monk of San Isodro, Fray
+Fernando. But the prison walls sundered them quite as hopelessly from
+him as the River of Death itself.</p>
+
+<p>Earlier ties sometimes seemed to him only like things he had read
+or dreamed of. During his fever, indeed, old familiar faces had
+often flitted round him. Dolores sat beside him, laying her hand on
+his burning brow; Fray Sebastian taught him disjointed, meaningless
+fragments from the schoolmen; Juan himself either spoke cheerful words
+of hope and trust, or else talked idly of long-forgotten trifles.</p>
+
+<p>But all this was over now: neither dream nor fancy came to break his
+utter, terrible loneliness. He knew that he was never to see Juan
+again, nor Dolores, nor even Fray Sebastian. The world was dead to him,
+and he to it. And as for his brethren in the faith, they had gone "to
+the light beyond the clouds, and the rest beyond the storms," where he
+would so gladly be. Why, then, was he left so long, like one standing
+without in the cold? Why did not the golden gate open for him as well
+as for them? What was he doing in this place?&mdash;what <i>could</i> he do for
+his Master's cause or his Master's honour? He did not murmur. By this
+time his Saviour's prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done," had been
+wrought into the texture of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span>being with the scarlet, purple, and
+golden threads of pain, of patience, and of faith. But it is well for
+His tried ones that He knows longing is not murmuring. Very full of
+longing were the words&mdash;words rather of pleading than of prayer&mdash;that
+rose continually from the lips of Carlos that day,&mdash;"And now, Lord,
+<i>what wait I for</i>?"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XL" id="XL">XL.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">"A Satisfactory Penitent."</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"How long in thraldom's grasp I lay</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I knew not; for my soul was black,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And knew no change of night or day."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Campbell.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapc"><span class="hide">C</span></span>arlos was sleeping tranquilly in his dungeon on the following night,
+when the opening of the door aroused him. He started with sickening
+dread, the horrors of the torture-room rising in an instant before his
+imagination. Benevidio entered, followed by Herrera, and commanded
+him to rise and dress immediately. Long experience of the Santa Casa
+had taught him that he might as well make an inquiry of its doors and
+walls as of any of its officials. So he obeyed in silence, and slowly
+and painfully enough. But he was soon relieved from his worst fear by
+seeing Herrera fold together the few articles of clothing he had been
+allowed to have with him, preparatory to carrying them away. "It is
+only, then, a change of prison," he thought; "and wherever they bring
+me, heaven will be equally near."</p>
+
+<p>His limbs, enfeebled by two years of close confinement, and lame
+from the effects of one terrible night, were sorely tried by what he
+thought an almost interminable walk through corridors and down narrow
+winding stairs. But at last he was conducted <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span>to a small postern door,
+which, greatly to his surprise, Benevidio proceeded to unlock. The
+kind-hearted Herrera took advantage of the moment when Benevidio was
+thus occupied to whisper,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We are bringing you to the Dominican prison, se&ntilde;or; you will be better
+used there."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thanked him by a grateful look and a pressure of the hand. But
+an instant afterwards he had forgotten his words. He had forgotten
+everything save that he stood once more in God's free air, and that
+God's own boundless heaven, spangled with ten thousand stars, was
+over him, no dungeon roof between. For one rapturous moment he gazed
+upwards, thanking God in his heart. But the fresh air he breathed
+seemed to intoxicate him like strong wine. He grew faint, and leaned
+for support on Herrera.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, se&ntilde;or; it is not far&mdash;only a few paces," said the
+under-gaoler, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Weak as he was, Carlos wished the distance a hundred times greater.
+But it proved quite long enough for his strength. By the time he was
+delivered over into the keeping of a couple of lay brothers, and
+locked by them into a cell in the Dominican monastery, he was scarcely
+conscious of anything save excessive fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning was pretty far advanced before any one came to him;
+but at last he was honoured with a visit from the prior himself. He
+said frankly, and with perfect truth,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to find myself in your hands, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>To one accustomed to feel himself an object of terror, it is a new and
+pleasant sensation to be trusted. Even a wild beast will sometimes
+spare the weak but fearless creature that ventures to play with it: and
+Don Fray Ricardo was not a wild beast; he was only a stern, narrow,
+conscientious man, the willing and efficient agent of a terrible
+system. His brow relaxed visibly as he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have always sought your true good, my son."</p>
+
+<p>"I am well aware of it, father."</p>
+
+<p>"And you must acknowledge," the prior resumed, "that great forbearance
+and lenity have been shown towards you. But your infatuation has been
+such that you have deliberately and persistently sought your own ruin.
+You have resisted the wisest arguments, the gentlest persuasions,
+and that with an obstinacy which time and discipline seem only to
+increase. And now at last, as another Auto-da-f&eacute; may not be celebrated
+for some time, my Lord Vice-Inquisitor-General, justly incensed at
+your contumacy, would fain have thrown you into one of the underground
+dungeons, where, believe me, you would not live a month. But I have
+interceded for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your kindness, my lord. But I cannot see that it matters much
+how you deal with me now. Sooner or later, in one form or other, it
+must be death; and I thank God it can be no more."</p>
+
+<p>While a man might count twenty, the prior looked silently in that
+steadfast sorrowful young face. Then he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My son, do not yield to despair; for I come to thee this day with
+a message of hope. I have also made intercession for thee with the
+Supreme Council of the Holy Office; and I have succeeded in obtaining
+from that august tribunal a great and unusual grace."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked up, a sudden flush on his cheek. He hoped this unusual
+grace might be permission to see some familiar face ere he died; but
+the prior's next words disappointed him. Alas! it was only the offer
+of escape from death on terms that he might not accept. And yet such
+an ofter really deserved the name the prior gave it&mdash;a great and
+unusual grace. For, as has been already intimated, by the laws of the
+Inquisition at that time in force, the man who had <i>once</i> professed
+heretical doctrines, however sincerely he might have retracted them,
+was doomed to die. His penitence would procure him the favour <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span>of
+absolution&mdash;the mercy of the garotte instead of the stake: that was all.</p>
+
+<p>The prior went on to explain to Carlos, that upon the ground of his
+youth, and the supposition that he had been led into error by others,
+his judges had consented to show him singular favour. "Moreover," he
+added, "there are other reasons for this course of action, upon which
+it would be needless, and might be inexpedient, to enter at present;
+but they have their weight, especially with me. For the preservation,
+therefore, both of your soul and your body&mdash;upon which I take more
+compassion than you do yourself&mdash;I have, in the first place, obtained
+permission to remove you to a more easy and more healthful confinement,
+where, besides other favours, you will enjoy the great privilege of a
+companion, constant intercourse with whom can scarcely fail to benefit
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought this last a doubtful boon; but as it was kindly
+intended, he was bound to be grateful. He thanked the prior
+accordingly; adding, "May I be permitted to ask the name of this
+companion?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will probably find out ere long, if you conduct yourself so as to
+deserve it,"&mdash;an answer Carlos found so enigmatical, that after several
+vain endeavours to comprehend it, he gave up the task in despair, and
+not without some apprehension that his long imprisonment had dulled his
+perceptions. "Amongst us he is called Don Juan," the prior continued.
+"And this much I will tell you. He is a very honourable person, who had
+many years ago the great misfortune to be led astray by the same errors
+to which you cling with such obstinacy. God was pleased, however, to
+make use of my poor instrumentality to lead him back to the bosom of
+the Church. He is now a true and sincere penitent, diligent in prayer
+and penance, and heartily detesting his former evil ways. It is my last
+hope for you that his wise and faithful counsels may bring you to the
+same mind."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not particularly like the prospect. He feared that this
+vaunted penitent would prove a noisy apostate, who would seek to obtain
+the favour of the monks by vilifying his former associates. Nor, on the
+other hand, did he think it honest to accept without protest kindnesses
+offered him on the supposition that he might even yet be induced to
+recant. He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I ought to tell you, se&ntilde;or, that my mind will never change, God
+helping me. Rather than lead you to imagine otherwise, I would go at
+once to the darkest cell in the Triana. My faith is based on the Word
+of God, which can never be overthrown."</p>
+
+<p>"The penitent of whom I speak used such words as these, until God
+and Our Lady opened his eyes. Now he sees all things differently.
+So will you, if God is pleased to give you the inestimable benefit
+of his divine grace; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
+that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," said the Dominican,
+who, like others of his order, ingeniously managed to combine strong
+predestinarian theories with the creed of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>"That is most true, se&ntilde;or," Carlos responded.</p>
+
+<p>"But to resume," said the prior; "for I have yet more to say. Should
+you be favoured with the grace of repentance, I am authorized to hold
+out to you a well-grounded hope, that, in consideration of your youth,
+your life may even yet be spared."</p>
+
+<p>"And then, if I were strong enough, I might live out ten or twenty
+years&mdash;like the last two," Carlos answered, not without a touch of
+bitterness.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not so, my son," returned the prior mildly. "I cannot promise,
+indeed, under any circumstances, to restore you to the world. For
+that would be to promise what could not be performed; and the laws of
+the Holy Office expressly forbid us to delude prisoners with false
+hopes.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> But this much I will say, your restraint shall be rendered
+so light and easy, that your position will be preferable to that of
+many a monk, who has taken the vows of his own free will. And if you
+like the society of the penitent of whom I spoke anon, you shall
+continue to enjoy it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos began to feel a somewhat unreasonable antipathy to this
+penitent, whose face he had never seen. But what mattered the
+antipathies of a prisoner of the Holy Office? He only said, "Permit
+me again to thank you, my lord, for the kindness you have shown me.
+Though my fellow-men cast out my name as evil, and deny me my share of
+God's free air and sky, and my right to live in his world, I still take
+thankfully every word or deed of pity and gentleness they give me by
+the way. For they know not what they do."</p>
+
+<p>The prior turned away, but turned back again a moment afterwards, to
+ask&mdash;what for the credit of his humanity he ought to have asked a year
+before&mdash;"Do you stand in need of any thing? or have you any request you
+wish to make?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos hesitated a moment. Then he said, "Of things within your power
+to grant, my lord, there is but one that I care to ask. Two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus visited me the day before yesterday. I spoke
+hastily to one of them, who was named Fray Isodor, I think. Had I the
+opportunity, I should be glad to offer him my hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, of all mysterious things in heaven or earth," said the prior, "a
+heretic's conscience is the most difficult to comprehend. Truly you
+strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. But as for Fray Isodor, you may
+rest content. For good and sufficient reasons, he cannot visit you
+here. But I will repeat to him what you have said. And I know well that
+his own tongue is a sharp weapon enough when used in the defence of the
+faith."</p>
+
+<p>The prior withdrew; and shortly afterwards one of the monks appeared,
+and silently conducted Carlos to a cell, or chamber, in the highest
+story of the building. Like the cells <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span>in the Triana, it had two
+doors&mdash;the outer one secured by strong bolts and bars, the inner one
+furnished with an aperture through which food or other things could be
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>But here the resemblance ceased. Carlos found himself, on entering,
+in what seemed to him more like a hall than a cell; though, indeed,
+it must be remembered that his eye was accustomed to ten feet square.
+It was furnished as comfortably as any room needed to be in that warm
+climate; and it was tolerably clean, a small mercy which he noted with
+no small gratitude. Best perhaps of all, it had a good window, looking
+down on the courtyard, but strongly barred, of course. Near the window
+was a table, upon which stood an ivory crucifix, and a picture of the
+Madonna and child.</p>
+
+<p>But even before his eye took in all these objects, it turned to the
+penitent, whose companionship had been granted him as so great a boon.
+He was utterly unlike all that he had expected. Instead of a fussy,
+noisy pervert, he saw a serene and stately old man, with long white
+hair and beard, and still, clearly chiselled, handsome features. He
+was dressed in a kind of mantle, of a nondescript colour, made like
+a monk's cowl without the hood, and bearing two large St. Andrew's
+crosses, one on the breast and the other on the back; in fact, it was a
+compromised sanbenito.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos entered, he rose (showing a tall, spare figure, slightly
+stooped), and greeted his new companion with a courteous and elaborate
+bow, but did not speak.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, food was handed through the aperture in the
+door; and the half-starved prisoner from the Triana sat down with
+his fellow-captive to what he esteemed a really luxurious repast. He
+had intended to be silent until obliged to speak, but the aspect and
+bearing of the penitent quite disarranged his preconceived ideas.
+During the meal, he tried once and again to open a conversation by some
+slight courteous observation.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>All in vain. The penitent did the honours of the table like a prince
+in disguise, and never failed to bow and answer, "Yes, se&ntilde;or," or "No,
+se&ntilde;or," to everything Carlos said. But he seemed either unable or
+unwilling to do more.</p>
+
+<p>As the day wore on, this silence grew oppressive to Carlos; and he
+marvelled increasingly at his companion's want of ordinary interest in
+him, or curiosity about him. Until at length a probable solution of the
+mystery dawned upon his mind. As he considered the penitent an agent
+of the monks deputed to convert him, very likely the penitent, on his
+side, regarded <i>him</i> in the light of a spy commissioned to watch his
+proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>But this, if it was true at all, was only a small part of the truth.
+Carlos failed to take into account the terrible effect of long years
+of solitude, crushing down all the faculties of the mind and heart.
+It is told of some monastery, where the rules were so severe that the
+brethren were only allowed to converse with each other during one hour
+in the week, that they usually sat for that hour in perfect silence:
+they had nothing to say. So it was with the penitent of the Dominican
+convent. He had nothing to say, nothing to ask; curiosity and interest
+were dead within him&mdash;dead long ago, of absolute starvation.</p>
+
+<p>Yet Carlos could not help observing him with a strange kind of
+fascination. His face was too still, too coldly calm, like a white
+marble statue; and yet it was a noble face. It was, although not a
+thoughtful face, the face of a thoughtful man asleep. It did not lack
+expressiveness, though it lacked expression. Moreover, there was in it
+a look that awakened dim, undefined memories&mdash;shadowy things, that fled
+away like ghosts whenever he tried to grasp them, yet persistently rose
+again, and mingled with all his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>He told himself many times that he had never seen the man before. Was
+it, then, an accidental likeness to some familiar face that so fixed
+and haunted him? Certainly there <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span>was something which belonged to his
+past, and which, even while it perplexed and baffled, strangely soothed
+and pleased him.</p>
+
+<p>At each of the canonical hours (which were announced to them by the
+tolling of the convent bells), the penitent did not fail to kneel
+before the crucifix, and, with the aid of a book and a rosary, to read
+or repeat long Latin prayers, in a half audible voice. He retired
+to rest early, leaving his fellow-prisoner supremely happy in the
+enjoyment of his lamp and his Book of Hours. For it was two years
+since the eyes of the once enthusiastic young scholar had rested on a
+printed page, or since the kindly gleam of lamp or fire had cheered
+his solitude. The privilege of refreshing his memory with the passages
+of Scripture contained in the Romish book of devotion now appeared an
+unspeakable boon to him. And although, accustomed as he was to a life
+of unbroken monotony, the varied impressions of the day had produced
+extreme weariness of mind and body, it was near midnight before he
+could prevail upon himself to close the volume, and lie down to rest on
+the comfortable pallet prepared for him.</p>
+
+<p>He was just falling asleep, when the midnight bell tolled out heavily.
+He saw his companion rise, throw his mantle over his shoulders, and
+betake himself to his devotions. How long these lasted he could
+not tell, for the stately kneeling figure soon mingled with his
+dreams&mdash;strange dreams of Juan as a penitent, dressed in a sanbenito,
+and with white hair and an old man's face, kneeling devoutly before the
+altar in the church at Nuera, but reciting one of the songs of the Cid
+instead of <i>De Profundis</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLI" id="XLI">XLI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">More about the Penitent.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Ay, thus thy mother looked,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With such a sad, yet half-triumphant smile,</div>
+   <div class="verse">All radiant with deep meaning."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> slight incident, that occurred the following morning, partially
+broke down the barrier of reserve between the two prisoners. After his
+early devotions, the penitent laid aside his mantle, took up a besom
+made of long slips of cane, and proceeded, with great deliberation and
+gravity, to sweep out the room. The contrast that his stately figure,
+his noble air, and the dignity of all his movements, offered to the
+menial occupation in which he was engaged, was far too pathetic to
+be ludicrous. Carlos could not but think that he wielded the lowly
+implement as if it were a chamberlain's staff of office, or a grand
+marshal's baton.</p>
+
+<p>He himself was well accustomed to such tasks; for every prisoner of
+the Santa Casa, no matter what his rank might be, was his own servant.
+And it spoke much for the revolution that had taken place in his ideas
+and feelings, that though taught to look on all servile occupations as
+ineffably degrading, he had never associated a thought of degradation
+with anything laid upon him to do or to suffer as the prisoner of
+Christ.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And yet he could not endure to see his aged and stately fellow-prisoner
+thus occupied. He rose immediately, and earnestly entreated to be
+allowed to relieve him of the task, pleading that all such duties ought
+to devolve on him as the younger. At first the penitent resisted,
+saying that it was part of his penance. But when Carlos continued to
+urge the point, he yielded; perhaps the more readily because his will,
+like his other faculties, was weakened for want of exercise. Then,
+with more apparent interest than he had shown in any of his previous
+proceedings, he watched the rather slow and difficult movements of his
+young companion.</p>
+
+<p>"You are lame, se&ntilde;or," he said, a little abruptly, when Carlos, having
+finished his work, sat down to rest.</p>
+
+<p>"From the pulley," Carlos answered quietly; and then his face beamed
+with a sudden smile, for the secret of the Lord was with him, and he
+tasted the sweet, strange joy that springs out of suffering borne for
+Him.</p>
+
+<p>That look was the wire that drew an electric flash of memory from the
+clouds that veiled the old man's soul. What that sudden flash revealed
+was a castle gate, at which stood a stately yet slender form robed in
+silk. In the fair young face tears and smiles were contending; but a
+smile won the victory, as a little child was held up, and made to kiss
+a baby-hand in farewell to its father.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment all was gone; only a vague trouble and uneasiness remained,
+accompanied by that strange sense of having seen or felt just the same
+thing before, with which we are most of us familiar. Accustomed to
+solitude, the penitent spoke aloud, perchance unconsciously.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did they bring you here?" he said, in a half fretful tone. "You
+hurt me. I have done very well alone all these years."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to incommode you, se&ntilde;or," returned Carlos. "But I did
+not come here of my own will; neither, unhappily, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span>can I go. I am a
+prisoner like yourself; but, unlike you, I am a prisoner under sentence
+of death."</p>
+
+<p>For several minutes the penitent did not answer. Then he rose, and
+taking a step or two towards the place where Carlos sat, gravely
+extended his hand. "I fear I have spoken uncourteously," he said. "So
+many years have passed since I have conversed with my fellows, that I
+have well-nigh forgotten how I ought to address them. Do me the favour,
+se&ntilde;or and my brother, to grant me your pardon."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos warmly assured him no offence had been given; and taking the
+offered hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. From that moment he
+loved his fellow-prisoner in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>There was an interval of silence, then the penitent of his own accord
+resumed the conversation. "Did I hear you say you are under sentence of
+death?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so actually, though not formally," Carlos replied. "In the
+language of the Holy Office, I am a professed impenitent heretic."</p>
+
+<p>"And you so young!"</p>
+
+<p>"To be a heretic?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I meant so young to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Do I look young&mdash;even yet? I should not have thought it. To me the
+last two years seem like a long lifetime."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been two years, then, in prison? Poor boy! Yet I have been
+here ten, fifteen, twenty years&mdash;I cannot tell how many. I have lost
+the account of them."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos sighed. And such a life was before him, should he be weak enough
+to surrender his hope. He said, "Do you really think, se&ntilde;or, that these
+long years of lonely suffering are less hard to bear than a speedy
+though violent death?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it matters, as to that," was the penitent's not very
+apposite reply. In fact, his mind was not capable, at the time, of
+dealing with such a question; so he turned from it instinctively.
+But in the meantime he was remembering, every <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span>moment more and more
+clearly, that a duty had been laid upon him by the authority to
+which his soul held itself in absolute subjection. And that duty had
+reference to his fellow-prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"I am commanded," he said at last, "to counsel you to seek the
+salvation of your soul, by returning to the bosom of the one true
+Catholic and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no peace and no
+salvation."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos saw that he spoke by rote; that his words echoed the thought
+of another, not his own. It seemed to him, under the circumstances,
+scarcely generous to argue. He spared to put forth his mental powers
+against the aged and broken man, as Juan in like case would have spared
+to use his strong right arm.</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's thought, he replied,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask of your courtesy, se&ntilde;or and my father, to bear with me for a
+little while, that I may frankly disclose to you my real belief?"</p>
+
+<p>Appeal could never be made in vain to that penitent's courtesy. No
+heresy, that could have been proposed, would have shocked him half
+so much as the supposition that one Castilian gentleman could be
+uncourteous to another, upon any account. "Do me the favour to state
+your opinions, se&ntilde;or," he responded, with a bow, "and I will honour
+myself by giving them my best attention."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was little used to language such as this. It induced him to
+speak his mind more freely than he had been able to do for the last two
+years. But, mindful of his experience with old Father Bernardo at San
+Isodro, he did not speak of doctrines, he spoke of a Person. In words
+simple enough for a child to understand, but with a heart glowing with
+faith and love, he told of what He was when he walked on earth, of what
+He is at the right hand of the Father, of what He has done and is doing
+still for every soul that trusts him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly the faded eye brightened; and something like a look of
+interest began to dawn in the mournfully still and passive countenance.
+For a time Carlos was aware that his listener followed every word, and
+he spoke slowly, on purpose to allow him so to do. But then there came
+a change. The <i>listening</i> look passed out of the eyes; and yet they did
+not wander once from the speaker's face. The expression of the whole
+countenance was gradually altered, from one of rather painful attention
+to the dreamy look of a man who hears sweet music, and gives free
+course to the emotions it is calculated to awaken. In truth, the voice
+of Carlos <i>was</i> sweet music in his fellow-captive's ear; and he would
+willingly have sat thus for ever, gazing at him and enjoying it.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought that if this was their reverences' idea of "a
+satisfactory penitent," they were not difficult to satisfy. And he
+marvelled increasingly that so astute a man as the Dominican prior
+should have put the task of his conversion into such hands. For the
+piety so lauded in the penitent appeared to him mere passiveness&mdash;the
+submission of a soul out of which all resisting forces had been
+crushed. "It is only life that resists," he thought; "the dead they can
+move whithersoever they will."</p>
+
+<p>Intolerance always sets a premium on mental stagnation. Nay, it
+actually produces it; it "makes a desert, and calls it peace." And what
+the Inquisition did for the penitent, that it has done also for the
+penitent's fair fatherland. Was the resurrection of dead and buried
+faculties possible for <i>him</i>? Is such a resurrection possible for <i>it</i>?</p>
+
+<p>And yet, in spite of the deadness of heart and brain, which he doubted
+not was the result of cruel suffering, Carlos loved his fellow-prisoner
+every hour more and more. He could not tell why; he only knew that "his
+soul was knit" to his.</p>
+
+<p>When Carlos, for fear of fatiguing him, brought his explanations to a
+close, both relapsed into silence; and the remainder <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span>of the day passed
+without much further conversation, but with a constant interchange of
+little kindnesses and courtesies. The first sight that greeted the eyes
+of Carlos when he awoke the next morning, was that of the penitent
+kneeling before the pictured Madonna, his lips motionless, his hands
+crossed on his breast, and his face far more earnest with feeling&mdash;it
+might be thought with devotion&mdash;than he had ever seen it yet.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was moved, but saddened. It grieved him sore that his aged
+fellow-prisoner should pour out the last costly libation of love and
+trust left in his desolated heart before the shrine of that which was
+no god. And a great longing awoke within him to lead back this weary
+and heavy-laden one to the only Being who could give him true rest.</p>
+
+<p>"If, indeed, he is one of God's chosen, of his loved and redeemed ones,
+he will be led back," thought Carlos, who had spent the past two years
+in thinking out many things for himself. Certain aspects of truth,
+which may be either strong cordials or rank poisons, as they are used,
+had grown gradually clear to him. Opposed to the Dominican prior upon
+most subjects, he was at one with him upon that of predestination. For
+he had need to be assured, when the great water floods prevailed, that
+the chain which kept him from drifting away with them was a strong
+one. And therefore he had followed it up, link by link, until he came
+at last to that eternal purpose of God in which it was fast anchored.
+Since the day that he first learned it, he had lived in the light of
+that great centre truth, "I have loved thee"&mdash;<i>thee</i> individually.
+But as he lay in the gloomy prison, sentenced to die, something more
+was revealed to him. "I have loved thee <i>with an everlasting love,
+therefore</i> with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." The value of this
+truth, to him as to others, lay in the double aspect of that word
+"everlasting;" its look forward to the boundless future, as well as
+backward on the mysterious past. The one was a pledge and assurance of
+the other. And now he was taking to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span>his heart the comfort it gave,
+for the penitent as well as for himself. But it made him, not less,
+but more anxious to be God's fellow-worker in bringing him back to the
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, however, he was quite mistaken as to the feelings
+with which the old man knelt before the pictured Virgin and Child. His
+heart was stirred by no mystic devotion to the Queen of Heaven, but by
+some very human feelings, which had long lain dormant, but which were
+now being gradually awakened there. He was thinking not of heaven,
+but of earth, and of "earth's warm beating joy and dole." And what
+attracted him to that spot was only the representation of womanhood and
+childhood, recalling, though far off and faintly, the fair young wife
+and babe from whom he had been cruelly torn years and years ago.</p>
+
+<p>A little later, as the two prisoners sat over the bread and fruit that
+formed their morning meal, the penitent began to speak more frankly
+than he had done before. "I was quite afraid of you, se&ntilde;or, when you
+first came," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"And perhaps I was not guiltless of the same feeling towards you,"
+Carlos answered. "It is no marvel. Companions in sorrow, such as we
+are, have great power either to help or to hurt one another."</p>
+
+<p>"You may truly say that," returned the penitent. "In fact, I once
+suffered so cruelly from the treachery of a fellow-prisoner, that it is
+not unnatural I should be suspicious."</p>
+
+<p>"How was that, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was very long ago, soon after my arrest. And yet, not soon. For
+weary months of darkness and solitude, I cannot tell how many, I held
+out&mdash;I mean to say, I continued impenitent."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you?" asked Carlos with interest. "I thought as much."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think ill of me, I entreat of you, se&ntilde;or," said the penitent
+anxiously. "I am <i>reconciled</i>. I have returned to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span>bosom of the
+true Church, and I belong to her. I have confessed and received
+absolution. I have even had the Holy Sacrament; and if ill, or in
+danger of death, it is promised I shall receive 'su majestad'<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> at
+any time. And I have abjured and detested all the heresies I learned
+from De Valero."</p>
+
+<p>"From De Valero! Did you learn from him?" The pale cheek of Carlos
+crimsoned for a moment, then grew paler than before. "Tell me, se&ntilde;or,
+if I may ask it, how long have you been here?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I cannot tell. The first year stands out clearly;
+but all the after years are like a dream to me. It was in that first
+year that the caitiff I spoke of anon, who was imprisoned with me&mdash;you
+observe, se&ntilde;or, I had already asked for reconciliation. It was promised
+me. I was to perform penance; to be forgiven; to have my freedom.
+<i>Pues</i>, se&ntilde;or, I spoke to that man as I might to you, freely and from
+my heart. For I supposed him a gentleman. I dared to say that their
+reverences had dealt somewhat hardly with me, and the like. Idle words,
+no doubt&mdash;idle and wicked. God knows, I have had time enough to repent
+them since. For that man, my fellow-prisoner, he who knew what prison
+was, went forth straightway and delated me to the Lords Inquisitors for
+those idle words&mdash;God in heaven forgive him! And thus the door was shut
+upon me&mdash;shut&mdash;shut for ever. Ay de mi! Ay de mi!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard but little of this speech. He was gazing at him with
+eager, kindling eyes. "Were there left behind in the world any that it
+wrung your heart to part from?" he asked, in a trembling voice.</p>
+
+<p>"There were. And since you came, their looks have never ceased to
+haunt me. Why, I know not. My wife, my child!" And the old man shaded
+his face, while in his eyes, long unused to tears, there rose a mist,
+like the cloud in form as a man's hand, that foretold the approach of
+the beneficent rain, which should refresh and soften the thirsty soil,
+making all things young again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said Carlos, trying to speak calmly, and to keep down the
+wild tumultuous throbbing of his heart&mdash;"se&ntilde;or, a boon, I entreat of
+you. Tell me the name you bore amongst men. It was a noble one, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"True. They promised to save it from disgrace. But it was part of my
+penance not to utter it; if possible, to forget it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, this once. I do not ask idly&mdash;this once&mdash;have pity on me, and
+speak it," pleaded Carlos, with intense tremulous earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>"Your face and your voice move me strangely; it seems to me that I
+could not deny you anything. I am&mdash;I ought to say, I <i>was</i>&mdash;Don Juan
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>Before the sentence was concluded, Carlos lay senseless at his feet.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLII" id="XLII">XLII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Quiet Days.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I think that by-and-by all things</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Which were perplexed a while ago</div>
+   <div class="verse">And life's long, vain conjecturings,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Will simple, calm, and quiet grow.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Already round about me, some</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">August and solemn sunset seems</div>
+   <div class="verse">Deep sleeping in a dewy dome,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And bending o'er a world of dreams."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Owen Meredith.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he penitent laid Carlos gently on his pallet (he still possessed a
+measure of physical strength, and the worn frame was easy to lift);
+then he knocked loudly on the door for help, as he had been instructed
+to do in any case of need. But no one heard, or at least no one heeded
+him, which was not remarkable, since during more than twenty years he
+had not, on a single occasion, thus summoned his gaolers. Then, in
+utter ignorance what next to do, and in very great distress, he bent
+over his young companion, helplessly wringing his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stirred at last, and murmured, "Where am I? What is it?" But
+even before full consciousness returned, there came the sense, taught
+by the bitter experience of the last two years, that he must look
+within for aid&mdash;he could expect none from any fellow-creature. He tried
+to recollect himself. Some <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span>bewildering, awful joy had fallen upon him,
+striking him to the earth. Was he free? Was he permitted to see Juan?</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, very slowly, all grew clear to him. He half raised himself,
+grasped the penitent's hand, and cried aloud, "<i>My father!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you better, se&ntilde;or?" asked the old man with solicitude. "Do me the
+favour to drink this wine."</p>
+
+<p>"Father, my father! I am your son. I am Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya. Do you not understand me, father?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand you, se&ntilde;or," said the penitent, moving a little
+away from him, with a mixture of dignified courtesy and utter amazement
+in his manner strange to behold. "Who is it that I have the honour to
+address?"</p>
+
+<p>"O my father, I am your son&mdash;your very son Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never seen you till&mdash;ere yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite true; and yet&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay," interrupted the old man; "you are speaking wild words to
+me. I had but one boy&mdash;Juan&mdash;Juan Rodrigo. The heir of the house of
+Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya was always called Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"He lives. He is Captain Don Juan now, the bravest soldier, and the
+best, truest-hearted man on earth. How you would love him! Would you
+could see him face to face! Yet no; thank God you cannot."</p>
+
+<p>"My babe a captain in His Imperial Majesty's army!" said Don Juan, in
+whose thoughts the great Emperor was reigning still.</p>
+
+<p>"And I," Carlos continued, in a broken, agitated voice&mdash;"I, born when
+they thought you dead&mdash;I, who opened my young eyes on this sad world
+the day God took my mother home from all its sin and sorrow&mdash;I am
+brought here, in his mysterious providence, to comfort you, after your
+long dreary years of suffering."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Your mother! Did you say your mother? My wife, <i>Costanza mia</i>. Oh, let
+me see your face!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised himself to a kneeling attitude, and the old man laid his
+hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him long and earnestly. At length
+Carlos removed the hand, and drawing it gently upwards, placed it on
+his head. "Father," he said, "you will love your son? you will bless
+him, will you not? He has dwelt long amongst those who hated him, and
+never spoke to him save in wrath and scorn, and his heart pines for
+human love and tenderness."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan did not answer for a while; but he ran his fingers through
+the soft fine hair. "So like hers," he murmured dreamily. "Thine eyes
+are hers too&mdash;<i>zarca</i>.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> Yes, yes; I do bless thee&mdash;But who am I to
+bless? God bless thee, my son!"</p>
+
+<p>In the long, long silence that followed, the great convent bell rang
+out. It was noon. For the first time for twenty years the penitent did
+not hear that sound.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard it, however. Agitated as he was, he yet feared the
+consequences that might follow should the penitent omit any part of the
+penance he was bound by oath to perform. So he gently reminded him of
+it. "Father&mdash;(how strangely sweet the name sounded!)&mdash;"father, at this
+hour you always recite the penitential psalms. When you have finished,
+we will talk together. I have ten thousand things to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>With the silent, unreasoning submission that had become a part of his
+nature, the penitent obeyed; and, going to his usual station before the
+crucifix, began his monotonous task. The fresh life newly awakened in
+his heart and brain was far from being strong enough, as yet, to burst
+the bonds of habit. And this was well. Those bonds were his safeguard;
+but for their wholesome restraint, mind or body, or both, might have
+been shattered by the tumultuous rush of new thoughts and feelings.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span>But the familiar Latin words, repeated without thought, almost without
+consciousness, soothed the weary brain like a slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Carlos thanked God with a full heart. Here, then&mdash;<i>here</i>,
+in the dark prison, the very abode of misery&mdash;had God given him the
+desire of his heart, fulfilled the longing of his early years. Now the
+wilderness and the solitary place were glad; the desert rejoiced and
+blossomed as the rose. Now his life seemed complete, its end answering
+its beginning; all its meaning lying clear and plain before him. He was
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"Ruy, Ruy, I have found our father!&mdash;Oh, that I could but tell thee,
+my Ruy!"&mdash;was the cry of his heart, though he forced his lips to
+silence. Nor could the tears of joy, that sprang unbidden to his eyes,
+be permitted to overflow, since they might perplex and trouble his
+fellow-captive&mdash;<i>his father</i>.</p>
+
+<p>He had still a task to perform; and to that task his mind soon bent
+itself; perhaps instinctively taking refuge in practical detail from
+emotions that might otherwise have proved too strong for his weakened
+frame. He set himself to consider how best he could revive the past,
+and make the present comprehensible to the aged and broken man, without
+overpowering or bewildering him.</p>
+
+<p>He planned to tell him, in the first instance, all that he could about
+Nuera. And this he accomplished gradually, as he was able to bear the
+strain of conversation. He talked of Dolores and Diego; described both
+the exterior and interior of the castle; in fact, made him see again
+the scenes to which his eye had been accustomed in past days. With
+special minuteness did he picture the little room within the hall, both
+because it was less changed since his father's time than the others,
+and because it had been his favourite apartment. "And on the window,"
+he said, "there were some words, written with a diamond, doubtless
+by your hand, my father. My brother and I used to read them in our
+childhood; we <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span>loved them, and dreamed many a wondrous dream about
+them. Do you not remember them?"</p>
+
+<p>But the old man shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos began,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'El Dorado&mdash;'"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Yes, I remember now," said Don Juan promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"And the golden country you had discovered&mdash;was it not the truth as
+revealed in Scripture?" asked Carlos, perhaps a little too eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>The penitent mused a space; grew bewildered; said at last sorrowfully,
+"I know not. I cannot now recall what moved me to write those lines, or
+even when I wrote them."</p>
+
+<p>In the next place, Carlos ventured to tell all he had heard from
+Dolores about his mother. The fact of his wife's death had been
+communicated to the prisoner; but this was the only fragment of
+intelligence about his family that had reached him during all these
+years. When she was spoken of, he showed emotion, slight in the
+beginning, but increasing at every succeeding mention of her name,
+until Carlos, who had at first been glad to find that the slumbering
+chords of feeling responded to his touch, came at last to dread laying
+his hands upon them, they were apt to moan so piteously. And once and
+again did his father say, gazing at him with ever-increasing fondness,
+"Thy face is hers, risen anew before me."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos tried hard to awaken Don Juan's interest in his first-born. It
+is true that he cherished an almost passionate love for Juanito the
+babe, but it was such a love as we feel for children whom God has taken
+to himself in infancy. Juan the youth, Juan the man, seemed to him a
+stranger, difficult to conceive of or to care about. Yet, in time,
+Carlos did succeed in establishing a bond between the long-imprisoned
+father and the brave, noble, free-hearted son, who was so <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span>like what
+that father had been in his early manhood. He was never weary of
+telling of Juan's courage, Juan's truthfulness, Juan's generosity;
+often concluding with the words, "<i>He</i> would have been your favourite
+son, had you known him, my father."</p>
+
+<p>As time wore on, he won from his father's lips the principal facts of
+his own story. His past was like a picture from which the colouring,
+once bright and varied, has faded away, leaving only the bare outlines
+of fact, and here and there the shadows of pain still faintly visible.
+What he remembered, that he told his son; but gradually, and often in
+very disjointed fragments, which Carlos carefully pieced together in
+his thoughts, until he formed out of them a tolerably connected whole.</p>
+
+<p>Just three-and-twenty years before, on his arrival in Seville, in
+obedience to what he believed to be a summons from the Emperor, the
+Conde de Nuera had been arrested and thrown into the secret dungeons
+of the Inquisition. He well knew his offence: he had been the friend
+and associate of De Valero; he had read and studied the Scriptures; he
+had even advocated, in the presence of several witnesses, the doctrine
+of justification by faith alone. Nor was he unprepared to pay the
+terrible penalty. Had he, at the time of his arrest, been led at once
+to the rack or the stake, it is probable he would have suffered with
+a constancy that might have placed his name beside that of the most
+heroic martyrs.</p>
+
+<p>But he was allowed to wear out long months in suspense and solitude,
+and in what his eager spirit found even harder to bear, absolute
+inaction. Excitement, motion, stirring occupation for mind and body,
+had all his life been a necessity to him. In the absence of these he
+pined&mdash;grew melancholy, listless, morbid. His faith was genuine, and
+would have been strong enough to enable him for anything <i>in the line
+of his character</i>; but it failed under trials purposely and sedulously
+contrived to assail that character through its weak points.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When already worn out with dreary imprisonment, he was beset by
+arguments, clever, ingenious, sophistical, framed by men who made
+argument the business of their lives. Thus attacked, he was like a
+brave but unskilful man fencing with adepts in the noble science. He
+<i>knew</i> he was right; and with the Vulgate in his hand, he thought he
+could have proved it. But they assured him they proved the contrary;
+nor could he detect a flaw in their syllogisms when he came to
+examine them. If not convinced, then surely he ought to have been.
+They conjured him not to let pride and vain-glory seduce him into
+self-opinionated obstinacy, but to submit his private judgment to that
+of the Holy Catholic Church. And they promised that he should go forth
+free, only chastised by a suitable and not disgraceful penance, and by
+a pecuniary fine.</p>
+
+<p>The hope of freedom burned in his heart like fire; and by this time
+there was sufficient confusion in his brain for his will to find
+arguments there against the voice of his conscience. So he yielded,
+though not without conflict, fierce and bitter. His retractation was
+drawn up in as mild a form as possible by the Inquisitors, and duly
+signed by him. No public act of penance was required, as strict secrecy
+was to be observed in the whole transaction.</p>
+
+<p>But the Inquisitor-General, Valdez, felt a well-grounded distrust of
+the penitent's sincerity, which was quickened perhaps by a desire
+to appropriate to the use of the Holy Office a larger share of his
+possessions than the moderate fine alluded to. Probably, too, he
+dreaded the disclosures that might have followed had the Count been
+restored to the world. He had recourse, therefore, to an artifice
+often employed by the Inquisitors, and seriously recommended by their
+standard authorities. The "fly" (for such traitors were common enough
+to have a technical name as well as a recognized existence) reported
+that the Conde de Nuera railed at the Holy Office, blasphemed the
+Catholic faith, and still adhered in his heart to all his abomi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span>nable
+heresies. The result was a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's condition was truly pitiable then. Like Samson, he was
+shorn of the locks in which his strength lay, bound hand and foot, and
+delivered over to his enemies. Because he could not bear perpetual
+imprisonment he had renounced his faith, and denied his Lord. And now,
+without the faith he had renounced, without the Lord he had denied,
+he <i>must</i> bear it. It told upon him as it would have told on nine men
+out of ten, perhaps on ninety-nine out of a hundred. His mind lost its
+activity, its vigour, its tone. It became, in time, almost a passive
+instrument in the hands of others.</p>
+
+<p>And then the Dominican monk, Fray Ricardo, brought his powerful
+intellect and his strong will to bear upon him. He had been sent by
+his superiors (he was not prior until long afterwards) to impart
+the terrible story of her husband's arrest to the Lady of Nuera,
+with secret instructions to ascertain whether her own faith had been
+tampered with. In his fanatical zeal he performed a cruel task cruelly.
+But he had a conscience, and its fault was not insensibility. When he
+heard the tale of the lady's death, a few days after his visit, he was
+profoundly affected. Accustomed, however, to a religion of weights and
+balances, it came naturally to him to set one thing against another, by
+way of making the scales even. If he could be the means of saving the
+husband's soul, he would feel, to say the least, much more comfortable
+about his conduct to the wife.</p>
+
+<p>He spared no pains upon the task he had set himself; and a measure
+of success crowned his efforts. Having first reduced the mind of the
+penitent to a cold, blank calm, agitated by no wave of restless thought
+or feeling, he had at length the delight of seeing his own image
+reflected there, as in a mirror. He mistook that spectral reflection
+for a reality, and great was his triumph when, day by day, he saw it
+move responsive to every motion of his own.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But the arrest of his penitent's son broke in upon his
+self-satisfaction. It seemed as though a dark doom hung over the
+family, which even the father's repentance was powerless to avert. He
+wished to save the youth, and he had tried to do it after his fashion;
+but his efforts only resulted in bringing up before him the pale
+accusing face of the Lady of Nuera, and in interesting him more than
+he cared to acknowledge in the impenitent heretic, who seemed to him
+such a strange mixture of gentleness and obstinacy. Surely the father's
+influence would prevail with the son, originally a much less courageous
+and determined character, and now already wrought upon by a long period
+of loneliness and suffering.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps also&mdash;monk, fanatic, and inquisitor though he was&mdash;the
+pleasantness of trying the experiment, and cheering thereby the last
+days of the pious and docile penitent, his own especial convert,
+weighed a little with him; for he was still a man. Moreover, like
+many hard men, he was capable of great kindness towards those whom
+he liked. And, with the full approbation of his conscience, he liked
+his penitent; whilst, rather in spite of his conscience, he liked his
+penitent's son.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not trouble himself over-much about the prior's motives. He
+was too content in his new-found joy, too engrossed in his absorbing
+task&mdash;the concern and occupation of his every hour, almost of his every
+moment. He was as one who toils patiently to clear away the moss and
+lichen that has grown over a memorial stone; that he may bring out once
+more, in all their freshness, the precious words engraven upon it.
+The inscription was there, and there it had been always (so he told
+himself); all that he had to do was to remove that which covered and
+obscured it.</p>
+
+<p>He had his reward. Life returned, first through love for him, to the
+heart; then, through the heart, to the brain. Not rapidly and with
+tingling pain, as it returns to a frozen limb, but gradually and
+insensibly, as it comes to the dry trees in spring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But, in the trees, life shows itself first in the extremities; it
+is slowest in appearing in those parts which are really nearest the
+sources of all life. So the penitent's interest in other subjects,
+and his care for them, revived; yet in one thing, the greatest of
+all, these seemed lacking still. There did <i>not</i> return the spiritual
+light and life, which Carlos could not doubt he had enjoyed in past
+days. Sometimes, it is true, he would startle his son by unexpected
+reminiscences, disjointed fragments of the truth for which he had
+suffered so much. He would occasionally interrupt Carlos, when he was
+repeating to him passages from the Testament, to tell him "something
+Don Rodrigo said about that, when he expounded the Epistle to the
+Romans." But these were only like the rich flowers that surprise the
+explorer amidst the tangled weeds of a waste ground, showing that a
+carefully tended garden has flourished there once&mdash;very long ago.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not that I desire him above all things to hold this doctrine
+or that," thought Carlos; "I desire him to find Christ again, and to
+rejoice in his love, as doubtless he did in the old days. And surely
+he will, since Christ found him&mdash;chose him for his own even before the
+foundation of the world."</p>
+
+<p>But in order to bring this about, perhaps it was necessary that the
+faded colours of his soul should be steeped in the strong and bitter
+waters of a great agony, that they might regain thereby their full
+freshness.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIII" id="XLIII">XLIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">El Dorado Found Again.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And every power was used, and every art,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To bend to falsehood one determined heart;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Assailed, in patience it received the shock,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Soft as the wave, unbroken as the rock."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Crabbe.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hat are you doing, my father?" Carlos asked one morning.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan had produced from some private receptacle a small ink-horn,
+and was moistening its long-dried contents with water.</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking that I should like to write down somewhat," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"But whereto will ink serve us without pen and paper?"</p>
+
+<p>The penitent smiled; and presently pulled out from within his pallet
+a little faded writing-book, and a pen that looked&mdash;what it was&mdash;more
+than twenty years old.</p>
+
+<p>"Long ago," he said, "I used to be weary, weary of sitting idle all the
+day; so I bribed one of the lay brothers with my last ducat to bring
+me this, only that I might set down therein whatever happened, for
+pastime."</p>
+
+<p>"May I read it, my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"And welcome, if thou wilt;" and he gave the book into the hand of his
+son. "At first, as you see, there be many things <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span>written therein.
+I cannot tell what they are now; I have forgotten them all;&mdash;but I
+suppose I thought them, or felt them&mdash;once. Or sometimes the brethren
+would come to visit me, and talk, and afterwards I would write what
+they said. But by degrees I set down less and less in it. Many days
+passed in which I wrote nothing, because nothing was to write. Nothing
+ever happened."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was soon absorbed in the perusal of the little book. The records
+of his father's earlier prison life he scanned with great interest and
+with deep emotion; but coming rather suddenly upon the last entry, he
+could not forbear a smile. He read aloud:</p>
+
+<p>"'A feast day. Had a capon for dinner, and a measure of red wine.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I not judge well," asked the father, "that it was time to give
+over writing, when I could stoop low enough to record such trifles?
+Yes; I think I can recall the bitterness of heart with which I laid the
+book aside. I despised myself for what I wrote therein; and yet I had
+nothing else to write&mdash;would never have anything else, I thought. But
+now God has given me my son. I will write that down."</p>
+
+<p>Looking up, after a little while, from his self-imposed task, he asked,
+with an air of perplexity,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But when was it? How long is it since you came here, Carlos?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos in his turn was perplexed. The quiet days had glided on swiftly
+and noiselessly, leaving no trace behind.</p>
+
+<p>"To me it seems to have been all one long Sabbath," he said. "But let
+me think. The summer heats had not come; I suppose it must have been
+March or April&mdash;April, perhaps. I remember thinking I had been just two
+years in prison."</p>
+
+<p>"And now it is growing cool again. I suppose it may have been four
+months&mdash;six months ago. What think you?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought it nearer the latter period than the former.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I believe we have been visited six times by the brethren," he said.
+"No; only five times."</p>
+
+<p>These visits of inspection had been made by command of the
+prior&mdash;himself absent from Seville on important business during most
+of the time&mdash;and the result had been duly reported to him. The monks
+to whom the duty had been deputed were aged and respectable members
+of the community; in fact, the only persons in the monastery who were
+acquainted with Don Juan's real name and history. It was their opinion
+that matters were progressing favourably with the prisoners. They found
+the penitent as usual&mdash;docile, obedient, submissive, only more inclined
+to converse than formerly; and they thought the young man very gentle
+and courteous, grateful for the smallest kindness, and ready to listen
+attentively, and with apparent interest, to everything that was said.</p>
+
+<p>For more definite results the prior was content to wait: he had great
+faith in waiting. Still, even to him six months seemed long enough for
+the experiment he was trying. At the end of that time&mdash;which happened
+to be the day after the conversation just related&mdash;he himself made a
+visit to the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Both most warmly expressed their gratitude for the singular grace he
+had shown them. Carlos, whose health had greatly improved, said that he
+had not dreamed so much earthly happiness could remain for him still.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, my son," said the prior, "give evidence of thy gratitude in the
+only way possible to thee, or acceptable to me. Do not reject the mercy
+still offered thee by Holy Church. Ask for reconciliation."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," replied Carlos, firmly, "I can but repeat what I told you
+six months agone&mdash;that is impossible."</p>
+
+<p>The prior argued, expostulated, threatened&mdash;in vain. At length he
+reminded Carlos that he was already condemned to death&mdash;the death of
+fire; and that he was now putting from him his last chance of mercy.
+But when he still remained <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span>steadfast, he turned away from him with an
+air of deep disappointment, though more in sorrow than in anger, as one
+pained by keen and unexpected ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>"I speak to thee no more," he said. "I believe there is in thy father's
+heart some little spark, not only of natural feeling, but of the grace
+of God. I address myself to him."</p>
+
+<p>Whether Don Juan had never fully comprehended the statement of Carlos
+that he was under sentence of death, or whether the tide of emotion
+caused by finding in him his own son had swept the terrible fact from
+his remembrance, it is impossible to say; but it certainly came to him,
+from the lips of the prior, as a dreadful, unexpected blow. So keen
+was his anguish that Fray Ricardo himself was moved; and the rather,
+because it was impossible to the aged and broken man to maintain the
+outward self-restraint a younger and stronger person might have done.</p>
+
+<p>More touched, at the moment, by his father's condition than by all the
+horrors that menaced himself, Carlos came to his side, and gently tried
+to soothe him.</p>
+
+<p>"Cease!" said the prior, sternly. "It is but mockery to pretend
+sympathy with the sorrow thine own obstinacy has caused. If in truth
+thou lovest him, save him this cruel pain. For three days still," he
+added, "the door of grace shall stand open to thee. After that term has
+expired, I dare not promise thy life." Then turning to the agitated
+father&mdash;"If <i>you</i> can make this unhappy youth hear the voice of divine
+and human compassion," he said, "you will save both his body and his
+soul alive. You know how to send me a message. God comfort you, and
+incline his heart to repentance." And with these words he departed,
+leaving Carlos to undergo the sharpest trial that had come upon him
+since his imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>All that day, and the greater part of the night that followed it, the
+two wills strove together. Prayers, tears, entreaties, seemed to the
+agonized father to fall on the strong heart of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span>son like drops of
+rain on the rock. He did not know that all the time they were falling
+on that heart like sparks of living fire; for Carlos, once so weak,
+had learned now to endure pain, both of mind and body, with brow and
+lip that "gave no sign." Passing tender was the love that had sprung
+up between those two, so strangely brought together. And now Carlos,
+by his own act, must sever that sweet bond&mdash;must leave his newly-found
+father in a solitude doubly terrible, where the feeble lamp of his life
+would soon go out in obscure darkness. Was not this bitterness enough,
+without the anguish of seeing that father bow his white head before
+him, and teach his aged lips words of broken, passionate entreaty that
+his son&mdash;his one earthly treasure&mdash;would not forsake him thus?</p>
+
+<p>"My father," Carlos said at last, as they sat together in the
+moonlight, for their light had gone out unheeded&mdash;"my father, you have
+often told me that my face is like my mother's."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi!" moaned the penitent&mdash;"and truly it is. Is that why it must
+leave me as hers did? Ay de mi, Costanza mia! Ay de mi, my son!"</p>
+
+<p>"Father, tell me, I pray you, to escape what anguish of mind or body
+would you set your seal to a falsehood told to her dishonour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Boy, how can you ask? Never!&mdash;nothing could force me to that." And
+from the faded eye there shot a gleam almost like the fire of old days.</p>
+
+<p>"Father, there is One I love better than ever you loved her. Not to
+save myself, not even to save you, from this bitter pain, can I deny
+him or dishonour his name. Father, I cannot!&mdash;Though this is worse than
+the torture," he added.</p>
+
+<p>The anguish of the last words pierced to the very core of the old
+man's heart. He said no more; but he covered his face, and wept long
+and passionately, as a man weeps whose heart is broken, and who has no
+longer any power left him to struggle against his doom.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Their last meal lay untasted. Some wine had formed part of it; and this
+Carlos now brought, and, with a few gentle, loving words, offered to
+his father. Don Juan put it aside, but drew his son closer, and looked
+at him in the moonlight long and earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I give thee up?" he murmured.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos tried to return his gaze, it flashed for the first time
+across his mind that his father was changed. He looked older, feebler,
+more wan than he had done at his coming. Was the newly-awakened spirit
+wearing out the body? He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, my father, that God will not call you to the trial. Perhaps
+months may elapse before they arrange another Auto."</p>
+
+<p>How calmly he could speak of it;&mdash;for he had forgotten himself.
+Courage, with him, always had its root in self-forgetting love.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan caught at the gleam of hope, though not exactly as Carlos
+intended. "Ay, truly," he said, "many things may happen before then."</p>
+
+<p>"And nothing <i>can</i> happen save at the will of Him who loves and cares
+for us. Let us trust him, my beloved father. He will not allow us
+to be tempted above that we are able to bear. For he is good&mdash;oh,
+how good!&mdash;to the soul that seeketh him. Long ago I believed that;
+but since he has honoured me to suffer for him, once and again have
+I proved it true, true as life or death. Father, I once thought
+the strongest thing on earth&mdash;that which reached deepest into our
+nature&mdash;was pain. But I have lived to learn that his love is stronger,
+his peace is deeper, than all pain."</p>
+
+<p>With many such words&mdash;words of faith, and hope, and tenderness&mdash;did he
+soothe his weary, broken-hearted father. And at last, though not till
+towards morning, he succeeded in inducing him to lie down and seek the
+rest he so sorely needed.</p>
+
+<p>Then came his own hour; the hour of bitter, lonely conflict. He
+had grown accustomed to the thought, to the <i>expectation</i>, of a
+silent, peaceful death within the prison walls. He had hoped, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span>nay,
+certainly believed, that in the slow hours of some quiet day or night,
+undistinguished from other days and nights, God's messenger would steal
+noiselessly to his gloomy cell, and heart and brain would thrill with
+rapture at the summons, "The Master calleth thee."</p>
+
+<p>Now, indeed, it was true that the Master called him. But he called him
+to go to Him through the scornful gaze of ten thousand eyes; through
+reproach, and shame, and mockery; the hideous zamarra and carroza; the
+long agony of the Auto, spun out from daybreak till midnight; and, last
+of all, through the torture of the doom of fire. How could he bear it?
+Sharp were the pangs of fear that wrung his heart, and dread was the
+struggle that followed.</p>
+
+<p>It was over at last. Raising to the cold moonlight a steadfast though
+sorrowful face, Carlos murmured audibly, "What time I am afraid I will
+put my trust in thee. Lord, I am ready to go with thee, whithersoever
+thou wilt; only&mdash;with thee."</p>
+
+<p>He woke, late the following morning, from the sleep of exhaustion to
+the painful consciousness of something terrible to come upon him. But
+he was soon roused from thoughts of self by seeing his father kneel
+before the crucifix, not quietly reciting his appointed penance, but
+uttering broken words of prayer and lamentation, accompanied by bitter
+weeping. As far as he could gather, the burden of the cry was this,
+"God help me! God forgive me! <i>I have lost it!</i>" Over and over again
+did he moan those piteous words, "I have lost it!" as if they were the
+burden of some dreary song. They seemed to contain the sum of all his
+sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, yearning to comfort him, still did not feel that he could
+interrupt him then. He waited quietly until they were both ready for
+their usual reading or repetition of Scripture; for Carlos, every
+morning, either read from the Book of Hours to his father, or recited
+passages from memory, as suited his inclination at the time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He knew all the Gospel of John by heart. And this day he began with
+those blessed words, dear in all ages to the tried and sorrowing, "Let
+not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
+my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
+told you. I go to prepare a place for you." He continued without pause
+to the close of the sixteenth chapter, "These things I have spoken
+unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
+tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."</p>
+
+<p>Then once more Don Juan uttered that cry of bitter pain, "Ay de mi! I
+have lost it!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought he understood him now. "Lost that peace, my father?" he
+questioned gently.</p>
+
+<p>The old man bowed his head sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is in Him. 'In me ye might have peace.' And Him you have," said
+Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan drew his hand across his brow, was silent for a few moments,
+then said slowly, "I will try to tell you how it is with me. There is
+one thing I could do, even yet; one path left open to my footsteps
+in which none could part us.&mdash;What hinders my refusing to perform my
+penance, and boldly taking my stand beside thee, Carlos?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started, flushed, grew pale again with emotion. He had not
+dreamed of this, and his heart shrank from it in terror. "My beloved
+father!" he exclaimed in a trembling voice. "But no&mdash;God has not called
+you. Each one of us must wait to see his guiding hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Once I could have done it bravely, nay, joyfully," said the penitent.
+"<i>Not now.</i>" And there was a silence.</p>
+
+<p>At last Don Juan resumed, "My boy, thy courage shames my weakness. What
+hast thou seen, what dost thou see, that makes this thing possible to
+thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"My father knows. I see Him who died for me, who rose <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span>again for me,
+who lives at the right hand of God to intercede for me."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>For me?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is this thought that gives strength and peace."</p>
+
+<p>"Peace&mdash;which I have lost for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Not for ever, my honoured father. No; you are his, and of such it is
+written, 'Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' Though your
+tired hand has relaxed its grasp of him, his has never ceased to hold
+you, and never can cease."</p>
+
+<p>"I was at peace and happy long ago, when I believed, as Don Rodrigo
+said, that I was justified by faith in him."</p>
+
+<p>"Once justified, justified for ever," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Don Rodrigo used to say so too, but&mdash;I cannot understand it now," and
+a look of perplexity passed over his face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos spoke more simply. "No! Then come to him now, my father, just as
+if you had never come before. You may not know that you are justified;
+you know well that you are weary and heavy laden. And to such he says,
+'Come. He says it with outstretched arms, with a heart full of love and
+tenderness. He is as willing to save you from sin and sorrow as you are
+this hour to save me from pain and death. Only, you cannot, and he can."</p>
+
+<p>"Come&mdash;that is&mdash;believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is believe, and more. Come, as your heart came out to me, and mine
+to you, when we knew the great bond between us. But with far stronger
+trust and deeper love; for he is more than son or father. He fulfils
+all relationships, satisfies all wants."</p>
+
+<p>"But then, what of those long years in which I forgot him?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were but adding to the sum of sin; sin that he has pardoned, has
+washed away for ever in his blood."</p>
+
+<p>At that point the conversation dropped, and days passed ere it was
+renewed. Don Juan was unusually silent; very tender to his son, making
+no complaint, but often weeping quietly. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span>Carlos thought it best to
+leave God to deal with him directly, so he only prayed for him and with
+him, repeated precious Scripture words, and sometimes sang to him the
+psalms and hymns of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>But one evening, to the affectionate "Good-night" always exchanged by
+the son and father with the sense that many more might not be left to
+them, Don Juan added, "Rejoice with me, my son; for I think that I have
+found again the thing that I lost&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado.'"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIV" id="XLIV">XLIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">One Prisoner Set Free.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"All was ended now, the hope and the fear, and the sorrow;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;All the aching of heart, the restless unsatisfied longing,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;All the dull deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Longfellow.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he winter rain was pouring down in a steady continuous torrent. It
+was long since a gleam of sunshine had come through the windows of the
+prison-room. But Don Juan Alvarez did not miss the sunlight. For he lay
+on his pallet, weak and ill, and the only sight he greatly cared to
+look upon was the loving face that was ever beside him.</p>
+
+<p>It is possible, by means of the embalmer's art, to enable buried forms
+to retain for ages a ghastly outward similitude to life. Tombs have
+been opened, and kings found therein clothed in their royal robes,
+stern and stately, the sceptre in their cold hands, and no trace of
+the grave and its corruption visible upon them. But no sooner did the
+breath of the upper air and the finger of light touch them than they
+crumbled away, silently and rapidly, and dust returned to dust again.
+Thus, buried in the chill dark tomb of his seclusion, Don Juan might
+have lived for years&mdash;if life it could be called&mdash;or, at least, he
+might have lingered on in the outward similitude of life. But Carlos
+brought in light and air upon him. His mind and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span>heart revived; and,
+just in proportion, his physical nature sank. It proved too weak to
+bear these powerful influences. He was dying.</p>
+
+<p>Tender and thoughtful as a woman, Carlos, who himself knew so well
+all the bitterness of unpitied pain and sickness, ministered to his
+father's wants. But he did not request their gaolers to afford him any
+medical aid, though, had he done so, it would have been readily granted.</p>
+
+<p>He had good reason for seeking no help from man. The daily penance was
+neglected now; the rosary lay untold; and never again would "Ave Maria
+Sanctissima" pass the lips of Don Juan Alvarez. Therefore it was that
+Carlos, after much thought and prayer, said quietly to him one day, "My
+father, are you afraid to lie here, in God's hands, and in his alone,
+and to take whatever he pleases to send us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you desire <i>any</i> help they can give, either for your soul or for
+your body?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No</i>," said the Conde de Nuera, with something like the spirit of
+other days. "I would not confess to them; for Christ is my only priest
+now. And they should not anoint me while I retained my consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>A look of resolution, strange to see, passed over the gentle face of
+Carlos. "It is well said, my father," he responded. "And, God helping
+me, I will let no man trouble you."</p>
+
+<p>"My son," said Don Juan one evening, as Carlos sat beside him in the
+twilight, "I pray you, tell me a little more of those who learned to
+love the truth since I walked amongst men. For I would fain be able to
+recognize them when we meet in heaven."</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos told him, not indeed for the first time, but more fully
+than ever before, the story of the Reformed Church in Spain. Almost
+every name that he mentioned has come down to us surrounded by the
+mournful halo of martyr glory. With special reverential love, he told
+of Don Carlos de Seso, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span>of Losada, of D'Arellano, and of the heroic
+Juliano Hernandez, who, as he believed, was still waiting for his
+crown. "For him," he said, "I pray even yet; for the others I can
+only thank God. Surely," he added, after a pause, "God will remember
+the land for which these, his faithful martyrs, prayed and toiled and
+suffered! Surely he will hear their voices, that cry under the altar,
+not for vengeance, but for forgiveness and mercy; and one day he will
+return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not," said the dying man despondingly. "The Spains have had
+their offer of God's truth, and have rejected it. What is there that is
+said, somewhere in the Scriptures, about Noah, Daniel, and Job?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos repeated the solemn words, "'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were
+in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither
+son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their
+righteousness.' Do you fear that such a terrible doom has gone forth
+over our land, my father? I dare to hope otherwise. For it is not the
+Spains that have rejected the truth. It is the Inquisition that is
+crushing it out."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Spains must answer for its deeds, since they consent to them.
+They heed not. There are brave men enough, with weapons in their
+hands," said the soldier of former days, with a momentary return to old
+habits of thought and feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet God may give our land another trial," Carlos continued. "His truth
+is sometimes offered twice to individuals, why not to nations?"</p>
+
+<p>"True; it was offered twice to me, praised be his name." After an
+interval of silence, he resumed, "My son always speaks of others, never
+of himself. Not yet have I learned how it was that you came to receive
+the Word of God so readily from Juliano."</p>
+
+<p>Then in the dark, with his father's hand in his, Carlos told, for the
+first and last time, the true story of his life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Before he had gone far, Don Juan started, half-raised himself, and
+exclaimed in surprise, "What, and you!&mdash;<i>you</i> too&mdash;once loved?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, and bitter as the pain has been, I am glad now of all except the
+sin. I am glad that I have tasted earth's very best and sweetest;
+that I know how the wine is red and gives its colour in the cup of
+life he honours me to put aside for him." His voice was low and full
+of feeling as he said this. Presently he resumed. "But the sin, my
+father! Especially my treachery in heart to Juan; that rankled long
+and stung deeply. Juan, my brave, generous brother, who would have
+struck down any man who dared to hint that I could do, or think,
+aught dishonourable! He never knew it; and had he known it, he would
+have forgiven me; but I could not forgive myself. I do not think the
+self-scorn passed away until&mdash;<i>that</i> which happened after I had been
+nigh a year in prison. O my father, if God had not interposed to save
+me by withholding me from that crime, I shudder to think what my life
+might have been. I am persuaded I should have sunk lower, lower, and
+ever lower. Perhaps, even, I might have ended in the purple and fine
+linen, and the awful pomp and luxury of the oppressors and persecutors
+of the saints."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Don Juan, "that would <i>never</i> have been possible to thee,
+Carlos. But there is a question I have often longed to ask thee. Does
+Juan, my Juan Rodrigo, know and love the Word of God?"</p>
+
+<p>He had asked that question before; but Carlos had contrived, with tact
+and gentleness, to evade the answer. Up to this hour he had not dared
+to tell his father the truth upon this important subject. Besides the
+terrible risk that in some moment of fear or forgetfulness the prior or
+his agents might draw an incautious word from the old man's lips, there
+was a haunting dread of listeners at key-holes, or secret apertures,
+quite natural in one who knew the customs of the Holy Office. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span>But now
+he bent down close to the dying man, and spoke to him in a long earnest
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God," murmured Don Juan. "I would have no earthly wish
+unsatisfied now&mdash;if only <i>you</i> were safe. But still," he added, "it
+seemeth somewhat hard to me that Juan should have <i>all</i>, and you
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>nothing</i>!" Carlos exclaimed; and had not the room been in darkness
+his father would have seen that his eye kindled, and his whole
+countenance lighted up. "My father, mine has been the best lot, even
+for earth. Were it to do again, I would not change the last two years
+for the deepest love, the brightest hope, the fairest joy life has
+to offer. For the Lord himself has been the portion of my cup, my
+inheritance in the land of the living."</p>
+
+<p>After a silence, he continued, "Moreover, and beside all, I have thee,
+my father. Therefore to me it is a joy to think that my beloved brother
+has also something precious. How he loved her! But the strangest thing
+of all, as I ponder over it now, is the fulfilment of our childhood's
+dream. And in me, the weak one who deserved nothing, not in Juan the
+hero who deserved everything. It is the lame who has taken the prey. It
+is the weak and timid Carlos who has found our father."</p>
+
+<p>"Weak&mdash;timid?" said Don Juan, with an incredulous smile. "I marvel who
+ever joined such words with the name of my heroic son. Carlos, have we
+any wine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Abundance, my father," answered Carlos, who carefully treasured for
+his father's use all that was furnished for both of them. Having given
+him a little, he asked, "Do you feel pain to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no pain. Only weary; always weary."</p>
+
+<p>"I think my beloved father will soon be where the weary are at
+rest"&mdash;"and where the wicked cease from troubling," he added mentally,
+not aloud.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He would fain have dropped the conversation then, fearing to exhaust
+his father's strength. But the sick man's restlessness was soothed by
+his talk. Ere long he questioned, "Is it not near Christmas now?"</p>
+
+<p>Well did Carlos know that it was; and keenly did he dread the return
+of the season which ought to bring "peace upon earth." For it would
+certainly bring the prisoners a visit; and almost certainly there would
+be the offer of special privileges to the penitent, perhaps sacramental
+consolation, perhaps permission to hear mass. He shuddered to think
+what a refusal to avail himself of these indulgences might entail. And
+once and again did he breathe the fervent prayer, that whatever came
+upon <i>him</i>, neither violence, insult, nor reproach might be allowed to
+touch his father.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, amongst the great festivities of the season, it was more than
+likely that a solemn Auto-da-f&eacute; might find place. But this was a secret
+inner thought, not often put into words, even to himself. Only, if it
+were God's will to call his father first!</p>
+
+<p>"It is December," he said, in answer to Don Juan's question; "but
+I have lost account of the day. It may be perhaps the twelfth or
+fourteenth. Shall I recite the evening psalms for the twelfth, 'Te
+dicet hymnus'?"</p>
+
+<p>As he did so, the old man fell asleep, which was what he desired. Half
+in the sleep of exhaustion, half in weary restlessness, the next day
+and the next night wore on. Once only did Don Juan speak connectedly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will see my mother soon," said Carlos, as he bore to his
+lips wine mingled with water.</p>
+
+<p>"True," breathed the dying man; "but I am not thinking of that now. Far
+better&mdash;I shall see Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"My father, are you still in peace, resting on him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In perfect peace."</p>
+
+<p>And Carlos said no more. He was content; nay, he was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span>exceeding glad.
+He who in all things will have the pre-eminence, had indeed taken his
+rightful place in the heart of the dying, when even the strong earthly
+love that was "twisted with the strings of life" had paled before the
+love of him.</p>
+
+<p>And in the last watch of the night, when the day was breaking, he sent
+his angel to loose the captive's bonds. So gentle was the touch that
+freed him, that he who sat holding his hand in his, and watching his
+face as we watch the last conscious looks of our beloved, yet knew not
+the exact moment when the Deliverer came. Carlos never said "He is
+going!" he only said "He is gone!" And then he kissed the pale lips and
+closed the sightless eyes&mdash;in peace.</p>
+
+<p>None ever thanked God for bringing back their beloved from the gates
+of the grave more fervently than Carlos thanked him that hour for
+so gently opening unto his those gates that "no man can shut." "My
+father, thy rest is won!" he said, as he gazed on the calm and noble
+countenance. "They cannot touch thee now. Not all the malice of men
+or of fiends can give one pang. A moment since so fearfully in their
+power; now so completely beyond it! Thank God! thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>The rain was over, and ere long the sun arose, in his royal robes of
+crimson and purple and gold&mdash;to the prisoner from the dungeon of the
+Triana an ever fresh wonder and joy. Yet not even that sight could win
+his eyes to-day from the deeper beauty of the still and solemn face
+before him. And as the soft crimson light fell on the pallid cheek and
+brow, the watcher murmured, with calm thankfulness,&mdash;"'To him sun and
+daylight are as nothing, for he sees the glory of God.'"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLV" id="XLV">XLV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Triumphant.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"For ever with the Lord!</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Amen! so let it be!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Montgomery.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapc"><span class="hide">C</span></span>arlos was still sitting beside that couch, with scarcely more sense of
+time than if he had been already where time exists no longer, when the
+door of his cell was opened to admit two distinguished visitors. First
+came the prior; then another member of the Table of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos rose up from beside his dead, and said calmly, addressing the
+prior, "My father is free!"</p>
+
+<p>"How? what is this?" cried Fray Ricardo, his brow contracting with
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stood aside, allowing him to approach and look. With real
+concern in his stern countenance, he stooped for a few moments over the
+motionless form. Then he asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But why was I not summoned? Who was with him when he departed?"</p>
+
+<p>"I,&mdash;his son," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"But who besides thee?" Then, in a higher key and with more hurried
+intonation,&mdash;"Who gave him the last rites of the Church?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did not receive them, my lord, for he did not desire <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span>them. He said
+that Christ was his priest; that he would not confess; and that they
+should not anoint him while he retained consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican's face grew white with anger, even to the lips.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Liar!</i>" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "How darest thou tell me
+that he for whom I watched, and prayed, and toiled, after years and
+years of faithful penance, has gone down at last, unanointed and
+unassoiled, to hell with Luther and Calvin?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell thee that he has gone home in peace to his Father's house."</p>
+
+<p>"Blasphemer! liar, like thy father the devil! But I understand all now.
+Thou, in thy hatred of the Faith, didst refuse to summon help&mdash;didst
+let his spirit pass without the aid and consolations of the Church.
+Murderer of his soul&mdash;thy father's soul! Not content even with that,
+thou canst stand there and slander his memory, bidding us believe that
+he died in heresy! But that, at least, is false&mdash;false as thine own
+accursed creed!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is true; and you believe it," said Carlos, in calm, clear, quiet
+tones, that contrasted strangely with the Dominican's outburst of
+unwonted rage.</p>
+
+<p>And the prior did believe it&mdash;there was the sharpest sting. He knew
+perfectly well that the condemned heretic was incapable of falsehood:
+on a matter of fact he would have received his testimony more readily
+than that of the stately "Lord Inquisitor" now standing by his side.
+In the momentary pause that followed, that personage came forward and
+looked upon the face of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>"If there be really any proof that he died in heresy," he said, "he
+ought to be proceeded against according to the laws of the Holy Office
+provided for such cases."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled&mdash;smiled in calm triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot hurt him now," he said. "Look there, se&ntilde;or. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span>The King
+immortal, invisible, has set his own signet upon that brow, that the
+decree may not be reversed nor the purpose changed concerning him."</p>
+
+<p>And the peace of the dead face seemed to have passed into the living
+face that had gazed on it so long. Carlos was as really beyond the
+power of his enemies as his father was that hour. They felt it; or at
+least one of them did. As for the other, his strong heart was torn with
+rage and sorrow: sorrow for the penitent, whom he truly loved, and whom
+he now believed, after all his prayers and efforts, a lost soul; rage
+against the obstinate heretic, whom he had sought to befriend, and who
+had repaid his kindness by snatching his convert from his grasp at the
+very gate of heaven, and plunging him into hell.</p>
+
+<p>"I will <i>not</i> believe it," he reiterated, with pale lips, and eyes
+that gleamed beneath his cowl like coals of fire. Then, softening a
+little as he turned to the dead&mdash;"Would that those silent lips could
+utter, were it only one word, to say that death found thee true to the
+Catholic faith!&mdash;Not one word! So end the hopes of years. But at least
+thy betrayer shall be with thee amongst the dead to-morrow.&mdash;Heretic!"
+he said, turning fiercely to Carlos, "we are here to announce thy doom.
+I came, with a heart full of pity and relenting, to offer counsel
+and comfort, and such mercy as Holy Church still keeps for those
+who return to her bosom at the eleventh hour. But now, I despair of
+thee. Professed, impenitent, dogmatizing heretic, go thine own way to
+everlasting fire!"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow! Did you say to-morrow?" asked Carlos, standing motionless,
+as one lost in thought.</p>
+
+<p>The other Inquisitor took up the word.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," he said. "To-morrow the Church offers to God the
+acceptable sacrifice of a solemn Act of Faith. And we come to announce
+to thee thy sentence, well merited and long delayed&mdash;to be relaxed to
+the secular arm as an obstinate heretic. But if even yet thou wilt
+repent, and, confessing and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span>deploring thy sins, supplicate restoration
+to the bosom of the Church, she will so effectually intercede for thee
+with the civil magistrate that the doom of fire will be exchanged for
+the milder punishment of death by strangling."</p>
+
+<p>Something like a faint smile played round the lips of Carlos; but he
+only repeated, "To-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my son," said the Inquisitor, promptly; for he was a man who knew
+his business well. He had come there to improve the occasion; and he
+meant to do it. "No doubt it seems to thee a sudden blow, and but a
+brief space left thee for preparation. But, at the best, our life here
+is only a span; 'Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to
+live, and is full of misery.'"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not look as if he heard; he still stood lost in thought, his
+head sunk upon his breast. But in another moment he raised it suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow I shall be with Christ in glory!" he exclaimed, with a
+countenance as radiant as if that glory were already reflected there.</p>
+
+<p>Some faint feeling of awe and wonder touched the Inquisitor's heart,
+and silenced him for an instant. Then, recovering himself, and falling
+back for help upon wonted words of course, he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I entreat of you to think of your soul."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of it long ago. I have given it into the safe keeping
+of Christ my Lord. Therefore I think no more of it; I only think of
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"But have you no fear of the anguish&mdash;the doom of fire?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no fear," Carlos answered. And this was a great mystery, even
+to himself. "Christ's hand will either lift me over it or sustain me
+through it; which, I know not yet. And I am not careful; he will care."</p>
+
+<p>"Men of noble lineage, such as you are&mdash;of high honour and stainless
+name, such as you <i>were</i>," said the Inquisitor&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span>"ofttimes dread shame
+more than agony. You, who were called Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya, what think
+<i>you</i> of the infamy, the loathing of all men, the scorn and mockery of
+the lowest rabble&mdash;the zamarra, the carroza?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall joyfully go forth with Him without the camp, bearing his
+reproach."</p>
+
+<p>"And stand at the stake beside a vile caitiff, a miserable muleteer,
+convicted of the same crimes?"</p>
+
+<p>"A muleteer? Juliano Hernandez?" Carlos questioned eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"The same."</p>
+
+<p>A softer light played over the features of Carlos. Then he should see
+that face once more&mdash;perhaps even grasp that hand! Truly God was giving
+him everything he desired of him. He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to stand, here to the last, at the side of that faithful
+soldier and servant of Christ. For when we go in there together, I dare
+not hope to be so highly honoured as to take a place beside him."</p>
+
+<p>At this point the prior broke in. "Se&ntilde;or and my brother, your words
+are wasted. He is given over to the power of the evil one. Let us
+leave him." And drawing his mantle round him, he turned to go, without
+looking again towards Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos came forward. "Pardon me, my lord; I have a few words
+yet to say to you;" and, stretching out his hand to detain him, he
+unconsciously touched his arm with it.</p>
+
+<p>The prior flung it off with a gesture of angry scorn. There was
+contamination in that touch. "I have heard too many words from your
+lips already," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow night my lips will be dust, my voice silent for ever. So you
+may well bear with me for a little while to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak then; but be brief."</p>
+
+<p>"It gives me the last pang I think to know on earth, to part <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span>thus from
+you; for you have shown me true kindness. I owe you, not forgiveness as
+an enemy, but gratitude as a sincere though mistaken friend. I shall
+pray for you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"An impenitent heretic's prayers&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Will do my lord the prior no harm; and there may come a day when he
+will not be sorry he had them."</p>
+
+<p>There was a short pause. "Have you anything else to say?" asked the
+prior rather more gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Only one word, se&ntilde;or." He turned and looked at the dead. "I know you
+loved him well. You will deal gently with his dust, will you not? A
+grave is not much to ask for him. You will give it; I trust you."</p>
+
+<p>The stern set face relaxed a little before that pleading look. "It is
+<i>you</i> who have sought to rob him of a grave," said the prior&mdash;"you who
+have defamed him of heresy. But your testimony is invalid; and, as I
+have said, I believe you not."</p>
+
+<p>With this declaration of purely official disbelief, he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>His colleague lingered a moment. "You plead for the senseless dust that
+can neither feel nor suffer," he said; "you can pity that. How is it
+you cannot pity yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"That which you destroy to-morrow is not myself. It is only my garment,
+my tent. Yet even over that Christ watches. He can raise it glorious
+from the ashes of the Quemadero as easily as from the church where the
+bones of my fathers sleep. For I am his, soul and body&mdash;the purchase of
+his blood. And why should it be a marvel in your eyes that I rejoice to
+give my life for him who gave his own for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"God grant thee even yet to die in his grace!" answered the Inquisitor,
+somewhat moved. "I do not despair of thee. I will pray for thee, and
+visit thee again to-night." So saying, he hastened after the prior.</p>
+
+<p>For a season Carlos sat motionless, his soul filled to overflowing with
+a calm, deep tide of awed and wondering joy. No <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span>room was there for any
+thought save one&mdash;"I shall see His face; I shall be with Him for ever."
+Over the Thing that lay between he could spring as joyously as a child
+might leap across a brook to reach his father's outstretched hand.</p>
+
+<p>At length his eye fell, perhaps by accident, on the little writing-book
+which lay near. He drew it towards him, and having found out the place
+where the last entry was made, wrote rapidly beneath it,&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>"To depart and to be with Christ is far better. My beloved father is
+gone to him in peace to-day. I too go in peace, though by a rougher
+path, to-morrow. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the
+days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="toright2">
+"<span class="smcap">Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya.</span>"<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And with a strange consciousness that he had now signed his name for
+the last time, he carefully affixed to it his own especial "rubrica,"
+or sign-manual.</p>
+
+<p>Then came one thought of earth&mdash;only one&mdash;the last. "God, in his great
+mercy, grant that my brother may be far away! I would not that he saw
+my face to-morrow. For the pain and the shame can be seen of all; while
+that which changes them to glory no man knoweth, save he that receiveth
+it. But, wherever thou art, God bless thee, my Ruy!" And drawing the
+book towards him again, he added, as if by a sudden impulse, to what he
+had already written, "God bless thee, my Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards the Alguazils arrived to conduct him back to the
+Triana. Then, turning to his dead once more, he kissed the pale
+forehead, saying, "Farewell, for a little while. Thou didst never taste
+death; nor shall I. Instead of thee and me, Christ drank that cup."</p>
+
+<p>And then, for the second time, the gate of the Triana opened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span>to
+receive Don Carlos Alvarez. At sunrise next morning its gloomy portals
+were unlocked, and he, with others, passed forth from beneath their
+shadow. Not to return again to that dark prison, there to linger
+out the slow and solitary hours of grief and pain. His warfare was
+accomplished, his victory was won. Long before the sun had arisen again
+upon the weary blood-stained earth, a brighter sun arose for him who
+had done with earth. All his desire was granted, all his longings were
+fulfilled. He saw the face of Christ, and he was with Him for ever.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVI" id="XLVI">XLVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Is it too Late?</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Death upon his face</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Is rather shine than shade;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A tender shine by looks beloved made:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He seemeth dying in a quiet place."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he mountain-snow lay white around the old castle of Nuera; but
+within there was light and warmth. Joy and gladness were there also,
+"thanksgiving and the voice of melody;" for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, graver and
+paler than of old, and with the brilliant lustre of her dark eyes
+subdued to a kind of dewy softness, was singing a cradle-song beside
+the cot where her first-born slept.</p>
+
+<p>The babe had just been baptized by Fray Sebastian. With a pleading,
+wistful look had Dolores asked her lord, the day before, what name he
+wished his son to bear. But he only answered, "The heir of our house
+always bears the name of Juan." Another name was far dearer to memory;
+but not yet could he accustom his lips to utter it, or his ear to bear
+the sound.</p>
+
+<p>Now he came slowly into the room, holding in his hand an unsealed
+letter. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz looked up. "He sleeps," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let him sleep on, se&ntilde;ora mia."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But will you not look? See, how pretty he is! How he smiles in his
+sleep! And those dear small hands&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have their share in dragging me further than you wot of, my Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>Nay; what dost thou mean? Do not be grave and sad to-day&mdash;not to-day,
+Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"My beloved, God knows I would not cloud thy brow with a single care
+if I could help it. Nor am I sad. Only we must think. Here is a letter
+from the Duke of Savoy (and very gracious and condescending too),
+inviting me to take my place once more in His Catholic Majesty's army."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will not go? We are so happy together here."</p>
+
+<p>"My Beatriz, I <i>dare</i> not go. I would have to fight"&mdash;(here he broke
+off, and cast a hasty glance round the room, from the habit of dreading
+listeners)&mdash;"I would have to fight against those whose cause is just
+the cause I hold dearest upon earth. I would have to deny my faith
+by the deeds of every day. But yet, how to refuse and not stand
+dishonoured in the eyes of the world, a traitor and a coward, I know
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"No dishonour could ever touch thee, my brave and noble Juan."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's brow relaxed a little. "But that men should even <i>think</i> it
+did, is what I could not bear," he said. "Besides"&mdash;and he drew nearer
+the cradle, and looked fondly down at the little sleeper&mdash;"it does not
+seem to me, my Beatriz, that I dare bring up this child God has given
+me to the bitter heritage of a slave."</p>
+
+<p>"A slave!" repeated Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, almost with a cry. "Now Heaven help
+us, Don Juan; are you mad? You, of noblest lineage&mdash;you, Alvarez de
+Me&ntilde;aya&mdash;to call your own first-born a slave!"</p>
+
+<p>"I call any one a slave who dares not speak out what he thinks, and act
+out what he believes," returned Don Juan sadly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And what is it that you would do then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would to God that I knew! But the future is all dark to me. I see not
+a single step before me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, amigo mio, do not look before you. Let the future alone, and
+enjoy the present, as I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly that baby face would charm many a care away," said Juan, with
+another fond glance at the sleeping child. "But a man <i>must</i> look
+before him, and a Christian man must ask what God would have him to do.
+Moreover, this letter of the duke demands an answer, Yea or Nay."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. I desire to speak with your Excellency," said the
+voice of Dolores at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, se&ntilde;or, I want you here." This peremptory sharpness was very
+unlike the wonted manner of Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan came forth immediately. Dolores signed to him to shut the
+door. Then, not till then, she began,&mdash;"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus have come from Seville, and are now in the
+village."</p>
+
+<p>"What then? Surely you do not fear that they suspect anything with
+regard to us?" asked Juan, in some alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but they have brought tidings."</p>
+
+<p>"You tremble, Dolores. You are ill. Speak&mdash;what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"They have brought tidings of a great Act of Faith, to be held at
+Seville, upon a day not yet fixed when they left the city, but towards
+the end of this month."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the two stood silent, gazing in each other's faces. Then
+Dolores said, in an eager breathless whisper, "You will go, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan shook his head. "What you are thinking of Dolores, is a dream&mdash;a
+vain, wild dream. Long since, I doubt not, he rests with God."</p>
+
+<p>"But if we had the proof of it, rest might come to us," said Dolores,
+large tears gathering slowly in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It is true," Juan mused; "they may wreak their vengeance on the dust."</p>
+
+<p>"And for the assurance that would give that nothing more was left them,
+I, a poor woman, would joyfully walk barefoot from this to Seville and
+back again."</p>
+
+<p>Juan hesitated no longer. "<i>I go</i>" he said. "Dolores, seek Fray
+Sebastian, and send him to me at once. Bid Jorge be ready with the
+horses to start to-morrow at daybreak. Meanwhile, I will prepare Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz for my sudden departure."</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p>Of that hurried winter journey, Don Juan was never afterwards heard
+to speak. No one of its incidents seemed to have made the slightest
+impression on his mind, or even to have been remembered by him.</p>
+
+<p>But at last he drew near Seville. It was late in the evening, however,
+and he had told his attendant they should spend the night at a village
+eight or nine miles from their destination.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Jorge cried out. "Look there, se&ntilde;or, the city is on fire."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked. A lurid crimson glow paled the stars in the southern
+sky. With a shudder he bowed his head, and veiled his face from the
+awful sight.</p>
+
+<p>"That fire is <i>without the gate</i>," he said at last. "Pray for the souls
+that are passing in anguish now."</p>
+
+<p>Noble, heroic souls! Probably Juliano Hernandez, possibly Fray
+Constantino, was amongst them. These were the only names that occurred
+to Don Juan's mind, or were breathed in his fervent, agitated prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder is the posada, se&ntilde;or," said the attendant presently.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Jorge, we will ride on. There will be no sleepers in Seville
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"But, se&ntilde;or," remonstrated the servant, "the horses are weary. We have
+travelled far to-day already."</p>
+
+<p>"Let them rest afterwards," said Juan briefly. Motion, just <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span>then, was
+an absolute necessity to him. He could not have rested anywhere, within
+sight of that awful glare.</p>
+
+<p>Two hours afterwards he drew the rein of his weary steed before
+the house of his cousin Do&ntilde;a Inez. He had no scruple in asking for
+admission in the middle of the night, as he knew that, under the
+circumstances, the household would not fail to be astir. His summons
+was speedily answered, and he was conducted to a hall opening on the
+patio.</p>
+
+<p>Thither, after a brief interval, came Juanita, bearing a lamp in
+her hand, which she set down on the table. "My lady will see your
+Excellency presently," said the girl, with a shy, frightened air, which
+was very unlike her, but which Juan was too preoccupied to notice. "But
+she is much indisposed. My lord was obliged to accompany her home from
+the Act of Faith before it was half over."</p>
+
+<p>Juan expressed the concern he felt, and desired that she would not
+incommode herself upon his account. Perhaps Don Gar&ccedil;ia, if he had not
+yet retired to rest, would converse with him for a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>"My lady said she must speak with you herself," answered Juanita, as
+she left the room.</p>
+
+<p>After a considerable time Do&ntilde;a Inez appeared. In that southern climate
+youth and beauty fade quickly; and yet Juan was by no means prepared
+for the changed, worn, haggard face that gazed on him now, There was
+no pomp of apparel to carry off the impression. Do&ntilde;a Inez wore a loose
+dark dressing-robe; and a hasty careless hand seemed to have untwined
+the usual ornaments from her black hair. Her eyes were like those of
+one who has wept for hours, and then only ceased for very weariness.</p>
+
+<p>She stretched out both her hands to Juan&mdash;"O Don Juan, I never meant
+it! I never meant it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora and my cousin, I have but just arrived here. I do not
+understand you," said Juan, rising to greet her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Santa Maria! Then you know not!&mdash;Horrible!"</p>
+
+<p>She sank into a seat. Juan stood gazing at her eagerly, almost wildly.
+"Yes; I understand all now," he said at last. "I suspected it."</p>
+
+<p><i>He</i> saw in imagination a black chest, with a little lifeless dust
+within it; a rude shapeless figure, robed in the hideous zamarra, and
+bearing in large letters the venerated name, "Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya." While <i>she</i> saw a living face, that would never cease to haunt
+her memory until death shadowed all things.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me speak," she gasped; "and I will try to be calm. I did not wish
+to go. It was the day of the last Auto, you remember, that my poor
+brother died, and altogether&mdash;&mdash; But Don Gar&ccedil;ia insisted. He said
+everybody would talk, and especially when the taint had touched our own
+house. Besides, Do&ntilde;a Juana de Bohorques, who died in prison, was to be
+publicly declared innocent, and her property restored to her heirs. Out
+of regard to the family, it was thought we ought to be present. O Don
+Juan, if I had but known! I would rather have put on a sanbenito myself
+than have gone there. God grant it did not hurt him!"</p>
+
+<p>"How could it possibly hurt him, my tender-hearted cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! Let me go on now, while I can speak of it; or I shall never,
+never tell you. And I must. <i>He</i> would have wished&mdash;&mdash; Well, we were
+seated in what they called good places; very near the condemned; in
+fact, the scaffold opposite was plain to us as you are to me now. But
+that last time, and Do&ntilde;a Maria's look, and Dr. Cristobal's, haunted
+me, so that I did not dare to raise my eyes to where <i>they</i> sat;&mdash;not
+until long after the mass had begun. And I knew besides there were
+so many women there&mdash;eight on that dreadful top bench, doomed to
+die. But at last a lady who sat near me bade me look at one of the
+relaxed, a little man, who was pointing upwards and making signs to his
+companions to encourage <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span>them. 'Do not look, se&ntilde;ora,' said Don Gar&ccedil;ia,
+quickly&mdash;but too late. O Don Juan, I saw his face!"</p>
+
+<p>"His <span class="smcap">LIVING</span> face? Not his living face?" cried Juan, with a
+shudder that convulsed his strong frame from head to foot. And the
+Name&mdash;the one awful Name that rises to all human lips in moments of
+supreme emotion&mdash;broke from his in a wail of anguish.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez tried to speak; but in vain. Thoroughly broken down, she wept
+and sobbed aloud. But the sight of the rigid, tearless face before
+her checked her tears at last. She gained power to go on. "I saw him.
+Worn and pale, of course; yet not changed so greatly, after all. The
+same dear, kind, familiar face I had seen last in this room, when he
+caressed and played with my child. Not sad, not as though he suffered.
+Rather as though he had suffered long ago; but was beyond it all, even
+then. A still, patient, fearless look, eyes that saw everything; and
+yet nothing seemed to trouble him. I bore it until they were reading
+the sentences, and came to his. But when I saw the Alguazil strike
+him&mdash;the blow that relaxed to the secular arm&mdash;I could endure no more.
+I believe I cried aloud. But in fact I know not what I did. I know
+nothing more till Don Gar&ccedil;ia and my brother Don Manuel were carrying me
+through the crowd."</p>
+
+<p>"No word? Was there no word spoken?" asked Juan wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No</i>; but I heard some one near me say that he talked with that
+muleteer in the court of the Triana, and spoke words of comfort to a
+poor woman amongst the penitents, whom they called Maria Gonsalez."</p>
+
+<p>All was told now. Maddened with rage and anguish, Juan rushed from
+the room, from the house; and, without being conscious of any settled
+purpose, in five minutes found himself far on his way to the Dominican
+convent adjoining the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>His servant, who was still waiting at the gate, followed him <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span>to ask
+for orders, and with difficulty overtook him, and arrested his steps.</p>
+
+<p>Juan sternly silenced his faltering, agitated question as to what was
+wrong with his lord. "Go to rest," he said, "and meet me in the morning
+by the great gate of Sun Isodro." Nothing was clear to him; but that he
+must shake off as soon as possible the dust of the wicked, cruel city
+from his feet. And San Isodro was the only trysting-place without its
+walls that happened at the moment to occur to his bewildered brain.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVII" id="XLVII">XLVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Dominican Prior.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Oh, deep is a wounded heart, and strong</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A voice that cries against mighty wrong!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And full of death as a hot wind's blight,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Doth the ire of a crushed affection light."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>ell the prior Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya desires to
+speak with him, and that instantly," said Juan to the drowsy lay
+brother who at last answered his impatient summons, lantern in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord has but just retired to rest, and cannot now be disturbed,"
+answered the attendant, looking with some curiosity, not to say
+surprise, at the visitor, who seemed to think three o'clock of a winter
+morning a proper and suitable hour to demand instant audience of a
+great man.</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait," said Juan, walking into the court.</p>
+
+<p>The attendant led him to a parlour; then, holding the door ajar, he
+said, "Let his Excellency pardon me, I did not hear distinctly his
+worship's honourable name."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya. The prior knows it&mdash;too
+well."</p>
+
+<p>It was evident from his face that the poor lay brother knew it also.
+And so that night did every man, woman, and child in Seville. It had
+become a name of infamy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With a hasty "Yes, yes, se&ntilde;or," the door was closed, and Juan was left
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>What had brought him there? Did he mean to accuse the Dominican of
+his brother's murder, or did he only intend to reproach him&mdash;him who
+had once shown some pity to the captive&mdash;for not saving him from that
+horrible doom? He himself scarcely knew. He had been driven thither by
+a wild, unreasoning impulse, an instinct of passionate rage, prompting
+him to grasp at the only shadow of revenge that lay within his reach.
+If he could not execute God's awful judgments against the persecutors,
+at least he could denounce them. A poor substitute, but all that
+remained to him. Without it his heart must break.</p>
+
+<p>Yet that unreasoning impulse had a kind of unconscious reason in it,
+since it led him to seek the presence of the Dominican prior, and not
+that of the far more guilty Munebr&atilde;ga. For who would accuse a tiger,
+reproach a wolf? Words would be wasted upon such. For them there is no
+argument but the spear and the bullet. A man can only speak to men.</p>
+
+<p>To do Fray Ricardo justice, he was so much of a man that sleep did not
+visit his eyes that night. When at length his attendants thought fit
+to inform him that Don Juan desired to see him, he was still kneeling,
+as he had knelt for hours, before the crucifix in his private oratory.
+"Saviour of the world, so much didst thou suffer," this was the
+key-note of his thoughts; "and shall I weakly pity thine enemies, or
+shrink from seeing them suffer what they have deserved at thy hands and
+those of thy holy Church?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya waits below!" Just then Don Fray
+Ricardo would rather have held his right hand in the fire than have
+gone forth to face one bearing that name. But, for that very reason, no
+sooner did he hear that Don Juan awaited him than he robed himself in
+his cowl and mantle, took a lamp in his hand (for it was still dark),
+and went down to meet the visitor. For that morning he was in the mood
+to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span>welcome any form of self-torture that came in his way, and to find
+a strange but real relief in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Peace be with thee, my son," was his grave but courteous salutation,
+as he entered the parlour. He looked upon Juan with mournful
+compassion, as the last of a race over which there hung a terrible doom.</p>
+
+<p>"Let your peace be with murderers like yourselves, or with slaves like
+those that work your will; I fling it back to you in scorn," was the
+fierce reply.</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican recoiled a step&mdash;only a step, for he was a brave man, and
+his face, pale with conflict and watching, grew a shade paler.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think I mean to harm you?" cried Juan in yet fiercer scorn.
+"Not a hair of your tonsured head. See there!" He unbuckled his sword,
+and threw it from him, and it fell with a clang on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man, you would consult your own safety as well as your own
+honour by adopting a different tone," said the prior, not without
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"My safety is little worth consulting. I am a bold, rough soldier,
+used to peril and violence. Would it were such, and such alone, that
+you menaced. But, fiends that you are, would no one serve you for a
+victim save my young, gentle, unoffending brother; he who never harmed
+you nor any one? Would nothing satisfy your malice but to immure him
+in your hideous dungeons for two-and-thirty long slow months, in what
+suffering of mind and body God alone can tell; and then, at last, to
+bring him forth to that horrible death? I curse you! I curse you! Nay,
+that is nothing; who am I to curse? I invoke God's curse upon you! I
+give you up into God's hands this hour! When He maketh inquisition for
+blood&mdash;another inquisition than yours&mdash;I pray him to exact from you,
+murderers of the innocent, torturers of the just, every drop of blood,
+every tear, every pang of which he has been the witness, as he shall be
+the avenger."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At last the prior found a voice. Hitherto he had listened spell-bound,
+as one oppressed by nightmare, powerless to free himself from the
+hideous burden. "Man!" he cried, "you are raving; the Holy Office&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is the arch-fiend's own contrivance, and its ministers his favourite
+servants," interrupted Juan, reckless in his rage, and defying all
+consequences.</p>
+
+<p>"Blasphemy! This may not be borne," and Fray Ricardo stretched out his
+hand towards a bell that lay on the table.</p>
+
+<p>But Juan's strong grasp prevented his touching it. He could not shake
+off that as easily as he had shaken off a pale thin hand two days
+before. "I shall speak forth my mind this once," he said. "After that,
+what you please.&mdash;Go on. Fill your cup full to the brim. Immure,
+plunder, burn, destroy. Pile up, high as heaven, your hecatomb of
+victims, offered to the God of love. At least there is one thing that
+may be said in your favour. In your cruelties there is a horrible
+impartiality. It can never be spoken of you that you have gone out into
+the highways and hedges, taken the blind and the lame, and made of them
+your burnt sacrifice. No. You go into the closest guarded homes; you
+take thence the gentlest, the tenderest, the fairest, the best, and of
+such you make your burnt-offering. And you&mdash;are your hearts human, or
+are they not? If they are, stifle them, crush them down into silence
+while you can; for a day will come when you can stifle them no longer.
+That will begin your punishment. You will feel remorse."</p>
+
+<p>"Man, let me go!" interrupted the indignant yet half-frightened
+prior, struggling vainly to free himself from his grasp. "Cease your
+blasphemies. Men only feel remorse when they have sinned; and I serve
+God and the Church."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, servant of the Church (for God's servant I am not profane enough
+to call you), speak to me this once as man to man, and tell me, did a
+victim's pale face never haunt you, a victim's agonized cry never ring
+in your ears?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For just an instant the prior winced, as one who feels a sharp, sudden
+pain, but determines to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" cried Juan&mdash;and at last he released his arm and flung it from
+him&mdash;"I read an answer in your look. You, at least, are capable of
+remorse."</p>
+
+<p>"You are false there," the prior broke in. "Remorse is not for me."</p>
+
+<p>"No? Then all the worse for you&mdash;infinitely the worse. Yet it may be.
+You may sleep and rise, and go to your rest again untroubled by an
+accusing conscience. You may sit down to eat and drink with the wail
+of your brother's anguish ringing in your ears, like Munebr&atilde;ga, who
+sits feasting yonder in his marble hall, with the ashes yet hot on the
+Quemadero. Until you go down quick into hell, and the pit shuts her
+mouth upon you. Then, <span class="smcap">THEN</span> shall you drink of the wine of the
+wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
+indignation; and you shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
+presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art beside thyself," cried the prior; "and I, scarce less mad
+than thou, to listen to thy ravings. Yet hear me a moment, Don Juan
+Alvarez. I have not merited these insane reproaches. To you and yours I
+have been more a friend than you wot of."</p>
+
+<p>"Noble friendship! I thank you for it, as it deserves."</p>
+
+<p>"You have given me, this hour, more than cause enough to order your
+instant arrest."</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome. It were shame indeed if I could not bear at your
+hands what my gentle brother bore."</p>
+
+<p>The last of his race! The father dead in prison; the mother dead long
+ago (Fray Ricardo himself best knew why); the brother burned to ashes.
+"I think you have a wife, perhaps a child?" asked the prior hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>"A young wife, and an infant son," said Juan, softening a little at the
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wild as your words have been, I am yet willing, for their sakes, to
+show you forbearance. According to the lenity which ministers of the
+Holy Office&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have learned from their father the devil," interrupted Juan, the flame
+of his wrath blazing up again. "After what the stars looked down on
+last night, dare to mock me with thy talk of lenity!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are in love with destruction," said the prior. "But I have heard
+you long enough. Now hear me. You have been, ere this, under grave
+suspicion. Indeed, you would have been arrested, only that your brother
+endured the Question without revealing anything to your disadvantage.
+That saved you."</p>
+
+<p>But here he stopped, struck with astonishment at the sudden change his
+words had wrought.</p>
+
+<p>A man stabbed to the heart makes no outcry, he does not even moan or
+writhe. Nor did Juan. Mutely he sank on the nearest seat, all his rage
+and defiance gone now. A moment before he stood over the shrinking
+Inquisitor like a prophet of doom or an avenging angel; now he cowered
+crushed and silent, stricken to the soul. There was a long silence.
+Then he raised a changed, sad look to the prior's face. "He bore <i>that</i>
+for me," he said, "and I never knew it."</p>
+
+<p>In the cold gray morning light, now filling the room, he looked
+utterly forlorn and broken. The prior could even afford to pity him.
+He questioned, mildly enough, "How was it you did not know it? Fray
+Sebastian Gomez, who visited him in prison, was well aware of the fact."</p>
+
+<p>In Juan's present mood every faculty was stimulated to unnatural
+activity. This perhaps enabled him to divine a truth which in calmer
+moments might have escaped him. "My brother," he said, in a low tone of
+deep emotion, "my heroic, tender-hearted brother must have bidden him
+conceal it from me."</p>
+
+<p>"It was strange," said the prior, and his thoughts ran back <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span>to other
+things which were strange also&mdash;to the uniform patience and gentleness
+of Carlos; to the fortitude with which, whilst acknowledging his own
+faith, he had steadily refused to compromise any one else; to the
+self-forgetfulness with which he had shielded his father's last hours
+from disturbance. Granted that the heretic was a wild beast, "made to
+be taken and destroyed," even the hunter may admire unblamed the grace
+and beauty of the creature who has just fallen beneath his relentless
+weapon. Something like a mist rose to the eyes of Fray Ricardo, taking
+him by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Still, the interests of the Faith were paramount with him. All that had
+been done had been well done; he would not, if he could, undo any part
+of it. But did his duty to the Faith and to Holy Church require that he
+should hunt the remaining brother to death, and thus "quench the coal
+that was left"? He hoped not; he thought not. And, although he would
+not have allowed it to himself, the words that followed were really a
+peace-offering to the shade of Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man, I am willing, for my own part, to overlook the wild words
+you have uttered, regarding them as the outpourings of insanity, and
+making moreover due allowance for your natural fraternal sorrow.
+Still you must be aware that you have laid yourself open, and not for
+the first time, to grave suspicion of heresy. I should not only sin
+against my own conscience, but also expose myself to the penalties of a
+grievous irregularity, did I take no steps for the vindication of the
+Faith and your just and well-merited punishment. Therefore give ear to
+what I say. <i>This day week</i> I bring the matter before the Table of the
+Holy Office, of which I have the honour to be an unworthy member. And
+God grant you the grace of repentance, and his forgiveness."</p>
+
+<p>Having said this, Fray Ricardo left the room. He disappears also from
+our pages, where he occupied a place as a type of the less numerous
+and less guilty class of persecutors&mdash;those who <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span>not only thought they
+were doing God service (Munebr&atilde;ga may have thought that, but he was
+only willing to do God such service as cost him nothing), but who were
+honestly anxious to serve him to the best of their ability. His future
+is hidden from our sight. We cannot even undertake to say whether, when
+death drew near,&mdash;if the name of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya occurred to him at
+all,&mdash;he reproached himself for his sternness to the brother whom he
+had consigned to the flames, or for his weakness to the brother to whom
+he had generously given a chance of life and liberty.</p>
+
+<p>It is not usually the most guilty who hear the warning voice that
+denounces their crimes and threatens their doom. Such words as Don Juan
+spoke to Fray Ricardo could not, by any conceivable possibility, have
+been uttered in the presence of Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards a lay brother, the same who had admitted Don Juan,
+entered the room and placed wine on the table before him. "My lord the
+prior bade me say your Excellency seemed exhausted, and should refresh
+yourself ere you depart," he explained.</p>
+
+<p>Juan motioned it away. He could not trust himself to speak. But did
+Fray Ricardo imagine he would either eat bread or drink water beneath
+the roof that sheltered <i>him?</i></p>
+
+<p>Still the poor man lingered, standing before him with the air of one
+who had something to say which he did not exactly know how to bring out.</p>
+
+<p>"You may tell your lord that I am going," said Juan, rising wearily,
+and with a look that certainly told of exhaustion.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please your noble Excellency&mdash;" and the lay brother stopped and
+hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let his Excellency pardon me. Could his worship have the misfortune to
+be related, very distantly no doubt, to one of the heretics who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don Carlos Alvarez was my brother," said Juan proudly.</p>
+
+<p>The poor lay brother drew nearer to him, and lowered his voice to a
+mysterious whisper. "Se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, he was here in prison
+for a long time. It was thought that my lord the prior had a kindness
+for him, and wished him better used than they use the criminals in the
+Santa Casa. It happened that the prisoner whose cell he shared died the
+day before his&mdash;<i>removal</i>. So that the cell was empty, and it fell to
+my lot to cleanse it. Whilst I was doing it I found this; I think it
+belonged to him."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from beneath his serge gown a little book, and handed it to
+Juan, who seized it as a starving man might seize a piece of bread.
+Hastily taking out his purse, he flung it in exchange to the lay
+brother; and then, just as the matin bells began to ring, he buckled on
+his sword and went forth.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVIII" id="XLVIII">XLVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">San Isodro Once More.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And if with milder anguish now I bear</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To think of thee in thy forsaken rest;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;If from my heart be lifted the despair,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The sharp remorse with healing influence pressed,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;It is that Thou the sacrifice hast blessed,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And filled my spirit, in its inmost cell,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;With a deep chastened sense that all at last is well."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he cloudless sky above him, the fresh morning air on his cheek, the
+dew-drops on his feet, Don Juan walked along. The river&mdash;his own bright
+Guadalquivir&mdash;glistened in the early sunshine; and soon his pathway
+led him amidst the gray ruins of old Italica, while among the brambles
+that half hid them, glittering lizards, startled by his footsteps,
+ran in and out. But he saw nothing, felt nothing, save the passionate
+pain that burned in his heart. During his interview with Fray Ricardo
+he had been, practically and for the time, what the prior called him,
+insane&mdash;mad with rage and hate. But now rage was dying out for the
+present, and giving place to anguish.</p>
+
+<p>Is the worst pang earth has to give that of witnessing the sufferings
+of our beloved? Or is there yet one keener, more thrilling? That they
+should suffer alone; no hand near to help, no voice to speak sympathy,
+no eye to look "ancient <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span>kindness" on their pain. That they should
+die&mdash;die in anguish&mdash;and still alone,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"With eyes turned away,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And no last word to say."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Don Juan was now drinking that bitter cup to its very dregs. What the
+young brother, his one earthly tie, had been to him, need not here be
+told; and assuredly he could not have told it. He had been all his
+life a thing to protect and shield&mdash;as the strong protect the weak, as
+manhood shields womanhood and childhood. Had God but taken him with his
+own right hand, Juan would have thought it a light matter, a sorrow
+easily borne. But, instead, He stood afar off&mdash;He did not help; whilst
+men, cruel as fiends from the bottomless pit, did their worst, their
+very worst, upon him. And with refined self-torture he went through all
+the horrible details, as far as he knew or could guess them. Nor did he
+spare to stab his own heart with that keenest weapon of all&mdash;"It was
+<i>for me</i>; for me he endured the Question." The cry of his brother's
+anguish&mdash;anguish borne for him&mdash;seemed to sound in his ears and to
+haunt him: he felt that it would haunt him evermore.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, there was a well of comfort near, which a child's hand might
+have pointed out to him: "All is over now; he suffers no longer&mdash;he is
+at rest." But who ever stoops to drink from that well in the parching
+thirst of the first hour of such a grief as his? In truth, all was over
+for Carlos; but all was <i>not</i> over for Juan. He had to pass through his
+dark hour as really as Carlos had passed through his.</p>
+
+<p>Again the agony almost maddened him; again wild hatred and rage against
+his brother's torturers rose and surged like a flood within him. And
+with these were mingled thoughts, too nearly rebellious, of Him whom
+that brother trusted so firmly and served so faithfully; as if he had
+used his servant hardly, and forsaken him in his hour of sorest need.</p>
+
+<p>He shrank with horror from every wayfarer he chanced to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span>meet,
+imagining that his eyes might have looked on his brother's suffering.
+But at last he came unawares upon the gate of San Isodro. Left unbarred
+by some accident, it yielded to his touch, and he entered the monastery
+grounds. At that very spot, three years ago, the brothers parted, on
+the day that Carlos avowed his change of faith. Yet not even that
+remembrance could bring a tear to the hot and angry eyes of Juan. But
+just then he happened to recollect the book he had received from the
+lay brother. He took it from its place of concealment, and eagerly
+began to examine it. It was almost filled with writing; but not, alas!
+from that beloved hand. So he flung it aside in bitter disappointment.
+Then becoming suddenly conscious of bodily weakness, he half sat down,
+half threw himself on the ground. His vigorous frame and his strong
+nerves saved him from swooning outright: he only lay sick and faint,
+the blue sky looking black above him, and a strange, indistinct sound,
+as of many voices, murmuring in his ears.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by he became conscious that some one was holding water to his
+lips, and trying, though with an awkward, trembling hand, to loose his
+doublet at the throat. He drank, shook off his weakness, and looked
+about him. A very old man, in a white tunic and brown mantle, was
+bending over him compassionately. In another moment he was on his feet;
+and having briefly thanked the aged monk for his kindness, he turned
+his face to the gate.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my son," the old man interposed; "San Isodro is changed&mdash;changed!
+Still the sick and weary never left its gates unaided; and they shall
+not begin now&mdash;not now. I pray you come with me to the house, and
+refresh and rest yourself there."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was not reckless enough to refuse what in truth he sorely needed.
+He entered the monastery under the guidance of poor old Fray Bernardo,
+who had been passed by, perhaps in scorn, by the persecutors: and so,
+after all, he had his wish&mdash;he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span>should die and be buried in peace where
+he had passed his life from boyhood to extreme old age. Yet there was
+something sad in the thought that the storm that swept by had left
+untouched the poor, useless, half-withered tree, while it tore down the
+young and strong and noble oaks, the pride of the now desolated forest.</p>
+
+<p>The few cowed and terrified monks who had been allowed to remain in
+the convent received Don Juan with great kindness. They set food and
+wine before him: food he could not touch, but wine he accepted with
+thankfulness. And they almost insisted on his endeavouring to take some
+rest; assuring him that when his servant and horses should arrive, they
+would see them properly cared for, until such time as he might be able
+to resume his journey.</p>
+
+<p>His journey would not brook delay, as he knew full well. That his young
+wife might not be a widow and his babe an orphan, he "charged his soul
+to hold his body strengthened" for the work that both had to do. Back
+to Nuera for these dear ones as swiftly as the fleetest horses would
+bear him, then to Seville again, and on board the first ship he could
+meet with bound for any foreign port,&mdash;would the term of grace assigned
+him by the Inquisitor suffice for all this? Certainly not a moment
+should be lost.</p>
+
+<p>"I will rest for an hour," he said. "But I pray you, my fathers, do me
+one kindness first. Is there a man here who witnessed&mdash;what was done
+yesterday?"</p>
+
+<p>A young monk came forward. Juan led him into the cell which had been
+prepared for him to rest in, and leaning against its little window,
+with his face turned away, he murmured one agitated question. Three
+words comprised the answer,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Calmly</i>, <i>silently</i>, <i>quickly</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Juan's breast heaved and his strong frame trembled. After a long
+interval he said, still without looking,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Now tell me of the others. Name him no more."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[403]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No less than <i>eight</i> ladies died the martyr's death," said the monk,
+who cared not, before <i>this</i> auditor, to conceal his own sentiments.
+"One of them was Se&ntilde;ora Maria Gomez; your Excellency probably knows her
+story. Her three daughters and her sister died with her. When their
+sentences were read, they embraced on the scaffold, and bade each other
+farewell with tears. Then they comforted each other with holy words
+about our Lord and his passion, and the home he was preparing for them
+above."</p>
+
+<p>Here the young monk paused for a few moments; then went on, his voice
+still trembling: "There were, moreover, two Englishmen and a Frenchman,
+who all died bravely. Lastly, there was Juliano Hernandez."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! tell me of him."</p>
+
+<p>"He died as he had lived. In the morning, when brought out into the
+court of the Triana, he cried aloud to his fellow-sufferers,&mdash;'Courage,
+comrades! Now must we show ourselves valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ.
+Let us bear faithful testimony to his truth before men, and in a
+few hours we shall receive the testimony of his approbation before
+angels, and triumph with him in heaven.' Though silenced, he continued
+throughout the day to encourage his companions by his gestures. On the
+Quemadero, he knelt down and kissed the stone upon which the stake was
+erected; then thrust his head among the fagots to show his willingness
+to suffer. But at the end, having raised his hands in prayer, one of
+the attendant priests&mdash;Dr. Rodriguez&mdash;mistook the attitude for a sign
+that he would recant, and made intercession with the Alguazils to give
+him a last opportunity of speaking. He confessed his faith in a few
+strong, brief words; and knowing the character of Rodriguez, told him
+he thought the same himself, but hid his true belief out of fear. The
+angry priest bade them light the pile at once. It was done; but the
+guards, with kind cruelty, thrust the martyr through with their lances,
+so that he passed, without much pain, into the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[404]</a></span>presence of the Lord
+whom he served as few have been honoured to do."</p>
+
+<p>"And&mdash;Fray Constantino?" Juan questioned.</p>
+
+<p>"He was not, for God took him. They had only his dust to burn. They
+have sought to slander his memory, saying he raised his hand against
+his own life. But we knew the contrary. It has reached our ears&mdash;I dare
+not tell you how&mdash;that he died in the arms of one of our dear brethren
+from this place&mdash;poor young Fray Fernando, who closed his eyes in
+peace. It was from one of the dark underground cells of the Triana that
+he passed straight to the glory of God."<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for your tidings," said Juan, slowly and faintly. "And now
+I pray of you to leave me."</p>
+
+<p>After a considerable time, one of the monks softly opened the door of
+their visitor's cell. He sat on the pallet prepared for him, his head
+buried in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said the monk, "your servant has arrived, and begs you to
+excuse his delay. It may be there are some instructions you wish him to
+receive."</p>
+
+<p>Juan roused himself with an effort.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said; "and I thank you. Will you add to your kindness by
+bidding him immediately procure for us fresh horses, the best and
+fleetest that can be had?" He sought his purse; but, remembering in a
+moment what had become of it, drew a ring from his finger to supply
+its loss. It was the diamond ring that the Sieur de Ramenais had given
+him. A keen pang shot through his heart. "No, not that; I cannot part
+with it." He took two others instead&mdash;old family jewels. "Bid him bring
+these," he said, "to Isaac Ozorio, who dwells in La Juderia<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>&mdash;any
+man there will show him the house; take for them whatever he will give
+him, and therewith hire fresh horses&mdash;the best he can&mdash;from the posada
+where he rested, leaving our own in pledge. Let him also buy provisions
+for the way; for my business requires haste. I will explain all to you
+anon."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[405]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>While the monk did the errand, Don Juan sat still, gazing at the
+diamond ring. Slowly there came back upon his memory the words spoken
+by Carlos on the day when the sharp facets cut his hand, unfelt by
+him: "If He calls me to suffer for him, he may give me such blessed
+assurance of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear will vanish."</p>
+
+<p>Could it be possible He <i>had</i> done this? Oh, for some token, to relieve
+his breaking heart by the assurance that thus it had been! And yet,
+wherefore seek a sign? Was not the heroic courage, the calm patience,
+given to that young brother, once so frail and timid, as plain a token
+of the sunlight of God's peace and presence as is the bow in the cloud
+of the sun shining in the heavens? True; but not the less was his soul
+filled with passionate longing for one word&mdash;only one word&mdash;from the
+lips that were dust and ashes now. "If God would give me <i>that</i>," he
+moaned, "I think I could weep for him."</p>
+
+<p>It occurred to him then that he might examine the book more carefully
+than he had done before. Don Juan, of late, had been no great reader,
+except of the Spanish Testament. Instead of glancing rapidly through
+the volume with a practised eye, he carefully began at the beginning
+and perused several pages with diligence, and with a kind of compelled
+and painful attention.</p>
+
+<p>The writer of the diary with which the book seemed filled had not
+prefixed his name. Consequently Juan, who was without a clue to the
+authorship, saw in it merely the effusions of a penitent, with whose
+feelings he had but little sympathy. Still, he reflected that if the
+writer had been his brother's fellow-prisoner, some mention of his
+brother would probably reward his persevering search. So he read on;
+but he was not greatly interested, until at length he came to one
+passage which ran thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Christ and Our Lady forgive me, if it be a sin. Ofttimes, even by
+prayer and fasting, I cannot prevent my thoughts from wandering to the
+past. Not to the life I lived, and the part I acted in the great world,
+for that is dead to me and I to it; but to the dear faces my eyes shall
+never see again. My Costanza!"&mdash;("Costanza!" thought Juan with a start,
+"that was my mothers name!")&mdash;"my wife! my babe! O God, in thy great
+mercy, still this hungering and thirsting of the heart!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[406]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Immediately beneath this entry was another. "<i>May 21.</i> My Costanza, my
+beloved wife, is in heaven. It is more than a year ago, but they did
+not tell me till to-day. Does death only visit the free?"</p>
+
+<p>Yet another entry caught the eye of Juan. "Burning heat to-day. It
+would be cool enough in the halls of Nuera, on the breezy slope of the
+Sierra Morena. What does my orphaned Juan Rodrigo there, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nuera! Sierra Morena! Juan Rodrigo!" reiterated the astonished reader.
+What did it all mean? He was stunned and bewildered, so that he had
+scarcely power left even to form a conjecture. At last it occurred
+to him turn to the other end of the book, if perchance some name,
+affording a clue to the mystery, might be inscribed there.</p>
+
+<p>And then he read, in another, well-known hand, a few calm words,
+breathing peace and joy, "quietness and assurance for ever."</p>
+
+<p>He pressed the loved handwriting to his lips, to his heart. He sobbed
+over it and wept; blistering it with such burning tears as scarcely
+come from a strong man's eyes more than once <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[407]</a></span>in a lifetime. Then,
+flinging himself on his knees, he thanked God&mdash;God whom he had doubted,
+murmured against, almost blasphemed, and who yet had been true to his
+promise&mdash;true to his tried and suffering servant in the hour of need.</p>
+
+<p>When he rose, he took up the book again, and read and re-read those
+precious words. All but the first he thought he could comprehend. "My
+beloved father is gone to Him in peace." Would the preceding entries
+throw any light upon <i>that</i> saying?</p>
+
+<p>Once more, with changed feelings and quickened perceptions, he turned
+back to the records of the penitent's long captivity. Slowly and
+gradually the secret they revealed unfolded itself before him. The
+history of the last nine months of his brother's life lay clearly
+traced; and the light it shed illumined another life also, longer,
+sadder, less glorious than his.</p>
+
+<p>One entry, almost the last, and traced with a trembling hand, he read
+over and over, till his eyes grew too dim to see the words.</p>
+
+<p>"He entreats of me to pray for my absent Juan, and to bless him. My
+son, my first-born, whose face I know not, but whom he has taught me
+to love, I do bless thee. All blessings rest upon thee&mdash;blessings of
+heaven above, blessings of the earth beneath, blessings of the deep
+that lieth under! But for <i>thee</i>, Carlos, what shall I say? I have no
+blessing fit for thee&mdash;no word of love deep and strong enough to join
+with that name of thine. Doth not He say, of whose tenderness thou
+tellest me ours is but the shadow, 'He will <i>be silent</i> in his love'?
+But may he read my heart in its silence, and bless thee, and repay thee
+when thou comest to thy home, where already thy heart is."</p>
+
+<p>It might have been two hours afterwards, when the same friendly monk
+who had narrated to Don Juan the circumstances of the Auto-da-f&eacute;, came
+to apprise him that his servant had fulfilled his errand, and was
+waiting with the horses.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[408]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Don Juan rose and met him. His face was sad; it would be a sad face
+always; but there was in it a look as of one who saw the end, and
+who knew that, however dark the way might be, the end was light
+everlasting. "Look here, my friend," he said, for no concealment was
+necessary there; truth could hurt no one. "See how wondrously God has
+dealt with me and mine. Here is the record of the life and death of my
+honoured father. For three-and-twenty years he lay in the Dominican
+monastery, a prisoner for Christ's sake. And to my heroic martyr
+brother God has given the honour and the joy of unravelling the mystery
+of his fate, and thus fulfilling our youthful dream. Carlos has found
+our father!"</p>
+
+<p>He went forth into the hall, and bade the other monks a grateful
+farewell. Old Fray Bernardo embraced and blessed him with tears, moved
+by the likeness, now discerned for the first time, between the stately
+soldier and the noble and gentle youth, whose kindness to him, during
+his residence at the monastery three years before, he well remembered.</p>
+
+<p>Then Don Juan set his face towards Nuera, with patient endurance,
+rather sad than stern, upon his brow, and in his heart "a grief as deep
+as life or thought," but no rebellion, and no despair. Something like
+resignation had come to him; already he could say, or at least try to
+say, "Thy will be done." And he foresaw, as in the distance, far off
+and faintly, a time when he might even be able to share in spirit the
+joy of the crowned and victorious one, to whom, in the dark prison,
+face to face with death, God had so wondrously given the desire of his
+heart, and not denied him the request of his lips.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[409]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIX" id="XLIX">XLIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Farewell.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent6">"My country is there;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>bout a fortnight afterwards, a closely veiled lady, dressed in deep
+mourning, leaned over the side of a merchant vessel, and gazed into the
+sapphire depths of the Bay of Cadiz. A respectable elderly woman was
+standing near her, holding her pretty dark-eyed babe. They seemed to be
+under the protection of a Franciscan friar; and of a stately, handsome
+serving-man, whose bearing and appearance were rather out of keeping
+with his supposed rank. It was said amongst the crew that the lady
+was the widow of a rich Sevillian merchant, who during a residence in
+London some years before had married an Englishwoman. She was now going
+to join her kindred in the heretical country, and much compassion was
+expended on her, as she was said to be very Catholic and very pious.
+It was a signal proof of these dispositions that she ventured to bring
+with her, as private chaplain, the Franciscan friar, who, the sailors
+thought, would probably soon fall a martyr to his attachment to the
+Faith.</p>
+
+<p>But a few illusions might have been dispelled, if the conver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[410]</a></span>sation
+of the party, when for a brief space they had the deck to themselves,
+could have been overheard.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou mourn that the shores of our Spain are fading from us?" said
+the lady to the supposed servant.</p>
+
+<p>"Not as I should once have done, my Beatriz; though it is still my
+fatherland, dearest and best of all lands to me. And you, my beloved?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where thou art is my country, Don Juan. Besides," she added softly,
+"God is everywhere. And think what it will be to worship him in peace,
+none making us afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"And you, my brave, true-hearted Dolores?" asked Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, my country is <i>there</i>; with those that I love best,"
+said Dolores, with an upward glance of the large wistful eyes, which
+had yet, in their sorrowful depths, a look of peace unknown in past
+days. "What is Spain to me&mdash;Spain, that would not give to the noblest
+of them all a few feet of her earth for a grave?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not let us stain with one bitter thought our last look at those
+shores," said Don Juan, with the gentleness that was growing upon him
+of late. "Remember that they who denied a grave to our beloved, are
+powerless to rob us of one precious memory of him. His grave is in our
+hearts; his memorial is the faith which every one of us now standing
+here has learned from him."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true." said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "I think that not all thy teaching,
+Don Juan, made me understand what 'precious faith' is, until I learned
+it by his death."</p>
+
+<p>"He gave up all for Christ, freely and joyfully," Juan continued.
+"While I gave up nothing, save as it was wrenched from my unwilling
+hand. Therefore for him there is the 'abundant entrance,' the 'crown of
+glory.' For me, at the best, 'Seekest thou great things for thyself,
+seek them not. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all
+places whither thou goest.'"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[411]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian drew near at the moment, and happening to overhear the
+last words, he asked, "Have you any plan, se&ntilde;or, as to whither you will
+go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no plan," Don Juan answered. "But I think God will guide us. I
+have indeed a dream," he added, after a pause, "which may, or may not,
+come true eventually. My thoughts often turn to that great New World,
+where, at least, there should be room for truth and liberty. It was
+our childhood's dream, to go forth to the New World and to find our
+father. And the lesser half of it, comparatively worthless as it is,
+may fitly fall to my lot to fulfil, another worthier than I having done
+the rest." His voice grew gentler, his whole countenance softened as
+he continued,&mdash;"That the prize was his, not mine, I rejoice. It is but
+an earnest of the nobler victory, the grander triumph, he enjoys now,
+amongst those who stand evermore before the King of kings&mdash;<span class="smcap">CALLED,
+CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL</span>."</p>
+
+
+<p class="plabel no-indent">Historical Note.</p>
+
+<p>It may be asked by some thoughtful reader who has followed the
+narrative of the foregoing pages, How much is fact, how much fiction?
+As the writers sole object is to reveal, to enforce, and to illustrate
+Truth, an answer to the question is gladly supplied. All is fact,
+except what concerns the personal history of the Brothers and their
+family. Whatever relates to the rise, progress, and downfall of the
+Protestant Church in Spain, is strictly historical. Especially may be
+mentioned the story of the two great Autos at Seville. But much of
+interest on the subject remains untold, as nothing was taken up but
+what would naturally amalgamate with the narrative; and it was not
+designed to supersede history, only to stimulate to its study. Except
+in the instance of a conversation with Juliano Hernandez, another with
+Don Carlos de Seso, and a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[412]</a></span>few words required by the exigencies of the
+tale from Losada, the glorious martyr names have been left untouched
+by the hand of fiction. It was a sense of their sacredness which led
+the writer to choose for hero a character not historical, but typical
+and illustrative. But nothing is told of him which did not occur over
+and over again, if we except the act of mercy which is supposed to have
+shed a brightness over his last days. He is merely a given example, a
+specimen of the ordinary fate of such prisoners of the Inquisition as
+were enabled to remain faithful to the end; and, thank God, these were
+numerous. He is even a favourable specimen; for the conditions of art
+require that in a work of fiction a veil should be thrown over some of
+the worst horrors of persecution. Those who accuse Protestant writers
+of exaggeration in these matters, little know what they say. Easily
+could we show greater abominations than these; but we forbear.</p>
+
+<p>As for the joy and triumph ascribed to the steadfast martyr at the
+close of his career, we have a thousand well-authenticated instances
+that such has been really given. These embrace all classes and ages,
+and all varieties of character, and range throughout all time, from the
+day that Stephen saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God, until the
+martyrs of Madagascar sang hymns in the fire, and "prayed as long as
+they had any life; and then they died, softly, gently."</p>
+
+<p>It is not fiction, but truest truth, that He repays his faithful
+servants an hundred-fold, even in this life, for anything they do or
+suffer for his name's sake.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+<h2>Library of Historical Tales.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The City and the Castle.</b> A Story of the Reformation in
+Switzerland. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>, Author of "Leonie," etc. Crown
+8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming connected by
+circumstances, the relation of which faithfully portrays the state and
+character of society at the time of the Reformation (in Switzerland).</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Leonie</b>; or, Light out of Darkness: and <b>Within Iron
+Walls</b>, a Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the
+Franco-German War. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth extra.
+Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country life
+in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged capital.
+These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches of French
+life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful description of
+the leading events of the Franco-German War.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Wenzel's Inheritance</b>; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of
+Bohemia in the Fifteenth Century. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>. Crown 8vo,
+cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social conditions of
+Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering and
+martyrdom borne for faith's sake.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Helena's Household.</b> A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With
+Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the primitive
+ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the Spirit of God,
+to the promulgation of the faith.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Spanish Brothers.</b> A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the
+Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee." Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of the
+cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Czar.</b> A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812-13; the
+characters partly French, partly Russian.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Arthur Erskine's Story.</b> A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of
+the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time
+are vividly described, and the story of Scotland's Reformation is
+effectively re-told.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Under the Southern Cross.</b> A Tale of the New World. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A thrilling and fascinating story, most exciting in incident, and
+most instructive in its accurate reproduction of the manners and
+customs in Peru during the later years of the sixteenth century.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Pendower.</b> A Story of Cornwall in the Reign of Henry the Eighth.
+By <span class="smcap">M. Filleul</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English
+history previous to the Reformation.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center">WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF</p>
+
+<p class="plabel">"Chronicles of the Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family."</p>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Chronicles of the Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family.</b> Crown 8vo, cloth, red
+edges. Price 5s.</p>
+
+<p><i>An intensely interesting tale of German family-life in the times of
+Luther, including much of the personal history of the great Reformer.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>On Both Sides of the Sea.</b> A Story of the Commonwealth and the
+Restoration. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 5s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Two tales, the one being the sequel to the other, of English families
+on opposite sides during the great Civil Wars.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Watchwords for the Warfare of Life.</b> From Dr. <span class="smcap">Martin
+Luther</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. 5s.</p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Joan the Maid:</b> Deliverer of England and France. A Story of the
+Fifteenth Century. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A story of the career and death of Joan of Arc, professedly narrated
+by those who witnessed some of her achievements, and who believed in
+her purity and sincerity.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Winifred Bertram, and the World She Lived in.</b> Post 8vo, cloth,
+red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Tale for young people, the scene chiefly in London. Wealth and
+poverty are contrasted, and the happiness shown of living, not for
+selfish indulgence, but in the service of Christ, and doing good to
+others.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Diary of Mrs. Kitty Trevylyan.</b> A Story of the Times of
+Whitefield and the Wesleys. Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>This Diary forms a charming tale; introducing the lights and shades,
+the trials and pleasures, of that most interesting revival period that
+occurred in the middle of last century.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Bertram Family.</b> A Sequel to "Winifred Bertram." Post 8vo,
+cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of English family life and experience in modern times.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Draytons and the Davenants.</b> A Story of the Civil Wars. Post
+8vo, cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of the times of Charles I. and Cromwell: records kept by two
+English families&mdash;one Royalist, the other Puritan&mdash;of public events
+and domestic experiences.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Ravens and the Angels.</b> With other Stories and Parables.
+Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A volume of interesting stories and sketches, many of them in the
+allegorical form.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Victory of the Vanquished.</b> Post 8vo, cloth, red edges.
+Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The struggles and trials of the early Christians are graphically
+described in this volume.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Wanderings over Bible Lands and Seas.</b> Post 8vo, cloth, red
+edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A lady's notes of a tour in the Holy Land, returning home by Damascus
+and the coast of Asia Minor.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Songs Old and New.</b> By the Author of "Chronicles of the
+Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family," etc. <i>Collected Edition</i>. Square 16mo, cloth
+antique, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The many readers who have been charmed by the prose writings of this
+well-known and much-admired writer, will no doubt be glad to see a
+collection of poems from the same pen.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">Library of Tales and Stories.</p>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Thankful Rest.</b> A Tale. By <span class="smcap">Annie S. Swan</span>, Author of
+"Aldersyde," "Carlowrie," "Shadowed Lives," etc. Large foolscap 8vo,
+cloth extra. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting story for young people. The scene an American township
+and farmstead; the principal characters an orphan brother and sister,
+with the relatives who ungraciously give them a home in "Thankful
+Rest."</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Willie's Choice</b>; or, All is not Gold that Glitters. By <span class="smcap">M.A.
+Paull</span>. Foolscap 8vo. 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale for young people, of life-lessons and experience dearly
+bought.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>At the Pastor's.</b> By the Author of "The Swedish Twins," etc.
+Royal 18mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A charming Swedish story, describing domestic life, with its usual
+vicissitudes, in a Swedish rural parsonage.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Adventures of Mark Willis.</b> By Mrs. <span class="smcap">George Cupples</span>,
+Author of "The Little Captain," etc. With 45 Engravings. Royal 18mo.
+Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A young sailor's story of adventures on the West Coast of Africa, in
+China, etc.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Boy Artist.</b> A Tale. By the Author of "Hope On." With
+Coloured Frontispiece and numerous Engravings. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s.
+6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The trials and success at last of a youthful artist.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Tempered Steel</b>; or, Tried in the Fire. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">E.N.
+Hoare</span>, M.A., Author of "Roe Carson's Enemy," etc. Foolscap 8vo.
+Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"A well-written story, with a good purpose. It is likely to impress
+the reader at once with the earnestness of the writer, and with a
+sense of his ability."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Scotsman.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Brother Reginald's Golden Secret.</b> By the Author of "Hope On,"
+etc. With Coloured Frontispiece and Vignette, and numerous Engravings.
+Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Christmas tale for children,&mdash;the best way of securing a truly
+happy Christmas.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Christian Principle in Little Things.</b> A Book for the Young.
+With Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of home life for the young, to illustrate how self-will and
+other faults of temper may be corrected and subdued by the power of
+Christian motives and influence.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Emily Herbert</b>; or, The Happy Home. By <span class="smcap">Maria M'Intosh</span>,
+Author of "Praise and Principle," etc. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A story of family life, inculcating the lesson that a cheerful
+performance of the duties assigned to us makes a home happy.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Father's Coming Home.</b> A Tale. By the Author of "Under the
+Microscope." Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A family preparing for their father's return from India, by seeking
+to please him by improvement in character and conduct; and the various
+incidents which help or hinder them.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Under the Microscope</b>; or, "Thou Shalt Call Me My Father." By
+the Author of "Village Missionaries." With Coloured Frontispiece and
+17 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"Our Father which art in heaven," read by children in photographic
+letters under the microscope; and the lesson of divine love giving
+comfort afterwards under the trials of daily life.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">Prize Temperance Tales.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Frank Oldfield</b>; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">T.P.
+Wilson</span>, M.A. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in Lancashire,
+partly in Australia.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Sought and Saved.</b> By <span class="smcap">M.A. Paull</span>, Author of "Tim's
+Troubles; or, Tried and True." With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth
+extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative engravings.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Through Storm to Sunshine.</b> By <span class="smcap">William J. Lacey</span>, Author
+of "A Life's Motto," "The Captain's Plot," etc. With Illustrations.
+Post 8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last
+year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the £100 prize. It
+now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Tim's Troubles</b>; or, Tried and True. By <span class="smcap">M.A. Paull</span>.
+With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy,
+who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope in
+boyhood.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Lionel Franklin's Victory.</b> By <span class="smcap">E. Van Sommer</span>. With Six
+Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with illustrative
+engravings.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SEVENTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Naresborough Victory.</b> A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev.
+<span class="smcap">T. Keyworth</span>, Author of "Dick the Newsboy," "Green and Grey,"
+etc., etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and it
+is certain to be a general favourite."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Manchester Examiner.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>"Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its
+lessons."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Liverpool Albion.</span></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Owen's Hobby</b>; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By <span class="smcap">Elmer
+Burleigh</span>. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing
+incidents.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Every-Day Doings.</b> By <span class="smcap">Hellena Richardson</span>. With Six
+Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale, "written for an earnest purpose," and
+consisting almost entirely of facts.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>By Uphill Paths</b>; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to
+be Done. By <span class="smcap">E. Van Sommer</span>, Author of "Lionel Franklin's
+Victory." Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>True to His Colours</b>; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the
+Rev. <span class="smcap">T.P. Wilson</span>, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of "Frank
+Oldfield," etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s.
+6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting tale&mdash;the scene laid in England&mdash;illustrating the
+influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and
+temperance advocate.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">FOOTNOTES</p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> With good interest.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Go with God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> <i>Arriero</i>, muleteer; <i>alforjas</i>, bags.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> An inn.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> "Blue blood."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Mayor.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Unto you who believe he is precious," or "an honour."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> "But unto those that believe not, the stone that the
+builders reject."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> One of the learned men who were appointed to assist
+the Inquisitors, and whose duty is was to decide whether doubtful
+propositions were, or were not, heretical.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Point of honour.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Things of Spain.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> See Exodus <span class="smcap">XXX</span>. 6.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Remain with God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Who is there?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Washerwoman.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Moorish quarter of the city.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> The Lord Dollar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Well, or well then</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Everything related of Juliano Hernandez is strictly true.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Hush.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> The story of the gaoler's servant and his little
+daughter is historical.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Guardian.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Words actually used by this monster.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> The people of Seville do not think the oranges fit to eat
+until the new blossoms come out in spring.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Lightly.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> A fact.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Those delivered over to the secular arm&mdash;that is, to
+death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a>
+</p>
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"With the King or the Inquisition,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Hush! Hush!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right">_A Spanish Proverb._</div>
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> So called by the Inquisitor, De Pegna.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Report of De Pegna.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> A genuine inquisitorial expression.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> But these laws were often broken or evaded.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> "His Majesty," the ordinary term applied by Spaniards to
+the Host.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Blue; a word applied by the Spaniards only to blue eyes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> At the Auto they produced his effigy, of the size of
+life, clad in his canon's robe, and with the arms stretched out in
+the gesture he had been wont to use in preaching; but it caused such
+a demonstration of feeling among the people, that they were obliged
+hastily to withdraw it.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this Auto that Maria Gonsalez was sentenced to receive two
+hundred lashes, and to be imprisoned for ten years, for the kindnesses
+she had shown the prisoners. An equally severe punishment was awarded
+to the under-gaoler Herrera for the offence of having allowed a
+mother and three daughters, who were imprisoned in separate cells, an
+interview of half an hour; while the many cruelties and peculations of
+the infamous Benevidio were only chastised by the loss of his situation
+and its advantages, and banishment from Seville.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The Jewish quarter of Seville.</p></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="transnote"><p class="no-indent"><b>Transcriber's Note:</b></p>
+
+<p>There were a number of printing errors in this book. These have been
+corrected silently. The following errors in spelling have been changed:</p>
+
+<p>deseng&atilde;no is now desenga&ntilde;o<br /></p>
+<p>persume is now presume.</p></div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44262 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
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+
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diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #44262 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44262)
diff --git a/old/44262-8.txt b/old/44262-8.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Spanish Brothers
+       A Tale of the Sixteenth Century
+
+Author: Deborah Alcock
+
+Release Date: November 23, 2013 [EBook #44262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SPANISH BROTHERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sarah Gutierrez, Sue Fleming and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS
+
+                   A·TALE·OF·THE·SIXTEENTH·CENTURY.
+
+   [Illustration: THE ALGUAZILS PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT FOR ARREST.
+
+                                                       _page 215_]
+
+                          T. NELSON AND SONS
+
+                   _LONDON, EDINBURGH AND NEW YORK._
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+                  A Tale of the Sixteenth Century.
+
+                           _By the Author of
+               "THE CZAR: A TALE OF THE FIRST NAPOLEON."
+                               &c. &c._
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+              "Thy loving-kindness is better than life."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+                               London:
+                 T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+                       EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                 1888.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+        I.  BOYHOOD,                                         9
+
+       II.  THE MONK'S LETTER,                              18
+
+      III.  SWORD AND CASSOCK,                              22
+
+       IV.  ALCALA DE HENAREZ,                              28
+
+        V.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF,                     34
+
+       VI.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF STILL FURTHER,       44
+
+      VII.  THE DESENGANO,                                  49
+
+     VIII.  THE MULETEER,                                   58
+
+       IX.  EL DORADO FOUND,                                70
+
+        X.  DOLORES,                                        78
+
+       XI.  THE LIGHT ENJOYED,                              88
+
+      XII.  THE LIGHT DIVIDED FROM THE DARKNESS,            91
+
+     XIII.  SEVILLE,                                       105
+
+      XIV.  THE MONKS OF SAN ISODRO,                       116
+
+       XV.  THE GREAT SANBENITO,                           124
+
+      XVI.  WELCOME HOME,                                  131
+
+     XVII.  DISCLOSURES,                                   138
+
+    XVIII.  THE AGED MONK,                                 148
+
+      XIX.  TRUTH AND FREEDOM,                             152
+
+       XX.  THE FIRST DROP OF A THUNDER SHOWER,            160
+
+      XXI.  BY THE GUADALQUIVIR,                           166
+
+     XXII.  THE FLOOD-GATES OPENED,                        173
+
+    XXIII.  THE REIGN OF TERROR,                           181
+
+     XXIV.  A GLEAM OF LIGHT,                              191
+
+      XXV.   WAITING,                                      198
+
+     XXVI.   DON GONSALVO'S REVENGE,                       205
+
+    XXVII.   MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,                          217
+
+   XXVIII.   REAPING THE WHIRLWIND,                        226
+
+     XXIX.   A FRIEND AT COURT,                            233
+
+      XXX.   THE CAPTIVE,                                  248
+
+     XXXI.   MINISTERING ANGELS,                           255
+
+    XXXII.   THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,            260
+
+   XXXIII.   ON THE OTHER SIDE,                            271
+
+    XXXIV.   FRAY SEBASTIAN'S TROUBLE,                     282
+
+     XXXV.   THE EVE OF THE AUTO,                          290
+
+    XXXVI.   "THE HORRIBLE AND TREMENDOUS SPECTACLE,"      300
+
+   XXXVII.   SOMETHING ENDED AND SOMETHING BEGUN,          307
+
+  XXXVIII.   NUERA AGAIN,                                  313
+
+    XXXIX.   LEFT BEHIND,                                  321
+
+       XL.   "A SATISFACTORY PENITENT,"                    329
+
+      XLI.   MORE ABOUT THE PENITENT,                      338
+
+     XLII.   QUIET DAYS,                                   347
+
+    XLIII.   EL DORADO FOUND AGAIN,                        357
+
+     XLIV.   ONE PRISONER SET FREE,                        367
+
+      XLV.   TRIUMPHANT,                                   374
+
+     XLVI.   IS IT TOO LATE?                               382
+
+    XLVII.   THE DOMINICAN PRIOR,                          390
+
+   XLVIII.   SAN ISODRO ONCE MORE,                         399
+
+     XLIX.   FAREWELL,                                     409
+
+
+
+
+                         THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  I.
+
+                               Boyhood.
+
+      "A boy's will is the wind's will,
+       And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."
+
+                                               LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+On one of the green slopes of the Sierra Morena, shaded by a few
+cork-trees, and with wild craggy heights and bare brown wastes
+stretching far above, there stood, about the middle of the sixteenth
+century, a castle even then old and rather dilapidated. It had once
+been a strong place, but was not very spacious; and certainly,
+according to our modern ideas of comfort, the interior could not have
+been a particularly comfortable dwelling-place. A large proportion
+of it was occupied by the great hall, which was hung with faded,
+well-repaired tapestry, and furnished with oaken tables, settles, and
+benches, very elaborately carved, but bearing evident marks of age.
+Narrow unglazed slits in the thick wall admitted the light and air;
+and beside one of these, on a gloomy autumn morning, two boys stood
+together, watching the rain that poured down without intermission.
+
+They were dressed exactly alike, in loose jackets of blue cloth,
+homespun, indeed, but so fresh and neatly-fashioned as to look more
+becoming than many a costlier dress. Their long stockings were of
+silk, and their cuffs and wide shirt-frills of fine Holland, carefully
+starched and plaited. The elder--a very handsome lad, who looked
+fourteen at least, but was really a year younger--had raven hair,
+black sparkling eager eyes, good but strongly-marked features, and
+a complexion originally dark, and well-tanned by exposure to sun
+and wind. A broader forehead, wider nostrils, and a weaker mouth,
+distinguished the more delicate-looking younger brother, whose hair was
+also less dark, and his complexion fairer.
+
+"Rain--rain! Will it rain for ever?" cried, in a tone of impatience,
+the elder, whose name was Juan; or rather, his proper style and title
+(and very angry would he have felt had any part been curtailed or
+omitted) was Don Juan Rodrigo Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. He
+was of the purest blood in Spain; by the father's side, of noblest
+Castilian lineage; by the mother's, of an ancient Asturian family. Well
+he knew it, and proudly he held up his young head in consequence, in
+spite of poverty, and of what was still worse, the mysterious blight
+that had fallen on the name and fortunes of his house, bringing poverty
+in its train, as the least of its attendant evils.
+
+"'Rising early will not make the daylight come sooner,' nor watching
+bring the sunshine," said the quick-witted Carlos, who, apt in learning
+whatever he heard, was already an adept in the proverbial philosophy
+which was then, and is now, the inheritance of his race.
+
+"True enough. So let us fetch the canes, and have a merry play. Or,
+better still, the foils for a fencing match."
+
+Carlos acquiesced readily, though apparently without pleasure. In all
+outward things, such as the choice of pursuits and games, Juan was
+the unquestioned leader; Carlos never dreamed of disputing his fiat.
+Yet in other, and really more important matters, it was Carlos who,
+quite unconsciously to himself, performed the part of guide to his
+stronger-willed but less thoughtful brother.
+
+Juan now fetched the carefully guarded foils with which the boys were
+accustomed to practise fencing; either, as now, simply for their own
+amusement, or under the instructions of the gray-haired Diego, who had
+served with their father in the Emperor's wars, and was now mayor-domo,
+butler, and seneschal, all in one. He it was, moreover, from whom
+Carlos had learned his store of proverbs.
+
+"Now stand up. Oh, you are too low; wait a moment." Juan left the hall
+again, but quickly returned with a large heavy volume, which he threw
+on the floor, directing his brother to take his stand upon it.
+
+Carlos hesitated. "But what if the Fray should catch us using our great
+Horace after such a fashion?"
+
+"I just wish he might," answered Juan, with a mischievous sparkle in
+his black eyes.
+
+The matter of height being thus satisfactorily adjusted, the game
+began, and for some time went merrily forward. To do the elder brother
+justice, he gave every advantage to his less active and less skilful
+companion; often shouting (with very unnecessary exertion of his lungs)
+words of direction or warning about fore-thrust, side-thrust, back-hand
+strokes, hitting, and parrying. At last, however, in an unlucky moment,
+Carlos, through some awkward movement of his own in violation of the
+rules of the game, received a blow on the cheek from his brother's
+foil, severe enough to make the blood flow. Juan instantly sprang
+forward, full of vexation, with an "Ay de mi!" on his lips. But Carlos
+turned away from him, covering his face with both hands; and Juan, much
+to his disgust, soon heard the sound of a heavy sob.
+
+"You little coward!" he exclaimed, "to weep for a blow. Shame--shame
+upon you."
+
+"Coward yourself, to call me ill names when I cannot fight you,"
+retorted Carlos, as soon as he could speak for weeping.
+
+"That is ever your way, little tearful. _You_ to talk of going to find
+our father! A brave man you would make to sail to the Indies and fight
+the savages. Better sit at home and spin, with Mother Dolores."
+
+Far too deeply stung to find a proverb suited to the occasion, or
+indeed to make any answer whatever, Carlos, still in tears, left the
+hall with hasty footsteps, and took refuge in a smaller apartment that
+opened into it.
+
+The hangings of this room were comparatively new and very beautiful,
+being tastefully wrought with the needle; and the furniture was much
+more costly than that in the hall. There was also a glazed window, and
+near this Carlos took his stand, looking moodily out on the falling
+rain, and thinking hard thoughts of his brother, who had first hurt him
+so sorely, then called him coward, and last, and far worst of all, had
+taunted him with his unfitness for the task which, child as he was, his
+whole heart and soul were bent on attempting.
+
+But he could not quarrel very seriously with Juan, nor indeed could he
+for any considerable time do without him. Before long his anger began
+to give way to utter loneliness and discomfort, and a great longing to
+"be friends" again.
+
+Nor was Juan much more comfortable, though he told himself he was
+quite right to reprove his brother sharply for his lack of manliness;
+and that he would be ready to die for shame if Carlos, when he went
+to Seville, should disgrace himself before his cousins by crying when
+he was hurt, like a baby or a girl. It is true that in his heart he
+rather wished he himself had held his peace, or at least had spoken
+more gently; but he braved it out, and stamped up and down the hall,
+singing, in as cheery a voice as he could command,--
+
+  "The Cid rode through the horse-shoe gate, Omega like it stood,
+  A symbol of the moon that waned before the Christian rood.
+  He was all sheathed in golden mail, his cloak was white as shroud;
+  His vizor down, his sword unsheathed, corpse still he rode,
+     and proud."
+
+"Ruy!" Carlos called at last, just a little timidly, from the next
+room--"Ruy!"
+
+Ruy is the Spanish diminutive of Rodrigo, Juan's second name, and the
+one by which, for reasons of his own, it pleased him best to be called;
+so the very use of it by Carlos was a kind of overture for peace.
+Juan came right gladly at the call; and having convinced himself, by
+a moment's inspection, that his brother's hurt signified nothing, he
+completed the reconciliation by putting his arm, in familiar boyish
+fashion, round his neck. Thus, without a word spoken, the brief quarrel
+was at an end. It happened that the rain was over also, and the sun
+just beginning to shine out again. It was, indeed, an effect of the
+sunlight which had given Carlos a pretext for calling Juan again to his
+side.
+
+"Look, Ruy," he said, "the sun shines on our father's words!"
+
+These children had a secret of their own, carefully guarded, with the
+strange reticence of childhood, even from Dolores, who had been the
+faithful nurse of their infancy, and who still cast upon their young
+lives the only shadow of motherly love they had ever known--a shadow,
+it is true, pale and faint, yet the best thing that had fallen to their
+lot: for even Juan could remember neither parent; while Carlos had
+never seen his father's face, and his mother had died at his birth.
+
+Yet it happened that in the imaginary world which the children had
+created around them, and where they chiefly lived, their unknown father
+was by far the most important personage. All great nations in their
+childhood have their legends, their epics, written or unwritten, and
+their hero, one or many of them, upon whose exploits Fancy rings its
+changes at will during the ages when national language, literature, and
+character are in process of development. So it is with individuals.
+Children of imagination--especially if they are brought up in
+seclusion, and guarded from coarse and worldly companionship--are sure
+to have their legends, perhaps their unwritten epic, certainly their
+hero. Nor are these dreams of childhood idle fancies. In their time
+they are good and beautiful gifts of God--healthful for the present,
+helpful for after-years. There is deep truth in the poets words, "When
+thou art a man, reverence the dreams of thy youth."
+
+The Cid Campeador, the Charlemagne, and the King Arthur of our youthful
+Spanish brothers, was no other than Don Juan Alvarez de Menaya, second
+and last Conde de Nuera. And as the historical foundation of national
+romance is apt to be of the slightest--nay, the testimony of credible
+history is often ruthlessly set at defiance--so it is with the romances
+of children; nor did the present instance form any exception. All the
+world said that their father's bones lay bleaching on a wild Araucanian
+battle-field; but this went for nothing in the eyes of Juan and
+Carlos Alvarez. Quite enough to build their childish faith upon was a
+confidential whisper of Dolores--when she thought them sleeping--to the
+village barber-surgeon, who was helping her to tend them through some
+childish malady: "Dead? Would to all the Saints, and the blessed Queen
+of Heaven, that we only had assurance of it!"
+
+They had, however, more than this. Almost every day they read and
+re-read those mysterious words, traced with a diamond by their father's
+hand--as it never entered their heads to doubt--on the window of the
+room which had once been his favourite place of retirement:--
+
+        "El Dorado
+         Yo hé trovado."
+  "I have found El Dorado."
+
+No eyes but their own had ever noticed this inscription; and marvellous
+indeed was the superstructure their fancy contrived to raise on the
+slight and airy foundation of its enigmatical five words. They had
+heard from the lips of Diego many of the fables current at the period
+about the "golden country" of which Spanish adventurers dreamed so
+wildly, and which they sought so vainly in the New World. They were
+aware that their father in his early days had actually made a voyage to
+the Indies: and they had thoroughly persuaded themselves, therefore, of
+nothing less than that he was the fortunate discoverer of El Dorado;
+that he had returned thither, and was reigning there as a king, rich
+and happy--only, perhaps, longing for his brave boys to come and join
+him. And join him one day they surely would, even though unheard of
+dangers (of which giants twelve feet high and fiery dragons--things in
+which they quite believed--were among the least) might lie in their
+way, thick as the leaves of the cork-trees when the autumn winds swept
+down through the mountain gorges.
+
+"Look, Ruy," said Carlos, "the light is on our father's words!"
+
+"So it is! What good fortune is coming now? Something always comes to
+us when they look like that."
+
+"What do you wish for most?"
+
+"A new bow, and a set of real arrows tipped with steel. And you?"
+
+"Well--the 'Chronicles of the Cid,' I think."
+
+"I should like that too. But I should like better still--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"That Fray Sebastian would fall ill of the rheum, and find the mountain
+air too cold for his health; or get some kind of good place at his
+beloved Complutum."
+
+"We might go farther and fare worse, like those that go to look for
+better bread than wheaten," returned Carlos, laughing. "Wish again,
+Juan; and truly this time--your wish of wishes."
+
+"What else but to find my father?"
+
+"I mean, next to that."
+
+"Well, truly, to go once more to Seville, to see the shops, and the
+bull-fights, and the great Church; to tilt with our cousins, and dance
+the cachuca with Doña Beatriz."
+
+"That would not I. There be folk that go out for wool, and come home
+shorn. Though I like Doña Beatriz as well as any one."
+
+"Hush! here comes Dolores."
+
+A tall, slender woman, robed in black serge, relieved by a neat white
+head-dress, entered the room. Dark hair, threaded with silver, and
+pale, sunken, care-worn features, made her look older than she really
+was. She had once been beautiful; and it seemed as though her beauty
+had been burned up in the glare of some fierce agony, rather than had
+faded gradually beneath the suns of passing years. With the silent
+strength of a deep, passionate heart, that had nothing else left to
+cling to, Dolores loved the children of her idolized mistress and
+foster-sister. It was chiefly her talent and energy that kept together
+the poor remains of their fortune. She surrounded them with as many
+inexpensive comforts as possible; still, like a true Spaniard, she
+would at any moment have sacrificed their comfort to the maintenance of
+their rank, or the due upholding of their dignity. On this occasion she
+held an open letter in her hand.
+
+"Young gentlemen," she said, using the formal style of address no
+familiarity ever induced her to drop, "I bring your worships good
+tidings. Your noble uncle, Don Manuel, is about to honour your castle
+with his presence."
+
+"Good tidings indeed! I am as glad as if you had given me a satin
+doublet. He may take us back with him to Seville," cried Juan.
+
+"He might have stayed at home, with good luck and my blessing,"
+murmured Carlos.
+
+"Whether you go to Seville or no, Señor Don Juan," said Dolores,
+gravely, "may very probably depend on the contentment you give your
+noble uncle respecting your progress in your Latin, your grammar, and
+your other humanities."
+
+"A green fig for my noble uncle's contentment!" said Juan,
+irreverently. "I know already as much as any gentleman need, and ten
+times more than he does himself."
+
+"Ay, truly," struck in Carlos, coming forward from the embrasure of the
+window; "my uncle thinks a man of learning--except he be a fellow of
+college, perchance--not worth his ears full of water. I heard him say
+such only trouble the world, and bring sorrow on themselves and all
+their kin. So, Juan, it is you who are likely to find favour in his
+sight, after all."
+
+"Señor Don Carlos, what ails your face?" asked Dolores, noticing now
+for the first time the marks of the hurt he had received.
+
+Both the boys spoke together.
+
+"Only a blow caught in fencing; all through my own awkwardness. It is
+nothing," said Carlos, eagerly.
+
+"I hurt him with my foil. It was a mischance. I am very sorry," said
+Juan, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+Dolores wisely abstained from exhorting them to greater carefulness.
+She only said,--
+
+"Young gentlemen who mean to be knights and captains must learn to give
+hard blows and take them." Adding mentally--"Bless the lads! May they
+stand by each other as loyally ten or twenty years hence as they do
+now."
+
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                          The Monk's Letter.
+
+                      "Quoth the good fat friar,
+             Wiping his own mouth--'twas refection time."
+
+                                            R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Fray Sebastian Gomez, to the Honourable Señor Felipe de Santa Maria,
+Licentiate of Theology, residing at Alcala de Henarez, commonly called
+Complutum.
+
+    "Most Illustrious and Reverend Señor,--
+
+    "In my place of banishment, amidst these gloomy and inhospitable
+    mountains, I frequently solace my mind by reflections upon the
+    friends of my youth, and the happy period spent in those ancient
+    halls of learning, where in the morning of our days you and I
+    together attended the erudite prelections of those noble and most
+    orthodox Grecians, Demetrius Ducas and Nicetus Phaustus, or sat
+    at the feet of that venerable patriarch of science, Don Fernando
+    Nuñez. Fortunate are you, O friend, in being able to pass your days
+    amidst scenes so pleasant and occupations so congenial; while I,
+    unhappy, am compelled by fate, and by the neglect of friends and
+    patrons, to take what I may have, in place of having what I might
+    wish. I am, alas! under the necessity of wearing out my days in
+    the ungrateful occupation of instilling the rudiments of humane
+    learning into the dull and careless minds of children, whom to
+    instruct is truly to write upon sand or water. But not to weary
+    your excellent and illustrious friendship with undue prolixity,
+    I shall briefly relate the circumstances which led to my sojourn
+    here."
+
+(The good friar proceeds with his personal narrative, but by no means
+briefly; and as it has, moreover, little or nothing to do with our
+story, it may be omitted with advantage.)
+
+    "In this desert, as I may truly style it" (he continues),
+    "nutriment for the corporeal frame is as poor and bare as nutriment
+    for the intellectual part is altogether lacking. Alas! for the
+    golden wine of Xerez, that ambery nectar wherewith we were wont
+    to refresh our jaded spirits! I may not mention now our temperate
+    banquets: the crisp red mullet, the succulent pasties, the
+    delicious ham of Estremadura, the savoury olla podrida. Here beef
+    is rarely seen, veal never. Our olla is of lean mutton (if it be
+    not rather of the flesh of goats), washed down with bad vinegar,
+    called wine by courtesy, and supplemented by a few naughty figs or
+    roasted chestnuts, with cheese of goat's milk, hard as the heads
+    of the rustics who make it. Certainly I am experiencing the truth
+    of the proverb, 'A bad cook is an inconvenient relation.' And
+    marvellously would a cask of Xerez wine, if, through the kindness
+    of my generous friends, it could find its way to these remote
+    mountains, mend my fare, and in all probability prolong my days.
+    The provider here is an antiquated, sour-faced duenna, who rules
+    everything in this old ruin of a castle, where poverty and pride
+    are the only things to be found in plenty. She is an Asturian, and
+    came hither in the train of the late unfortunate countess. Like all
+    of that race, where the very shepherds style themselves nobles,
+    she is proud; but it is just to add that she is also active,
+    industrious, and thrifty to a miracle.
+
+    "But to pass on to affairs of greater importance. I have presumed,
+    on the part of my illustrious friend, some acquaintance with the
+    sorrowful history of my young pupils' family. You will remember
+    the sudden shadow that fell, like the eclipse of one of the bright
+    orbs of heaven, upon the fame and fortunes of the Conde de Nuera,
+    known, some fifteen years ago or more, as a brilliant soldier and
+    courtier, and personal favourite of his Imperial Majesty. There
+    was a rumour of some black treason, I know not what, but men said
+    it even struck at the life of the great Emperor, his friend and
+    patron. It is supposed that the Emperor (whom God preserve!), in
+    his just wrath remembered mercy, and generously saved the honour,
+    while he punished the crime, of his ungrateful servant. At all
+    events, the world was told that the Count had accepted a command in
+    the Indies, and that he sailed thither from some port in the Low
+    Countries to which the Emperor had summoned him, without returning
+    to Spain. It is believed that, to save his neck from the axe and
+    his name from dire disgrace, he signed away, by his own act, his
+    large property to the Emperor and to Holy Church, reserving only
+    a pittance for his children. One year afterwards, his death, in
+    battle with the Araucanian savages, was announced, and, if I am
+    not mistaken, His Majesty was gracious enough to have masses said
+    for his soul. But, at the time, the tongue of rumour whispered a
+    far more dreadful ending to the tale. Men hinted that, upon the
+    discovery of his treason, he despaired alike of human and divine
+    compassion, and perished miserably by his own hand. But all
+    possible pains were taken, for the sake of the family, to hush up
+    the affair; and nothing certain has ever, or probably will ever,
+    transpire. I am doubtful whether I am not a transgressor in having
+    committed to paper what is written above. Still, as it is written,
+    it shall stand. With you, most illustrious and honourable friend,
+    all things are safe.
+
+    "The youths whom it is my task to instruct are not deficient in
+    parts. But the elder, Don Juan, is idle and insolent; and withal,
+    of so fiery a temper, that he will brook no manner of correction.
+    The younger, Don Carlos, is more toward in disposition, and really
+    apt at his humanities, were it not that his good-for-nothing
+    brother is for ever leading him into mischief. Don Manuel Alvarez,
+    their uncle and guardian, who is a shrewd man of the world, will
+    certainly cause him to enter the Church. But I pray, as I am
+    bound in Christian charity, that it may not occur to him to make
+    the lad a Minorite friar, since, as I can testify from sorrowful
+    experience, such go barely enough through this wicked and miserable
+    world.
+
+    "In conclusion, I entreat of you, most illustrious friend, with
+    the utmost despatch and carefulness, to commit this writing to the
+    flames; and so I pray our Lady and the blessed St. Luke, upon whose
+    vigil I write, to have you in their good keeping.--
+
+    Your unworthy brother,                        "SEBASTIAN."
+
+Thus, with averted face, or head shaken doubtfully, or murmured "Ay de
+mi," the world spoke of him, of whom his own children, happy at least
+in this, knew scarce anything, save words that seemed like a cry of
+joy.
+
+
+
+
+                                 III.
+
+                          Sword and Cassock.
+
+             "The helmet and the cap make houses strong."
+
+                                              SPANISH PROVERB.
+
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez stayed for several days at Nuera, as the half-ruined
+castle in the Sierra Morena was styled. Grievous, during this period,
+were the sufferings of Dolores, and unceasing her efforts to provide
+suitable accommodation, not merely for the stately and fastidious guest
+himself, but also for the troop of retainers he saw fit to bring with
+him, comprising three or four personal attendants, and half a score of
+men-at-arms--the last perhaps really necessary for a journey through
+that wild district. Don Manuel scarcely enjoyed the situation more than
+did his entertainers, but he esteemed it his duty to pay an occasional
+visit to the estate of his orphan nephews, to see that it was properly
+taken care of. Perhaps the only member of the party quite at his ease
+was the worthy Fray Sebastian, a good-natured, self-indulgent friar,
+with a better education and more refined tastes than the average
+of his order; fond of eating and drinking, fond of gossip, fond of
+a little superficial literature, and not fond of troubling himself
+about anything. He was comforted by the improved fare Don Manuel's
+visit introduced; and was, moreover, soon relieved from his very
+natural apprehensions that the guardian of his pupils might express
+discontent at the slowness of their progress. He speedily discovered
+that Don Manuel did not care to have his nephews made good scholars:
+he only cared to have them ready, in two or three years, to go to the
+University of Complutum, or to that of Salamanca, where they might
+remain until they were satisfactorily provided for--one in the Army,
+the other in the Church.
+
+As for Juan and Carlos, they felt, with the sure instinct of children,
+in this respect something like that of animals, that their uncle had
+little love for them. Juan dreaded, more than under the circumstances
+he need have done, too careful inquiries into his progress; and
+Carlos, while he stood in great outward awe of his uncle, all the time
+contrived to despise him in his heart, because he neither knew Latin,
+nor could repeat any of the ballads of the Cid.
+
+On the third day of his visit, after dinner, which was at noon,
+Don Manuel solemnly seated himself in the great carved armchair
+that stood on the estrada at one end of the hall, and summoned his
+nephews to his side. He was a tall, wiry-looking man, with a narrow
+forehead, thin lips, and a pointed beard. His dress was of the finest
+mulberry-coloured cloth, turned back with velvet; everything about him
+was rich, handsome, and in good keeping, but without extravagance. His
+manner was dignified, perhaps a little pompous, like that of a man bent
+upon making the most of himself, as he had unquestionably made the most
+of his fortune.
+
+He first addressed Juan, whom he gravely reminded that his father's
+_imprudence_ had left him nothing save that poor ruin of a castle,
+and a few barren acres of rocky ground, at which the boy's eyes
+flashed, and he shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. Don Manuel then
+proceeded, at some length, to extol the noble profession of arms as
+the road to fame and fortune. This kind of language proved much more
+acceptable to his nephew, and looking up, he said promptly, "Yes,
+señor my uncle, I will gladly be a soldier, as all my fathers were."
+
+"Well spoken. And when thou art old enough, I promise to use my
+influence to obtain for thee a good appointment in His Imperial
+Majesty's army. I trust thou wilt honour thine ancient name."
+
+"You may trust me," said Juan, in slow, earnest tones. Then raising his
+head, he went on more rapidly: "Beside his own name, Juan, my father
+gave me that of Rodrigo, borne by the Cid Ruy Diaz, the Campeador,
+meaning no doubt to show--"
+
+"Peace, boy!" Don Miguel interrupted, cutting short the only words
+that his nephew had ever spoken really from his heart in his presence,
+with as much unconsciousness as a countryman might set his foot on a
+glow-worm. "Thou wert never named Rodrigo after thy Cid and his idle
+romances. Thy father called thee so after some madcap friend of his
+own, of whom the less spoken the better."
+
+"My father's friend must have been good and noble, like himself," said
+Juan proudly, almost defiantly.
+
+"Young man," returned Don Manuel severely, and lifting his eyebrows as
+if in surprise at his audacity, "learn that a humbler tone and more
+courteous manners would become thee in the presence of thy superiors."
+Then turning haughtily away from him, he addressed himself to Carlos:
+"As for thee, nephew Carlos, I hear with pleasure of thy progress in
+learning. Fray Sebastian reports of thee that thou hast a good ready
+wit and a retentive memory. Moreover, if I mistake not, sword cuts
+are less in thy way than in thy brother's. The service of Holy Mother
+Church will fit thee like a glove; and let me tell thee, boy, for thou
+art old enough to understand me, 'tis a right good service. Churchmen
+eat well and drink well--churchmen sleep soft--churchmen spend their
+days fingering the gold other folk toil and bleed for. For those who
+have fair interest in high places, and shuffle their own cards deftly,
+there be good fat benefices, comfortable canonries, and perhaps--who
+knows?--a rich bishopric at the end of all; with a matter of ten
+thousand hard ducats, at the least, coming in every year to save or
+spend, or lend, if you like it better."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" said Carlos, who had been gazing in his
+uncle's face, his large blue eyes full of half-incredulous,
+half-uncomprehending wonder.
+
+"Ay, my son, that is about the least. The Archbishop of Seville has
+sixty thousand every year, and more."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" Carlos repeated again in a kind of awe-struck
+whisper. "That would buy a ship."
+
+"Yes," said Don Manuel, highly pleased with what he considered an
+indication of precocious intelligence in money matters. "And an
+excellent thought that is of thine, my son. A good ship chartered for
+the Indies, and properly freighted, would bring thee back thy ducats
+_well perfumed_.[1] For a ship is sailing while you are sleeping. As
+the saying is, Let the idle man buy a ship or marry a wife. I perceive
+thou art a youth of much ingenuity. What thinkest thou, then, of the
+Church?"
+
+    [1] With good interest.
+
+Carlos was still too much the child to say anything in answer except,
+"If it please you, señor my uncle, I should like it well."
+
+And thus, with rather more than less consideration of their tastes and
+capacities than was usual at the time, the future of Juan and Carlos
+Alvarez was decided.
+
+When the brothers were alone together, Juan said, "Dolores must have
+been praying Our Lady for us, Carlos. An appointment in the army is
+the very thing for me. I shall perform some great feat of arms, like
+Alphonso Vives, for instance, who took the Duke of Saxony prisoner; I
+shall win fame and promotion, and then come back and ask my uncle for
+the hand of his ward, Doña Beatriz."
+
+"Ah, and I--if I enter the Church, I can never marry," said Carlos
+rather ruefully, and with a vague perception that his brother was to
+have some good thing from which he must be shut out for ever.
+
+"Of course not; but you will not care."
+
+"Never a whit," said the boy of twelve, very confidently. "I shall
+ever have thee, Juan. And all the gold my uncle says churchmen win so
+easily, I will save to buy our ship."
+
+"I will also save, so that one day we may sail together. I will be the
+captain, and thou shalt be the mass-priest, Carlos."
+
+"But I marvel if it be true that churchmen grow rich so fast. The cura
+in the village must be very poor, for Diego told me he took old Pedro's
+cloak because he could not pay the dues for his wife's burial."
+
+"More shame for him, the greedy vulture. Carlos, you and I have each
+half a ducat; let us buy it back."
+
+"With all my heart. It will be worth something to see the old man's
+face."
+
+"The cura is covetous rather than poor," said Juan. "But poor or no, no
+one dreams of _your_ being a beggarly cura like that. It is only vulgar
+fellows of whom they make parish priests in the country. You will get
+some fine preferment, my uncle says. And he ought to know, for he has
+feathered his own nest well."
+
+"Why is he rich when we are poor, Juan? Where does he get all his
+money?"
+
+"The saints know best. He has places under Government. Something about
+the taxes. I think, that he buys and sells again."
+
+"In truth, he's not one to measure oil without getting some on his
+fingers. How different from him our father must have been."
+
+"Yes," said Juan. "_His_ riches, won by his own sword and battle-axe,
+and his good right hand, will be worth having. Ay, and even worth
+seeing; will they not?"
+
+So these children dreamed of the future--that future of which nothing
+was certain, except its unlikeness to their dreams. No thing was
+certain; but what was only too probable? That the brave, free-hearted
+boy, who had never willingly injured any one, and who was ready to
+share his last coin with the poor man, would be hardened and brutalized
+into a soldier of fortune, like those who massacred tribes of trusting,
+unoffending Indians, or burned Flemish cities to the ground, amidst
+atrocities that even now make hearts quail and ears tingle. And yet
+worse, that the fair child beside him, whose life still shone with
+that child-like innocence which is truly the dew of youth, as bright
+and as fleeting, would be turned over, soul and spirit, to a system of
+training too surely calculated to obliterate the sense of truth, to
+deprave the moral taste, to make natural and healthful joys impossible,
+and unlawful and degrading ones fearfully easy and attainable; to teach
+the strong nature the love of power, the mean the love of money, and
+all alike falsehood, cowardice, and cruelty.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                          Alcala de Henarez.
+
+      "Give me back, give me back the wild freshness of morning,
+       Her tears and her smiles are worth evening's best light."
+
+                                                          MOORE.
+
+
+Few are the lives in which seven years come and go without witnessing
+any great event. But whether they are eventful or no, the years that
+change children into men must necessarily be important. Three years of
+these important seven, Juan and Carlos Alvarez spent in their mountain
+home; the remaining four at the University of Alcala, or Complutum.
+
+The university training was of course needful for the younger brother,
+who was intended for the Church. That the elder was allowed to share
+the privilege, although destined for the profession of arms, was the
+result of circumstances. His guardian, Don Manuel Alvarez, although
+worldly and selfish, still retained a lingering regard for the memory
+of that lost brother whose latest message to him had been, "Have my
+boy carefully educated." And, moreover, he could scarcely have left
+the high-spirited youth to wear out the years that must elapse before
+he could obtain his commission in the dreary solitude of his mountain
+home, with Diego and Dolores for companions, and for sole amusement, a
+horse and a few greyhounds. Better that he should take his chance at
+Alcala, and enjoy himself there as best he might, with no obligation
+to severe study, and but one duty strongly impressed on him--that of
+keeping out of debt.
+
+He derived real benefit from the university training, though no
+academic laurels rested on his brow, nor did he take a degree. Fray
+Sebastian had taught him to read and write, and had even contrived to
+pass him through the Latin grammar, of which he afterwards remembered
+scarcely anything. To have urged him to learn more would have required
+severity only too popular at the time; but this Fray Sebastian was too
+timid, perhaps too prudent, to employ; while of interesting him in his
+studies he never thought. At Alcala, however, he _was_ interested.
+He did not care, indeed, for the ordinary scholastic course; but
+he found in the college library all the books yet written in his
+native language, and it was then the palmy age of Spanish literature.
+Beginning with the poems and romances relating to the history of his
+country, he read through everything; poetry, romance, history, science,
+nothing came amiss to him, except perhaps theology. He studied with
+especial care all that had reference to the story of the New World,
+whither he hoped one day to go. He attended lectures; he even acquired
+Latin enough to learn anything he really wanted to know, and could not
+find except in that language.
+
+Thus, at the end of his four years' residence, he had acquired a good
+deal of useful though somewhat desultory information; and he had gained
+the art of expressing himself in the purest Castilian, by tongue or
+pen, with energy, vigour, and precision.
+
+The sixteenth century gives us many specimens of such men--and
+not a few of them were Spaniards--men of intelligence and general
+cultivation, whose profession was that of arms, but who can handle the
+pen with as much ease and dexterity as the sword; men who could not
+only do valiant deeds, but also describe them when done, and that often
+with singular effectiveness.
+
+With his contemporaries Juan was popular, for his pride was
+inaggressive, and his fiery temper was counterbalanced by great
+generosity of disposition. During his residence at Alcala he fought
+three duels; one to chastise a fellow-student who had called his
+brother "Doña Carlotta," the other two on being provoked by the far
+more serious offence of covert sneers at his father's memory. He also
+caned severely a youth whom he did not think of sufficient rank to
+honour with his sword, merely for observing, when Carlos won a prize
+from him, "Don Carlos Alvarez unites genius and industry, as he would
+need to do, who is the _son of his own good works_." But afterwards,
+when the same student was in danger, through poverty, of having to give
+up his career and return home, Juan stole into his chamber during his
+absence, and furtively deposited four gold ducats (which he could ill
+spare) between the leaves of his breviary.
+
+Far more outwardly successful, but more really disastrous, was the
+academic career of Carlos. As student of theology, most of his days,
+and even some of his nights, were spent over the musty tomes of the
+Schoolmen. Like living water on the desert, his young bright intellect
+was poured out on the dreary sands of scholastic divinity (little else,
+in truth, than "bad metaphysics"), to no appreciable result, except its
+own utter waste. The kindred study of casuistry was even worse than
+waste of intellect; it was positive defilement and degradation. It was
+bad enough to tread with painful steps through roads that led nowhere;
+but it became worse when the roads were miry, and the mud at every step
+clung to the traveller's feet. Though here the parallel must cease; for
+the moral defilement, alas! is most deadly and dangerous when least
+felt or heeded.
+
+Fortunately, or unfortunately, according as we look on the things seen
+or the things not seen, Carlos offered to his instructors admirable
+raw material out of which to fashion a successful, even a great
+Churchman. He came to them a stripling of fifteen, innocent, truthful,
+affectionate. He had "parts," as they styled them, and singularly good
+ones. He had just the acute perception, the fine and ready wit, which
+enabled him to cut his way through scholastic subtleties and conceits
+with ease and credit. And, to do his teachers justice, they sharpened
+his intellectual weapon well, until its temper grew as exquisite as
+that of the scimitar of Saladin, which could divide a gauze kerchief by
+the thread at a single blow. But how would it fare with such a weapon,
+and with him who, having proved no other, could wield only that, in the
+great conflict with the Dragon that guarded the golden apples of truth?
+The question is idle, for truth was a luxury of which Carlos was not
+taught to dream. To find truth, to think truth, to speak truth, to act
+truth, was not placed before him as an object worth his attainment. Not
+the _True_, but the _Best_, was always held up to him as the mark to be
+aimed at: the best for the Church, the best for his family, the best
+for himself.
+
+He had much imagination, he was quick in invention and ready in
+expedients; good gifts in themselves, but very perilous where the
+sense of truth is lacking, or blunted. He was timid, as sensitive and
+reflective natures are apt to be, perhaps also from physical causes.
+And in those rough ages, the Church offered almost the only path in
+which the timid man could not only escape infamy, but actually attain
+to honour. In her service a strong head could more than atone for
+weak nerves. Power, fame, wealth, might be gained in abundance by
+the Churchman without stirring from his cell or chapel, or facing a
+single drawn sword or loaded musket. Always provided that his subtle,
+cultivated intellect could guide the rough hands that wielded the
+swords, or, better still, the crowned head that commanded them.
+
+There may have been even then at that very university (there certainly
+were a few years earlier), a little band of students who had quite
+other aims, and who followed other studies than those from which Carlos
+hoped to reap worldly success and fame. These youths really desired
+to find the truth and to keep it; and therefore they turned from
+the pages of the Fathers and the Schoolmen to the Scriptures in the
+original languages. But the "Biblists," as they were called, were few
+and obscure. Carlos did not, during his whole term of residence, come
+in contact with any of them. The study of Hebrew, and even of Greek,
+was by this time discouraged; the breath of calumny had blown upon it,
+linking it with all that was horrible in the eyes of Spanish Catholics,
+summed up in the one word, heresy. Carlos never even dreamed of any
+excursion out of the beaten path marked out for him, and which he was
+travelling so successfully as to distance nearly all his competitors.
+
+Both Juan and Carlos still clung fondly to their early dream; though
+their wider knowledge had necessarily modified some of its details.
+Carlos, at least, was not quite so confident as he had once been about
+the existence of El Dorado; but he was as fully determined as Juan to
+search out the mystery of their father's fate, and either to clasp his
+living hand, or to stand beside his grave. The love of the brothers,
+and their trust in each other, had only strengthened with their years,
+and was beautiful to witness.
+
+Occasional journeys to Seville, and brief intervals of making holiday
+there, varied the monotony of their college life, and were not without
+important results.
+
+It was the summer of 1556. The great Carlos, so lately King and Kaiser,
+had laid down the heavy burden of sovereignty, and would soon be on his
+way to pleasant San Yuste, to mortify the flesh, and prepare for his
+approaching end, as the world believed; but in reality to eat, drink,
+and enjoy himself as well as his worn-out body and mind would allow
+him. Just then our young Juan, healthy, hearty, hopeful, and with the
+world before him, received the long wished-for appointment in the army
+of the new King of all the Spains, Don Felipe Segunde.
+
+The brothers have eaten their last temperate meal together, in their
+handsome, though not very comfortable, lodging at Alcala. Juan pushes
+away the wine-cup that Carlos would fain have refilled, and toys
+absently with the rind of a melon. "Carlos," he says, without looking
+his brother in the face, "remember that thing of which we spoke;"
+adding in lower and more earnest tones, "and so may God remember thee."
+
+"Surely, brother. You have, however, little to fear."
+
+"Little to fear!" and there was the old quick flash in the dark eyes.
+"Because, forsooth, to spare my aunt's selfishness and my cousin's
+vanity, she must not be seen at dance, or theatre, or bull-feast? It is
+enough for her to show her face on the Alameda or at mass to raise me
+up a host of rivals."
+
+"Still, my uncle favours you; and Doña Beatriz herself will not be
+found of a different mind when you come home with your promotion and
+your glory, as you will, my Ruy!"
+
+"Then, brother, watch thou in my absence, and fail not to speak the
+right word at the right moment, as thou canst so well. So shall I hold
+myself at ease, and give my whole mind to the noble task of breaking
+the heads of all the enemies of my liege lord the king."
+
+Then, rising from the table, he girt on his new Toledo sword with its
+embroidered belt, threw over his shoulders his short scarlet cloak, and
+flung a gay velvet montero over his rich black curls. Don Carlos went
+out with him, and mounting the horses a lad from their country-home
+held in readiness, they rode together down the street and through the
+gate of Alcala; Don Juan followed by many an admiring gaze, and many a
+hearty "Vaya con Dios,"[2] from his late companions.
+
+    [2] Go with God.
+
+
+
+
+                                  V.
+
+                      Don Carlos forgets himself.
+
+      "A fair face and a tender voice had made me mad and blind."
+
+                                              E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Carlos Alvarez found Alcala, after his brother's departure,
+insupportably dull; moreover, he had now almost finished his brilliant
+university career. As soon, therefore, as he could, he took his degree
+as Licentiate of Theology. He then wrote to inform his uncle of the
+fact; adding that he would be glad to spend part of the interval that
+must elapse before his ordination at Seville, where he might attend
+the lectures of the celebrated Fray Constantino Ponce de la Fuente,
+Professor of Divinity in the College of Doctrine in that city. But, in
+fact, a desire to fulfil his brother's last charge weighed more with
+him than an eagerness for further instruction; especially as rumours
+that his watchfulness was not unnecessary had reached his ears at
+Alcala.
+
+He received a prompt and kind invitation from his uncle to make his
+house his home for as long a period as he might desire. Now, although
+Don Manuel was highly pleased with the genius and industry of his
+younger nephew, the hospitality he extended to him was not altogether
+disinterested. He thought Carlos capable of rendering what he deemed an
+essential service to a member of his own family.
+
+That family consisted of a beautiful, gay, frivolous wife, three sons,
+two daughters, and his wife's orphan niece, Doña Beatriz de Lavella.
+The two elder sons were cast in their father's mould; which, to speak
+truth, was rather that of a merchant than of a cavalier. Had he been
+born of simple parents in the flats of Holland or the back streets of
+London, a vulgar Hans or Thomas, his tastes and capabilities might have
+brought him honest wealth. But since he had the misfortune to be Don
+Manuel Alvarez, of the bluest blood in Spain, he was taught to look on
+industry as ineffably degrading, and trade and commerce scarcely less
+so. Only one species of trade, one kind of commerce, was open to the
+needy and avaricious, but proud grandee. Unhappily it was almost the
+only kind that is really degrading--the traffic in public money, in
+places, and in taxes. "A sweeping rain leaving no food," such traffic
+was, in truth. The Government was defrauded; the people, especially the
+poorer classes, were cruelly oppressed. No one was enriched except the
+greedy jobber, whose birth rendered him infinitely too proud to work,
+but by no means too proud to cheat and steal.
+
+Don Manuel the younger, and Don Balthazar Alvarez, were ready and
+longing to tread in their father's footsteps. Of the two pale-faced
+dark-eyed sisters, Doña Inez and Doña Sancha, one was already married,
+and the other had also plans satisfactory to her parents. But the
+person in the family who was not of it was the youngest son, Don
+Gonsalvo. He was the representative, not of his father, but of his
+grandfather; as we so often see types of character reproduced in the
+third generation. The first Conde de Nuera had been a wild soldier of
+fortune in the Moorish wars, fierce and fiery, with strong unbridled
+passions. At eighteen, Gonsalvo was his image; and there was scarcely
+any mischief possible to a youth of fortune in a great city, into
+which he had not already found his way. For two years he continued to
+scandalize his family, and to vex the soul of his prudent and decorous
+father.
+
+Suddenly, however, a change came over him. He reformed; became
+quiet and regular in his conduct; gave himself up to study, making
+extraordinary progress in a very short time; and even showed what those
+around him called "a pious disposition." But these hopeful appearances
+passed as suddenly and as unaccountably as they came. After an interval
+of less than a year, he returned to his former habits, and plunged even
+more madly than ever into all kinds of vice and dissipation.
+
+His father resolved to procure him a commission, and send him away to
+the wars. But an accident frustrated his intentions. In those days,
+cavaliers of rank frequently sought the dangerous triumphs of the
+bull-ring. The part of matador was performed, not, as now, by hired
+bravos of the lowest class, but often by scions of the most honourable
+houses. Gonsalvo had more than once distinguished himself in the bloody
+arena by courage and coolness. But he tempted his fate too often. Upon
+one occasion he was flung violently from his horse, and then gored by
+the furious bull, whose rage had been excited to the utmost pitch by
+the cruel arts usually practised. He escaped with life, but remained
+a crippled invalid, apparently condemned for the rest of his days to
+inaction, weakness, and suffering.
+
+His father thought a good canonry would be a decent and comfortable
+provision for him, and pressed him accordingly to enter the Church. But
+the invalided youth manifested an intense repugnance to the step; and
+Don Manuel hoped that the influence of Carlos would help to overcome
+this feeling; believing that he would gladly endeavour to persuade his
+cousin that no way of life was so pleasant or so easy as that which he
+himself was about to adopt.
+
+The good nature of Carlos led him to fall heartily into his uncle's
+plans. He really pitied his cousin, moreover, and gladly gave himself
+to the task of trying in every possible way to console and amuse him.
+But Gonsalvo rudely repelled all his efforts. In his eyes the destined
+priest was half a woman, with no knowledge of a man's aims or a man's
+passions, and consequently no right to speak of them.
+
+"Turn priest!" he said to him one day; "I have as good a mind to turn
+Turk. Nay, cousin, I am not pious--you may present my orisons to Our
+Lady with your own, if it so please you. Perhaps she may attend to them
+better than to those I offered before entering the bull-ring on that
+unlucky day of St. Thomas."
+
+Carlos, though not particularly devout, was shocked by this language.
+
+"Take care, cousin," he said; "your words sound rather like blasphemy."
+
+"And yours sound like the words of what you are, half a priest
+already," retorted Gonsalvo. "It is ever the priest's cry, if you
+displease him, 'Open heresy!' 'Rank blasphemy!' And next, 'the Holy
+Office, and a yellow Sanbenito.' I marvel it did not occur to your
+sanctity to menace me with that."
+
+The gentle-tempered Carlos did not answer; a forbearance which further
+exasperated Gonsalvo, who hated nothing so much as being, on account of
+his infirmities, borne with like a woman or a child. "But the saints
+help the Churchmen," he went on ironically. "Good simple souls, they do
+not know even their own business! Else they would smell heresy close
+enough at hand. What doctrine does your Fray Constantino preach in the
+great Church every feast-day, since they made him canon-magistral?"
+
+"The most orthodox and Catholic doctrine, and no other," said Carlos,
+roused, in his turn, by the attack upon his teacher; though he did
+not greatly care for his instructions, which turned principally upon
+subjects about which he had learned little or nothing in the schools.
+"But to hear thee discuss doctrine is to hear a blind man talking of
+colours."
+
+"If I be the blind man talking of colours, thou art the deaf prating of
+music," retorted his cousin. "Come and tell me, if thou canst, what
+are these doctrines of thy Fray Constantino, and wherein they differ
+from the Lutheran heresy? I wager my gold chain and medal against thy
+new velvet cloak, that thou wouldst fall thyself into as many heresies
+by the way as there are nuts in Barcelona."
+
+Allowing for Gonsalvo's angry exaggeration, there was some truth in his
+assertion. Once out of the region of dialectic subtleties, the champion
+of the schools would have become weak as another man. And he could
+not have expounded Fray Constantino's preaching;--because he did not
+understand it.
+
+"What, cousin!" he exclaimed, affronted in his tenderest part,
+his reputation as a theological scholar. "Dost thou take me for a
+barefooted friar or a village cura? Me, who only two months ago was
+crowned victor in a debate upon the doctrines taught by Raymondus
+Lullius!"
+
+But whatever chagrin Carlos may have felt at finding himself utterly
+unable to influence Gonsalvo, was soon effectually banished by the
+delight with which he watched the success of his diplomacy with Doña
+Beatriz.
+
+Beatriz was almost a child in years, and entirely a child in mind and
+character. Hitherto, she had been studiously kept in the background,
+lest her brilliant beauty should throw her cousins into the shade.
+Indeed, she would probably have been consigned to a convent, had not
+her portion been too small to furnish the donative usually bestowed by
+the friends of a novice upon any really aristocratic establishment.
+"And pity would it have been," thought Carlos, "that so fair a flower
+should wither in a convent garden."
+
+He made the most of the limited opportunities of intercourse which the
+ceremonious manners of the time and country afforded, even to inmates
+of the same house. He would stand beside her chair, and watch the
+quick flush mount to her olive, delicately-rounded cheek, as he talked
+eloquently of the absent Juan. He was never tired of relating stories
+of Juan's prowess, Juan's generosity. In the last duel he fought, for
+instance, the ball had passed through his cap and grazed his head. But
+he only smiled, and re-arranged his locks, remarking, while he did so,
+that with the addition of a gold chain and medal, the spoiled cap would
+be as good, or better than ever. Then he would dilate on his kindness
+to the vanquished; rejoicing in the effect produced, a tribute as well
+to his own eloquence as to his brother's merit. The occupation was
+too fascinating not to be resorted to once and again, even had he not
+persuaded himself that he was fulfilling a sacred duty.
+
+Moreover, he soon discovered that the bright dark eyes which were
+beginning to visit him nightly in his dreams, were pining all day for
+a sight of that gay world from which their owner was jealously and
+selfishly excluded. So he managed to procure for Doña Beatriz many a
+pleasure of the kind she most valued. He prevailed upon his aunt and
+cousins to bring her with them to places of public resort; and then he
+was always at hand, with the reverence of a loyal cavalier, and the
+freedom of a destined priest, to render her every quiet unobtrusive
+service in his power. At the theatre, at the dance, at the numerous
+Church ceremonies, on the promenade, Doña Beatriz was his especial
+charge.
+
+Amidst such occupations, pleasant weeks and months glided by almost
+unnoticed by him. Never before had he been so happy. "Alcala was well
+enough," he thought; "but Seville is a thousand times better. All my
+life heretofore seems to me only like a dream, now I am awake."
+
+Alas! he was not awake, but wrapped in a deep sleep, and cradling a
+bright delusive vision. As yet he was not even "as those that dream,
+and know the while they dream." His slumber was too profound even for
+this dim half-consciousness.
+
+No one suspected, any more than he suspected himself, the enchantment
+that was stealing over him. But every one remarked his frank, genial
+manners, his cheerfulness, his good looks. Naturally, the name of Juan
+dropped gradually more and more out of his conversation; as at the same
+time the thought of Juan faded from his mind. His studies, too, were
+neglected; his attendance upon the lectures of Fray Constantino became
+little more than a formality; while "receiving Orders" seemed a remote
+if not an uncertain contingency. In fact, he lived in the present, not
+caring to look either at the past or the future.
+
+In the very midst of his intoxication, at slight incident affected him
+for a moment with such a chill as we feel when, on a warm spring day,
+the sun passes suddenly behind a cloud.
+
+His cousin, Doña Inez, had been married more than a year to a wealthy
+gentleman of Seville, Don Garçia Ramirez. Carlos, calling one morning
+at the lady's house with some unimportant message from Doña Beatriz,
+found her in great trouble on account of the sudden illness of her babe.
+
+"Shall I go and fetch a physician?" he asked, knowing well that Spanish
+servants can never be depended upon to make haste, however great the
+emergency may be.
+
+"You will do a great kindness, amigo mio," said the anxious young
+mother.
+
+"But which shall I summon?" asked Carlos. "Our family physician, or Don
+Garçia's?"
+
+"Don Garçia's, by all means,--Dr. Cristobal Losada. I would not give a
+green fig for any other in Seville. Do you know his dwelling?"
+
+"Yes. But should he be absent or engaged?"
+
+"I must have him. Him, and no other. Once before he saved my darling's
+life. And if my poor brother would but consult him, it might fare
+better with him. Go quickly, cousin, and fetch him, in Heaven's name."
+
+Carlos lost no time in complying; but on reaching the dwelling of the
+physician, found that though the hour was early he had already gone
+forth. After leaving a message, he went to visit a friend in the Triana
+suburb. He passed close by the Cathedral, with its hundred pinnacles,
+and that wonder of beauty, the old Moorish Giralda, soaring far up
+above it into the clear southern sky. It occurred to him that a few
+Aves said within for the infant's recovery would be both a benefit to
+the child and a comfort to the mother. So he entered, and was making
+his way to a gaudy tinselled Virgin and Babe, when, happening to glance
+towards a different part of the building, his eyes rested on the
+physician, with whose person he was well acquainted, as he had often
+noticed him amongst Fray Constantino's hearers. Losada was now pacing
+up and down one of the side aisles, in company with a gentleman of very
+distinguished appearance.
+
+As Carlos drew nearer, it occurred to him that he had never seen this
+personage in any place of public resort, and for this reason, as well
+as from certain slight indications in his dress of fashions current
+in the north of Spain, he gathered that he was a stranger in Seville,
+who might be visiting the Cathedral from motives of curiosity. Before
+he came up the two men paused in their walk, and turning their backs
+to him, stood gazing thoughtfully at the hideous row of red and yellow
+Sanbenitos, or penitential garments, that hung above them.
+
+"Surely," thought Carlos, "they might find better objects of
+attention than these ugly memorials of sin and shame, which bear
+witness that their late miserable wearers--Jews, Moors, blasphemers,
+or sorcerers,--have ended their dreary lives of penance, if not of
+penitence."
+
+The attention of the stranger seemed to be particularly attracted
+by one of them, the largest of all. Indeed, Carlos himself had been
+struck by its unusual size; and upon one occasion he had even had the
+curiosity to read the inscription, which he remembered because it
+contained Juan's favourite name, Rodrigo. It was this: "Rodrigo Valer,
+a citizen of Lebrixa and Seville; an apostate and false apostle, who
+pretended to be sent from God." And now, as he approached with light
+though hasty footsteps, he distinctly heard Dr. Cristobal Losada, still
+looking at the Sanbenito, say to his companion, "Yes, señor; and also
+the Conde de Nuera, Don Juan Alvarez."
+
+Don Juan Alvarez! What possible tie could link his father's name with
+the hideous thing they were gazing at? And what could the physician
+know about him of whom his own children knew so little? Carlos stood
+amazed, and pale with sudden emotion.
+
+And thus the physician saw him, happening to turn at that moment. Had
+he not exerted all his presence of mind (and he possessed a great
+deal), he would himself have started visibly. The unexpected appearance
+of the person of whom we speak is in itself disconcerting; but it
+deserves another name when we are saying that of him or his which, if
+overheard, might endanger life, or what is more precious still than
+life. Losada was equal to the occasion, however. The usual greetings
+having been exchanged, he asked quietly whether Señor Don Carlos had
+come in search of him, and hoped that he did not owe the honour to any
+indisposition in his worship's noble family.
+
+Carlos felt it rather a relief, under the circumstances, to have to
+say that his cousin's babe was alarmingly ill. "You will do us a great
+favour," he added, "by coming immediately. Doña Inez is very anxious."
+
+The physician promised compliance; and turning to his companion,
+respectfully apologized for leaving him abruptly.
+
+"A sick child's claim must not be postponed," said the stranger in
+reply. "Go, señor doctor, and God's blessing rest on your skill."
+
+Carlos was struck by the noble bearing and courteous manner of the
+stranger, who, in his turn, was interested by the young man's anxiety
+about a sick babe. But with only a passing glance at the other, each
+went his different way, not dreaming that once again at least their
+paths were destined to cross.
+
+The strange mention of his father's name that he had overheard filled
+the heart of Carlos with undefined uneasiness. He knew enough by that
+time to feel his childish belief in his father's stainless virtue
+a little shaken. What if a dreadful unexplained something, linking
+his fate with that of a convicted heretic, were yet to be learned?
+After all, the accursed arts of magic and sorcery were not so far
+removed from the alchemist's more legitimate labours, that a rash
+or presumptuous student might not very easily slide from one into
+the other. He had reason to believe that his father had played with
+alchemy, if he had not seriously devoted himself to its study. Nay, the
+thought had sometimes flashed unbidden across his mind that the "El
+Dorado" found might after all have been no other than the philosopher's
+stone. For he who has attained the power of producing gold at will may
+surely be said, without any stretch of metaphor, to have discovered a
+golden country. But at this period of his life the personal feelings of
+Carlos were so keen and absorbing that almost everything, consciously
+or unconsciously, was referred to them. And thus it was that an intense
+wish sprang up in his heart, that his father's secret might have
+descended to _him_.
+
+Vain wish! The gold he needed or desired must be procured from a
+less inaccessible region than El Dorado, and without the aid of the
+philosopher's stone.
+
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+               Don Carlos forgets Himself still further.
+
+  "The not so very false, as falsehood goes,--
+  The spinning out and drawing fine, you know;
+  Really mere novel-writing, of a sort,
+  Acting, improvising, make-believe,--
+  Surely not downright cheatery!"
+
+                                           R. BROWNING
+
+
+It cost Carlos some time and trouble to drive away the haunting
+thoughts which Losada's words had awakened. But he succeeded at length;
+or perhaps it would be more truthful to say the bright eyes and
+witching smiles of Doña Beatriz accomplished the work for him.
+
+Every dream, however, must have a waking. Sometimes a slight sound,
+ludicrously trivial in its cause, dispels a slumber fraught with
+wondrous visions, in which we have been playing the part of kings and
+emperors.
+
+"Nephew Don Carlos," said Don Manuel one day, "is it not time you
+thought of shaving your head? You are learned enough for your Orders
+long ago, and 'in a plentiful house supper is soon dressed.'"
+
+"True, señor my uncle," murmured Carlos, looking suddenly aghast. "But
+I am under the canonical age."
+
+"But you can get a dispensation."
+
+"Why such haste? There is time yet and to spare."
+
+"That is not so sure. I hear the cura of San Lucar has one foot in the
+grave. The living is a good one, and I think I know where to go for it.
+So take care you lose not a heifer for want of a halter to hold it by."
+
+With these words on his lips, Don Manuel went out. At the same moment
+Gonsalvo, who lay listlessly on a sofa at one end of the room, or
+rather court, reading "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first Spanish novel,
+burst into a loud paroxysm of laughter.
+
+"What may be the theme of your merriment?" asked Carlos, turning his
+large dreamy eyes languidly towards him.
+
+"Yourself, amigo mio. You would make the stone saints of the Cathedral
+laugh on their pedestals. There you stand, pale as marble, a living
+image of despair. Come, rouse yourself! What do you mean to do? Will
+you take what you wish, or let your chance slip by, and then sit and
+weep because you have it not? Will you be a _priest_ or a _man_? Make
+your choice this hour, for one you must be, and both you cannot be."
+
+Carlos answered him not; in truth, he dared not answer him. Every word
+was the voice of his own heart; perhaps it was also, though he knew it
+not, the voice of the great tempter. He withdrew to his chamber, and
+barred and bolted himself in it. This was the first time in his life
+that solitude was a necessity to him. His uncle's words had brought
+with them a terrible revelation. He knew himself now too well; he knew
+what he loved, what he desired, or rather what he hungered and thirsted
+for with agonizing intensity. No; never the priest's frock for him. He
+must call Doña Beatriz de Lavella his--his before God's altar--or die.
+
+Then came a thought, stinging him with sharp, sudden pain. It was a
+thought that should have come to him long ago,--"Juan!" And with the
+name, affection, memory, conscience, rose up together within him to
+combat the mad resolve of his passion.
+
+Fiery passions slumbered in the heart of Carlos. Such are sometimes
+found united with a gentle temper, a weak will, and sensitive nerves.
+Woe to their possessor when they are aroused in their strength!
+
+Had Carlos been a plain soldier, like the brother he was tempted to
+betray, it is possible he might have come forth from this terrible
+conflict still holding fast his honour and his brotherly affection.
+It was his priestly training that turned the scale. He had been
+taught that simple truth between man and man was a thing of little
+consequence. He had been taught the art of making a hundred clever,
+plausible excuses for whatever he saw best to do. He had been taught,
+in short, every species of sophistry by which, to the eyes of others,
+and to his own also, wrong might be made to seem right, and black to
+appear the purest white.
+
+His subtle imagination forged in the fire of his kindled passions
+chains of reasoning in which no skill could detect a flaw. Juan had
+never loved as he did; Juan would not care; probably by this time he
+had forgotten Doña Beatriz. "Besides," the tempter whispered furtively
+within him, "he might never return at all; he might die in battle."
+But Carlos was not yet sunk so low as to give ear for a single instant
+to this wicked whisper; though certainly he could not henceforth look
+for his brother's return with the joy with which he had been wont to
+anticipate that event. But, in any case, Beatriz herself should be the
+judge between them. And he told himself that he knew (how did he know
+it?) that Beatriz preferred _him_. Then it would be only right and kind
+to prepare Juan for an inevitable disappointment. This he could easily
+do. Letters, carefully written, might gradually suggest to his brother
+that Beatriz had other views; and he knew Juan's pride and his fiery
+temper well enough to calculate that if his jealousy were once aroused,
+these would soon accomplish the rest.
+
+Ere we, who have been taught from our cradles to "speak the truth from
+the heart," turn with loathing from the wiles of Carlos Alvarez, we
+ought to remember that he was a Spaniard--one of a nation whose genius
+and passion is for intrigue. He was also a Spaniard of the sixteenth
+century; but, above all, he was a Spanish Catholic, educated for the
+priesthood.
+
+The ability with which he laid his plans, and the enjoyment which its
+exercise gave him, served in itself to blind him to the treachery and
+ingratitude upon which those plans were founded.
+
+He sought an interview with Fray Constantino, and implored from him a
+letter of recommendation to the imperial recluse at San Yuste, whose
+chaplain and personal favourite the canon-magistral had been. But
+that eloquent preacher, though warm-hearted and generous to a fault,
+hesitated to grant the request. He represented to Carlos that His
+Imperial Majesty did not choose his retreat to be invaded by applicants
+for favours, and that the journey to San Yuste would therefore be, in
+all probability, worse than useless. Carlos answered that he had fully
+weighed the difficulties of the case; but that if the line of conduct
+he adopted seemed peculiar, his circumstances were so also. He believed
+that his father (who died before his birth) had enjoyed the special
+regard of His Imperial Majesty, and he hoped that, for his sake, he
+might now be willing to show him some kindness. At all events, he was
+sure of an introduction to his presence through his mayor-domo, Don
+Luis Quixada, lord of Villagarçia, who was a friend of their house.
+What he desired to obtain, through the kindness of His Imperial
+Majesty, was a Latin secretaryship, or some similar office, at the
+court of the new king, where his knowledge of Latin, and the talents he
+hoped he possessed, might stand him in good stead, and enable him to
+support, though with modesty, the station to which his birth entitled
+him. For, although already a licentiate of theology, and with good
+prospects in the Church, he did not wish to take orders, as he had
+thoughts of marrying.
+
+Fray Constantino felt a sympathy with the young man; and perhaps the
+rather because, if report speaks true, he had once been himself in a
+somewhat similar position. So he compromised matters by giving him a
+general letter of recommendation, in which he spoke of his talents and
+his blameless manners as warmly as he could, from the experience of
+the nine or ten months during which he had been acquainted with him.
+And although the attention paid by Carlos to his instructions had been
+slight, and of late almost perfunctory, his great natural intelligence
+had enabled him to stand his ground more creditably than many far more
+diligent students. The Fray's letter Carlos thankfully added to the
+numerous laudatory epistles from the doctors and professors of Alcala
+that he already had in his possession.
+
+All these he enclosed in a cedar box, which he carefully locked, and
+consigned in its turn to a travelling portmanteau, along with a fair
+stock of wearing apparel, sufficiently rich in material to suit his
+rank, but modest in colour and fashion. He then informed his uncle that
+before he took Orders it would be necessary for him, in his brother's
+absence, to take a journey to their little estate, and set its concerns
+in order.
+
+His uncle, suspecting nothing, approved his plan, and insisted on
+providing him with the attendance of an armed guard to Nuera, whither
+he really intended to go in the first instance.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VII.
+
+                             The Desengaño
+
+  "And I should evermore be vexed with thee
+  In vacant robe, or hanging ornament,
+  Or ghostly foot-fall lingering on the stair."
+
+                                      TENNYSON
+
+
+The journey from the city of oranges to the green slopes of the Sierra
+Morena ought to have been a delightful one to Don Carlos Alvarez. It
+was certainly bright with hope. He scarcely harboured a doubt of the
+ultimate success of his plans, and the consequent attainment of all his
+wishes. Already he seemed to feel the soft hand of Doña Beatriz in his,
+and to stand by her side before the high altar of the great Cathedral.
+
+And yet, as days passed on, the brightness within grew fainter, and
+an acknowledged shadow, ever deepening, began to take its place. At
+last he drew near his home, and rode through the little grove of
+cork-trees where he and Juan had played as children. When last they
+were there together the autumn winds were strewing the leaves, all dim
+and discoloured, about their paths. Now he looked through the fresh
+green foliage at the deep intense blue of the summer sky. But, though
+scarcely more than twenty, he felt at that moment old and worn, and
+wished back the time of his boyish sports with his brother. Never
+again could he feel quite happy with Juan.
+
+Soon, however, his sorrowful fancies were put to flight by the
+joyous greeting of the hounds, who rushed with much clamour from the
+castle-yard to welcome him. There they were, all of them--Pedro, Zina,
+Pepe, Grullo, Butron--it was Juan who had named them, every one. And
+there, at the gate, stood Diego and Dolores, ready to give him joyful
+welcome. Throwing himself from his horse, he shook hands with these
+faithful old retainers, and answered their kindly but respectful
+inquiries both for himself and Señor Don Juan. Then, having caressed
+the dogs, inquired for each of the under-servants by name, and given
+orders for the due entertainment of his guard, he passed on slowly into
+the great deserted hall.
+
+His arrival being unexpected, he merely surrendered his travelling
+cloak into the hands of Diego, and sat down to wait patiently while the
+servants, always dilatory, prepared for him suitable accommodation.
+Dolores soon appeared with a flask of wine and some bread and grapes;
+but this was only a _merienda_, or slight afternoon luncheon, which
+she laid before her young master until she could make ready a supper
+fit for him to partake of. Carlos spent half an hour listening to her
+tidings of the household and the village, and felt sorry when she
+quitted the room and left him to his own reflections.
+
+Every object on which his eyes rested reminded him of his brother.
+There hung the cross-bow with which, in old days, Juan had made such
+vigorous war on the rooks and the sparrows. There lay the foils and
+the canes with which they had so often fenced and played; Juan, in his
+unquestioned superiority, usually so patient with the younger brother's
+timidity and awkwardness. And upon that bench he had carved, with a
+hunting-knife, his name in full, adding the title that had expired with
+his father, "Conde de Nuera."
+
+The memories these things recalled were becoming intrusive; he would
+fain shake them off. Gladly would he have had recourse to his favourite
+pastime of reading, but there was not a book in the castle, to his
+knowledge, except the breviary he had brought with him. For lack of
+more congenial occupation, he went out at last to the stable to look at
+the horses, and to talk to those who were grooming and feeding them.
+
+Later in the evening Dolores told him that supper was ready, adding
+that she had laid it in the small inner room, which she thought Señor
+Don Carlos would find more comfortable than the great hall.
+
+That inner room was, even more than the hall, haunted by the shadowy
+presence of Juan. But it was usually daylight when the brothers were
+there together. Now, a tapestry curtain shaded the window, and a silver
+lamp shed its light on the well-spread table with its snowy drapery,
+and cover laid for one.
+
+A lonely meal, however luxurious, is always apt to be somewhat dreary;
+it seems a provision for the lowest wants of our nature, and nothing
+more. Carlos sought to escape from the depressing influence by giving
+wings to his imagination, and dreaming of the time when wealth enough
+to repair and refurnish that half-ruinous old homestead might be his.
+He pleased himself with pictures of the long tables in the great hall,
+groaning beneath the weight of a bountiful provision for a merry
+company of guests, upon whom the sweet face of Doña Beatriz might
+beam a welcome. But how idle such fancies! The castle, after all, was
+Juan's, not his. Unless, indeed, more difficulties than one should
+be solved by Juan's death upon some French or Flemish battle-field.
+This thought he could not bear to entertain. Grown suddenly sick at
+heart, he pushed aside his plate of stewed pigeon, and, regardless
+of the feelings of Dolores, sent away untasted her dessert of sweet
+butter-cakes dipped in honey. He was weary, he said, and he would go to
+rest at once.
+
+It was long before sleep would visit his eyelids; and when at last
+it came, his brother's dark reproachful eyes haunted him still. At
+daybreak he awoke with a start from a feverish dream that Juan, all
+pale and ghostlike, had come to his bedside, and laying his hand on his
+arm, said solemnly, "I claim the jewel I left thee in trust."
+
+Further sleep was impossible. He rose, and wandered out into the fresh
+air. As yet no one was astir. Fair and sweet was all that met his gaze:
+the faint pearly light, the first blush of dawn in the quiet sky, the
+silvery dew that bathed his footsteps. But the storm within raged more
+fiercely for the calm without. There was first an agonizing struggle
+to repress the rising thought, "Better, after all, _not_ to do this
+thing." But, in spite of his passionate efforts, the thought gained a
+hearing, it seemed to cry aloud within him, "Better, after all, not to
+betray Juan!" "And give up Beatriz for ever? _For ever!_" he repeated
+over and over again, beating it
+
+      "In upon his weary brain,
+  As though it were the burden of a song."
+
+He had climbed, almost unawares, to the top of a rocky hill; and now
+he stood, looking around him at the prospect, just as if he saw it.
+In truth, he saw nothing, felt nothing outward, until at last a misty
+mountain rain swept in his face, refreshing his burning brow with a
+touch as of cool fingers.
+
+Then he descended mechanically. Exchanging salutations (as if nothing
+were amiss with him) with the milk-maid and the wood-boy, he crossed
+the open courtyard and re-entered the hall. There Dolores, and a girl
+who worked under her, were already busy, so he passed by them into the
+inner room.
+
+Its darkness seemed to stifle him; with hasty hand he drew aside the
+heavy tapestry curtain. As he did so something caught his eye. For the
+hundredth time he re-read the mystic inscription on the glass:
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado."
+
+And, as an infant's touch may open a sluice that lets in the mighty
+ocean, those simple words broke up the fountains of the great deep
+within. He gave full course to the emotions they awakened. Again he
+heard Juan's voice repeat them; again he saw Juan's deep earnest eyes
+look into his; not now reproachfully, but with full unshaken trust, as
+in the old days when first he said, "We will go forth together and find
+our father."
+
+"Juan--brother!" he cried aloud, "I will never wrong thee, so help
+me God!" At that moment the morning sun, having scattered the mists
+with the glory of its rising, sent one of its early beams to kiss the
+handwriting on the window-pane. "Old token for good," thought Carlos,
+whose imaginative nature could play with fancies even in the hours of
+supreme emotion. "And true still even yet. Only the good is all for
+Juan; for me--nothing but despair."
+
+And so Don Carlos found his "desengaño," or disenchantment, and it was
+a very thorough one.
+
+Body and mind were well-nigh exhausted with the violence of the
+struggle. Perhaps this was fortunate, in so far that it won for the
+decision of his better nature a more rapid and easy acceptance. In
+a sense and for a season any decision was welcome to the weary,
+tempest-tossed soul.
+
+It was afterwards that he asked himself how were long years to be
+dragged on without the face that was the joy of his heart and the life
+of his life? How was he to bear the never-ending pain, the aching
+loneliness, of such a lot? Better to die at once than to endure this
+slow, living death. He knew well that it was not in his nature to point
+the pistol or the dagger at his own breast. But he might pine away and
+die silently--as many thousands die--of blighted hopes and a ruined
+life. Or--and this was more likely, perhaps--as time passed on he
+might grow dead and hard in soul; until at last he would become a dry,
+cold, mechanical mass-priest, mumbling the Church's Latin with thin,
+bloodless lips, a keen eye to his dues, and a heart that might serve
+for a Church relic, so much faith would it require to believe that it
+had been warm and living once.
+
+Still, laudably anxious to provide against possible future waverings
+of the decision so painfully attained, he wrote informing his uncle
+of his safe arrival; adding that he had fully made up his mind to
+take Orders at Christmas, but that he found it advisable to remain in
+his present quarters for a month or two. He at once dispatched two of
+the men-at-arms with the letter; and much was the thrifty Don Manuel
+surprised that his nephew should spend a handful of silver reals in
+order to inform him of what he knew already.
+
+Gloomily the day wore on. The instinctive reserve of a sensitive nature
+made Carlos talk to the servants, receive the accounts, inspect the
+kine and sheep--do everything, in short, except eat and drink--as he
+would have done if a great sorrow had not all the time been crushing
+his heart. It is true that Dolores, who loved him as her own son, was
+not deceived. It was for no trivial cause that the young master was
+pale as a corpse, restless and irritable, talking hurriedly by fitful
+snatches, and then relapsing into moody silence. But Dolores was a
+prudent woman, as well as a loving and faithful one; therefore she held
+her peace, and bided her time.
+
+But Carlos noticed one effort she made to console him. Coming in
+towards evening from a consultation with Diego about some cork-trees
+which a Morisco merchantman wished to purchase and cut down, he saw
+upon his table a carefully sealed wine-flask, with a cup beside it. He
+knew whence it came. His father had left in the cellar a small quantity
+of choice wine of Xeres; and this relic of more prosperous times being,
+like most of their other possessions, in the care of Dolores, was only
+produced very sparingly, and on rare occasions. But she evidently
+thought "Señor Don Carlos" needed it now. Touched by her watchful,
+unobtrusive affection, he would have gratified her by drinking; but he
+had a peculiar dislike to drinking alone, while he knew he would only
+render his sanity doubtful by inviting either her or Diego to share
+the luxurious beverage. So he put it aside for the present, and drew
+towards him a sheet of figures, an ink-horn, and a pen. He could not
+work, however. With the silence and solitude, his great grief came back
+upon him again. But nature all this time had been silently working
+for him. His despair was giving way to a more violent but less bitter
+sorrow. Tears came now: a long, passionate fit of weeping relieved his
+aching heart. Since his early childhood he had not wept thus.
+
+An approaching footstep recalled him to himself. He rose with haste and
+shame, and stood beside the window, hoping that his position and the
+waning light might together shield him from observation. It was only
+Dolores.
+
+"Señor," she said, entering somewhat hastily, "will it please you to
+see to those men of Seville that came with your Excellency? They are
+insulting a poor little muleteer, and threatening to rob his packages."
+
+Yanguesian carriers and other muleteers, bringing goods across the
+Sierra Morena from the towns of La Mancha to those of Andalusia, often
+passed by the castle, and sometimes received hospitality there. Carlos
+rose at once at the summons, saying to Dolores--
+
+"Where is the boy?"
+
+"He is not a boy, señor, he is a man; a very little man, but with a
+greater spirit, if I mistake not, than some twice his size."
+
+It was true enough. On the green plot at the back of the castle, beside
+which the mountain pathway led, there were gathered the ten or twelve
+rough Seville pikemen, taken from the lowest of the population, and
+most of them of Moorish blood. In their midst, beside the foremost of
+his three mules, with one arm thrown round her neck and the other
+raised to give effect by animated gestures to his eager oratory, stood
+the muleteer. He was a very short, spare, active-looking man, clad from
+head to foot in chestnut-coloured leather. His mules were well laden;
+each with three large alforjas, one at each side and one laid across
+the neck. But they were evidently well fed and cared for also; and they
+presented a gay appearance, with their adornments of bright-coloured
+worsted tassels and tiny bells.
+
+"You know, my friends," the muleteer was saying, as Carlos came within
+hearing, "an arriero's alforjas[3] are like a soldier's colours,--it
+stands him upon his honour to guard them inviolate. No, no! Ask him for
+aught else--his purse, his blood--they are at your service; but never
+touch his colours, if you care for a long life."
+
+    [3] _Arriero_, muleteer; _alforjas_, bags.
+
+"My honest friend, your colours, as you call them, shall be safe here,"
+said Carlos, kindly.
+
+The muleteer turned towards him a good-humoured, intelligent face, and,
+bowing low, thanked him heartily.
+
+"What is your name?" asked Carlos; "and whence do you come?"
+
+"I am Juliano; Juliano el Chico (Julian the Little) men generally call
+me--since, as your Excellency sees, I am not very great. And I come
+last from Toledo."
+
+"Indeed! And what wares do you carry?"
+
+"Some matters, small in bulk, yet costly, which I am bringing for
+a Seville merchant--Medel de Espinosa by name, if your worship has
+heard of him? I have mirrors, for example, of a new kind; excellent in
+workmanship, and true as steel, as well they may be."
+
+"I know the shop of Espinosa well. I have been much in Seville," said
+Carlos, with a sudden pang, caused by the recollection of the many
+pretty trifles that he had purchased there for Doña Beatriz. "But
+follow me, my friend, and a good supper shall make you amends for the
+rudeness of these fellows.--Andres, take the best care thou canst of
+his mules; 'twill be only fair penance for thy sin in molesting their
+owner."
+
+"A hundred thousand thanks, señor. Still, with your worship's good
+leave, and no offence to friend Andres, I had rather look to the beasts
+myself. We are old companions; they know my ways, and I know theirs."
+
+"As you please, my good fellow. Andres will show you the stable, and I
+shall tell my mayor-domo to see that you lack nothing."
+
+"Again I render to your Excellency my poor but hearty thanks."
+
+Carlos went in, gave the necessary directions to Diego, and then
+returned to his solitary chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                             The Muleteer.
+
+  "Are ye resigned that they be spent
+  In such world's help? The spirits bent
+  Their awful brows, and said, 'Content!'
+
+  "Content! It sounded like Amen
+  Said by a choir of mourning men:
+  An affirmation full of pain
+
+  "And patience,--ay, of glorying,
+  And adoration, as a king
+  Might seal an oath for governing."
+
+                                  E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+When Carlos stood once more face to face with his sorrow--as he did as
+soon as he had closed the door--he found that it had somewhat changed
+its aspect. A trouble often does this when some interruption from the
+outer world makes us part company with it for a little while. We find
+on our return that it has developed quite a new phase, and seldom a
+more hopeful one.
+
+It now entered the mind of Carlos, for the first time, that he had
+been acting very basely towards his brother. Not only had he planned
+and intended a treason, but by endeavouring to engage the affections
+of Doña Beatriz, he had actually committed one. Heaven grant it might
+not prove irreparable! Though the time that had passed since his better
+self gained the victory was only measured by hours, it represented to
+him a much longer period. Already it enabled him to look upon what
+had gone before from the vantage-ground that some degree of distance
+gives. He now beheld in true, perhaps even in exaggerated colours, the
+meanness and the treachery of his conduct. He, who prided himself upon
+the nobility of his nature matching that of his birth--he, Don Carlos
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya, the gentleman of stainless manners,
+of reputation untarnished by a single blot--he, who had never yet been
+ashamed of anything,--in his solitude he blushed and covered his face
+in shame, as the villany he had planned rose up before his mind. It
+would have broken his heart to be scorned by any man; and was it not
+worse a thousand-fold to be thus scorned by himself? He thought even
+more of the meanness of his plan than of its treachery. Of its sin he
+did not think at all. Sin was a theological term which he had been
+wont to handle in the schools, and to toss to and fro with the other
+materials upon which he showed off his dialectic skill; but it no more
+occurred to him to take it out of the scholastic world and to bring it
+into that in which he really lived and acted, than it did to talk Latin
+to Diego, or softly to whisper quotations from Thomas Aquinas into the
+ear of Doña Beatriz between the pauses of the dance.
+
+Scarcely any consideration, however, could have made him more miserable
+than he was. Past and future--all alike seemed dreary. Not a happy
+memory, not a cheering anticipation could he find to comfort him. He
+was as one who goes forth to face the driving storm of a wintry night:
+not strong in hope and courage--a warm hearth behind him, and before
+him the pleasant starry glimmer that tells of another soon to be
+reached--but chilled, weary, forlorn, the wind whistling through thin
+garments, and nothing to meet his eye but the bare, bleak, shelterless
+moor stretching far out into the distance.
+
+He sat long, too crushed in heart even to finish his slight,
+unimportant task. Sometimes he drew towards him the sheet of figures,
+and for a moment or two tried to fix his attention upon it; but soon
+he would push it away again, or make aimless dots and circles on its
+margin. While thus engaged, he heard a cheery and not unmelodious
+voice chanting a fragment of song in some foreign tongue. Listening
+more attentively, he believed the words were French, and supposed the
+singer must be his humble guest, the muleteer, on his way to the stable
+to take a last look at the beloved companions of his toils before he
+lay down to rest. The man had probably exercised his vocation at some
+former period in the passes of the Pyrenees, and had thus acquired some
+knowledge of French.
+
+Half an hour's talk with any one seemed to Carlos at that moment a
+most desirable diversion from the gloom of his own thoughts. He might
+converse with this stranger when he dared not summon to his presence
+Diego or Dolores, because they knew and loved him well enough to
+discover in two minutes that something was seriously wrong with him.
+He waited until he heard the voice once more close beneath his window;
+then softly opening it, he called the muleteer. Juliano responded with
+ready alertness; and Carlos, going round to the door, admitted him, and
+led him into his sanctum.
+
+"I believe," he said, "that was a French song I heard you sing. You
+have been in France, then?"
+
+"Ay, señor; I have crossed the Pyrenees more than once. I have also
+been in Switzerland."
+
+"You must, then, have visited many places worthy of note; and not with
+your eyes shut, I think. I wish you would tell me, for pastime, the
+story of your travels."
+
+"Willingly, señor," said the muleteer, who, though perfectly
+respectful, had an ease and independence of manner that made Carlos
+suspect it was not the first time he had conversed with his superiors.
+"Where shall I begin?"
+
+"Have you ever crossed the Santillanos, or visited the Asturias?"
+
+"No, señor. A man cannot be everywhere; 'he that rings the bells does
+not walk in the procession.' I am only master of the route from Lyons
+here; knowing a little also, as I have said, of Switzerland."
+
+"Tell me first of Lyons, then. And be seated, my friend."
+
+The muleteer sat down, and began his story, telling of the places he
+had seen with an intelligence that more and more engaged the attention
+of Carlos, who failed not to draw out his information by many pertinent
+questions. As they conversed, each observed the other with gradually
+increasing interest. Carlos admired the muleteer's courage and energy
+in the prosecution of his calling, and enjoyed his quaint and shrewd
+observations. Moreover, he was struck by certain indications of a
+degree of education and even of refinement not usual in his class.
+Especially he noticed the small, finely-formed hand, which was
+sometimes in the warmth of conversation laid on the table, and which
+looked as if it had been accustomed to wield some implement far more
+delicate than a riding-whip. Another thing he took note of. Though
+Juliano's language abounded in proverbs, in provincialisms, in quaint
+and racy expressions, not a single oath escaped his lips. "I never
+saw an arriero before," thought Carlos, "who could get through two
+sentences without half a dozen of them."
+
+Juliano, on the other hand, was observing his host, and with a far
+shrewder and deeper insight than Carlos could have imagined. During
+supper he had gathered from the servants that their young master was
+kind-hearted, gentle, easy-tempered, and had never injured any one in
+his life; and knowing all this, he was touched with genuine sympathy
+for the young noble, whose haggard face and sorrowful looks told but
+too plainly that some great grief was pressing on his heart.
+
+"Your Excellency must be weary of my stories," he said at length. "It
+is time I left you to your repose."
+
+And so indeed it was, for the hour was late.
+
+"Ere you go," said Carlos kindly, "you shall drink a cup of wine with
+me."
+
+He had no wine at hand but the costly beverage Dolores had produced
+for his own especial use. Wondering a little what Juliano would think
+of such a luxurious beverage, he sought a second cup, for the proud
+Castilian gentleman was too "finely courteous" not to drink with his
+guest, although that guest was only a muleteer.
+
+Juliano, evidently a temperate man, remonstrated: "But I have already
+tasted your Excellency's hospitality."
+
+"That should not hinder your drinking to my good health," said Carlos,
+producing a small hunting-cup, forgotten until now, from the pocket of
+his doublet.
+
+Then filling the larger cup, he handed it to Juliano. It was a very
+little thing, a trifling act of kindness. But to the last hour of his
+life, Carlos Alvarez thanked God that he had put it into his heart to
+offer that cup of wine.
+
+The muleteer raised it to his lips, saying earnestly, "God grant you
+health and happiness, noble señor."
+
+Carlos drank also, glad to relieve a painful feeling of exhaustion.
+As he set down the cup, a sudden impulse prompted him to say, with a
+bitter smile, "Happiness is not likely to come my way at present."
+
+"Nay, señor, and wherefore not? With your good leave be it spoken, you
+are young, noble, amiable, with much learning and excellent parts, as
+they tell me."
+
+"All these things may not prevent a man being very miserable," said
+Carlos frankly.
+
+"God comfort you, señor."
+
+"Thanks for the good wish," said Carlos, rather lightly, and conscious
+of having already said too much. "All men have their troubles, I
+suppose, but most men contrive to live through them. So shall I, no
+doubt."
+
+"But God _can_ comfort you," Juliano repeated with a kind of wistful
+earnestness.
+
+Carlos, surprised at his manner, looked at him dreamily, but with some
+curiosity.
+
+"Señor," said Juliano, leaning forward and speaking in a low tone
+full of meaning. "Let your worship excuse a plain man's plain
+question--Señor, _do you know God_?"
+
+Carlos started visibly. Was the man mad? Certainly not; as all
+his previous conversation bore witness. He was evidently a very
+clever, half-educated man, who spoke with just the simplicity and
+unconsciousness of an intelligent child. And now he had asked a true
+child's question; one which it would exhaust a wise man's wisdom to
+answer. Thoroughly perplexed, Carlos at last determined to take it in
+its easiest sense. He said, "Yes; I have studied theology, and taken
+out my licentiate's degree at the University of Alcala."
+
+"If it please your worship, what may that fine word theology mean?"
+
+"You have said so many wise things, that I marvel you know not. Science
+about God."
+
+"Then, señor, your Excellency knows _about God_. But is it not another
+thing _to know God_? I know much about the Emperor Carlos, now at San
+Yuste; I could tell you the story of all his campaigns. But I never
+saw him, still less spoke with him. And far indeed am I from knowing
+him to be my friend; and so trusting him that if my mules died, or the
+Alguazils seized me at Cordova for bringing over something contraband,
+or other mishap befell me, I should go or send to him, certain that he
+would help and save me."
+
+"I begin to understand you," said Carlos; and a suspicion crossed his
+mind that the muleteer was a friar in disguise. But that could scarcely
+be, since his black abundant hair showed no marks of the tonsure.
+"After the manner you speak of, only great saints know God."
+
+"Indeed, señor! Can that be true? For I have heard that our Lord
+Christ"--(at the mention of the name Carlos crossed himself, a
+ceremony which the muleteer was so engrossed by his argument as to
+forget)--"that our Lord Christ came into the world to make men know the
+Father; and that, to all that believe on him, he truly reveals him."
+
+"Where did you get this strange learning?"
+
+"It is simple learning; and yet very blessed, señor," returned Juliano,
+evading the question. "For those who know God are happy. Whatever
+sorrows they have without, within they have joy and peace."
+
+"You are advising me to seek peace in religion?"
+
+It was singular certainly that a muleteer should advise _him_; but then
+this was a very uncommon muleteer. "And so I ought," he added, "since I
+am destined for the Church."
+
+"No, señor; not to seek peace in religion, but to seek peace from God,
+and in Christ who reveals him."
+
+"It is only the words that differ, the things are the same."
+
+"Again I say, with all submission to your Excellency, not so. It is
+Christ Jesus himself--Christ Jesus, God and man--who alone can give the
+peace and happiness for which the heart aches. Are we oppressed with
+sin? He says, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee!' Are we hungry? He is bread.
+Thirsty? He is living water. Weary? He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that
+are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'"
+
+"Man! who or what are you? You are quoting the Holy Scriptures to me.
+Do you then read Latin?"
+
+"No, señor," said the muleteer humbly, casting his eyes down to the
+ground.
+
+"_No?_"
+
+"No, señor; in very truth. But--"
+
+"Well? Go on!"
+
+Juliano looked up again, a steady light in his eyes. "Will you promise,
+on the faith of a gentleman, not to betray me?" he asked.
+
+"Most assuredly I will not betray you."
+
+"I trust you, señor. I do not believe it would be possible for _you_ to
+betray one who trusted you."
+
+Carlos winced, and rather shrank from the muleteer's look of hearty,
+honest confidence.
+
+"Though I cannot guess your reason for such precautions," he said, "I
+am willing, if you wish it, to swear secrecy upon the holy crucifix."
+
+"It needs not, señor; your word of honour is as much as your oath.
+Though I am putting my life in your hands when I tell you that I have
+dared to read the words of my Lord Christ in my own tongue."
+
+"Are you then a heretic?" Carlos exclaimed, recoiling involuntarily, as
+one who suddenly sees the plague spot on the forehead of a friend whose
+hand he has been grasping.
+
+"That depends upon your notion of a heretic, señor. Many a better man
+than I has been branded with the name. Even the great preacher Don Fray
+Constantino, whom all the fine lords and ladies in Seville flock to
+hear, has often been called heretic by his enemies."
+
+"I have resided in Seville, and attended Fray Constantino's theological
+lectures," said Carlos.
+
+"Then your worship knows there is not a better Christian in all the
+Spains. And yet men say that he narrowly escaped a prosecution for
+heresy. But enough of what men say. Let us hear what God says for once.
+His words cannot lead us astray."
+
+"No; not the Holy Scriptures, properly expounded by learned and
+orthodox doctors. But heretics put their own construction upon the
+sacred text, which, moreover, they corrupt and interpolate."
+
+"Señor, you are a scholar; you can consult the original, and judge for
+yourself how far that charge is true."
+
+"But I do not want to read heretic writings."
+
+"Nor I, señor. Yet I confess that I have read the words of my
+Saviour in my own tongue, which some misinformed or ignorant persons
+call heresy; and through them, to my soul's joy, I have learned to
+know Him and the Father. I am bold enough to wish the same knowledge
+yours, señor, that the same joy may be yours also." The poor man's eye
+kindled, and his features, otherwise homely enough, glowed with an
+enthusiasm that lent them true spiritual beauty.
+
+Carlos was not unmoved. After a moment's pause he said, "If I could
+procure what you style God's Word in my own tongue, I do not say that I
+would refuse to read it. Should I discover any heretical mistranslation
+or interpolation, I could blot out the passage; or, it necessary, burn
+the book."
+
+"I can place in your hands this very hour the New Testament of our
+Saviour Christ, lately translated into Castilian by Juan Perez, a
+learned man, well acquainted with the Greek."
+
+"What! have you got it with you? In God's name bring it then; and at
+least I will look at it."
+
+"Be it truly in God's name, señor," said Juliano, as he left the room.
+
+During his absence Carlos pondered upon this singular adventure.
+Throughout his lengthened conversation with him, he had discerned no
+marks of heresy in the muleteer, except his possession of the Spanish
+New Testament. And being very proud of his dialectic acuteness, he
+thought he should certainly have discovered such had they existed.
+"He had need to be a clever heretic that would circumvent _me_," he
+said, with the vanity of a young and successful scholar. Moreover,
+his ten months' attendance on the lectures of Fray Constantino had,
+unconsciously to himself, somewhat imbued his mind with liberal ideas.
+He could have read the Vulgate at Alcala if he had cared to do so (only
+he never had); where then could be the harm of glancing, out of mere
+curiosity, at a Spanish translation from the same original?
+
+He regarded the New Testament in the light of some very dangerous,
+though effective, weapon of the explosive kind; likely to overwhelm
+with terrible destruction the careless or ignorant meddler with its
+intricacies, and therefore wisely forbidden by the authorities; though
+in able and scientific hands, such as his own, it might be harmless and
+even useful.
+
+But it was a very different matter for the poor man who brought it
+to him. Was he, after all, a madman? Or was he a heretic? Or was he
+a great saint or holy hermit in disguise? But whatever his spiritual
+peril might or might not be, it was only too evident that he was
+incurring temporal dangers of a very awful kind. And perhaps he was
+doing so in the simplicity of ignorance. Carlos could not do less than
+warn him of them.
+
+He soon returned; and drawing a small brown volume from beneath his
+leathern jerkin, handed it to the young nobleman.
+
+"My friend," said Carlos kindly, as he took it from him, "do you know
+what you dare by offering this to me, or even by keeping it yourself?"
+
+"I know it well, señor," was the calm reply; and the muleteer's dark
+eye met his undauntedly.
+
+"You are playing a dangerous game. This time you are safe. But take
+care. You may try it once too often."
+
+"I shall not, señor. I shall witness for my Lord just so often as he
+permits. When he has no more need of me, he will call me home."
+
+"God help you. I fear you are throwing yourself into the fire. And for
+what?"
+
+"For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the thirsty,
+light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and heavy-laden.
+Señor, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+After a moment's silence he continued: "I leave within your hands the
+treasure brought at such cost. But God alone, by his Divine Spirit,
+can reveal to you its true worth. Señor, seek that Spirit. Nay, be not
+offended. You are very noble and very learned; and it is a poor and
+ignorant man who speaks to you. But that poor man is risking his life
+for your soul's salvation; and thus he proves, at least, how true his
+desire to see you one day at the right hand of Christ, his King and
+Master. Adios, señor."
+
+He bowed low; and before Carlos had sufficiently recovered from his
+astonishment to say a word in answer, he had left the room and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"Strange being!" thought Carlos; "but I shall talk with him again
+to-morrow." And ere he was aware, his eyelids were wet; for the courage
+and self-sacrifice of the poor muleteer had stirred some answering
+chord of emotion in his heart. Probably, in spite of all appearances to
+the contrary, he was a madman; or else he was a heretical fanatic. But
+he was a man willing to brave numberless sufferings (of which a death
+of torture was the last and least), to bring his fellow-men something
+which he imagined would make them happy. "The Church has no more
+orthodox son than I," said Don Carlos Alvarez; "but I shall read his
+book for all that."
+
+Then, the hour being late, he retired to rest, and slept soundly.
+
+He did not rise exactly with the sun, and when he came forth from his
+chamber breakfast was already in preparation.
+
+"Where is the muleteer who was here last night?" he asked Dolores.
+
+"He was up and away at sunrise," she answered. "Fortunately, it is
+not my custom to stop in bed and see the sunshine; so I just caught
+him loading his mules, and gave him a piece of bread and cheese and
+a draught of wine. A smart little man he is, and one who knows his
+business."
+
+"I wish I had seen him ere he left," said Carlos aloud. "Shall I ever
+look upon his face again?" he added mentally.
+
+Carlos Alvarez saw that face again, not by the ray of sun or moon, nor
+yet by the gleam of the student's lamp, but clear and distinct in a
+lurid awful light more terrible than Egyptian darkness, yet fraught
+with strange blessing, since it showed the way to the city of God,
+where the sun no more goes down, neither doth the moon withdraw herself.
+
+Juliano el Chico, otherwise Julian Hernandez, is no fancy sketch, no
+"character of fiction." It is matter of history that, cunningly stowed
+away in his alforjas, amongst the ribbons, laces, and other trifles
+that formed their ostensible freight, there was a large supply of
+Spanish New Testaments, of the translation of Juan Perez. And that, in
+spite of all the difficulties and dangers of his self-imposed task, he
+succeeded in conveying his precious charge safely to Seville.
+
+Our cheeks grow pale, our hearts shudder, at the thought of what he and
+others dared, that they might bring to the lips of their countrymen
+that living water which was truly "the blood of the men that went for
+it in jeopardy of their lives." More than jeopardy. Not alone did
+Juliano brave danger, he encountered certain death. Sooner or later,
+it was impossible that he should not fall into the pitiless grasp of
+that hideous engine of royal and priestly tyranny, called the Holy
+Inquisition.
+
+We have no words in which to praise such heroism as his. We leave
+that--and we may be content to leave it--to Him whose lips shall one
+day pronounce the sublime award, "Well done, good and faithful servant;
+enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But in the view of such things
+done and suffered for his name's sake, there is another thought that
+presses on the mind. How real and great, nay, how unutterably precious,
+must be that treasure which men were found willing, at such cost, not
+only to secure for themselves, but even to impart to others.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                           El Dorado Found.
+
+  "So, the All-Great were the all-loving too--
+  So, through the thunder comes a human voice,
+  Saying, O heart I made, a heart beats here!
+  Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself!
+  Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine:
+  But love I gave thee with myself to love,
+  And thou must love me who have died for thee!"
+
+                                              R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Three silent months stole away in the old castle of Nuera. No outward
+event affecting the fortunes of its inmates marked their progress.
+And yet they were by far the most important months Don Carlos had
+ever seen, or perhaps would ever see. They witnessed a change in him,
+mysterious in its progress but momentous in its results. An influence
+passed over him, mighty as the wind in its azure pathway, but, like it,
+visible only by its effects; no man could tell "whence it cometh or
+whither it goeth."
+
+Again it was early morning, a bright Sunday morning in September.
+Already Carlos stood prepared to go forth. He had quite discarded his
+student's habit, and was dressed like any other young nobleman, in a
+doublet and short cloak of Genoa velvet, with a sword by his side. His
+Breviary was in his hand, however, and he was on the point of taking
+up his hat when Dolores entered the room, bearing a cup of wine and a
+manchet of bread.
+
+Carlos shook his head, saying, "I intend to communicate. And you,
+Dolores," he added, "are you not also going to hear mass?"
+
+"Surely, señor; we will all attend our duty. But there is still time to
+spare; your worship sets us an example in the matter of early rising."
+
+"It were shame to lose such fair hours as these. Prithee, Dolores, and
+lest I forget, hast thou something savoury in the house for dinner?"
+
+"Glad I am to hear you ask, señor. Hitherto it has seemed alike to your
+Excellency whether they served you with a pottage of lentils or a stew
+of partridges. But since Diego had the good fortune to kill that buck
+on Wednesday, we are better than well provided. Your worship shall dine
+on roast venison to-day."
+
+"That will do. And if thou wouldst add some of the batter ware, in
+which thou art so skilful, it would be better still; for I intend to
+bring home a guest."
+
+"Now, the Saints help me, that is news! Without meaning offence, your
+worship might have told me before. Any noble caballero coming to these
+parts to visit you must needs have bed as well as board found him. And
+how can I, in three hours, more or less--"
+
+"Nay, be not alarmed, Dolores; no stranger is coming here. Only I wish
+to bring the cura home to dinner."
+
+Even the self-restrained Dolores could not repress an exclamation of
+surprise. For both the brothers had been accustomed to regard the
+ignorant vulgar cura of the neighbouring village with unmitigated
+dislike and contempt. In old times Dolores herself had sometimes tried
+to induce them to show him some trifling courtesies, "for their soul's
+health." They were willing enough to send "that beggar"--as Don Juan
+used to call him--presents of meat or game when they could, but these
+they would not have grudged to their worst enemy. To converse with
+him, or to seat him at their table, was a very different matter. He was
+"no fit associate for noblemen," said the boys; and Dolores, in her
+heart, agreed with them. She looked at her young master to see whether
+he were jesting.
+
+"He likes a good dinner," Carlos added quietly. "Let us for once give
+him one."
+
+"In good faith, Señor Don Carlos, I cannot tell what has come to you.
+You must be about doing penance for your sins, though I will say no
+young gentleman of your years has fewer to answer for. Still, to please
+your whim, the cura shall eat the best we have, though beans and bacon
+would be more fitting fare for him."
+
+"Thank you, mother Dolores," said Carlos kindly. "In truth, neither Don
+Juan nor I had ever whim yet you did not strive to gratify."
+
+"And who would not do more than that for so pleasant and kind a young
+master?" thought Dolores, as she withdrew to superintend the cooking
+operations. "God's blessing and Our Lady's rest on him, and in sooth I
+think they do. Three months ago he came here looking like a corpse out
+of the grave, and fitter, as it seemed to me, to don his shroud than
+his priest's frock. But the free mountain air wherein he was born is
+bringing back the red to his cheek and the light to his eye, thank the
+holy Saints. Ah, if his lady mother could only see her gallant sons
+now!"
+
+Meanwhile Don Carlos leisurely took his way down the hill. Having
+abundance of time to spare, he chose a solitary, devious path through
+the cork-trees and the pasture land belonging to the castle. His heart
+was alive to every pleasant sight and sound that met his eye and ear;
+although, or rather because, a low, sweet song of thankfulness was all
+the while chanting itself within him.
+
+During his solitary walk he distinctly realized for the first time the
+stupendous change that had passed over him. For such changes cannot
+be understood or measured until afterwards, perhaps not always then.
+Drawing from his pocket Juliano's little book, he clasped it in both
+hands. "_This_, God be thanked, has done it all, under him. And yet, at
+first, it added to my misery a hundred-fold." Then his mind ran back
+to the dreary days of helpless, almost hopeless wretchedness, when he
+first began its perusal. Much of it had then been quite unintelligible
+to him; but what he understood had only made his darkness darker still.
+He who had but just learned from that stern teacher, Life, the meaning
+of sorrow, learned from the pages of his book the awful significance
+of that other word, Sin. Bitter hours, never to be remembered without
+a shudder, were those that followed. Already prostrate on the ground
+beneath the weight of his selfish sorrow for the love that might never
+be his, cruel blows seemed rained upon him by the very hand to which
+he turned to lift him up. "All was his own fault," said conscience.
+But had conscience, enlightened by his book, said no more, he could
+have borne it. It was a different thing to recognize that all was his
+own _sin_--to feel more keenly every day that the whole current of his
+thoughts and affections was set in opposition to the will of God as
+revealed in that book, and illustrated in the life of him of whom it
+told.
+
+But this sickness of heart, deadly though it seemed, was not unto
+death. The Word had indeed proved a mirror, in which he saw his own
+face reflected with the lines and colours of truth. But it had a
+farther use for him. As he did not fling it away in despair, but still
+gazed on, at length he saw in its clear depths another Face--a Face
+radiant with divine majesty, yet beaming with tender love and pity. He
+whom the mirror thus gave back to him had been "not far" from him all
+his life; had been standing over against him, watching and waiting for
+the moment in which to reveal himself. At last that moment came. He
+looked up from the mirror to the real Face; from the Word to him whom
+the Word revealed. He turned himself and said unto him, "Rabboni, which
+is to say, My Master." He laid his soul at his feet in love, in trust,
+in gratitude. And he knew then, not until then, that this was the
+"coming" to him, the "believing" on him, the receiving him, of which He
+spoke as the condition of life, of pardon, and of happiness.
+
+From that hour he possessed life, he knew himself forgiven, he was
+_happy_. This was no theory, but a fact--a fact which changed all his
+present and was destined to change all his future.
+
+He longed to impart the wonderful secret he had found. This longing
+overcame his contempt for the cura, and made him seek to win him by
+kindness to listen to words which perhaps might open for him also the
+same wonderful fountain of joy.
+
+"Now I am going to worship my Lord, afterwards I shall speak of him,"
+he said, as he crossed the threshold of the little village church.
+
+In due season the service was over. Its ceremonies did not pain or
+offend Carlos in any way; he took part in them with much real devotion,
+as acts of homage paid to his Lord. Still, if he had analyzed his
+feelings (which he did not), he would have found them like those of a
+king's child, who is obliged, on days of courtly ceremonial, to pay
+his father the same distant homage as the other peers of the realm,
+and yet knows that all this for him is but an idle show, and longs to
+throw aside its cumbrous pomp, and to rejoice once more in the free
+familiar intercourse which is his habit and his privilege. But that the
+ceremonial itself could be otherwise than pleasing to his King, he had
+not the most distant suspicion.
+
+He spoke kindly to the priest, and inquired by name after all the sick
+folk in the village, though in fact he knew more about them himself by
+this time than did Father Tomas.
+
+The cura's heart was glad when the catechism came to a termination so
+satisfactory as an invitation to dine at the castle. Whatever the fare
+might be--and his expectations were not extravagantly high--it could
+scarce fail to be an improvement on the olla of which he had intended
+to make his Sunday repast. Moreover, one favour from the castle might
+be the earnest of others; and favours from the castle, poor though its
+lords might be, were not to be despised. Nor was he ill at ease in the
+society of an accomplished gentleman, as a man just a little better
+bred would probably have been. A wealthy peasant's son, and with but
+scanty education, Father Tomas was so hopelessly vulgar that he never
+once imagined he was vulgar at all.
+
+Carlos bore as patiently as he could with his coarse manners, and
+conversation something worse than commonplace. Not until the repast
+was concluded did he find an opportunity of bringing forward the topic
+upon which he longed to speak. Then, with more tact than his guest
+could appreciate, he began by inquiring--as one himself intended for
+the priesthood might naturally do--whether he could always keep his
+thoughts from wandering while he was celebrating the holy mysteries of
+the faith.
+
+Father Tomas crossed himself, and answered that he was a sinner like
+other men, but that he tried to do his duty to our holy Mother Church
+to the best of his ability.
+
+Carlos remarked, that unless we ourselves know the love of God by
+experience we cannot love him, and that without love there is no
+acceptable service.
+
+"Most true, señor," said the priest, turning his eyes upwards. "As the
+holy St. Augustine saith. Your worship quotes from him, I believe."
+
+"I have quoted nothing," said Carlos, beginning to feel that he was
+speaking to the deaf; "but I know the words of Christ." And then he
+spoke, out of a full heart, of Christ's work for us, of his love to us,
+and of the pardon and peace which those receive that trust him.
+
+But his listener's stolid face betrayed no interest, only a vague
+uneasiness, which increased as Carlos proceeded. The poor parish cura
+began to suspect that the clever young collegian meant to astonish and
+bewilder him by the exhibition of his learning and his "new ideas."
+Indeed, he was not quite sure whether his host was eloquently enlarging
+all the time upon Catholic truths, or now and then mischievously
+throwing out a few heretical propositions, in order to try whether he
+would have skill enough to detect them. Naturally, he did not greatly
+relish this style of entertainment. Nothing could be got from him save
+a cautious, "That is true, señor," or, "Very good, your worship;" and
+as soon as his notions of politeness would permit, he took his leave.
+
+Carlos marvelled greatly at his dulness; but soon dismissed him
+from his mind, and took his Testament out to read under the shade
+of the cork-trees. Ere long the light began to fade, but he sat
+there still in the fast deepening twilight. Thoughts and fancies
+thronged upon his mind; and dreams of the past sought, as even yet
+they often did, to reassert their supremacy over his heart. One of
+those apparently unaccountable freaks of memory, which we all know by
+experience, brought back to him suddenly the luscious perfume of the
+orange-blossoms, called by the Spaniards the azahar. Such fragrance had
+filled the air, and such flowers had been strewed upon his pathway,
+when last he walked with Donna Beatriz in the fairy gardens of the
+Alcazar of Seville.
+
+Keen was the pang that shot through his heart at the remembrance. But
+it was conquered soon. As he went in-doors he repeated the words he had
+just been reading, "'He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.' And _this_ hunger of the soul, as
+well as every other, He can stay. Having him, I have all things.
+
+  'El dorado
+   Yo hé trovado.'
+
+Father, dear, unknown father, I have found the golden country! Not in
+the sense thou didst fondly seek, and I as fondly dream to find it. Yet
+the only true land of gold I have found indeed--the treasure unfailing,
+the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
+reserved in heaven for me."
+
+
+
+
+                                  X.
+
+                               Dolores.
+
+  "Oh, hearts that break and give no sign,
+  Save whitening lip and fading tresses;
+  Till death pours out his cordial wine,
+  Slow dropped from misery's crushing presses,
+  If singing breath or echoing chord
+  To every hidden pang were given,
+  What endless melodies were poured,
+  As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven."
+
+                                       O.W. HOLMES.
+
+A great modern poet has compared the soul of man to a pilgrim who
+passes through the world staff in hand, never resting, ever pressing
+onwards to some point as yet unattained, ever sighing wearily, "Alas!
+that _there_ is never _here_." And with deep significance adds his
+Christian commentator, "In Christ _there_ is _here_."
+
+He who has found Christ "is already at the goal." "For he stills our
+innermost fears, and fulfils our utmost longings." "In him the dry
+land, the mirage of the desert, becomes living water." "He who knows
+him knows the reason of all things." Passing all along the ages, we
+might gather from the silent lips of the dead such words as these,
+bearing emphatic witness to what human hearts have found in him. Yet,
+after all, we would come back to his own grand and simple words, as
+best expressing the truth: "I am the bread of life;" "I will give you
+rest;" "In me ye shall have peace."
+
+With the peace which he gave there came to Carlos a strange new
+knowledge also. The Testament, from its first page to its last, became
+intelligible to him. From a mere sketch, partly dim and partly blurred
+and blotted, it grew into a transparency through which light shone upon
+his soul, every word being itself a star.
+
+He often read his book to Dolores, though he allowed her to suppose it
+was Latin, and that he was improvising a translation for her benefit.
+She would listen attentively, though with a deeper shade of sadness on
+her melancholy face. Never did she volunteer an observation, but she
+always thanked him at the end in her usual respectful manner.
+
+These readings were, in fact, a trouble to Dolores. They gave her pain,
+like the sharp throbs that accompany the first return of consciousness
+to a frozen member, for they awakened feelings that had long been
+dormant, and that she thought were dead for ever. But, on the other
+hand, she was gratified by the condescension of her young master in
+reading aloud for her edification. She had gone through the world
+giving very largely out of her own large loving heart, and expecting
+little or nothing in return. She would most gladly have laid down her
+life for Don Juan or Don Carlos; yet she did not imagine that the
+old servant of the house could be to them much more than one of the
+oak tables or the carved chairs. That "Señor Don Carlos" should take
+thought for her, and trouble himself to do her good, thrilled her with
+a sensation more like joy than any she had known for years. Little
+do those whose cups are so full of human love that they carry them
+carelessly, spilling many a precious drop as they pass along, dream how
+others cherish the few poor lees and remnants left to them.
+
+Moreover Carlos, in the eyes of Dolores, was half a priest already, and
+this lent additional weight, and even sacredness, to all that he said
+and did.
+
+One evening he had been reading to her, in the inner room by the light
+of the little silver lamp. He had just finished the story of Lazarus,
+and he made some remark on the grateful love of Mary, and the costly
+sacrifice by which she proved it. Tears gathered in the dark wistful
+eyes of Dolores, and she said with sudden and, for her, most unusual
+energy, "That was small wonder. Any one would do as much for him that
+brought the dear dead back from the grave."
+
+"He has done a greater thing than even that for each of us," said
+Carlos.
+
+But Dolores withdrew into her ordinary self again, as some timid
+creature might shrink into its shell from a touch. "I thank your
+Excellency," she said, rising to withdraw, "and I also make my
+acknowledgments to Our Lady, who has inspired you with such true piety,
+suitable to your holy calling."
+
+"Stay a little, Dolores," said Carlos, as a sudden thought occurred to
+him; "I marvel it has so seldom come into my mind to ask you about my
+mother."
+
+"Ay, señor. When you were both children, I used to wonder that you and
+Don Juan, while you talked often together of my lord your father, had
+scarce a thought at all of your lady mother. Yet if she had lived _you_
+would have been her favourite, señor."
+
+"And Juan my father's," said Carlos, not without a slight pang of
+jealousy. "Was my noble father, then, more like what my brother is?"
+
+"Yes, señor; he was bold and brave. No offence to your Excellency, for
+one you love I warrant me _you_ could be brave enough. But he loved
+his sword and his lance and his good steed. Moreover, he loved travel
+and adventure greatly, and never could bear to abide long in the same
+place."
+
+"Did he not make a voyage to the Indies in his youth?"
+
+"He did; and then he fought under the Emperor, both in Italy, and in
+Africa against the Moors. Once His Imperial Majesty sent him on some
+errand to Leon, and there he first met my lady. Afterwards he crossed
+the mountains to our home, and wooed and won her. He brought her, the
+fairest young bride eyes could rest on, to Seville, where he had a
+stately palace on the Alameda."
+
+"You must have grieved to leave your mountains for the southern city."
+
+"No, señor, I did not grieve. Wherever your lady mother dwelt was home
+to me. Besides, 'a great grief kills all the rest.'"
+
+"Then you had known sorrow before. I thought you lived with our house
+from your childhood."
+
+"Not altogether; though my mother nursed yours, and we slept in the
+same cradle, and as we grew older shared each other's plays. At seven
+years old I went home to my father and mother, who were honest,
+well-to-do people, like all my forbears--good 'old Christians,' and
+noble--they could wear their caps in the presence of His Catholic
+Majesty. They had no girl but me, so they would fain have me ever in
+their sight. For ten years and more I was the light of their eyes; and
+no blither lass ever led the goats to the mountain in summer, or spun
+wool and roasted chestnuts at the winter fire. But, the year of the
+bad fever, both were stricken. Christmas morning, with the bells for
+early mass ringing in my ears, I closed my father's eyes; and three
+days afterwards, set the last kiss on my mother's cold lips. Nigh upon
+five-and-twenty years ago,--but it seems like yesterday. Folks say
+there are many good things in the world, but I have known none so good
+as the love of father and mother. Ay de mi, señor, _you_ never knew
+either."
+
+"When your parents died, did you return to my mother?"
+
+"For half a year I stayed with my brother. Though no daughter ever shed
+truer tears over the grave of better parents, I was not then quite
+broken-hearted. There was another love to whisper hope, and to keep me
+from desolation. He--Alphonso ('tis years and years since I uttered
+the name save in my prayers) had gone to the war, telling me he would
+come back and claim me for his bride. So I watched for him hour by
+hour, and toiled and spun, and spun and toiled, that I might not go
+home to him empty-handed. But at last a lad from our parish, who had
+been a comrade of his, returned and told me all. _He_ was lying on the
+bloody field of Marignano, with a French bullet in his heart. Señor,
+the sisters you read of could 'go to the grave and weep there.' And yet
+the Lord pitied them."
+
+"He pities all who weep," said Carlos.
+
+"All good Christians, he may. But though an old Christian, I was not
+a good one. For I thought it bitter hard that my candle should be
+quenched in a moment, like a wax taper when the procession is done.
+And it came often into my mind how the Almighty, or Our Lady, or the
+Saints, could have helped me if they would. May they forgive me; it is
+hard to be religious."
+
+"I do not think so."
+
+"I suppose it is not hard to learned gentlemen who have been at the
+colleges. But how can simple men and women tell whether they are
+keeping all the commandments of God and Holy Church? It well may be
+that I had done something, or left something undone, whereby Our Lady
+was displeased."
+
+"It is not Our Lady, but our Lord himself, who holds the keys of hell
+and of death," said Carlos, gaining at the moment a new truth for his
+own heart. "None enter the gates of death, as none shall come forth
+through them, save at his command. But go on, Dolores, and tell me how
+did comfort come to you?"
+
+"Comfort never came to me, señor. But after a time there came a kind
+of numbness and hardness that helped me to live my life as if I cared
+for it. And your lady mother (God rest her soul!) showed me wondrous
+kindness in my sorrow. It was then she took me to be her own maiden.
+She had me taught many things, such as reading and various cunning
+kinds of embroidery, that I might serve her with them, she said; but I
+well knew they were meant to turn my heart away from its own aching. I
+went with her to Seville. I could be glad for her, señor, that God had
+given her the good thing he had denied to me. At last it came to be
+almost like joy to me to see the great deep love there was between your
+father and her."
+
+This was a degree of unselfishness beyond the comprehension of Carlos
+just then. He felt his own wound throb painfully, and was not sorry
+to turn the conversation. "Did my parents reside long in Seville?" he
+asked.
+
+"Not long, señor. Their life there was a gay one, as became their rank
+and wealth (for, as your worship knows, your father had a noble estate
+then). But soon they both grew tired of the gay world. My lady ever
+loved the free mountains, and my lord--I scarce can tell what change
+passed over him. He lost his care for the tourney and the dance, and
+betook himself instead to study. Both were glad to withdraw to this
+quiet spot. Here your brother Don Juan was born; and for nigh a year
+afterwards no lord and lady could have led a happier and, at the same
+time, more pious and orderly life, than did your noble parents."
+
+The thoughtful eye of Carlos turned to the inscription on the window,
+and kindled with a strange light. "Was not this room my father's
+favourite place of study?" he asked.
+
+"It was, señor. Of course, the house was not then as it now is. Though
+simple enough, after the Seville palace with its fountains and marble
+statues, and doors grated with golden network, it was still a seemly
+dwelling-place for a noble lord and lady. There was glass in all the
+windows then, though through neglect and carelessness it has been
+broken (even your worship may remember how Don Juan sent an arrow
+through a quarrel-pane in the west window one day), so we thought it
+best to remove the traces."
+
+"My parents led a pious life, you say?"
+
+"Truly they did, señor. They were good and charitable to the poor; and
+they spent much of their time reading holy books, as you do now. Ay de
+mi! what was wrong with them I know not, save that perhaps they were
+scarce careful enough to give Holy Church all her dues. And I used
+sometimes to wish that my lady would show more devotion to the blessed
+Mother of God. But she _felt_ it all, no doubt; only it was not her
+way, nor my lord's either, to be for ever running about on pilgrimage
+or offering wax candles, nor yet to keep the father confessor every
+instant with his ear to their lips."
+
+Carlos started, and turned an earnest inquiring gaze upon her. "Did my
+mother ever read to you as I have done?" he asked.
+
+"She sometimes read me good words out of the Breviary, señor. All
+thing went on thus, until one day when a letter came from the Emperor
+himself (as I believe), desiring your father to go to him, to Antwerp.
+The matter was to be kept very private, but my lady used to tell me
+everything. My lord thought he was to be sent on some secret mission
+where skill was needed, and perchance peril was to be met. For it
+was well known that he loved such affairs, and was dexterous in the
+management of them. So he parted cheerily from my lady, she standing
+at the gate yonder, and making little Don Juan kiss hands to him as he
+rode down the path. Woe for the poor babe, that never saw his father's
+face again! And worse woe for the mother! But death heals all things,
+except sin.
+
+"After three weeks or a month, more or less, two monks of St. Dominic
+rode to the gates one day. The younger stayed without in the hall with
+us; while the elder, a man of stern and stately presence, had private
+audience of my lady in this chamber where we sit now--a place of death
+it has seemed to me ever since. For the audience had not lasted long
+until I heard a cry--such a cry!--it rings in my ears even now. I
+hastened to my lady. She had swooned--and long, long was it before
+sense returned again. Do not keep looking at me, señor, with eyes so
+like hers, or I cannot tell you more."
+
+"Did she speak? Did she reveal anything to you?"
+
+"_Nothing_, señor. During the days that followed, only things without
+meaning or connection, such as those in fever speak, or broken words of
+prayer, were on her lips. Until the very last, and then she was worn
+and weak, and could but receive the rites of the Church, and whisper
+a few directions about the poor babes. She bade us give you the name
+you bear, since _he_ had said that his next boy should be called for
+the great Emperor. Then she prayed very earnestly, 'Lord, take him
+Thyself--take him Thyself!' Doctor Marco, who was present, thought she
+meant the poor little new-born babe--supposing, and no wonder, that it
+would be better tended in heaven by Our Lady and the angels, than here
+on earth. But I _know_ it was not you she thought of."
+
+"My poor mother--God rest her soul! Nay, I doubt not that now she rests
+in God," Carlos added, softly.
+
+"And so the curse fell on your house, señor; and in such sorrow were
+you born. Yet you grew up merry lads, you and Don Juan."
+
+"Thanks to thy care and kindness, well-beloved and faithful nurse. But,
+Dolores, tell me truly--have you never heard anything further of, or
+from, my father?"
+
+"From him, never. Of him, that I believed, _never_."
+
+"And what do you believe?" Carlos asked, eagerly.
+
+"I know nothing, señor. I have heard all that your worship has heard,
+and no more."
+
+"Do you think it is true--what we have all been told--of his death in
+the Indies?"
+
+"I know nothing, señor," Dolores repeated, with the air of a person
+determined to _say_ nothing.
+
+But Carlos would not allow her to escape thus. Both had gone too far
+to leave the subject without probing it to its depths. And both felt
+instinctively that it was not likely again to be discussed between
+them. Laying his hand on her arm, and looking steadily in her face, he
+asked,--
+
+"Dolores, are you sure my father is dead?"
+
+Seemingly relieved by the form the question had taken, she met his gaze
+without flinching, and answered in tones of evident sincerity, "Sure as
+that I sit here--so help me God." After a long pause she added, as she
+rose to go, "Señor Don Carlos, be not offended if I counsel you this
+once, since I held you a babe in my arms, and you will find none that
+loves you better--if a poor old woman may say so to a young and noble
+caballero."
+
+"Say all you think to me, my dear and kind nurse."
+
+"Then, señor, I say, leave vain thoughts and questions about your
+father's fate. 'There are no birds in last year's nests;' and 'Water
+that has run by will turn no mill.' And I entreat of you to repeat the
+same to your noble brother when you find opportunity. Look before you,
+señor, and not behind; and God's best blessings rest on you!"
+
+Dolores turned to go, but turning back again, stood irresolute.
+
+"What is it, Dolores?" Carlos asked; hoping, perhaps, for some further
+glimmer of light upon that dark past, from which she implored him to
+turn his thoughts.
+
+"If it please you, Señor Don Carlos--" and she paused and hesitated.
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" said Carlos, in a kind, encouraging tone.
+
+"Ay, señor, that you can. With your learning and your good Book, surely
+you can tell me whether the soul of my poor Alphonso, dead on the
+battle-field without shrift or sacrament, has yet found rest with God?"
+
+Thus the true woman's heart, though so full of sympathy for others,
+still turned back to its own sorrow, which lay deepest of all.
+
+Carlos felt himself unexpectedly involved in a difficulty. "My book
+tells me nothing on the subject," he said, after some thought. "But I
+am sure you may be comforted, after all these years, during which you
+have diligently prayed, and sought the Church's prayers for him."
+
+The long eager gaze of her wistful eyes asked mournfully, "Is this
+_all_ you can tell me?" But her lips only said, "I thank your
+Excellency," as she withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XI.
+
+                          The Light Enjoyed.
+
+  "Doubt is slow to clear and sorrow is hard to bear,
+  And each sufferer has his say, his scheme of the weal and the woe;
+  But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;
+  The rest may reason and welcome, 'tis we musicians _know_."
+
+                                                   R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Bewildering were the trains of thought which the conversation just
+narrated awakened in the mind of Carlos. On the one hand, a gleam
+of light was shed upon his father's career, suggesting a possible
+interpretation of the inscription on the window, that thrilled his
+heart with joy. On the other, the termination of that career was
+involved in even deeper obscurity than before; and he was made to feel,
+more keenly than ever, how childish and unreal were the dreams which he
+and his brother had been wont to cherish upon the subject.
+
+Moreover, Dolores, just before she left him, had drawn a bow at a
+venture, and most unintentionally sent a sharp arrow through a joint
+in his harness. Why could he find no answer to a question so simple
+and natural as the one she had asked him? Why did the Book, which had
+solved so many mysteries for him, shed not a ray of light upon this
+one? Whence this ominous silence of the apostles and evangelists upon
+so many things that the Church most loudly proclaimed? Where, in his
+Book, was purgatory to be found at all? Where was the adoration of the
+Virgin and the saints? Where were works of supererogation? But here
+he started in horror, as one who suddenly saw himself on the brink of
+a precipice. Or rather, as one dwelling secure and contented within
+a little circle of light and warmth, to whom such questions came as
+intimations of a chaos surrounding it on every side, into which a
+chance step might at any moment plunge him.
+
+Most earnestly he entreated that the Lord of his life, the Guide of
+his spirit, would not let him go forth to wander there. He prayed,
+expressly and repeatedly, that the doubts which began to trouble him
+might be laid and silenced. His prayer was answered, as all true prayer
+is sure to be, but it was not _granted_. He whose love is strong
+and deep enough to work out its good purpose in us even against the
+pleadings of our own hearts, saw that his child must needs pass through
+"a land of darkness" to reach the clearer light beyond. Conflicts
+fierce and terrible must be his portion, if indeed he were to take his
+place amongst those "called and chosen and faithful" ones who, having
+stood beside the Lamb in his contest with Antichrist, shall stand
+beside him on the sea of glass mingled with fire.
+
+Already Carlos was in training for that contest--though as yet he knew
+not that there was any contest before him, save the general "striving
+against sin" in which all Christians have to take part. For the joy
+of the Lord is the Christian's strength in the day of battle. And he
+usually prepares those faithful soldiers whom he means to set in the
+forefront of the hottest battle, by previously bestowing that joy upon
+them in very full measure. He who is willing to "sell all that he
+hath," must first have found a treasure, and what "the joy thereof" is
+none else may declare.
+
+In this joy Carlos lived now; and it was as yet too fresh and new to be
+greatly disturbed by haunting doubts or perplexing questions. These,
+for the present, came and passed like a breath upon a surface of molten
+gold, scarcely dimming its lustre for a moment.
+
+It had become his great wish to receive Orders as soon as possible,
+that he might consecrate himself more entirely to the service of his
+Lord, and spread abroad the knowledge of his love more widely. With
+this view, he determined on returning to Seville early in October.
+
+He left Nuera with regret, especially on account of Dolores, who had
+taken a new place in his consideration, and even in his affections,
+since he had begun to read to her from his Book. And, though usually
+very calm and impassive in manner, she could scarcely refrain from
+tears at the parting. She entreated him, with almost passionate
+earnestness, to be very prudent and careful of himself in the great
+city.
+
+Carlos, who saw no special danger likely to menace him, save such as
+might arise from his own heart, felt tempted to smile at her foreboding
+tone, and asked her what she feared for him.
+
+"Oh, Señor Don Carlos," she pleaded, with clasped hands, "for the love
+of God, take care; and do not be reading and telling your good words to
+every one you meet. For the world is an ill place, your worship, where
+good is ofttimes evil-spoken of."
+
+"Never fear for me," returned Carlos, with his frank, pleasant smile.
+"I have found nothing in my Book but the most Catholic verities, which
+will be useful to all and hurtful to none. But of course I shall be
+prudent, and take due care of my words, lest by any extraordinary
+chance they might be misinterpreted. So that you may keep your mind at
+peace, dear Mother Dolores."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XII.
+
+                 The Light Divided from the Darkness.
+
+  "I felt and feel, what'er befalls,
+  The footsteps of thy life in mine."
+
+                                      TENNYSON.
+
+
+In the glorious autumn weather, Don Carlos rode joyfully through cork
+and chestnut groves, across bare brown plains, and amidst gardens
+of pale olives and golden orange globes shining through dark glossy
+leaves. He had long ago sent back to Seville the guard with which his
+uncle had furnished him, so that his only companion was a country
+youth, trained by Diego to act as his servant. But although he passed
+through the very district afterwards immortalized by the adventures of
+the renowned Don Quixote, no adventure fell to his lot. Unless it may
+count for an adventure that near the termination of his journey the
+weather suddenly changed, and torrents of ruin, accompanied by unusual
+cold, drove him to seek shelter.
+
+"Ride on quickly, Jorge," he said to his attendant, "for I remember
+there is a venta[4] by the roadside not far off. A poor place truly,
+where we are little likely to find a supper. But we shall find a roof
+to shelter us and fire to warm us, and these at present are our most
+pressing needs."
+
+    [4] An inn.
+
+Arrived at the venta, they were surprised to see the lazy landlord
+so far stirred out of his usual apathy as to busy himself in trying
+to secure the fastening of the outer door, that it might not swing
+backwards and forwards in the wind, to the great discomfort of all
+within the house. The proud indifferent Spaniard looked calmly up from
+his task, and remarked that he would do all in his power to accommodate
+his worship. "But unfortunately, señor and your Excellency, a _very_
+great and principal nobleman has just arrived here, with a most
+distinguished train of fine caballeros--his lordship's gentlemen and
+servants; and kitchen, hall, and chamber are as full of them as a hive
+is full of bees."
+
+This was evil news to Carlos. Proud, sensitive, and shy, there could
+be nothing more foreign to his character than to throw himself into
+the society of a person who, though really only his equal in rank, was
+so much his superior in all that lends rank its charm in the eyes of
+the vulgar. "We had better push on to Ecija," said he to his reluctant
+attendant, bravely turning his face to the storm, and making up his
+mind to ten miles more in drenching rain.
+
+At that moment, however, a tall figure emerged from the inner door,
+opening into the long room behind the stable and kitchen, that formed
+the only tolerable accommodation the one-storied venta afforded.
+
+"Surely, señor, you do not intend to go further in this storm," said
+the nobleman, whose fine thoughtful countenance Carlos could not but
+fancy that he had seen before.
+
+"It is not far to Ecija, señor," returned Carlos, bowing. "And 'First
+come first served,' is an excellent proverb."
+
+"The first-comer has certainly one privilege which I am not disposed
+to waive--that of hospitably welcoming the second. Do me the favour to
+come in, señor. You will find an excellent fire."
+
+Carlos could not decline an invitation so courteously given. He was
+soon seated by the wood fire that blazed on the hearth of the inner
+room, exchanging compliments, in true Spanish fashion, with the
+nobleman who had welcomed him so kindly.
+
+Though no one could doubt for an instant the strangers possession of
+the pure "sangre azul,"[5] yet his manners were more frank and easy and
+less ceremonious than those to which Carlos had been accustomed in the
+exclusive and privileged class of Seville society--a fact accounted for
+by the discovery, afterwards made, that he was horn and educated in
+Italy.
+
+    [5] "Blue blood."
+
+"I have the pleasure of recognizing Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya," said he. "I hope the babe about whom his worship showed such
+amiable anxiety recovered from its indisposition?"
+
+This then was the personage whom Carlos had seen in such close
+conversation with the physician Losada. The association of ideas
+immediately brought back the mysterious remark about his father he
+had overheard on that occasion. Putting that aside, however, for the
+present, he answered, "Perfectly, I thank your grace. We attribute the
+recovery mainly to the skill and care of the excellent Dr. Cristobal
+Losada."
+
+"A gentleman whose medical skill cannot be praised too highly,
+except, indeed, it were exalted at the expense of his other excellent
+qualities, and particularly his charity to the poor."
+
+Carlos heartily acquiesced, and added some instances of the physician's
+kindness to those who could not recompense him again. They were new to
+his companion, who listened with interest.
+
+During this conversation supper was laid. As the principal guest had
+brought his own provisions with him, it was a comfortable and plentiful
+repast. Carlos, ere he sat down, left the room to re-arrange his
+dress, and found opportunity to ask the innkeeper if he knew the noble
+strangers name.
+
+"His Excellency is a great noble from Castile," returned mine host,
+with an air of much importance. "His name, as I am informed, is Don
+Carlos de Seso; and his illustrious lady, Doña Isabella, is of the
+blood royal."
+
+"Where does he reside?"
+
+"His gentlemen tell me, principally at one of his fine estates in the
+north, Villamediana they call it. He is also corregidor[6] of Toro.
+He has been visiting Seville upon business of importance, and is now
+returning home."
+
+    [6] Mayor.
+
+Pleased to be the guest of such a man (for in fact he was his guest),
+Carlos took his seat at the table, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. An
+hour's intercourse with a man who had read and travelled much, but had
+thought much more, was a rare treat to him. Moreover, De Seso showed
+him all that fine courtesy which a youth so highly appreciates from a
+senior, giving careful attention to every observation he hazarded, and
+manifestly bringing the best of his powers to bear on his own share of
+the conversation.
+
+He spoke of Fray Constantino's preaching, with an enthusiasm that made
+Carlos regret that he had been hitherto such an inattentive hearer.
+"Have you seen a little treatise by the Fray, entitled 'The Confession
+of a Sinner'?" he asked.
+
+Carlos having answered in the negative, his new friend drew a tract
+from the pocket of his doublet, and gave it to him to read while he
+wrote a letter.
+
+Carlos, after the manner of eager, rapid readers, plunged at once into
+the heart of the matter, disdaining beginnings.
+
+Almost the first words upon which his eyes fell arrested his attention
+and drew him irresistibly onwards. "Such has been the pride of man,"
+he read, "that he aimed at being God; but so great was thy compassion
+towards him in his fallen state, that thou abasedst thyself to become
+not only of the rank of men, but a true man, and the least of men,
+taking upon thee the form of a servant, that thou mightest set me at
+liberty, and that by means of thy grace, wisdom, and righteousness,
+man might obtain more than he had lost by his ignorance and pride....
+Wast thou not chastised for the iniquity of others? Has not thy blood
+sufficient virtue to wash out the sins of all the human race? Are not
+thy treasures more able to enrich me than all the debt of Adam to
+impoverish me? Lord, although I had been the only person alive, or the
+only sinner in the world, thou wouldst not have failed to die for me.
+O my Saviour, I would say, and say it with truth, that I individually
+stand in need of those blessings which thou hast given to all. What
+though the guilt of all had been mine? thy death is all mine. Even
+though I had committed all the sins of all, yet would I continue to
+trust thee, and to assure myself that thy sacrifice and pardon is all
+mine, though it belong to all."
+
+So far he read in silence, then the tract fell from his hand, and an
+involuntary exclamation broke from his lips--"Passing strange!"
+
+De Seso paused, pen in hand, and looked up surprised. "What find you
+'passing strange,' señor?" he asked.
+
+"That he--that Fray Constantino should have felt precisely what--what
+he describes here."
+
+"That such a holy man should feel so deeply his own utter sinfulness?
+But you are doubtless aware that the holiest saints in all ages have
+shared this experience. St. Augustine, for instance, with whose
+writings so ripe a theological scholar is doubtless well acquainted."
+
+"Such," returned Carlos, "are not worse than others; but they know what
+they are as others do not."
+
+"True. Tried by the standard of God's perfect law, the purest life must
+appear a miserable failure. We may call the marble of our churches and
+dwellings white, until we see God's snow, pure and fresh from heaven,
+upon it."
+
+"Ay, señor," said Carlos, with joyful eagerness; "but the Hand that
+points out the stains can cleanse them. No snow is half so pure as the
+linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints."
+
+It was De Seso's turn to be astonished now. In the look that, half
+leaning over the table, he bent upon the eager face of Carlos, surprise
+and emotion blended. For a moment their eyes met with a flash, like
+that which flint strikes from steel, of mutual intelligence and
+sympathy. But it passed again as quickly. De Seso said, "I suspect
+that I see in you, Señor Don Carlos, one of those admirable scholars
+who have devoted their talents to the study of that sacred language in
+which the words of the holy apostles are handed down to us. You are a
+Grecian?"
+
+Carlos shook his head. "Greek is but little studied at Complutum now,"
+he said, "and I confined myself to the usual theological course."
+
+"In which, I have heard, your success has been brilliant. But it is a
+sore disgrace to us, and a heavy loss to the youth of our nation, that
+the language of St. John and St. Paul should be deemed unworthy of
+their attention."
+
+"Your Excellency is aware that it was otherwise in former years,"
+returned Carlos. "Perhaps the present neglect is owing to the suspicion
+of heresy which, truly or falsely, has attached itself to most of the
+accomplished Greek scholars of our time."
+
+"A miserable misapprehension; the growth of monkish ignorance and envy,
+and popular superstition. Heresy is a convenient stigma with which men
+ofttimes brand as evil the good they are incapable of comprehending."
+
+"Most true, señor. Even Fray Constantino has not escaped."
+
+"His crime has been, that he has sought to turn the minds of men from
+outward acts and ceremonies to the great spiritual truths of which
+these are the symbols. To the vulgar, Religion is nothing but a series
+of shows and postures."
+
+"Yes," answered Carlos; "but the heart that loves God, and truly
+believes in our Lord and Saviour, is taught to put such in their
+proper place. 'These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
+undone.'"
+
+"Señor Don Carlos," said De Seso, with surprise he could no longer
+suppress, "you are evidently a devout and earnest student of the
+Scriptures."
+
+"I search the Scriptures; in them I think I have eternal life. And they
+testify of Christ," promptly responded the less cautious youth.
+
+"I perceive that you do not quote the Vulgate."
+
+Carlos smiled. "No, señor. To a man of your enlightened views I am
+not afraid to acknowledge the truth. I have seen--nay, why should I
+hesitate?--I possess a rare treasure--the New Testament of our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus Christ in our own noble Castilian tongue."
+
+Even through the calm and dignified deportment of his companion Carlos
+could perceive the thrill that this communication caused. There was
+a pause; then he said softly, "And your treasure is also mine." The
+low quiet words came from even greater depths of feeling than the
+eager tremulous tones of Carlos. For _his_ convictions, slowly reached
+and dearly purchased, were "built below" the region of the soul that
+passions agitate,--
+
+  "Based on the crystalline sea
+  Of thought and its eternity."
+
+The heart of Carlos glowed with sudden ardent love towards the man
+who shared his treasure, and, he doubted not, his faith also. He
+could joyfully have embraced him on the spot. But the force of habit
+and the sensitive reserve of his character checked this impetuous
+demonstrativeness. He only said, with a look that was worth an embrace,
+"I knew it. Your Excellency spoke as one who held our Lord and his
+truth in honour."
+
+"_Ella es pues honor a vosotros que creeis._"[7]
+
+    [7] Unto you who believe he is precious," or "an honour."
+
+It would have been hard to begin a verse that Carlos could not at this
+time have instantly completed. He went on: "_Mas para los que no creen,
+la piedra que los edificatores reprobaron_."[8]
+
+    [8] "But unto those that believe not, the stone that the builders
+    reject."
+
+"A sorrowful truth," said De Seso, "which my young friend must needs
+bear in mind. His Word, like himself, is rejected by the many. Its very
+mention may expose to obloquy and danger."
+
+"Only another instance, señor, of those lamentable prejudices about
+heresy about which we spoke anon. I am aware that there are those that
+would brand me (_me_, a scholar too!) with the odious name of heretic,
+merely for reading God's Word in my own tongue. But how utterly absurd
+the charge! The blessed Book has but confirmed my faith in all the
+doctrines of our holy Mother Church."
+
+"Has it?" said De Seso, quietly, perhaps a little drily.
+
+"Most assuredly, señor," Carlos rejoined, with warmth. "In fact I never
+understood, or, I may say, truly believed those holy verities until
+now. Beginning with the Credo itself, and the orthodox Catholic faith
+in our Lord's divinity and atonement."
+
+Here their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the
+attendants, who removed supper, replenished the lamp, and heaped fresh
+chestnut logs on the fire. But as soon as the room was cleared they
+returned eagerly to subjects so interesting to both.
+
+"Our salvation rests," said De Seso, "upon the great cardinal truths
+you have named. By the faith which receives into your heart the
+atonement of Christ as a work done for you, you are justified."
+
+"I am forgiven, and I shall be justified."
+
+"Pardon me, señor; Scripture teaches that your justification is already
+complete. Therefore, _being justified by faith_, we have peace with
+God."
+
+"But that cannot surely be the apostle's meaning," said Carlos, "Ay de
+mi! I know too well that I am not yet completely justified. Far from
+it; evil thoughts throng my heart; and not with heart alone, but with
+lips, eyes, hands, I transgress daily."
+
+"Yet, you see, peace can only be consequent on justification. And peace
+you have."
+
+Carlos looked perplexed. Misled by the teaching of his Church, he
+confused justification with sanctification; consequently he could
+not legitimately enjoy the peace that ought to flow from the one as
+a complete and finished work, because the other necessarily remained
+imperfect.
+
+De Seso explained that the word justify is never used in Scripture in
+its derivative sense, to _make_ righteous; but always in its common and
+universally accepted sense, to _account_ or _declare_ righteous. Quite
+easily and naturally he glided into the teacher's place, whilst Carlos
+gladly took that of the learner; not, indeed, without astonishment at
+the layman's skill in divinity, but with too intense an interest in
+what he said to waste much thought upon his manner of saying it.
+
+Hitherto he had been like an unlearned man, who, without guide or
+companion, explores the trackless shores of a newly-discovered land.
+Should such an one meet in his course a scientific explorer, who has
+mapped and named every mountain, rock, and bay, who has traced out
+the coast-line, and can tell what lies beyond the white hills in the
+distance, it is easy to understand the eagerness with which he would
+listen to his narrative, and the intentness with which he would bend
+over the chart in which the scene of his own journeyings lies portrayed.
+
+Thus De Seso not only taught Carlos the true meaning of Scripture
+terms, and the connection of Scripture truths with each other; he also
+made clear to him the facts of his own experience, and gave names to
+them for him.
+
+"I think I understand now," said Carlos after a lengthened
+conversation, in which, moving from point to point, he had suggested
+many doubts and not a few objections, and these in turn had been taken
+up and answered by his friend. "God be thanked, there is no more
+condemnation, no more punishment for us. Nothing, either in act or
+suffering, can be added to the work of Christ, which is complete."
+
+"Ay, now you have grasped the truth which is the source of our joy and
+strength."
+
+"It must then be our sanctification which suffering promotes, both in
+this life and in purgatory."
+
+"All God's dealings with us in this life are meant to promote our
+sanctification. Joy may do it, by his grace, as well as sorrow. It is
+written, not alone, 'He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger,' but
+also, 'He fed thee with manna, to teach the secret of life in him, from
+him, and by him.'"
+
+"But suffering is purifying--like fire."
+
+"Not in itself. Criminals released from the galleys usually come forth
+hardened in their crimes by the lash and the oar."
+
+Having said this, De Seso rose and extinguished the expiring lamp,
+while Carlos remained thoughtfully gazing into the fire. "Señor,"
+he said, after a long pause, during which the stream of thought ran
+continuously underground, to reappear consequently in an unexpected
+place--"Señor, do you think God's Word, which solves so many mysteries,
+can answer every question for us?"
+
+"Scarcely. Some questions we may ask, of which the answers, in our
+present state, would be beyond our comprehension. And others may
+indeed be answered there, but we may miss the answers, because through
+weakness of faith we are not yet able to receive them."
+
+"For instance?"
+
+"I had rather not name an instance--at present," said De Seso, and
+Carlos thought his face had a sorrowful look as he gazed at it in the
+firelight.
+
+"I would not willingly miss anything my Lord meant to teach. I desire
+to know _all_ his will, and to follow it," Carlos rejoined earnestly.
+
+"It may be that you know not what you desire. Still, name any question
+you wish; and I will tell you freely whether in my judgment God's Word
+contains an answer."
+
+Carlos stated the difficulty suggested by the inquiry of Dolores. Who
+can tell the exact moment when his bark leaves the gently-flowing river
+for the great deep ocean? That of Carlos, on the instant when he put
+this question, was met by the first wave of the mighty sea upon which
+he was to be tossed by many a storm. But he did not know it.
+
+"I agree with you as to the silence of God's Word about purgatory,"
+returned his friend; and for some time both gazed into the fire without
+speaking.
+
+"This and similar discoveries have sometimes given me, I own, a feeling
+of blank disappointment, and even of terror," said Carlos at length.
+For with him it was one of those rare hours in which a man can bear
+to translate into words the "dark misgivings" of the soul, usually
+unacknowledged even to himself.
+
+"I cannot say," was the answer, "that the thought of passing through
+the gate of death into the immediate presence of my glorified Lord
+affects me with 'blank disappointment' or 'terror.'"
+
+"How?--What do you say?" cried Carlos, starting visibly.
+
+"'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' 'To depart and to be
+with Christ is far better.'"
+
+"But it was San Pablo, the great apostle and martyr, who said that. For
+us,--we have the Church's teaching," Carlos rejoined in quick, anxious
+tones.
+
+"Nevertheless, I venture to think that, in the face of all you have
+learned from God's Word, you will find it a task somewhat of the
+hardest to prove purgatory."
+
+"Not at all," said Carlos; and immediately he bounded into the
+arena of controversy, laid his lance in rest, and began an animated
+tilting-match with his new friend, who was willing (of course, thought
+Carlos, for argument's sake alone, and as an intellectual exercise) to
+personate a Lutheran antagonist.
+
+But not a few doughty champions have met the stern reality of a bloody
+death in the mimic warfare of the tilting-field. At every turn Carlos
+found himself answered, baffled, confounded. Yet, how could he, how
+dared he, acknowledge defeat, even to himself, when with the imperilled
+doctrine so much else must fall? What would become of private masses,
+indulgences, prayers for the dead? Nay, what would become of the
+infallibility of Mother Church herself?
+
+So he fought desperately. Fear, ever increasing, quickened his
+preceptions, baptized his lips with eloquence, made his sense acute
+and his memory retentive. Driven at last from the ground of Scripture
+and reason, he took his stand upon that of scholastic divinity. Using
+the weapons with which he had been taught to play so deftly for once
+in terrible earnest, he spun clever syllogisms, in which he hoped to
+entangle his adversary. But De Seso caught the flimsy webs in the naked
+hand of his strong sense, and crushed them to atoms.
+
+Then Carlos knew that the battle was lost. "I can say no more," he
+acknowledged, sorrowfully bowing his head.
+
+"And what I have said--is it not in accordance with the Word of God?"
+
+With a cry of dismay on his lips, Carlos turned and looked at him--"God
+help us! Are we then Lutherans?"
+
+"It may be Christ is asking another question--Are we amongst those who
+follow him _whithersoever_ he goeth?"
+
+"Oh, not _there_--not to _that_!" cried Carlos, rising in his agitation
+and beginning to pace the room. "I abhor heresy--I eschew the thought.
+From my cradle I have done so. Anywhere but that!"
+
+Pausing at last in his walk before the place where De Seso sat, he
+asked, "And you, señor, have you considered whither this would lead?"
+
+"I have. I do not ask thee to follow. But this I say: if Christ bids
+any man leave the ship and come to him upon these dark and stormy
+waters, he will stretch out his own right hand to uphold and sustain
+him."
+
+"To leave the ship--his Church? That would be leaving him. And leaving
+him, I am lost, soul and body--lost--lost!"
+
+"Fear not. At his feet, clinging to him, soul of man was never lost
+yet."
+
+"I will cleave to him, and to the Church too."
+
+"Still, if one must be forsaken, let not that one be Christ."
+
+"Never, _never_--so help me God!" After a pause he added, as if
+speaking to himself, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
+eternal life."
+
+He stood motionless, wrapt in thought; while De Seso rose softly, and
+going to the window, put aside the rude shutter that had been fastened
+across it.
+
+"The night is bright," said Carlos dreamily. "The moon must have risen."
+
+"That is daylight you see," returned his companion with a smile. "Time
+for wayfarers to seek rest in sleep."
+
+"Prayer is better than sleep."
+
+"True, and we who own the same precious faith can well unite in prayer."
+
+With the willing consent of Carlos, his new friend laid their common
+desires and perplexities before God. The prayer was in itself a
+revelation to him; he forgot even to wonder that it came from the lips
+of a layman. For De Seso spoke as one accustomed to converse with the
+Unseen, and to enter by faith to the inner sanctuary, the very presence
+of God himself. And Carlos found that it was good thus to draw nigh
+to God. He felt his troubled soul returning to its rest, to its quiet
+confidence in Him who, he knew, would guide him by his counsel, and
+afterwards receive him into glory.
+
+When they rose, instinctively their right hands sought each other, and
+were locked in that strong grasp which is sometimes worth more than an
+embrace.
+
+"We have confidence each in the other," said De Seso, "so that we need
+exchange no pledge of faithfulness or secrecy."
+
+Carlos bowed his head. "Pray for me, señor," he said. "Pray that God,
+who sent you here to teach me, may in his own time complete the work he
+has begun."
+
+Then both lay down in their cloaks; one to sleep, the other to ponder
+and pray.
+
+In the morning each went his several way. And never was it given to
+Carlos, in this world, to look upon that face or to grasp that hand
+again.
+
+He who had thus crossed his path, as it were for a moment, was perhaps
+the noblest of all the heroic band of Spanish martyrs, that forlorn
+hope of Christ's army, who fought and fell "where Satan's seat was."
+His high birth and lofty station, his distinguished abilities, even
+those more superficial graces of person and manner which are not
+without their strong fascination, were all--like the precious ointment
+with the odour of which the house was filled--consecrated to the
+service of the Lord for whom he lived and died. The eye of imagination
+lingers with special and reverential love upon that grand calm figure.
+But our simple story leads us far away amongst other scenes and other
+characters. We must now turn to a different part of the wide missionary
+harvest-field, in which the lowly muleteer Juliano Hernandez, and the
+great noble Don Carlos de Seso, were both labouring. Was their labour
+in vain?
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIII.
+
+                               Seville.
+
+  "There is a multitude around,
+    Responsive to my prayer;
+  I hear the voice of my desire
+    Resounding everywhere."
+
+                        A.L. WARING.
+
+
+Don Carlos felt surprised, on returning to Seville, to find the circle
+in which he had been wont to move exactly as he left it. His absence
+appeared to him a great deal longer than it really was. Moreover,
+there lurked in his mind an undefined idea that a period so fraught
+with momentous change to him could not have passed without change over
+the heads of others. But the worldly only seemed more worldly, the
+frivolous more frivolous, the vain more vain than ever.
+
+Around the presence of Doña Beatriz there still hung a sweet dangerous
+fascination, against which he struggled, and, in the strength of his
+new and mighty principle of action, struggled successfully. Still, for
+the sake of his own peace, he longed to find some fair pretext for
+making his home elsewhere than beneath his uncle's roof.
+
+One great pleasure awaited his return--a letter from Juan. It was the
+second he had received; the first having merely told of his brother's
+safe arrival at the headquarters of the royal army at Cambray. Don
+Juan had obtained his commission just in time for active service in
+the brief war between France and Spain that immediately followed the
+accession of Philip II. And now, though he said not much of his own
+exploits, it was evident that he had already begun to distinguish
+himself by the prompt and energetic courage which was a part of his
+character. Moreover, a signal piece of good fortune had fallen to his
+lot. The Spaniards were then engaged in the siege of St. Quentin.
+Before the works were quite completed, the French General--the
+celebrated Admiral Coligny--managed to throw himself into the town
+by a brilliant and desperate _coup-de-main_. Many of his heroic band
+were killed or taken prisoners, however; and amongst the latter was a
+gentleman of rank and fortune, a member of the admiral's suite, who
+surrendered his sword into the hands of young Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+Juan was delighted with his prize, as he well might be. Not only was
+the distinction an honourable one for so young a soldier; but the
+ransom he might hope to receive would serve very materially to smooth
+his pathway to the attainment of his dearest wishes.
+
+Carlos was now able to share his brother's joy with unselfish sympathy.
+With a peculiar kind of pleasure, not quite unmixed with superstition,
+he recalled Juan's boyish words, more than once repeated, "When I go
+to the wars, I shall make some great prince or duke my prisoner." They
+had found a fair, if not exactly literal, fulfilment, and that so early
+in his career. And a belief that had grown up with him from childhood
+was strengthened thereby. Juan would surely accomplish everything upon
+which his heart was set. Certainly he would find his father--if that
+father should prove to be after all in the land of the living.
+
+Carlos was warmly welcomed back by his relatives--at least by all of
+them save one. To a mild temper and amiable disposition he united the
+great advantage of rivalling no man, and interfering with no man's
+career. At the same time, he had a well-defined and honourable career
+of his own, in which he bid fair to be successful; so that he was
+not despised, but regarded as a credit to the family. The solitary
+exception to the favourable sentiments he inspired was found in the
+bitter disdain which Gonsalvo, with scarcely any attempt at disguise,
+exhibited towards him.
+
+This was painful to him, both because he was sensitively alive to the
+opinions of others; and also because he actually preferred Gonsalvo,
+notwithstanding his great and glaring faults, to his more calculating
+and worldly-minded brothers. Force of any kind possesses a real
+fascination for an intellectual and sympathetic, but rather weak
+character; and this fascination grows in intensity when the weaker has
+a reason to pity and a desire to help the stronger.
+
+It was not altogether grace, therefore, which checked the proud words
+that often rose to the lips of Carlos in answer to his cousin's sneers
+or sarcasms. He was not ignorant of the cause of Gonsalvo's contempt
+for him. It was Gonsalvo's creed that a man who deserved the name
+always got what he wanted, or died in the attempt; unless, of course,
+absolutely insuperable physical obstacles interfered, as they did in
+his own case. As he knew well enough what Carlos wanted before his
+departure from Seville, the fact of his quietly resigning the prize,
+without even an effort to secure it, was final with him.
+
+One day, when Carlos had returned a forbearing answer to some taunt,
+Doña Inez, who was present, took occasion to apologize for her brother,
+as soon as he had quitted the room. Carlos liked Doña Inez much better
+than her still unmarried sister, because she was more generous and
+considerate to Beatriz. "You are very good, amigo mio," she said,
+"to show so great forbearance to my poor brother. And I cannot think
+wherefore he should treat you so uncourteously. But he is often rude to
+his brothers, sometimes even to his father."
+
+"I fear it is because he suffers. Though rather less helpless than he
+was six months ago, he seems really more frail and sickly."
+
+"Ay de mi, that is too true. And have you heard his last whim? He tells
+us he has given up physicians for ever. He has almost as ill an opinion
+of them as--forgive me, cousin--of priests."
+
+"Could you not persuade him to consult your friend, Doctor Cristobal?"
+
+"I have tried, but in vain. To speak the truth, cousin," she added,
+drawing nearer to Carlos, and lowering her voice, "there is another
+cause that has helped to make him what he is. No one knows or even
+guesses aught of it but myself; I was ever his favourite sister. If I
+tell you, will you promise the strictest secrecy?"
+
+Carlos did so; wondering a little what his cousin would think could she
+surmise the weightier secrets which were burdening his own heart.
+
+"You have heard of the marriage of Doña Juana de Xeres y Bohorques with
+Don Francisco de Vargas?"
+
+"Yes; and I account Don Francisco a very fortunate man."
+
+"Are you acquainted with the young lady's sister, Doña Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"I have met her. A fair, pale, queenly girl. She is not fond of gaiety,
+but very learned and very pious, as I have been told."
+
+"You will scarce believe me, Don Carlos, when I tell you that pale,
+quiet girl is Gonsalvo's choice, his dream, his idol. How she contrived
+to gain that fierce, eager young heart, I know not--but hers it is, and
+hers alone. Of course, he had passing fancies before; but she was his
+first serious passion, and she will be his last."
+
+Carlos smiled. "Red fire and white marble," he said. "But, after all,
+the fiercest fire could not feed on marble. It must die out, in time."
+
+"From the first, Gonsalvo had not the shadow of a chance," Doña Inez
+replied, with an expressive flutter of her fan. "I have not the least
+idea whether the young lady even knows he loves her. But it matters
+not. We are Alvarez de Meñaya; still we could not expect a grandee of
+the first order to give his daughter to a younger son of our house.
+Even before that unlucky bull-feast. _Now_, of course, he himself would
+be the first to say, 'Pine-apple kernels are not for monkeys,' nor fair
+ladies for crippled caballeros. And yet--you understand?"
+
+"I do," said Carlos; and in truth he _did_ understand, far better than
+Doña Inez imagined.
+
+She turned to leave the room, but turned back again to say kindly, "I
+trust, my cousin, your own health has not suffered from your residence
+among those bleak inhospitable mountains? Don Garçia tells me he has
+seen you twice, since your return, coming forth late in the evening
+from the dwelling of our good Señor Doctor."
+
+There was a sufficient reason for these visits. Before they parted, De
+Seso had asked Carlos if he would like an introduction to a person in
+Seville who could give him further instruction upon the subjects they
+had discussed together. The offer having been thankfully accepted,
+he was furnished with a note addressed, much to his surprise, to the
+physician Losada; and the connection thus begun was already proving a
+priceless boon to Carlos.
+
+But nature had not designed him for a keeper of secrets. The colour
+mounted rapidly to his cheek, as he answered,--
+
+"I am flattered by my lady cousin's solicitude for me. But, I thank
+God, my health is as good as ever. In truth, Doctor Cristobal is
+a man of learning and a pleasant companion, and I enjoy an hour's
+conversation with him. Moreover, he has some rare and valuable books,
+which he is kind enough to lend me."
+
+"He is certainly very well-bred, for a man of his station," said Doña
+Inez, condescendingly.
+
+Carlos did not resume his attendance upon the lectures of Fray
+Constantino at the College of Doctrine; but when the voice of the
+eloquent preacher was heard in the cathedral, he was never absent.
+He had no difficulty _now_ in recognizing the truths that he loved
+so well, covered with a thin veil of conventional phraseology. All
+mention, not absolutely necessary, of dogmas peculiarly Romish was
+avoided, unless when the congregation were warned earnestly, though
+in terms well-studied and jealously guarded, against "risking their
+salvation" upon indulgences or ecclesiastical pardons. The vanity of
+trusting to their own works was shown also; and in every sermon Christ
+was faithfully held up before the sinner as the one all-sufficient
+Saviour.
+
+Carlos listened always with rapt attention, usually with keen delight.
+Often would he look around him upon the sea of earnest upturned faces,
+saying within himself, "Many of these my brethren and sisters have
+found Christ--many more are seeking him;" and at the thought his heart
+would thrill with thankfulness. But even at that moment some word from
+the preacher's lips might change his joy into a chill of apprehension.
+It frequently happened that Fray Constantino, borne onward by the
+torrent of his own eloquence, was betrayed into uttering some sentiment
+so very nearly heretical as to make his hearer tingle with the peculiar
+sense of pain that is caused by seeing one rush heedlessly to the verge
+of a precipice.
+
+"I often thank God for the stupidity of evil men and the simplicity of
+good ones," Carlos said to his new friend Losada, after one of these
+dangerous discourses.
+
+For by this time, what De Seso had first led him to suspect, had
+become a certainty with him. He knew himself _a heretic_--a terrible
+consciousness to sink into the heart of any man in those days,
+especially in Catholic Spain. Fortunately the revelation had come to
+him gradually; and still more gradually came the knowledge of all that
+it involved. Yet those were sorrowful hours in which he first felt
+himself cut off from every hallowed association of his childhood and
+youth; from the long chain of revered tradition, which was all he knew
+of the past; from the vast brotherhood of the Church visible--that
+mighty organization, pervading all society, leavening all thought,
+controlling all custom, ruling everything in this world, even if not
+in the next. His own past life was shattered: the ambitions he had
+cherished were gone--the studies he had excelled and delighted in were
+proved for the most part worse than vain. It is true that he believed,
+even still, that he might accept priestly ordination from the hands
+of Rome (for the idolatry of the mass was amongst the things not yet
+revealed to him); but he could no longer hope for honour or preferment,
+or what men call a career, in the Church. Joy enough would it be if
+he were permitted, in some obscure corner of the land, to tell his
+countrymen of a Saviour's love; and perpetual watchfulness, extreme
+caution, and the most judicious management would be necessary to
+preserve him--as hitherto they had preserved Fray Constantino--from the
+grasp of the Holy Inquisition.
+
+To us, who read that word in the lurid light that martyr fires kindled
+after this period have flung upon it, it may seem strange that Carlos
+was not more a prey to fear of the perils entailed by his heresy.
+But so slowly did he pass out of the stage in which he believed
+himself still a sincere Catholic into that in which he shudderingly
+acknowledged that he was in very truth a Lutheran, that the shock
+of the discovery was wonderfully broken to him. Nor did he think
+the danger that menaced him either near or pressing, so long as he
+conducted himself with reserve and prudence.
+
+It is true that this reserve involved a degree of secrecy, if not of
+dissimulation, that was fast becoming very irksome. Formerly the kind
+of fencing, feinting, and doubling into which he was often forced,
+would rather have pleased him, as affording scope for the exercise of
+ingenuity. But his moral nature was growing so much more sensitive,
+that he began to recoil from slight departures from truth, in which
+heretofore he would only have seen a proper exercise of the advantage
+which a keen and quick intellect possesses over dull ones. Moreover,
+he longed to be able to speak freely to others of the things which he
+himself found so precious.
+
+Though quite sufficiently afraid of pain and danger, the thought of
+disgrace was still more intolerable to him. Keener than any suffering
+he had yet known--except the pang of renouncing Beatriz--was the
+consciousness that all those amongst whom he lived, and who now
+respected and loved him, would, if they guessed the truth, turn away
+from him with unutterable scorn and loathing.
+
+One day, when walking in the city with his aunt and Doña Sancha, they
+turned down a side-street to avoid meeting the death procession of a
+murderer on his way to the scaffold. The crime for which he suffered
+had been notorious; and with the voluble exclamations of horror and
+congratulations at getting safely out of the way to which the ladies
+gave expression, were mingled prayers for the soul of the miserable
+man. "If they knew all," thought Carlos, as the slight, closely-veiled
+forms clung trustingly to him for protection, "they would think _me_
+worse, more degraded, than yon wretched being. They pity _him_, they
+pray for _him_; _me_ they would only loathe and execrate. And Juan, my
+beloved, my honoured brother--what will he think?" This last thought
+was the one that haunted him most frequently and troubled him most
+deeply.
+
+But had he nothing to counter-balance these pangs of fear and shame,
+these manifold dark misgivings? He had much. First and best, he had
+the peace that passeth all understanding shed abroad in his heart. Its
+light did not grow pale and faint with time; on the other hand, it
+increased in brightness and steadiness, as new truths arose like stars
+upon his soul, every new truth being in itself "a new joy" to him.
+
+Moreover, he found keen enjoyment in the communion of saints. Great was
+his surprise when, after sufficiently instructing him in private, and
+satisfactorily testing his sincerity, Losada cautiously revealed to him
+the existence of a regularly-organized Lutheran Church in Seville, of
+which he himself was actually the pastor. He invited Carlos to attend
+its meetings, which were held, with due precaution, and usually after
+nightfall, in the house of a lady of rank--Doña Isabella de Baena.
+
+Carlos readily accepted the perilous invitation, and with deep emotion
+took his place amongst the band of "called, chosen, and faithful" men
+and women, every one of whom, as he believed, shared the same joys and
+hopes that he did. They were not at all such a "little band" as he
+expected to find them. Nor were they, with very few exceptions, of the
+poor of this world. If that bright southern land, so rich in all that
+kindles the imagination, eventually to her own ruin rejected the truth
+of God, at least she offered upon his altar some of her choicest and
+fairest flowers. Many of those who met in Doña Isabella's upper room
+were "chief men" and "devout and honourable women." Talent, learning,
+excellence of every kind was largely represented there; so also was
+the _sangre azul_, the boast of the proud Spanish grandees. One of
+the first faces that Carlos recognized was the sweet, thoughtful one
+of the young Doña Maria de Bohorques, whose precocious learning and
+accomplishments had often been praised in his hearing, and in whom he
+had now a new and peculiar interest.
+
+There were two noblemen of the first order--Don Domingo de Guzman, son
+of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon, son of the
+Count of Baylen. Carlos had often heard of the munificent charities of
+the latter, who had actually embarrassed his estates by his unbounded
+liberality to the poor. But while Ponce de Leon was thus labouring
+to relieve the sorrows of others, a deep sadness brooded over his
+own spirit. He was wont to go forth by night, and pace up and down
+the great stone platform in the Prado San Sebastian, that bore the
+ghastly name of the Quemadero, or _Burning-place_, while in his heart
+the shadow of death--the darkest shadow of the dreadest death--was
+struggling with the light of immortality.
+
+Did the rest of that devoted band share the agony of apprehension that
+filled those lonely midnight hours with passionate prayer? Some amongst
+them did, no doubt. But with most, the circumstances and occupations
+of daily life wove, with their multitudinous slender threads, a veil
+dense enough to hide, or at least to soften, the perils of their
+situation. The Protestants of Seville contrived to pass their lives
+and to do their work side by side with other men; they moved amongst
+their fellow-citizens and were not recognized; they even married and
+were given in marriage; though all the time there fell upon their daily
+paths the shadow of the grim old fortress where the Holy Inquisition
+held its awful secret court.
+
+But then, at this period the Holy Inquisition was by no means
+exhibiting its usual terrible activity. The Inquisitor-General,
+Fernando de Valdez, Archbishop of Seville, was an old man of
+seventy-four, relentless when roused, but not particularly
+enterprising. Moreover, he was chiefly occupied in amassing enormous
+wealth from his rich and numerous Church preferments. Hitherto, the
+fires of St. Dominic had been kindled for Jews and Moors; only one
+Protestant had suffered death in Spain, and Valladolid, not Seville,
+had been the scene of his martyrdom. Seville, indeed, had witnessed two
+notable prosecutions for Lutheranism--that of Rodrigo de Valer and that
+of Juan Gil, commonly called Dr. Egidius. But Valer had been only sent
+to a monastery to die, while, by a disgraceful artifice, retraction had
+been obtained from Egidius.
+
+During the years that had passed since then, the Holy Office had
+appeared to slumber. Victims who refused to eat pork, or kept Sabbath
+on Saturday, were growing scarce for obvious reasons. And not yet had
+the wild beast "exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron and his
+nails of brass," begun to devour a nobler prey. Did the monster, gorged
+with human blood, really slumber in his den; or did he only assume the
+attitude and appearance of slumber, as some wild beasts are said to do,
+to lure his unwary victims within the reach of his terrible crouch and
+spring?
+
+No one can certainly tell; but however it may have been, we doubt not
+the Master used the breathing-time thus afforded his Church to prepare
+and polish many a precious gem, destined to shine through all ages in
+his crown of glory.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIV.
+
+                       The Monks of San Esodro.
+
+  "The earnest of eternal joy
+    In every prayer I trace;
+  I see the likeness of the Lord
+    In every patient face.
+  How oft, in still communion known,
+    Those spirits have been sent
+  To share the travail of my soul,
+    Or show me what it meant."
+
+                             A.L. WARING.
+
+
+It is amongst the perplexing conditions of our earthly life, that we
+cannot first reflect, then act; first form our opinions, then, and
+not till then, begin to carry them out into practice. Thought and
+action have usually to run beside each other in parallel lines; a
+terrible necessity, and never more terrible than during the progress of
+momentous inward changes.
+
+A man becomes convinced that the star by which he has hitherto been
+steering is not the true pole-star, and that if he perseveres in his
+present course his barque will inevitably be lost. At his peril,
+he must find out the one unerring guide; yet, while he seeks it,
+his hand must not for an instant quit his hold on the helm, for the
+winds of circumstance fill his sails, and he cannot choose whether he
+will go, he can only choose where. This lies at the root of much of
+the apparent inconsistency which has often been made a reproach to
+reformers.
+
+Though Carlos did not feel this difficulty as keenly as some of his
+brethren in the faith, he yet felt it. His uncle was continually
+pressing him to take Orders, and to seek for this or that tempting
+preferment; whilst every day he had stronger doubts as to the
+possibility of his accepting any preferment in the Church, and was even
+beginning to entertain scruples about taking Orders at all.
+
+During this period of deliberation and uncertainty, one of his new
+friends, Fray Cassiodoro, an eloquent Jeromite friar, who assisted
+Losada in his ministrations, said to him, "If you intend embracing a
+religious life, Señor Don Carlos, you will find the white tunic and
+brown mantle of St. Jerome more to your taste than any other habit."
+
+Carlos pondered the hint; and shortly afterwards announced to his
+relatives that he intended to "go into retreat" for a season, at the
+Jeromite Convent of San Isodro del Campo, which was about two miles
+from Seville.
+
+His uncle approved this resolution; and none the less, because he
+thought it was probably intended as a preparation for taking the cowl.
+"After all, nephew, it may turn out that you have the longest head
+amongst us," he said. "In the race for wealth and honours, no man can
+doubt that the Regulars beat the Seculars now-a-days. And there is
+not a saint in all the Spains so popular as St. Jerome. You know the
+proverb,--
+
+  "'He who is a count, and to be a duke aspires,
+  Let him straight to Guadaloupe, and sing among the friars.'"
+
+Gonsalvo, who was present, here looked up from his book and observed
+sharply,--
+
+"No man will ever be a duke who changes his mind three times within
+three months."
+
+"But I only changed my mind once," returned Carlos.
+
+"You have never changed it at all, that I wot of," said Don Manuel.
+"And I would that thine were turned in the same profitable direction,
+son Gonsalvo."
+
+"Oh yes! By all means. Offer the blind and the lame in sacrifice. Put
+Heaven off with the wreck of a man that the world will not condescend
+to take into her service."
+
+"Hold thy peace, son born to cross me!" said the father, losing his
+temper at by no means the worst of the many provocations he had
+recently received. "Is it not enough to look at thee lying there a
+useless log, and to suffer thy vile temper; but thou must set thyself
+against me, when I point out to thee the only path in which a cripple
+such as thou could earn green figs to eat with his bread, not to speak
+of supporting the rank of Alvarez de Meñaya as he ought."
+
+Here Carlos, out of consideration for the feelings of Gonsalvo, left
+the room; but the angry altercation between the father and son lasted
+long after his departure.
+
+The next day Don Carlos rode out, by a lonely path amidst the gray
+ruins of old Italica, to the stately castellated convent of San
+Isodro. Amidst all his new interests, the young Castilian noble still
+remembered with due enthusiasm how the building had been reared, more
+than two hundred years ago, by the devotion of the heroic Alonzo Guzman
+the Good, who gave up his own son to death, under the walls of Tarifa,
+rather than surrender the city to the Moors.
+
+Before he left Seville, he placed a copy of Fray Constantino's "Sum of
+Christian Doctrine" between two volumes of Gonsalvo's favourite "Lope
+de Vega." He had previously introduced to the notice of the ladies
+several of the Fray's little treatises, which contained a large amount
+of Scripture truth, so cautiously expressed as to have not only escaped
+the censure, but actually obtained the express approbation of the Holy
+Office. He had also induced them occasionally to accompany him to the
+preachings at the Cathedral. Further than this he dared not go; nor
+did he on other accounts think it advisable, as yet, to permit himself
+much communication with Doña Beatriz.
+
+The monks of San Isodro welcomed him with that strong, peculiar
+love which springs up between the disciples of the same Lord, more
+especially when they are a little flock surrounded by enemies. They
+knew that he was already one of the initiated, a regular member of
+Losada's congregation. Both this fact, and the warm recommendations of
+Fray Cassiodoro, led them to trust him implicitly; and very quickly
+they made him a sharer in their secrets, their difficulties, and their
+perplexities.
+
+To his astonishment, he found himself in the midst of a community,
+Protestant in heart almost to a man, and as far as possible acting out
+their convictions; while at the same time they retained (how could they
+discard them?) the outward ceremonies of their Church and their Order.
+
+He soon fraternized with a gentle, pious young monk named Fray
+Fernando, and asked him to explain this extraordinary state of things.
+
+"I am but just out of my novitiate, having been here little more than
+a year," said the young man, who was about his own age; "and already,
+when I came, the fathers carefully instructed the novices out of the
+Scriptures, exhorting us to lay no stress upon outward ceremonies,
+penances, crosses, holy water, and the like. But I have often heard
+them speak of the manner in which they were led to adopt these views."
+
+"Who was their teacher? Fray Cassiodoro?"
+
+"Latterly; not at first. It was Dr. Blanco who sowed the first seed of
+truth here."
+
+"Whom do you mean? We in the city give the name of Dr. Blanco (the
+white doctor), from his silver hairs, to a man of your holy order,
+certainly, but one most zealous for the old faith. He is a friend
+and confidant of the Inquisitors, if indeed he is not himself a
+Qualificator of Heresy:[9] I speak of Dr. Garçias Ariâs."
+
+    [9] One of the learned men who were appointed to assist the
+    Inquisitors, and whose duty is was to decide whether doubtful
+    propositions were, or were not, heretical.
+
+"The same man. You are astonished, señor; nevertheless it is true.
+The elder brethren say that when he came to the convent all were sunk
+in ignorance and superstition. The monks cared for nothing but vain
+repetitions of unfelt prayers, and showy mummeries of idle ceremonial.
+But the white doctor told them all these would avail them nothing,
+unless their hearts were given to God, and they worshipped him in
+spirit and in truth. They listened, were convinced, began to study the
+Holy Scriptures as he recommended them, and truly to seek Him who is
+revealed therein."
+
+"'Out of the eater came forth meat,'" said Carlos. "I am truly amazed
+to hear of such teaching from the lips of Garçias Ariâs."
+
+"Not more amazed than the brethren were by his after conduct," returned
+Fray Fernando. "Just when they had received the truth with joy, and
+were beginning heartily to follow it, their teacher suddenly changed
+his tone, and addressed himself diligently to the task of building up
+the things that he once destroyed. When Lent came round, the burden of
+his preaching was nothing but penance and mortification of the flesh.
+No less would content him than that the poor brethren should sleep on
+the bare ground, or standing; and wear sackcloth and iron girdles. They
+could not tell what to make of these bewildering instructions. Some
+followed them, others clung to the simpler faith they had learned to
+love, many tried to unite both. In fact, the convent was filled with
+confusion, and several of the brethren were driven half distracted.
+But at last God put it into their hearts to consult Dr. Egidius. Your
+Excellency is well acquainted with his history, doubtless?"
+
+"Not so well as I should like to be. Still, for the present, let us
+keep to the brethren. Did Dr. Egidius confirm their faith?"
+
+"That he did, señor; and in many ways he led them into a further
+acquaintance with the truth."
+
+"And that enigma, Dr. Blanco?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Whether his mind was really changed, or
+whether he concealed his true opinions through fear, or through love of
+the present world, I know not. I should not judge him."
+
+"No," said Carlos, softly. "It is not for us, who have never been
+tried, to judge those who have failed in the day of trial. But it must
+be a terrible thing to fail, Fray Fernando."
+
+"As good Dr. Egidius did himself. Ah, señor, if you had but seen him
+when he came forth from his prison! His head was bowed, his hair was
+white; they who spoke with him say his heart was well-nigh broken.
+Still he was comforted, and thanked God, when he saw the progress the
+truth had made during his imprisonment, both in Valladolid and in
+Seville, especially amongst the brethren here. His visit was of great
+use to us. But the most precious boon we ever received was a supply of
+God's Word in our own tongue, which was brought to us some months ago."
+
+Carlos looked at him eagerly. "I think I know whose hand brought it,"
+he said.
+
+"You cannot fail to know, señor. You have doubtless heard of Juliano El
+Chico?"
+
+The colour rose to the cheek of Carlos as he answered, "I shall thank
+God all my life, and beyond it, that I have not heard of him alone, but
+met him. He it was who put this book into my hand," and he drew out his
+own Testament.
+
+"We also have good cause to thank him. And we mean that others
+shall have it through us. For the books he brought we not only use
+ourselves, but diligently circulate far and wide, according to our
+ability."
+
+"It is strange to know so little of a man, and yet to owe him so much.
+Can you tell me anything more than the name, Juliano Hernandez, which I
+repeat every day when I ask God in my prayers to bless and reward him?"
+
+"I only know he is a poor, unlearned man, a native of Villaverda, in
+Campos. He went to Germany, and entered the service of Juan Peres, who,
+as you are aware, translated the Testament, and printed it, Juliano
+aiding in the work as compositor. He then undertook, of his own free
+will, the task of bringing a supply into this country; you well know
+how perilous a task, both the sea-ports and the passes of the Pyrenees
+being so closely watched by the emissaries of the Holy Office. Juliano
+chose the overland journey, since, knowing the mountains well, he
+thought he could manage to make his way unchallenged by some of their
+hazardous, unfrequented paths. God be thanked, he arrived in safety
+with his precious freight early last summer."
+
+"Do you know where he is now?"
+
+"No. Doubtless he is wandering somewhere, perhaps not far distant,
+carrying on, in darkness and silence, his noble missionary work."
+
+"What would I give--rather, what would I not give--to see him once
+more, to take his hand in mine, and to thank him for what he has done
+for me!"
+
+"Ah, there is the vesper bell. You know, señor, that Fray Cristobal is
+to lecture this evening on the Epistle to the Hebrews. That is why I
+love Tuesday best of all days in the week."
+
+Fray Cristobal D'Arellano was a monk of San Isodro, remarkable for his
+great learning, which was consecrated to the task of explaining and
+spreading the Reformed doctrines. Carlos put himself under the tuition
+of this man, to perfect his knowledge of Greek, a language of which he
+had learned very little, and that little very imperfectly, at Alcala.
+He profited exceedingly by the teaching he received, and partially
+repaid the obligation by instructing the novices in Latin, a task which
+was very congenial to him, and which he performed with much success.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XV.
+
+                         The Great Sanbenito.
+
+  "The thousands that, uncheered by praise,
+  Have made one offering of their days;
+  For Truth's, for Heaven's, for Freedom's sake,
+  Resigned the bitter cup to take."
+
+                                            HEMANS.
+
+
+Young as was the Protestant Church in Seville, she already had her
+history. There was one name that Carlos had heard mentioned in
+connection with her first origin, round which there gathered in his
+thoughts a peculiar interest, or rather fascination. He knew now that
+the monks of San Isodro had been largely indebted to the instructions
+of Doctor Juan Gil, or Egidius. And he had been told previously that
+Egidius himself had learned the truth from an earlier and bolder
+witness, Rodrigo de Valer. This was the name that Losada once coupled
+in his hearing with that of his own father.
+
+Why then had he not sought information, which might have proved so
+deeply interesting to him, directly from Losada himself, his friend
+and teacher? Several causes contributed to his reluctance to broach
+the subject. But by far the greatest was a kind of chivalrous, half
+romantic tenderness for that absent brother, whom he could now truly
+say that he loved best on earth. It is very difficult for us to put
+ourselves in the position of Spaniards of the sixteenth century, so
+far as at all to understand the way in which they were accustomed to
+look upon heresy. In their eyes it was not only a crime, infinitely
+more dreadful than that of murder; it was also a horrible disgrace,
+branding a man's whole lineage up and down for generations, and
+extending its baleful influence to his remotest kindred. Carlos asked
+himself, day by day, how would the high-hearted Don Juan Alvarez, whose
+idol was glory, and his dearest pride a noble and venerated name,
+endure to hear that his beloved and only brother was stained with that
+surpassing infamy? But at least it would be anguish enough to stab Juan
+once, as it were, with his own hand, without arming the dead hand of
+the father whose memory they both revered, and then driving home the
+weapon into his brother's heart. Rather would he let the matter remain
+in obscurity, even if (which was extremely doubtful) he could by any
+effort of his own shed a ray of light upon it.
+
+Still he took occasion one day to inquire of his friend Fray Fernando,
+who had received full information on these subjects from the older
+monks, "Was not that Rodrigo de Valer, whose sanbenito hangs in the
+Cathedral, the first teacher of the pure faith in Seville?"
+
+"True, señor, he taught many. While he himself, as I have heard,
+received the faith from none save God only."
+
+"He must have been a remarkable man. Tell me all you know of him."
+
+"Our Fray Cassiodoro has often heard Dr. Egidius speak of him; so that,
+though his lips were silenced long before your time or mine, señor, he
+seems still one of our company."
+
+"Yes, already some of our number have joined the Church triumphant, but
+they are still one with us in Christ."
+
+"Don Rodrigo de Valer," continued the young monk, "was of a noble
+family, and very wealthy. He was born at Lebrixa, but came to reside
+in Seville, a gay, light-hearted, brilliant young caballero, who
+was soon a leader in all the folly and fashion of the great city.
+But suddenly these things lost their charm for him. Much to the
+astonishment of the gay world, to which he had been such an ornament,
+he disappeared from the scenes of amusement and festivity he had been
+wont to love. His companions could not understand the change that came
+over him--but _we_ can understand it well. God's arrows of conviction
+were sharp in his heart. And he led him to turn for comfort, not to
+penance and self-mortification, but to his own Word. Only in one form
+was that Word accessible to him. He gathered up the fragments of
+his old school studies--little cared for at the time, and well-nigh
+forgotten afterwards--to enable him to read the Vulgate. There he
+found justification by faith, and through it, peace to his troubled
+conscience. But he did not find, as I need scarcely say to you, Don
+Carlos, purgatory, the worship of Our Lady and the saints, and certain
+other things our fathers taught us."
+
+"How long since was all this?" asked Carlos, who was listening with
+much interest, and at the same time comparing the narrative with that
+other story he had heard from Dolores.
+
+"Long enough, señor. Twenty years ago or more. When God had thus
+enlightened him, he returned to the world. But he returned to it a
+new man, determined henceforth to know nothing save Christ and him
+crucified. He addressed himself in the first instance to the priests
+and monks, whom, with a boldness truly amazing, he accosted wherever he
+met them, were it even in the most public places of the city, proving
+to them from Scripture that their doctrines were not the truth of God."
+
+"It was no hopeful soil in which to sow the Word."
+
+"No, truly; but it seemed laid upon him as a burden from God to speak
+what he felt and knew, whether men would hear or whether they would
+forbear. He very soon aroused the bitter enmity of those who hate the
+light because their deeds are evil. Had he been a poor man, he would
+have been burned at the stake, as that brave, honest-hearted young
+convert, Francisco de San Romano, was burned at Valladolid not so long
+ago, saying to those who offered him mercy at the last, 'Did you envy
+me my happiness?' But Don Rodrigo's rank and connections saved him from
+that fate. I have heard, too, that there were those in high places who
+shared, or at least favoured his opinions in secret. Such interceded
+for him."
+
+"Then his words were received by some?" Carlos asked anxiously. "Have
+you ever heard the names of any of those who were his friends or
+patrons?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Even amongst ourselves, señor," he said,
+"names are not mentioned oftener than is needful. For 'a bird of the
+air will carry the matter;' and when life depends on our silence, it
+is no wonder if at last we become a trifle over-silent. In the lapse
+of years, some names that ought to be remembered amongst us may well
+chance to be forgotten, from this dread of breathing them, even in
+a whisper. Always excepting Dr. Egidius, Don Rodrigo's friends or
+converts are unknown to me. But I was about to say, the Inquisitors
+were prevailed upon, by those who interceded for him, to regard him
+as insane. They dismissed him, therefore, with no more severe penalty
+than the loss of his property, and with many cautions as to his future
+behaviour."
+
+"I hold it scarce likely that he observed them."
+
+"Very far otherwise, señor. For a short time, indeed, his friends
+prevailed on him to express his sentiments more privately; and Fray
+Cassiodoro says that during this interval he confirmed them in the
+faith by expounding the Epistle to the Romans. But he could not long
+hide the light he held. To all remonstrances he answered, that he
+was a soldier sent on a forlorn hope, and must needs press forward
+to the breach. If he fell, it mattered not; in his place God would
+raise up others, whose would be the glory and the joy of victory. So,
+once again, the Holy Office laid its grasp upon him. It was resolved
+that his voice should be heard no more on earth; and he was therefore
+consigned to the living death of perpetual imprisonment. And yet, in
+spite of all their care and all their malice, one more testimony for
+God and his truth was heard from his lips."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"They led him, robed in that great sanbenito you have often seen, to
+the Church of San Salvador, to sit and listen, with the other weeping
+penitents, while some ignorant priest denounced their heresies and
+blasphemies. But he was not afraid after the sermon to stand up in his
+place, and warn the people against the preacher's erroneous doctrine,
+showing them where and how it differed from the Word of God. It is
+marvellous they did not burn him; but God restrained the remainder of
+their wrath. They sent him at last to the monastery of San Lucar, where
+he remained in solitary confinement until his death."
+
+Carlos mused a little. Then he said, "What a blessed change, from
+solitary confinement to the company of just men made perfect; from the
+gloom of a convent prison to the glory of God's house, eternal in the
+heavens!"
+
+"Some of the elder brethren say _we_ may be called upon to pass through
+trials even more severe," remarked Fray Fernando. "I know not. Being
+amongst the youngest here, I should speak my mind with humility; still
+I cannot help looking around me, and seeing that everywhere men are
+receiving the Word of God with joy. Think of the learned and noble men
+and women in the city who have joined our band already, and are eager
+to gain others! New converts are won for us every day; not to speak of
+that great multitude among Fray Constantino's hearers who are really on
+our side, without dreaming it themselves. Moreover, your noble friend,
+Don Carlos de Seso, told us last summer that the signs in the north are
+equally encouraging. He thinks the Lutherans of Valladolid are more
+numerous than those of Seville. In Toro and Logrono also the light is
+spreading rapidly. And throughout the districts near the Pyrenees the
+Word has free course, thanks to the Huguenot traders from Béarn."
+
+"I have heard these things in Seville, and truly my heart rejoices at
+them. But yet--" here Carlos broke off suddenly, and remained silent,
+gazing mournfully into the fire, near which, as it was now winter, they
+had seated themselves.
+
+At last Fray Fernando asked, "What do _you_ think, señor?"
+
+Carlos raised his dark blue eyes and fixed them on the questioner's
+face.
+
+"Of the future," he said slowly, "I think--_nothing_. I dare not think
+of it. It is in God's hand, and he thinks for us. Still, one thing I
+cannot choose but see. Where we are we cannot remain. We are bound to a
+great wheel that is turning--turning--and turn with it, even in spite
+of ourselves, we must and do. But it is the wheel, not of chance, but
+of God's mighty purposes; that is all our comfort."
+
+"And those purposes, are they not mercy and truth unto our beloved
+land?"
+
+"They may be; but I know not. They are not revealed. 'Mercy and truth
+unto such as keep his covenant,' that indeed is written."
+
+"We are they that keep his covenant."
+
+Carlos sighed, and resumed the thread of his own thought,--
+
+"The wheel turns round, and we with it. Even since I came here it has
+turned perceptibly. And how it is to turn one step further without
+bringing us into contact with the solid frame of things as they are,
+and so crushing us, truly I see not. I see not; but I trust God."
+
+"You allude to these discussions about the sacrifice of the mass now
+going on so continually amongst us?"
+
+"I do. Hitherto we have been able to work underground; but if doubt
+must be thrown upon _that_, the thin shell of earth that has concealed
+and protected us, will break and fall in upon our heads. And then?"
+
+"Already we are all asking, 'And then?'" said Fray Fernando. "There
+will be nothing before us but flight to some foreign land."
+
+"And how, in God's name, is that to be accomplished? But God forgive
+me these words; and God keep me, and all of us, from the subtle snare
+of mixing with the question, 'What is his will?' that other question,
+'What will be our fate if we try to do it?' As the noble De Seso said
+to me, all that matters to us is to be found amongst those who 'follow
+the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.' _But he went to Calvary._"
+
+The last words were spoken in so low a tone that Fray Fernando heard
+them not.
+
+"What did you say?" he asked.
+
+"No matter. Time enough to hear if God himself speaks it in our ears."
+
+Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a lay brother,
+who informed Carlos that a visitor awaited him in the convent parlour.
+As it was one of the hours during which the rules of the house
+(which were quite liberal enough, without being lax) permitted the
+entertainment of visitors, Carlos went to receive his without much
+delay.
+
+He knew that if the guest had been one of "their own," their loved
+brethren in the faith, even the attendant would have been well
+acquainted with his person, and would naturally have named him. He
+entered the room, therefore, with no very lively anticipations;
+expecting, at most, to see one of his cousins, who might have paid him
+the compliment of riding out from the city to visit him.
+
+A tall, handsome, sunburnt man, who had his left arm in a sling, was
+standing with his back to the window. But in one moment more the other
+arm was flung round the neck of Carlos, and heart pressed to heart, and
+lip to lip--the brothers stood together.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVI.
+
+                             Welcome Home.
+
+  "We are so unlike each other,
+    Thou and I, that none would guess
+  We were children of one mother,
+    But for mutual tenderness."
+
+                         E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+After the first tumult of greeting, in which affection was expressed
+rather by look and gesture than by word, the brothers sat down and
+talked. Eager questions rose to the lips of both, but especially to
+those of Carlos, whose surprise at Juan's unexpected appearance only
+equalled his delight.
+
+"But you are wounded, my brother," he said. "Not seriously, I hope?"
+
+"Oh no! Only a bullet through my arm. A piece of my usual good luck. I
+got it in The Battle."
+
+No adjective was needed to specify the glorious day of St. Quentin,
+when Flemish Egmont's chivalrous courage, seconded by Castilian
+bravery, gained for King Philip such a brilliant victory over the arms
+of France. Carlos knew the story already from public sources. And it
+did not occur to Juan, nor indeed to Carlos either, that there had
+ever been, or would ever be again, a battle so worthy of being held in
+everlasting remembrance.
+
+"But do you count the wound part of your good luck?" asked Carlos.
+
+"Ay, truly, and well I may. It has brought me home; as you ought to
+have known ere this."
+
+"I received but two letters from you--that written on your first
+arrival, and dated from Cambray; and that which told of your notable
+prize, the French prisoner."
+
+"But I wrote two others: one, I entrusted to a soldier who was coming
+home invalided--I suppose the fellow lost it; the other (written just
+after the great St. Laurence's day) arrived in Seville the night
+before I made my own appearance there. His Majesty will need to look
+to his posts; certes, they are the slowest carriers to be found in any
+Christian country." And Juan's merry laugh rang through the convent
+parlour, little enough used to echo such sounds.
+
+"So I have heard almost nothing of you, brother; save what could be
+gathered from the public accounts," Carlos continued.
+
+"All the better now. I have only such news as is pleasant for me to
+tell; and will not be ill, I think, for thee to hear. First, then, and
+in due order--I am promised my company!"
+
+"Good news, indeed! My brother must have honoured our name by some
+special deed of valour. Was it at St. Quentin?" asked Carlos, looking
+at him with honest, brotherly pride. He was not much changed by his
+campaign, except that his dark cheek wore a deeper bronze, and his face
+was adorned with a formidable pair of _bigotes_.
+
+"That story must wait," returned Juan. "I have so much else to tell
+thee. Dost thou remember how I said, as a boy, that I should take a
+noble prisoner, like Alphonso Vives, and enrich myself by his ransom?
+And thou seest I have done it."
+
+"In a good day! Still, he was not the Duke of Saxony."
+
+"Like him, at least, in being a heretic, or Huguenot, if that be a
+less unsavoury word to utter in these holy precincts. Moreover, he is
+a tried and trusted officer of Admiral Coligny's suite. It was that
+day when the admiral so gallantly threw himself into the besieged town.
+And, for my part, I am heartily obliged to him. But for his presence,
+there would have been no defence of St. Quentin, to speak of, at all;
+but for the defence, no battle; but for the battle, no grand victory
+for the Spains and King Philip. We cut off half of the admiral's
+troops, however, and it fell to my lot to save the life of a brave
+French officer whom I saw fighting alone amongst a crowd. He gave me
+his sword; and I led him to my tent, and provided him with all the
+solace and succour I could, for he was sorely wounded. He was the Sieur
+de Ramenais; a gentleman of Provence, and an honest, merry-hearted,
+valiant man, as it was ever my lot to meet withal. He shared my bed
+and board, a pleasant guest rather than a prisoner, until we took the
+town, making the admiral himself our captive, as you know already. By
+that time, his brother had raised the sum for his ransom, and sent it
+honourably to me. But, in any case, I should have dismissed him on
+parole, as soon as his wounds were healed. He was pleased to give me,
+beside the good gold pistoles, this diamond ring you see on my finger,
+in token of friendship."
+
+Carlos took the costly trinket in his hand, and duly admired it.
+He did not fail to gather from Juan's simple narrative many things
+that he told not, and was little likely to tell. In the time of
+action, chivalrous daring; when the conflict was over, gentleness
+and generosity no less chivalrous, endearing him to all--even to
+the vanquished enemy. No wonder Carlos was proud of his brother!
+But beneath all the pride and joy there was, even already, a secret
+whisper of fear. How could he bear to see that noble brow clouded with
+anger--those bright confiding eyes averted from him in disdain? Turning
+from his own thoughts as if they had been guilty things, he asked
+quickly,--
+
+"But how did you obtain leave of absence?"
+
+"Through the kindness of his Highness."
+
+"The Duke of Savoy?"
+
+"Of course. And a braver general I would never ask to serve."
+
+"I thought it might have been from the King himself, when he came to
+the camp after the battle."
+
+Don Juan's cheek glowed with modest triumph. "His Highness was good
+enough to point me out to His Catholic Majesty," he said. "And the King
+spoke to me himself!"
+
+It is difficult for us to understand how a few formal words of praise
+from the lips of one of the meanest and vilest of men could be looked
+upon by the really noble-hearted Don Juan Alvarez as almost the
+crowning joy of his life. With the enthusiastic loyalty of his age and
+country he honoured Philip the king; Philip the man being all the time
+a personage as utterly unknown to him as the Sultan of Turkey. But
+not choosing to expatiate upon a theme so flattering to himself, he
+continued,--
+
+"The Duke contrived to send me home with despatches, saying kindly
+that he thought my wound required a little rest and care. Though I had
+affairs of importance" (and here the colour mounted to his brow) "to
+settle in Seville, I would not have quitted the camp, with my goodwill,
+had we been about any enterprise likely to give us fair fighting. But
+in truth Carlos, things have been abundantly dull since the fall of St.
+Quentin. Though we have our King with us, and Henry of France and the
+Duke of Guise have both joined the enemy, all are standing at gaze as
+if they were frozen, and doomed to stay there motionless till the day
+of judgment. I have no mind for that kind of sport, not I! I became a
+soldier to fight His Catholic Majesty's battles, not to stare at his
+enemies as if they were puppets paid to make a show for my amusement.
+So I was not sorry to take leave of absence."
+
+"And your important business in Seville. May a brother ask what that
+means?"
+
+"A brother may ask what he pleases, and be answered. Wish me joy,
+Carlos; I have arranged that little matter with Doña Beatriz." And
+his light words half hid, half revealed the great deep joy of his
+own strong heart. "My uncle," he continued, "is favourable to my
+views; indeed, I have never known him so friendly. We are to have our
+betrothal feast at Christmas, when your time of retreat here is over."
+
+Carlos "wished him joy" most sincerely. Fervently did he thank God
+that it was in his power to do it; that the snare that had once wound
+itself so subtly around his footsteps was broken, and his soul escaped.
+He could now meet his brother's eye without self-reproach. Still, this
+seemed sudden. He said, "Certainly you did not lose time."
+
+"Why should I?" asked Juan with simplicity. "'By-and-by is always too
+late,' as thou wert wont to say; and I would they learned that proverb
+at the camp. In truth," he added more gravely, "I often feared, during
+my stay there, that I might have lost all through my tardiness. But
+thou wert a good brother to me, Carlos."
+
+"Mayest thou ever think so, brother mine," said Carlos, not without a
+pang, as his conscience told him how little he deserved the praise.
+
+"But what in the world," asked Juan hastily, "has induced thee to bury
+thyself here, amongst these drowsy monks?"
+
+"The brethren are excellent men, learned and pious. And I am not
+buried," Carlos returned with a smile.
+
+"And if thou wert buried ten fathoms deep, thou shouldst come up out of
+the grave when I need thee to stand beside me."
+
+"Do not fear for that. Now thou art come, I will not prolong my stay
+here, as otherwise I might have done. But I have been very happy here,
+Juan."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," said the merry-hearted, unsuspecting Juan. "I
+am glad also that you are not in too great haste to tie yourself down
+to the Church's service; though our honoured uncle seems to wish you
+had a keener eye to your own interest, and a better look-out for fat
+benefices. But I believe his own sons have appropriated all the stock
+of worldly prudence meant for the whole family, leaving none over for
+thee and me, Carlos."
+
+"That is true of Don Manuel and Don Balthazar, not of Gonsalvo."
+
+"Gonsalvo! he is far the worst of the three," Juan exclaimed, with
+something like anger in his open, sunny face.
+
+Carlos laughed. "I suppose he has been favouring you with his opinion
+of me," he said.
+
+"If he were not a poor miserable weakling and cripple, I should answer
+him with the point of my good sword. However, this is idle talk. Little
+brother" (Carlos being nearly as tall as himself, the diminutive was
+only a term of affection, recalling the days of their childhood, and
+more suited to masculine lips than its equivalent, dear)--"little
+brother, you look grave and pale, and ten years older than when we
+parted at Alcala."
+
+"Do I? Much has happened with me since. I have been very sorrowful and
+very happy."
+
+Don Juan laid his available hand on his brother's shoulder, and looked
+him earnestly in the face. "No secrets from me, little brother," he
+said. "If thou dost not like the service of Holy Church after all,
+speak out, and thou shalt go back with me to France, or to anywhere
+else in the known world that thou wilt. There may be some fair lady in
+the case," he added, with a keen and searching glance.
+
+"No, brother--not that. I have indeed much to tell thee, but not
+now--not to-day."
+
+"Choose thine own time; only remember, no secrets. That were the one
+unbrotherly act I could never forgive."
+
+"But I am not yet satisfied about your wound," said Carlos, with
+perhaps a little moral cowardice, turning the conversation. "Was the
+bone broken?"
+
+"No, fortunately; only grazed. It would not have signified, but for the
+treatment of the blundering barber-surgeon. I was advised to show it to
+some man of skill; and already my cousins have recommended to me one
+who is both physician and surgeon, and very able, they say."
+
+"Dr. Cristobal Losada?"
+
+"The same. Your favourite, Don Gonsalvo, has just been prevailed upon
+to make trial of his skill."
+
+"I am heartily glad of it," returned Carlos. "There is a change of mind
+on his part, equal to any wherewith he can reproach me; and a change
+for the better, I have little doubt."
+
+Thus the conversation wandered on; touching many subjects, exhausting
+none; and never again drawing dangerously near those deep places which
+one of the brothers knew must be thoroughly explored, and that at no
+distant day. For Juan's sake, for the sake of One whom he loved even
+more than Juan, he dared not--nay, he would not--avoid the task. But he
+needed, or thought he needed, consideration and prayer, that he might
+speak the truth wisely, as well as bravely, to that beloved brother.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVII.
+
+                             Disclosures.
+
+  "No distance breaks the tie of blood;
+  Brothers are brothers evermore;
+  Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood,
+  That magic may o'erpower."
+
+                                    KEBLE.
+
+
+The opportunity for free converse with his brother which Carlos
+desired, yet dreaded, was unexpectedly postponed. It would have been
+in accordance neither with the ideas of the time nor with his own
+feelings to have shortened his period of retreat in the monastery,
+though he would not now prolong it. And though Don Juan did not fail
+to make his appearance upon every day when visitors were admitted,
+he was always accompanied by either of his cousins Don Manuel or Don
+Balthazar, or by both. These shallow, worldly-minded young men were
+little likely to allow for the many things, in which strangers might
+not intermeddle, that brothers long parted might find to say to each
+other; they only thought that they were conferring a high honour on
+their poorer relatives by their favour and notice. In their presence
+the conversation was necessarily confined to the incidents of Juan's
+campaign, and to family matters. Whether Don Balthazar would obtain
+a post he was seeking under Government; whether Doña Sancha would
+eventually bestow the inestimable favour of her hand upon Don Beltran
+Vivarez or Don Alonso de Giron; and whether the disappointed suitor
+would stab himself or his successful rival;--these were questions
+of which Carlos soon grew heartily weary. But in all that concerned
+Beatriz he was deeply interested. Whatever he may once have allowed
+himself to fancy about the sentiments of a very young and childish
+girl, he never dreamed that she would make, or even desire to make,
+any opposition to the expressed wish of her guardian, who destined her
+for Juan. He was sure that she would learn quickly enough to love his
+brother as he deserved, even if she did not already do so. And it gave
+him keen pleasure that his sacrifice had not been in vain; that the
+wine-cup of joy which he had just tasted, then put steadily aside, was
+being drained to the dregs by the lips he loved best. It is true this
+pleasure was not yet unmixed with pain, but the pain was less than a
+few months ago he would have believed possible. The wound which he once
+thought deadly, was in process of being healed; nay, it was nearly
+healed already. But the scar would always remain.
+
+Grand and mighty, but perplexing and mournful thoughts were filling
+his heart every day more and more. Amongst the subjects eagerly and
+continually discussed with the brethren of San Isodro, the most
+prominent just now was the sole priesthood of Christ, with the
+impossibility of his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice being ever
+repeated.
+
+But these truths, in themselves so glorious, had for those who dared
+to admit them one terrible consequence. Their full acknowledgment
+would transform "the main altar's consummation," the sacrifice of the
+mass, from the highest act of Christian worship into a hideous lie,
+dishonouring to God, and ruinous to man.
+
+To this conclusion the monks of San Isodro were drawing nearer slowly
+but surely every day. And Carlos was side by side with the most
+advanced of them in the path of progress. Though timid in action, he
+was bold in speculation. To his keen, quick intellect to think and to
+reason was a necessity; he could not rest content with surface truths,
+nor leave any matter in which he was interested without probing it to
+its depths.
+
+But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now
+imminent was practically a most momentous one. It must transform the
+light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture
+the hands that held and tried to conceal it. They could only guard
+themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting
+it on the candle-stick of a true and faithful profession.
+
+"Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich
+lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison
+to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man? Let us
+go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but
+faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the
+liberty of confessing his name before men." This plan was the most
+popular with the community; though there were some that objected to it,
+not because of the loss of worldly wealth it would entail, but because
+of its extreme difficulty, and the peril in which it would involve
+others.
+
+That the question might be fully discussed and some course of action
+resolved upon, the monks of San Isodro convened a solemn chapter.
+Carlos had not, of course, the right to be present, though his friends
+would certainly inform him immediately afterwards of all that passed.
+So he whiled away part of the anxious hours by a walk in the orange
+grove belonging to the monastery. It was now December, and there had
+been a frost--not very usual in that mild climate. Every blade of
+grass was gemmed with tiny jewels, which were crushed by his footsteps
+as he passed along. He fancied them like the fair and sparkling, but
+unreal dreams of the creed in which he had been nurtured. They must
+perish; even should he weakly turn aside to spare them, God's sun
+would not fail ere long to dissolve them with the warmth of its beams.
+But wherefore mourn them? Would not the sun shine on still, and the
+blue sky, the emblem of eternal truth and love, still stretch above
+his head? Therefore he would look up--up, and not down. Forgetting
+the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those that were
+before, he would fain press forward towards the mark for the prize. And
+then his heart went up in fervent prayer that not only he himself, but
+also all those who shared his faith, might be enabled so to do.
+
+Turning into a path leading back through the grove to the monastery, he
+saw his brother coming towards him.
+
+"I was seeking thee," said Don Juan.
+
+"And always welcome. But why so early? On a Friday too!"
+
+"Wherein is Friday worse than Thursday?" asked Juan with a laugh. "You
+are not a monk, or even a novice, to be bound by rules so strict that
+you may not say, 'Vaya con Dios' to your brother without asking leave
+of my lord Abbot."
+
+Carlos had often noticed, not with displeasure, the freedom which
+Juan since his return assumed in speaking of Churchmen and Church
+ordinances. He answered, "I am only bound by the general rules of the
+house, to which it is seemly that visitors should conform. To-day the
+brethren are holding a Chapter to confer upon matters pertaining to
+their discipline. I cannot well bring you in-doors; but we do not need
+a better parlour than this."
+
+"True. I care for no roof save God's sky; and as for glazed and grated
+windows, I abhor them. Were I thrown into prison, I should die in a
+week. I made an early start for San Isodro, on an unusual day, to get
+rid of the company of my excellent but tiresome cousins; for in truth I
+am sick unto death of their talk and their courtesies. Moreover, I have
+ten thousand things to tell you, brother."
+
+"I have a few for your ear also."
+
+"Let us sit down. Here is a pleasant seat which some of your brethren
+contrived to rest their weary limbs and enjoy the prospect. They know
+how to be comfortable, these monks."
+
+They sat down accordingly. For more than an hour Don Juan was the chief
+speaker; and as he spoke out of the abundance of his heart, it was no
+wonder that the name oftenest on his lips was that of Doña Beatriz. Of
+the long and circumstantial story that he poured into the sympathizing
+ear of Carlos no more than this is necessary to repeat--that Beatriz
+not only did not reject him (no well-bred Spanish girl would behave in
+such a singular manner to a suitor recommended by her guardian), but
+actually looked kindly, nay, even smiled upon him. His exhilaration was
+in consequence extreme; and its expression might have proved tedious to
+any listener not deeply interested in his welfare.
+
+At last, however, the subject was dismissed. "So my path lies clear
+and plain before me," said Juan, his fine determined face glowing with
+resolution and hope. "A soldier's life, with its toils and prizes;
+and a happy home at Nuera, with a sweet face to welcome me when I
+return. And, sooner or later, _that_ voyage to the Indies. But you,
+Carlos--speak out, for I confess you perplex me--what do _you_ wish and
+intend?"
+
+"Had you asked me that question a few months, I might almost say a few
+weeks, ago, I should not have hesitated, as now I do, for an answer."
+
+"You were ever willing, more than willing, for Holy Church's service.
+I know but one cause which could alter your mind; and to the tender
+accusation you have already pleaded not guilty."
+
+"The plea is a true one."
+
+"Certes; it cannot be that you have been seized with a sudden passion
+for a soldier's life," laughed Juan. "That was never your taste,
+little brother; and with all respect for you, I scarce think your
+achievements with sword and arquebus would be specially brilliant. But
+there is something wrong with you," he said in an altered tone, as he
+gazed in his brother's anxious face.
+
+"Not _wrong_, but--"
+
+"I have it!" said Juan, joyously interrupting him. "You are in debt.
+That is soon mended, brother. In fact, it is my fault. I have had far
+too large a share already of what should have been for both of us
+alike. In future--"
+
+"Hush, brother. I have always had enough, more than I needed. And thou
+hast many expenses, and wilt have more henceforward, whilst I shall
+only want a doublet and hosen, and a pair of shoes."
+
+"And a cassock and gown?"
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"I vow it is a harder task to comprehend you than to chase Coligny's
+guard with my single arm! And you so pious, so good a Christian! If
+you were a dull rough soldier like me, and if you had had a Huguenot
+prisoner (and a very fine fellow, too) to share your bed and board for
+months, one could comprehend your not liking certain things over well,
+or even"--and Juan averted his face and lowered his voice--"your having
+certain evil thoughts you would scarcely care to breathe in the ears of
+your father confessor."
+
+"Brother, I too have had thoughts," said Carlos eagerly.
+
+But Juan suddenly tossed off his montero, and ran his fingers through
+his black glossy hair. In old times this gesture used to be a sign that
+he was going to speak seriously. After a moment he began, but with a
+little hesitation, for in fact he held the _mind_ of Carlos in as true
+and unfeigned reverence as Carlos held his _character_. And that is
+enough to say, without mentioning the additional respect with which he
+regarded him, as almost a priest. "Brother Carlos, you are good and
+pious. You were thus from childhood; and therefore it is that you are
+fit for the service of Holy Church. You rise and go to rest, you read
+your books, and tell your beads, and say your prayers, all just as you
+are ordered. It is the best life for you, and for any man who _can_
+live it, and be content with it. You do not sin, you do not doubt;
+therefore you will never come into any grief or trouble. But let me
+tell you, little brother, you have a scant notion what men meet with
+who go forth into the great world and fight their way in it; seeing
+on every side of them things that, take them as they may, will _not_
+always square with the faith they have learned in childhood."
+
+"Brother, I also have struggled and suffered. I also have doubted."
+
+"Oh yes, a Churchman's doubts! You had only to tell yourself doubt
+was a sin, to make the sign of the cross, to say an Ave or two, then
+there was an end of your doubts. 'Twere a different matter if you had
+the evil one in the shape of an angel of light--at least in that of a
+courteous, well-bred Huguenot gentleman, with as nice a sense of honour
+as any Catholic Christian--at your side continually, to whisper that
+the priests are no better than they ought to be, that the Church needs
+reform; and Heaven knows what more, and worse, beside.--Now, my pious
+brother, if thou art going to curse me with bell, book, and candle,
+begin at once. I am ready, and prepared to be duly penitent. Let me
+first put on my cap though, for it is cold," and he suited the action
+to the word.
+
+The voice in which Carlos answered him was low and tremulous with
+emotion. "Instead of cursing thee, brother beloved, I bless thee from
+my heart for words which give me courage to speak. I have doubted--nay,
+why should I shrink from the truth? I have learned, as I believe, from
+God himself that some things which the Church teaches as her doctrines
+are only the commandments of men."
+
+Don Juan started, and his colour changed. His vaguely liberal ideas
+were far from having prepared him for this. "What do you mean?" he
+cried, staring at his brother in amazement.
+
+"That I am now, in very truth, what I think you would call--_a
+Huguenot_."
+
+The die was cast. The avowal was made. Carlos waited its effects in
+breathless silence, as one who has fired a powder magazine might await
+the explosion.
+
+"May all the holy saints have mercy upon us!" cried Juan, in a voice
+that echoed through the grove. But after that one involuntary cry he
+was silent. The eyes of Carlos sought his face, but he turned away from
+him. At last he muttered, striking with his sword at the trunk of a
+tree that was near him, "Huguenot--Protestant--_heretic_!"
+
+"Brother," said Carlos, rising and standing before him--"brother, say
+what thou wilt, only speak to me. Reproach me, curse me, strike me, if
+it please thee, only speak to me."
+
+Juan turned, gazed full in his imploring face, and slowly, very slowly,
+allowed the sword to fall from his hand. There was a moment of doubt,
+of hesitation. Then he stretched out that hand to his brother. "They
+who list may curse thee, but not I," he said.
+
+Carlos strained the offered hand in so close a grasp that his own was
+cut by his brother's diamond ring, and the blood flowed.
+
+For a long time both were silent, Juan in amazement, perhaps in
+consternation; Carlos in deep thankfulness. His confession was made,
+and his brother loved him still.
+
+At last Juan spoke, slowly and as if half bewildered. "The Sieur de
+Ramenais believes in God, and in our Lord and his passion. And you?"
+
+Carlos repeated the Apostles' Creed in the vulgar tongue.
+
+"And in Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God?"
+
+"I believe that she was the most blessed among women, the holiest among
+the holy saints. Yet I ask her intercession no more. I am too well
+assured of His love who says to me; and to all who keep his word, 'My
+brother, my sister, my mother.'"
+
+"I thought devotion to Our Lady was the surest mark of piety," said
+Juan, in utter perplexity. "Then, I am only a man of the world. But oh,
+my brother, this is frightful!" He paused a moment, then added more
+calmly, "Still, I have learned that Huguenots are not beasts with horns
+and hoofs; but, possibly, brave and honourable men enough, as good,
+for this world, as their neighbours. And yet--the disgrace!" His dark
+cheek flushed, then grew pale, as there rose before his mind's eye an
+appalling vision--his brother robed in a hideous sanbenito, bearing a
+torch in the ghastly procession of an _auto-da-fé_! "You have kept your
+secret as your life? My uncle and his family suspect nothing?" he asked
+anxiously.
+
+"Nothing, thank God."
+
+"And who taught you this accursed--these doctrines?"
+
+Carlos briefly told the story of his first acquaintance with the
+Spanish New Testament; suppressing, however, all mention of the
+personal sorrow that had made its teaching so precious to him; nor did
+he think it expedient to give the name of Juliano Hernandez.
+
+"The Church may need reform. I am sure she does," Juan candidly
+admitted. "But Carlos, my brother," he added, while the expression of
+his face softened gradually into mournful, pitying tenderness, "little
+brother, in old times so gentle, so timid, hast thou dreamed--of the
+peril? I speak not now of the disgrace--God wot that is hard enough to
+think of--hard enough," he repeated bitterly. "But the peril?"
+
+Carlos was silent; his hands were clasped, his eyes raised upwards,
+full of thought, perhaps of prayer.
+
+"What is that on thy hand?" asked Juan, with a sudden change of tone.
+"Blood? The Sieur de Ramenais' diamond ring has hurt thee."
+
+Carlos glanced at the little wound, and smiled. "I never felt it," he
+said, "so glad was my heart, Ruy, for that brave grasp of faithful
+brotherhood." And there was a strange light in his eye as he added,
+"Perchance it may be thus with me, if Christ indeed should call me to
+suffer. Weak as I am, he can give, even to me, such blessed assurance
+of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear shall be unfelt, or
+vanish."
+
+Juan could not understand him, but he was awed and impressed. He had
+no heart for many words. He rose and walked towards the gate of the
+monastery grounds, slowly and in silence, Carlos accompanying him. When
+they had nearly reached the spot where they were to part, Carlos said,
+"You have heard Fray Constantino, as I asked you?"
+
+"Yes, and I greatly admire him."
+
+"He teaches God's truth."
+
+"Why can you not rest content with his teaching, then, instead of going
+to look for better bread than wheaten, Heaven knows where?"
+
+"When I return to the city next week I will explain all to thee."
+
+"I hope so. In the meantime, adios." He strode on a pace or two, then
+turned back to say, "Thou and I, Carlos; we will stand together against
+the world."
+
+
+
+
+                                XVIII.
+
+                            The Aged Monk.
+
+  "I will not boast a martyr's might
+    To leave my home without a sigh--
+  The dwelling of my past delight,
+    The shelter where I hoped to die."
+
+                                  ANON.
+
+
+Much was Carlos strengthened by the result of his interview with Don
+Juan. The thing that he greatly feared, his beloved brother's wrath and
+scorn, had not come upon him. Juan had shown, instead, a moderation,
+a candour, and a willingness to listen, which, while it really amazed
+him, inspired him with the happiest hopes. With a glad heart he
+repeated the Psalmist's exulting words: "The Lord is my strength and
+my shield; my heart hath trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my
+heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him."
+
+He soon perceived that the Chapter was over; for figures, robed in
+white and brown, were moving here and there amongst the trees. He
+entered the house, and without happening to meet any one, made his
+way to the deserted Chapter-room. Its sole remaining occupant was a
+very aged monk, the oldest member of the community. He was seated at
+the table, his face buried in his hands, and his frail, worn frame
+quivering as if with sobs.
+
+Carlos went up to him and asked gently, "Father, what ails you?"
+
+The old man slowly raised his head, and gazed at him with sad, tired
+eyes, which had watched the course of more than eighty years. "My son,"
+he said, "if I weep, it is for joy."
+
+Carlos wondered; for he saw no joy on the wrinkled brow or in the
+tearful face. But he merely asked, "What have the brethren resolved?"
+
+"To await God's providence here. Praised be his holy name for that."
+And the old man bowed his silver head, and wept once more.
+
+To Carlos also the determination was a cause for deep gratitude.
+He had all along regarded the proposed flight of the brethren with
+extreme dread, as an almost certain means of awakening the suspicions
+of the Holy Office, and thus exposing all who shared their faith to
+destruction. It was no light matter that the danger was now at least
+postponed, always provided that the respite was purchased by no
+sacrifice of principle.
+
+"Thank God!" reiterated the old monk. "For here I have lived; and here
+I will die and be buried, beside the holy brethren of other days, in
+the chapel of Don Alonzo the Good. My son, I came hither a stripling
+as thou art--no, younger, younger--I know not how many years ago; one
+year is so like another, there is no telling. I could tell by looking
+at the great book, only my eyes are too dim to read it. They have grown
+dim very fast of late; when Doctor Egidius used to visit us, I could
+read my Breviary with the youngest of them all. But no matter how many
+years. They were many enough to change a blooming, black-haired boy
+into an old man tottering on the grave's brink. And I to go forth now
+into that great, wicked world beyond the gate! I to look upon strange
+faces, and to live amongst strange men! Or to die amongst them, for to
+that it would come full soon! No, no, Señor Don Carlos. Here I took
+the cowl; here I lived; and here I will die and lie buried, God and the
+saints helping me!"
+
+"Yet for the Truth's sake, my father, would you not be willing to make
+even this sacrifice, and to go forth in your old age into exile?"
+
+"If the brethren must needs go, so, I suppose, must I. But they are
+_not_ going, St. Jerome be praised," the old man repeated.
+
+"Going or staying, the presence of Him whom they serve and for whom
+they witness will be with them."
+
+"It may be, it may be, for aught I know. But in my young days so many
+fine words were not in use. We sang our matins, our complines, our
+vespers; we said the holy mass and all our offices, and God and St.
+Jerome took care of the rest."
+
+"But you would not have those days back again, would you, my father?
+You did not then know the glorious gospel of the grace of God."
+
+"Gospel, gospel? We always read the gospel for the day. I know my
+Breviary, young sir, just as well as another. And on festival days,
+some one always preached from the gospel. When Fray Domingo preached,
+plenty of great folks used to come out from the city to hear him. For
+he was very eloquent, and as much thought of, in his time, as Fray
+Cristobal is now. But they are forgotten in a little while, all of
+them. So will we, in a few years to come."
+
+Carlos reproached himself for having named the gospel, instead of Him
+whose words and works are the burden of the gospel story. For even to
+that dull ear, heavy with age, the name of Jesus was sweet. And that
+dull mind, drowsy with the slumber of a long lifetime, had half awaked
+at least to the consciousness of his love.
+
+"Dear father," he said gently, "I know you are well acquainted with the
+gospels. You remember what our blessed Lord saith of those who confess
+him before men, how he will not be ashamed to confess them before his
+Father in heaven? And, moreover, is it not a joy for us to show, in any
+way he points out to us, our love to him who loved us and gave himself
+for us?"
+
+"Yes, yes, we love him. And he knows I only wish to do what is right,
+and what is pleasing in his sight."
+
+Afterwards, Carlos talked over the events of the day with the younger
+and more intelligent brethren; especially with his teacher, Fray
+Cristobal, and his particular friend, Fray Fernando. He could but
+admire the spirit that had guided their deliberations, and feel
+increased thankfulness for the decision at which they had arrived. The
+peace which the whole community of Spanish Protestants then enjoyed,
+perilous and unstable as it was, stood at the mercy of every individual
+belonging to that community. The unexplained flight of any obscure
+member of Losada's congregation would have been sufficient to give the
+alarm, and let loose the bloodhounds of persecution upon the Church;
+how much more the abandonment of a wealthy and honourable religious
+house by the greater part of its inmates?
+
+The sword hung over their heads, suspended by a single hair, which a
+hasty or incautious movement, a word, a breath even, might suffice to
+break.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIX.
+
+                          Truth and Freedom.
+
+      "Man is greater than you thought him;
+  The bondage of long slumber he will break,
+  His just and ancient rights he will reclaim,
+  With Nero and Busiris he will rank
+  The name of Philip."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Never before had it fallen to the lot of Don Juan Alvarez to experience
+such bewilderment as that which his brother's disclosure occasioned
+him. That brother, whom he had always regarded as the embodiment
+of goodness and piety, who was rendered illustrious in his eyes by
+all sorts of academic honours, and sanctified by the shadow of the
+coming priesthood, had actually confessed himself to be--what he had
+been taught to hold in deepest, deadliest abomination--a Lutheran
+heretic. But, on the other hand, from the wise, pious, and in every
+way unexceptionable manner in which Carlos had spoken, Juan could not
+help hoping that what, probably through some unaccountable aberration
+of mind, he himself persisted in styling Lutheranism, might prove in
+the end some very harmless and orthodox kind of devotion. Perhaps,
+eventually, his brother might found some new and holy order of monks
+and friars. Or even (he was so clever) he might take the lead in a
+Reformation of the Church, which, there was no use in an honest man's
+denying, was sorely needed. Still, he could not help admitting that
+the Sieur de Ramenais had sometimes expressed himself with nearly as
+much apparent orthodoxy; and he was undoubtedly a confirmed heretic--a
+Huguenot.
+
+But if the recollection of this man, who for months had been his
+guest rather than his prisoner, served, from one point of view, to
+increase his difficulties, from another, it helped to clear away the
+most formidable of them. Don Juan had never been religious; but he had
+always been hotly orthodox, as became a Castilian gentleman of purest
+blood, and heir to all the traditions of an ancient house, foremost
+for generations in the great conflict with the infidel. He had been
+wont to look upon the Catholic faith as a thing bound up irrevocably
+with the knightly honour, the stainless fame, the noble pride of his
+race, and, consequently, with all that was dearest to his heart.
+Heresy he regarded as something unspeakably mean and degrading. It
+was associated in his mind with Jews and Moors, "caitiffs," "beggarly
+fellows;" all of them vulgar and unclean, some of them the hereditary
+enemies of his race. Heretics were Moslems, infidels, such as "my Cid"
+delighted in hewing down with his good sword Tizona, "for God and Our
+Lady's honour." Heretics kept the passover with mysterious, unhallowed
+rites, into which it would be best not to inquire; heretics killed (and
+perhaps ate) Christian children; they spat upon the cross; they had to
+wear ugly yellow sanbenitos at _autos-da-fé_; and, to sum up all in
+one word, they "smelled of the fire." To give full weight to the last
+allusion, it must be remembered that in the eyes of Don Juan and his
+cotemporaries, death by fire had no hallowed or ennobling associations
+to veil its horrors. The burning pile was to him what the cross was
+to our fore-fathers, and what the gibbet is to us, only far more
+disgraceful. Thus it was not so much his conscience as his honour and
+his pride that were arrayed against the new faith.
+
+But, unconsciously to himself, opposition had been silently undermined
+by his intercourse with the Sieur de Ramenais. It would probably have
+been fatal to Protestantism with Don Juan, had his first specimen of a
+Protestant been an humble muleteer. Fortunately, the new opinions had
+come to him represented by a noble and gallant knight, who
+
+  "In open battle or in tilting field
+   Forbore his own advantage;"
+
+who was as careful of his "pundonor"[10] as any Castilian gentleman,
+and scarcely yielded even to himself in all those marks of good
+breeding, which, to say the truth, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya valued far more than any abstract dogmas of faith.
+
+    [10] Point of honour.
+
+This circumstance produced a willingness on his part to give fair play
+to his brother's convictions. When Carlos returned to Seville, which he
+did about a week after the meeting of the Chapter, he was overjoyed to
+find Juan ready to hear all he had to say with patience and candour.
+Moreover, the young soldier was greatly attracted by the preaching of
+Fray Constantino, whom he pronounced, in language borrowed from the
+camp, "a right good camerado." Using these favourable dispositions
+to the best advantage, Carlos repeated to him passages from the
+New Testament; and with deep and prayerful earnestness explained
+and enforced the truths they taught, taking care, of course, not
+unnecessarily to shock his prejudices.
+
+And, as time passed on, it became every day more and more apparent
+that Don Juan was receiving "the new ideas;" and that with far less
+difficulty and conflict than Carlos himself had done. For with him
+the Reformed faith had only prejudices, not convictions, to contend
+against. These once broken down, the rest was easy. And then it came to
+him so naturally to follow the guidance of Carlos in all that pertained
+to _thinking_.
+
+Unmeasured was the joy of the affectionate brother when at last he
+found that he might safely venture to introduce him privately to Losada
+as a promising inquirer.
+
+In the meantime their outward life passed on smoothly and happily. With
+much feasting and rejoicing, Juan was betrothed to Doña Beatriz. He had
+loved her devotedly since boyhood; he loved her now more than ever.
+But his love was a deep, life-long passion--no sudden delirium of the
+fancy--so that it did not render him oblivious of every other tie, and
+callous to every other impression; it rather stimulated, and at the
+same time softened his whole nature. It made him not less, but more,
+sensitive to all the exciting and ennobling influences which were being
+brought to bear upon him.
+
+In Doña Beatriz Carlos perceived a change that surprised him, while,
+at the same time, it made more evident than ever how great would have
+been his own mistake, had he accepted the passive gratitude of a child
+towards one who noticed and flattered her for the true deep love of a
+woman's heart. Doña Beatriz was a passive child no longer now. On the
+betrothal day, a proud and beautiful woman leaned on the arm of his
+handsome brother, and looked around her upon the assembled family,
+queen-like in air and mien, her cheek rivalling the crimson of the
+damask rose, her large dark eye beaming with passionate, exulting joy.
+Carlos compared her in thought to the fair, carved alabaster lamp that
+stood on the inlaid centre table of his aunt's state receiving-room.
+Love had wrought in her the change which light within always did in
+that, revealing its hidden transparency, and glorifying its pale, cold
+whiteness with tints so warmly beautiful, that the clouds of evening
+might have envied them.
+
+The betrothal of Doña Sancha to Don Beltran Vivarez quickly followed.
+Don Balthazar also succeeded in obtaining the desired Government
+appointment, and henceforth enjoyed, much to his satisfaction, the
+honours and emoluments of an "_empleado_." To crown the family good
+fortune, Doña Inez rejoiced in the birth of a son and heir; while even
+Don Gonsalvo, not to be left out, acknowledged some improvement in
+his health, which he attributed to the judicious treatment of Losada.
+The mind of an intelligent man can scarcely be deeply exercised upon
+one great subject, without the result making itself felt throughout
+the whole range of his occupations. Losada's patients could not
+fail to benefit by his habits of independent thought and searching
+investigation, and his freedom from vulgar prejudices. This freedom,
+so rare in his nation, led him occasionally, though very cautiously,
+even to hazard the adoption of a few remedies which were not altogether
+"_cosas de Espana_."[11]
+
+    [11] Things of Spain.
+
+The physician deserved less credit for his treatment of Juan's wounded
+arm, which nature healed, almost as soon as her beneficent operations
+ceased to be retarded by ignorant and blundering leech-craft.
+
+Don Juan was occasionally heard to utter aspirations for the full
+restoration of his cousin Gonsalvo's health, more hearty in their
+expression than charitable in their motive. "I would give one of my
+fingers he could ride a horse and handle a sword, or at least a good
+foil with the button off, and I would soon make him repent his bearing
+and language to thee, Carlos. But what can a man do with a _thing_
+like that, save let him alone for very shame? Yet he is dastard enough
+to presume on such toleration, and to strike those whom his own
+infirmities hinder from returning the blow."
+
+"If he could ride a horse or handle a sword, brother, I think you would
+find a marvellous change for the better in his bearing and language.
+That bitterness, what is it, after all, but the fruit of pain? Or of
+what is even worse than pain, repressed force and energy. He would be
+in the great world doing and daring; and behold, he is chained to a
+narrow room, or at best toils with difficulty a few hundred paces. No
+wonder that the strong winds, bound in their caverns, moan and shriek
+piteously at times. When I hear them I feel far too much compassion to
+think of anger. And I would give one of my fingers--nay, I would give
+my right hand," he added with a smile, "that he shared our blessed
+hope, Juan, my brother."
+
+"The most unlikely person of all our acquaintance to become a convert."
+
+"So say not I. Do you know that he has given money--he that has so
+little--more than once to Señor Cristobal for the poor?"
+
+"That is nothing," said Juan. "He was ever free-handed. Do you not
+remember, in our childhood, how he would strike us upon the least
+provocation, yet insist on our sharing his sweetmeats and his toys, and
+even sometimes fight us for refusing them? While the others knew the
+value of a ducat before they knew their Angelus, and would sell and
+barter their small possessions like Dutch merchants."
+
+"Which you spared not to call them, bearing yourself in the quarrels
+that naturally ensued with undaunted prowess; while I too often
+disgraced you by tearful entreaties for peace at all costs," returned
+Carlos, laughing. "But, my brother," he resumed more gravely, "I
+often ask myself, are we doing all that is possible in our present
+circumstances to share with others the treasure we have found?"
+
+"I trust it will soon be open to them all," said Juan, who had now come
+just far enough to grasp strongly his right to think and judge for
+himself, and with it the idea of emancipation from the control of a
+proud and domineering priesthood. "Great is truth, and shall prevail."
+
+"Certainly, in the end. But much that to mortal eyes looks like defeat
+may come first."
+
+"I think my learned brother, so much wiser than I upon many subjects,
+fails to read well the signs of the times. Whose Word saith, 'When ye
+see the fig-tree put forth her buds, know ye that summer is nigh, even
+at the door'? Everywhere the fig-trees are budding now."
+
+"Still the frosts may return."
+
+"Hold thy peace, too desponding brother. Thou shouldst have learned
+another lesson yesterday, when thou and I watched the eager thousands
+as they hung breathless on the lips of our Fray Constantino. Are not
+those thousands really for _us_, and for truth and freedom?"
+
+"No doubt Christ has his own amongst them."
+
+"You always think of individuals, Carlos, rather than of our country.
+You forget we are sons of Spain, Castilian nobles. Of course we rejoice
+when even one man here and there is won for the truth. But our Spain!
+our glorious land, first and fairest of all the earth! our land of
+conquerors, whose arms reach to the ends of the world--one hand taming
+the infidel in his African stronghold, while the other crowns her with
+the gold and jewels of the far West! She who has led the nations in the
+path of discovery--whose fleets gem the ocean--whose armies rule the
+land,--shall she not also lead the way to the great city of God, and
+bring in the good coming time when all shall know him from the least to
+the greatest--when they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
+them free? Carlos, my brother, I do not dare to doubt it."
+
+It was not often that Don Juan expressed himself in such a lengthened
+and energetic, not to say grandiloquent manner. But his love for Spain
+was a passion, and to extol her or to plead her cause words were never
+lacking with him. In reply to this outburst of enthusiasm, Carlos only
+said gently, "Amen, and the Lord establish it in his time."
+
+Don Juan looked keenly at him. "I thought you had faith, Carlos?" he
+said.
+
+"Faith?" Carlos repeated inquiringly.
+
+"Such faith," said Juan, "as I have. Faith in truth and freedom!" And
+he rang out the sonorous words, "_Verdad y_ _libertad_," as if he
+thought, as indeed he did, that they had but to go forth through a
+submissive, rejoicing world, "conquering and to conquer."
+
+"I have faith _in Christ_," Carlos answered quietly.
+
+And in those two brief phrases each unconsciously revealed to the other
+the very depths of his soul, and told the secret of his history.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XX.
+
+                  The First Drop of a Thunder Shower.
+
+  "Closed doorways that are folded
+    And prayed against in vain."
+
+                           E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Meanwhile the happy weeks glided on noiselessly and rapidly. They
+brought full occupation for head and heart, as well as varied and
+intense enjoyment. Don Juan's constant intercourse with Doña Beatriz
+was not the less delightful because already he sought to imbue her mind
+with the truths which he himself was learning every day to love better.
+He thought her an apt and hopeful pupil, but, under the circumstances,
+he was scarcely the best possible judge.
+
+Carlos was not so well satisfied with her attainments; he advised
+reserve and caution in imparting their secrets to her, lest through
+inadvertence she might betray them to her aunt and cousins. Juan
+considered this a mark of his constitutional timidity; yet he so far
+attended to his warnings, that Doña Beatriz was strongly impressed
+with the necessity of keeping their religious conversations a profound
+secret, whilst her sensibilities were not shocked by any mention of
+words so odious as heresy or Lutheranism.
+
+But there could be no doubt as to Juan's own progress under the
+instructions of his brother, and of Losada and Fray Cassiodoro.
+He began, ere long, to accompany Carlos to the meetings of the
+Protestants, who welcomed the new acquisition to their ranks with
+affectionate enthusiasm. All were attracted by Don Juan's warmth and
+candour of disposition, and by his free, joyous, hopeful temperament;
+though he was not beloved by any as intensely as Carlos was by the few
+who really knew him, such as Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and the
+young monk, Fray Fernando.
+
+Partly through the influence of his religious friends, and partly
+through the brilliant reputation he had brought from Alcala, Carlos
+now obtained a lectureship at the College of Doctrine, of which the
+provost, Fernando de San Juan, was a decided and zealous Lutheran. This
+appointment was an honourable one, considered in no way derogatory to
+his social position, and useful as tending to convince his uncle that
+he was "doing something," not idly dreaming his time away.
+
+Occupations of another kind opened out before him also. Amongst the
+many sincere and anxious inquirers who were troubled with perplexities
+concerning the relations of the old faith and the new, were some
+who turned to him, with an instinctive feeling that he could help
+them. This was just the work that best suited his abilities and his
+temperament. To sympathize, to counsel, to aid in conflict as only
+that man can do who has known conflict himself, was God's special gift
+to him. And he who goes through the world speaking, whenever he can,
+a word in season to the weary, will seldom be without some weary one
+ready to listen to him.
+
+Upon one subject, and only one, the brothers still differed. Juan saw
+the future robed in the glowing hues borrowed from his own ardent,
+hopeful spirit. In his eyes the Spains were already won "for truth
+and freedom," as he loved to say. He anticipated nothing less than a
+glorious regeneration of Christendom, in which his beloved country
+would lead the van. And there were many amongst Losada's congregation
+who shared these bright and beautiful, if delusive dreams, and the
+enthusiasm which had given them birth, and in its turn was nourished by
+them.
+
+Again, there were others who rejoiced with much trembling over the
+good tidings that often reached them of the spread of the faith in
+distant parts of the country, and who welcomed each neophyte to their
+ranks as if they were adorning a victim for the sacrifice. They could
+not forget that name of terror, the Holy Inquisition. And from certain
+ominous indications they thought the sleeping monster was beginning to
+stir in his den. Else why had new and severe decrees against heresy
+been recently obtained from Rome? And above all, why had the Bishop
+of Terragona, Gonzales de Munebrãga, already known as a relentless
+persecutor of Jews and Moors, been appointed Vice-Inquisitor General at
+Seville?
+
+Still, on the whole, hope and confidence predominated; and strange,
+nay, incredible as it may appear to us, beneath the very shadow of the
+Triana the Lutherans continued to hold their meetings "almost with open
+doors."
+
+One evening Don Juan escorted Doña Beatriz to some festivity from which
+he could not very well excuse himself, whilst Carlos attended a reunion
+for prayer and mutual edification at the usual place--the house of Doña
+Isabella de Baena.
+
+Don Juan returned at a late hour, but in high spirits. Going at once to
+the room where his brother sat awaiting him, he threw off his cloak,
+and stood before him, a gay, handsome figure, in his doublet of crimson
+satin, his gold chain, and well-used sword, now worn for ornament, with
+its embossed scabbard and embroidered belt.
+
+"I never saw Doña Beatriz look so charming," he began eagerly. "Don
+Miguel de Santa Cruz was there, but he could not get so much as a
+single dance with her, and looked ready to die for envy. But save me
+from the impertinence of Luis Rotelo! I shall have to cane him one
+of these days, if no milder measures will teach him his place and
+station. _He_, the son of a simple hidalgo, to dare lift his eyes to
+Doña Beatriz de Lavella? The caitiff's presumption!--But thou art not
+listening, brother. What is wrong with thee?"
+
+No wonder he asked. The face of Carlos was pale; and the deep mournful
+eyes looked as if tears had been lately there. "A great sorrow, brother
+mine," he answered in a low voice.
+
+"_My_ sorrow too, then. Tell me, what is it?" asked Juan, his tone and
+manner changed in a moment.
+
+"Juliano is taken."
+
+"Juliano! The muleteer who brought the books, and gave you that
+Testament?"
+
+"The man who put into my hands this precious Book, to which I owe my
+joy now and my hope for eternity," said Carlos, his lip trembling.
+
+"Ay de mi!--But perhaps it is not true."
+
+"Too true. A smith, to whom he showed a copy of the Book, betrayed him.
+God forgive him--if there be forgiveness for such. It may have been a
+month ago, but we only heard it now. And he lies there--_there_."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"All were talking of it at the meeting when I entered. It is the sorrow
+of all; but I doubt if any have such cause to sorrow as I. For he is my
+father in the faith, Juan. And now," he added, after a long, sad pause,
+"I shall _never_ tell him what he has done for me--at least on this
+side of the grave."
+
+"There is no hope for him," said Juan mournfully, as one that mused.
+
+"_Hope!_ Only in the great mercy of God. Even those dreadful dungeon
+walls cannot shut Him out."
+
+"No; thank God."
+
+"But the prolonged, the bitter, the horrible suffering! I have been
+trying to contemplate, to picture it--but I cannot, I dare not. And
+what I dare not think of, he must endure."
+
+"He is a peasant, you are a noble--that makes some difference," said
+Don Juan, with whom the tie of brotherhood in Christ had not yet
+effaced all earthly distinctions. "But Carlos," he questioned suddenly,
+and with a look of alarm, "does not he know everything?"
+
+"_Everything_," Carlos answered quietly. "One word from his lips, and
+the pile is kindled for us all. But that word will never be spoken.
+To-night not one heart amongst us trembled for ourselves, we only wept
+for him."
+
+"You trust him, then, so completely? It is much to say. They in whose
+hands he is are cruel as fiends. No doubt they will--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Carlos, with a look of such exceeding pain, that
+Juan was effectually silenced. "There are things we cannot speak of,
+save to God in prayer. Oh, my brother, pray for him, that He for whom
+he has risked so much may sustain him, and, if it may be, shorten his
+agony."
+
+"Surely more than two or three will join in that prayer. But, my
+brother," he added, after a pause, "be not so downcast. Do you not
+know that every great cause must have its martyr? When was a victory
+won, and no brave man left dead on the field; a city stormed, and none
+fallen in the breach? Perhaps to that poor peasant may be given the
+glory--the great glory--of being honoured throughout all time as the
+sainted martyr whose death has consecrated our holy cause to victory. A
+grand lot truly! Worth suffering for!" And Juan's dark eye kindled, and
+his cheek glowed with enthusiasm.
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"
+
+"I think that Christ is worth suffering for," said Carlos at last.
+"And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith,
+can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May
+that--may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and
+comfort are far away."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXI.
+
+                         By the Guadalquivir.
+
+  "There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,
+  Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Next Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Doña
+Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the
+deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there.
+But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and
+death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death
+for all who trust him. Then came prayer--true incense offered on the
+golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil,"
+still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.[12] But
+in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.
+
+    [12] See Exodus XXX. 6.
+
+"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had
+parted with their friends. "The night is fine."
+
+"Whither shall we bend our steps?"
+
+Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of
+the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.
+
+"Why take such a circuit?" said Carlos, showing a disposition to turn
+in an opposite direction. "This is far the shorter way."
+
+"True; but it is less pleasant."
+
+Carlos looked at him gratefully. "My brother would spare my weakness,"
+he said. "But it needs not. Twice of late, when you were engaged with
+Doña Beatriz, I went alone thither, and--to the Prado San Sebastian."
+
+So they passed through the Puerta de Triana, and having crossed the
+bridge of boats, leisurely took their way beneath the walls of the grim
+old castle. As they did so, both prayed in silence for one who was
+pining in its dungeons. Don Juan, whose interest in the fate of Juliano
+was naturally far less intense than his brother's, was the first to
+break that silence. He remarked that the Dominican convent adjoining
+the Triana looked nearly as gloomy as the inquisitorial prison itself.
+
+"I think it looks like all other convents," returned Carlos, with
+indifference.
+
+They were soon in the shadow of the dark, ghostlike olive trees. The
+moon was young, and gave but little light; but the large clear stars
+looked down through the southern air like lamps of fire, hanging not so
+much in the sky as from it. Were those bright watchers charged with a
+message from the land very far off, which seemed so near to _them_ in
+the high places whence they ruled the night? Carlos drank in the spirit
+of the scene in silence. But this did not please his less meditative
+brother. "What art thou pondering?" he asked.
+
+"'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
+they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'"
+
+"Art thinking still of the prisoner in the Triana?"
+
+"Of him, and also of another very dear to both of us, of whom I have
+for some time been purposing to speak to thee. What if thou and I have
+been, like children, seeking for a star on earth while all the time it
+was shining above us in God's glorious heaven?"
+
+"Knowest thou not of old, little brother, that when thy parables begin
+I am left behind at once? I pray thee, let the stars alone, and speak
+the language of earth."
+
+"What was the task to which thou and I vowed ourselves in childhood,
+brother?"
+
+Juan looked at him keenly through the dim light. "I sometimes feared
+thou hadst forgotten," he said.
+
+"No danger of that. But I had a reason--I think a good and sufficient
+one--for not speaking to thee until well and fully assured of thy
+sympathy."
+
+"My sympathy? In aught that concerned the dream, the passion of my
+life!--of both our young lives! Carlos, how couldst thou even doubt of
+this?"
+
+"I had reason to doubt at first whether a gleam of light which has been
+shed upon our father's fate would be regarded by his son as a blessing
+or a curse."
+
+"Do not keep a man in suspense, brother. Speak at once, in Heaven's
+name."
+
+"I doubt no longer _now_. It will be to thee, Juan, as to me, a joy
+exceeding great to think that our venerated father read God's Word for
+himself, and knew his truth and honoured it, as we have learned to do."
+
+"Now, God be thanked!" cried Juan, pausing in his walk and clasping his
+hands together. "This indeed is joyful news. But speak, brother; how do
+you know it? Are you certain, or is it only dream, hope, conjecture?"
+
+Carlos told him in detail, first the hint dropped by Losada to De Seso;
+then the story of Dolores; lastly, what he had heard at San Isodro
+about Don Rodrigo de Valer. And as he proceeded with his narrative, he
+welded the scattered links into a connected chain of evidence.
+
+Juan, all eagerness, could hardly wait till he came to the end. "Why
+did you not speak to Losada?" he interrupted at last.
+
+"Stay, brother, and hear me out; the best is to come. I have done so
+lately. But until assured how thou wouldst regard the matter, I cared
+not to ask questions, the answers to which might wound thy heart."
+
+"You are in no doubt now. What heard you from Señor Cristobal?"
+
+"I heard that Dr. Egidius named the Conde de Nuera as one of those who
+befriended Don Rodrigo. And that he had been present when that brave
+and faithful teacher privately expounded the Epistle to the Romans."
+
+"There!" Juan exclaimed with a start. "There is the origin of my second
+and favourite name, Rodrigo. Brother, brother, these are the best
+tidings I have heard for years." And uncovering his head, he uttered
+fervent and solemn words of thanksgiving.
+
+To which Carlos added a heartfelt "Amen," and resumed,--
+
+"Then, brother, you think we are justified in taking this joy to our
+hearts?"
+
+"Without doubt," cried the sanguine Don Juan.
+
+"And it follows that his crime--"
+
+"Was what in our eyes constitutes the truest glory, the profession of a
+pure faith," said Juan with decision, leaping at once to the conclusion
+Carlos had reached by a far slower path.
+
+"And those mystic words inscribed upon the window, the delight and
+wonder of our childhood--"
+
+"Ah!" repeated Juan--
+
+  "'El Dorado
+    Yo hé trovado.'
+
+But what they have to do with the matter I see not yet."
+
+"You see not? Surely the knowledge of God in Christ, the kingdom of
+heaven opened up to us, is the true El Dorado, the golden country,
+which enriches those who find it for evermore."
+
+"That is all very good," said Juan, with the air of a man not quite
+satisfied.
+
+"I doubt not that was our father's meaning," Carlos continued.
+
+"I doubt it, though. Up to that point I follow you, Carlos; but there
+we part. _Something_ in the New World, I think, my father must have
+found."
+
+A lengthened debate followed, in which Carlos discovered, rather to his
+surprise, that Juan still clung to his early faith in a literal land
+of gold. The more thoughtful and speculative brother sought in vain to
+reason him out of that belief. Nor was he much more successful when he
+came to state his own settled conviction that they should never see
+their father's face on earth. Not the slightest doubt remained on his
+own mind that, on account of his attachment to the Reformed faith, the
+Conde de Nuera had been, in the phraseology of the time, quietly "put
+out of the way." But whether this had been done during the voyage, or
+on the wild unknown shores of the New World, he believed his children
+would never know.
+
+On this point, however, no argument availed with Juan. He seemed
+determined _not_ to believe in his father's death. He confessed,
+indeed, that his heart bounded at the thought that he had been a
+sufferer "in the cause of truth and freedom." "He has suffered exile,"
+he said, "and the loss of all things. But I see not wherefore he may
+not after all be living still, somewhere in that vast wonderful New
+World."
+
+"I am content to think," Carlos replied, "that all these years he has
+been at rest with the dead in Christ. And that we shall see his face
+first with Christ when he appears in glory."
+
+"But I am not content. We must learn something more."
+
+"We shall never learn more. How can we?" asked Carlos.
+
+"That is so like thee, little brother. Ever desponding, ever turned
+easily from thy purpose."
+
+"Well; be it so," said Carlos meekly.
+
+"But what _I_ determine, that I do," said Juan. "At least I will make
+my uncle speak out," he continued. "I have ever suspected that he knows
+something."
+
+"But how is that to be done?" asked Carlos. "Nevertheless, do all thou
+canst, and God prosper thee. Only," he added with great earnestness,
+"remember the necessities of our present position; and for the sake of
+our friends, as well as of our own lives, use due prudence and caution."
+
+"Fear not, my too prudent brother.--The best and dearest brother in the
+world," he added kindly, "if he had but a little more courage."
+
+Thus conversing they hastily retraced their steps to the city, the hour
+being already late.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Quiet weeks passed on after this unmarked by any event of importance.
+Winter had now given place to spring; the time of the singing of birds
+was come. In spite of numerous and heavy anxieties, and of _one_ sorrow
+that pressed more or less upon all, it was still spring-time in many
+a brave and hopeful heart amongst the adherents of the new faith in
+Seville. Certainly it was spring-time with Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+One Sunday a letter arrived by special messenger from Nuera, containing
+the unwelcome tidings that the old and faithful servant of the house,
+Diego Montes, was dying. It was his last wish to resign his stewardship
+into the hands of his young master, Señor Don Juan. Juan could not
+hesitate. "I will go to-morrow morning," he said to Carlos; "but rest
+assured I will return hither as soon as possible; the days are too
+precious to be lost."
+
+Together they repaired once more to Doña Isabella's house. Don Juan
+told the friends they met there of his intended departure, and ere
+they separated many a hand warmly grasped his, and many a voice spoke
+kindly the "Vaya con Dios" for his journey.
+
+"It needs not formal leave-takings, señores and my brethren," said
+Juan; "my absence will be very short; not next Sunday indeed, but
+possibly in a fortnight, and certainly this day month I shall meet you
+all here again."
+
+"_God willing_," said Losada gravely. And so they parted.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXII.
+
+                        The Flood-Gates Opened.
+
+  "And they feared as they entered into the cloud."
+
+
+For the first stage of Don Juan's journey Carlos accompanied him. They
+spent the time in animated talk, chiefly about Nuera, Carlos sending
+kind messages to the dying man, to Dolores, and indeed to all the
+household. "Remember, brother," he said, "to give Dolores the little
+books I put into the alforjas, specially the 'Confession of a Sinner.'"
+
+"I shall remember everything, even to bringing thee back tidings of all
+the sick folk in the village. Now, Carlos, here we agreed to part;--no,
+not one step further."
+
+They clasped each other's hands. "It is not like a long parting," said
+Juan.
+
+"No. Vaya con Dios, my Ruy."
+
+"Quede con Dios,[13] brother;" and he rode off, followed by his servant.
+
+    [13] Remain with God.
+
+Carlos watched him wistfully; would he turn for a last look? He _did_
+turn. Taking off his velvet montero, he gaily bowed farewell; thus
+allowing Carlos to gaze once more upon his dark, handsome, resolute
+features, keen, sparkling eyes and curling black hair.
+
+Whilst Juan saw a scholar's face, thoughtful, refined, sensitive; a
+broad pale forehead, from which the breeze had blown the waving fair
+hair (fair to a southern eye, though really a bright soft brown), and
+lips that kept the old sweetness of expression, though, whether from
+the manly fringe that graced them or from some actual change, the
+weakness which marred them once had ceased to be apparent now.
+
+Another moment, and both had turned their horses' heads. Carlos, when
+he reached the city, made a circuit to avoid one of the very frequent
+processions of the Host; since, as time passed on, he felt ever
+more and more disinclined to the absolutely necessary prostration.
+Afterwards he called upon Losada, to inquire the exact address of a
+person whom he had asked him to visit. He found him engaged in his
+character of physician, and sat down in the patio to await his leisure.
+
+Ere long Dr. Cristobal passed through, politely accompanying to the
+gate a canon of the cathedral, for whose ailments he had just been
+prescribing. The Churchman, who was evidently on the best terms with
+his physician, was showing his good-nature and affability by giving him
+the current news of the city; to which Losada listened courteously,
+with a grave, quiet smile, and, when necessary, an appropriate
+question or comment. Only one item made any impression upon Carlos: it
+related to a pleasant estate by the sea-side which Munebrãga had just
+purchased, disappointing thereby a relative of the canon's who desired
+to possess it, but could not command the very large price readily
+offered by the Inquisitor.
+
+At last the visitor was gone. In a moment the smile had faded from the
+physician's care-worn face. Turning to Carlos with a strangely altered
+look, he said, "The monks of San Isodro have fled."
+
+"Fled!" Carlos repeated, in blank dismay.
+
+"Yes; no fewer than twelve of them have abandoned the monastery."
+
+"How did you hear it?"
+
+"One of the lay brethren came in this morning to inform me. They held
+another solemn Chapter, in which it was determined that each one should
+follow the guidance of his own conscience, those, therefore, to whom it
+seemed best to go have gone, the rest remain."
+
+For some moments they looked at each other in silence. So fearful was
+the peril in which this rash act involved them all, that it almost
+seemed as if they had heard a sentence of death.
+
+The voice of Carlos faltered as he asked at last,--"Have Fray Cristobal
+or Fray Fernando gone?"
+
+"No; they are both amongst those, more generous if not more wise, who
+have chosen to remain and take what God will send them here. Stay, here
+is a letter from Fray Cristobal which the lay brother brought me; it
+will tell you as much as I know myself."
+
+Carlos read it carefully. "It seems," he said, when he had finished,
+"that the consciences of those who fled would not allow them any longer
+to conform, even outwardly, to the rules of their order. Moreover, from
+the signs of the times, they believe that a storm is about to burst
+upon the company of the faithful."
+
+"God grant it may prove that they have saved _themselves_ from its
+violence," Losada answered, with a slight emphasis on "themselves."
+
+"And for us?--God help us!" Carlos almost moaned, the paper falling
+from his trembling hand. "What shall we do?"
+
+"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," returned Losada
+bravely. "No other strength remains for us. But God grant none of us in
+the city may be so unadvised as to follow the example of the brethren.
+The flight of one might be the ruin of all."
+
+"And those noble, devoted men who remain at San Isodro?"
+
+"Are in God's hands, as we are."
+
+"I will ride out and visit them, especially Fray Fernando."
+
+"Excuse me, Señor Don Carlos, but you will do nothing of the kind; that
+were to court suspicion. I will bear any message you choose to send."
+
+"And you?"
+
+Losada smiled, though sadly. "The physician has occasion to go," he
+said; "he is a very useful personage, who often covers with his ample
+cloak the _dogmatizing heretic_."
+
+Carlos recognized the official phraseology of the Holy Office. He
+repressed a shudder, but could not hide the look of terror that dilated
+his large blue eyes.
+
+The older man, the more experienced Christian, could compassionate
+the youth. Losada, himself standing "face to face with death," spoke
+kind words of counsel and comfort to Carlos. He cautioned him strongly
+against losing his self-possession, and thereby running needlessly into
+danger. "Especially would I urge upon you, Señor Don Carlos," he said,
+"the duty of avoiding unnecessary risk, for already you are useful to
+us; and should God spare your life, you will be still more so. If I
+fall--"
+
+"Do not speak of it, my beloved friend."
+
+"It will be as God pleases," said the pastor calmly. "But I need
+not remind you, others stand in like peril with me. Especially Fray
+Cassiodoro, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon."
+
+"The noblest heads, the likeliest to fall," Carlos murmured.
+
+"Then must younger soldiers step forth from the ranks, and take up
+the standards dropped from their hands. Don Carlos Alvarez, we have
+high hopes of you. Your quiet words reach the heart; for you speak
+that which you know, and testify that which you have seen. And the
+good gifts of mind that God has given you enable you to speak with the
+greater acceptance. He may have much work for you in his harvest-field.
+But whether he should call you to work or to suffer, shrink not,
+but 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
+dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'"
+
+"I will try to trust him; and may he make his strength perfect in my
+weakness," said Carlos. "But for the present," he added, "give me any
+lowly work to do, whereby I may aid you or lighten your cares, my loved
+friend and teacher."
+
+Losada gladly gave him, as indeed he had done several times before,
+instructions to visit certain secret inquirers, and persons in distress
+and perplexity of mind.
+
+He passed the next two or three days in these ministrations, and in
+constant prayer, especially for the remaining monks of San Isodro,
+whose sore peril pressed heavily on his heart. He sought, as much
+as possible, to shut out other thoughts; or, when they would force
+an entrance, to cast their burden, which otherwise would have been
+intolerable, upon Him who would surely care for his own Church, his few
+sheep in the wilderness.
+
+One morning he remained late in his chamber, writing a letter to his
+brother; and then went forth, intending to visit Losada. As it was a
+fast-day, and he kept the Church fasts rigorously, it happened that he
+had not previously met any of his uncle's family.
+
+The entrance to the physician's house did not present its usual
+cheerful appearance. The gate was shut and bolted, and there was no
+sign of patients passing in or out. Carlos became alarmed. It was long
+before he obtained an answer to his repeated calls. At last, however,
+some one inside cried, "_Quien es_?"[14]
+
+    [14] Who is there?
+
+Carlos gave his name, well known to all the household.
+
+Then the door was half opened, and a mulatto serving-lad showed a
+terrified face behind it.
+
+"Where is Señor Cristobal?"
+
+"Gone, señor."
+
+"Gone!--whither?"
+
+The answer was a furtive, frightened whisper. "Last night--the
+Alguazils of the Holy Office." And the door was shut and bolted in his
+face.
+
+He stood rooted to the spot, speechless and motionless, in a trance
+of horror. At last he was startled by feeling some one grasp his arm
+without ceremony, indeed rather roughly.
+
+"Are you moonstruck, Cousin Don Carlos?" asked the voice of Gonsalvo.
+"At least you might have had the courtesy to offer me the aid of your
+arm, without putting me to the shame of requesting it, miserable
+cripple that I am!" and he gave vent to a torrent of curses upon his
+own infirmities, using expressions profane and blasphemous enough to
+make Carlos shiver with pain.
+
+Yet that very pain did him real service. It roused him from his stupor,
+as sharp anguish sometimes brings back a patient from a swoon. He said,
+"Pardon me, my cousin, I did not see you; but I hear you now--with
+sorrow."
+
+Gonsalvo deigned no answer, except his usual short, bitter laugh.
+
+"Whither do you wish to go?"
+
+"Home. I am tired."
+
+They walked along in silence; at last Gonsalvo asked, abruptly,--
+
+"Have you heard the news?"
+
+"What news?"
+
+"The news that is in every one's mouth to-day. Indeed, the city has
+well nigh run mad with holy horror. And no wonder! Their reverences,
+the Lords Inquisitors, have just discovered a community of abominable
+Lutherans, a very viper's nest, in our midst. It is said the wretches
+have actually dared to carry on their worship somewhere in the town.
+Ah, no marvel you look horror-stricken, my pious cousin. _You_ could
+never have dreamed that such a thing was possible, could you?" After
+one quick, keen glance, he did not look again in his cousin's face; but
+he might have felt the beating of his cousin's heart against his arm.
+
+"I am told," he continued, "that nearly two hundred persons have been
+arrested already."
+
+"_Two hundred!_" gasped Carlos.
+
+"And the arrests are going on still."
+
+"Who is taken?" Carlos forced his trembling lips to ask.
+
+"Losada; more's the pity. A good physician, though a bad Christian."
+
+"A good physician, and a good Christian too," said Carlos in the voice
+of one who tries to speak calmly in terrible bodily pain.
+
+"An opinion you would do more wisely to keep to yourself, if a
+reprobate such as I may presume to counsel so learned and pious a
+personage."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"One you would never guess. Don Juan Ponce de Leon, of all men. Think
+of the Count of Baylen's son being thus degraded! Also the master of
+the College of Doctrine, San Juan; and a number of Jeromite friars from
+San Isodro. Those are all I know worth a gentleman's taking account
+of. There are some beggarly tradesfolk, such as Medel d'Espinosa, the
+embroiderer; and Luis d'Abrego, from whom your brother bought that
+beautiful book of the Gospels he gave Doña Beatriz. But if only such
+cattle were concerned in it, no one would care."
+
+"Some fools there be," Don Gonsalvo continued after a pause, "who have
+run to the Triana, and informed against themselves, thinking thereby
+to get off more easily. _Fools_, again I say, for their pains." And he
+emphasized his words by a pressure of the arm on which he was leaning.
+
+At length they reached the door of Don Manuel's house. "Thanks for
+your aid," said Gonsalvo. "Now that I remember it, Don Carlos, I hear
+also that we are to have a grand procession on Tuesday with banners and
+crosses, in honour of Our Lady, and of our holy patronesses Justina
+and Rufina, to beg pardon for the sin and scandal so long permitted in
+the midst of our most Catholic city. You, my pious cousin, licentiate
+of theology and all but consecrated priest--you will carry a taper, no
+doubt?"
+
+Carlos would fain have left the question unanswered; but Gonsalvo meant
+to have an answer. "You will?" he repeated, laying his hand on his arm,
+and looking him in the face, though with a smile. "It would be very
+creditable to the family for one of us to appear. Seriously; I advise
+you to do it."
+
+Then Carlos said quietly, "_No_;" and crossed the patio to the
+staircase which led to his own apartment.
+
+Gonsalvo stood watching him, and mentally retracting, at his last word,
+the verdict formerly pronounced against him as "a coward," "not half a
+man."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXIII.
+
+                         The Reign of Terror.
+
+  "Though shining millions around thee stand,
+  For the sake of him at thy right hand
+  Think of the souls he died for here,
+  Thus wandering in darkness, in doubt and fear.
+
+  "The powers of darkness are all abroad--
+  They own no Saviour, and they fear no God;
+  And we are trembling in dumb dismay;
+  Oh, turn not thou thy face away."
+
+                                            HOGG.
+
+
+It was late in the evening when Carlos emerged from his chamber. How
+the intervening hours had been passed he never told any one. But
+this much is certain,--he contended with and overcame a wild, almost
+uncontrollable impulse to seek refuge in flight. His reason told him
+that this would be to rush upon certain destruction: so sedulously
+guarded were all the ways of egress, and so watchful and complete, in
+every city and village of the land, was the inquisitorial organization;
+not to speak of the "Hermandad," or Brotherhood--a kind of civil
+police, always ready to co-operate with the ecclesiastical authorities.
+
+Still, if he could not be saved, Juan might and should. This thought
+was growing gradually clearer and stronger in his bewildered brain and
+aching heart while he knelt in his chamber, finding a relief in the
+attitude of prayer, though few and broken were the words of prayer
+that passed his trembling lips. Indeed, the burden of his cry was this:
+"Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Thou that carest for
+us, forsake us not in our bitter need. For thine is the kingdom; even
+yet thou reignest."
+
+This was all he could find to plead, either on his own behalf or on
+that of his imprisoned brethren; though for them his heart was wrung
+with unutterable anguish. Once and again did he repeat--"_Thine_ is the
+kingdom and the power. Thine, O Father; thine, O Lord and Saviour. Thou
+_canst_ deliver us."
+
+It was well for him that he had Juan to save. He rose at last; and
+added to the letter previously written to his brother a few lines of
+most earnest entreaty that he would on no account return to Seville.
+But then, recollecting his own position, he marvelled greatly at his
+simplicity in purposing to send such a letter by the King's post--an
+institution which, strange to say, Spain possessed at an earlier period
+than any other country in Europe. If he should fall under suspicion,
+his letter would be liable to detention and examination, and might thus
+be the means of involving Juan in the very peril from which he sought
+to deliver him.
+
+A better plan soon occurred to him. That he might carry it out,
+he descended late in the evening to the cool, marble-paved court,
+or _patio_, in the centre of which the fountain ever murmured and
+glistened, surrounded by tropical plants, some of them in gorgeous
+bloom.
+
+As he had hoped, one solitary lamp burned like a star in a remote
+corner; and its light illumined the form of a young girl seated on
+a low chair, before an inlaid ebony table, writing busily. Doña
+Beatriz had excused herself from accompanying the family on an evening
+visit, that she might devote herself in undisturbed solitude to the
+composition of her first love-letter--indeed, her first letter of any
+kind: for short as he intended his absence to be, Juan had stipulated
+for this consolation, and induced her to promise it; and she knew that
+the King's post went northwards the next day, passing by Nuera on his
+way to the towns of La Mancha.
+
+So engrossing was her occupation that she did not hear the step of
+Carlos. He drew near, and stood behind her. Pearls, golden Agni, and
+a scarlet flower or two, were twined with her glossy raven hair; and
+the lamp shed a subdued radiance over her fine features, which glowed
+through their delicate olive with the rosy light of joy. An exquisite
+though not very costly perfume, that Carlos in other days always
+associated with her presence, still continued a favourite with her, and
+filled the place around with fragrance. It brought back his memory to
+the past--to that wild, vain, yet enchanting dream; the brief romance
+of his life. But there was no time now even for "a dream within a
+dream." There was only time to thank God, from the depths of his soul,
+that in all the wide world there was no heart that would break for
+_him_.
+
+"Doña Beatriz," he said gently.
+
+She started, and half turned, a bright flush mounting to her cheek.
+
+"You are writing to my brother."
+
+"And how know you that, Señor Don Carlos?" asked the young lady, with a
+little innocent affectation.
+
+But Carlos, standing face to face with terrible realities, pushed aside
+her pretty arts, as one hastening to succour a dying man might push
+aside a branch of wild roses that impeded his path.
+
+"I most earnestly request of you, señora, to convey to him a message
+from me."
+
+"And wherefore can you not write to him yourself, Señor Licentiate?"
+
+"Is it possible, señora, that you know not what has happened?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos! how you startle one.--Do you mean these
+horrible arrests?"
+
+Carlos found that a few strong, plain words were absolutely necessary
+in order to make Beatriz understand his brother's peril. She had
+listened hitherto to Don Juan's extracts from Scripture, and the
+arguments and exhortations founded thereon, conscious, indeed, that
+these were secrets which should be jealously guarded, yet unconscious
+that they were what the Church and the world branded as heresy.
+Consequently, although she heard of the arrest of Losada and his
+friends with vague regret and apprehension, she was far from distinctly
+associating the crime for which they suffered with the name dearest to
+her heart. She was still very young; and she had not thought much--she
+had only loved. And she blindly followed him she loved, without caring
+to ask whither he was going himself, or whither he was leading her.
+When at last Carlos made her comprehend that it was for reading the
+Scriptures, and talking of justification by faith alone, that Losada
+was thrown into the dungeons of the Triana, a thrilling cry of anguish
+broke from her lips.
+
+"Hush, señora!" said Carlos; and for once his voice was stern. "If even
+your little black foot-page heard that cry, it might ruin all."
+
+But Beatriz was unused to self-control. Another cry followed, and there
+were symptoms of hysterical tears and laughter. Carlos tried a more
+potent spell.
+
+"Hush, señora" he repeated. "We must be strong and silent, if we are to
+save Don Juan."
+
+She looked piteously up at him, repeating, "Save Don Juan?"
+
+"Yes, señora. Listen to me. _You_, at least, are a good Catholic. You
+have not compromised yourself in any way: you say your angelus; you
+make your vows; you bring flowers to Our Lady's shrine. _You_ are
+safe."
+
+She turned round and faced him--her cheek dyed crimson, and her eyes
+flashing,--
+
+"I am safe! Is that all you have to say? Who cares for that? What is
+_my_ life worth?"
+
+"Patience, dear señora! Your safety aids in securing his. Listen.--You
+are writing to him. Tell him of the arrests; for hear of them he must.
+Use the language about heresy which will occur to you, but which--God
+help me!--I could not use. Then pass from the subject. Write aught
+else that comes to your mind; but before closing your letter, say that
+I am well in mind and body, and would be heartily recommended to him.
+Add that I most earnestly request of him, for our common good and the
+better arrangement of our affairs, not to return to Seville, but to
+remain at Nuera. He will understand that. Lay your own commands upon
+him--your _commands_, remember, señora--to the same effect."
+
+"I will do all that.--But here come my aunt and cousins."
+
+It was true. Already the porter had opened for them the gloomy outer
+gate; and now the gilt and filagreed inner door was thrown open also,
+and the returning family party filled the court. They were talking
+together; not quite so gaily as usual, but still eagerly enough. Doña
+Sancha soon drew near to Beatriz, and began to rally her upon her
+occupation, threatening playfully to carry away and read the unfinished
+letter. No one addressed a word to Carlos; but that might have been
+mere accident.
+
+It was, however, scarcely accidental that his aunt, as she passed him
+on her way to an inner room, drew her mantilla closer round her, lest
+its deep lace fringe might touch his clothing. Shortly afterwards Doña
+Sancha dropped her fan. According to custom, Carlos stooped for it,
+and handed it to her with a bow. The young lady took it mechanically,
+but almost immediately dropped it again with a look of scorn, as if
+polluted by its touch. Its delicate carved ivory, the work of Moorish
+hands, lay in fragments on the marble floor; and from that moment
+Carlos knew that he was under the ban, that he stood alone amidst his
+uncle's household--a suspected and degraded man.
+
+It was not wonderful. His intimacy with the monks of San Isodro,
+his friendship with Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and with the physician
+Losada, were all well-known facts. Moreover, had he not taught at the
+College of Doctrine, under the direct patronage of Fernando de San
+Juan, another of the victims? And there were other indications of his
+tendencies which could scarcely escape notice, once the suspicions of
+those who lived under the same roof with him were awakened.
+
+For a time he stood silent, watching his uncle's countenance, and
+marking the frown that contracted his brow whenever his eye turned
+towards him. But when Don Manuel passed into a smaller saloon that
+opened upon the court, Carlos followed him boldly.
+
+They stood face to face, but could hardly see each other. The room was
+darkness, save for a few struggling moonbeams.
+
+"Señor my uncle," said Carlos, "I fear my presence here is displeasing
+to you."
+
+Don Manuel paused before replying.
+
+"Nephew," he said at length, "you have been lamentably imprudent. The
+saints grant you have been no worse."
+
+A moment of strong emotion will sometimes bring out in a man's face
+characteristic lineaments of his family, in calmer seasons not
+traceable there. Thus it is with features of the soul. It was not the
+gentle timid Don Carlos who spoke now, it was Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya. There was both pride and courage in his tone.
+
+"If it has been my misfortune to offend my honoured uncle, to whom I
+owe so many benefits, I am sorry, though I cannot charge myself with
+any fault. But I should be faulty indeed were I to prolong my stay in
+a house where I am no longer what, thanks to your kindness, señor my
+uncle, I have ever been hitherto, a welcome guest." Having spoken thus,
+he turned to go.
+
+"Stay, young fool!" cried Don Manuel, who thought the better of him for
+his proud words. They raised him, in his estimation, from a mark for
+his scorn to a legitimate object for his indignation. "There spoke your
+father's voice. But I tell you, for all that, you shall not quit the
+shelter of my roof."
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"You may spare the pains. I ask you not, for I prefer to remain in
+ignorance, to what perilous and fool-hardy lengths your intimacy with
+heretics may have gone. Without being a Qualificator of heresy myself,
+I can tell that you smell of the fire. And indeed, young man, were you
+anything less than Alvarez de Meñaya, I would hardly scorch my own
+fingers to hold you out of it. The Devil--to whom, in spite of all your
+fair appearances, I fear you belong--might take care of his own. But
+since truth is the daughter of God, you shall have it from my lips.
+And the plain truth is, that I have no desire to hear every cur dog in
+Seville barking at me and mine; nor to see our ancient and honourable
+name dragged through the mire and filth of the streets."
+
+"I have never disgraced that name."
+
+"Have I not said that I desire no protestations from you? Whatever
+my private opinion may be, it stands upon our family honour to hold
+that yours is still unstained. Therefore, not from love, as I tell you
+plainly, but from motives that may perchance prove stronger in the
+end, I and mine extend to you our protection. I am a good Catholic, a
+faithful son of Mother Church; but I freely confess I am no hero of
+the Faith, to offer up upon its shrine those that bear my own name.
+I pretend not to such heights of sanctity, not I." And Don Manuel
+shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I entreat of you, señor my uncle, to allow me to explain--"
+
+Don Manuel waved his hand with a forbidding gesture. "None of thy
+explanations for me," he said. "I am no silly cock, to scratch till I
+find the knife. Dangerous secrets had best be let alone. This I will
+say, however, that of all the contemptible follies of these evil times,
+this last one of heresy is the worst. If a man _will_ lose his soul, in
+the name of common sense let him lose it for fine houses, broad lands,
+a duke's title, an archbishop's coffers, or something else good at
+least in this world. But to give all up, and to gain nothing, save fire
+here and fire again hereafter! It is sheer, blank idiocy."
+
+"I _have_ gained something," said Carlos firmly. "I have gained a
+treasure worth more than all I risk, more than life itself."
+
+"What! Is there really a meaning in this madness? Have you and your
+friends a secret?" Don Manuel asked in a gentler voice, and not without
+curiosity. For he was the child of his age; and had Carlos told him
+that the heretics had made the discovery of the philosopher's stone, he
+would have seen nothing worthy of disbelief in the statement; he would
+only have asked him for proofs.
+
+"The knowledge of God in Christ," began Carlos eagerly "gives me joy
+and peace--"
+
+"_Is that all?_" cried Don Manuel with an oath. "Fool that I was, to
+imagine, for half an idle minute, that there might be some grain of
+common sense still left in your crazy brain! But since it is only a
+question of words and names, and mystical doctrines, I have the honour
+to wish you good evening, Señor Don Carlos. Only I command you, as you
+value your life, and prefer a residence beneath my roof to a dungeon
+in the Triana, to keep your insanity within bounds, and to conduct
+yourself so as to avert suspicion. On these conditions we will shelter
+you. Eventually, if it can be done with safety, we may even ship you
+out of the Spains to some foreign country, where heretics, rogues, and
+thieves are permitted to go at large." So saying, he left the room.
+
+Carlos was stung to the quick by his contempt; but remembered at last
+that it was a fragment of the true cross (really the first that had
+fallen to his lot) given him to wear in honour of his Master.
+
+Sleep would not visit his eyes that night. The next day was the
+Sabbath, a day he had been wont to welcome and enjoy. But never again
+should the Reformed Church of Seville meet in the upper room which
+had been the scene of so much happy intercourse. The next reunion was
+appointed for another place, a house not made with hands, eternal in
+the heavens. Doña Isabella de Baena and Losada were in the dungeons
+of the Triana. Fray Cassiodoro de Reyna, singularly fortunate, had
+succeeded in making his escape. Fray Constantino, on the other hand,
+had been amongst the first arrested; but Carlos went as usual to the
+Cathedral, where that eloquent voice would never again be heard. A
+heavy silent gloom, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, seemed to
+fill the crowded aisles.
+
+Yet it was there that the first gleam of comfort reached the breaking
+heart of Carlos. It came to him through the familiar words of the Latin
+service, loved from childhood.
+
+He said afterwards to the trembling children of one of the victims,
+whose desolated home he dared to visit, "For myself, horror took
+hold of me. I dared not to think. I scarce dared to pray, save in
+broken words that were only like cries of pain. The first thing that
+helped me was that grand verse in the Te Deum, chanted by the sweet
+childish voices of the Cathedral choir--'Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
+aperuesti credentibus regna coelorum.' Think, dear friends, not death
+alone, but its sting, its sharpness,--for us and our beloved,--He has
+overcome, and they and we in him. The gates of the kingdom of heaven
+stand open; opened by his hands, and neither men nor fiends can shut
+them again."
+
+Such words as these did Carlos find opportunity to speak to many
+bereaved ones, from whom the desire of their eyes had been taken by
+a stroke far more bitter than death. This ministry of love did not
+greatly increase his own peril, since the less he deviated from his
+ordinary habits of life the less suspicion he was likely to awaken.
+But had it been otherwise, he was not now in a position to calculate.
+Perhaps he was too near heaven; at all events, he had already ventured
+too much for Christ's sake not to be willing, at his call, to venture a
+little more.
+
+Meanwhile, the isolation of his position in his uncle's house grew
+overpowering. No one reproached him, no one taunted him, not even
+Gonsalvo. He often longed for some bitter word, ay, though it were a
+curse, to break the oppressive silence. Every eye looked upon him with
+hatred and scorn; every hand shrank from the slightest, most accidental
+contact with his. Almost he came to consider himself what all others
+considered him,--polluted, degraded--under the ban.
+
+Once and again would he have sought escape by flight from an atmosphere
+in which it seemed more and more impossible to breathe. But flight
+meant arrest; and arrest, besides its overwhelming terrors for himself,
+meant the danger of betraying Juan. His uncle and his uncle's family,
+though they seemed now to scorn and hate him, had promised to save him
+if they could, and so far he trusted them.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIV.
+
+                           A Gleam of Light.
+
+  "It is a weary task to school the heart,
+  Ere years or griefs have tamed its fiery throbbings,
+  Into that still and passive fortitude
+  Which is but learned from suffering."
+
+                                            HEMANS
+
+
+Shortly afterwards, the son and heir of Doña Inez was baptized, with
+the usual amount of ceremony and rejoicing. After the event, the family
+and friends partook of a merienda of fruit, confectionery, and wine, in
+the patio of Don Garçia's house. Much against his inclination, Carlos
+was obliged to be present, as his absence would have occasioned remark
+and inquiry.
+
+When the guests were beginning to disperse, the hostess drew near the
+spot where he stood, near to the fountain, admiring, or seeming to
+admire, a pure white azalia in glorious bloom.
+
+"In good sooth, cousin Don Carlos," she said, "you forget old friends
+very easily. But I suppose it is because you are going so soon to take
+Orders. Every one knows how learned and pious you are. And no doubt
+you are right to wean yourself in good time from the concerns and
+amusements of this unprofitable world."
+
+No word of this little speech was lost upon one of the greatest gossips
+in Seville, a lady of rank, who stood near, leaning on the arm of
+Losada's former patient, the wealthy Canon. And this was what the
+speaker, in her good nature, probably intended.
+
+Carlos raised to her face eyes beaming with gratitude for the friendly
+notice.
+
+"No change of state, señora, can ever make me forget the kindness of my
+fair cousin," he responded with a bow.
+
+"Your cousin's little daughter," said the lady, "had once a place in
+your affections. But with you, as with all the rest, I presume the boy
+is everything. As for my poor little Inez, her small person is of small
+account in the world now. It is well she has her mother."
+
+"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to renew my acquaintance
+with Doña Inez, if I maybe permitted so to do."
+
+This was evidently what the mother desired. "Go to the right then,
+amigo mio," she said promptly, indicating the place intended by a quick
+movement of her fan, "and I will send the child to you."
+
+Carlos obeyed, and for a considerable time paced up and down a cool
+spacious apartment, only separated from the court by marble pillars,
+between which costly hangings were suspended. Being a Spaniard, and
+dwelling among Spaniards, he was neither surprised nor disconcerted by
+the long delay.
+
+At last, however, he began to suspect that his cousin had forgotten
+him. But this was not the case. First a painted ivory ball rolled in
+over the smooth floor; then one of the hangings was hastily pushed
+aside, and the little Doña Inez bounded gaily into the room in search
+of her toy. She was a merry, healthy child, about two years old, and
+really very pretty, though her infantine charms were not set off to
+advantage by the miniature nun's habit in which she was dressed, on
+account of a vow made by her mother to "Our Lady of Carmel," during the
+serious illness for which Carlos had summoned Losada to her aid.
+
+She was followed almost immediately, not by the grave elderly nurse
+who usually waited on her, but by a girl of about sixteen, rather a
+beauty, whose quick dark eyes bestowed, from beneath their long lashes,
+bashful but evidently admiring glances on the handsome young nobleman.
+
+Carlos, ever fond of children, and enjoying the momentary relief from
+the painful tension of his daily life, stooped for the ball and held
+it, just allowing its bright red to appear through his fingers. As the
+child was not in the least shy, he was soon engaged in a game with her.
+
+Looking up in the midst of it, he saw that the mother had come in
+silently, and was watching him with searching anxious eyes that brought
+back in a moment all his troubles. He allowed the ball to slide to the
+ground, and then, with a touch of his foot, sent it rolling into one
+of the farthest corners of the spacious hall. The child ran gleefully
+after it; while the mother and the attendant exchanged glances. "You
+may take the noble child away, Juanita," said the former.
+
+Juanita led off her charge without again allowing her to approach
+Carlos, thus rendering unnecessary the ceremony of a farewell. Was this
+the mother's contrivance, lest by spell of word or gesture, or even by
+a kiss, the heretic might pollute or endanger the innocent babe?
+
+When they were alone together, Doña Inez was the first to speak. "I do
+not think you can be so wicked after all; since you love children, and
+play with them still," she said in a low, half-frightened tone.
+
+"God bless you for those words, señora," answered Carlos with a
+trembling lip. He was learning to steel himself to scorn; but kindness
+tested his self-control more severely.
+
+"Amigo mio," she resumed, drawing nearer and speaking more rapidly,
+"I cannot quite forget the past. It is very wrong, I know, and I am
+weak. Ay de mi! If it be true you really are that dreadful thing I do
+not care to name, I ought to have the courage to stand by and see you
+perish."
+
+"But my kinsfolk," said Carlos, "do not intend me to perish. And for
+the protection they afford me I am grateful. More I could not have
+expected from them; less they might well have done for me. But I would
+to God I could show them and you that I am not the foul dishonoured
+thing they deem me."
+
+"If it had only been something _respectable_," said Doña Inez, with a
+sort of writhe, "such as some youthful irregularity, or stabbing or
+slaying somebody!--but what use in words? I would say, I counsel you to
+look to your own safety. Do you not know my brothers?"
+
+"I think I do, señora. That an Alvarez de Meñaya should be defamed of
+heresy would be more than a disgrace--it would be a serious injury to
+them."
+
+"There be more ways than one of avoiding the misfortune."
+
+Carlos looked inquiringly at her. Something in her half-averted face
+and the quick shrug of her shoulders prompted him to ask, "Do you think
+they mean me mischief?"
+
+"Daggers are sharp to cut knots," said the lady, playing with her fan
+and avoiding his eye.
+
+With so many ghastlier terrors had the mind of Carlos grown familiar,
+that this one came to him in the guise of a relief. So "the sharpness
+of death" for him might mean no more than a dagger's thrust, after all!
+One moment here, the next in his Saviour's presence. Who that knew
+aught of the tender mercies of the Holy Office could do less than thank
+God on his bended knees for the prospect of such a fate!
+
+"It is not _death_ that I fear," he answered, looking at her steadily.
+
+"But you may as well live; nay, you had better live. For you may
+repent, may save your unhappy soul. I shall pray for you."
+
+"I thank you, dear and kind señora; but, through the grace of God, my
+soul is saved already. I believe in Jesus Christ--"
+
+"Hush! for Heaven's sake!" Doña Inez interrupted, dropping her fan and
+putting her fingers in her ears. "Hush! or ere I am aware I shall have
+listened to some dreadful heresy. The saints help me! How should I know
+just where the good Catholic words end, and the wicked ones begin? I
+might be caught in the web of the evil one; and then neither saint nor
+angel, no, nor even Our Lady herself, could deliver me. But listen to
+me, Don Carlos, for at all events I would save your life."
+
+"I will listen gratefully to aught from your lips."
+
+"I know that you dare not attempt flight from the city at present.
+But if you could lie concealed in some safe and quiet place within it
+till this storm has blown over, you might then steal away unobserved.
+Don Garçia says that now there is such a keen search made after the
+Lutherans, that every man who cannot give a good account of himself
+is like to be taken for one of the accursed sect. But that cannot
+last for ever; in six months or so the panic will be past. And those
+six months you may spend in safety, hidden away in the lodging of my
+lavandera."[15]
+
+    [15] Washerwoman.
+
+"You are kind--"
+
+"Peace, and listen. I have arranged the whole matter. And once you are
+there, I will see that you lack nothing. It is in the Morrero;[16] a
+house hidden in a very labyrinth of lanes, a chamber in the house which
+a man would need to look for very particularly ere he found it."
+
+    [16] Moorish quarter of the city.
+
+"How shall _I_ succeed in finding it?"
+
+"You noticed the pretty girl who led in my little Inez? Pepe, the
+lavandera's son, is ready to die for the love of her. She will describe
+you to him, and engage his assistance in the adventure, telling him the
+story I have told her, that you wish to conceal yourself for a season,
+having stabbed your rival in a love affair."
+
+"O Doña Inez! _I!_--almost a priest!"
+
+"Well, well; do not look so horror-stricken, amigo mio. What could I
+do? I dared not give them a hint of the truth, or both my hands full
+of double ducats would not have tempted them to stir in the affair. So
+I thought no shame of inventing a crime for you that would win their
+interest and sympathy, and dispose them to aid you."
+
+"Passing strange," said Carlos. "Had I only sinned against the law of
+God and the life of my neighbour, they would gladly help me to escape;
+did they dream that I read his words in my own tongue, they would give
+me up to death."
+
+"Juanita is a good little Christian," remarked Doña Inez; "and Pepe
+also is a very honest lad. But perhaps you may find some sympathy with
+the old crone of a lavandera, who is of Moorish blood, and, it is
+whispered, knows more of Mohammed than she does of her Breviary."
+
+Carlos disclaimed all connection with the followers of the false
+prophet.
+
+"How should I know the difference?" said Doña Inez. "I thought it was
+all the same, heresy and heresy. But I was about to say, Pepe is a
+gallant lad, a regular _majo_; his hand knows its way either amongst
+the strings of a guitar, or on the hilt of a dagger. He has often
+served caballeros who were out of nights serenading their ladies; and
+he will go equipped as if for such an adventure. You, also, bind a
+guitar on your shoulder (you could use one in old times, and to good
+purpose too, if you have not forgotten all Christian accomplishments
+together); bribe old Sancho to leave the gates open, and sally forth
+to-morrow night when the clock strikes the midnight hour. Pepe will
+wait for you in the Calle del Candilejo until one."
+
+"To-morrow night?"
+
+"I would have named to-night, but Pepe has a dance to attend. Moreover,
+I knew not whether I could arrange this interview in sufficient time to
+prepare you. Now, cousin," she added anxiously, "you understand your
+part, and you will not fail in it."
+
+"I understand everything, señora my cousin. From my heart I thank
+you for the noble effort to save me. Whether in its result it shall
+prove successful or no, already it is successful in giving me hope and
+strength, and renewing my faith in old familiar kindness."
+
+"Hush! that step is Don Garçia's. It is best you should go."
+
+"Only one word more, señora. Will my generous cousin add to her
+goodness by giving my brother, when it can be done with safety, a hint
+of how it has fared with me?"
+
+"Yes; that shall be cared for. Now, adios."
+
+"I kiss your feet, señora."
+
+She hastily extended her hand, upon which he pressed a kiss of
+friendship and gratitude. "God bless you, my cousin," he said.
+
+"Vaya con Dios," she responded. "For it is our last meeting," she added
+mentally.
+
+She stood and watched the retreating figure with tears in her bright
+eyes, and in her heart a memory that went back to old times, when she
+used to intercede with her rough brothers for the delicate shrinking
+child, who was younger, as well as frailer, than all the rest. "He was
+ever gentle and good, and fit to be a holy priest," she thought. "Ay de
+mi, for the strange, sad change! Yet, after all, I cannot see that he
+is so greatly changed. Playing with the child, talking with me, he is
+just the same Carlos as of old. But the devil is very cunning. God and
+Our Lady keep us from his wiles!"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXV.
+
+                               Waiting.
+
+  "Our night is dreary, and dim our day,
+  And if thou turn thy face away,
+  We are sinful, feeble, and helpless dust,
+  And have none to look to and none to trust."
+
+                                         HOGG.
+
+
+Thus was Carlos roused from the dull apathy of forced inaction. With
+the courage and energy that are born of hope, he made the few and
+simple preparations for his flight that were in his power. He also
+visited as many as he could of his afflicted friends, feeling that his
+ministry among them was now drawing to a close.
+
+He rejoined his uncle's family as usual at the evening meal. Don
+Balthazar, the empleado, was not present at its commencement, but soon
+came in, looking so much disturbed that his father asked, "What is
+amiss?"
+
+"There is nothing amiss, señor and my father," answered the young man,
+as he raised a large cup of Manzanilla to his lips.
+
+"Is there any news in the city?" asked his brother Don Manuel.
+
+Don Balthazar set down the empty cup. "No great news," he answered. "A
+curse upon those Lutheran dogs that are setting the place in an uproar."
+
+"What! more arrests," said Don Manuel the elder. "It is awful. The
+number reached eight hundred yesterday. Who is taken now?"
+
+"A priest from the country, Doctor Juan Gonzalez, and a friar named
+Olmedo. But that is nothing. They might take all the Churchmen in all
+the Spains, and fling them into the lowest dungeons of the Triana for
+me. It is a different matter when we come to speak of ladies--ladies,
+too, of the first families and highest consideration."
+
+A slight shudder, and a kind of forward movement, as if to catch what
+was coming, passed round the table. But Don Balthazar seemed reluctant
+to say more.
+
+"Is it any of our acquaintances?" asked the sharp, high-pitched voice
+of Doña Sancha at last.
+
+"Every one is acquainted with Don Pedro Garçia de Xeres y Bohorques. It
+is--I tremble to tell you--his daughter."
+
+"_Which?_" cried Gonsalvo, in tones that turned the gaze of all on his
+livid face and fierce eager eyes.
+
+"St. Iago, brother! You need not look thus at me. Is it my fault?--It
+is the learned one, of course, Doña Maria. Poor lady, she may well wish
+now that she had never meddled with anything beyond her Breviary."
+
+"Our Lady and all the saints defend us! Doña Maria in prison for
+heresy--horrible! Who will be safe now?" the ladies exclaimed, crossing
+themselves shudderingly.
+
+But the men used stronger language. Fierce and bitter were the
+anathemas they heaped upon heresy and heretics. Yet it is only just to
+say that, had they dared, they might have spoken differently. Probably
+in their secret hearts they meant the curses less for the victims than
+for their oppressors; and had Spain been a land in which men might
+speak what they thought, Gonzales de Munebrãga would have been devoted
+to a lower place in hell than Luther or Calvin.
+
+Only two were silent. Before the eye of Carlos rose the sweet
+thoughtful face of the young girl, as he had seen it last, radiant
+with the faith and hope kindled by the sublime words of heavenly
+promise spoken by Losada. But the sight of another face--still, rigid,
+deathlike--drove that vision away. Gonsalvo sat opposite to him at the
+table. And had he never heard the strange story Doña Inez told him,
+that look would have revealed it all.
+
+Neither curse nor prayer passed the white lips of Gonsalvo. Not one of
+all the bitter words, found so readily on slighter occasions, came now
+to his aid. The fiercest outburst of passion would have seemed less
+terrible to Carlos than this unnatural silence.
+
+Yet none of the others, after the first moment, appeared to notice
+it. Or if they did observe anything strange in the look and manner
+of Gonsalvo, it was imputed to physical pain, from which he often
+suffered, but for which he rejected, and even resented, sympathy, until
+at last it ceased to be offered him. Having given what expression they
+dared to their outraged feelings, they once more turned their attention
+to the unfinished repast. It was not at all a cheerful meal, yet it was
+duly partaken of, except by Gonsalvo and Carlos, both of whom left the
+table as soon as they could without attracting attention.
+
+Willingly would Carlos have endeavoured to console his cousin; but he
+did not dare to speak to him, or even to allow him to guess that he saw
+the anguish of his soul.
+
+One day still remained to him before his flight. In the morning,
+though not very early, he set out to finish his farewell visits to his
+friends. He had not gone many paces from the house, when he observed a
+gentleman in plain black clothing, with sword and cloak, look at him
+regardfully as he passed. A moment afterwards the same person, having
+apparently changed his mind as to the direction in which he wished
+to go, hurried by him at a rapid pace; and with a murmured "Pardon,
+señor," thrust a billet into his hand.
+
+Not doubting that one of his friends had sent an emissary to warn him
+of some danger, Carlos turned into one of the narrow winding lanes with
+which the semi-oriental city abounds, and finding himself safe from
+observation, cast a hasty glance at the billet.
+
+His eye just caught the words, "His reverence the Lord Inquisitor--Don
+Gonsalvo--after midnight--revelations of importance--strict secrecy."
+What did it all mean? Did the writer wish to inform him that his cousin
+intended betraying him to the Inquisition? He did not believe it. But
+the sound of approaching footsteps made him thrust the paper hastily
+away; and in another moment his sleeve was grasped by Gonsalvo.
+
+"Give it to me," said his cousin in a breathless whisper.
+
+"Give you what?"
+
+"The paper that born idiot and marplot put into thy hands, mistaking
+thee for me. Curse the fool! Did he not know I was lame?"
+
+Carlos showed the note, still holding it. "Is this what you mean?" he
+asked.
+
+"You have read it! _Honourable!_" cried Gonsalvo, with a bitter sneer.
+
+"You are unjust to me. It bears no address; and I could not suppose
+otherwise than that it was intended for myself. However, I only read
+the few disconnected words upon which my eye first chanced to fall."
+
+The cousins stood gazing in each other's faces; as those might do that
+meet in mortal combat, ere they close hand to hand. Each was pondering
+whether the other was capable of doing him a deadly injury. Yet, after
+all, each held, at the bottom of his heart, a conviction that the other
+might be trusted.
+
+Carlos, though he had the greater cause for apprehension, was the first
+to come to a conclusion. Almost with a smile he handed the note to
+Gonsalvo. "Whatever yon mysterious billet may mean to Don Gonsalvo,"
+he said, "I am convinced that he means no harm to any one bearing the
+name of Alvarez de Meñaya."
+
+"You will never repent that word. And it is true--in the sense you
+speak it," returned Gonsalvo, taking the paper from his hand. At that
+moment he was irresolute whether to confide in Carlos or no. But the
+touch of his cousin's hand decided him. It was cold and trembling. One
+so weak in heart and nerve was obviously unfit to share the burden of a
+brave man's desperate resolve.
+
+Carlos went his way, firmly believing that Gonsalvo intended no ill
+to him. But what then did he intend? Had he solicited the Inquisitor
+for a private midnight interview merely to throw himself at his feet,
+and with impassioned eloquence to plead the cause of Doña Maria? Were
+"important revelations" only a blind to procure his admission?
+
+Impossible! who, past the age of infancy, would kneel to the storm to
+implore it to be still, or to the fire to ask it to subdue its rage?
+Perhaps some dreamy enthusiast, unacquainted with the world and its
+ways, might still be found sanguine enough for such a project, but
+certainly not Don Gonsalvo Alvarez de Meñaya.
+
+Or had he a bribe to offer? Inquisitors, like other Churchmen, were
+known to be subject to human frailties; of course they would not touch
+gold, but, according to a well-known Spanish proverb, you were invited
+to throw it into their cowls. And Munebrãga could scarcely have fed his
+numerous train of insolent retainers, decked his splendid barge with
+gold and purple, and brought rare plants and flowers from every known
+country to his magnificent gardens, without very large additions to the
+acknowledged income of the Inquisitor-General's deputy. But, again,
+not all the wealth of the Indies would avail to open the gates of the
+Triana to an obstinate heretic, however it might modify the views of
+"his Reverence" upon the merits of a _doubtful_ case. And even to
+procure a few slight alleviations in the treatment of the accused,
+would have required a much deeper purse than Gonsalvo's.
+
+Moreover, Carlos saw that the young man was "bitter of soul;" ready for
+any desperate deed. What if he meant to accuse _himself_. Amidst the
+careless profanity in which he had been too wont to indulge, many a
+word had fallen from his lips that might be contrary to sound doctrine
+in the estimation of Inquisitors, comparatively lenient as they were to
+_blasphemers_. But what possible benefit to Doña Maria would be gained
+by his throwing himself into the jaws of death? And if it were really
+his resolve to commit suicide, by way of ending his own miseries, he
+could surely accomplish the act in a more direct and far less painful
+manner.
+
+Thus Carlos pondered; but in whatever way he regarded the matter, he
+could not escape from the idea that his cousin intended some dangerous
+or fatal step. Gonsalvo was too still, too silent. This was an evil
+sign. Carlos would have felt comparatively easy about him had he made
+him shrink and shudder by an outburst of the fiercest, most indignant
+curses. For the less emotion is wasted in expression, the more remains,
+like pent-up steam, to drive the engine forward in its course.
+Moreover, there was an evil light in Gonsalvo's eye; a gleam like that
+of hope, but hope that was certainly not kindled from above.
+
+Although the very crisis of his own fate was now approaching, and
+every faculty might have had full occupation nearer home, Carlos was
+haunted perpetually by the thought of his cousin. It continued to
+occupy him not only during his visits to his friends, but afterwards in
+the solitude and silence of his own apartment. We all know the strange
+perversity with which, in times of suspense and sorrow, the mind will
+sometimes run riot upon matters irrelevant, and even apparently trivial.
+
+With slow footsteps the hours stole on; miserable hours to Carlos,
+except in so for as he could spend them in prayer, now his only
+resource and refuge. After pleading for himself, for Juan, for his
+dear imprisoned brethren and sisters, he named Gonsalvo; and was led
+most earnestly to implore God's mercy for his unhappy cousin. As he
+thought of his misery, so much greater than his own; his loneliness,
+without God in the world; his sorrow, without hope,--his pleading grew
+impassioned. And when at last he rose from his knees, it was with that
+sweet sense that God would hear--nay, that he _had_ heard--which is
+one of the mysteries of the new life, the precious things that no man
+knoweth save he that receiveth them.
+
+Then, believing it was nearly midnight, he quickly finished his simple
+preparations, took his guitar (which had now lain unused for a long
+time), and sallied forth from his chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXVI.
+
+                        Don Gonsalvo's Revenge.
+
+                "Our God, the all just,
+  Unto himself reserves this royalty,
+  The secret chastening of the guilty heart;
+  The fiery touch, the scourge that purifies--
+  Leave it with him. Yet make not that thy trust;
+  For that strong heart of thine--oh, listen yet!--
+  Must in its depths o'ercome the very wish
+  Of death or torture to the guilty one,
+  Ere it can sleep again."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Don Manuel's house had once belonged to a Moorish Cid, or lord. It
+had been assigned to the first Conde de Nuera, as one of the original
+_conquistadors_ of Seville; and he had bequeathed it to his second son.
+It had a turret, after the Moorish fashion, and the upper chamber of
+this had been given to Carlos on his first arrival in the city; from an
+idea that the theological student would require a solitary place for
+study and devotion, or, at least, that it would be decorous to suppose
+so. The room beneath had been occupied by Don Juan, but since his
+departure it was appropriated by Gonsalvo, who liked solitude, and took
+advantage of his improved health to escape from the ground-floor, to
+which his infirmities had long confined him.
+
+As Carlos stole noiselessly down the narrow winding stair, he noticed a
+light in his cousin's room. This in itself did not surprise him. But
+he certainly felt a little disconcerted when, just as he passed the
+door, Don Gonsalvo opened it, and met him face to face. He also was
+fully equipped in sword and cloak, and carried a torch in his hand.
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos," he said reproachfully; "after all, thou
+couldst not trust me."
+
+"Nay, I did trust you."
+
+From fear of being overheard, both entered the nearest room--Don
+Gonsalvo's--and its owner closed the door softly.
+
+"You are stealing away from fear of me, and thereby throwing yourself
+into the fire. Do it not, Don Carlos; be advised, and do it not." He
+spoke earnestly, and without a shadow of the old bitterness and sarcasm.
+
+"Nay, it is not thus. My flight was planned ere yesterday; and in
+concert with one who both can and will provide me with the means of
+safety. It is best I should go."
+
+"Enough said then," returned Gonsalvo, more coldly. "Farewell; I seek
+not to detain you. Farewell; for though we may go forth together, our
+paths divide, and for ever, at the door."
+
+"Your path is perhaps less safe than mine, Don Gonsalvo."
+
+"Talk of what you understand, cousin. My path is safety itself. And now
+that I think of it (if you could be trusted), you might aid me perhaps.
+Did you know all, I dare not doubt that you would rejoice to do it."
+
+"God knows how joyfully I would aid you if I could, Don Gonsalvo. But I
+fear you are bound on a useless, and worse than useless, errand."
+
+"You know not my errand."
+
+"But I know to whom you go this night. Oh, my cousin, is it possible
+you can dream that prayer of yours will soften hearts harder than the
+nether millstone?"
+
+"I know the way to one heart; and though it be the hardest of all, I
+shall reach it."
+
+"Were you to pour the wealth of El Dorado at the feet of Gonzales de
+Munebrãga, he neither would nor could unloose one bolt of that prison."
+
+Gonsalvo's wild look changed suddenly into one of wistful earnestness,
+almost of tenderness. He said, lowering his voice,--
+
+"Near as death, the revealer of secrets, may be to me, there are still
+some questions worth the asking. Perchance _you_ can throw a gleam of
+light upon this horrible darkness. We are speaking frankly now, and as
+in God's presence. Tell me, _is that charge true_?"
+
+"Frankly, and in the sense in which you ask--it is."
+
+The last fatal words Carlos only whispered. Gonsalvo made no answer;
+but a kind of momentary spasm passed across his face.
+
+Carlos at length went on in a low voice: "She knew the Evangel long
+before I did, though she is so young--not yet one-and-twenty. She was
+the pupil of Dr. Egidius; but he was wont to say he learned more from
+her than she did from him. Her keen, bright intellect cut through
+sophistries, and reached truth so quickly. And God gave her abundantly
+of his grace; making her willing, for that truth, to endure all things.
+Oft have I seen her sweet face kindle and glow whilst he who taught us
+spoke of the joy and strength given to those that suffer for the name
+of Christ. I am persuaded He is with her now, and will be with her
+even to the end. Could you gain access to her where she is, I think
+she would tell you she possesses a treasure of peace of which neither
+death nor suffering, neither cruelty of fiends nor worse cruelty of
+fiend-like men, can avail to rob her."
+
+"She is a saint--she will be a blessed saint in heaven, let them say
+what they may," murmured Gonsalvo hoarsely. Then the fierce look
+returned to his face again. "But I think the old Christians of Castile,
+the men whose good swords made the infidels bite the dust, and
+planted the cross on their painted towers, are no better than curs and
+dastards."
+
+"In that they suffer these things?"
+
+"Yes; a thousand times, yes. In the name of man's honour and woman's
+loveliness, are there, in our good city of Seville, neither fathers,
+nor brothers, nor lovers left alive? No man who thinks the sweetest
+eyes ever seen worth six inches of steel in five skilful fingers? No
+one man, save the poor forgotten cripple, Don Gonsalvo Alvarez. But he
+thanks God this night that he has spared his life, and left strength
+enough in his feeble limbs to beat him into a murderer's presence."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! what do you mean?" cried Carlos, shrinking from him.
+
+"Lower thy voice, an' it please thee. But why should I fear to tell
+thee--_thee_, who hast good cause to be the death-foe of Inquisitors?
+If thou art not cur and dastard too, thou wilt applaud and pray for me.
+For I suppose heretics pray, at least as well as Inquisitors. I said
+I would reach the heart of Gonzales de Munebrãga this night. Not with
+gold. There is another metal of keener temper, which enters in where
+even gold cannot come."
+
+"Then you mean--_murder_?" said Carlos, again drawing near him,
+and laying his hand on his arm. Gonsalvo sank into a seat, half
+mechanically, half from an instinct that led him to spare the strength
+he would need so sorely by-and-by.
+
+In the momentary pause that followed, the clock of San Vicente tolled
+the midnight hour.
+
+"Yes," replied Gonsalvo steadily; "I mean murder--as the shepherd does
+who strangles the wolf with his paw on the lamb."
+
+"Oh, think--"
+
+"I have thought of everything. And mark me, Don Carlos, I have but one
+regret. It is that my weapon deals an instantaneous death. Such revenge
+is poor and flavourless after all. I have heard of poisons whose least
+drop, mingling with the blood, ensures a slow agonizing death--time
+to learn what torture means, and to drain to the dregs the cup filled
+for others--to curse God and man ere he dies. For a phial of such,
+wherewith to anoint my blade, I would sell my soul to-night."
+
+"O Gonsalvo, this is horrible! They are wild, wicked words you speak.
+Pray God to pardon you!"
+
+"I adjure him by his justice to prosper me," said Gonsalvo, raising his
+head defiantly.
+
+"He will not prosper you. And do you dream that such a mad achievement
+(suppose you even succeed in it) will open prison-doors and set
+captives free? Alas! alas! that we are not at the mercy of a tyrant's
+_will_. For tyrants, the worst of them, sometimes relent; and--they are
+mortal. That which is crushing us is not a living being, an organism
+with nerves, and brain, and blood. It is a system, a THING,
+a terrible engine, that moves on in its resistless way, cold and
+lifeless, without will or feeling. Strong as adamant, it kills,
+tortures, destroys; obeying laws far away out of our sight. Were Valdez
+and Munebrãga, and all the Board of Inquisitors, dead corpses by the
+morning light, not a single dungeon in the Triana would open its
+pitiless gate."
+
+"I do not believe _that_," replied Gonsalvo, rather more quietly.
+"Surely there must be some confusion, of which advantage may be taken
+by friends of the prisoners. This, indeed, is the motive which now
+induces me to confide in you. _You_ may know those who, if they had the
+chance, could strike a shrewd blow to save their dearest on earth from
+torture and death."
+
+But Gonsalvo read no answer in the sorrowful face of Carlos to the
+searching look of inquiry with which he said this. After a silence he
+went on,--
+
+"Suppose the worst, however. The Holy Office sorely needs a little
+blood-letting, and will be much the better for it. Whoever succeeds,
+Munebrãga will have my dagger flashing in his eyes, and will take care
+how he deals with his prisoners, and whom he arrests."
+
+"I implore you to think of yourself," said Carlos.
+
+Gonsalvo smiled. "I know I shall pay the forfeit," he said, "even as
+those who slew the Inquisitor Pedro Arbues before the high altar in
+Saragossa. But"--here the smile faded, and the stern set look returned
+to his face--"I shall not pay more, for a man's triumphant vengeance,
+than those fiends will dare to inflict upon a tender, delicately
+nurtured girl for the crime of a mystic meditation, or a few words of
+prayer not properly rounded off with an Ave."
+
+"True. But then you will suffer alone. She has God with her."
+
+"I _can_ suffer alone."
+
+For that word Carlos envied him. _He_ shrank in terror from loneliness,
+from suffering, shuddering at the very thought of the dungeon and the
+torture-room. And just then the first quarter of his hour of grace
+chimed from the clock of San Vicente. What if he and Pepe should fail
+to meet? He would not think of that now. Whatever happened, Gonsalvo
+_must_ be saved. He went on,--
+
+"Here you can suffer alone and be strong. But how will you endure the
+loneliness of the long hereafter, away from God's presence, from light
+and life and hope? Are you content that you, and she for whom you give
+your life, should be sundered throughout eternity?"
+
+"Nay; I am casting my lot in with hers. If the Church curses her (pure
+and holy as she ever was), its anathema shall fall on me too. If only
+the Church's key opens heaven, she and I will both stand without."
+
+"Yet you know she will enter heaven. Shall _you_?"
+
+Gonsalvo hesitated. "It will not be the blood of a villain that will
+bar my way," he said.
+
+"God says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"
+
+"Then what will he do with Gonzales de Munebrãga?"
+
+"He will do that with him of which, if you but dreamed, it would change
+your fiercest hate into saddest, deepest pity. Have you realized what
+a span is our life here compared with the countless ages of eternity?
+Think! For God's chosen a few weeks, or months at most, of solitude and
+fear and pain, ended perhaps by--but that is as he pleases; _ended_, at
+all events. Then add up the million years, fill them with the joy of
+victory, and the presence and love of Christ himself. Can they not, and
+we for them, be content with this?"
+
+"Are you content with it yourself?" Gonsalvo suddenly interrupted. "You
+seek flight."
+
+The glow faded from the face of Carlos, and his eyes sank to the
+ground. "Christ has not called me yet," he answered in a lower tone.
+There was a silence; then he resumed: "Turn now to the other side.
+Would you change, even this hour, with Gonzales de Munebrãga? But take
+him from his wealth, and his pomp, and his sinful luxuries, all defiled
+with blood, and what remains for him? Everlasting fire, prepared for
+the devil and his angels."
+
+"Everlasting fire!" Gonsalvo repeated, as if the thought pleased him.
+
+"Leave him in God's hand. It is a stronger hand than yours, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Everlasting fire! I would send him there to-night."
+
+"And whither would you send your own sinful soul?"
+
+"God might pardon, though the Church cursed."
+
+"Possibly. But to enter God's heaven you need something besides pardon."
+
+"What?" asked Gonsalvo, half wearily, half incredulously.
+
+"'Holiness; without which no man can see the Lord.'"
+
+"Holiness?" Gonsalvo questioned, as if the word was strange to him, and
+he attached no meaning to it.
+
+"Yes," Carlos went on, with intense and ever increasing earnestness;
+"unless, even from that passionate heart of yours, revenge and hatred
+are banished, you can _never_ see God, never come where--"
+
+"Hold thy peace, trifler!" Gonsalvo interrupted with angry impatience.
+"Too long have I tarried, listening to thine idle talk. Priests and
+women are content with words; brave men _act_. Farewell to thee!"
+
+"One word more, only one." Carlos drew near and laid his hand on his
+cousin's arm. "Nay, you _shall_ listen to me. Seemeth it to you a thing
+incredible that that heart of yours can be changed and softened to a
+love like His who prayed on the cross for his murderers? Yet it can be.
+_He_ can do it. He gives pardon, holiness, peace. Peace of which you
+dream not now, but which _she_ knows full well. O Don Gonsalvo, better
+join her where she is going, than wildly, rashly, and most uselessly
+peril your soul to avenge her!"
+
+"Uselessly! Were that true indeed--"
+
+"Ay de mi! who can doubt it?"
+
+"Would I had time for thought!"
+
+"Take it, in God's name, and pray him to keep you from a great crime."
+
+For a few moments he sat still--still as the dead. Then he started
+suddenly. "Already the hour is passing," he exclaimed; "I shall be too
+late. Fool that I was, to be almost moved from my purpose by the idle
+words of a--The weakness is past now. Still, ere we part, give me thy
+hand, Don Carlos, for, on my faith, I never liked thee half so well."
+
+Very sorrowfully Carlos extended it, rather wondering as he did so that
+the energetic Gonsalvo failed to spring from his seat and prepare to be
+gone.
+
+Gonsalvo stirred not, even to take the offered hand. A deathlike
+paleness overspread his face, and a cry of terror had well nigh broken
+from his lips. But he choked it back. "Something is strangely wrong
+with me," he faltered. "I cannot move. I feel dead--_dead_--from the
+waist down."
+
+"God has spoken to you from heaven," said Carlos solemnly. He felt as
+if a miracle had been wrought in his presence. His Protestantism had
+not freed him from the superstitions of his age. Had he lived three
+centuries later, he would have seen nothing miraculous in the disease
+with which Gonsalvo was stricken, but rather have called it the natural
+result of intense agitation and excitement, acting upon a frame already
+weakened.
+
+Yet the reckless Gonsalvo was the more superstitious of the two. He was
+at war with the creed in which he had been nurtured; but that older and
+deeper kind of superstition which has its root in human nature had, for
+this very reason, a stronger hold upon him.
+
+"Dead--dead!" he repeated, the words falling from his lips in broken,
+awe-struck whispers. "The limbs I misused! The feet that led me into
+sin! God--God have mercy upon me! It is thy hand!"
+
+"It is his hand; a sign he has not forsaken thee; that he means to
+bring thee back to himself. Oh, my cousin, do not despair. Hope yet in
+his mercy, for it is great."
+
+Carlos knelt down beside him, took his passive hand in his, and spoke
+earnest, loving words of hope and comfort. The last quarter, ere the
+single stroke that should announce that the hour appointed for his own
+flight was past, chimed from the clock on the church tower. Yet he did
+not move--he had forgotten self. At last, however, he said, "But it may
+be something can be done to relieve you. You ought to have medical aid
+without delay. I should have thought of this before. I will rouse the
+household."
+
+"No; that would endanger you. Go on your way, and bid the porter do it
+when you are gone."
+
+It was too late, the household _was_ roused. A loud authoritative
+knocking at the outer gate sent the blood back from the hearts of both
+with sudden and horrible fear.
+
+There was a sound of opening gates, followed by
+footsteps--voices--cries.
+
+Gonsalvo was the first to understand all. "The Alguazils of the Holy
+Office!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I am lost!" cried Carlos, large drops gathering on his brow.
+
+"Conceal yourself," said Gonsalvo; but he knew his words were vain.
+Already his quick ear had caught the sound of his cousin's name; and
+already footsteps were on the stairs.
+
+Carlos glanced round the room. For a moment his eye rested on the
+window, eighty feet above the ground. Better spring from it and perish!
+No, that would be self-murder. In God's name he would await them
+manfully.
+
+"You will be searched," Gonsalvo whispered hurriedly; "have you aught
+about your person that may add to your danger?"
+
+Carlos drew from its place of concealment the heroic Juliano's
+treasured gift.
+
+"I will hide it," said his cousin; and taking it hastily, he slipped it
+beneath his inner vest, where it lay in strange neighbourhood with a
+small, exquisitely tempered poniard, destined never to be used.
+
+The torch-light within, perhaps the voices, guided the Alguazils
+to that room. A hand was placed on the door. "They are coming, Don
+Carlos," cried Gonsalvo; "I am thy murderer."
+
+"No--no fault of thine. Always remember that," said Carlos, in his
+sharpest anguish generous still. Then for one brief moment, that seemed
+an age, he was deaf to all outward things. Afterwards he was himself
+again.
+
+And something more than himself perhaps. Now, as in other moments of
+intense excitement, the spirit of his race descended on him. When the
+Alguazils entered, it was Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya
+who met them, with folded arms, with steadfast eye, and pale but
+dauntless forehead.
+
+All was quiet, regular, and most orderly. Don Manuel, roused from his
+slumbers, appeared with the Alguazils, and respectfully requested a
+sight of the warrant upon which they proceeded.
+
+It was produced; and all could see that it was duly signed, and sealed
+with the famous seal--the sword and olive branch, the dog with the
+flaming brand, the sorely outraged, "Justitia et misericordia."
+
+Had Don Manuel Alvarez been king of all the Spains, and Carlos his
+heir-apparent, he dared not have offered the least resistance then. He
+had no wish to resist, however; he bowed obsequiously, and protested
+his own and his family's devotion to the Faith and the Holy Office.
+But he added (perhaps merely as a matter of form), that he could bring
+many witnesses of unimpeachable character to testify to his nephew's
+orthodoxy, and hoped to succeed in clearing him from whatever odious
+imputation had induced their Reverences to order his arrest.
+
+Meanwhile Gonsalvo gnashed his teeth in impotent rage and despair. He
+would have bartered his life for two minutes of health and strength
+in which to rush suddenly on the Alguazils, and give Carlos time to
+escape, let the consequences of such frantic audacity be what they
+might. But the bands of disease, stronger than iron, made the body a
+prison for the indignant, tortured spirit.
+
+Carlos spoke for the first time. "I am ready to go with you," he said
+to the chief of the Alguazils. "Do you wish to examine my apartment?
+You are welcome. It is the chamber over this."
+
+Having gone over every detail of such a scene a thousand times in
+imagination, he knew that the examination of papers and personal
+effects usually formed a part of it. And he had no fears for the
+result, as, in preparation for his flight, he had carefully destroyed
+everything that he thought could implicate himself or any one else.
+
+"Don Carlos--cousin!" cried Gonsalvo suddenly, as surrounded by the
+officers he was about to leave the room. "Vaya con Dios! A braver man
+than you have I never seen."
+
+Carlos turned on him one long, sorrowful gaze. "_Tell Ruy_," he said.
+That was all.
+
+Then there was trampling of footsteps overhead, and the sound of
+voices, not excited or angry, but cool, business-like, even courteous.
+
+Then the footsteps descended, passed the door of Gonsalvo's room,
+sounded along the corridor, grew fainter on the great staircase, died
+away in the court.
+
+Less than an hour afterwards, the great gate of the Triana opened to
+receive a new victim. The grave familiar held it, bowing low, until the
+prisoner and his guard had passed through. Then it was swung to again,
+and barred and bolted, shutting out from Don Carlos Alvarez all help
+and hope, all charity and all mercy--save only the mercy of God.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVII.
+
+                         My Brother's Keeper.
+
+  "Since she loved him, he went carefully,
+  Bearing a thing so precious in his hand."
+
+                                       GEORGE ELIOT.
+
+
+About a week afterwards, Don Juan Alvarez dismounted at the door of his
+uncle's mansion. His shout soon brought the porter, a "pure and ancient
+Christian," who had spent nearly all his life in the service of the
+family.
+
+"God save you, father," said Juan. "Is my brother in the house?"
+
+"No, señor and your worship,"--the old man hesitated, and looked
+confused.
+
+"Where shall I find him, then?" cried Juan; "speak at once, if you
+know."
+
+"May it please your noble Excellency, I--I know nothing. At least--the
+Saints have mercy on us!" and he trembled from head to foot.
+
+Juan thrust him aside, nearly knocking him down in his haste, and
+dashed breathless into his uncle's private room, on the right hand side
+of the patio.
+
+Don Manuel was there, seated at a table, looking over some papers.
+
+"Where is my brother?" asked Juan sternly and abruptly, searching his
+face with his keen dark eyes.
+
+"Holy Saints defend us!" cried Don Manuel, nearly startled out of his
+ordinary decorum. "And what madness brings _you_ here?"
+
+"Where is my brother?" Juan repeated, in the same tone, and without
+moving a muscle.
+
+"Be quiet--be reasonable, nephew Don Juan. Do not make a disturbance;
+it will be worse for all of us. We did all we could--"
+
+"For Heaven's sake, señor, will you answer me?"
+
+"Have patience. We did all we could for him, I was about to say; and
+more than we ought. The Guilt was his own, if he was suspected and
+taken--"
+
+"_Taken!_ Then I come too late." Sinking into the nearest seat, he
+covered his face with both hands, and groaned aloud.
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez had never learned to reverence the sacredness of a
+great sorrow. "Rushing in" where such as he might well fear to tread,
+he presumed to offer consolation. "Come, then, nephew Don Juan," he
+said, "you know as well as I do that 'water that has run by will turn
+no mill,' and that 'there is no good in throwing the rope after the
+bucket.' No man can alter that which is past. All we can do is to avoid
+worse mischief in future."
+
+"When was it?" asked Juan, without looking up.
+
+"A week agone."
+
+"Seven days and nights!"
+
+"Thereabouts. But _you_--are you in love with destruction yourself,
+that, when you were safe and well at Nuera, you must needs comes hither
+again?"
+
+"I came to save him."
+
+"Unheard of folly! If _you_ have been meddling with these matters--and
+it is but too likely, seeing you were always with him (though, the
+Saints forbid I should suspect an honourable soldier like you of
+anything worse than imprudence)--do you not know they will wring the
+whole truth out of _him_ with very little trouble, and your life is not
+worth a brass maravedì?"
+
+Juan started to his feet, and glared scorn and defiance in his uncle's
+face. "Whoever dares to hint so vile a slander," he cried, "by my faith
+he shall repent it, were he my uncle ten times over. Don Carlos Alvarez
+never did, and never will, betray a trust, let those wretches deal with
+him as they may. But I know him; he will die, or worse,--they will make
+him mad." Here Juan's voice failed, and he stood in silent horror,
+gazing on the dread vision that rose before his mind.
+
+Don Manuel was daunted by his vehemence. "You are the best judge
+yourself of what amount of danger you may be incurring," he said. "But
+let me tell you, Señor Don Juan, that I hold you rather a dangerous
+guest to harbour under the circumstances. To have the Alguazils of the
+Holy Office twice in my house would be enough to cost me all my places,
+not to mention the disgrace of it."
+
+"You shall not lose a real by me or mine," returned Juan proudly.
+
+"I did not mean, however, to refuse you hospitality," said Don Manuel,
+relieved, yet a little uneasy, perhaps even remorseful.
+
+"But I mean to decline it, señor. I have only two favours to ask
+of you," he continued: "one, to allow me free intercourse with my
+betrothed; the other, to permit me"--his voice faltered, stopped. With
+a great effort he resumed--"to permit me to examine my brother's room,
+and whatever effects he may have left there."
+
+"Now you speak more rationally," said his uncle, mistaking the
+self-control of indignant pride for genuine calmness. "But as to your
+brother's effects, you may spare your pains; for the Alguazils set
+the seal of the Holy Office upon them on the night of his arrest, and
+they have since carried them away. As to the other matter, what Doña
+Beatriz may think of the connection, after the infamy in which your
+branch of the family is involved, I cannot tell."
+
+A burning flush mounted to Juan's cheek as he answered, "I trust my
+betrothed; even as I trust my brother."
+
+"You can see the lady herself. She may be better able than I to
+persuade you to consult for your own safety. For if you are not a
+madman, you will return at once to Nuera, which you ought never to have
+quitted; or you will take the earliest opportunity of rejoining the
+army."
+
+"I shall not stir from Seville till I obtain my brother's deliverance;
+or--" Juan did not name the other alternative. Involuntarily he placed
+his hand on his belt, in which he had concealed certain old family
+jewels, which he believed would produce a considerable sum of money;
+for his last faint hope for Carlos lay in a judicious appeal to the
+all-powerful "Don Dinero."[17]
+
+    [17] The Lord Dollar.
+
+"You will _never_ leave it, then," said Don Manuel. "And you must
+hold me excused from aiding and abetting your folly. Your brother's
+business has cost me and mine more than enough already. I had rather
+ten thousand times that a man had died of the plague in my house, were
+it for the scandal's sake alone! Nor, bad as it is, is the scandal all.
+Since that miserable night, my unhappy son Gonsalvo, in whose apartment
+the arrest took place, has been sick unto death, and out of his mind."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! What brought my brother to his room?"
+
+"The devil, whose servant he is, may know; I do not. He was found
+there, in his sword and cloak, as if ready to go forth, when the
+officers came."
+
+"Did he leave no message--no word for me?"
+
+"Not one word. I know not if he spoke at all, save to offer to show the
+Alguazils his personal effects. To do him justice, nothing suspicious
+was found amongst them. But the less said on the subject the better. I
+wash my hands of it, and of him. I thought he would have done honour to
+the family; but he has proved its sorest disgrace."
+
+"Señor, what you say of him you say of me also," said Juan, growing
+white with anger. "And already I have heard quite enough."
+
+"That is as you please, Señor Don Juan."
+
+"I shall only trespass upon you for the favour you have promised
+me--permission to wait upon Doña Beatriz."
+
+"I shall apprise her of your presence, and give her leave to act as she
+sees fit." And glad to put an end to the interview, Don Manuel left the
+room.
+
+Juan sank into a seat once more, and gave himself up to an agony of
+grief for his brother.
+
+So absorbed was he in his sorrow, that a light footstep entered and
+approached unheard by him. At last a small hand touched his arm. He
+started and looked up. Whatever his anguish of heart might be, he was
+still the loyal lover of Doña Beatriz. So the next moment found him on
+his knees saluting that hand with his lips. And then followed certain
+ceremonies abundantly interesting to those who enact them, but apt to
+prove tedious when described.
+
+"My lady's devoted slave," said Don Juan, using the ordinary language
+of the time, "bears a breaking heart to-day. We knew neither father nor
+mother; there were but the two of us."
+
+"Did you not receive my letter, praying you to remain at Nuera?" asked
+the lady.
+
+"Pardon me, queen of my heart, in that I dared to disregard a wish of
+yours. But I knew _his_ danger, and I came to save him. Alas! too late."
+
+"I am not sure that I do pardon you, Don Juan."
+
+"Then, I presume so far as to say, that I know Doña Beatriz better than
+she knows herself. Indeed, had I acted otherwise, she would scarce have
+pardoned me. How would it have been possible for me to consult for my
+own safety, leaving him, alone and unaided, in such fearful peril?"
+
+"You acknowledge there is peril--_to you_?"
+
+"There may be, señora."
+
+"Ay de mi! Why, in Heaven's name, have you thus involved yourself? O
+Don Juan, you have dealt very cruelly with me!"
+
+"Light of my eyes, life of my life, what mean you by these words?"
+
+"Was it not cruel to allow your brother, with his gentle, winning ways,
+and his soft specious words, to lead you step by step from the faith
+of our fathers, until he had you entangled in I know not what horrible
+heresies, and made you put in peril your honour, your liberty, your
+life--everything?"
+
+"We only sought Truth."
+
+"Truth!" echoed the lady, with a contemptuous stamp of her small foot
+and twirl of her fan. "What is Truth? What good will Truth do me if
+those cruel men drag you from your bed at midnight, take you to that
+dreadful place, stretch you on the rack?" But that last horror was too
+much to bear; Doña Beatriz hid her face in her hands, and wept and
+sobbed passionately.
+
+Juan soothed her with every tender, lover-like art. "I will be very
+prudent, dearest lady," he said at last; adding, as he gazed on her
+beautiful face, "I have too much to live for not to hold life very
+precious."
+
+"Will you promise to fly--to leave the city _now_, before suspicions
+are awakened which may make flight impossible?"
+
+"My first and my only love, I would die to fulfil your slightest wish.
+But this thing I cannot do."
+
+"And wherefore not, Señor Don Juan?"
+
+"Can you ask? I must hazard everything, spend everything, in the
+chance--if there be a chance--of saving him, or, at least, of softening
+his fate."
+
+"Then God help us both," said Doña Beatriz.
+
+"Amen! Pray to him day and night, señora. Perhaps he may have pity on
+us."
+
+"There is no chance of saving Don Carlos. Know you not that of all the
+prisoners the Holy House receives, scarce one in a thousand goes forth
+again to take his place in the world?"
+
+Juan shook his head. He knew well that his task was almost hopeless;
+yet, even by Doña Beatriz, he was not to be moved from his
+determination.
+
+But he thanked her in strong, passionate words for her faith in him and
+her truth to him. "No sorrow can divide us, my beloved," he said, "nor
+even what they call shame, falsely as they speak therein. You are my
+star, that shines on me throughout the darkness."
+
+"I have promised."
+
+"My uncle's family may seek to divide us, and I think they will. But
+the lady of my heart will not heed their idle words?"
+
+Doña Beatriz smiled. "I am a Lavella," she said. "Do you not know our
+motto?--'True unto death.'"
+
+"It is a glorious motto. May it be mine too."
+
+"Take heed what you do, Don Juan. If you love me, you will look well to
+your footsteps, since, wherever they lead, mine are bound to follow."
+Saying this, she rose, and stood gazing in his face with flushed cheek
+and kindling eyes.
+
+The words were such as might thrill any lover's heart with joy and
+gratitude. Yet there was something in the look which accompanied them
+that changed joy and gratitude into vague fear and apprehension. The
+light in that dark eye seemed borrowed from the fire of some sublime
+but terrible resolve within. Juan's heart quailed, though he knew not
+why, as he said, "My queen should never tread except through flowery
+paths."
+
+Doña Beatriz took up a little golden crucifix that, attached to a
+rosary of coral beads, hung from her girdle. "You see this cross, Don
+Juan?"
+
+"Yes, señora mia."
+
+"On that horrible night when they dragged your brother to prison, I
+swore a sacred oath upon it. You esteemed me a child, Don Juan, when
+you read me chapters from your book, and talked freely to me about God,
+and faith, and the soul's salvation. Perchance I was a child in some
+things. For I supposed them good words; how could they be otherwise,
+since you spoke them? I listened and believed, after a fashion; half
+thinking all the time of the pretty fans and trinkets you brought me,
+or of the pattern of such and such an one's mantilla that I had seen
+at mass. But your brother tore the veil from my eyes at last, and made
+me understand that those specious words, with which a child played
+childishly, were the crime that finds no pardon here or hereafter.
+Of the hereafter I know not; of the here I know too much, God help
+me! There be fair ladies, not more deeply involved than I, who have
+changed their gilded saloons for the dungeons of the Triana. But then
+it matters not so much about me. For I am not like other girls, who
+have fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers to care for them. Saving
+Don Carlos (who was good to me for your sake), no one ever gave me
+more than the half-sorrowful, half-pitying kindness one might give a
+pet parrot from the Indies. Therefore, thinking over all things, and
+knowing well your reckless nature, Señor Don Juan, I swore that night
+upon this holy cross, that if by evil hap _you_ were attainted for
+heresy, _I_ would go next day to the Triana and accuse myself of the
+same crime."
+
+Juan did not for a moment doubt that she would do it; and thus a chain,
+light as silk but strong as adamant, was flung around him.
+
+"Doña Beatriz, for my sake--" he began to plead.
+
+"For _my_ sake, Don Juan will take care of his life and liberty," she
+interrupted, with a smile that, if it had a little sadness, had very
+far more of triumph in it. She knew the power her resolve gave her over
+him: she had bought it dearly, and she meant to use it. "Is it _still_
+your wish to remain here," she continued; "or will you go abroad, and
+wait for better times?"
+
+Juan paused for a moment.
+
+"No choice is left me while Carlos pines uncomforted in a dungeon," he
+said at last, firmly, though very sorrowfully.
+
+"Then you know what you risk, that is all," answered the lady, whose
+will was a match for his.
+
+In a marvellously short time had love and sorrow transformed the young
+and childish girl into a passionate, determined woman, with all the
+fire of her own southern skies in her heart.
+
+Ere he departed, Juan pleaded for permission to visit her frequently.
+But here again she showed a keen-sighted apprehensiveness for _him_,
+which astonished him. She cautioned him against their cousins, Manuel
+and Balthazar; who, if they thought him in danger of arrest, were quite
+capable of informing against him themselves, to secure a share of
+his patrimony. Or they might gain the same end, without the disgrace
+of such a baseness, by putting him quietly out of the way with their
+daggers. On all accounts, his frequent presence at the house would be
+undesirable, and might be dangerous; but she agreed to inform him, by
+means of certain signals (which they arranged together), when he might
+pay a visit to her with safety. Then, having bidden her farewell, Don
+Juan turned his back on his uncle's house with a heavy heart.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVIII.
+
+                        Reaping the Whirlwind.
+
+  "All is lost, except a little life."
+
+                                BYRON.
+
+
+Nearly a fortnight passed away before a tiny lace kerchief, fluttering
+at nightfall through the jealous grating of one of the few windows of
+Don Manuel's house that looked towards the street, told Juan that he
+was at liberty to seek admission the next day. He was permitted to
+enter; but he explored the patio and all the adjacent corridors and
+rooms without seeing the face of which he was in search. He did not,
+indeed, meet any one, not even a domestic; for it was the eve of the
+Feast of the Ascension, and nearly all the household had gone to see
+the great tabernacle carried in state to the Cathedral and set up
+there, in preparation for the solemnities of the following day.
+
+He thought this a good opportunity for satisfying his longing to visit
+the apartment his brother had been wont to occupy. In spite of what his
+uncle had said to the contrary, and indeed of the dictates of his own
+reason, he could not relinquish the hope that something which belonged
+to him--perhaps even some word or line traced by his hand--might reward
+his careful search.
+
+He ascended the stairs; not stealthily, or as if ashamed of his
+errand, for no one had the right to forbid him. He reached the turret
+without meeting any one, but had hardly placed his foot upon the stair
+that led to its upper apartment, when a voice called out, not very
+loudly,--
+
+"Chien va?"
+
+It was Gonsalvo's. Juan answered,--
+
+"It is I--Don Juan."
+
+"Come to me, for Heaven's sake!"
+
+A private interview with a madman is not generally thought particularly
+desirable. But Juan was a stranger to fear. He entered the room
+immediately, and was horror-stricken at the change in his cousin's
+appearance. A tangled mass of black hair mingled with his beard, and
+fell neglected over the pillow; while large, wild, melancholy eyes
+lit up the pallor of his wasted face. He lay, or rather reclined, on
+a couch, half covered by an embroidered quilt, but wearing a loose
+doublet, very carelessly thrown on.
+
+Of late the cousins had been far from friendly. Still Juan from
+compassion stretched out his hand. But Gonsalvo would not touch it.
+
+"Did you know all," he said, "you would stab me where I lie, and thus
+make an end at once of the most miserable life under God's heaven."
+
+"I fear you are very ill, my cousin," said Juan, kindly; for he thought
+Gonsalvo's words the offspring of his wandering fancy.
+
+"From the waist downwards I am dead. It is God's hand; and he is just."
+
+"Does your physician give hope of your recovery from this seizure?"
+
+With something like his old short, bitter laugh, Gonsalvo answered--"I
+have no physician."
+
+"This must be one of his delusions," thought Juan; "or else, since he
+cannot have Losada, he has refused, with his usual obstinacy, to see
+any one else."
+
+He said aloud,--"That is not right, cousin Don Gonsalvo. You ought
+not to neglect lawful means of cure. Señor Sylvester Areto is a very
+skilful physician; you might safely place yourself in his hands."
+
+"Only there is one slight objection--my father and my brothers would
+not permit me to see him."
+
+Juan was in no doubt how to regard this statement; but hoping to
+extract from him some additional information respecting his brother, he
+turned the conversation.
+
+"When did this malady seize you?" he asked.
+
+"Close the door gently, and I will tell you all. And oh! tread softly,
+lest my mother, who lies asleep in the room beneath, worn out with
+watching, should wake and separate us. Then must I bear my guilt and my
+anguish unconfessed to the grave."
+
+Juan obeyed, and took a seat beside his cousin's couch.
+
+"Sit where I can see your face," said Gonsalvo; "I will not shrink even
+from _that_. Don Juan, I am your brother's murderer."
+
+Juan started, and his colour changed rapidly.
+
+"If I did not think you were mad--"
+
+"I am no more mad than you are," Gonsalvo interrupted. "I _was_ mad,
+indeed; but that horrible night, when God smote my body, I regained my
+reason. I see all things clearly now--too late."
+
+"Am I to understand, then," said Juan, rising from his seat, and
+speaking in measured tones, though his eye was like a tiger's--"am I to
+understand that you--_you_--denounced my brother? If so, thank God that
+you are lying helpless there."
+
+"I am not quite so vile a thing as that. I did not intend to harm a
+hair of his head; but I detained him here to his ruin. He had the means
+of escape provided, and but for me would have been in safety ere the
+Alguazils came."
+
+"Well for both of us your guilt was not greater. Still, you cannot
+expect me--just yet--to forgive you."
+
+"I expect no forgiveness from man," said Gonsalvo, who perhaps
+disdained to plead in his own exculpation the generous words of Carlos.
+
+Juan had by this time changed his tone towards his cousin, and assumed
+his perfect sanity; though, engrossed by the thought of his brother, he
+was quite unconscious of the mental process by which he had arrived at
+this conclusion. He asked,--
+
+"But why did you detain him? How did you come to know at all of his
+intended flight?"
+
+"He had a safe asylum provided for him by some friend--I know not
+whom," said Gonsalvo, in reply. "He was going forth at midnight to seek
+it. At the same hour I also"--(for a moment he hesitated, but quickly
+went on)--"was going forth--to plunge a dagger in my enemy's heart. We
+met face to face; and each confided his errand to the other. He sought,
+by argument and entreaty, to move me from a purpose which seemed to
+him a great crime. But ere our debate was ended, God laid his hand in
+judgment upon me; and whilst Don Carlos lingered, speaking words of
+comfort--brave and kind, though vain--the Alguazils came, and he was
+taken."
+
+Juan listened in gloomy silence.
+
+"Did he leave no message, not one word, for me?" he asked at last, in a
+low voice.
+
+"Yes; one word. Filled with wonder at the calmness with which he met
+his terrible fate, I cried out, as they led him from the room, 'Vaya
+con Dios, Don Carlos, a braver man than you have I never seen!' With
+one long mournful look, that haunts me still, he said, '_Tell Ruy!_'"
+
+Strong man as he was, Don Juan Alvarez bowed his head and wept. They
+were the first tears the great sorrow had wrung from him--almost the
+first that he ever remembered shedding. Gonsalvo saw no shame in them.
+
+"Weep on," he said--"weep on; and thank God that thy tears are for
+sorrow only, not for remorse."
+
+Hoarse and heavy sobs shook the strong frame. For some time they were
+the only sounds that broke the stillness. At length Gonsalvo said,
+slowly,--
+
+"He gave me something to keep, which in right should belong to thee."
+
+Juan looked up. Gonsalvo half raised himself, and drew a cushion
+from beneath his head. First he took off its outer cover of fine
+holland; then he inserted his hand into an opening that seemed like
+an accidental rip, and, not without some trouble, drew out a small
+volume. Juan seized it eagerly: well did he know his brother's Spanish
+Testament.
+
+"Take it," said Gonsalvo; "but remember it is a dangerous treasure."
+
+"Perhaps you are not sorry to part with it?"
+
+"I deserve that you should say so," answered Gonsalvo, with unwonted
+gentleness. "But the truth is," he added, with a wan, sickly smile,
+"nothing can part me from it now, for I have learned almost every word
+of it by heart."
+
+"How could you, in so short a time, accomplish such a task?" asked
+Juan, in surprise.
+
+"Easily enough. I was alone long hours of the day, when I could read;
+and in the silent, sleepless nights I could recall and repeat what I
+read during the day. But for that I should be in truth what they call
+me--mad."
+
+"Then you love its words?"
+
+"I _fear_ them," cried Gonsalvo, with strange energy, flinging out
+his wasted arm over the counterpane. "They are words of life--words
+of fire. They are, to the Church's words, the priest's threatenings,
+the priest's pardons, what your limbs, throbbing with healthy
+vigorous life, are to mine--cold, dead, impotent; or what the living
+champion--steel from head to heel, the Toledo blade in his strong right
+hand--is to the painted San Cristofro on the Cathedral door. Because
+I dare to say so much, my father pretends to think me mad; lest,
+wrecked as I am in mind and body, I should still find one terrible
+consolation,--that of flinging the truth for once in the face of the
+scribes and Pharisees, and then suffering for it--like Don Carlos."
+
+He was silent from exhaustion, and lay with closed eyes and deathlike
+countenance. After a long pause, he resumed, in a low, weak voice,--
+
+"Some words are good--perhaps. There was San Pablo, who was a
+blasphemer, and injurious."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo, my brother once said he would give his right hand that
+you shared his faith."
+
+"Oh, did he?" A quick flush overspread the wan face. "But hark! a step
+on the stairs! My mother's."
+
+"I am neither afraid nor ashamed to be found here," said Don Juan.
+
+"My poor mother! She has shown me more tenderness of late than I
+deserved at her hands. Do not let us involve her in trouble."
+
+Juan greeted his aunt with due courtesy, and even attempted some words
+of condolence upon his cousin's illness. But he saw that the poor lady
+was terribly disconcerted, and indeed frightened, by his presence
+there. And not without cause, since mischief, even to bloodshed, might
+have followed had Don Manuel or either of his sons found Juan in
+communication with Gonsalvo. She conjured him to go, adding, by way of
+inducement,--
+
+"Doña Beatriz is taking the air in the garden."
+
+"Availing myself of your gracious permission, señora my aunt, I shall
+offer her my homage there; and so I kiss your feet.--Adiõs, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Adiõs, my cousin."
+
+Doña Katarina followed him out of the room.
+
+"He is not sane," she whispered anxiously, laying her hand on his arm;
+"he is out of his mind. You perceive it clearly, Don Juan?"
+
+"Certainly I shall not dispute it, señora," Juan answered, prudently.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIX.
+
+                          A Friend at Court.
+
+  "I have a soul and body that exact
+  A comfortable care in many ways."
+
+                                R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Juan's peril was extreme. Well known as he was to many of the
+imprisoned Lutherans, it seemed a desperate chance that, amongst the
+numerous confessions wrung from them, no mention of his name should
+occur. He knew himself deeply implicated in the crime for which they
+were suffering--the one unpardonable crime in the eyes of Rome.
+Moreover, unlike his brother, whose temperament would have led him to
+avoid danger by every lawful means, he was by nature brave even to
+rashness, and bold even to recklessness. It was his custom to wear
+his heart on his lips; and though of late stern necessity had taught
+him to conceal what he thought, it was neither his inclination nor
+his habit to disguise what he felt. Probably, not even his desire to
+aid Carlos would have prevented his compromising himself by some rash
+word or deed, had not the soft hand of Doña Beatriz, strong in its
+weakness, held him back from destruction. Not for one instant could
+he forget her terrible vow. With this for ever before his eyes, it is
+little marvel if he was willing to do anything, to bear anything--ay,
+almost to feign anything--rather than involve her he loved in a fate
+inconceivably horrible.
+
+And--alas for the brave, honest-hearted, truthful Don Juan Alvarez!--it
+was often necessary to feign. If he meant to remain in Seville,
+and to avoid the dungeons of the Inquisition, he must obviate--or
+remove--suspicion by protesting, both by word and action, his devotion
+to the Catholic Church, and his hatred of heresy.
+
+Could he stoop to this? Gradually, and more and more, as each day's
+emergency made it more and more necessary, he _did_ stoop to it. He
+told himself it was all for his brother's sake. And though such a
+line of conduct was intensely repugnant to his character, it was not
+contrary to his principles. To conceal an opinion is one thing, to deny
+a friend quite another. And while Carlos had found a Friend, Juan had
+only embraced an opinion.
+
+He himself would have said that he had found Truth--had devoted himself
+to the cause of Freedom. But where were truth and freedom now, with all
+the bright anticipations of their ultimate triumph which he had been
+wont to indulge? As far as his native land was concerned (and it must
+be owned that his native eye scarcely reached beyond "the Spains"),
+a single day had blotted out his glowing visions for ever. Almost at
+the same moment, as if by some secret preconcerted signal, the leading
+Protestants in Seville, in Valladolid, all over the kingdom, had been
+arrested and thrown into prison. Swiftly, silently, with the utmost
+order and regularity, had the whole thing been accomplished. Every name
+that Juan had heard Carlos mention with admiration and sympathy was now
+the name of a helpless captive. The Reformed Church of Spain existed no
+longer, or existed only in dungeons.
+
+In what quarter the storm had first arisen, that burst so suddenly upon
+the community of the faithful, Don Juan never knew. It is probable the
+Holy Office had long been silently watching its prey, waiting for the
+moment of action to arrive. In Seville, it is said, a spy had been set
+upon some of Losada's congregation, who revealed their meeting to the
+Inquisitors. While in Valladolid, the foul treachery of the wife of one
+of the Protestants furnished the Holy Office with the means of bringing
+her husband and his friends to the stake.
+
+Don Juan, whose young heart had lately beat so high with hope, now
+bowed his head in despair. And despairing of freedom, he lost his
+confidence in truth also. In opinion he was still a decided Lutheran.
+He accepted every doctrine of the Reformed as against the Roman
+Catholic creed. But the hold he once had upon these doctrines as living
+realities was slackened. He did not doubt that justification by faith
+was a scriptural dogma, but he did not think it necessary to die for
+it. Compared with the tremendous interest of the fate of Carlos and the
+peril of Beatriz, and amidst his desperate struggles to aid the one and
+shield the other, doctrinal questions grew pale and faint to him.
+
+Nor had he yet learned to throw himself, in utter weakness, upon a
+strength greater than his own, and a love that knows no limits. He did
+not feel his weakness: he felt strong, in the strength of a brave heart
+struggling against cruel wrong; strong to resist, and, if it might be,
+to conquer his fate.
+
+At first he cherished a hope that his brother was not actually in the
+secret dungeons of the Inquisition. For so great was the number of the
+captives, that the public gaols of the city and the convent prisons
+were full of them; and some had to be lodged even in private houses.
+As Carlos had been one of the last arrested, there seemed reason to
+suppose that he might be amongst those thus accommodated; in which case
+it would be much easier both to communicate with him, and to alleviate
+his fate, than if he were within the gloomy walls of the Triana; there
+might be, moreover, the possibility of forming some plan for his
+deliverance.
+
+But Juan's diligent and persevering search resulted at last in the
+conviction that his brother was in the "Santa Casa" itself. This
+conviction sent a chill to his heart. He shuddered to think of his
+present suffering, whilst he feared the worst for the future, supposing
+that the Inquisitors would take care to lodge in their own especial
+fortress those whom they esteemed the most heinous transgressors.
+
+He engaged a lodging in the Triana suburb, which the river, spanned by
+a bridge of boats, separated from the city. There were several reasons
+for this choice of residence; but by far the greatest was, that those
+who lingered beneath the walls of the grim old castle could sometimes
+see, behind its grated windows, spectral faces raised to catch the few
+scanty gleams of daylight which fell to their lot. Long weary hours did
+Juan watch there, hoping to recognize the face he loved. But always in
+vain.
+
+When he went into the city, it was sometimes for other purposes than
+to visit Doña Beatriz. It was as often to seek the precincts of the
+magnificent Cathedral, and to pace up and down that terrace whose
+massive truncated pillars, raised when the Romans founded a heathen
+temple on the spot, had stood throughout the long ages of Moslem
+domination. Now the place was consecrated to Christian worship, and yet
+it was put to no hallowed use. Rich merchants, in many a varying garb,
+that told of different nations, trod the stately colonnade, and bought
+and sold and made bargains there. For in those days (strange as seems
+to us the irreverence of the so-called "ages of faith") that terrace
+was the royal exchange of Seville, then a mercantile city of great
+importance. Don Juan Alvarez diligently resorted thither, and held many
+a close and earnest conversation with a keen-eyed, hawk-nosed Jew, whom
+he met there.
+
+Isaac Osorio, or more properly, Isaac ben Osorio, was a notorious
+money-lender, who had often "obliged" Don Manuel's sons, not unfairly
+requiring heavy interest to counter-balance the hazardous nature of his
+investments. Callings branded as unlawful are apt to prove particularly
+gainful. The Jew was willing to "oblige" Don Juan also, upon certain
+conditions. He was not by any means ignorant of the purpose for which
+his money was needed. Of course he was himself a Christian in name,
+for none other would have been permitted to live upon Spanish ground.
+But by what wrongs, tortures, agonies worse than death, he and those
+like him had been forced to accept Christian baptism, will never be
+known until Christ comes again to judge the false Church that has
+slandered him. Will it be nothing in his sight that millions of the
+souls for whom he died have been driven to hate his Name--that Name so
+unutterably precious?
+
+Osorio derived grim satisfaction from the thought that the Christians
+were now imprisoning, torturing, burning each other. It reminded him
+of the grand old days in his people's history, when the Lord of hosts
+was wont to stretch forth his mighty arm and trouble the armies of the
+aliens, turning every man's hand against his brother. Let the Gentiles
+bite and devour one another, the child of Abraham could look upon
+their quarrels with calm indifference. But if he had any sympathy, it
+was for the weaker side. He was rather disposed to help a Christian
+youth who was trying to save his brother from the same cruel fangs
+in which so many sons of Israel had writhed and struggled. Don Juan,
+therefore, found him accommodating, and even lenient. From time to time
+he advanced to him considerable sums, first upon the jewels he brought
+with him from Nuera, and then, alas! upon his patrimony itself.
+
+Not without a keen pang did Juan thus mortgage the inheritance of his
+fathers. But he began to realize the bitter truth that a flight from
+Spain, and a new career in some foreign land, would eventually be the
+only course open to him--if indeed he escaped with life.
+
+Nor would the armies of Spain henceforth be more free to him than her
+soil. Fortunately, the necessity for rejoining his regiment had not
+arisen. For the brief war in which he served was over now; and as the
+promised captaincy had not yet been assigned to him, he was at liberty
+for the present to remain at home.
+
+He largely bribed the head-gaoler of the inquisitorial prison, besides
+supplying him liberally with necessaries and comforts for his brother's
+use. Gaspar Benevidio bore the worst of characters, both for cruelty
+and avarice; still, Juan had no resource but to trust implicitly to his
+honour, in the hope that at least some portion of what he gave would be
+allowed to reach the prisoner. But not a single gleam of information
+about him could be gained from Benevidio, who, like all other servants
+of the Inquisition, was bound by a solemn oath to reveal nothing that
+passed within its walls.
+
+He also bribed some of the attendants and satellites of the
+all-powerful Inquisitor, Munebrãga. It was his desire to obtain a
+personal interview with the great man himself, that he might have the
+opportunity of trying the intercession of Don Dinero, to whose advances
+he was known to be not altogether obdurate.
+
+For the purpose of soliciting an audience, he repaired one evening to
+the splendid gardens belonging to the Triana, to await the Inquisitor,
+who was expected shortly to return from a sail for pleasure on the
+Guadalquivir. He was sick at heart of the gorgeous tropical plants that
+surrounded him, of the myrtle-blossoms that were showered on his path;
+of all that told of the hateful pomp and luxury in which the persecutor
+lived, while his victims pined unpitied in loathsome dungeons. Yet
+neither by word, look, nor sign dared he betray the rage that was
+gnawing his heart.
+
+At length the shouts of the populace, who thronged the river's side,
+announced the approach of their idol; for such Munebrãga was for the
+time. Clad in costly silks and jewels, and surrounded by a brilliant
+little court, composed both of churchmen and laymen, the "Lord
+Inquisitor" stepped from his splendid purple-decked barge. Don Juan
+threw himself in his way, and modestly requested an audience. His
+bearing, though perfectly respectful, was certainly less obsequious
+than that to which Munebrãga had been accustomed of late. So the
+minister of the Holy Office turned from him haughtily, though, as Juan
+bitterly thought, "his father would have been proud to hold the stirrup
+for mine." "This is no fitting time to talk of business, señor," he
+said. "We are weary to-night, and need repose."
+
+At that moment a Franciscan friar advanced from the group, and with his
+lowest bow and most reverent manner approached the Inquisitor. "With
+the gracious permission of my very good lord, I shall address myself
+to the caballero, and report his errand to your sanctity. I have the
+honour of some acquaintance with his Excellency's noble family."
+
+"As you please, Fray," said the voice accustomed to speak the terrible
+words that doomed to the rack and the pulley, though no one would have
+suspected this from the bland, careless good-nature of its tones. "But
+see that you tarry not so as to lose your supper. Howbeit, there is
+little need to caution you, or any other son of St. Francis, against
+undue neglecting of the body."
+
+The son of St. Francis made no answer, either because it was not
+worth while, or because those who take the crumbs from the rich man's
+table must ofttimes take his taunts therewith. He disengaged himself
+from the group, and turned towards Juan a broad, good-humoured, not
+unintelligent face, which his former pupil recognized immediately.
+
+"Fray Sebastian Gomez!" he exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+"And very much at the service of my noble Señor Don Juan. Will your
+Excellency deign to bear me company for a little time? In yonder walk
+there are some rare flowers of rich colouring, which it were worth your
+while to observe."
+
+They turned into the path he indicated, while the Lord Inquisitor's
+silken train swept towards that half of the Triana where godless luxury
+bore sway; the other half being consecrated to the twin demon, cruelty.
+
+"Will it please your worship to look at these Indian pinks?" said the
+friar. "You will not see that flower elsewhere in all the Spains, save
+in the royal gardens. His Imperial Majesty brought it first from Tunis."
+
+Juan all but cursed the innocent flowers; but recollected in time that
+God made them, though they belonged to Gonzales de Munebrãga. "In
+Heaven's name, what brings you here, Fray Sebastian?" he interrupted
+impatiently. "I thought to see only the black cowls of St. Dominic
+about the--the minister of the Holy Office."
+
+"A little more softly, may I implore of your Excellency? Yonder
+casement is open.--Pues,[18] señor, I am here in the capacity of a
+guest. Nothing more."
+
+    [18] Well, or well then
+
+"Every man to his taste," said Juan, drily, as with a heedless foot he
+kicked off the beautiful scarlet flower of a rare cactus.
+
+"Have a care, señor and your Excellency; my lord is very proud of his
+cactus flowers."
+
+"Then come with me to some spot of God's free earth where we can talk
+together, out of sight of him and his possessions."
+
+"Nay, rest content, señor; and untire yourself in this fair arbour
+overlooking the river."
+
+"At least, God made the river," said Juan, flinging himself, with
+a sigh of irritation and impatience, on the cushioned seat of the
+summer-house.
+
+Fray Sebastian seated himself also. "My lord," he began to explain,
+"has received me with all courtesy, and is good enough to desire my
+continual attendance. The fact is, señor, his reverence is a man of
+literary taste."
+
+Juan allowed himself the solace of a quiet sneer. "Oh, is he? Very
+creditable to him, no doubt."
+
+"Especially he is a great lover of the divine art of poesy."
+
+No _genuine_ love of the gentle art, whose great lesson is sympathy,
+did or could soften the Inquisitor's hard heart. Nor, had his wealth
+been doubled, could he have hired one real poet to sing his praise
+in strains worthy the ear of posterity. In an atmosphere so cold,
+the most ethereal spirit would have frozen. But it was in his power
+to buy flattery in rhyme, and it suited his inclination so to do.
+He liked the trick of rhyme, at once so easy and so charming in the
+sonorous Castilian tongue--it was a pleasure of the ear which he keenly
+appreciated, as he did also those of the eye and the palate.
+
+"I addressed to him," Fray Sebastian continued with becoming modesty,
+"a little effort of my Muse--really a mere trifle--on the suppression
+of heresy, comparing the Lord Inquisitor to Michael the archangel, with
+the dragon beneath his feet. You understand, señor?"
+
+Juan understood so well that it was with difficulty he refrained from
+flinging the unlucky rhymester into the river. But of late he had
+learned many a lesson in prudence. Still, his words sounded almost
+fierce in their angry scorn. "I suppose he gave you in return--a good
+dinner."
+
+But Fray Sebastian would not take offence. He answered mildly, "He was
+pleased to express his approval of my humble effort, and to admit me
+into his noble household; where, except my poor exertions to amuse and
+untire him by my conversation may be accounted a service, I am of no
+service to him whatever."
+
+"So you are clad in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every
+day," said Juan, with contempt that he cared not to conceal.
+
+"As to purple and fine linen, señor, I am an unworthy son of St.
+Francis; and it is well known to your Excellency that by the rules of
+our Order not even one scrap of holland---- But you are laughing at me,
+as you used in old times, Señor Don Juan."
+
+"God knows, I have little heart to laugh. In those old times you speak
+of, Fray, there was no great love between you and me; and no marvel,
+for I was a wild and idle lad. But I think you loved my gentle brother,
+Don Carlos!"
+
+"That I did, señor, as did every one. Has any evil come upon him? St.
+Francis forbid!"
+
+"Worse evil than I care to name. He lies in yonder tower."
+
+"The blessed Virgin have pity on us!" cried Fray Sebastian, crossing
+himself.
+
+"I thought you would have heard of his arrest," Juan continued, sadly.
+
+"I, señor! Never a breath. Holy Saints defend us! How could I, or any
+one, dream that a young gentleman of noblest race, well learned, and
+of truly pious disposition, would have had the ill luck to fall under
+so foul a suspicion? Doubtless it is the work of some personal enemy.
+And--ah, woe is me! 'the clattering horse-shoe ever wants a nail'--here
+have I been naming heresy, 'talking of halters in the house of the
+hanged?'"
+
+"Hold thy tongue about hanging," said Juan, testily, "and listen to me,
+if thou canst."
+
+Fray Sebastian indicated, by a respectful gesture, his profound
+attention.
+
+"It has been whispered to me that the door of his reverence's heart may
+be unlocked by a golden key."
+
+Fray Sebastian assured him this was a foul slander; concluding a
+panegyric on the purity of the Inquisitor's administration with the
+words, "You would forfeit his favour for ever by presuming so far as to
+offer a bribe."
+
+"No doubt," answered Juan with a sneer, and a hard, worldly look in
+his face that of late was often seen there. "I should deserve to pay
+that penalty were I the fool to approach him with a bow, and, 'Here is
+a purse of gold for your sanctity.' But 'one take is worth two I give
+you's,' and there is a way of saying 'take' to every man. And I ask
+you, for old kindness, to show me how to say it to his lordship."
+
+Fray Sebastian pondered. After an interval he said, with some
+hesitation, "May I venture to inquire, señor, what means you possess of
+clearing the character of your noble brother?"
+
+Juan only answered by a sorrowful shake of the head.
+
+Darker and darker grew the friar's sensual but good-natured face.
+
+"His excellent reputation, his brilliant success at college, his
+blameless life should tell in his favour," Juan said at length.
+
+"Have you nothing more direct? If not, I fear it is a bad business. But
+'silence is called holy,' so I hold my peace. Still, if indeed (which
+the Saints forbid) he has fallen inadvertently into error, it is a
+comfort to reflect that there will be little difficulty in reclaiming
+him."
+
+Juan made no reply. Did he expect his brother to retract? Did he _wish_
+him to do it? These were questions he scarcely dared to ask himself.
+From any reply he could give to them he shrank in shuddering dread.
+
+"He was ever gentle and tractable," Fray Sebastian continued, "and
+ofttimes but too easy to persuade."
+
+Juan rose, took up a stone, and threw it into the river. When the
+circles it made in the water had died away, he turned back to the
+friar. "But what can _I_ do for him?" he asked, with an undertone of
+helpless sadness, touching from the lips of one so strong.
+
+Fray Sebastian put his hand to his forehead, and looked as if he were
+composing another poem. "Let me see, your Excellency. There is my
+lord's nephew and pet page, Don Alonzo (where he has got the 'Don' I
+know not, but Don Dinero makes many a noble); I dare say it would not
+hurt the Donzelo's soft white hand to finger a purse of gold ducats,
+and those same ducats might help your brother's cause not a little."
+
+"Manage the matter for me, and I will thank you heartily. Gold, to
+any extent that will serve _him_, shall be forthcoming; and, my good
+friend, see that you spare it not."
+
+"Ah, Señor Don Juan, you were always generous."
+
+"My brother's life is at stake," said Juan, softening a little. But the
+hard look returned as he added, "Those who live in great men's houses
+have many expenses, Fray. Always remember that I am your friend, and
+that my ducats are very much at your service also."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him with his lowest bow. Juan's look changed
+again; this time more rapidly. "If it were possible," he added, in low,
+hurried tones--"if you could only bring me the least word of tidings
+from him--even one word to say if he lives, if he is well, how he is
+entreated. Three months it is now since he was taken, and I have heard
+no more than if they had carried him to his grave."
+
+"It is a difficult matter, a _very_ difficult matter that you ask of
+me. Were I a son of St. Dominic, I might indeed accomplish somewhat.
+For the black cowls are everything now. Still, I will do all I can,
+señor."
+
+"I trust you, Fray. If under cover of seeking his conversion, of
+anything, you could but see him."
+
+"Impossible, señor--utterly impossible."
+
+"Why? They sometimes send friars to reason with the--the prisoners."
+
+"Always Dominicans or Jesuits--men well-known and trusted by the Board
+of the Inquisition. However, señor, nothing that a man may do shall be
+wanting on my part. Will not that content your Excellency?"
+
+"_Content_ me? Well, as far as you are concerned, yes. But, in truth,
+I am haunted day and night by one horrible dread. What if--if they
+should _torture_ him? My gentle brother, frail in mind and body,
+tender and sensitive as a woman! Terror and pain would drive him mad."
+The last words were a quick broken whisper. But outward expressions
+of emotion with Don Juan were always speedily repressed. Recovering
+apparent calmness, he stretched out his hand to Fray Sebastian,
+saying, with a faint smile, "I have kept you too long from my lord's
+supper-table--pardon me."
+
+"Your Excellency's condescension in conversing with me deserves my
+profound gratitude," replied the monk, in true Castilian fashion. His
+residence at the Inquisitor's Court had certainly improved his manners.
+
+Don Juan gave him his address, and it was agreed that he should call on
+him in a few days. Fray Sebastian then offered to bring him on his way
+through the garden and court of that part of the Triana which formed
+the Inquisitor's residence. But Juan declined the favour. He could not
+answer for himself when brought face to face with the impious pomp and
+luxury of the persecutor of the saints. He feared that, by some wild
+word or deed, he might imperil the cause he had at heart. So he hailed
+a waterman who was guiding his little boat down the tranquil stream
+in the waning light. The boat was soon brought to the place where the
+Inquisitor had landed from his barge; and Juan, after shaking the dust
+from his feet, both literally and metaphorically, sprang into it.
+
+The popular ideal of a persecutor is very far from the truth. At the
+word there rises before most minds the vision of a lean, pale-faced,
+fierce-eyed monk, whose frame is worn with fasting, and his scourge
+red with his own blood. He is a fanatic--pitiless, passionate,
+narrow-minded, perhaps half insane--but penetrated to the very core of
+his being with intense zeal for his Church's interest, and prepared in
+her service both to inflict and to endure all things.
+
+Very unlike this ideal were _most_ of the great persecutors who
+carried out the behests of Antichrist. They were generally able men.
+But they were pre-eminently men wise in their generation, men _of_
+their generation, men who "loved this present world." They gave the
+Church the service of strong hand and skilful brain that she needed;
+and she gave _them_, in return, "gold, and silver, and precious stones,
+and pearls; and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and
+all sweet wood; and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of
+vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and marble;
+and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense; and wine, and
+oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and beasts, and sheep, and horses and
+chariots, and slaves and souls of men." It was for these things, not
+for abstract ideas, not for high places in heaven, that they tortured
+and murdered the saints of God. Whilst the cry of the oppressed reached
+the ears of the Most High, those who were "wearing them out" lived in
+unhallowed luxury, in degrading sensuality. Gonzales de Munebrãga was a
+good specimen of the class to which he belonged--he was no exceptional
+case.
+
+Nor was Fray Sebastian anything but an ordinary character. He was
+amiable, good-natured, free from gross vices--what is usually called
+"well disposed." But he "loved wine and oil," and to obtain what he
+loved he was willing to become the servant and the flatterer of worse
+men than himself, at the terrible risk of sinking to their level.
+
+With all the force of his strong nature, Don Juan Alvarez loathed
+Munebrãga, and scorned Fray Sebastian. Gradually a strange alteration
+appeared to come over the little book he constantly studied--his
+brother's Spanish Testament. The words of promise, and hope, and
+comfort, in which he used to delight, seemed to be blotted from its
+pages; while ever more and more those pages were filled with fearful
+threatenings and denunciations of doom--against hypocritical scribes
+and Pharisees, false teachers and wicked high priests--against great
+Babylon, the mother of abominations. The peace-breathing, "Father,
+forgive them, for they know not what they do," grew fainter and more
+faint, until at last it faded completely from his memory; while there
+stood out before him night and day, in characters of fire, "Serpents,
+generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXX.
+
+                             The Captive.
+
+  "Ay, but for _me_--my name called--drawn
+  Like a conscript's lot from the lap's black yawn
+  He has dipped into on the battle dawn.
+  Bid out of life by a nod, a glance,
+  Stumbling, mute mazed, at Nature's chance
+  With a rapid finger circling round,
+  Fixed to the first poor inch of ground
+  To fight from, where his foot was found,
+  Whose ear but a moment since was free
+  To the wide camp's hum and gossipry--
+  Summoned, a solitary man,
+  To end his life where his life began,
+  From the safe glad rear to the awful van."
+
+                                  R. BROWNING.
+
+
+On the night of his arrest, when Don Carlos Alvarez was left alone in
+his dungeon, he stood motionless as one in a dream. At length he raised
+his head, and began to look around him. A lamp had been left with him;
+and its light illumined a cell ten feet square, with a vaulted roof.
+Through a narrow grating, too high for him to reach, one or two stars
+were shining; but these he saw not. He only saw the inner door sheathed
+with iron; the mat of rushes on which he was to sleep; the stool that
+was to be his seat; the two earthen pitchers of water that completed
+his scanty furniture. From the first moment these things looked
+strangely familiar to him.
+
+He threw himself on the mat to think and pray. He comprehended his
+situation perfectly. It seemed as if he had been all his life expecting
+this hour; as if he had been born for it, and led up to it gradually
+through all his previous experience. As yet he did not think that his
+fate was terrible; he only thought that it was inevitable--something
+that was to come upon him, and that in due course had come at last. It
+was his impression that he should always remain there, and never more
+see anything beyond that grated window and that iron door.
+
+There was a degree of unreality about this mood. For the past
+fortnight, or more, his mind had been strained to its utmost tension.
+Suspense, more wearing even than sorrow, had held him on the rack.
+Sleep had seldom visited his eyes; and when it came, it had been broken
+and fitful.
+
+Now the worst had befallen him. Suspense was over; certainty had come.
+This brought at first a kind of rest to the overtaxed mind and frame.
+He was as one who hears a sentence of death, but who is taken off
+the rack. No dread of the future could quite overpower the present
+unreasoning sense of relief.
+
+Thus it happened that an hour afterwards he was sleeping the
+dreamless sleep of exhaustion. Well for him if, instead of "death's
+twin-brother," the angel of death himself had been sent to open the
+prison doors and set the captive free! And yet, after all, _would_ it
+have been well for him?
+
+So utter was his exhaustion, that when food was placed in his cell
+the next morning, he only awaked for a moment, then slept again as
+soundly as before. Not till some hours later did he finally shake off
+his slumber. He lay still for some time, examining with a strange kind
+of curiosity the little bolted aperture which was near the top of
+his door, and watching a solitary broken sunbeam which had struggled
+through the grating that served him for a window, and threw a gleam of
+light on the opposite wall.
+
+Then, with a start, he asked himself, "_Where am I?_" The answer
+brought an agony of fear, of horror, of bitter pain. "Lost! lost! God
+have mercy on me! I am lost!" As one in intense bodily anguish, he
+writhed, moaned--ay, even cried aloud.
+
+No wonder. Hope, love, life--alike in its noblest aims and its
+commonest joys--all were behind him. Before him were the dreary dungeon
+days and nights--it might be months or years; the death of agony and
+shame; and, worst of all, the unutterable horrors of the torture-room,
+from which he shrank as any one of us would shrink to-day.
+
+Slowly and at last came the large burning tears. But very few of them
+fell; for his anguish was as yet too fierce for many tears. All that
+day the storm raged on. When the alcayde brought his evening meal, he
+lay still, his face covered with his cloak. But as night drew on he
+rose, and paced his narrow cell with hasty, irregular steps, like those
+of a caged wild animal.
+
+How should he endure the horrible loneliness of the present, the
+maddening terror of all that was to come? And this life was to _last_.
+To last, until it should be succeeded by worse horrors and fiercer
+anguish. Words of prayer died on his lips. Or, even when he uttered
+them, it seemed as if God heard not--as if those thick walls and grated
+doors shut him out too.
+
+Yet one thing was clear to him from the beginning. Deeper than all
+other fears within him lay the fear of denying his Lord. Again and
+again did he repeat, "When called in question, I will at once confess
+all." For he knew that, according to a law recently enacted by the Holy
+Office, and sanctioned by the Pope, no subsequent retraction could save
+a prisoner who had once confessed--he must die. And he desired finally
+and for ever to put it out of his own power to save his life and lose
+it.
+
+As every dreary morning dawned upon him, he thought that ere its sun
+set he might be called to confess his Master's name before the solemn
+tribunal. At first he awaited the summons with a trembling heart. But
+as time passed on, the delay became more dreadful than the anticipated
+examination. At last he began to long for _any_ change that might break
+the monotony of his prison-life.
+
+The only person, with the exception of his gaoler, that ever entered
+his cell, was a member of the Board of Inquisitors, who was obliged
+by their rules to make a fortnightly inspection of the prisons. But
+the Dominican monk to whom this duty was relegated merely asked the
+prisoner a few formal questions: such as, whether he was well, whether
+he received his appointed provision, whether his warder used him with
+civility. To these Carlos always answered prudently that he had no
+complaint to make. At first he was wont to inquire, in his turn, when
+his case might be expected to come on. To this it would be answered,
+that there was no hurry about the matter. The Lords Inquisitors had
+much business on hand, and many more important cases than his to attend
+to; he must await their leisure and their pleasure.
+
+At length a kind of lethargy stole over him; though it was broken
+frequently by sharp bursts of anguish. He ceased to take note of time,
+ceased to make fruitless inquiries of his gaoler, who would never tell
+him anything. Upon one occasion he asked this man for a Breviary, since
+he sometimes found it difficult to recall even the gospel words that
+he knew so well. But he was answered in the set terms the Inquisitors
+taught their officials, that the book he ought now to study was the
+book of his own heart, which he should examine diligently, in order to
+the confession and repentance of his sins.
+
+During the morning hours the outer door of his cell (there were two)
+was usually left open, in order to admit a little fresh air. At such
+times he often heard footsteps in the corridors, and doors opening
+and shutting. With a kind of sick yearning, not unmixed with hope, he
+longed that some visitant would enter his cell. But none ever came.
+Some of the Inquisitors were keen observers and good students of
+character. They had watched Carlos narrowly before his arrest, and they
+had arrived at the conclusion that utter and prolonged solitude was the
+best remedy for his disease.
+
+Such solitude has driven many a weary tortured soul to insanity. But
+that divine compassion which no dungeon walls or prison bars avail to
+shut out, saved Carlos from such a fate.
+
+One morning he knew from the stir outside that some of his
+fellow-captives had received a visit. But the deep stillness that
+followed the dying away of footsteps in the corridor was broken by a
+most unwonted sound. A loud, clear, and even cheerful voice sang out,--
+
+  "Vençidos van los frailes; vençidos van!
+  Corridos van los lobos; corridos van!"
+
+  [There go the friars; there they run!
+  there go the wolves, the wolves are done!][19]
+
+    [19] Everything related of Juliano Hernandez is strictly true.
+
+Every nerve and fibre of the lonely captive's heart thrilled responsive
+to that strain. Evidently the song was one of triumph. But from whose
+lips? Who could dare to triumph in the abode of misery, the very seat
+of Satan?
+
+Carlos Alvarez had heard that voice before. A striking peculiarity in
+the dialect rivetted this fact upon his mind. The words were neither
+the pure sonorous Castilian that he spoke himself, nor the soft gliding
+sibilant Andaluz that he heard in Seville, nor yet the patois of the
+Manchegan peasants around his mountain home. In such accents one, and
+one alone, had ever spoken in his hearing. And that was the man who
+said, "For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the
+thirsty, light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and
+heavy-laden, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+Whatever men had done to the body, it was evident that Juliano
+Hernandez was still unbroken in heart, strong in hope and courage. A
+fettered, tortured captive, he was yet enabled, not only to hold his
+own faith fast, but actually to minister to that of others. His rough
+rhyme intimated to his fellow-captives that "the wolves" of Rome were
+leaving his cell, vanquished by the sword of the Spirit. And that, as
+he overcame, so might they also.
+
+Carlos heard, understood, and felt from that hour that he was not
+alone. Moreover, the grace and strength so richly given to his
+fellow-sufferer seemed to bring Christ nearer to himself. "Surely God
+is in this place--even here," he said, "and I knew it not." And then,
+bowing his head, he wept--wept such tears as bring help and healing
+with them.
+
+Up to this time he had held Christ's hand indeed, else had he "utterly
+fainted." But he held it in the dark. He clung to him desperately, as
+if for mere life and reason. Now the light began to dawn upon him. He
+began to see the face of Him to whom he had been clinging. His good and
+gracious words--such words as, "Let not your heart be troubled," "My
+peace I give unto you"--became again, as in old times, full of meaning,
+instinct with life. He "remembered the years of the right hand of the
+Most High;" he thought of those days that now seemed so long ago, when,
+with such thrilling joy, he received the truth from Juliano's book.
+And he knew that the same joy might be his even in that dreary prison,
+because the same God was above him, and the same Lord was "rich unto
+all that call upon him."
+
+On the next occasion when Juliano raised his brave song of victory,
+Carlos had the courage to respond, by chanting in the vulgar tongue,
+"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
+defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out
+of Zion."
+
+But this brought him a visit from the alcayde, who commanded him to
+"forbear that noise."
+
+"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.
+
+"No matter. Prisoners are not permitted to disturb the Santa Casa,"
+said Gasper Benevidio, as he quitted the cell.
+
+The "Santa Casa," or Holy House, was the proper style and title of
+the prison of the Holy Inquisition. At first sight the name appears
+a hideous mockery. We seem to catch in it an echo of the laughter of
+fiends, as in that other kindred name, "The Society of Jesus." Yet,
+just then, the Triana was truly a holy house. Precious in the sight
+of the Lord were those who crowded its dismal cells. Many a lonely
+captive wept and prayed and agonized there, who, though now forgotten
+on earth, shall one day shine with a brightness eclipsing kings and
+conquerors--"a star for ever and ever."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXI.
+
+                          Ministering Angels.
+
+  "Thou wilt be near, and not forsake,
+    To turn the bitter pool
+  Into a bright and breezy lake,
+    The throbbing brow to cool;
+  Till, left awhile with Thee alone,
+    The wilful heart be fain to own
+  That he, by whom our bright hours shone,
+    Our darkness best may rule."
+
+                                      KEBLE.
+
+
+The overpowering heat of an Andalusian summer aggravated the physical
+sufferings of the captives. And so did the scanty and unwholesome
+provisions, which were all that reached them through the hands of the
+avaricious Benevidio.
+
+But this last hardship was little felt by Carlos. Small as were the
+rations he received, they usually proved more than enough for him;
+indeed, the coarse food sometimes lay almost untasted in his cell.
+
+One morning, however, to his extreme surprise, something was pushed
+through the grating in the lower part of his inner door, the outer door
+being open, as was usual at that hour. The mysterious gift consisted
+of white bread and good meat, of which he partook with mingled
+astonishment and thankfulness. But the relief to the unvaried monotony
+of his life, and the occupation the little circumstance gave his
+thoughts, was much more to him than the welcome novelty of a wholesome
+meal.
+
+The act of charity was repeated often, indeed almost daily. Sometimes
+bread and meat, sometimes fruit--the large luscious grapes or purple
+figs of that southern climate--were thus conveyed to him. Endless
+were the speculations these gifts awakened in his mind. He longed
+to discover his benefactor, not only to express his gratitude,
+but to supplicate that the same favours might be extended to his
+fellow-sufferers, especially to Juliano. Moreover, would not one so
+kindly disposed be willing to give him what he longed for far more than
+meat or drink--some word of tidings from the world without, or from his
+dear imprisoned brethren?
+
+At first he suspected the under-gaoler, whose name was Herrera. This
+man was far more gentle and compassionate than Benevidio. Carlos often
+thought he would have shown him some kindness, or at least have spoken
+to him, if he dared. But dire would have been the penalty even the
+slightest transgression of the prison rules would have entailed. Carlos
+naturally feared to broach the matter, lest, if Herrera really had
+nothing to do with it, the unknown benefactor might be betrayed.
+
+The same motive prevented his hazarding a question or exclamation at
+the time the little gifts were thrust in. How could he tell who might
+be within hearing? If it were safe to speak, surely the person outside
+would try the experiment.
+
+It was generally very early in the morning, at the hour when the outer
+door was first opened, that the gifts came. Or, if delayed a little
+later, he would often notice something timid and even awkward in the
+way they were pushed through the grating, and the approaching and
+retreating footsteps, for which he used to listen so eagerly, would be
+quick and light, like those of a child.
+
+At last a day came, marked indeed with white in the dark chronicle of
+prison life. Bread and meat were conveyed to him as usual; then there
+was a low knock upon the door. Carlos, who was standing close to it,
+responded by an eager "_Chien es?_"
+
+"A friend. Kneel down, señor, and put your ear to the grating."
+
+The captive obeyed, and a woman's voice whispered, "Do not lose heart,
+your worship. Friends outside are thinking of you."
+
+"One friend is with me, even here," Carlos answered. "But," he added,
+"I entreat of you to tell me your name, that I may know whom to thank
+for the daily kindnesses which lighten my captivity."
+
+"I am only a poor woman, señor, the alcayde's servant. And what I have
+brought you is your own, and but a small part of it."
+
+"My own! How?"
+
+"Robbed from you by my master, who defrauds and spoils the poor
+prisoners even of their necessary food. And if any one dares to
+complain to the Lords Inquisitors, he throws him into the Masmurra."
+
+"The--what?"
+
+"A deep, horrible cistern which he hath in his house." This was spoken
+in a still lower voice.
+
+Carlos was not yet sufficiently naturalized to horrors to repress a
+shudder. He said, "Then I fear it is at great risk to yourself that you
+show kindness to me."
+
+"It is for the dear Lord's sake, senor."
+
+"Then _you_--you too--love his Name!" said Carlos, tears of joy
+starting to his eyes.
+
+"_Chiton_,[20] señor! _chiton!_ But as far as a poor woman may, I _do_
+love him," she added in a frightened whisper. "What I want now to tell
+you is, that the noble lord, your brother--"
+
+    [20] Hush.
+
+"My brother!" cried Carlos; "what of him? Oh, tell me, for Christ's
+dear sake!"
+
+"Let your Excellency speak lower. We may be overheard. I know he has
+seen my master once and again, and has given him much money to provide
+your worship with good food and other conveniences, which he, however,
+not having the fear of God before his eyes--" The rest of the sentence
+did not reach the ear of Carlos; but he could easily guess its import.
+
+"That is little matter," he said. "But oh, kind friend, if I could send
+him a message, were it only one word."
+
+Perhaps the wistful earnestness of his tone awakened latent mother
+instincts in the poor woman's heart. She knew that he was very young;
+that he had lain there for dreary months alone, away from the bright
+world into which he was just entering, and which was now shut to him
+for ever.
+
+"I will do all I can for your Excellency," she said, in a tone that
+betrayed some emotion.
+
+"Then," said Carlos, "tell him it is well with me. 'The Lord is my
+shepherd'--all that psalm, bid him read it. But, above all things, say
+unto him to leave this place--to fly to Germany or England. For I fear,
+I fear--no, do not tell him _what_ I fear. Only implore of him to go.
+You promise?"
+
+"I promise, young sir, to do all I can. God comfort him and you."
+
+"And God reward you, brave and kind friend. But one word more, if
+it may be without risk to you. Tell me of my dear fellow-prisoners.
+Especially of Dr. Cristobal Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, Fray
+Constantino, and Juliano Hernandez, called Juliano El Chico."
+
+"I do not know anything of Fray Constantino. I think he is not here.
+The others you name have--_suffered_."
+
+"Not death!--surely not death!" said Carlos, in terror.
+
+"There be worse things than death, señor," the poor woman answered.
+"Even my master, whose heart is iron, is astonished at the fortitude
+of Señor Juliano. He fears nothing--seems to feel nothing. No tortures
+have wrung from him a word that could harm any one."
+
+"God sustain him! Oh, my friend," Carlos went on with passionate
+earnestness, "if by any deed of kindness, such as you have shown me,
+you could bring God's dear suffering servant so much comfort as a cup
+of cold water, truly your reward would be rich in heaven. For the day
+will come when that poor man will take his station in the court of the
+King of kings, and at the right hand of Christ, in great glory and
+majesty."
+
+"I know it, señor. I have tried--"
+
+Just then an approaching footstep made Carlos start; but the poor woman
+said, "It is only the child, God bless her. But I must go, señor; for
+she comes to tell me her father has arisen, and is making ready to
+begin his daily rounds."
+
+"Her father! Does Benevidio's own child help you to comfort his
+prisoners?"
+
+"Even so, thank the good God. I am her nurse. But I must not linger
+another moment. Adiõs, señor."
+
+"Vaya con Dios, good mother. And God repay your kindness, as he surely
+will."
+
+And surely he did repay it; but not on earth, unless the honour
+of being accounted worthy to suffer shame and stripes and cruel
+imprisonment for his sake be called a reward.[21]
+
+    [21] The story of the gaoler's servant and his little daughter is
+    historical.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXII.
+
+                  The Valley of the Shadow of Death.
+
+  "And shall I fear the coward fear of standing all alone
+  To testify of Zion's King and the glory of his throne?
+  My Father, O my Father, I am poor and frail and weak,
+  Let me not utter of my own, for idle words I speak;
+  But give me grace to wrestle now, and prompt my faltering tongue,
+  And name thy name upon my soul, and so shall I be strong."
+
+                                          MRS. STUART MENTEITH.
+
+
+Many a weary hour did Carlos shorten by chanting the psalms and hymns
+of the church in low voice for himself. At first he sang them loudly
+enough for his fellow-prisoners to hear; but the commands of Benevidio,
+which were accompanied even by threats of personal violence, soon made
+him forbear. Not a few kindly deeds and words of comfort came to him
+through the ministrations of the poor servant Maria Gonsalez, aided by
+the gaoler's little daughter. On the whole, he was growing accustomed
+to his prison life. It seemed as though it would last for ever; as
+though every other kind of life lay far away from him in the dim
+distance. There were slow and weary hours, more than he could count;
+there were bitter hours--of passionate regret, of dark foreboding,
+of unutterable fear. But there were also quiet hours, burdened by no
+special pain or sorrow; there were sometimes even happy hours, when
+Christ seemed very near, and his consolations were not small with his
+prisoner.
+
+It was one of the quiet hours, when thoughts of the past, not full of
+the anguish of vain yearning, as they often were, but calm and even
+pleasant, were occupying his mind. He had been singing the Te Deum
+for himself; and thinking how sweetly the village choristers used to
+chant it at Nuera; not in the time of Father Tomas, but in that of his
+predecessor, a gentle old man with a special taste for music, whom he
+and his brother, then little children, loved, but used to tease. He was
+so deeply engaged in feeling over again his poignant distress upon one
+particular occasion when Juan had offended the aged priest, that all
+his present sorrows were forgotten for the moment, when he heard the
+large key grate harshly in the strong outer door of his cell.
+
+Benevidio entered, bearing some articles of dress, which he ordered the
+prisoner to put on immediately.
+
+Carlos obeyed in silence, though not without surprise, perhaps even
+a passing feeling of indignation. For the very form and fashion of
+the garments he was thus obliged to assume (a kind of jacket without
+sleeves, and long loose trowsers), meant to the Castilian noble keen
+insult and degradation.
+
+"Take off your shoes," said the alcayde. "Prisoners always come before
+their reverences with uncovered head and feet. Now follow me."
+
+It was, then, the summons to stand before his judges. A thrilling dread
+took possession of his soul. Heedless of the alcayde's presence, he
+threw himself for one brief moment on his knees. Then, though his cheek
+was pale, he could speak calmly. "I am ready," he said.
+
+He followed his conductor through several long and gloomy corridors. At
+length he ventured to ask, "Whither are you leading me?"
+
+"_Chiton!_" said Benevidio, placing his finger on his lips. Speech was
+not permitted there.
+
+At last they drew near an open door. The alcayde quickened his pace,
+entered first, made a very low reverence, then drew back again, and
+motioned Carlos to go forward alone.
+
+He did so; and found himself in the presence of his judges--the Board,
+or "Table of the Inquisition." He bowed, though rather from the habit
+of courtesy, than from any special respect to the tribunal, and stood
+silent.
+
+Before any one addressed him, he had ample leisure for observation. The
+room was large, lofty, and surrounded by pillars, between which there
+were handsome hangings of gilt leather. At one end, the furthest from
+him, stood a great crucifix, larger than life. Around the long table
+on the estrada six or seven persons were seated. Of these, one alone
+was covered, he who sat nearest the door by which Carlos had entered,
+and facing the crucifix. He knew that this was Gonzales de Munebrãga,
+and the thought that he had once pleaded earnestly for that man's life,
+helped to give him boldness in his presence.
+
+At Munebrãga's right hand sat a stern and stately man, whom Carlos,
+though he had never seen him before, knew, from his dress and the
+position he occupied, to be the prior of the Dominican convent
+adjoining the Triana. One or two of the subordinate members of the
+Board he had met occasionally in other days, and he had then considered
+them very far his own inferiors, both in education and in social
+position.
+
+At length Munebrãga, half turning, motioned him to approach the table.
+He did so, and a person who sat at the opposite end, and appeared
+by his dress to be a notary, made him lay his hand on a missal, and
+administered an oath to him.
+
+It bound him to speak the truth, and to keep everything secret which he
+might see or hear; and he took it without hesitation. A bench at the
+Inquisitor's left hand was then pointed out to him, and he was desired
+to be seated.
+
+A member of the Board, who bore the title of the Promoter-fiscal,
+conducted the examination. After some merely formal questions, he
+asked him whether he knew the cause of his present imprisonment? Carlos
+answered immediately, "I do."
+
+This was not the course usually taken by prisoners of the Holy
+Office. They commonly denied all knowledge of any offence that could
+have induced "their reverences" to order their arrest. With a slight
+elevation of the eyebrows, perhaps expressive of surprise, his examiner
+continued, gently enough, "Are you then aware of having erred from the
+faith, and by word or deed offended your own soul, and the consciences
+of good Christians? Speak boldly, my son; for to those who acknowledge
+their faults the Holy Office is full of tenderness and mercy."
+
+"I have not erred, consciously, from the true faith, since I knew it."
+
+Here the Dominican prior interposed. "You can ask for an advocate,"
+he said; "and as you are under twenty-five years of age, you can also
+claim the assistance of a curator.[22] Furthermore, you can request a
+copy of the deposition against you, in order to prepare your defence."
+
+    [22] Guardian.
+
+"Always supposing," said Munebrãga himself, "that he formally denies
+the crime laid to his charge.--Do you?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.
+
+"We understand you so to do," said the prior, looking earnestly at
+Carlos. "You plead not guilty?"
+
+Carlos rose from his seat, and advanced a step or two nearer to the
+table where sat the men who held his life in their hands. Addressing
+himself chiefly to the prior, he said, "I know that by taking the
+course your reverence recommends to me, as I believe out of kindness,
+I may defer my fate for a little while. I may beat the air, fighting
+in the dark with witnesses whom you would refuse to name to me, still
+more to confront with me. Or, I may make you wring out the truth from
+me slowly, drop by drop. But what would that avail me? Neither for
+the truth, nor yet for any falsehood I might be base enough to utter,
+would you loose your hand from your prey. I prefer that straight road
+which is ever the shortest way. I stand before your reverences this
+day a professed Lutheran, despairing of mercy from man, but full of
+confidence in the mercy of God."
+
+A movement of surprise ran around the Board at these daring words. The
+prior turned away from the prisoner with a pained, disconcerted look;
+but only to meet a half-triumphant, half-reproachful glance from his
+superior, Munebrãga. But Munebrãga was not displeased; far from it.
+It did not grieve him that the prisoner, a mere youth, "was throwing
+himself into the fire." That was his own concern. He was saving "their
+reverences" a great deal of trouble. Thanks to his hardihood, his
+folly, or his despair, a good piece of work was quickly and easily
+accomplished. For it was the business of the Inquisitors first to
+convict; retractations were an after consideration.
+
+"Thou art a bold heretic, and fit for the fire," he said. "We know how
+to deal with such." And he placed his hand on the bell that was to
+signal the termination of the interview.
+
+But the prior, recovering from his astonishment, once more interposed.
+"My lord and your reverence, be pleased to allow me a few minutes, in
+which I may set plainly before the prisoner both the wonted mercy and
+lenity of the Holy Office to the repentant, and the fatal consequences
+of obstinacy."
+
+Munebrãga acquiesced by a nod, then leant back carelessly in his seat;
+this was not a part of the proceedings in which he felt much interest.
+
+No one could doubt the sincerity with which the prior warned Carlos of
+the doom that awaited the impenitent heretic. The horrors of the death
+of fire, the deeper, darker horror of the fire that never dies, these
+were the theme of his discourse. If not actually eloquent, it had at
+least the earnestness of intense conviction. "But to the penitent," he
+added, and the hard face softened a little, "God is ever merciful, and
+his Church is merciful too."
+
+Carlos listened in silence, his eyes bent on the ground. But when the
+Dominican concluded, he looked up again, glanced first at the great
+crucifix, then fixed his eyes steadily on the prior's face. "I cannot
+deny my Lord," he said. "I am in your hands, and you can do with me as
+you will. But God is mightier than you."
+
+"Enough!" said Munebrãga, and he rang the hand-bell. After a very short
+delay, the alcayde reappeared, and led Carlos back to his cell.
+
+As soon as he was gone, Munebrãga turned to the prior. "My lord," he
+said, "your wonted penetration is at fault for once. Is this the youth
+whom you assured us a few months of solitary confinement would render
+pliant as a reed and plastic as wax? Whereas we find him as bold a
+heretic as Losada, or D'Arellano, or that imp of darkness, little
+Juliano."
+
+"Nay, my lord, I do not despair of him. Far from it. He is much less
+firm than he seems. Give him time, with a due mixture of kindness and
+severity, and, I trust in our Lord and St. Dominic, we will see him a
+hopeful penitent."
+
+"I am of your mind, reverend father," said the Promoter-fiscal. "It is
+probable he confessed only to avoid the Question. Many of them fear it
+more than death."
+
+"You are right," answered Munebrãga quickly.
+
+The notary looked up from his papers. "Please your lordships," he said,
+"I think it is the _sangre azul_ that makes him so bold. He is Alvarez
+de Meñaya."
+
+"Keep to thy quires and thine ink-horn, man of law," interposed
+Munebrãga angrily. "Thy part is to write down what wiser men say, not
+to prate thyself." It was well known that the Inquisitor, far from
+boasting the _sangre azul_ himself, had not even what the Spaniards
+call "good red blood" flowing in his veins; hence his irritation at the
+notary's speech.
+
+There is often a great apparent similarity in the effects of quite
+opposite causes. That which results from a degree of weakness of
+character may sometimes wear the aspect of transcendent courage. A
+bolder man than Don Carlos Alvarez might, in his circumstances, have
+made a struggle for life. He might have fought over every point as it
+arose; have availed himself of every loophole for escape; have thrown
+upon his persecutors the onus of proving his crime. But such a course
+would not have been possible to Carlos. As a running leap is far more
+easy than a standing one, so to sensitive temperaments it is easier to
+rush forward to meet pain or danger than to stand still and fight it
+off, knowing all the time that it must come at last.
+
+He would have been astonished had he guessed the impression made upon
+his examiners. To himself it seemed that he had confessed his Lord in
+much weakness. Still, he had confessed him. And shut out as he was from
+all ordinary "means of grace," the act of confession became a kind of
+sacrament to him. It was a token and an evidence of Christ's presence
+with him, and Christ's power working in him. He could say now, "In the
+day that I called upon thee thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
+with strength in my soul." And from that hour he seemed to live in
+greater nearness to Christ, and more intimate communion with him, than
+he had ever done before.
+
+It was well that he had strong consolation, for his need was great.
+Two other examinations followed after a short interval; and in both of
+these Munebrãga took a far more active part than he had done in the
+first. The Inquisitors were at that time extremely anxious to procure
+evidence upon which to condemn Fray Constantino, who up to this point
+had steadily resisted every effort they had made to induce him to
+criminate himself. They thought it probable that Don Carlos Alvarez
+could assist them if he would, especially since there had been found
+amongst his papers a highly laudatory letter of recommendation from the
+late Canon Magistral.
+
+Still, his assistance was needed even more in other matters. It is
+scarcely necessary to say that Munebrãga, who forgot nothing, had not
+forgotten the mysterious appointment made with him, but never kept, by
+a cousin of the prisoner's, who was now stated to be hopelessly insane.
+What did that mean? Was the story true; or were the family keeping back
+evidence which might compromise one or more of its remaining members?
+
+But Carlos was expected to resolve a yet graver question; or, at least,
+one that touched him more nearly. His own arrest had been decreed in
+consequence of two depositions against him. First, a member of Losada's
+congregation had named him as one of the habitual attendants; then a
+monk of San Isodro had fatally compromised him under the torture. The
+monk's testimony was clear and explicit, and was afterwards confirmed
+by others. But the first witness had deposed that _two_ gentlemen of
+the name of Meñaya had been wont to attend the conventicle. Who was the
+second? Hitherto this problem had baffled the Inquisitors. Don Manuel
+Alvarez and his sons were noted for orthodoxy; and the only other
+Meñaya known to them was the prisoner's brother. But in his favour
+there was every presumption, both from his character as a gallant
+officer in the army of the most Catholic king, and from the fact of his
+voluntary return to Seville; where, instead of shunning, he seemed to
+court observation, by throwing himself continually in the Inquisitor's
+way, and soliciting audience of him.
+
+Still, of course, his guilt was possible. But, in the absence of
+anything suspicious in his conduct, some clearer evidence than the
+vague deposition alluded to was absolutely necessary, in order to
+warrant proceedings against him. According to the inquisitorial laws,
+what they styled "full half proof" of a crime must be obtained before
+ordering the arrest of the supposed criminal.
+
+And the key to all these perplexities had now to be wrung from the
+unwilling hands of Carlos. This needed "half proof" could, and must,
+be furnished by him. "He _must_ speak out," said those stern, pitiless
+men, who held him in their hands.
+
+But here he was stronger than they. Neither arts, persuasions, threats,
+nor promises, availed to unseal those pale, silent lips. Would torture
+do it? He was told plainly, that unless he would answer every question
+put to him freely and distinctly, he must undergo its worst horrors.
+
+His heart throbbed wildly, then grew sick and faint. A dread far keener
+than the dread of death prompted one short sharp struggle against the
+inevitable. He said, "It is against your own law to torture a confessed
+criminal for information concerning others. For the law presumes that
+a man loves himself better than his neighbour; and, therefore, that
+he who has informed against himself would more readily inform against
+other heretics if he knew them."
+
+He was right. His early studies had enabled him to quote correctly one
+of the rules laid down by the highest authority for the regulation of
+the inquisitorial proceedings. But what mattered rules and canons to
+the members of a secret and irresponsible tribunal?
+
+Munebrãga covered his momentary embarrassment with a sneer. "That rule
+was framed for delinquents of another sort," he said. "You Lutheran
+heretics have the command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,'
+so deeply rooted in your hearts, that the very flesh must needs be
+torn from your bones ere you will inform against your brethren.[23] I
+overrule your objection as frivolous."
+
+    [23] Words actually used by this monster.
+
+And then a sentence, more dreaded than the terrible death-sentence
+itself, received the formal sanction of the Board.
+
+Once more alone in his cell, Carlos flung himself on his knees, and
+pressing his burning brow against the cold damp stone, cried aloud in
+his anguish, "Let this cup--only this--pass from me!"
+
+His was just the nature to which the thought of physical suffering
+is most appalling. Keenly sensitive in mind and body, he shrank in
+unspeakable dread from what stronger characters might brave or defy.
+His vivid imagination intensified every pang he felt or feared. His
+mind was like a room hung round with mirrors, in which every terrible
+thing, reflected a hundred times, became a hundred terrors instead of
+one. What another would have endured once, he endured over and over
+again in agonized anticipation.
+
+At times the nervous horror grew absolutely insupportable. Fearfulness
+and trembling took hold upon him. He felt ready to pray that God in his
+great mercy would take away his life, and let the bearer of the dreaded
+summons find him beyond all their malice.
+
+One thought haunted him like a demon, whispering words of despair. It
+had begun to haunt him from the hour when poor Maria Gonsalez told him
+she had seen his brother. What if they dragged that loved name from his
+lips! What if, in his weakness, he became Juan's betrayer! Once it had
+been in his heart to betray him from selfish love; perhaps in judgment
+for that sin he was now to betray him through sharp bodily anguish.
+Even if his will were kept firm all through (which he scarcely dared to
+hope), would not reason give way, and wild words be wrung from his lips
+that would too surely ruin all?
+
+He tried to think of his Saviour's death and passion; tried to pray for
+strength and patience to drink of _his_ cup. Sometimes he prayed that
+prayer with strong crying and tears; sometimes with cold mute lips, too
+weary to cry any longer. If he was heard and answered, he knew it not
+then.
+
+Days of suspense wore on. They were only less dreary than the nights,
+when sleep fled from his eyes, and horrible visions (which yet he knew
+were less horrible than the truth) rose in quick succession before his
+mind.
+
+One evening, seated on his bench in the twilight, he fell into an
+uneasy slumber. The dark dread that never left him, mingling with the
+sunny gleam of old memories, wove a vivid dream of Nuera, of that
+summer morning when the first great conflict of his life found an
+ending in the strong resolve, "Juan, brother! I will never wrong thee,
+so help me God!"
+
+The grating of the key in the door and the sudden flash of the lamp
+aroused him. He started to his feet at the alcayde's entrance. This
+time no change of dress was prescribed him. He knew his doom. He cried,
+but to no human ear. From the very depths of his being the prayer
+arose, "Father, save--sustain me; _I am thine_!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIII.
+
+                          On the Other Side.
+
+  "Happy are they who learn at last,--
+    Though silent suffering teach
+  The secret of enduring strength,
+    And praise too deep for speech,--
+  Peace that no pressure from without,
+    No storm within can reach.
+
+  "There is no death for me to fear,
+    For Christ my Lord hath died:
+  There is no curse in all my pain,
+    For he was crucified;
+  And it is fellowship with him
+    That keeps me near his side."
+
+                              A.L. WARING.
+
+
+When the light of the next morning streamed in through the narrow
+grating of his cell, Carlos was there once more, lying on his bed of
+rushes. But was it indeed the next morning, or was it ten years, twenty
+years afterwards? Without a painful effort of thought and memory, he
+himself could scarcely have told. That last night was like a great
+gulf, fixed between his present and all his past. The moment when he
+entered that torch-lit subterranean room seemed a sharp, black dividing
+line, sundering his life into two halves. And the latter half seemed
+longer than that which had gone before.
+
+Nor could years of suffering have left a sadder impress on the young
+face, out of which the look of youth had passed, apparently for ever.
+Brow and lips were pale; but two crimson spots, still telling of
+feverish pain, burned on the hollow cheeks, while the large lustrous
+eyes beamed with even unnatural brilliance.
+
+The poor woman, who was doing the work of God's bright angels in
+that dismal prison, came softly in. How she obtained entrance there
+Carlos did not know, and was far too weak to ask, or even to wonder.
+But probably she was sent by Benevidio, who knew that, in his present
+condition, some human help was indispensable to the prisoner.
+
+Maria Gonsalez was too well accustomed to scenes of horror to be
+over-much surprised or shocked by what she saw. Silently, though with a
+heart full of compassion, she rendered the few little services in her
+power. She placed the broken frame in as easy a position as she could,
+and once and again she raised to the parched lips the "cup of cold
+water" so eagerly desired.
+
+He roused himself to murmur a word of thanks; then, as she prepared to
+leave him, his eyes followed her wistfully.
+
+"Can I do anything more for you, señor?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, mother. Tell me--have you spoken to my brother?"
+
+"Ay de mi! no, señor," said the poor woman, whose ability was not equal
+to her goodwill. "I have tried, God wot; but I could not get from my
+master the name of the place where he lives without making him suspect
+something, and never since have I had the good fortune to see his face."
+
+"I know you have done--what you could. My message does not matter now.
+Not so much. Still, best he should go. Tell him so, when you find him.
+But, remember, tell him nought of this. You promise, mother? He must
+never know it--_never_!"
+
+She spoke a few words of pity and condolence.
+
+"It _was_ horrible!" he faltered, in faint, broken tones. "Worst of
+all--the return to life. For I thought all was over, and that I should
+awake face to face with Christ. But--I cannot speak of it."
+
+There was a long silence; then his eye kindled, and a look of joy--ay,
+even of triumph--flashed across the wasted, suffering face. "But _I
+have overcome_! No; not I. Christ has overcome in me, the weakest of
+his members. Now I am beyond it--on the other side."
+
+To the poor tortured captive there had been given a foretaste, strange
+and sweet, of what they feel who stand on the sea of glass, having
+the harps of God in their hands. Men had done their worst--their very
+worst. He knew now all "the dread mystery of pain;" all that flesh
+could accomplish in its fiercest conflict with spirit. Yet not one word
+that could injure any one he loved had been wrung from his lips.
+
+_All_ was over now. In that there was mercy--far more mercy than was
+shown to others. He had been permitted to drain the cup at a single
+draught. _Now_ he could feel grateful to the physicians, who with truly
+kind cruelty (and not without some risk to themselves) had prevented,
+in his case, that fiendish device, "the suspension of the torture."
+Even according to the execrable laws of the Inquisition, he had won his
+right to die in peace.
+
+As time passed on, a blessed sense that he was now out of the hands of
+man, and in those of God alone, sank like balm upon his weary spirit.
+Fear was gone; grief had passed away; even memory had almost ceased to
+give him a pang. For how could he long for the loved faces of former
+days, when day and night Christ himself was near him? So strangely
+near, so intimately present, that he sometimes thought that if, through
+some wonderful relenting of his persecutors, Juan were permitted to
+come and stand beside him, that loved brother would still seem further
+away, less real, than the unseen Friend who was keeping watch by his
+couch. And even the bodily pain, that so seldom left him, was not hard
+to hear, for it was only the touch of His finger.
+
+He had passed into the clear air upon the mountain top, where the sun
+shines ever, and the storm winds cannot come. Nothing hurt him; nothing
+disturbed him now. He had visitors; for what had really placed him
+beyond the reach of his enemies was, not unnaturally, supposed by them
+to have brought him into a fitting state to receive their exhortations.
+So Inquisitors, monks, and friars--"persons of good learning and honest
+repute"--came in due course to his lonely cell, armed with persuasions
+and arguments, which were always weighted with threats and promises.
+
+Their voices seemed to reach him faintly, from a great distance. Into
+"the secret place of the Lord," where he dwelt now, they could not
+enter. Threats and promises fell powerless on his ear. What more could
+they do to him? As far as the mere facts of the case were concerned,
+this security may have been misplaced--nay, it _was_ misplaced; but it
+saved him from much suffering. And as for promises, had they thrown
+open the door of his dungeon and bid him go forth free, only that one
+intense longing to see his brother's face would have nerved him to make
+the effort.
+
+Arguments he was glad to answer when permitted. It was a joy to speak
+for his Lord, who had done, and was doing, such great things for him.
+As far as he could, he made use of those Scripture words with which his
+memory was so richly stored. But more than once it happened that he
+was forced to take up the weapons which he had learned in the schools
+to use so skilfully. He tore sophisms to pieces with the dexterity of
+one who knew how they were constructed, and astonished the students of
+Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas by vanquishing them on their own ground.
+
+Reproach and insult he met with a fearless meekness that nothing could
+ruffle. Why should he feel anger? Rather did he pity those who stood
+without in the darkness, not seeing the Face he saw, not hearing the
+Voice he heard. Usually, however, those who visited him yielded to the
+spell of his own sweet and perfect courtesy, and were kinder than they
+intended to be to the "professed impenitent heretic."
+
+His heart, now "at leisure from itself," was filled with sympathy for
+his imprisoned brethren and sisters. But, except to Maria Gonsalez,
+he dared not speak of them, lest the simplest remark or question
+might give rise to some new suspicion, or supply some link, hitherto
+missing, in the chain of evidence against them. But those who came
+to visit him sometimes gave him unasked intelligence about them. He
+could not, however, rely upon the truth of what reached him in this
+way. He was told that Losada had retracted; he did not believe it.
+Equally did he disbelieve a similar story of Don Juan Ponce de Leon,
+in which, unhappily, there was some truth. The constancy of that
+gentle, generous-hearted nobleman had yielded under torture and cruel
+imprisonment, and concessions had been wrung from him that dimmed the
+brightness of his martyr crown. On the other hand, the waverer, Garçias
+Arias, known as the "White Doctor," had come forward with a hardihood
+truly marvellous, and not only confessed his own faith, but mocked and
+defied the Inquisitors.
+
+Of Fray Constantino, the most contradictory stories were told him.
+At one time he was assured that the great preacher had not only
+admitted his own guilt, but also, on the rack, had informed against
+his brethren. Again he was told, and this time with truth, that the
+Emperor's former chaplain and favourite had been spared the horrors of
+the Question, but that the eagerly desired evidence against him had
+been obtained by accident. A lady of rank, one of his chief friends,
+was amongst the prisoners; and the Inquisitors sent an Alguazil
+to her house to demand possession of her jewels. Her son, without
+waiting to ascertain the precise object of the officer's visit,
+surrendered to him in a panic some books which Fray Constantino had
+given his mother to conceal. Amongst them was a volume in his own
+handwriting, containing the most explicit avowal of the principles of
+the Reformation. On this being shown to the prisoner, he struggled no
+longer. "You have there a full and candid confession of my belief,"
+he said. And he was now in one of the dark and loathsome subterranean
+cells of the Triana.
+
+Amongst those who most frequently visited Carlos was the prior of the
+Dominican convent. This man seemed to take a peculiar interest in the
+young heretic's fate. He was a good specimen of a character oftener
+talked about than met with in real life,--the genuine fanatic. When he
+threatened Carlos, as he spared not to do, with the fire that is never
+quenched, at least he believed with all his heart that he was in danger
+of it. Carlos soon perceived this, and accepting his honest intention
+to benefit him, came to regard him with a kind of friendliness.
+Besides, the prior listened to what he said with more attention than
+did most of the others, and even in the prison of the Inquisition a man
+likes to be listened to, especially when his opportunities of speaking
+are few and brief.
+
+Many weeks passed by, and still Carlos lay on his mat, in weakness and
+suffering of body, though in calm gladness of spirit. Surgical and
+medical aid had been afforded him in due course. And it was not the
+fault of either surgeon or physician that he did not recover. They
+could stanch wounds and set dislocated joints, but when the springs of
+life were sapped, how could they renew them? How could they quicken the
+feeble pulse, or send back life and energy into the broken, exhausted
+frame? At this time Carlos himself felt certain--even more certain than
+did his physician--that never again would his footsteps pass the limits
+of that narrow cell.
+
+Once, indeed, there came to him a brief and fleeting pang of regret.
+It was in the spring-time; everywhere else so bright and fair,
+but making little change in those gloomy cells. Maria Gonsalez now
+sometimes obtained access to him, partly through Benevidio's increased
+inattention to all his duties, partly because, any attempt at escape
+on the part of the captive being obviously out of the question, he was
+somewhat less jealously watched. And more than once the gaoler's little
+daughter stole in timidly beside her nurse, bearing some trifling gift
+for the sick prisoner. To Carlos these visits came like sunbeams; and
+in a very short time he succeeded in establishing quite an intimate
+friendship with the child.
+
+One morning she entered his cell with Maria, carrying a basket, from
+which she produced, with shy pleasure, a few golden oranges. "Look,
+señor," she said, "they are good to eat now, for the blossoms are
+out.[24] I gathered some to show you;" and filling both her hands with
+the luscious wealth of the orange flowers, she flung them carelessly
+down on the mat beside him. In her eyes they were of no value compared
+with the fruit.
+
+    [24] The people of Seville do not think the oranges fit to eat
+    until the new blossoms come out in spring.
+
+With Carlos it was far otherwise. The rich perfume that filled the cell
+filled his heart also with sweet sad dreams, which lasted long after
+his kindly visitors had left him. The orange-trees had just been in
+flower last spring when all God's free earth and sky were shut out from
+his sight for ever. Only a year ago! What a long, long year it seemed!
+And only one year further back he was walking in the orange gardens
+with Doña Beatriz, in all the delicious intoxication of his first and
+last dream of youthful love. "Better here than there, better now than
+then," he murmured, though the tears gathered in his eyes. "But oh, for
+one hour of the old free life, one look at orange-trees in flower, or
+blue skies, or the grassy slopes and cork-trees of Nuera! Or"--and more
+painfully intense the yearning grew--"one familiar face, belonging to
+the past, to show me it was not all a dream, as I am sometimes tempted
+to think it. Thine, Ruy, if it might be--O Ruy, Ruy!--But, thank God, I
+have not betrayed thee!"
+
+In the afternoon of that day visitors were announced. Carlos was not
+surprised to see the stern narrow face and white hair of the Dominican
+prior. But he was a little surprised to observe that the person who
+followed him wore the gray cowl of St. Francis. The prior merely
+bestowed the customary salutation upon him, and then, stepping aside,
+allowed his companion to approach.
+
+But as soon as Carlos saw his face, he raised himself eagerly, and
+stretching out both his hands, grasped those of the Franciscan. "Dear
+Fray Sebastian!" he cried; "my good, kind tutor!"
+
+"My lord the prior has been graciously pleased to allow me to visit
+your Excellency."
+
+"It is truly kind of you, my lord. I thank you heartily," said Carlos,
+frankly and promptly turning towards the Dominican, who looked at him
+with somewhat the air of one who is trying to be stern with a child.
+
+"I have ventured to allow you this indulgence," he said, "in the hope
+that the counsels of one whom you hold in honour may lead you to
+repentance."
+
+Carlos turned once more to Fray Sebastian, whose hand he still held.
+"It is a great joy to see you," he said. "Only to-day I had been
+longing for a familiar face. And you are changed never a whit since you
+used to teach me my humanities. How have you come hither? Where have
+you been all these years?"
+
+Poor Fray Sebastian vainly tried to frame an answer to these simple
+questions. He had come to that prison straight from Munebrãga's
+splendid patio, where, amidst the gleam of azulejos and of
+many-coloured marbles, the scent of rare exotics and the music of
+rippling fountains, he had partaken of a sumptuous mid-day repast.
+In this dark foul dungeon there was nothing to please the senses, not
+even God's free air and light. Everything on which his eye rested was
+coarse, painful, loathsome. By the prisoner's side lay the remains of
+a meal, in great contrast to his. And the sleeve, fallen back from the
+hand that held his own, showed deep scars on the wrist. He knew whence
+they were. Yet the face that was looking in his, with kindling eyes,
+and a smile on the parted lips, might have been the face of the boy
+Carlos, when he praised him for a successful task, only for the pain
+in it, and, far deeper than pain, a look of assured peace that boyhood
+could scarcely know.
+
+Repressing a choking sensation, he faltered, "Señor Don Carlos, it
+grieves me to the heart to see you here."
+
+"Do not grieve for me, dear Fray Sebastian, for I tell you truly, I
+have never known such happy hours as since I came here. At first,
+indeed, I suffered; there was storm and darkness. But then"--here for
+a moment his voice failed, and his flushed cheek and quivering lip
+betrayed the anguish a too hasty movement cost the broken frame. But,
+recovering himself quickly, he went on: "Then He arose and rebuked
+the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. That calm lasts
+still. And oftentimes this narrow room seems to me the house of God,
+the very gate of heaven. Moreover," he added, with a smile of strange
+brightness, "there is heaven itself beyond."
+
+"But, señor and your Excellency, consider the disgrace and sorrow
+of your noble family--that is, I mean"--here the speaker paused
+in perplexity, and met the keen eye of the prior, fixed somewhat
+scornfully, as he thought, upon him. He was quite conscious that the
+Dominican was thinking him incapable, and incompetent to the task
+he had so earnestly solicited. He had sedulously prepared himself
+for this important interview, had gone through it in imagination
+beforehand, laying up in his memory several convincing and most
+pertinent exhortations, which could not fail to benefit his old pupil.
+But these were of no avail now; in fact, they all vanished from his
+recollection. He had just begun something rather vague and incoherent
+about Holy Church, when the prior broke in.
+
+"Honoured brother," he said, addressing with scrupulous politeness
+the member of a rival fraternity, "the prisoner may be more willing
+to listen to your pious exhortations, and you may have more freedom
+in addressing him, if you are left for a brief space alone together.
+Therefore, though it is scarcely regular, I will visit a prisoner in a
+neighbouring apartment, and return hither for you in due time."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him, and he withdrew, saying as he did so, "It
+is not necessary for me to remind my reverend brother that conversation
+upon worldly matters is strictly forbidden in the Holy House."
+
+Whether the prior visited the other prisoner or no, it is not for
+us to inquire; but if he did, his visit was a short one; for it is
+certain that for some time he paced the gloomy corridor with troubled
+footsteps. He was thinking of a woman's face, a fair young face, to
+which that of Don Carlos Alvarez bore a startling likeness. "Too harsh,
+needlessly harsh," he murmured; "for, after all, _she_ was no heretic."
+But which of us is always in the right? Ave Maria Sanctissima, ora pro
+me! But if I can, I would fain make some reparation--to _him_. If ever
+there was a true and sincere penitent, he is one."
+
+After a little further delay, he summoned Fray Sebastian by a
+peremptory knock at the inner door, the outer one of course remaining
+open. The Franciscan came, his broad, good-humoured face bathed in
+tears, which he scarcely made an effort to conceal.
+
+The prior glanced at him for a moment, then signed to Herrera, who was
+waiting in the gallery, to come and make the door fast. They walked
+on together in silence, until at length Fray Sebastian said, in a
+trembling voice, "My lord, you are very powerful here; can _you_ do
+nothing for him?"
+
+"I _have_ done much. At my intercession he had nine months of solitude,
+in which to recollect himself and ponder his situation, ere he was
+called on to make answer at all. Judge my amazement when, instead of
+entering upon his defence, or calling witnesses to his character, he
+at once confessed all. Judge my greater amazement at his continued
+obstinacy since. When a man has broken a giant oak in two, he may feel
+some surprise at being battled by a sapling."
+
+"He will not relent," said Fray Sebastian, hardly restraining his sobs.
+"He will die."
+
+"I see one chance to save him," returned the prior; "but it is a
+hazardous experiment. The consent of the Supreme Council is necessary,
+as well as that of my Lord Vice-Inquisitor, and neither may be very
+easy to obtain."
+
+"To save his body or his soul?" Fray Sebastian asked anxiously.
+
+"Both, if it succeeds. But I can say no more," he added rather
+haughtily; "for my plan is bound up with a secret, of which few living
+men, save myself, are in possession."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIV.
+
+                       Fray Sebastian's Trouble.
+
+                          "Now, with fainting frame,
+  With soul just lingering on the flight begun,
+  To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one,
+  I bless thee. Peace be on thy noble head,
+  Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead!
+  I bid this prayer survive me, and retain
+  Its power again to bless thee, and again.
+  Thou hast been gathered into my dark fate
+  Too much; too long for my sake desolate
+  Hath been thine exiled youth; but now take back
+  From dying hands thy freedom."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+It was late in August. All day long the sky had been molten fire, and
+the earth brass. Every one had dozed away the sultry noontide hours
+in the coolest recesses of dwellings made to exclude heat, as ours
+to exclude cold. But when at last the sun sank in flame beneath the
+horizon, people began to creep out languidly to woo the refreshment of
+the evening breeze.
+
+The beautiful gardens of the Triana were still deserted, save by
+two persons. One of these, a young lad--we beg pardon, a young
+gentleman--of fifteen or sixteen, sat, or rather reclined, by the
+river-side, eating slices from an enormous melon, which he cut with a
+small silver-hilted dagger. A plumed cap, and a gay velvet jerkin lined
+with satin, had been thrown aside for coolness sake, and lay near him
+on the ground; so that his present dress consisted merely of a mass
+of the finest white holland, delicately starched and frilled, velvet
+hosen, long silk stockings, and fashionable square-toed shoes. Curls
+of scented hair were thrown back from a face beautiful as that of a
+girl, but bold and insolent in its expression as that of a spoiled and
+mischievous boy.
+
+The other person was seated in the arbour mentioned once before, with
+a book in his hand, of which, however, he did not in the course of
+an hour turn over a single leaf. A look of chronic discontent and
+dejection had replaced the good-humoured smiles of Fray Sebastian
+Gomez. Everything was wrong with the poor Franciscan now. Even the
+delicacies of his patron's table ceased to please him; and he, in his
+turn, was fast ceasing to please his patron. How could it be otherwise,
+when he had lost not only his happy art of indirect ingenious flattery,
+but his power to be commonly agreeable or amusing? No more poems--not
+so much as the briefest sonnet--on the suppression of heresy were to be
+had from him; and he was fast becoming incapable of turning a jest or
+telling a story.
+
+It is said that idiots often manifest peculiar pain and terror at the
+sound of music, because it awakens within them faint stirrings of that
+higher life from which God's mysterious dispensation has shut them out.
+And it is true that the first stirrings of higher life usually come
+to all of us with pain and terror. Moreover, if we do not crush them
+out, but cherish and foster them, they are very apt to take away the
+brightness and pleasantness of the old lower life altogether, and to
+make it seem worthless and distasteful.
+
+A new and higher life had begun for Fray Sebastian. It was not his
+conscience that was quickened, only his heart. Hitherto he had
+chiefly cared for himself. He was a good-natured man, in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term; yet no sympathy for others had ever spoiled
+his appetite or hindered his digestion. But for the past three months
+he had been feeling as he had not felt since he clung weeping to the
+mother who left him in the parlour of the Franciscan convent--a child
+of eight years old. The patient suffering face of the young prisoner in
+the Triana had laid upon him a spell that he could not break.
+
+To say that he would have done anything in his power to save Don
+Carlos, is to say little. Willingly would he have lived for a month
+on black bread and brackish water, if that could have even mitigated
+his fate. But the very intensity of his desire to help him was fast
+making him incapable of rendering him the smallest service. Munebrãga's
+flatterer and favourite might possibly, by dint of the utmost
+self-possession and the most adroit management, have accomplished some
+little good. But Fray Sebastian was now consciously forfeiting even the
+miserable fragment of power that had once been his. He thought himself
+like the salt that had lost its savour, and was fit neither for the
+land nor yet for the dunghill.
+
+Absorbed in his mournful reflections, he continued unconscious of the
+presence of such an important personage as Don Alonzo de Munebrãga, the
+Lord Vice-Inquisitor's favourite page. At length, however, he was made
+aware of the fact by a loud angry shout, "Off with you, varlets, scum
+of the people! How dare you put your accursed fishing-smack to shore in
+my lord's garden, and under his very eyes?"
+
+Fray Sebastian looked up, and saw no fishing-boat, but a decent
+covered barge, from which, in spite of the page's remonstrance, two
+persons were landing: an elderly female clad in deep mourning, and her
+attendant, apparently a tradesman's apprentice, or serving-man.
+
+Fray Sebastian knew well how many distracted petitioners daily sought
+access to Munebrãga, to plead (alas, how vainly!) for the lives of
+parents, husbands, sons, or daughters. This was doubtless one of them.
+He heard her plead, "For the love of Heaven, dear young gentleman,
+hinder me not. Have you a mother? My only son lies--"
+
+"Out upon thee, woman!" interrupted the page; "and the foul fiend take
+thee and thy only son together."
+
+"Hush, Don Alonzo!" Fray Sebastian interposed, coming forward towards
+the spot; and perhaps for the first time in his life there was
+something like dignity in his tone and manner. "You must be aware,
+señora," he said, turning to the woman, "that the right of using
+this landing-place is restricted to my lord's household. You will be
+admitted at the gate of the Triana, if you present yourself at a proper
+hour."
+
+"Alas! good father, once and again have I sought admission to my lord's
+presence. I am the unhappy mother of Luis D'Abrego, he who used to
+paint and illuminate the church missals so beautifully. More than a
+year agone they tore him from me, and carried him away to yonder tower,
+and since then, so help me the good God, never a word of him have I
+heard. Whether he is living or dead, this day I know not."
+
+"Oh, a Lutheran dog! Serve him right," cried the page. "I hope they
+have put him on the pulley."
+
+Fray Sebastian turned suddenly, and dealt the lad a stinging blow
+on the side of his face. To the latest hour of his life this act of
+passion remained incomprehensible to himself. He could only ascribe it
+to the direct agency of the evil one. "I was tempted by the Devil," he
+would say with a sigh, "Vade retro me, Satana."
+
+Crimson to the roots of his perfumed hair, the boy sought his dagger.
+"Vile caitiff! beggarly trencher-scraping Franciscan!" he cried, "you
+shall repent of this."
+
+But apparently changing his mind the next moment, he allowed the dagger
+to drop from his hand, and snatching up his jerkin, ran at full speed
+towards the house.
+
+Fray Sebastian crossed himself, and gazed after him bewildered; his
+unwonted passion dying as suddenly as it had flamed up, and giving
+place to fear.
+
+Meanwhile the mother of Abrego, to whom it did not occur that the
+buffet bestowed on the page could have any serious consequences,
+resumed her pleadings. "Your reverence seems to have a heart that can
+feel for the unhappy," she said. "For Heaven's sake refuse not the
+prayer of the most unhappy woman in the world. Only let me see his
+lordship--let me throw myself at his feet and tell him the whole truth.
+My poor lad had nothing at all to do with the Lutherans; he was a good,
+true Christian, and an old one, like all his family."
+
+"Nay, nay, my good woman; I fear I can do nothing to help you. And I
+entreat of you to leave this place, else some of my lord's household
+are sure to come and compel you. Ay, there they are."
+
+It was true enough. Don Alonzo, as he ran through the porch, shouted to
+the numerous idle attendants who were lounging about, and some of them
+immediately rushed out into the garden.
+
+In justice to Fray Sebastian, it must be recorded, that before he
+consulted for his personal safety, he led the poor woman back to the
+barge, and saw her depart in it. Then he made good his own retreat,
+going straight to the lodging of Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+He found Juan lying asleep on a settle. The day was hot; he had nothing
+to do; and, moreover, the fiery energy of his southern blood was dashed
+by the southern taint of occasional torpor. Starting up suddenly, and
+seeing Fray Sebastian standing before him with a look of terror, he
+asked in alarm, "Any tidings, Fray? Speak--tell me quickly."
+
+"None, Señor Don Juan. But I must leave this place at once." And the
+friar briefly narrated the scene that had just taken place, adding
+mournfully, "Ay de mi! I cannot tell what came over me--_me_, the
+mildest tempered man in all the Spains!"
+
+"And what of all that?" asked Juan rather contemptuously. "I see
+nothing to regret, save that you did not give the insolent lad what he
+deserved, a sound beating."
+
+"But, Señor Don Juan, you don't understand," gasped the poor friar. "I
+must fly immediately. If I stay here over to-night I shall find myself
+before the morning--_there_." And with a significant gesture he pointed
+to the grim fortress that loomed above them.
+
+"Nonsense. They cannot suspect a man of heresy, even _de levi_,[25] for
+boxing the ear of an impudent serving-lad."
+
+    [25] Lightly.
+
+"Ay, and can they not, your worship? Do you not know that the gardener
+of the Triana has lain for many a weary month in one of those dismal
+cells; and all for the grave offence of snatching a reed out of the
+hand of one of my lord's lackeys so roughly as to make it bleed?"[26]
+
+    [26] A fact.
+
+"Truly? Now are things come to a strange pass in our free and royal
+land of Spain! A beggarly upstart, such as this Munebrãga, who could
+not, to save himself from the rack, tell you the name of his own
+great-grandfather, drags the sons and brothers--ay, and God help us!
+the wives and daughter--of our knights and nobles to the dungeon and
+the stake before our eyes. And it is not enough for him to set his
+own heel on our necks. His minions--his very grooms and pages--must
+lord it over us, and woe to him who dares to chastise their insolence.
+Nathless, I would feel it a comfort to make every bone in that urchin's
+body ache soundly. I have a mind--but this is folly. I believe you are
+right, Fray. You should go."
+
+"Moreover," said the friar mournfully, "I am doing no good here."
+
+"No one can do good now," returned Juan, in a tone of deep dejection.
+"And to-day the last blow has fallen. The poor woman who showed him
+kindness, and sometimes told us how he fared, is herself a prisoner."
+
+"What! she has been discovered?"
+
+"Even so: and with those fiends mercy is the greatest of all crimes.
+The child met me to-day (whether by accident or design, I know not),
+and told me, weeping bitterly."
+
+"God help her!"
+
+"Some would gladly endure her punishment if they might commit her
+crime," said Don Juan. There was a pause; then he resumed, "I had been
+about to ask you to apply once more to the prior."
+
+Fray Sebastian shook his head. "That were of no use," he said; "for it
+is certain that my lord the Vice-Inquisitor and the prior have had a
+misunderstanding about the matter. And the prior, so far from obtaining
+permission to deal with him as he desired, is not even allowed to see
+him now."
+
+"And yourself?--whither do you mean to go?" asked Juan, rather abruptly.
+
+"In sooth, I know not, señor. I have had no time to think. But go I
+must."
+
+"I will tell you what to do. Go to Nuera. There for the present you
+will be safe. And if any man inquire your business, you have a fair and
+ready answer. _I_ send you to look after my affairs. Stay; I will write
+by you to Dolores. Poor, true-hearted Dolores!" Don Juan seemed to fall
+into a reverie, so long did he sit motionless, his face shaded by his
+hand.
+
+His mournful air, his unwonted listlessness, his attenuated frame--all
+struck Fray Sebastian painfully. After musing a while in silence, he
+said at last, very suddenly, "Señor Don Juan!"
+
+Juan looked up.
+
+"Have you ever thought since on the message _he_ sent you by me?"
+
+Don Juan looked as though that question were worse than needless. Was
+not every word of his brother's message burned into his heart? This
+it was: "My Ruy, thou hast done all for me that the best of brothers
+could. Leave me now to God, unto whom I am going quickly, and in peace.
+Quit the country as soon as thou canst; and God's best blessings
+surround thy path and guard thee evermore."
+
+One fact Carlos had most earnestly entreated Fray Sebastian to withhold
+from his brother. Juan must never know that he had endured the horrors
+of the Question. The monk would have promised almost anything that
+could bring a glow of pleasure to that pale, patient face. And he had
+kept his promise, though at the expense of a few falsehoods, that did
+not greatly embarrass his conscience. He had conveyed the impression
+to Don Juan that it was merely from the effects of his long and cruel
+imprisonment that his brother was sinking into the only refuge that
+remained to him--a quiet grave.
+
+After a pause, he resumed, looking earnestly at Juan--"_He_ wished you
+to go."
+
+"Do you not know that next month they say there will be--_an Auto_?"
+
+"Yes; but it is not likely--"
+
+They gazed at each other in silence, neither saying _what_ was not
+likely.
+
+"Any horror is _possible_," said Juan at last. "But no more of this.
+Until after the Auto, with its chances of _some_ termination to this
+dreadful suspense, I stir not from Seville. Now, we must think for you.
+I know where to find a boat, the owner of which will take you some
+miles on your way up the river to-night. Then you can hire a horse."
+
+Fray Sebastian groaned. Neither the journey itself, its cause, nor its
+manner were anything but disagreeable to the poor friar. But there was
+no help for him. Juan gave him some further directions about his way;
+then set food and wine before him.
+
+"Eat and drink," he said. "Meanwhile I will secure the boat. When I
+return, I can write to Dolores."
+
+All was done as he planned; and ere the morning broke, Fray Sebastian
+was far on his way to Nuera, with the letter to Dolores stitched into
+the lining of his doublet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXV.
+
+                         The Eve of the Auto.
+
+  "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth
+  He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon
+     him.
+  He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope."
+
+                                       LAMENTATIONS iii, 27-29.
+
+
+On the 21st of September 1559, all Seville wore a festive appearance.
+The shops were closed, and the streets were filled with idle loiterers
+in their gay holiday apparel. For it was the eve of the great
+Auto, and the preliminary ceremonies were going forward amidst the
+admiration of gazing thousands. Two stately scaffolds, in the form of
+an amphitheatre, had been erected in the great square of the city,
+then called the Square of St. Francis; and thither, when the work was
+completed, flags and crosses were borne in solemn procession, with
+music and singing.
+
+But a still more significant ceremonial was enacted in another place.
+Outside the walls, on the Prado San Sebastian, stood the ghastly
+Quemadero--the great altar upon which, for generations, men had offered
+human sacrifices to the God of peace and love. Thither came long files
+of barefooted friars, carrying bushes and faggots, which they laid in
+order on the place of death, while, in sweet yet solemn tones, they
+chanted the "Miserere" and "De Profundis."
+
+Very close together on those festive days were "strong light and deep
+shadow." But our way leads us, for the present, into the light. Turning
+away from the Square of St. Francis, and the Prado San Sebastian, we
+enter a cool upper room in the stately mansion of Don Garçia Ramirez.
+There, in the midst of gold and gems, and of silk and lace, Doña Inez
+is standing, busily engaged in the task of selecting the fairest
+treasures of her wardrobe to grace the grand festival of the following
+day. Doña Beatriz de Lavella, and the young waiting-woman who had been
+employed in the vain though generous effort to save Don Carlos, are
+both aiding her in the choice.
+
+"Please your ladyship," said the girl, "I should recommend rose colour
+for the basquina. Then, with those beautiful pearls, my lord's late
+gift, my lady will be as fine as a duchess; of whom, I hear, many will
+be there.--But what will Señora Doña Beatriz please to wear?"
+
+"I do not intend to go, Juanita," said Doña Beatriz, with a little
+embarrassment.
+
+"Not intend to go!" cried the girl, crossing herself in surprise. "Not
+go to see the grandest sight there has been in Seville for many a year!
+Worth a hundred bull-feasts! Ay de mi! what a pity!"
+
+"Juanita," interposed her mistress, "I think I hear the señorita's
+voice in the garden. It is far too hot for her to be out of doors.
+Oblige me by bringing her in at once."
+
+As soon as the attendant was gone, Doña Inez turned to her cousin. "It
+is really most unreasonable of Don Juan," she said, "to keep you shut
+up here, whilst all Seville is making holiday."
+
+"I am glad--I have no heart to go forth," said Doña Beatriz, with a
+quivering lip.
+
+"Nor have I too much, for that matter. My poor brother is so weak
+and ill to-day, it grieves me to the heart. Moreover, he is still so
+thoughtless about his poor soul. That is the worst of all. I never
+cease praying Our Lady to bring him to a better mind. If he would only
+consent to see a priest; but he was ever obstinate. And if I urge the
+point too strongly, he will think I suppose him dying."
+
+"I thought his health had improved since you had him brought over here."
+
+"Certainly he is happier here than he was in his father's house. But
+of late he seems to me to be sinking, and that quickly. And now, the
+Auto--"
+
+"What of that?" asked Doña Beatriz, with a quick look, half suspicious
+and half frightened.
+
+Doña Inez closed the door carefully, and drew nearer to her cousin.
+"They say _she_ will be amongst the relaxed,"[27] she whispered.
+
+    [27] Those delivered over to the secular arm--that is, to death.
+
+"Does he know it?" asked Beatriz.
+
+"I fear he suspects something; and what to tell him, or not to tell
+him, I know not--Our Lady help me! Ay de mi! 'Tis a horrible business
+from beginning to end. And the last thing--the arrest of the sister,
+Doña Juana! A duke's daughter--a noble's bridge. But--best be silent.
+
+  'Con el re e la Inquisicion,
+   Chiton! Chiton!'"[28]
+
+    [28]
+
+    "With the King or the Inquisition,
+     Hush! Hush!"
+
+    _A Spanish Proverb._
+
+Thus, only in a few hurried words, spoken with 'bated breath, did Doña
+Inez venture to allude to the darkest and saddest of the horrible
+tragedies in that time of horrors. Nor shall we do more.
+
+"Still, you know, amiga mia," she continued, "one must do like one's
+neighbours. It would be so ridiculous to look gloomy on a festival day.
+Besides, every one would talk."
+
+"That is why I say I am glad Don Juan made it his prayer to me that I
+would not go. For not to look sorrowful, when thy father, Don Manuel,
+and my aunt, Doña Katarina, are both doing their utmost to drive me out
+of my senses, would be past my power."
+
+"Have they been urging the suit of Señor Luis upon thee again? My poor
+Beatriz, I am truly sorrow for thee," said Doña Inez, with genuine
+sympathy.
+
+"Urging it again!" Beatriz repeated with flashing eyes. "Nay; but they
+have never ceased to urge it. And they spare not to say such wicked,
+cruel words. They tell me Don Juan is dishonoured by his brother's
+crime. Dishonoured, forsooth! Think of dishonour touching him! After
+the day of St. Quentin, the Duke of Savoy was not of that mind, nor our
+Catholic King himself. And they have the audacity to say that I can
+easily get absolved of my troth to him. Absolved of a solemn promise
+made in the sight of God and of Our Lady, and all the holy Saints! If
+_that_ be not heresy, as bad as--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Doña Inez. "These are dangerous subjects. Moreover,
+I hear some one knocking at the door."
+
+It proved to be a page bearing a message.
+
+"If it please Doña Beatriz de Lavella, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos
+y Meñaya kisses the señora's feet, and most humbly desires the favour
+of an audience."
+
+"I go," said Beatriz.
+
+"Request Señor Don Juan to have the goodness to untire himself a
+little, and bring his Excellency fruit and wine," added Doña Inez. "My
+cousin," she said, turning to Beatriz as soon as the page left the
+room, "do you not know your cheeks are all aflame? Don Juan will think
+we have quarrelled. Rest you here a minute, and let me bathe them for
+you with this water of orange-flowers."
+
+Beatriz submitted, though reluctantly, to her cousin's good offices.
+While she performed them she whispered, "And be not so downcast, amiga
+mia. There is a remedy for most troubles. And as for yours, I see not
+why Don Juan himself should not save you out of them once for all." She
+added, in a whisper, two or three words that more than undid all the
+benefit which the cheeks of Beatriz might otherwise have derived from
+the application of the fragrant water.
+
+"No use," was the agitated reply. "Even were it possible, _they_ would
+not permit it."
+
+"You can come to visit me. Then trust me to manage the rest. The truth
+is, amiga mia," Doña Inez continued hurriedly, as she smoothed her
+cousin's dark glossy hair, "what between sickness, and quarrelling, and
+the Faith, and heresy, and prisons, there is so much trouble in the
+world that no one can help, it seems a pity not to help all one can. So
+you may tell Don Juan that if Doña Inez can do him a good turn she will
+not be found wanting. There, I despair of your cheeks. Yet I must allow
+that their crimson becomes you well. But you would rather hear that
+from Don Juan's lips than from mine. Go to him, my cousin." And with a
+parting kiss Beatriz was dismissed.
+
+But if she expected any flattery that day from the lips of Don Juan,
+she was disappointed. His heart was far too sorrowful. He had merely
+come to tell his betrothed what he intended to do on the morrow--that
+dreadful morrow! "I have secured a station," he said, "from whence
+I can watch the whole procession, as it issues from the gate of the
+Triana. If _he_ is there, I shall dare everything for a last look and
+word. And a desperate man is seldom baffled. If even his dust is there,
+I shall stand beside it till all is over. If not--" Here he broke off,
+leaving his sentence unfinished, as if in that case it did not matter
+what he did.
+
+Just then Doña Inez entered. After customary salutations, she said, "I
+have a request to make of you, my cousin, on the part of my brother,
+Don Gonsalvo. He desires to see you for a few moments."
+
+"Señora my cousin, I am very much at your service, and at his."
+
+Juan was accordingly conducted to the upper room where Gonsalvo lay.
+And at the special request of the sick man, they were left alone
+together.
+
+He stretched out a wasted hand to his cousin, who took it in silence,
+but with a look of compassion. For it needed only a glance at his face
+to show that death was there.
+
+"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.
+
+"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."
+
+"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask.
+Tell me the names of any of the--the _victims_ that have come to your
+knowledge."
+
+"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I
+succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst
+them."
+
+"Tell me--has rumour named in your hearing--Doña Maria de Xeres y
+Bohorques?"
+
+Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Doña Inez had but recently
+confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation,
+though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."
+
+Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great
+silence.
+
+Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth,
+he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."
+
+"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well--for
+her."
+
+"A brave word, bravely spoken."
+
+"Nigh upon eighteen months--long slow months of grief and pain. All
+ended now. To-morrow night she will see the glory of God."
+
+There was another long pause. At last Juan said,--
+
+"Perhaps, if you could, you would gladly share her fate?"
+
+Gonsalvo half raised himself, and a flush overspread the wan face that
+already wore the ashy hue of approaching death. "Share _that_ fate?" he
+cried, with an eagerness contrasting strangely with his former slow and
+measured utterance. "Change with _them_? Ask the beggar, who sits all
+day at the King's gate, waiting for his dole of crumbs, would he gladly
+change with the King's children, when he sees the golden gate flung
+open before them, and watches them pass in robed and crowned, to the
+presence-chamber of the King himself."
+
+"Your faith is greater than mine," said Juan in surprise.
+
+"In one way, yes," replied Gonsalvo, sinking back, and resuming his
+low, quiet tone. "For the beggar dares to hope that the King has looked
+with pity even on _him_."
+
+"You do well to hope in the mercy of God."
+
+"Cousin, do you know what my life has been?"
+
+"I think I do."
+
+"I am past disguise now. Standing on the brink of the grave, I dare
+speak the truth, though it be to my own shame. There was no evil, no
+sin--stay, I will sum up all in one word. _One_ pure, blameless life--a
+man's life, too--I have watched from day to day, from childhood to
+manhood. All that your brother Don Carlos was, I was not; all he was
+not, I was."
+
+"Yet you once thought that life incomplete, unmanly," said Juan,
+remembering the taunts that in past days had so often aroused his wrath.
+
+"I was a fool. It is just retribution that I--I who called him
+coward--should see him march in there triumphant, with the palm of
+victory in his hand. But let me end; for I think it is the last time
+I shall speak of myself in any human ear. I sowed to the flesh, and
+of the flesh I have reaped--_corruption_. It is an awful word, Don
+Juan. All the life in me turned to death; all the good in me (what God
+meant for good, such as force, fire, passion) turned to evil. What
+availed it me that I loved a star in heaven--a bright, lonely, distant
+star--while I was earthy, of the earth? Because I could not (and thank
+God for that!) pluck down my star from the sky and hold it in my hand,
+even that love became corruption too. I fulfilled my course, the
+earthly grew sensual, the sensual grew devilish. And then God smote me,
+though not then for the first time. The stroke of his hand was heavy.
+My heart was crushed, my frame left powerless." He paused for a while,
+then slowly resumed. "The stroke of his hand, your brother's words,
+your brother's book--by these he taught me. There is deliverance even
+from the bondage of corruption, through him who came to call not the
+righteous, but sinners. One day--and that soon--I, even I, shall kneel
+at his feet, and thank him for saving the lost. And then I shall see my
+star, shining far above me in his glorious heaven, and be content and
+glad."
+
+"God has been very gracious to you, my cousin," said Juan in a tone
+of emotion. "And what he has cleansed I dare not call common. Were my
+brother here to-day, I think he would stretch out to you the right
+hand, not of forgiveness, but of fellowship. I have told you how he
+longed for your soul."
+
+"God can fulfil more desires of his than that, Don Juan, and I doubt
+not he will. What know we of his dealings? we who all these dreary
+months have been mourning for and pitying his prisoners, to-morrow to
+be his crowned and sainted martyrs? It were a small thing with him
+to flood the dungeon's gloom with light, and give--even here, even
+now--all their hearts long for to those who suffer for him."
+
+Juan was silent. Truly the last was first, and the first last now.
+Gonsalvo had reached some truths which were still far beyond _his_ ken.
+He did not know how their seed had been sown in his heart by his own
+brother's hand. At length he answered, in a low and faltering voice,
+"There is much in what you say. Fray Sebastian told me--"
+
+"Ay," cried Gonsalvo eagerly, "what did Fray Sebastian tell you of
+_him_?"
+
+"That he found him in perfect peace, though ill and weak in body. It is
+my hope that God himself has delivered him ere now out of their cruel
+hands. And I ought to tell you that he spoke of all his relatives with
+affection, and made special inquiry after your health."
+
+Gonsalvo said quietly, "It is likely I shall see him before you."
+
+Juan sighed. "To-morrow will reveal something," he said.
+
+"Many things, perhaps," Gonsalvo returned. "Well--Doña Beatriz waits
+you now. There is no poison in that wine, though it be of an earthly
+vintage; and God himself puts the cup in your hand; so take it, and be
+comforted. Yet stay; have you patience for one word more?"
+
+"For a thousand, if you will, my cousin."
+
+"I know that in heart you share his--_our_ faith."
+
+Juan shrank a little from his gaze.
+
+"Of course," he replied, "I have been obliged to conceal my opinions;
+and, indeed, of late all things have seemed to grow dim and uncertain
+with me. Sometimes, in my heart of hearts, I cannot tell what truth is."
+
+"'He came not to call the righteous, but sinners,'" said Gonsalvo. "And
+the sinner who has heard his call _must_ believe, let others doubt as
+they may. Thank God, the sinner may not only believe, but love. Yes;
+in that the beggar at the gate may take his stand beside the king's
+children unreproved. Even I dare to say, 'Lord, thou knowest all
+things; thou knowest that I love thee.' Only to them it is given to
+prove it; while I--ay, there was the bitter thought. Long it haunted
+me. At last I prayed that if indeed he deigned to accept me, all sinful
+as I was, he would give me for a sign something to do, to suffer, or to
+give up, whereby I might prove my love."
+
+"And did he hear you?"
+
+"Yes. He showed me one thing harder to give up than life; one thing
+harder to do than to brave the torture and the death of fire."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+Once more Gonsalvo veiled his face. Then he murmured--"Harder to give
+up--vengeance, hatred; harder to do--to pray for _their_ murderers."
+
+"_I_ could never do it," said Juan, starting.
+
+"And if at last--at last--_I_ can,--I, whose anger was fierce, and
+whose wrath was cruel, even unto death,--is not that His own work in
+me?"
+
+Juan half turned away, and did not answer immediately. In his heart
+many thoughts were struggling. Far, indeed, was he from praying for his
+brother's murderers; almost as far from wishing to do it. Rather would
+he invoke God's vengeance upon them. Had Gonsalvo, in the depths of his
+misery, remorse, and penitence, actually found something which Don Juan
+Alvarez still lacked? He said at last, with a humility new and strange
+to him,--
+
+"My cousin, you are nearer heaven than I."
+
+"As to time--yes," said Gonsalvo, with a faint smile. "Now farewell,
+cousin; and thank you."
+
+"Can I do nothing more for you?"
+
+"Yes; tell my sister that I know all. Now, God bless you, and deliver
+you from the evils that beset your path, and bring you and yours to
+some land where you may worship him in peace and safety."
+
+And so the cousins parted, never to meet again upon earth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVI.
+
+             "The Horrible and Tremendous Spectacle."[29]
+
+                                    "All have passed:
+  The fearful, and the desperate, and the strong.
+  Some like the barque that rushes with the blast;
+  Some like the leaf borne tremblingly along;
+  And some like men who have but one more field
+  To fight, and then may slumber on their shield--
+  Therefore they arm in hope."
+
+                                                  HEMANS.
+
+
+At earliest dawn next morning, Juan established himself in an upper
+room of one of the high houses which overlooked the gate of the Triana.
+He had hired it from the owners for the purpose, stipulating for sole
+possession and perfect loneliness.
+
+    [29] So called by the Inquisitor, De Pegna.
+
+At sunrise the great Cathedral bell tolled out solemnly, and all the
+bells in the city responded. Through the crowd, which had already
+gathered in the street, richly dressed citizens were threading their
+way on foot. He knew they were those who, out of zeal for the faith,
+had volunteered to act as _patrinos_, or god-fathers, to the prisoners,
+walking beside them in the procession. Amongst them he recognized his
+cousins, Don Manuel and Don Balthazar. They were all admitted into the
+castle by a private door.
+
+Ere long the great gate was flung open. Juan's eyes were rivetted to
+the spot. There was a sound of singing, sweet and low, as of childish
+voices; for the first to issue from those gloomy portals were the
+boys of the College of Doctrine, dressed in white surplices, and
+chanting litanies to the saints. Clear and full at intervals rose from
+their lips the "Ora pro nobis" of the response; and tears gathered
+unconsciously in the eyes of Juan at the old familiar words.
+
+In great contrast with the white-robed children came the next in
+order. Juan drew his breath hard, for here were the penitents:
+pale, melancholy faces, "ghastly and disconsolate beyond what can
+be imagined;"[30] forms clothed in black, without sleeves, and
+barefooted--hands carrying extinguished tapers.
+
+    [30] Report of De Pegna.
+
+Those who walked foremost in the procession had only been convicted
+of such _minor_ offences as blasphemy, sorcery, or polygamy. But
+by-and-by there came others, wearing ugly sanbenitos--yellow, with red
+crosses--and conical paper mitres on their heads. Juan's eye kindled
+with intenser interest; for he knew that these were Lutherans. Not
+without a wild dream--hope, perhaps--that the near approach of death
+might have subdued his brother's fortitude, did he scan in turn every
+mournful face. There was Luis D'Abrego, the illuminator of church
+books; there, walking long afterwards, as far more guilty, was Medel
+D'Espinosa, the dealer in embroidery, who had received the Testaments
+brought by Juliano. There were many others of much higher rank, with
+whom he was well acquainted. Altogether more than eighty in number, the
+long and melancholy train swept by, every man or woman attended by two
+monks and a patrino. But Carlos was not amongst them.
+
+Then came the great Cross of the Inquisition; the face turned towards
+the penitent, the back to the _impenitent_--those devoted to the death
+of fire. And now Juan's breath came and went--his lips trembled; all
+his soul was in his eager, straining eyes. Now first he saw the hideous
+zamarra--a black robe, painted all over with saffron-coloured flames,
+into which devils and serpents, rudely represented, were thrusting
+the impenitent heretic. A paper crown, or carroza, similarly adorned,
+covered the victim's head. But the face of the wearer was unknown
+to Juan. He was a poor artizan--Juan de Leon by name--who had made
+his escape by flight, but had been afterwards apprehended in the
+Low Countries. Torture and cruel imprisonment had almost killed him
+already; but his heart was strong to suffer for the Lord he loved, and
+though the pallor of death was on his cheek, there was no fear there.
+
+But the countenances of those that followed Juan knew too well. Never
+afterwards could he exactly recall the order in which they walked; yet
+every individual face stamped itself indelibly on his memory. He would
+carry those looks in his heart until his dying hour.
+
+No less than four of the victims wore the white tunic and brown mantle
+of St. Jerome. One of these was an old man--leaning on his staff for
+very age, but with joy and confidence beaming in his countenance. The
+white locks, from which Garçias Arias had gained the name of Doctor
+Blanco, had been shorn away; but Juan easily recognized the waverer of
+past days, now strengthened with all might, according to the glorious
+power of Him whom at last he had learned to trust. The accomplished
+Cristobal D'Arellano, and Fernando de San Juan, Master of the College
+of Doctrine, followed calm and dauntless. Steadfast, too, though not
+without a little natural shrinking from the doom of fire, was a mere
+youth--Juan Crisostomo.
+
+Then came one clad in a doctor's robe, with the step of at conqueror
+and the mien of a king. As he issued from the Triana he chanted, in a
+clear and steady voice, the words of the Hundred and ninth Psalm: "Hold
+not thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the ungodly, yea,
+the mouth of the deceitful, is opened upon me: and they have spoken
+against me with false tongues. They compassed me about also with words
+of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.... Help me, O Lord
+my God: O save me according to thy mercy; and they shall know how that
+this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it. Though they
+curse, yet bless thou." So died away the voice of Juan Gonsalez, one of
+the noblest of Christ's noble band of witnesses in Spain.
+
+All these were arrayed in the garments of their ecclesiastical
+orders, to be solemnly degraded on the scaffold in the Square of St.
+Francis. But there followed one already in the full infamy, or glory,
+of the zamarra and carroza, with painted flames and demons;--with a
+thrill of emotion, Juan recognized his friend and teacher, Cristobal
+Losada--looking calm and fearless--a hero marching to his last battle,
+conquering and to conquer.
+
+Yet even that face soon faded from Juan's thoughts. For there walked
+in that gloomy death procession _six_ females--persons of rank; nearly
+all of them young and beautiful, but worn by imprisonment, and more
+than one amongst them maimed by torture. Yet if man was cruel, Christ,
+for whom they suffered, was pitiful. Their countenances, calm and
+even radiant, revealed the hidden power by which they were sustained.
+Their names--which deserve a place beside those of the women of old
+who were last at his cross and first beside his open sepulchre--were,
+Doña Isabella de Baena, in whose house the church was wont to meet;
+the two sisters of Juan Gonsalez; Doña Maria de Virves; Doña Maria de
+Cornel; and, last of all, Doña Maria de Bohorques, whose face shone
+as the first martyr's, looking up into heaven. She alone, of all the
+female martyr band, appeared wearing the gag, an honour due to her
+heroic efforts to console and sustain her companions in the court of
+the Triana.
+
+Juan's brave heart well-nigh burst with impotent, indignant anguish.
+"Ay de mi, my Spain!" he cried; "thou seest these things, and endurest
+them. Lucifer, son of the morning, thou art fallen--fallen from thy
+high place amongst the nations."
+
+It was true. From the man, or nation, "that hath not," shall be taken
+"even that which he seemeth to have." Had the spirit of chivalry,
+Spain's boast and pride, been faithful to its own dim light, it might
+even then have saved Spain. But its light became darkness; its trust
+was betrayed into the hand of superstition. Therefore, in the just
+judgment of God, its own degradation quickly followed. Spain's chivalry
+lost gradually all that was genuine, all that was noble in it; until it
+became only a faint and ghastly mockery, a sign of corruption, like the
+phosphoric light that flickers above the grave.
+
+Absorbed in his bitter thoughts, Juan well-nigh missed the last of the
+doomed ones--last because highest in worldly rank. Sad and slow, with
+eyes bent down, Don Juan Ponce de Leon walked along. The flames on his
+zamarra were reversed; poor symbol of the poor mercy for which he sold
+his joy and triumph and dimmed the brightness of his martyr crown. Yet
+surely he did not lose the glad welcome that awaited him at the close
+of that terrible day; nor the right to say, with the erring restored
+apostle, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."
+
+All the living victims had passed now. And Don Carlos Alvarez was not
+amongst them. Juan breathed a sigh of relief; but not yet did his
+straining eyes relax their gaze. For Rome's vengeance reached even to
+the grave. Next, there were borne along the statues of those who had
+died in heresy, robed in the hideous zamarra, and followed by black
+chests containing their bones to be burned.
+
+Not there!--No--not there! At last Juan's trembling hands let go the
+framework of the window to which they had been clinging; and, the
+intense strain over, he fell back exhausted.
+
+The stately pageant swept by, unwatched by him. He never saw, what
+all Seville was gazing on with admiration, the grand procession of
+the judges and counsellors of the city, in their robes of office; the
+chapter of the Cathedral; the long slow train of priests and monks that
+followed. And then, in a space left empty out of reverence, the great
+green standard of the Inquisition was borne aloft, and over it a gilded
+crucifix. Then came the Inquisitors themselves, in their splendid
+official dresses. And lastly, on horseback and in gorgeous apparel, the
+familiars of the Inquisition.
+
+It was well that Juan's eyes were turned from that sight. What avails
+it for lips white with passion to heap wild curses on the heads of
+those for whom God's curse already "waits in calm shadow," until
+the day of reckoning be fully come? Curses, after all, are weapons
+dangerous to use, and apt to pierce the hand that wields them.
+
+His first feeling was one of intense relief, almost of joy. He had
+escaped the maddening torture of seeing his brother dragged before
+his eyes to the death of anguish and shame. But to that succeeded the
+bitter thought, growing soon into full, mournful conviction, "I shall
+see his face no more on earth. He is dead--or dying."
+
+Yet that day the deep, strong current of his brotherly love was crossed
+by another tide of emotion. Those heroic men and women, whom he
+watched as they passed along so calmly to their doom, had he no bond
+of sympathy with them? Was it so long since he had pressed Losada's
+hand in grateful friendship, and thanked Doña Isabella de Baena for the
+teaching received beneath her roof? With a thrill of keen and sudden
+shame the gallant soldier saw himself a recreant, who had flaunted his
+gay uniform on the parade and at the field-day, but when the hour of
+conflict came, had stepped aside, and let the sword and the bullet find
+out braver and truer hearts.
+
+_He_ could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him
+but little to conceal it, to live in every respect like an orthodox
+Catholic. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled
+his young brother--the boy who used to weep for a blow--to stand and
+look fearless in the face of a horrible death. Something that enabled
+even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the
+murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVII.
+
+                 Something Ended and Something Begun.
+
+  "O sweet and strange it is to think that ere this day is done,
+  The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun;
+  For ever and for ever with those just souls and true--
+  And what is life that we should mourn, why make we such ado?"
+
+                                                     TENNYSON.
+
+
+Late in the afternoon of that day, Doña Inez entered her sick brother's
+room. A glitter of silk, rose-coloured and black, of costly lace and
+of gems and gold, seemed to surround her. But as she threw aside the
+mantilla that partially shaded her face, and almost sank on a seat
+beside the bed, it was easy to see that she was very faint and weary,
+if not also very sick at heart.
+
+"Santa Maria! I am tired to death," she murmured. "The heat was
+killing; and the whole business interminably long."
+
+Gonsalvo gazed at her with eager eyes, as a man dying of thirst might
+gaze on one who holds a cup of water; but for a while he did not
+speak. At last he said, pointing to some wine that lay near, beside an
+untasted meal,--
+
+"Drink, then."
+
+"What, my brother!" said Doña Inez, reproachfully, "you have not
+touched food to-day! You--so ill and weak!"
+
+"I am a man--even still," said Gonsalvo with a little bitterness in his
+tone.
+
+Doña Inez drank, and for a few moments fanned herself in silence,
+distress and embarrassment in her face.
+
+At last Gonsalvo, who had never withdrawn his eager gaze, said in a low
+voice,--
+
+"Sister, remember your promise."
+
+"I am afraid--for you."
+
+"You need not," he gasped. "Only tell me _all_."
+
+Doña Inez passed her hand wearily across her brow.
+
+"Everything floats before me," she said. "What with the music, and
+the mass, and the incense; and the crosses, and banners, and gorgeous
+robes; and then the taking of the oaths, and the sermon of the faith."
+
+"Still--you kept my charge?"
+
+"I did, brother." She lowered her voice. "Hard as it was, I looked at
+_her_. If it comforts you to know that, all through that long day, her
+face was as calm as ever I have seen it listening to Fray Constantino's
+sermons, you may take that comfort to your heart. When her sentence had
+been read, she was asked to recant; and I heard her answer rise clear
+and distinct, 'I neither can nor will recant.' Ave Maria Sanctissima!
+it is all a great mystery."
+
+There was a silence, then she resumed,--
+
+"And Señor Cristobal Losada--" but the thought of the kind and skilful
+physician who had watched beside her own sick-bed, and brought back her
+babe from the gates of the grave, almost overcame her. Turning quickly
+to other victims, she went on--
+
+"There were four monks of St. Jerome. Think of the White Doctor, that
+every one believed so good a man, so pious and orthodox! Another of
+them, Fray Cristobal D'Arellano, was accused in his sentence of some
+wicked words against Our Lady which, it would seem, he never said. He
+cried out boldly, before them all, 'It is false! I never advanced such
+a blasphemy; and I am ready to prove the contrary with the Bible in my
+hand.' Every one seemed too much amazed even to think of ordering him
+to be gagged: and, for my part, I am glad the poor wretch had his word
+for the last time. I cannot help wishing they had equally forgotten
+to silence Doctor Juan Gonzales; for it does not appear that he was
+speaking any blasphemy, but merely a word of comfort to a poor pale
+girl, his sister, as they told me. Two of them are to die with him--God
+help them!--Holy Saints forgive me; I forgot we were told not to pray
+for them," and she crossed herself.
+
+"Does my sister really believe that compassionate word a sin in God's
+sight?"
+
+"How am I to know? I believe whatever the Church says, of course. And
+surely there is enough in these days to inspire us with a pious horror
+of heresy. _Pues_," she resumed, "there was that long and terrible
+ceremony of degrading from the priesthood. And yet that Gonsalez passed
+through it all as calm and unmoved as though he were but putting on
+his robes to say mass. His mother and his two brothers are still in
+prison, it is said, awaiting their doom. Of all the relaxed, I am told
+that only Don Juan Ponce de Leon showed any sign of penitence. For the
+sake of his noble house, one is glad to think he is not so hardened as
+the rest. Ay de mi! Whether it be right or wrong, I cannot help pitying
+their unhappy souls."
+
+"Pity your own soul, not theirs," said Gonsalvo. "For I tell you Christ
+himself, in all his glory and majesty, at the right hand of the Father,
+will _stand up_ to receive them this night, as he did to welcome St.
+Stephen long ago."
+
+"Oh, my poor brother, what dreadful words you speak! It is a mortal
+sin even to listen to you. Take thought, I implore you, of your own
+situation."
+
+"I _have_ taken thought," interrupted Gonsalvo, faintly. "But I can
+bear no more--just now. Leave me, I pray you, alone with God."
+
+"If you would even try to say an Ave!--But I fear you are
+ill--suffering. I do not like to leave you thus."
+
+"Do not heed me; I shall be better soon. And a vow is upon me that I
+must keep to-day." Once more he flung the wasted hand across his face
+to conceal it.
+
+Irresolute whether to go or stay, she stood for some minutes watching
+him silently. At length she caught a low murmur, and hoping that he
+prayed, she bent over him to hear. Only three words reached her ear.
+They were these--"Father, forgive them."
+
+After an interval, Gonsalvo looked up again. "I thought you were gone,"
+he said. "Go now, I entreat of you. But so soon as you know _the end_,
+spare not to come and tell me. For I wait for that."
+
+Thus entreated, Doña Inez had no choice but to leave him alone, which
+she did.
+
+Evening had worn to night, and night was beginning to wear towards
+daybreak, when at last Don Garçia Ramirez, and those of his servants
+who had accompanied him to the Prado San Sebastian to see the end,
+returned home.
+
+Doña Inez sat awaiting her husband in the patio. She looked pale and
+languid; apparently the great holiday of Seville had been anything but
+a joyful day to her.
+
+Don Garçia divested himself of his cloak and sword, and dismissed
+the servants to their beds. But when his wife invited him to partake
+of the supper she had prepared, he turned upon her with very unusual
+ill-humour. "It is little like thy wonted wit, señora mia, to bid a
+man to his breakfast at midnight," he said. Yet he drank deeply of the
+Xeres wine that stood on the board beside the venison pasty and the
+manchet bread.
+
+At last, after long patience, Doña Inez won from his lips what she
+desired to hear. "Oh yes; all is over. Our Lady defend us! I have never
+seen such obstinacy; nor could I have believed it possible unless I
+had seen it. The criminals encouraged each other to the very last.
+Those girls, the sisters of Gonsalez, repeated their Credo at the
+stake; whereupon the attendant Brethren entreated them to have so much
+pity on their own souls as to say, 'I believe in the _Roman_ Catholic
+Church.' They answered, 'We will do as our brother does.' So the gag
+was removed, and Doctor Juan cried aloud, 'Add nothing to the good
+confession you have made already.' But for all that, order was given
+to strangle them; and one of the friars told us they died in the true
+faith. I suppose it is not a sin to hope they did."
+
+After a pause, he continued, in a deeper tone, "Señor Cristobal amazed
+me as much as any of them. At the very stake, some of the Brethren
+undertook to argue with him. But seeing that we were all listening,
+and might hear somewhat to the hurt of our souls, they began to speak
+in the Latin tongue. Our physician immediately did the same. I am no
+scholar myself; but there were learned men there who marked every word,
+and one of them told me afterwards that the doomed man spoke with
+as much elegance and propriety as if he had been contending for an
+academic prize, instead of waiting for the lighting of the fire which
+was to consume him. This unheard-of calmness and composure, whence is
+it? The devil's own work, or"----he broke off suddenly and resumed
+in a different tone, "Señora mia, have you thought of the hour? In
+Heaven's name, let us to our beds!"
+
+"I cannot go to rest until you tell me one thing more. Doña Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya! have we not had enough of it all?"
+
+"Nay; I have made a promise. I must entreat you to tell me how Doña
+Maria de Bohorques met her doom."
+
+"With unflinching hardihood. Don Juan Ponce tried to urge her to yield
+somewhat. But she refused, saying it was not now a time for reasoning,
+and that they ought rather to meditate on the Lord's death and passion.
+(They believe in _that_, it seems.) When she was bound to the stake,
+the monks and friars crowded round her, and pressed her only to repeat
+the Credo. She did so; but began to add some explanations, which, I
+suppose, were heretical. Then immediately the command was given to
+strangle her; and so, in one moment, while she was yet speaking, death
+came to her."
+
+"Then she did not suffer? She escaped the fire! Thank God!"
+
+Five minutes afterwards, Doña Inez stood by her brother's bed. He lay
+in the same posture, his face still shaded by his hand.
+
+"Brother," she said gently--"brother, all is over. She did not suffer.
+It was done in one moment."
+
+There was no answer.
+
+"Brother, are you not glad she did not feel the fire? Can you not thank
+God for it? Speak to me."
+
+Still no answer.
+
+He could not be asleep! Impossible!--"Speak to me,
+Gonsalvo!--_Brother!_"
+
+She drew close to him; she touched his hand to remove it from his face.
+The next moment a cry of horror rang through the house. It brought the
+servants and Don Garçia himself to the room.
+
+"He is dead! God and Our Lady have mercy on his soul!" said Don Garçia,
+after a brief examination.
+
+"If only he had had the Holy Sacrament, I could have borne it!" said
+Doña Inez; and then, kneeling down beside the couch, she wept bitterly.
+
+So passed the beggar with the King's sons, through the golden gate into
+the King's own presence-chamber. His wrecked and troublous life over,
+his passionate heart at rest for ever, the erring, repentant Gonsalvo
+found entrance into the same heaven as D'Arellano, and Gonsalez, and
+Losada, with their radiant martyr-crowns. In the many mansions there
+was a place for him, as for those heroic and triumphant ones. He wore
+the same robe as they--a robe washed and made white, not in the blood
+of martyrs, but in the blood of the Lamb.
+
+
+
+
+                               XXXVIII.
+
+                             Nuera Again.
+
+  "Happy places have grown holy;
+    If ye went where once ye went,
+  Only tears would fall down slowly,
+    As at solemn Sacrament.
+  Household names, that used to flutter
+    Through your laughter unawares,
+  God's divine one ye can utter
+    With less troubling in your prayers."
+
+                                E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+A chill and dreary torpor stole over Juan's fiery spirit after the
+Auto. The settled conviction that his brother was dead took possession
+of his mind. Moreover, his soul had lost its hold upon the faith which
+he once embraced so warmly. He had consciously ceased to be true to his
+best convictions, and those convictions, in turn, had ceased to support
+him. His confidence in himself, his trust in his own heart, had been
+shaken to its foundations. And he was very far from having gained in
+its stead that strong confidence in God which would have infinitely
+more than counterbalanced its loss.
+
+Thus two or three slow and melancholy months wore away. Then,
+fortunately for him, events happened that forced him, in spite of
+himself, to the exertion that saves from the deadly slumber of despair.
+It became evident, that if he did not wish to see the last earthly
+treasure that remained to him swept out of his reach for ever, he must
+rouse himself from his lethargy so far as to grasp and hold it; for
+now Don Manuel _commanded_ his ward to bestow her hand upon his rival,
+Señor Luis Rotelo.
+
+In her anguish and dismay, Beatriz fled for refuge to her kind-hearted
+cousin, Doña Inez.
+
+Doña Inez received her into her house, where she soothed and comforted
+her; and soon found means to despatch an "esquelita," or billet, to Don
+Juan, to the following effect:--"Doña Beatriz is here. Remember, my
+cousin, 'that a leap over a ditch is better than another man's prayer.'"
+
+To which Juan replied immediately:--
+
+"Señora and my cousin, I kiss your feet. Lend me a helping hand, and I
+take the leap."
+
+Doña Inez desired nothing better. Being a Spanish lady, she loved an
+intrigue for its own sake; being a very kindly disposed lady, she loved
+an intrigue for a benevolent object. With her active co-operation and
+assistance, and her husband's connivance, it was quickly arranged
+that Don Juan should carry off Doña Beatriz from their house to a
+little country chapel in the neighbourhood, where a priest would be
+in readiness to perform the solemn rite which should unite them for
+ever. Thence they were to proceed at once to Nuera, Don Juan disguising
+himself for the journey as the lady's attendant. Doña Inez did not
+anticipate that her father and brothers would take any hostile steps
+after the conclusion of the affair--glad though they might have been
+to prevent it--since there was nothing which they hated and dreaded so
+much as a public scandal.
+
+All Juan's latent fire and energy woke up again to meet the peril and
+to secure the prize. He was successful in everything; the plan had been
+well laid, and was well and promptly carried out. And thus it happened,
+that amidst December snows he bore his beautiful bride home to Nuera in
+triumph. If triumph it could be called, overcast by the ever-present
+memory of the one who "was not," which rested like a deep shadow upon
+all joy, and subdued and chastened it. Few things in life are sadder
+than a great, long-expected blessing coming thus;--like a friend from
+a foreign land whose return has been eagerly anticipated, but who,
+after years of absence, meets us changed in countenance and in heart,
+unrecognizing and unrecognized.
+
+Dolores welcomed her young master and his bride with affection and
+thankfulness. But he noticed that the dark hair, at the time of his
+last visit still only threaded with silver, had grown white as the
+mountain snows. In former days Dolores could not have told which of the
+noble youths, her lady's gallant sons, had been the dearer to her. But
+now she knew full well. Her heart was in the grave with the boy she had
+taken a helpless babe from his dying mother's arms. But, after all,
+_was_ he in the grave? This was the question which she asked herself
+day by day, and many times a day. She was not quite so sure of the
+answer as Señor Don Juan seemed to be. Since the day of the Auto, he
+had assumed all the outward signs of mourning for his brother.
+
+Fray Sebastian was also at Nuera, and proved a real help and comfort to
+its inmates. His very presence served to shield the household from any
+suspicions that might have been awakened with regard to their faith.
+For who could doubt the orthodoxy of Don Juan Alvarez, while he not
+only contributed liberally to the support of his parish church, but
+also kept a pious Franciscan in his family, in the capacity of private
+chaplain? Though it must be confessed that the Fray's duties were
+anything but onerous; now, as in former days, he showed himself a man
+fond of quiet, who for the most part held his peace, and let every one
+do what was right in his own eyes.
+
+He was now on far more cordial terms with Dolores than he had ever been
+before. This was partly because he had learned that worse physical
+evils than ollas of lean mutton, or cheese of goat's milk, _might_ be
+borne with patience, even with thankfulness. But partly also because
+Dolores now really tried to consult his tastes and to promote his
+comfort. Many a savoury dish "which the Fray used to like" did she
+trouble herself to prepare; many a flask of wine from their diminishing
+store did she gladly produce, "for the kind words that he spake to
+_him_ in his sorrow and loneliness."
+
+In spite of the depressing influences around her, Doña Beatriz could
+not but be very happy. For was not Don Juan hers, all her own, her own
+for ever? And with the zeal love inspires, and the skill love imparts,
+she applied herself to the task of brightening his darkened life. Not
+quite without effect. Even from that stern and gloomy brow the shadows
+at length began to roll away.
+
+Don Juan could not speak of his sorrow. For weeks indeed after his
+return to Nuera his brother's name did not pass his lips. Better had
+it been otherwise, both for himself and for Dolores. Her heart, aching
+with its own lonely anguish and its vague, dark surmisings, often
+longed to know her young master's true innermost thought about his
+brother's fate. But she did not dare to ask him.
+
+At last, however, this painful silence was partially broken through.
+One morning the old servant accosted her master with an air of some
+displeasure. It was in the inner room within the hall. Holding in her
+hand a little book, she said,--"May it please your Excellency to pardon
+my freedom, but it is not well done of you to leave this lying open on
+your table. I am a simple woman; still I am at no loss to know what and
+whence it is. If you will not destroy it, and cannot keep it safe and
+secret, I implore of your worship to give it to me."
+
+Juan held out his hand for it. "It is dearer to me than any earthly
+possession," he said briefly.
+
+"It had need to be dearer than your life, señor, if you mean to leave
+it about in that fashion."
+
+"I have lost the right to say so much," Juan answered.
+
+"And yet, Dolores--tell me, would it break your heart if I sold this
+place--you know it is mortgaged heavily already--and quitted the
+country?"
+
+Juan expected a start, if not a cry of surprise and dismay. That
+Alvarez de Meñaya should sell the inheritance of his fathers seemed
+indeed a monstrous proposal. In the eyes of the world it would be an
+act of insanity, if not a crime. What then would it appear to one who
+loved the name of Santillanos y Meñaya far better than her life?
+
+But the still face of Dolores never changed. "Nothing would break my
+heart _now_," she said calmly.
+
+"You would come with us?"
+
+She did not even ask _whither_. She did not care: all her thoughts were
+in the past.
+
+"That is of course, señor," she answered. "If I had but first assurance
+of _one_ thing."
+
+"Name it; and if I can assure you, I will."
+
+Instead of naming it she turned silently away. But presently turning
+again, she asked, "Will your Excellency please to tell me, is it that
+book that is driving you into exile?"
+
+"It is. I am bound to confess the truth before men; and that is
+impossible here."
+
+"But are you sure then that it is the truth?"
+
+"Sure. I have read God's message both in the darkness and in the light.
+I have seen it traced in characters of blood--and fire."
+
+"But--forgive the question, señor--does it make you happy?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Because, Señor Don Juan"--she spoke with an effort, but firmly, and
+fixing her eyes on his face--"he who gave you yon book found therein
+that which made him happy. I know it; he was here, and I watched him.
+When he came first, he was ill, or else very sorrowful, I know not
+why. But he learned from that book that God Almighty loved him, and
+that the Lord and Saviour Christ was his friend; and then his sorrow
+passed away, and his heart grew full of joy, so full that he must needs
+be telling me--ay, and even that poor dolt of a cura down there in
+the village--about the good news. And I think"--but here she stopped,
+frightened at her own boldness.
+
+"What think you?" asked Juan, with difficulty restraining his emotion.
+
+"Well, Señor Don Juan, I think that if that good news be true, it would
+not be so hard to suffer for it. Blessed Virgin! Could it be aught
+but joy to me, for instance, to lie in a dark dungeon, or even to be
+hanged or burned, if that could work out _his_ deliverance? There be
+worse things in the world than pain or prisons. For where there's
+love, señor---- Moreover, it comes upon me sometimes that the Lords
+Inquisitors may have mistaken his case. Wise and learned they may he,
+and good and holy they are, of course--'twere sin to doubt it--yet they
+_may_ mistake sometimes. 'Twas but the other day, my old eyes growing
+dim apace, that I took a blessed gleam of sunlight that had fallen on
+yon oak table for a stain, and set to work to rub it off; the Lord
+forgive me for meddling with one of the best of his works! And, for
+aught we know, just so may they be doing, mistaking God's light upon
+the soul for the devil's stain of heresy. But the sunlight is stronger
+than they, after all."
+
+"Dolores, you are half a Lutheran already yourself," answered Juan in
+surprise.
+
+"I, señor! The Lord forbid! I am an old Christian, and a good Catholic,
+and so I hope to die. But if you must hear all the truth, I would
+walk in a yellow sanbenito, with a taper in my hand, before I would
+acknowledge that _he_ ever said one word or thought one thought that
+was not Catholic and Christian too. All his crime was to find out that
+the good Lord loved him, and to be happy on account of it. If that
+be your religion also, Señor Don Juan, I have nothing to say against
+it. And, as I have said, God granting me, in his great mercy, one
+assurance first, I am ready to follow you and your lady to the world's
+end."
+
+With these words on her lips she left the room. For a time Juan sat
+silent in deep thought. Then he opened the Testament, and turned over
+its leaves until he found the parable of the sower. "'Some fell upon
+stony places,'" he read, "'where they had not much earth; and forthwith
+they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the
+sun was up, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they
+withered away.' There," he said within himself, "in those words is
+written the history of my life, from the day my brother confessed his
+faith to me in the garden of San Isodro. God help me, and forgive my
+backsliding! But at least it is not too late to go humbly back to the
+beginning, and to ask him who alone can do it to break up the fallow
+ground."
+
+He closed the book, walked to the window and looked out. Presently his
+eye was attracted to those dear mystic words on the pane, which both
+the brothers had loved and dreamed over from their childhood,--
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado."
+
+And at that moment the sun was shining on them as brightly as it used
+to do in those old days gone by for ever.
+
+No vague dream of any good, foreshadowed by the omen to him or to his
+house, crossed the mind of the practical Don Juan. But he seemed to
+hear once more the voice of his young brother saying close beside him,
+"Look, Ruy, the light is on our father's words." And memory bore him
+back to a morning long ago, when some slight boyish quarrel had been
+ended thus.
+
+Over his stern, handsome face there passed a look that shaded and
+softened it, and his eyes grew dim--dim with tears.
+
+But just then Doña Beatriz, radiant from a morning walk, and with
+her hands full of early spring flowers, tripped in, singing a Spanish
+ballad,--
+
+  "Ye men that row the galleys,
+    I see my lady fair;
+  She gazes at the fountain
+    That leaps for pleasure there."
+
+Beatriz was a child of the city; and, moreover, her life hitherto had
+been an unloved and unloving one. Now her nature was expanding under
+the wholesome influences of home life and home love, and of simple
+healthful pleasures. "Look, Don Juan, what pretty things grow in your
+fields here! I have never seen the like," she said, breaking off in her
+song to exhibit her treasures.
+
+Don Juan looked carelessly at them, lovingly at her. "I would fain hear
+a morning hymn from those sweet, tuneful lips," he pleaded.
+
+"Most willingly, amigo mio,--
+
+  'Ave Sanctissima--'"
+
+"Hush, my beloved; hush, I entreat of you." And laying his hand lightly
+on her shoulder, he gazed in her face with a mixture of fond and tender
+admiration and of gentle reproach difficult to describe. "_Not that._
+For the sake of all that lies between us and the old faith, not that.
+Rather let us sing together,--
+
+  'Vexilla Regis prodeunt.'
+
+For you know that between us and our King there stands, and there needs
+to stand, no human mediator. Do you not, my beloved?"
+
+"I know that _you_ are right," answered Beatriz, still reading her
+faith in Don Juan's eyes. "But we can sing afterwards, whatever you
+like, and as much as you will. I pray you let us come forth now into
+the sunshine together. Look, what a glorious morning it is!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIX.
+
+                             Left Behind.
+
+  "They are all gone into a world of light,
+  And I alone am lingering here."
+
+                                   HENRY VAUGHAN.
+
+
+The change of seasons brought little change to those dark cells in the
+Triana, where neither the glory of summer nor the breath of spring
+could come. While the world, with its living interests, its hopes and
+fears, its joys and sorrows, kept surging round them, not even an echo
+of its many voices reached the doomed ones within, who lay so near, yet
+so far from all, "fast bound in misery and iron."
+
+Not yet had the Deliverer come to Carlos. More than once he had seemed
+very near. During the summer heats, so terrible in that prison, fever
+had wasted the captive's already enfeebled frame; but this was the
+means of prolonging his life, for the eve of the Auto found him unable
+to walk across his cell. Still he heard without very keen sorrow the
+fate of his beloved friends, so soon did he hope to follow them.
+
+And yet, month after month, life lingered on. In his circumstances
+restoration to health was simply impossible. Not that he endured more
+than others, or even as much as some. He was not loaded with fetters,
+or buried in one of the frightful subterranean cells where daylight
+never entered. Still, when to the many physical sufferings his
+position entailed was added the weight of sickness, weakness, and utter
+loneliness, they formed together a burden heavy enough to have crushed
+even a strong heart to despair.
+
+Long ago the last gleam of human sympathy and kindness had faded from
+him. Maria Gonsalez was herself a prisoner, receiving such payment as
+men had to give her for her brave deeds of charity. God's payment,
+however, was yet to come, and would be of another sort. Herrera, the
+under-gaoler, was humane, but very timid; moreover, his duties seldom
+led him to that part of the prison where Carlos lay. So that he was
+left dependent upon the tender mercies of Gaspar Benevidio, which were
+indeed cruel.
+
+And yet, in spite of all, he was not crushed, not despairing. The lamp
+of patient endurance burned on steadily, because it was continually fed
+with oil by an unseen Hand.
+
+It has been beautifully said, "The personal love of Christ to you,
+felt, delighted in, returned, is actually, truly, simply, without
+exaggeration, the deepest joy and the deepest feeling that the heart of
+man or woman can know. It will absolutely satisfy your heart. It would
+satisfy your heart if it were his will that you should spend the rest
+of your life alone in a dungeon."
+
+Just this, nothing else, nothing less, sustained Carlos throughout
+those long slow months of suffering, which had now come to "add
+themselves and make the years." It proved sufficient for him. It has
+proved sufficient for thousands--God's unknown saints and martyrs,
+whose names we shall learn first in heaven.
+
+Those who still occasionally sought access to him, in the hope of
+transforming the obstinate heretic into a penitent, marvelled greatly
+at the cheerful calm with which he was wont to receive them and to
+answer their arguments.
+
+Sometimes he would even brave all the wrath of Benevidio, and raising
+his voice as loud as he could, he would make the gloomy vaults re-echo
+to such words as these: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
+shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
+afraid?" Or these: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
+upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth;
+but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
+
+But still it was not in Christ's promise, nor was it to be expected,
+that his prisoner should never know hours of sorrow, weariness, and
+heart-sinking. Such hours came sometimes. And on the very morning when
+Don Juan and Doña Beatriz were going forth together into the spring
+sunshine through the castle gate of Nuera, Carlos, in his dungeon, was
+passing through one of the darkest of these. He lay on his mat, his
+face covered with his wasted hands, through which tears were slowly
+falling. It was but very seldom that he wept now; tears had grown rare
+and scarce with him.
+
+The evening before, he had received a visit from two Jesuits, bound
+on the only errand which would have procured their admission there.
+Irritated by his bold and ready answers to the usual arguments, they
+had recourse to declamation. And one of them bethought himself of
+mentioning the fate of the Lutherans who suffered at the two great
+Autos of Valladolid. "Most of the heretics," said the Jesuit, "though
+when they were in prison they were as obstinate as thou art now, yet
+had their eyes opened in the end to the error of their ways, and
+accepted reconciliation at the stake. At the last great Act of Faith,
+held in the presence of King Philip, only Don Carlos de Seso--" Here
+he stopped, surprised at the agitation of the prisoner, who had heard
+their threatenings against himself so calmly.
+
+"De Seso! De Seso! Have they murdered him too?" moaned Carlos, and
+for a few brief moments he gave way to natural emotion. But quickly
+recovering himself he said, "I shall only see him the sooner."
+
+"Were you acquainted with him?" asked the Jesuit.
+
+"I loved and honoured him. My avowing that cannot hurt him _now_,"
+answered Carlos, who had grown used to the bitter thought that any name
+would be disgraced and its owner imperilled, by _his_ mentioning it
+with affection.
+
+"But if you will do me so much kindness," he added, "I pray you to tell
+me anything you know of his last hours. Any word he spoke."
+
+"He could speak nothing," said the younger of his two visitors. "Before
+he left the prison he had uttered so many horrible blasphemies against
+Holy Church and Our Lady that he was obliged to wear the gag during the
+whole ceremony, 'lest he should offend the little ones.'"[31]
+
+    [31] A genuine inquisitorial expression.
+
+This last cruel wrong--the refusal of leave to the dying to speak one
+word in defence of the truths he died for--stung Carlos to the quick.
+It wrung from lips so patient hitherto words of indignant threatening.
+"God will judge your cruelty," he said. "Go on, fill up the measure
+of your guilt, for your time is short. One day, and that soon, there
+will be a grand spectacle, grander than your Autos. Then shall you,
+torturers of God's saints, call upon the mountains and rocks to cover
+you, and to hide you from the wrath of the Lamb."
+
+Once more alone, his passionate anger died away. And it was well.
+Surrounded as he was on every side by strong, cold, relentless wrong
+and cruelty, if his spirit had beaten its wings against those bars of
+iron, it would soon have fallen to the ground faint and helpless, with
+crushed pinions. It was not in such vain strivings that he could find,
+or keep, the deep calm peace with which his heart was filled; it was in
+the quiet place at his Saviour's feet, from whence, if he looked at his
+enemies at all, it was only to pity and forgive them.
+
+But though anger was gone, a heavy burden of sorrow remained. De Seso's
+noble form, shrouded in the hideous zamarra, his head crowned with the
+carroza, his face disfigured by the gag,--these were ever before his
+eyes. He well-nigh forgot that all this was over now--that for him the
+conflict was ended and the triumph begun.
+
+Could he have known even as much as we know now of the close of that
+heroic life, it might have comforted him.
+
+Don Carlos de Seso met his doom at the second of the two great Autos
+celebrated at Valladolid during the year 1559. At the first, the most
+steadfast sufferers were Francisco de Vibero Cazalla, one of a family
+of confessors; and Antonio Herezuelo, whose pathetic story--the most
+thrilling episode of Spanish martyrology--would need an abler pen than
+ours.
+
+During his lingering imprisonment of a year and a half, De Seso never
+varied in his own clear testimony to the truth, never compromised any
+of his brethren. Informed at last that he was to die the next day, he
+requested writing materials. These being furnished him, he placed on
+record a confession of his faith, which Llorente, the historian of the
+Inquisition, thus describes:--"It would be difficult to convey an idea
+of the uncommon vigour of sentiment with which he filled two sheets of
+paper, though he was then in the presence of death. He handed what he
+had written to the Alguazil, with these words: 'This is the true faith
+of the gospel, as opposed to that of the Church of Rome, which has been
+corrupted for ages. In this faith I wish to die, and in the remembrance
+and lively belief of the passion of Jesus Christ, to offer to God my
+body, now reduced so low.'"
+
+All that night and the next morning were spent by the friars in vain
+endeavours to induce him to recant. During the Auto, though he could
+not speak, his countenance showed the steadfastness of his soul--a
+steadfastness which even the sight of his beloved wife amongst those
+condemned to perpetual imprisonment failed to disturb. When at last, as
+he was bound to the stake, the gag was removed, he said to those who
+stood around him, still urging him to yield, "I could show you that
+you ruin yourselves by not following my example; but there is no time.
+Executioners, light the fire that is to consume me."
+
+Even in the act of death it was given him, though unconsciously,
+to strengthen the faith of another. In the martyr band was a poor
+man, Juan Sanchez, who had been a servant of the Cazallas, and was
+apprehended in Flanders with Juan de Leon. He had borne himself bravely
+throughout; but when the fire was kindled, the ropes that bound him
+to the stake having given way, the instinct of self-preservation made
+him rush from the flames, and, not knowing what he did, spring upon
+the scaffold where those who yielded at the last were wont to receive
+absolution. The attendant monks at once surrounded him, offering him
+the alternative of the milder death. Recovering self-possession, he
+looked around him. At one side knelt the penitents, at the other,
+motionless amidst the flames, De Seso stood,
+
+  "As standing in his own high hall."
+
+His choice was made. "I will die like De Seso," he said calmly; and
+then walked deliberately back to the stake, where he met his doom with
+joy.
+
+Another brave sufferer at this Auto, Don Domingo de Roxas, ventured to
+make appeal to the justice of the King, only to receive the memorable
+reply, never to be read without a shudder,--"I would carry wood to burn
+my son, if he were such a wretch as thou!"
+
+All these circumstances Carlos never heard on this side of the grave.
+But in the quiet Sabbath-keeping that remaineth for the people of
+God, there will surely be leisure enough to talk over past trials and
+triumphs. At present, however, he only saw the dark side--only knew
+the bare and bitter facts of suffering and death. He had not merely
+loved De Seso as his instructor; he had admired him with the generous
+enthusiasm of a young man for a senior in whom he recognizes his
+ideal--all that he himself would fain become. If the Spains had but
+known the day of their visitation, he doubted not that man would have
+been their leader in the path of reform. But they knew it not; and so,
+instead, the chariot of fire had come for him. For him, and for nearly
+all the men and women whose hands Carlos had been wont to clasp in
+loving brotherhood. Losada, D'Arellano, Ponce de Leon, Doña Isabella
+de Baena, Doña Maria de Bohorques,--all these honoured names, and many
+more, did he repeat, adding after each one of them, "At rest with
+Christ." Somewhere in the depths of those dreary dungeons it might be
+that the heroic Juliano, his father in the faith, was lingering still;
+and also Fray Constantino, and the young monk of San Isodro, Fray
+Fernando. But the prison walls sundered them quite as hopelessly from
+him as the River of Death itself.
+
+Earlier ties sometimes seemed to him only like things he had read
+or dreamed of. During his fever, indeed, old familiar faces had
+often flitted round him. Dolores sat beside him, laying her hand on
+his burning brow; Fray Sebastian taught him disjointed, meaningless
+fragments from the schoolmen; Juan himself either spoke cheerful words
+of hope and trust, or else talked idly of long-forgotten trifles.
+
+But all this was over now: neither dream nor fancy came to break his
+utter, terrible loneliness. He knew that he was never to see Juan
+again, nor Dolores, nor even Fray Sebastian. The world was dead to him,
+and he to it. And as for his brethren in the faith, they had gone "to
+the light beyond the clouds, and the rest beyond the storms," where he
+would so gladly be. Why, then, was he left so long, like one standing
+without in the cold? Why did not the golden gate open for him as well
+as for them? What was he doing in this place?--what _could_ he do for
+his Master's cause or his Master's honour? He did not murmur. By this
+time his Saviour's prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done," had been
+wrought into the texture of his being with the scarlet, purple, and
+golden threads of pain, of patience, and of faith. But it is well for
+His tried ones that He knows longing is not murmuring. Very full of
+longing were the words--words rather of pleading than of prayer--that
+rose continually from the lips of Carlos that day,--"And now, Lord,
+_what wait I for_?"
+
+
+
+
+                                  XL.
+
+                      "A Satisfactory Penitent."
+
+  "How long in thraldom's grasp I lay
+  I knew not; for my soul was black,
+  And knew no change of night or day."
+
+                                CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Carlos was sleeping tranquilly in his dungeon on the following night,
+when the opening of the door aroused him. He started with sickening
+dread, the horrors of the torture-room rising in an instant before his
+imagination. Benevidio entered, followed by Herrera, and commanded
+him to rise and dress immediately. Long experience of the Santa Casa
+had taught him that he might as well make an inquiry of its doors and
+walls as of any of its officials. So he obeyed in silence, and slowly
+and painfully enough. But he was soon relieved from his worst fear by
+seeing Herrera fold together the few articles of clothing he had been
+allowed to have with him, preparatory to carrying them away. "It is
+only, then, a change of prison," he thought; "and wherever they bring
+me, heaven will be equally near."
+
+His limbs, enfeebled by two years of close confinement, and lame
+from the effects of one terrible night, were sorely tried by what he
+thought an almost interminable walk through corridors and down narrow
+winding stairs. But at last he was conducted to a small postern door,
+which, greatly to his surprise, Benevidio proceeded to unlock. The
+kind-hearted Herrera took advantage of the moment when Benevidio was
+thus occupied to whisper,--
+
+"We are bringing you to the Dominican prison, señor; you will be better
+used there."
+
+Carlos thanked him by a grateful look and a pressure of the hand. But
+an instant afterwards he had forgotten his words. He had forgotten
+everything save that he stood once more in God's free air, and that
+God's own boundless heaven, spangled with ten thousand stars, was
+over him, no dungeon roof between. For one rapturous moment he gazed
+upwards, thanking God in his heart. But the fresh air he breathed
+seemed to intoxicate him like strong wine. He grew faint, and leaned
+for support on Herrera.
+
+"Courage, señor; it is not far--only a few paces," said the
+under-gaoler, kindly.
+
+Weak as he was, Carlos wished the distance a hundred times greater.
+But it proved quite long enough for his strength. By the time he was
+delivered over into the keeping of a couple of lay brothers, and
+locked by them into a cell in the Dominican monastery, he was scarcely
+conscious of anything save excessive fatigue.
+
+The next morning was pretty far advanced before any one came to him;
+but at last he was honoured with a visit from the prior himself. He
+said frankly, and with perfect truth,--
+
+"I am glad to find myself in your hands, my lord."
+
+To one accustomed to feel himself an object of terror, it is a new and
+pleasant sensation to be trusted. Even a wild beast will sometimes
+spare the weak but fearless creature that ventures to play with it: and
+Don Fray Ricardo was not a wild beast; he was only a stern, narrow,
+conscientious man, the willing and efficient agent of a terrible
+system. His brow relaxed visibly as he said,--
+
+"I have always sought your true good, my son."
+
+"I am well aware of it, father."
+
+"And you must acknowledge," the prior resumed, "that great forbearance
+and lenity have been shown towards you. But your infatuation has been
+such that you have deliberately and persistently sought your own ruin.
+You have resisted the wisest arguments, the gentlest persuasions,
+and that with an obstinacy which time and discipline seem only to
+increase. And now at last, as another Auto-da-fé may not be celebrated
+for some time, my Lord Vice-Inquisitor-General, justly incensed at
+your contumacy, would fain have thrown you into one of the underground
+dungeons, where, believe me, you would not live a month. But I have
+interceded for you."
+
+"I thank your kindness, my lord. But I cannot see that it matters much
+how you deal with me now. Sooner or later, in one form or other, it
+must be death; and I thank God it can be no more."
+
+While a man might count twenty, the prior looked silently in that
+steadfast sorrowful young face. Then he said,--
+
+"My son, do not yield to despair; for I come to thee this day with
+a message of hope. I have also made intercession for thee with the
+Supreme Council of the Holy Office; and I have succeeded in obtaining
+from that august tribunal a great and unusual grace."
+
+Carlos looked up, a sudden flush on his cheek. He hoped this unusual
+grace might be permission to see some familiar face ere he died; but
+the prior's next words disappointed him. Alas! it was only the offer
+of escape from death on terms that he might not accept. And yet such
+an ofter really deserved the name the prior gave it--a great and
+unusual grace. For, as has been already intimated, by the laws of the
+Inquisition at that time in force, the man who had _once_ professed
+heretical doctrines, however sincerely he might have retracted them,
+was doomed to die. His penitence would procure him the favour of
+absolution--the mercy of the garotte instead of the stake: that was all.
+
+The prior went on to explain to Carlos, that upon the ground of his
+youth, and the supposition that he had been led into error by others,
+his judges had consented to show him singular favour. "Moreover," he
+added, "there are other reasons for this course of action, upon which
+it would be needless, and might be inexpedient, to enter at present;
+but they have their weight, especially with me. For the preservation,
+therefore, both of your soul and your body--upon which I take more
+compassion than you do yourself--I have, in the first place, obtained
+permission to remove you to a more easy and more healthful confinement,
+where, besides other favours, you will enjoy the great privilege of a
+companion, constant intercourse with whom can scarcely fail to benefit
+you."
+
+Carlos thought this last a doubtful boon; but as it was kindly
+intended, he was bound to be grateful. He thanked the prior
+accordingly; adding, "May I be permitted to ask the name of this
+companion?"
+
+"You will probably find out ere long, if you conduct yourself so as to
+deserve it,"--an answer Carlos found so enigmatical, that after several
+vain endeavours to comprehend it, he gave up the task in despair, and
+not without some apprehension that his long imprisonment had dulled his
+perceptions. "Amongst us he is called Don Juan," the prior continued.
+"And this much I will tell you. He is a very honourable person, who had
+many years ago the great misfortune to be led astray by the same errors
+to which you cling with such obstinacy. God was pleased, however, to
+make use of my poor instrumentality to lead him back to the bosom of
+the Church. He is now a true and sincere penitent, diligent in prayer
+and penance, and heartily detesting his former evil ways. It is my last
+hope for you that his wise and faithful counsels may bring you to the
+same mind."
+
+Carlos did not particularly like the prospect. He feared that this
+vaunted penitent would prove a noisy apostate, who would seek to obtain
+the favour of the monks by vilifying his former associates. Nor, on the
+other hand, did he think it honest to accept without protest kindnesses
+offered him on the supposition that he might even yet be induced to
+recant. He said,--
+
+"I ought to tell you, señor, that my mind will never change, God
+helping me. Rather than lead you to imagine otherwise, I would go at
+once to the darkest cell in the Triana. My faith is based on the Word
+of God, which can never be overthrown."
+
+"The penitent of whom I speak used such words as these, until God
+and Our Lady opened his eyes. Now he sees all things differently.
+So will you, if God is pleased to give you the inestimable benefit
+of his divine grace; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
+that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," said the Dominican,
+who, like others of his order, ingeniously managed to combine strong
+predestinarian theories with the creed of Rome.
+
+"That is most true, señor," Carlos responded.
+
+"But to resume," said the prior; "for I have yet more to say. Should
+you be favoured with the grace of repentance, I am authorized to hold
+out to you a well-grounded hope, that, in consideration of your youth,
+your life may even yet be spared."
+
+"And then, if I were strong enough, I might live out ten or twenty
+years--like the last two," Carlos answered, not without a touch of
+bitterness.
+
+"It is not so, my son," returned the prior mildly. "I cannot promise,
+indeed, under any circumstances, to restore you to the world. For
+that would be to promise what could not be performed; and the laws of
+the Holy Office expressly forbid us to delude prisoners with false
+hopes.[32] But this much I will say, your restraint shall be rendered
+so light and easy, that your position will be preferable to that of
+many a monk, who has taken the vows of his own free will. And if you
+like the society of the penitent of whom I spoke anon, you shall
+continue to enjoy it."
+
+    [32] But these laws were often broken or evaded.
+
+Carlos began to feel a somewhat unreasonable antipathy to this
+penitent, whose face he had never seen. But what mattered the
+antipathies of a prisoner of the Holy Office? He only said, "Permit
+me again to thank you, my lord, for the kindness you have shown me.
+Though my fellow-men cast out my name as evil, and deny me my share of
+God's free air and sky, and my right to live in his world, I still take
+thankfully every word or deed of pity and gentleness they give me by
+the way. For they know not what they do."
+
+The prior turned away, but turned back again a moment afterwards, to
+ask--what for the credit of his humanity he ought to have asked a year
+before--"Do you stand in need of any thing? or have you any request you
+wish to make?"
+
+Carlos hesitated a moment. Then he said, "Of things within your power
+to grant, my lord, there is but one that I care to ask. Two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus visited me the day before yesterday. I spoke
+hastily to one of them, who was named Fray Isodor, I think. Had I the
+opportunity, I should be glad to offer him my hand."
+
+"Now, of all mysterious things in heaven or earth," said the prior, "a
+heretic's conscience is the most difficult to comprehend. Truly you
+strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. But as for Fray Isodor, you may
+rest content. For good and sufficient reasons, he cannot visit you
+here. But I will repeat to him what you have said. And I know well that
+his own tongue is a sharp weapon enough when used in the defence of the
+faith."
+
+The prior withdrew; and shortly afterwards one of the monks appeared,
+and silently conducted Carlos to a cell, or chamber, in the highest
+story of the building. Like the cells in the Triana, it had two
+doors--the outer one secured by strong bolts and bars, the inner one
+furnished with an aperture through which food or other things could be
+passed.
+
+But here the resemblance ceased. Carlos found himself, on entering,
+in what seemed to him more like a hall than a cell; though, indeed,
+it must be remembered that his eye was accustomed to ten feet square.
+It was furnished as comfortably as any room needed to be in that warm
+climate; and it was tolerably clean, a small mercy which he noted with
+no small gratitude. Best perhaps of all, it had a good window, looking
+down on the courtyard, but strongly barred, of course. Near the window
+was a table, upon which stood an ivory crucifix, and a picture of the
+Madonna and child.
+
+But even before his eye took in all these objects, it turned to the
+penitent, whose companionship had been granted him as so great a boon.
+He was utterly unlike all that he had expected. Instead of a fussy,
+noisy pervert, he saw a serene and stately old man, with long white
+hair and beard, and still, clearly chiselled, handsome features. He
+was dressed in a kind of mantle, of a nondescript colour, made like
+a monk's cowl without the hood, and bearing two large St. Andrew's
+crosses, one on the breast and the other on the back; in fact, it was a
+compromised sanbenito.
+
+As Carlos entered, he rose (showing a tall, spare figure, slightly
+stooped), and greeted his new companion with a courteous and elaborate
+bow, but did not speak.
+
+Shortly afterwards, food was handed through the aperture in the
+door; and the half-starved prisoner from the Triana sat down with
+his fellow-captive to what he esteemed a really luxurious repast. He
+had intended to be silent until obliged to speak, but the aspect and
+bearing of the penitent quite disarranged his preconceived ideas.
+During the meal, he tried once and again to open a conversation by some
+slight courteous observation.
+
+All in vain. The penitent did the honours of the table like a prince
+in disguise, and never failed to bow and answer, "Yes, señor," or "No,
+señor," to everything Carlos said. But he seemed either unable or
+unwilling to do more.
+
+As the day wore on, this silence grew oppressive to Carlos; and he
+marvelled increasingly at his companion's want of ordinary interest in
+him, or curiosity about him. Until at length a probable solution of the
+mystery dawned upon his mind. As he considered the penitent an agent
+of the monks deputed to convert him, very likely the penitent, on his
+side, regarded _him_ in the light of a spy commissioned to watch his
+proceedings.
+
+But this, if it was true at all, was only a small part of the truth.
+Carlos failed to take into account the terrible effect of long years
+of solitude, crushing down all the faculties of the mind and heart.
+It is told of some monastery, where the rules were so severe that the
+brethren were only allowed to converse with each other during one hour
+in the week, that they usually sat for that hour in perfect silence:
+they had nothing to say. So it was with the penitent of the Dominican
+convent. He had nothing to say, nothing to ask; curiosity and interest
+were dead within him--dead long ago, of absolute starvation.
+
+Yet Carlos could not help observing him with a strange kind of
+fascination. His face was too still, too coldly calm, like a white
+marble statue; and yet it was a noble face. It was, although not a
+thoughtful face, the face of a thoughtful man asleep. It did not lack
+expressiveness, though it lacked expression. Moreover, there was in it
+a look that awakened dim, undefined memories--shadowy things, that fled
+away like ghosts whenever he tried to grasp them, yet persistently rose
+again, and mingled with all his thoughts.
+
+He told himself many times that he had never seen the man before. Was
+it, then, an accidental likeness to some familiar face that so fixed
+and haunted him? Certainly there was something which belonged to his
+past, and which, even while it perplexed and baffled, strangely soothed
+and pleased him.
+
+At each of the canonical hours (which were announced to them by the
+tolling of the convent bells), the penitent did not fail to kneel
+before the crucifix, and, with the aid of a book and a rosary, to read
+or repeat long Latin prayers, in a half audible voice. He retired
+to rest early, leaving his fellow-prisoner supremely happy in the
+enjoyment of his lamp and his Book of Hours. For it was two years
+since the eyes of the once enthusiastic young scholar had rested on a
+printed page, or since the kindly gleam of lamp or fire had cheered
+his solitude. The privilege of refreshing his memory with the passages
+of Scripture contained in the Romish book of devotion now appeared an
+unspeakable boon to him. And although, accustomed as he was to a life
+of unbroken monotony, the varied impressions of the day had produced
+extreme weariness of mind and body, it was near midnight before he
+could prevail upon himself to close the volume, and lie down to rest on
+the comfortable pallet prepared for him.
+
+He was just falling asleep, when the midnight bell tolled out heavily.
+He saw his companion rise, throw his mantle over his shoulders, and
+betake himself to his devotions. How long these lasted he could
+not tell, for the stately kneeling figure soon mingled with his
+dreams--strange dreams of Juan as a penitent, dressed in a sanbenito,
+and with white hair and an old man's face, kneeling devoutly before the
+altar in the church at Nuera, but reciting one of the songs of the Cid
+instead of _De Profundis_.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLI.
+
+                       More about the Penitent.
+
+             "Ay, thus thy mother looked,
+  With such a sad, yet half-triumphant smile,
+  All radiant with deep meaning."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+A slight incident, that occurred the following morning, partially
+broke down the barrier of reserve between the two prisoners. After his
+early devotions, the penitent laid aside his mantle, took up a besom
+made of long slips of cane, and proceeded, with great deliberation and
+gravity, to sweep out the room. The contrast that his stately figure,
+his noble air, and the dignity of all his movements, offered to the
+menial occupation in which he was engaged, was far too pathetic to
+be ludicrous. Carlos could not but think that he wielded the lowly
+implement as if it were a chamberlain's staff of office, or a grand
+marshal's baton.
+
+He himself was well accustomed to such tasks; for every prisoner of
+the Santa Casa, no matter what his rank might be, was his own servant.
+And it spoke much for the revolution that had taken place in his ideas
+and feelings, that though taught to look on all servile occupations as
+ineffably degrading, he had never associated a thought of degradation
+with anything laid upon him to do or to suffer as the prisoner of
+Christ.
+
+And yet he could not endure to see his aged and stately fellow-prisoner
+thus occupied. He rose immediately, and earnestly entreated to be
+allowed to relieve him of the task, pleading that all such duties ought
+to devolve on him as the younger. At first the penitent resisted,
+saying that it was part of his penance. But when Carlos continued to
+urge the point, he yielded; perhaps the more readily because his will,
+like his other faculties, was weakened for want of exercise. Then,
+with more apparent interest than he had shown in any of his previous
+proceedings, he watched the rather slow and difficult movements of his
+young companion.
+
+"You are lame, señor," he said, a little abruptly, when Carlos, having
+finished his work, sat down to rest.
+
+"From the pulley," Carlos answered quietly; and then his face beamed
+with a sudden smile, for the secret of the Lord was with him, and he
+tasted the sweet, strange joy that springs out of suffering borne for
+Him.
+
+That look was the wire that drew an electric flash of memory from the
+clouds that veiled the old man's soul. What that sudden flash revealed
+was a castle gate, at which stood a stately yet slender form robed in
+silk. In the fair young face tears and smiles were contending; but a
+smile won the victory, as a little child was held up, and made to kiss
+a baby-hand in farewell to its father.
+
+In a moment all was gone; only a vague trouble and uneasiness remained,
+accompanied by that strange sense of having seen or felt just the same
+thing before, with which we are most of us familiar. Accustomed to
+solitude, the penitent spoke aloud, perchance unconsciously.
+
+"Why did they bring you here?" he said, in a half fretful tone. "You
+hurt me. I have done very well alone all these years."
+
+"I am sorry to incommode you, señor," returned Carlos. "But I did
+not come here of my own will; neither, unhappily, can I go. I am a
+prisoner like yourself; but, unlike you, I am a prisoner under sentence
+of death."
+
+For several minutes the penitent did not answer. Then he rose, and
+taking a step or two towards the place where Carlos sat, gravely
+extended his hand. "I fear I have spoken uncourteously," he said. "So
+many years have passed since I have conversed with my fellows, that I
+have well-nigh forgotten how I ought to address them. Do me the favour,
+señor and my brother, to grant me your pardon."
+
+Carlos warmly assured him no offence had been given; and taking the
+offered hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. From that moment he
+loved his fellow-prisoner in his heart.
+
+There was an interval of silence, then the penitent of his own accord
+resumed the conversation. "Did I hear you say you are under sentence of
+death?" he asked.
+
+"I am so actually, though not formally," Carlos replied. "In the
+language of the Holy Office, I am a professed impenitent heretic."
+
+"And you so young!"
+
+"To be a heretic?"
+
+"No; I meant so young to die."
+
+"Do I look young--even yet? I should not have thought it. To me the
+last two years seem like a long lifetime."
+
+"Have you been two years, then, in prison? Poor boy! Yet I have been
+here ten, fifteen, twenty years--I cannot tell how many. I have lost
+the account of them."
+
+Carlos sighed. And such a life was before him, should he be weak enough
+to surrender his hope. He said, "Do you really think, señor, that these
+long years of lonely suffering are less hard to bear than a speedy
+though violent death?"
+
+"I do not think it matters, as to that," was the penitent's not very
+apposite reply. In fact, his mind was not capable, at the time, of
+dealing with such a question; so he turned from it instinctively.
+But in the meantime he was remembering, every moment more and more
+clearly, that a duty had been laid upon him by the authority to
+which his soul held itself in absolute subjection. And that duty had
+reference to his fellow-prisoner.
+
+"I am commanded," he said at last, "to counsel you to seek the
+salvation of your soul, by returning to the bosom of the one true
+Catholic and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no peace and no
+salvation."
+
+Carlos saw that he spoke by rote; that his words echoed the thought
+of another, not his own. It seemed to him, under the circumstances,
+scarcely generous to argue. He spared to put forth his mental powers
+against the aged and broken man, as Juan in like case would have spared
+to use his strong right arm.
+
+After a moment's thought, he replied,--
+
+"May I ask of your courtesy, señor and my father, to bear with me for a
+little while, that I may frankly disclose to you my real belief?"
+
+Appeal could never be made in vain to that penitent's courtesy. No
+heresy, that could have been proposed, would have shocked him half
+so much as the supposition that one Castilian gentleman could be
+uncourteous to another, upon any account. "Do me the favour to state
+your opinions, señor," he responded, with a bow, "and I will honour
+myself by giving them my best attention."
+
+Carlos was little used to language such as this. It induced him to
+speak his mind more freely than he had been able to do for the last two
+years. But, mindful of his experience with old Father Bernardo at San
+Isodro, he did not speak of doctrines, he spoke of a Person. In words
+simple enough for a child to understand, but with a heart glowing with
+faith and love, he told of what He was when he walked on earth, of what
+He is at the right hand of the Father, of what He has done and is doing
+still for every soul that trusts him.
+
+Certainly the faded eye brightened; and something like a look of
+interest began to dawn in the mournfully still and passive countenance.
+For a time Carlos was aware that his listener followed every word, and
+he spoke slowly, on purpose to allow him so to do. But then there came
+a change. The _listening_ look passed out of the eyes; and yet they did
+not wander once from the speaker's face. The expression of the whole
+countenance was gradually altered, from one of rather painful attention
+to the dreamy look of a man who hears sweet music, and gives free
+course to the emotions it is calculated to awaken. In truth, the voice
+of Carlos _was_ sweet music in his fellow-captive's ear; and he would
+willingly have sat thus for ever, gazing at him and enjoying it.
+
+Carlos thought that if this was their reverences' idea of "a
+satisfactory penitent," they were not difficult to satisfy. And he
+marvelled increasingly that so astute a man as the Dominican prior
+should have put the task of his conversion into such hands. For the
+piety so lauded in the penitent appeared to him mere passiveness--the
+submission of a soul out of which all resisting forces had been
+crushed. "It is only life that resists," he thought; "the dead they can
+move whithersoever they will."
+
+Intolerance always sets a premium on mental stagnation. Nay, it
+actually produces it; it "makes a desert, and calls it peace." And what
+the Inquisition did for the penitent, that it has done also for the
+penitent's fair fatherland. Was the resurrection of dead and buried
+faculties possible for _him_? Is such a resurrection possible for _it_?
+
+And yet, in spite of the deadness of heart and brain, which he doubted
+not was the result of cruel suffering, Carlos loved his fellow-prisoner
+every hour more and more. He could not tell why; he only knew that "his
+soul was knit" to his.
+
+When Carlos, for fear of fatiguing him, brought his explanations to a
+close, both relapsed into silence; and the remainder of the day passed
+without much further conversation, but with a constant interchange of
+little kindnesses and courtesies. The first sight that greeted the eyes
+of Carlos when he awoke the next morning, was that of the penitent
+kneeling before the pictured Madonna, his lips motionless, his hands
+crossed on his breast, and his face far more earnest with feeling--it
+might be thought with devotion--than he had ever seen it yet.
+
+Carlos was moved, but saddened. It grieved him sore that his aged
+fellow-prisoner should pour out the last costly libation of love and
+trust left in his desolated heart before the shrine of that which was
+no god. And a great longing awoke within him to lead back this weary
+and heavy-laden one to the only Being who could give him true rest.
+
+"If, indeed, he is one of God's chosen, of his loved and redeemed ones,
+he will be led back," thought Carlos, who had spent the past two years
+in thinking out many things for himself. Certain aspects of truth,
+which may be either strong cordials or rank poisons, as they are used,
+had grown gradually clear to him. Opposed to the Dominican prior upon
+most subjects, he was at one with him upon that of predestination. For
+he had need to be assured, when the great water floods prevailed, that
+the chain which kept him from drifting away with them was a strong
+one. And therefore he had followed it up, link by link, until he came
+at last to that eternal purpose of God in which it was fast anchored.
+Since the day that he first learned it, he had lived in the light of
+that great centre truth, "I have loved thee"--_thee_ individually.
+But as he lay in the gloomy prison, sentenced to die, something more
+was revealed to him. "I have loved thee _with an everlasting love,
+therefore_ with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." The value of this
+truth, to him as to others, lay in the double aspect of that word
+"everlasting;" its look forward to the boundless future, as well as
+backward on the mysterious past. The one was a pledge and assurance of
+the other. And now he was taking to his heart the comfort it gave,
+for the penitent as well as for himself. But it made him, not less,
+but more anxious to be God's fellow-worker in bringing him back to the
+truth.
+
+In the meantime, however, he was quite mistaken as to the feelings
+with which the old man knelt before the pictured Virgin and Child. His
+heart was stirred by no mystic devotion to the Queen of Heaven, but by
+some very human feelings, which had long lain dormant, but which were
+now being gradually awakened there. He was thinking not of heaven,
+but of earth, and of "earth's warm beating joy and dole." And what
+attracted him to that spot was only the representation of womanhood and
+childhood, recalling, though far off and faintly, the fair young wife
+and babe from whom he had been cruelly torn years and years ago.
+
+A little later, as the two prisoners sat over the bread and fruit that
+formed their morning meal, the penitent began to speak more frankly
+than he had done before. "I was quite afraid of you, señor, when you
+first came," he said.
+
+"And perhaps I was not guiltless of the same feeling towards you,"
+Carlos answered. "It is no marvel. Companions in sorrow, such as we
+are, have great power either to help or to hurt one another."
+
+"You may truly say that," returned the penitent. "In fact, I once
+suffered so cruelly from the treachery of a fellow-prisoner, that it is
+not unnatural I should be suspicious."
+
+"How was that, señor?"
+
+"It was very long ago, soon after my arrest. And yet, not soon. For
+weary months of darkness and solitude, I cannot tell how many, I held
+out--I mean to say, I continued impenitent."
+
+"Did you?" asked Carlos with interest. "I thought as much."
+
+"Do not think ill of me, I entreat of you, señor," said the penitent
+anxiously. "I am _reconciled_. I have returned to the bosom of the
+true Church, and I belong to her. I have confessed and received
+absolution. I have even had the Holy Sacrament; and if ill, or in
+danger of death, it is promised I shall receive 'su majestad'[33] at
+any time. And I have abjured and detested all the heresies I learned
+from De Valero."
+
+    [33] "His Majesty," the ordinary term applied by Spaniards to the
+    Host.
+
+"From De Valero! Did you learn from him?" The pale cheek of Carlos
+crimsoned for a moment, then grew paler than before. "Tell me, señor,
+if I may ask it, how long have you been here?"
+
+"That is just what I cannot tell. The first year stands out clearly;
+but all the after years are like a dream to me. It was in that first
+year that the caitiff I spoke of anon, who was imprisoned with me--you
+observe, señor, I had already asked for reconciliation. It was promised
+me. I was to perform penance; to be forgiven; to have my freedom.
+_Pues_, señor, I spoke to that man as I might to you, freely and from
+my heart. For I supposed him a gentleman. I dared to say that their
+reverences had dealt somewhat hardly with me, and the like. Idle words,
+no doubt--idle and wicked. God knows, I have had time enough to repent
+them since. For that man, my fellow-prisoner, he who knew what prison
+was, went forth straightway and delated me to the Lords Inquisitors for
+those idle words--God in heaven forgive him! And thus the door was shut
+upon me--shut--shut for ever. Ay de mi! Ay de mi!"
+
+Carlos heard but little of this speech. He was gazing at him with
+eager, kindling eyes. "Were there left behind in the world any that it
+wrung your heart to part from?" he asked, in a trembling voice.
+
+"There were. And since you came, their looks have never ceased to
+haunt me. Why, I know not. My wife, my child!" And the old man shaded
+his face, while in his eyes, long unused to tears, there rose a mist,
+like the cloud in form as a man's hand, that foretold the approach of
+the beneficent rain, which should refresh and soften the thirsty soil,
+making all things young again.
+
+"Señor," said Carlos, trying to speak calmly, and to keep down the
+wild tumultuous throbbing of his heart--"señor, a boon, I entreat of
+you. Tell me the name you bore amongst men. It was a noble one, I know."
+
+"True. They promised to save it from disgrace. But it was part of my
+penance not to utter it; if possible, to forget it."
+
+"Yet, this once. I do not ask idly--this once--have pity on me, and
+speak it," pleaded Carlos, with intense tremulous earnestness.
+
+"Your face and your voice move me strangely; it seems to me that I
+could not deny you anything. I am--I ought to say, I _was_--Don Juan
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya."
+
+Before the sentence was concluded, Carlos lay senseless at his feet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLII.
+
+                              Quiet Days.
+
+  "I think that by-and-by all things
+    Which were perplexed a while ago
+  And life's long, vain conjecturings,
+    Will simple, calm, and quiet grow.
+  Already round about me, some
+    August and solemn sunset seems
+  Deep sleeping in a dewy dome,
+    And bending o'er a world of dreams."
+
+                              OWEN MEREDITH.
+
+
+The penitent laid Carlos gently on his pallet (he still possessed a
+measure of physical strength, and the worn frame was easy to lift);
+then he knocked loudly on the door for help, as he had been instructed
+to do in any case of need. But no one heard, or at least no one heeded
+him, which was not remarkable, since during more than twenty years he
+had not, on a single occasion, thus summoned his gaolers. Then, in
+utter ignorance what next to do, and in very great distress, he bent
+over his young companion, helplessly wringing his hands.
+
+Carlos stirred at last, and murmured, "Where am I? What is it?" But
+even before full consciousness returned, there came the sense, taught
+by the bitter experience of the last two years, that he must look
+within for aid--he could expect none from any fellow-creature. He tried
+to recollect himself. Some bewildering, awful joy had fallen upon him,
+striking him to the earth. Was he free? Was he permitted to see Juan?
+
+Slowly, very slowly, all grew clear to him. He half raised himself,
+grasped the penitent's hand, and cried aloud, "_My father!_"
+
+"Are you better, señor?" asked the old man with solicitude. "Do me the
+favour to drink this wine."
+
+"Father, my father! I am your son. I am Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya. Do you not understand me, father?"
+
+"I do not understand you, señor," said the penitent, moving a little
+away from him, with a mixture of dignified courtesy and utter amazement
+in his manner strange to behold. "Who is it that I have the honour to
+address?"
+
+"O my father, I am your son--your very son Carlos."
+
+"I have never seen you till--ere yesterday."
+
+"That is quite true; and yet--"
+
+"Nay, nay," interrupted the old man; "you are speaking wild words to
+me. I had but one boy--Juan--Juan Rodrigo. The heir of the house of
+Alvarez de Meñaya was always called Juan."
+
+"He lives. He is Captain Don Juan now, the bravest soldier, and the
+best, truest-hearted man on earth. How you would love him! Would you
+could see him face to face! Yet no; thank God you cannot."
+
+"My babe a captain in His Imperial Majesty's army!" said Don Juan, in
+whose thoughts the great Emperor was reigning still.
+
+"And I," Carlos continued, in a broken, agitated voice--"I, born when
+they thought you dead--I, who opened my young eyes on this sad world
+the day God took my mother home from all its sin and sorrow--I am
+brought here, in his mysterious providence, to comfort you, after your
+long dreary years of suffering."
+
+"Your mother! Did you say your mother? My wife, _Costanza mia_. Oh, let
+me see your face!"
+
+Carlos raised himself to a kneeling attitude, and the old man laid his
+hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him long and earnestly. At length
+Carlos removed the hand, and drawing it gently upwards, placed it on
+his head. "Father," he said, "you will love your son? you will bless
+him, will you not? He has dwelt long amongst those who hated him, and
+never spoke to him save in wrath and scorn, and his heart pines for
+human love and tenderness."
+
+Don Juan did not answer for a while; but he ran his fingers through
+the soft fine hair. "So like hers," he murmured dreamily. "Thine eyes
+are hers too--_zarca_.[34] Yes, yes; I do bless thee--But who am I to
+bless? God bless thee, my son!"
+
+    [34] Blue; a word applied by the Spaniards only to blue eyes.
+
+In the long, long silence that followed, the great convent bell rang
+out. It was noon. For the first time for twenty years the penitent did
+not hear that sound.
+
+Carlos heard it, however. Agitated as he was, he yet feared the
+consequences that might follow should the penitent omit any part of the
+penance he was bound by oath to perform. So he gently reminded him of
+it. "Father--(how strangely sweet the name sounded!)--"father, at this
+hour you always recite the penitential psalms. When you have finished,
+we will talk together. I have ten thousand things to tell you."
+
+With the silent, unreasoning submission that had become a part of his
+nature, the penitent obeyed; and, going to his usual station before the
+crucifix, began his monotonous task. The fresh life newly awakened in
+his heart and brain was far from being strong enough, as yet, to burst
+the bonds of habit. And this was well. Those bonds were his safeguard;
+but for their wholesome restraint, mind or body, or both, might have
+been shattered by the tumultuous rush of new thoughts and feelings.
+But the familiar Latin words, repeated without thought, almost without
+consciousness, soothed the weary brain like a slumber.
+
+Meanwhile, Carlos thanked God with a full heart. Here, then--_here_,
+in the dark prison, the very abode of misery--had God given him the
+desire of his heart, fulfilled the longing of his early years. Now the
+wilderness and the solitary place were glad; the desert rejoiced and
+blossomed as the rose. Now his life seemed complete, its end answering
+its beginning; all its meaning lying clear and plain before him. He was
+satisfied.
+
+"Ruy, Ruy, I have found our father!--Oh, that I could but tell thee,
+my Ruy!"--was the cry of his heart, though he forced his lips to
+silence. Nor could the tears of joy, that sprang unbidden to his eyes,
+be permitted to overflow, since they might perplex and trouble his
+fellow-captive--_his father_.
+
+He had still a task to perform; and to that task his mind soon bent
+itself; perhaps instinctively taking refuge in practical detail from
+emotions that might otherwise have proved too strong for his weakened
+frame. He set himself to consider how best he could revive the past,
+and make the present comprehensible to the aged and broken man, without
+overpowering or bewildering him.
+
+He planned to tell him, in the first instance, all that he could about
+Nuera. And this he accomplished gradually, as he was able to bear the
+strain of conversation. He talked of Dolores and Diego; described both
+the exterior and interior of the castle; in fact, made him see again
+the scenes to which his eye had been accustomed in past days. With
+special minuteness did he picture the little room within the hall, both
+because it was less changed since his father's time than the others,
+and because it had been his favourite apartment. "And on the window,"
+he said, "there were some words, written with a diamond, doubtless
+by your hand, my father. My brother and I used to read them in our
+childhood; we loved them, and dreamed many a wondrous dream about
+them. Do you not remember them?"
+
+But the old man shook his head.
+
+Then Carlos began,--
+
+  "'El Dorado--'"
+
+  "'Yo hé trovado.'
+
+Yes, I remember now," said Don Juan promptly.
+
+"And the golden country you had discovered--was it not the truth as
+revealed in Scripture?" asked Carlos, perhaps a little too eagerly.
+
+The penitent mused a space; grew bewildered; said at last sorrowfully,
+"I know not. I cannot now recall what moved me to write those lines, or
+even when I wrote them."
+
+In the next place, Carlos ventured to tell all he had heard from
+Dolores about his mother. The fact of his wife's death had been
+communicated to the prisoner; but this was the only fragment of
+intelligence about his family that had reached him during all these
+years. When she was spoken of, he showed emotion, slight in the
+beginning, but increasing at every succeeding mention of her name,
+until Carlos, who had at first been glad to find that the slumbering
+chords of feeling responded to his touch, came at last to dread laying
+his hands upon them, they were apt to moan so piteously. And once and
+again did his father say, gazing at him with ever-increasing fondness,
+"Thy face is hers, risen anew before me."
+
+Carlos tried hard to awaken Don Juan's interest in his first-born. It
+is true that he cherished an almost passionate love for Juanito the
+babe, but it was such a love as we feel for children whom God has taken
+to himself in infancy. Juan the youth, Juan the man, seemed to him a
+stranger, difficult to conceive of or to care about. Yet, in time,
+Carlos did succeed in establishing a bond between the long-imprisoned
+father and the brave, noble, free-hearted son, who was so like what
+that father had been in his early manhood. He was never weary of
+telling of Juan's courage, Juan's truthfulness, Juan's generosity;
+often concluding with the words, "_He_ would have been your favourite
+son, had you known him, my father."
+
+As time wore on, he won from his father's lips the principal facts of
+his own story. His past was like a picture from which the colouring,
+once bright and varied, has faded away, leaving only the bare outlines
+of fact, and here and there the shadows of pain still faintly visible.
+What he remembered, that he told his son; but gradually, and often in
+very disjointed fragments, which Carlos carefully pieced together in
+his thoughts, until he formed out of them a tolerably connected whole.
+
+Just three-and-twenty years before, on his arrival in Seville, in
+obedience to what he believed to be a summons from the Emperor, the
+Conde de Nuera had been arrested and thrown into the secret dungeons
+of the Inquisition. He well knew his offence: he had been the friend
+and associate of De Valero; he had read and studied the Scriptures; he
+had even advocated, in the presence of several witnesses, the doctrine
+of justification by faith alone. Nor was he unprepared to pay the
+terrible penalty. Had he, at the time of his arrest, been led at once
+to the rack or the stake, it is probable he would have suffered with
+a constancy that might have placed his name beside that of the most
+heroic martyrs.
+
+But he was allowed to wear out long months in suspense and solitude,
+and in what his eager spirit found even harder to bear, absolute
+inaction. Excitement, motion, stirring occupation for mind and body,
+had all his life been a necessity to him. In the absence of these he
+pined--grew melancholy, listless, morbid. His faith was genuine, and
+would have been strong enough to enable him for anything _in the line
+of his character_; but it failed under trials purposely and sedulously
+contrived to assail that character through its weak points.
+
+When already worn out with dreary imprisonment, he was beset by
+arguments, clever, ingenious, sophistical, framed by men who made
+argument the business of their lives. Thus attacked, he was like a
+brave but unskilful man fencing with adepts in the noble science. He
+_knew_ he was right; and with the Vulgate in his hand, he thought he
+could have proved it. But they assured him they proved the contrary;
+nor could he detect a flaw in their syllogisms when he came to
+examine them. If not convinced, then surely he ought to have been.
+They conjured him not to let pride and vain-glory seduce him into
+self-opinionated obstinacy, but to submit his private judgment to that
+of the Holy Catholic Church. And they promised that he should go forth
+free, only chastised by a suitable and not disgraceful penance, and by
+a pecuniary fine.
+
+The hope of freedom burned in his heart like fire; and by this time
+there was sufficient confusion in his brain for his will to find
+arguments there against the voice of his conscience. So he yielded,
+though not without conflict, fierce and bitter. His retractation was
+drawn up in as mild a form as possible by the Inquisitors, and duly
+signed by him. No public act of penance was required, as strict secrecy
+was to be observed in the whole transaction.
+
+But the Inquisitor-General, Valdez, felt a well-grounded distrust of
+the penitent's sincerity, which was quickened perhaps by a desire
+to appropriate to the use of the Holy Office a larger share of his
+possessions than the moderate fine alluded to. Probably, too, he
+dreaded the disclosures that might have followed had the Count been
+restored to the world. He had recourse, therefore, to an artifice
+often employed by the Inquisitors, and seriously recommended by their
+standard authorities. The "fly" (for such traitors were common enough
+to have a technical name as well as a recognized existence) reported
+that the Conde de Nuera railed at the Holy Office, blasphemed the
+Catholic faith, and still adhered in his heart to all his abominable
+heresies. The result was a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.
+
+Don Juan's condition was truly pitiable then. Like Samson, he was
+shorn of the locks in which his strength lay, bound hand and foot, and
+delivered over to his enemies. Because he could not bear perpetual
+imprisonment he had renounced his faith, and denied his Lord. And now,
+without the faith he had renounced, without the Lord he had denied,
+he _must_ bear it. It told upon him as it would have told on nine men
+out of ten, perhaps on ninety-nine out of a hundred. His mind lost its
+activity, its vigour, its tone. It became, in time, almost a passive
+instrument in the hands of others.
+
+And then the Dominican monk, Fray Ricardo, brought his powerful
+intellect and his strong will to bear upon him. He had been sent by
+his superiors (he was not prior until long afterwards) to impart
+the terrible story of her husband's arrest to the Lady of Nuera,
+with secret instructions to ascertain whether her own faith had been
+tampered with. In his fanatical zeal he performed a cruel task cruelly.
+But he had a conscience, and its fault was not insensibility. When he
+heard the tale of the lady's death, a few days after his visit, he was
+profoundly affected. Accustomed, however, to a religion of weights and
+balances, it came naturally to him to set one thing against another, by
+way of making the scales even. If he could be the means of saving the
+husband's soul, he would feel, to say the least, much more comfortable
+about his conduct to the wife.
+
+He spared no pains upon the task he had set himself; and a measure
+of success crowned his efforts. Having first reduced the mind of the
+penitent to a cold, blank calm, agitated by no wave of restless thought
+or feeling, he had at length the delight of seeing his own image
+reflected there, as in a mirror. He mistook that spectral reflection
+for a reality, and great was his triumph when, day by day, he saw it
+move responsive to every motion of his own.
+
+But the arrest of his penitent's son broke in upon his
+self-satisfaction. It seemed as though a dark doom hung over the
+family, which even the father's repentance was powerless to avert. He
+wished to save the youth, and he had tried to do it after his fashion;
+but his efforts only resulted in bringing up before him the pale
+accusing face of the Lady of Nuera, and in interesting him more than
+he cared to acknowledge in the impenitent heretic, who seemed to him
+such a strange mixture of gentleness and obstinacy. Surely the father's
+influence would prevail with the son, originally a much less courageous
+and determined character, and now already wrought upon by a long period
+of loneliness and suffering.
+
+Perhaps also--monk, fanatic, and inquisitor though he was--the
+pleasantness of trying the experiment, and cheering thereby the last
+days of the pious and docile penitent, his own especial convert,
+weighed a little with him; for he was still a man. Moreover, like
+many hard men, he was capable of great kindness towards those whom
+he liked. And, with the full approbation of his conscience, he liked
+his penitent; whilst, rather in spite of his conscience, he liked his
+penitent's son.
+
+Carlos did not trouble himself over-much about the prior's motives. He
+was too content in his new-found joy, too engrossed in his absorbing
+task--the concern and occupation of his every hour, almost of his every
+moment. He was as one who toils patiently to clear away the moss and
+lichen that has grown over a memorial stone; that he may bring out once
+more, in all their freshness, the precious words engraven upon it.
+The inscription was there, and there it had been always (so he told
+himself); all that he had to do was to remove that which covered and
+obscured it.
+
+He had his reward. Life returned, first through love for him, to the
+heart; then, through the heart, to the brain. Not rapidly and with
+tingling pain, as it returns to a frozen limb, but gradually and
+insensibly, as it comes to the dry trees in spring.
+
+But, in the trees, life shows itself first in the extremities; it
+is slowest in appearing in those parts which are really nearest the
+sources of all life. So the penitent's interest in other subjects,
+and his care for them, revived; yet in one thing, the greatest of
+all, these seemed lacking still. There did _not_ return the spiritual
+light and life, which Carlos could not doubt he had enjoyed in past
+days. Sometimes, it is true, he would startle his son by unexpected
+reminiscences, disjointed fragments of the truth for which he had
+suffered so much. He would occasionally interrupt Carlos, when he was
+repeating to him passages from the Testament, to tell him "something
+Don Rodrigo said about that, when he expounded the Epistle to the
+Romans." But these were only like the rich flowers that surprise the
+explorer amidst the tangled weeds of a waste ground, showing that a
+carefully tended garden has flourished there once--very long ago.
+
+"It is not that I desire him above all things to hold this doctrine
+or that," thought Carlos; "I desire him to find Christ again, and to
+rejoice in his love, as doubtless he did in the old days. And surely
+he will, since Christ found him--chose him for his own even before the
+foundation of the world."
+
+But in order to bring this about, perhaps it was necessary that the
+faded colours of his soul should be steeped in the strong and bitter
+waters of a great agony, that they might regain thereby their full
+freshness.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLIII.
+
+                        El Dorado Found Again.
+
+  "And every power was used, and every art,
+  To bend to falsehood one determined heart;
+  Assailed, in patience it received the shock,
+  Soft as the wave, unbroken as the rock."
+
+                                       CRABBE.
+
+
+What are you doing, my father?" Carlos asked one morning.
+
+Don Juan had produced from some private receptacle a small ink-horn,
+and was moistening its long-dried contents with water.
+
+"I was thinking that I should like to write down somewhat," he said.
+
+"But whereto will ink serve us without pen and paper?"
+
+The penitent smiled; and presently pulled out from within his pallet
+a little faded writing-book, and a pen that looked--what it was--more
+than twenty years old.
+
+"Long ago," he said, "I used to be weary, weary of sitting idle all the
+day; so I bribed one of the lay brothers with my last ducat to bring
+me this, only that I might set down therein whatever happened, for
+pastime."
+
+"May I read it, my father?"
+
+"And welcome, if thou wilt;" and he gave the book into the hand of his
+son. "At first, as you see, there be many things written therein.
+I cannot tell what they are now; I have forgotten them all;--but I
+suppose I thought them, or felt them--once. Or sometimes the brethren
+would come to visit me, and talk, and afterwards I would write what
+they said. But by degrees I set down less and less in it. Many days
+passed in which I wrote nothing, because nothing was to write. Nothing
+ever happened."
+
+Carlos was soon absorbed in the perusal of the little book. The records
+of his father's earlier prison life he scanned with great interest and
+with deep emotion; but coming rather suddenly upon the last entry, he
+could not forbear a smile. He read aloud:
+
+"'A feast day. Had a capon for dinner, and a measure of red wine.'"
+
+"Did I not judge well," asked the father, "that it was time to give
+over writing, when I could stoop low enough to record such trifles?
+Yes; I think I can recall the bitterness of heart with which I laid the
+book aside. I despised myself for what I wrote therein; and yet I had
+nothing else to write--would never have anything else, I thought. But
+now God has given me my son. I will write that down."
+
+Looking up, after a little while, from his self-imposed task, he asked,
+with an air of perplexity,--
+
+"But when was it? How long is it since you came here, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos in his turn was perplexed. The quiet days had glided on swiftly
+and noiselessly, leaving no trace behind.
+
+"To me it seems to have been all one long Sabbath," he said. "But let
+me think. The summer heats had not come; I suppose it must have been
+March or April--April, perhaps. I remember thinking I had been just two
+years in prison."
+
+"And now it is growing cool again. I suppose it may have been four
+months--six months ago. What think you?"
+
+Carlos thought it nearer the latter period than the former.
+
+"I believe we have been visited six times by the brethren," he said.
+"No; only five times."
+
+These visits of inspection had been made by command of the
+prior--himself absent from Seville on important business during most
+of the time--and the result had been duly reported to him. The monks
+to whom the duty had been deputed were aged and respectable members
+of the community; in fact, the only persons in the monastery who were
+acquainted with Don Juan's real name and history. It was their opinion
+that matters were progressing favourably with the prisoners. They found
+the penitent as usual--docile, obedient, submissive, only more inclined
+to converse than formerly; and they thought the young man very gentle
+and courteous, grateful for the smallest kindness, and ready to listen
+attentively, and with apparent interest, to everything that was said.
+
+For more definite results the prior was content to wait: he had great
+faith in waiting. Still, even to him six months seemed long enough for
+the experiment he was trying. At the end of that time--which happened
+to be the day after the conversation just related--he himself made a
+visit to the prisoners.
+
+Both most warmly expressed their gratitude for the singular grace he
+had shown them. Carlos, whose health had greatly improved, said that he
+had not dreamed so much earthly happiness could remain for him still.
+
+"Then, my son," said the prior, "give evidence of thy gratitude in the
+only way possible to thee, or acceptable to me. Do not reject the mercy
+still offered thee by Holy Church. Ask for reconciliation."
+
+"My lord," replied Carlos, firmly, "I can but repeat what I told you
+six months agone--that is impossible."
+
+The prior argued, expostulated, threatened--in vain. At length he
+reminded Carlos that he was already condemned to death--the death of
+fire; and that he was now putting from him his last chance of mercy.
+But when he still remained steadfast, he turned away from him with an
+air of deep disappointment, though more in sorrow than in anger, as one
+pained by keen and unexpected ingratitude.
+
+"I speak to thee no more," he said. "I believe there is in thy father's
+heart some little spark, not only of natural feeling, but of the grace
+of God. I address myself to him."
+
+Whether Don Juan had never fully comprehended the statement of Carlos
+that he was under sentence of death, or whether the tide of emotion
+caused by finding in him his own son had swept the terrible fact from
+his remembrance, it is impossible to say; but it certainly came to him,
+from the lips of the prior, as a dreadful, unexpected blow. So keen
+was his anguish that Fray Ricardo himself was moved; and the rather,
+because it was impossible to the aged and broken man to maintain the
+outward self-restraint a younger and stronger person might have done.
+
+More touched, at the moment, by his father's condition than by all the
+horrors that menaced himself, Carlos came to his side, and gently tried
+to soothe him.
+
+"Cease!" said the prior, sternly. "It is but mockery to pretend
+sympathy with the sorrow thine own obstinacy has caused. If in truth
+thou lovest him, save him this cruel pain. For three days still," he
+added, "the door of grace shall stand open to thee. After that term has
+expired, I dare not promise thy life." Then turning to the agitated
+father--"If _you_ can make this unhappy youth hear the voice of divine
+and human compassion," he said, "you will save both his body and his
+soul alive. You know how to send me a message. God comfort you, and
+incline his heart to repentance." And with these words he departed,
+leaving Carlos to undergo the sharpest trial that had come upon him
+since his imprisonment.
+
+All that day, and the greater part of the night that followed it, the
+two wills strove together. Prayers, tears, entreaties, seemed to the
+agonized father to fall on the strong heart of his son like drops of
+rain on the rock. He did not know that all the time they were falling
+on that heart like sparks of living fire; for Carlos, once so weak,
+had learned now to endure pain, both of mind and body, with brow and
+lip that "gave no sign." Passing tender was the love that had sprung
+up between those two, so strangely brought together. And now Carlos,
+by his own act, must sever that sweet bond--must leave his newly-found
+father in a solitude doubly terrible, where the feeble lamp of his life
+would soon go out in obscure darkness. Was not this bitterness enough,
+without the anguish of seeing that father bow his white head before
+him, and teach his aged lips words of broken, passionate entreaty that
+his son--his one earthly treasure--would not forsake him thus?
+
+"My father," Carlos said at last, as they sat together in the
+moonlight, for their light had gone out unheeded--"my father, you have
+often told me that my face is like my mother's."
+
+"Ay de mi!" moaned the penitent--"and truly it is. Is that why it must
+leave me as hers did? Ay de mi, Costanza mia! Ay de mi, my son!"
+
+"Father, tell me, I pray you, to escape what anguish of mind or body
+would you set your seal to a falsehood told to her dishonour?"
+
+"Boy, how can you ask? Never!--nothing could force me to that." And
+from the faded eye there shot a gleam almost like the fire of old days.
+
+"Father, there is One I love better than ever you loved her. Not to
+save myself, not even to save you, from this bitter pain, can I deny
+him or dishonour his name. Father, I cannot!--Though this is worse than
+the torture," he added.
+
+The anguish of the last words pierced to the very core of the old
+man's heart. He said no more; but he covered his face, and wept long
+and passionately, as a man weeps whose heart is broken, and who has no
+longer any power left him to struggle against his doom.
+
+Their last meal lay untasted. Some wine had formed part of it; and this
+Carlos now brought, and, with a few gentle, loving words, offered to
+his father. Don Juan put it aside, but drew his son closer, and looked
+at him in the moonlight long and earnestly.
+
+"How can I give thee up?" he murmured.
+
+As Carlos tried to return his gaze, it flashed for the first time
+across his mind that his father was changed. He looked older, feebler,
+more wan than he had done at his coming. Was the newly-awakened spirit
+wearing out the body? He said,--
+
+"It may be, my father, that God will not call you to the trial. Perhaps
+months may elapse before they arrange another Auto."
+
+How calmly he could speak of it;--for he had forgotten himself.
+Courage, with him, always had its root in self-forgetting love.
+
+Don Juan caught at the gleam of hope, though not exactly as Carlos
+intended. "Ay, truly," he said, "many things may happen before then."
+
+"And nothing _can_ happen save at the will of Him who loves and cares
+for us. Let us trust him, my beloved father. He will not allow us
+to be tempted above that we are able to bear. For he is good--oh,
+how good!--to the soul that seeketh him. Long ago I believed that;
+but since he has honoured me to suffer for him, once and again have
+I proved it true, true as life or death. Father, I once thought
+the strongest thing on earth--that which reached deepest into our
+nature--was pain. But I have lived to learn that his love is stronger,
+his peace is deeper, than all pain."
+
+With many such words--words of faith, and hope, and tenderness--did he
+soothe his weary, broken-hearted father. And at last, though not till
+towards morning, he succeeded in inducing him to lie down and seek the
+rest he so sorely needed.
+
+Then came his own hour; the hour of bitter, lonely conflict. He
+had grown accustomed to the thought, to the _expectation_, of a
+silent, peaceful death within the prison walls. He had hoped, nay,
+certainly believed, that in the slow hours of some quiet day or night,
+undistinguished from other days and nights, God's messenger would steal
+noiselessly to his gloomy cell, and heart and brain would thrill with
+rapture at the summons, "The Master calleth thee."
+
+Now, indeed, it was true that the Master called him. But he called him
+to go to Him through the scornful gaze of ten thousand eyes; through
+reproach, and shame, and mockery; the hideous zamarra and carroza; the
+long agony of the Auto, spun out from daybreak till midnight; and, last
+of all, through the torture of the doom of fire. How could he bear it?
+Sharp were the pangs of fear that wrung his heart, and dread was the
+struggle that followed.
+
+It was over at last. Raising to the cold moonlight a steadfast though
+sorrowful face, Carlos murmured audibly, "What time I am afraid I will
+put my trust in thee. Lord, I am ready to go with thee, whithersoever
+thou wilt; only--with thee."
+
+He woke, late the following morning, from the sleep of exhaustion to
+the painful consciousness of something terrible to come upon him. But
+he was soon roused from thoughts of self by seeing his father kneel
+before the crucifix, not quietly reciting his appointed penance, but
+uttering broken words of prayer and lamentation, accompanied by bitter
+weeping. As far as he could gather, the burden of the cry was this,
+"God help me! God forgive me! _I have lost it!_" Over and over again
+did he moan those piteous words, "I have lost it!" as if they were the
+burden of some dreary song. They seemed to contain the sum of all his
+sorrow.
+
+Carlos, yearning to comfort him, still did not feel that he could
+interrupt him then. He waited quietly until they were both ready for
+their usual reading or repetition of Scripture; for Carlos, every
+morning, either read from the Book of Hours to his father, or recited
+passages from memory, as suited his inclination at the time.
+
+He knew all the Gospel of John by heart. And this day he began with
+those blessed words, dear in all ages to the tried and sorrowing, "Let
+not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
+my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
+told you. I go to prepare a place for you." He continued without pause
+to the close of the sixteenth chapter, "These things I have spoken
+unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
+tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
+
+Then once more Don Juan uttered that cry of bitter pain, "Ay de mi! I
+have lost it!"
+
+Carlos thought he understood him now. "Lost that peace, my father?" he
+questioned gently.
+
+The old man bowed his head sorrowfully.
+
+"But it is in Him. 'In me ye might have peace.' And Him you have," said
+Carlos.
+
+Don Juan drew his hand across his brow, was silent for a few moments,
+then said slowly, "I will try to tell you how it is with me. There is
+one thing I could do, even yet; one path left open to my footsteps
+in which none could part us.--What hinders my refusing to perform my
+penance, and boldly taking my stand beside thee, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos started, flushed, grew pale again with emotion. He had not
+dreamed of this, and his heart shrank from it in terror. "My beloved
+father!" he exclaimed in a trembling voice. "But no--God has not called
+you. Each one of us must wait to see his guiding hand."
+
+"Once I could have done it bravely, nay, joyfully," said the penitent.
+"_Not now._" And there was a silence.
+
+At last Don Juan resumed, "My boy, thy courage shames my weakness. What
+hast thou seen, what dost thou see, that makes this thing possible to
+thee?"
+
+"My father knows. I see Him who died for me, who rose again for me,
+who lives at the right hand of God to intercede for me."
+
+"_For me?_"
+
+"Yes; it is this thought that gives strength and peace."
+
+"Peace--which I have lost for ever."
+
+"Not for ever, my honoured father. No; you are his, and of such it is
+written, 'Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' Though your
+tired hand has relaxed its grasp of him, his has never ceased to hold
+you, and never can cease."
+
+"I was at peace and happy long ago, when I believed, as Don Rodrigo
+said, that I was justified by faith in him."
+
+"Once justified, justified for ever," said Carlos.
+
+"Don Rodrigo used to say so too, but--I cannot understand it now," and
+a look of perplexity passed over his face.
+
+Carlos spoke more simply. "No! Then come to him now, my father, just as
+if you had never come before. You may not know that you are justified;
+you know well that you are weary and heavy laden. And to such he says,
+'Come. He says it with outstretched arms, with a heart full of love and
+tenderness. He is as willing to save you from sin and sorrow as you are
+this hour to save me from pain and death. Only, you cannot, and he can."
+
+"Come--that is--believe?"
+
+"It is believe, and more. Come, as your heart came out to me, and mine
+to you, when we knew the great bond between us. But with far stronger
+trust and deeper love; for he is more than son or father. He fulfils
+all relationships, satisfies all wants."
+
+"But then, what of those long years in which I forgot him?"
+
+"They were but adding to the sum of sin; sin that he has pardoned, has
+washed away for ever in his blood."
+
+At that point the conversation dropped, and days passed ere it was
+renewed. Don Juan was unusually silent; very tender to his son, making
+no complaint, but often weeping quietly. Carlos thought it best to
+leave God to deal with him directly, so he only prayed for him and with
+him, repeated precious Scripture words, and sometimes sang to him the
+psalms and hymns of the Church.
+
+But one evening, to the affectionate "Good-night" always exchanged by
+the son and father with the sense that many more might not be left to
+them, Don Juan added, "Rejoice with me, my son; for I think that I have
+found again the thing that I lost--
+
+  'El Dorado
+   Yo hé trovado.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIV.
+
+                        One Prisoner Set Free.
+
+  "All was ended now, the hope and the fear, and the sorrow;
+  All the aching of heart, the restless unsatisfied longing,
+  All the dull deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."
+
+                                                  LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+The winter rain was pouring down in a steady continuous torrent. It
+was long since a gleam of sunshine had come through the windows of the
+prison-room. But Don Juan Alvarez did not miss the sunlight. For he lay
+on his pallet, weak and ill, and the only sight he greatly cared to
+look upon was the loving face that was ever beside him.
+
+It is possible, by means of the embalmer's art, to enable buried forms
+to retain for ages a ghastly outward similitude to life. Tombs have
+been opened, and kings found therein clothed in their royal robes,
+stern and stately, the sceptre in their cold hands, and no trace of
+the grave and its corruption visible upon them. But no sooner did the
+breath of the upper air and the finger of light touch them than they
+crumbled away, silently and rapidly, and dust returned to dust again.
+Thus, buried in the chill dark tomb of his seclusion, Don Juan might
+have lived for years--if life it could be called--or, at least, he
+might have lingered on in the outward similitude of life. But Carlos
+brought in light and air upon him. His mind and heart revived; and,
+just in proportion, his physical nature sank. It proved too weak to
+bear these powerful influences. He was dying.
+
+Tender and thoughtful as a woman, Carlos, who himself knew so well
+all the bitterness of unpitied pain and sickness, ministered to his
+father's wants. But he did not request their gaolers to afford him any
+medical aid, though, had he done so, it would have been readily granted.
+
+He had good reason for seeking no help from man. The daily penance was
+neglected now; the rosary lay untold; and never again would "Ave Maria
+Sanctissima" pass the lips of Don Juan Alvarez. Therefore it was that
+Carlos, after much thought and prayer, said quietly to him one day, "My
+father, are you afraid to lie here, in God's hands, and in his alone,
+and to take whatever he pleases to send us?"
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+"Do you desire _any_ help they can give, either for your soul or for
+your body?"
+
+"_No_," said the Conde de Nuera, with something like the spirit of
+other days. "I would not confess to them; for Christ is my only priest
+now. And they should not anoint me while I retained my consciousness."
+
+A look of resolution, strange to see, passed over the gentle face of
+Carlos. "It is well said, my father," he responded. "And, God helping
+me, I will let no man trouble you."
+
+"My son," said Don Juan one evening, as Carlos sat beside him in the
+twilight, "I pray you, tell me a little more of those who learned to
+love the truth since I walked amongst men. For I would fain be able to
+recognize them when we meet in heaven."
+
+Then Carlos told him, not indeed for the first time, but more fully
+than ever before, the story of the Reformed Church in Spain. Almost
+every name that he mentioned has come down to us surrounded by the
+mournful halo of martyr glory. With special reverential love, he told
+of Don Carlos de Seso, of Losada, of D'Arellano, and of the heroic
+Juliano Hernandez, who, as he believed, was still waiting for his
+crown. "For him," he said, "I pray even yet; for the others I can
+only thank God. Surely," he added, after a pause, "God will remember
+the land for which these, his faithful martyrs, prayed and toiled and
+suffered! Surely he will hear their voices, that cry under the altar,
+not for vengeance, but for forgiveness and mercy; and one day he will
+return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him!"
+
+"I know not," said the dying man despondingly. "The Spains have had
+their offer of God's truth, and have rejected it. What is there that is
+said, somewhere in the Scriptures, about Noah, Daniel, and Job?"
+
+Carlos repeated the solemn words, "'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were
+in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither
+son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their
+righteousness.' Do you fear that such a terrible doom has gone forth
+over our land, my father? I dare to hope otherwise. For it is not the
+Spains that have rejected the truth. It is the Inquisition that is
+crushing it out."
+
+"But the Spains must answer for its deeds, since they consent to them.
+They heed not. There are brave men enough, with weapons in their
+hands," said the soldier of former days, with a momentary return to old
+habits of thought and feeling.
+
+"Yet God may give our land another trial," Carlos continued. "His truth
+is sometimes offered twice to individuals, why not to nations?"
+
+"True; it was offered twice to me, praised be his name." After an
+interval of silence, he resumed, "My son always speaks of others, never
+of himself. Not yet have I learned how it was that you came to receive
+the Word of God so readily from Juliano."
+
+Then in the dark, with his father's hand in his, Carlos told, for the
+first and last time, the true story of his life.
+
+Before he had gone far, Don Juan started, half-raised himself, and
+exclaimed in surprise, "What, and you!--_you_ too--once loved?"
+
+"Ay, and bitter as the pain has been, I am glad now of all except the
+sin. I am glad that I have tasted earth's very best and sweetest;
+that I know how the wine is red and gives its colour in the cup of
+life he honours me to put aside for him." His voice was low and full
+of feeling as he said this. Presently he resumed. "But the sin, my
+father! Especially my treachery in heart to Juan; that rankled long
+and stung deeply. Juan, my brave, generous brother, who would have
+struck down any man who dared to hint that I could do, or think,
+aught dishonourable! He never knew it; and had he known it, he would
+have forgiven me; but I could not forgive myself. I do not think the
+self-scorn passed away until--_that_ which happened after I had been
+nigh a year in prison. O my father, if God had not interposed to save
+me by withholding me from that crime, I shudder to think what my life
+might have been. I am persuaded I should have sunk lower, lower, and
+ever lower. Perhaps, even, I might have ended in the purple and fine
+linen, and the awful pomp and luxury of the oppressors and persecutors
+of the saints."
+
+"Nay," said Don Juan, "that would _never_ have been possible to thee,
+Carlos. But there is a question I have often longed to ask thee. Does
+Juan, my Juan Rodrigo, know and love the Word of God?"
+
+He had asked that question before; but Carlos had contrived, with tact
+and gentleness, to evade the answer. Up to this hour he had not dared
+to tell his father the truth upon this important subject. Besides the
+terrible risk that in some moment of fear or forgetfulness the prior or
+his agents might draw an incautious word from the old man's lips, there
+was a haunting dread of listeners at key-holes, or secret apertures,
+quite natural in one who knew the customs of the Holy Office. But now
+he bent down close to the dying man, and spoke to him in a long earnest
+whisper.
+
+"Thank God," murmured Don Juan. "I would have no earthly wish
+unsatisfied now--if only _you_ were safe. But still," he added, "it
+seemeth somewhat hard to me that Juan should have _all_, and you
+nothing."
+
+"I _nothing_!" Carlos exclaimed; and had not the room been in darkness
+his father would have seen that his eye kindled, and his whole
+countenance lighted up. "My father, mine has been the best lot, even
+for earth. Were it to do again, I would not change the last two years
+for the deepest love, the brightest hope, the fairest joy life has
+to offer. For the Lord himself has been the portion of my cup, my
+inheritance in the land of the living."
+
+After a silence, he continued, "Moreover, and beside all, I have thee,
+my father. Therefore to me it is a joy to think that my beloved brother
+has also something precious. How he loved her! But the strangest thing
+of all, as I ponder over it now, is the fulfilment of our childhood's
+dream. And in me, the weak one who deserved nothing, not in Juan the
+hero who deserved everything. It is the lame who has taken the prey. It
+is the weak and timid Carlos who has found our father."
+
+"Weak--timid?" said Don Juan, with an incredulous smile. "I marvel who
+ever joined such words with the name of my heroic son. Carlos, have we
+any wine?"
+
+"Abundance, my father," answered Carlos, who carefully treasured for
+his father's use all that was furnished for both of them. Having given
+him a little, he asked, "Do you feel pain to-night?"
+
+"No--no pain. Only weary; always weary."
+
+"I think my beloved father will soon be where the weary are at
+rest"--"and where the wicked cease from troubling," he added mentally,
+not aloud.
+
+He would fain have dropped the conversation then, fearing to exhaust
+his father's strength. But the sick man's restlessness was soothed by
+his talk. Ere long he questioned, "Is it not near Christmas now?"
+
+Well did Carlos know that it was; and keenly did he dread the return
+of the season which ought to bring "peace upon earth." For it would
+certainly bring the prisoners a visit; and almost certainly there would
+be the offer of special privileges to the penitent, perhaps sacramental
+consolation, perhaps permission to hear mass. He shuddered to think
+what a refusal to avail himself of these indulgences might entail. And
+once and again did he breathe the fervent prayer, that whatever came
+upon _him_, neither violence, insult, nor reproach might be allowed to
+touch his father.
+
+Moreover, amongst the great festivities of the season, it was more than
+likely that a solemn Auto-da-fé might find place. But this was a secret
+inner thought, not often put into words, even to himself. Only, if it
+were God's will to call his father first!
+
+"It is December," he said, in answer to Don Juan's question; "but
+I have lost account of the day. It may be perhaps the twelfth or
+fourteenth. Shall I recite the evening psalms for the twelfth, 'Te
+dicet hymnus'?"
+
+As he did so, the old man fell asleep, which was what he desired. Half
+in the sleep of exhaustion, half in weary restlessness, the next day
+and the next night wore on. Once only did Don Juan speak connectedly.
+
+"I think you will see my mother soon," said Carlos, as he bore to his
+lips wine mingled with water.
+
+"True," breathed the dying man; "but I am not thinking of that now. Far
+better--I shall see Christ."
+
+"My father, are you still in peace, resting on him?"
+
+"In perfect peace."
+
+And Carlos said no more. He was content; nay, he was exceeding glad.
+He who in all things will have the pre-eminence, had indeed taken his
+rightful place in the heart of the dying, when even the strong earthly
+love that was "twisted with the strings of life" had paled before the
+love of him.
+
+And in the last watch of the night, when the day was breaking, he sent
+his angel to loose the captive's bonds. So gentle was the touch that
+freed him, that he who sat holding his hand in his, and watching his
+face as we watch the last conscious looks of our beloved, yet knew not
+the exact moment when the Deliverer came. Carlos never said "He is
+going!" he only said "He is gone!" And then he kissed the pale lips and
+closed the sightless eyes--in peace.
+
+None ever thanked God for bringing back their beloved from the gates
+of the grave more fervently than Carlos thanked him that hour for
+so gently opening unto his those gates that "no man can shut." "My
+father, thy rest is won!" he said, as he gazed on the calm and noble
+countenance. "They cannot touch thee now. Not all the malice of men
+or of fiends can give one pang. A moment since so fearfully in their
+power; now so completely beyond it! Thank God! thank God!"
+
+The rain was over, and ere long the sun arose, in his royal robes of
+crimson and purple and gold--to the prisoner from the dungeon of the
+Triana an ever fresh wonder and joy. Yet not even that sight could win
+his eyes to-day from the deeper beauty of the still and solemn face
+before him. And as the soft crimson light fell on the pallid cheek and
+brow, the watcher murmured, with calm thankfulness,--"'To him sun and
+daylight are as nothing, for he sees the glory of God.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLV.
+
+                              Triumphant.
+
+  "For ever with the Lord!
+    Amen! so let it be!"
+
+                      MONTGOMERY.
+
+
+Carlos was still sitting beside that couch, with scarcely more sense of
+time than if he had been already where time exists no longer, when the
+door of his cell was opened to admit two distinguished visitors. First
+came the prior; then another member of the Table of the Inquisition.
+
+Carlos rose up from beside his dead, and said calmly, addressing the
+prior, "My father is free!"
+
+"How? what is this?" cried Fray Ricardo, his brow contracting with
+surprise.
+
+Carlos stood aside, allowing him to approach and look. With real
+concern in his stern countenance, he stooped for a few moments over the
+motionless form. Then he asked,--
+
+"But why was I not summoned? Who was with him when he departed?"
+
+"I,--his son," said Carlos.
+
+"But who besides thee?" Then, in a higher key and with more hurried
+intonation,--"Who gave him the last rites of the Church?"
+
+"He did not receive them, my lord, for he did not desire them. He said
+that Christ was his priest; that he would not confess; and that they
+should not anoint him while he retained consciousness."
+
+The Dominican's face grew white with anger, even to the lips.
+
+"_Liar!_" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "How darest thou tell me
+that he for whom I watched, and prayed, and toiled, after years and
+years of faithful penance, has gone down at last, unanointed and
+unassoiled, to hell with Luther and Calvin?"
+
+"I tell thee that he has gone home in peace to his Father's house."
+
+"Blasphemer! liar, like thy father the devil! But I understand all now.
+Thou, in thy hatred of the Faith, didst refuse to summon help--didst
+let his spirit pass without the aid and consolations of the Church.
+Murderer of his soul--thy father's soul! Not content even with that,
+thou canst stand there and slander his memory, bidding us believe that
+he died in heresy! But that, at least, is false--false as thine own
+accursed creed!"
+
+"It is true; and you believe it," said Carlos, in calm, clear, quiet
+tones, that contrasted strangely with the Dominican's outburst of
+unwonted rage.
+
+And the prior did believe it--there was the sharpest sting. He knew
+perfectly well that the condemned heretic was incapable of falsehood:
+on a matter of fact he would have received his testimony more readily
+than that of the stately "Lord Inquisitor" now standing by his side.
+In the momentary pause that followed, that personage came forward and
+looked upon the face of the dead.
+
+"If there be really any proof that he died in heresy," he said, "he
+ought to be proceeded against according to the laws of the Holy Office
+provided for such cases."
+
+Carlos smiled--smiled in calm triumph.
+
+"You cannot hurt him now," he said. "Look there, señor. The King
+immortal, invisible, has set his own signet upon that brow, that the
+decree may not be reversed nor the purpose changed concerning him."
+
+And the peace of the dead face seemed to have passed into the living
+face that had gazed on it so long. Carlos was as really beyond the
+power of his enemies as his father was that hour. They felt it; or at
+least one of them did. As for the other, his strong heart was torn with
+rage and sorrow: sorrow for the penitent, whom he truly loved, and whom
+he now believed, after all his prayers and efforts, a lost soul; rage
+against the obstinate heretic, whom he had sought to befriend, and who
+had repaid his kindness by snatching his convert from his grasp at the
+very gate of heaven, and plunging him into hell.
+
+"I will _not_ believe it," he reiterated, with pale lips, and eyes
+that gleamed beneath his cowl like coals of fire. Then, softening a
+little as he turned to the dead--"Would that those silent lips could
+utter, were it only one word, to say that death found thee true to the
+Catholic faith!--Not one word! So end the hopes of years. But at least
+thy betrayer shall be with thee amongst the dead to-morrow.--Heretic!"
+he said, turning fiercely to Carlos, "we are here to announce thy doom.
+I came, with a heart full of pity and relenting, to offer counsel
+and comfort, and such mercy as Holy Church still keeps for those
+who return to her bosom at the eleventh hour. But now, I despair of
+thee. Professed, impenitent, dogmatizing heretic, go thine own way to
+everlasting fire!"
+
+"To-morrow! Did you say to-morrow?" asked Carlos, standing motionless,
+as one lost in thought.
+
+The other Inquisitor took up the word.
+
+"It is true," he said. "To-morrow the Church offers to God the
+acceptable sacrifice of a solemn Act of Faith. And we come to announce
+to thee thy sentence, well merited and long delayed--to be relaxed to
+the secular arm as an obstinate heretic. But if even yet thou wilt
+repent, and, confessing and deploring thy sins, supplicate restoration
+to the bosom of the Church, she will so effectually intercede for thee
+with the civil magistrate that the doom of fire will be exchanged for
+the milder punishment of death by strangling."
+
+Something like a faint smile played round the lips of Carlos; but he
+only repeated, "To-morrow!"
+
+"Yes, my son," said the Inquisitor, promptly; for he was a man who knew
+his business well. He had come there to improve the occasion; and he
+meant to do it. "No doubt it seems to thee a sudden blow, and but a
+brief space left thee for preparation. But, at the best, our life here
+is only a span; 'Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to
+live, and is full of misery.'"
+
+Carlos did not look as if he heard; he still stood lost in thought, his
+head sunk upon his breast. But in another moment he raised it suddenly.
+
+"To-morrow I shall be with Christ in glory!" he exclaimed, with a
+countenance as radiant as if that glory were already reflected there.
+
+Some faint feeling of awe and wonder touched the Inquisitor's heart,
+and silenced him for an instant. Then, recovering himself, and falling
+back for help upon wonted words of course, he said,--
+
+"I entreat of you to think of your soul."
+
+"I have thought of it long ago. I have given it into the safe keeping
+of Christ my Lord. Therefore I think no more of it; I only think of
+him."
+
+"But have you no fear of the anguish--the doom of fire?"
+
+"I have no fear," Carlos answered. And this was a great mystery, even
+to himself. "Christ's hand will either lift me over it or sustain me
+through it; which, I know not yet. And I am not careful; he will care."
+
+"Men of noble lineage, such as you are--of high honour and stainless
+name, such as you _were_," said the Inquisitor--"ofttimes dread shame
+more than agony. You, who were called Alvarez de Meñaya, what think
+_you_ of the infamy, the loathing of all men, the scorn and mockery of
+the lowest rabble--the zamarra, the carroza?"
+
+"I shall joyfully go forth with Him without the camp, bearing his
+reproach."
+
+"And stand at the stake beside a vile caitiff, a miserable muleteer,
+convicted of the same crimes?"
+
+"A muleteer? Juliano Hernandez?" Carlos questioned eagerly.
+
+"The same."
+
+A softer light played over the features of Carlos. Then he should see
+that face once more--perhaps even grasp that hand! Truly God was giving
+him everything he desired of him. He said,--
+
+"I am glad to stand, here to the last, at the side of that faithful
+soldier and servant of Christ. For when we go in there together, I dare
+not hope to be so highly honoured as to take a place beside him."
+
+At this point the prior broke in. "Señor and my brother, your words
+are wasted. He is given over to the power of the evil one. Let us
+leave him." And drawing his mantle round him, he turned to go, without
+looking again towards Carlos.
+
+But Carlos came forward. "Pardon me, my lord; I have a few words
+yet to say to you;" and, stretching out his hand to detain him, he
+unconsciously touched his arm with it.
+
+The prior flung it off with a gesture of angry scorn. There was
+contamination in that touch. "I have heard too many words from your
+lips already," he said.
+
+"To-morrow night my lips will be dust, my voice silent for ever. So you
+may well bear with me for a little while to-day."
+
+"Speak then; but be brief."
+
+"It gives me the last pang I think to know on earth, to part thus from
+you; for you have shown me true kindness. I owe you, not forgiveness as
+an enemy, but gratitude as a sincere though mistaken friend. I shall
+pray for you--"
+
+"An impenitent heretic's prayers--"
+
+"Will do my lord the prior no harm; and there may come a day when he
+will not be sorry he had them."
+
+There was a short pause. "Have you anything else to say?" asked the
+prior rather more gently.
+
+"Only one word, señor." He turned and looked at the dead. "I know you
+loved him well. You will deal gently with his dust, will you not? A
+grave is not much to ask for him. You will give it; I trust you."
+
+The stern set face relaxed a little before that pleading look. "It is
+_you_ who have sought to rob him of a grave," said the prior--"you who
+have defamed him of heresy. But your testimony is invalid; and, as I
+have said, I believe you not."
+
+With this declaration of purely official disbelief, he left the room.
+
+His colleague lingered a moment. "You plead for the senseless dust that
+can neither feel nor suffer," he said; "you can pity that. How is it
+you cannot pity yourself?"
+
+"That which you destroy to-morrow is not myself. It is only my garment,
+my tent. Yet even over that Christ watches. He can raise it glorious
+from the ashes of the Quemadero as easily as from the church where the
+bones of my fathers sleep. For I am his, soul and body--the purchase of
+his blood. And why should it be a marvel in your eyes that I rejoice to
+give my life for him who gave his own for me?"
+
+"God grant thee even yet to die in his grace!" answered the Inquisitor,
+somewhat moved. "I do not despair of thee. I will pray for thee, and
+visit thee again to-night." So saying, he hastened after the prior.
+
+For a season Carlos sat motionless, his soul filled to overflowing with
+a calm, deep tide of awed and wondering joy. No room was there for any
+thought save one--"I shall see His face; I shall be with Him for ever."
+Over the Thing that lay between he could spring as joyously as a child
+might leap across a brook to reach his father's outstretched hand.
+
+At length his eye fell, perhaps by accident, on the little writing-book
+which lay near. He drew it towards him, and having found out the place
+where the last entry was made, wrote rapidly beneath it,--
+
+    "To depart and to be with Christ is far better. My beloved father
+    is gone to him in peace to-day. I too go in peace, though by a
+    rougher path, to-morrow. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me
+    all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
+    for ever.
+
+    "CARLOS ALVAREZ DE SANTILLANOS Y MENAYA."
+
+And with a strange consciousness that he had now signed his name for
+the last time, he carefully affixed to it his own especial "rubrica,"
+or sign-manual.
+
+Then came one thought of earth--only one--the last. "God, in his great
+mercy, grant that my brother may be far away! I would not that he saw
+my face to-morrow. For the pain and the shame can be seen of all; while
+that which changes them to glory no man knoweth, save he that receiveth
+it. But, wherever thou art, God bless thee, my Ruy!" And drawing the
+book towards him again, he added, as if by a sudden impulse, to what he
+had already written, "God bless thee, my Ruy!"
+
+Soon afterwards the Alguazils arrived to conduct him back to the
+Triana. Then, turning to his dead once more, he kissed the pale
+forehead, saying, "Farewell, for a little while. Thou didst never taste
+death; nor shall I. Instead of thee and me, Christ drank that cup."
+
+And then, for the second time, the gate of the Triana opened to
+receive Don Carlos Alvarez. At sunrise next morning its gloomy portals
+were unlocked, and he, with others, passed forth from beneath their
+shadow. Not to return again to that dark prison, there to linger
+out the slow and solitary hours of grief and pain. His warfare was
+accomplished, his victory was won. Long before the sun had arisen again
+upon the weary blood-stained earth, a brighter sun arose for him who
+had done with earth. All his desire was granted, all his longings were
+fulfilled. He saw the face of Christ, and he was with Him for ever.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLVI.
+
+                            Is it too Late?
+
+  "Death upon his face
+  Is rather shine than shade;
+  A tender shine by looks beloved made:
+  He seemeth dying in a quiet place."
+
+                                 E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+The mountain-snow lay white around the old castle of Nuera; but
+within there was light and warmth. Joy and gladness were there also,
+"thanksgiving and the voice of melody;" for Doña Beatriz, graver and
+paler than of old, and with the brilliant lustre of her dark eyes
+subdued to a kind of dewy softness, was singing a cradle-song beside
+the cot where her first-born slept.
+
+The babe had just been baptized by Fray Sebastian. With a pleading,
+wistful look had Dolores asked her lord, the day before, what name he
+wished his son to bear. But he only answered, "The heir of our house
+always bears the name of Juan." Another name was far dearer to memory;
+but not yet could he accustom his lips to utter it, or his ear to bear
+the sound.
+
+Now he came slowly into the room, holding in his hand an unsealed
+letter. Doña Beatriz looked up. "He sleeps," she said.
+
+"Then let him sleep on, señora mia."
+
+"But will you not look? See, how pretty he is! How he smiles in his
+sleep! And those dear small hands--"
+
+"Have their share in dragging me further than you wot of, my Beatriz."
+
+Nay; what dost thou mean? Do not be grave and sad to-day--not to-day,
+Don Juan."
+
+"My beloved, God knows I would not cloud thy brow with a single care
+if I could help it. Nor am I sad. Only we must think. Here is a letter
+from the Duke of Savoy (and very gracious and condescending too),
+inviting me to take my place once more in His Catholic Majesty's army."
+
+"But you will not go? We are so happy together here."
+
+"My Beatriz, I _dare_ not go. I would have to fight"--(here he broke
+off, and cast a hasty glance round the room, from the habit of dreading
+listeners)--"I would have to fight against those whose cause is just
+the cause I hold dearest upon earth. I would have to deny my faith
+by the deeds of every day. But yet, how to refuse and not stand
+dishonoured in the eyes of the world, a traitor and a coward, I know
+not."
+
+"No dishonour could ever touch thee, my brave and noble Juan."
+
+Don Juan's brow relaxed a little. "But that men should even _think_ it
+did, is what I could not bear," he said. "Besides"--and he drew nearer
+the cradle, and looked fondly down at the little sleeper--"it does not
+seem to me, my Beatriz, that I dare bring up this child God has given
+me to the bitter heritage of a slave."
+
+"A slave!" repeated Doña Beatriz, almost with a cry. "Now Heaven help
+us, Don Juan; are you mad? You, of noblest lineage--you, Alvarez de
+Meñaya--to call your own first-born a slave!"
+
+"I call any one a slave who dares not speak out what he thinks, and act
+out what he believes," returned Don Juan sadly.
+
+"And what is it that you would do then?"
+
+"Would to God that I knew! But the future is all dark to me. I see not
+a single step before me."
+
+"Then, amigo mio, do not look before you. Let the future alone, and
+enjoy the present, as I do."
+
+"Truly that baby face would charm many a care away," said Juan, with
+another fond glance at the sleeping child. "But a man _must_ look
+before him, and a Christian man must ask what God would have him to do.
+Moreover, this letter of the duke demands an answer, Yea or Nay."
+
+"Señor Don Juan. I desire to speak with your Excellency," said the
+voice of Dolores at the door.
+
+"Come in, Dolores."
+
+"Nay, señor, I want you here." This peremptory sharpness was very
+unlike the wonted manner of Dolores.
+
+Don Juan came forth immediately. Dolores signed to him to shut the
+door. Then, not till then, she began,--"Señor Don Juan, two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus have come from Seville, and are now in the
+village."
+
+"What then? Surely you do not fear that they suspect anything with
+regard to us?" asked Juan, in some alarm.
+
+"No; but they have brought tidings."
+
+"You tremble, Dolores. You are ill. Speak--what is it?"
+
+"They have brought tidings of a great Act of Faith, to be held at
+Seville, upon a day not yet fixed when they left the city, but towards
+the end of this month."
+
+For a moment the two stood silent, gazing in each other's faces. Then
+Dolores said, in an eager breathless whisper, "You will go, señor?"
+
+Juan shook his head. "What you are thinking of Dolores, is a dream--a
+vain, wild dream. Long since, I doubt not, he rests with God."
+
+"But if we had the proof of it, rest might come to us," said Dolores,
+large tears gathering slowly in her eyes.
+
+"It is true," Juan mused; "they may wreak their vengeance on the dust."
+
+"And for the assurance that would give that nothing more was left them,
+I, a poor woman, would joyfully walk barefoot from this to Seville and
+back again."
+
+Juan hesitated no longer. "_I go_" he said. "Dolores, seek Fray
+Sebastian, and send him to me at once. Bid Jorge be ready with the
+horses to start to-morrow at daybreak. Meanwhile, I will prepare Doña
+Beatriz for my sudden departure."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of that hurried winter journey, Don Juan was never afterwards heard
+to speak. No one of its incidents seemed to have made the slightest
+impression on his mind, or even to have been remembered by him.
+
+But at last he drew near Seville. It was late in the evening, however,
+and he had told his attendant they should spend the night at a village
+eight or nine miles from their destination.
+
+Suddenly Jorge cried out. "Look there, señor, the city is on fire."
+
+Don Juan looked. A lurid crimson glow paled the stars in the southern
+sky. With a shudder he bowed his head, and veiled his face from the
+awful sight.
+
+"That fire is _without the gate_," he said at last. "Pray for the souls
+that are passing in anguish now."
+
+Noble, heroic souls! Probably Juliano Hernandez, possibly Fray
+Constantino, was amongst them. These were the only names that occurred
+to Don Juan's mind, or were breathed in his fervent, agitated prayer.
+
+"Yonder is the posada, señor," said the attendant presently.
+
+"Nay, Jorge, we will ride on. There will be no sleepers in Seville
+to-night."
+
+"But, señor," remonstrated the servant, "the horses are weary. We have
+travelled far to-day already."
+
+"Let them rest afterwards," said Juan briefly. Motion, just then, was
+an absolute necessity to him. He could not have rested anywhere, within
+sight of that awful glare.
+
+Two hours afterwards he drew the rein of his weary steed before
+the house of his cousin Doña Inez. He had no scruple in asking for
+admission in the middle of the night, as he knew that, under the
+circumstances, the household would not fail to be astir. His summons
+was speedily answered, and he was conducted to a hall opening on the
+patio.
+
+Thither, after a brief interval, came Juanita, bearing a lamp in
+her hand, which she set down on the table. "My lady will see your
+Excellency presently," said the girl, with a shy, frightened air, which
+was very unlike her, but which Juan was too preoccupied to notice. "But
+she is much indisposed. My lord was obliged to accompany her home from
+the Act of Faith before it was half over."
+
+Juan expressed the concern he felt, and desired that she would not
+incommode herself upon his account. Perhaps Don Garçia, if he had not
+yet retired to rest, would converse with him for a few moments.
+
+"My lady said she must speak with you herself," answered Juanita, as
+she left the room.
+
+After a considerable time Doña Inez appeared. In that southern climate
+youth and beauty fade quickly; and yet Juan was by no means prepared
+for the changed, worn, haggard face that gazed on him now, There was
+no pomp of apparel to carry off the impression. Doña Inez wore a loose
+dark dressing-robe; and a hasty careless hand seemed to have untwined
+the usual ornaments from her black hair. Her eyes were like those of
+one who has wept for hours, and then only ceased for very weariness.
+
+She stretched out both her hands to Juan--"O Don Juan, I never meant
+it! I never meant it!"
+
+"Señora and my cousin, I have but just arrived here. I do not
+understand you," said Juan, rising to greet her.
+
+"Santa Maria! Then you know not!--Horrible!"
+
+She sank into a seat. Juan stood gazing at her eagerly, almost wildly.
+"Yes; I understand all now," he said at last. "I suspected it."
+
+_He_ saw in imagination a black chest, with a little lifeless dust
+within it; a rude shapeless figure, robed in the hideous zamarra, and
+bearing in large letters the venerated name, "Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Meñaya." While _she_ saw a living face, that would never cease to haunt
+her memory until death shadowed all things.
+
+"Let me speak," she gasped; "and I will try to be calm. I did not wish
+to go. It was the day of the last Auto, you remember, that my poor
+brother died, and altogether---- But Don Garçia insisted. He said
+everybody would talk, and especially when the taint had touched our own
+house. Besides, Doña Juana de Bohorques, who died in prison, was to be
+publicly declared innocent, and her property restored to her heirs. Out
+of regard to the family, it was thought we ought to be present. O Don
+Juan, if I had but known! I would rather have put on a sanbenito myself
+than have gone there. God grant it did not hurt him!"
+
+"How could it possibly hurt him, my tender-hearted cousin?"
+
+"Hush! Let me go on now, while I can speak of it; or I shall never,
+never tell you. And I must. _He_ would have wished---- Well, we were
+seated in what they called good places; very near the condemned; in
+fact, the scaffold opposite was plain to us as you are to me now. But
+that last time, and Doña Maria's look, and Dr. Cristobal's, haunted
+me, so that I did not dare to raise my eyes to where _they_ sat;--not
+until long after the mass had begun. And I knew besides there were
+so many women there--eight on that dreadful top bench, doomed to
+die. But at last a lady who sat near me bade me look at one of the
+relaxed, a little man, who was pointing upwards and making signs to his
+companions to encourage them. 'Do not look, señora,' said Don Garçia,
+quickly--but too late. O Don Juan, I saw his face!"
+
+"His LIVING face? Not his living face?" cried Juan, with a
+shudder that convulsed his strong frame from head to foot. And the
+Name--the one awful Name that rises to all human lips in moments of
+supreme emotion--broke from his in a wail of anguish.
+
+Doña Inez tried to speak; but in vain. Thoroughly broken down, she wept
+and sobbed aloud. But the sight of the rigid, tearless face before
+her checked her tears at last. She gained power to go on. "I saw him.
+Worn and pale, of course; yet not changed so greatly, after all. The
+same dear, kind, familiar face I had seen last in this room, when he
+caressed and played with my child. Not sad, not as though he suffered.
+Rather as though he had suffered long ago; but was beyond it all, even
+then. A still, patient, fearless look, eyes that saw everything; and
+yet nothing seemed to trouble him. I bore it until they were reading
+the sentences, and came to his. But when I saw the Alguazil strike
+him--the blow that relaxed to the secular arm--I could endure no more.
+I believe I cried aloud. But in fact I know not what I did. I know
+nothing more till Don Garçia and my brother Don Manuel were carrying me
+through the crowd."
+
+"No word? Was there no word spoken?" asked Juan wildly.
+
+"_No_; but I heard some one near me say that he talked with that
+muleteer in the court of the Triana, and spoke words of comfort to a
+poor woman amongst the penitents, whom they called Maria Gonsalez."
+
+All was told now. Maddened with rage and anguish, Juan rushed from
+the room, from the house; and, without being conscious of any settled
+purpose, in five minutes found himself far on his way to the Dominican
+convent adjoining the Triana.
+
+His servant, who was still waiting at the gate, followed him to ask
+for orders, and with difficulty overtook him, and arrested his steps.
+
+Juan sternly silenced his faltering, agitated question as to what was
+wrong with his lord. "Go to rest," he said, "and meet me in the morning
+by the great gate of Sun Isodro." Nothing was clear to him; but that he
+must shake off as soon as possible the dust of the wicked, cruel city
+from his feet. And San Isodro was the only trysting-place without its
+walls that happened at the moment to occur to his bewildered brain.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVII.
+
+                         The Dominican Prior.
+
+  "Oh, deep is a wounded heart, and strong
+  A voice that cries against mighty wrong!
+  And full of death as a hot wind's blight,
+  Doth the ire of a crushed affection light."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Tell the prior Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya desires to
+speak with him, and that instantly," said Juan to the drowsy lay
+brother who at last answered his impatient summons, lantern in hand.
+
+"My lord has but just retired to rest, and cannot now be disturbed,"
+answered the attendant, looking with some curiosity, not to say
+surprise, at the visitor, who seemed to think three o'clock of a winter
+morning a proper and suitable hour to demand instant audience of a
+great man.
+
+"I will wait," said Juan, walking into the court.
+
+The attendant led him to a parlour; then, holding the door ajar, he
+said, "Let his Excellency pardon me, I did not hear distinctly his
+worship's honourable name."
+
+"Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya. The prior knows it--too
+well."
+
+It was evident from his face that the poor lay brother knew it also.
+And so that night did every man, woman, and child in Seville. It had
+become a name of infamy.
+
+With a hasty "Yes, yes, señor," the door was closed, and Juan was left
+alone.
+
+What had brought him there? Did he mean to accuse the Dominican of
+his brother's murder, or did he only intend to reproach him--him who
+had once shown some pity to the captive--for not saving him from that
+horrible doom? He himself scarcely knew. He had been driven thither by
+a wild, unreasoning impulse, an instinct of passionate rage, prompting
+him to grasp at the only shadow of revenge that lay within his reach.
+If he could not execute God's awful judgments against the persecutors,
+at least he could denounce them. A poor substitute, but all that
+remained to him. Without it his heart must break.
+
+Yet that unreasoning impulse had a kind of unconscious reason in it,
+since it led him to seek the presence of the Dominican prior, and not
+that of the far more guilty Munebrãga. For who would accuse a tiger,
+reproach a wolf? Words would be wasted upon such. For them there is no
+argument but the spear and the bullet. A man can only speak to men.
+
+To do Fray Ricardo justice, he was so much of a man that sleep did not
+visit his eyes that night. When at length his attendants thought fit
+to inform him that Don Juan desired to see him, he was still kneeling,
+as he had knelt for hours, before the crucifix in his private oratory.
+"Saviour of the world, so much didst thou suffer," this was the
+key-note of his thoughts; "and shall I weakly pity thine enemies, or
+shrink from seeing them suffer what they have deserved at thy hands and
+those of thy holy Church?"
+
+"Alvarez de Santillanos y Meñaya waits below!" Just then Don Fray
+Ricardo would rather have held his right hand in the fire than have
+gone forth to face one bearing that name. But, for that very reason, no
+sooner did he hear that Don Juan awaited him than he robed himself in
+his cowl and mantle, took a lamp in his hand (for it was still dark),
+and went down to meet the visitor. For that morning he was in the mood
+to welcome any form of self-torture that came in his way, and to find
+a strange but real relief in it.
+
+"Peace be with thee, my son," was his grave but courteous salutation,
+as he entered the parlour. He looked upon Juan with mournful
+compassion, as the last of a race over which there hung a terrible doom.
+
+"Let your peace be with murderers like yourselves, or with slaves like
+those that work your will; I fling it back to you in scorn," was the
+fierce reply.
+
+The Dominican recoiled a step--only a step, for he was a brave man, and
+his face, pale with conflict and watching, grew a shade paler.
+
+"Do you think I mean to harm you?" cried Juan in yet fiercer scorn.
+"Not a hair of your tonsured head. See there!" He unbuckled his sword,
+and threw it from him, and it fell with a clang on the floor.
+
+"Young man, you would consult your own safety as well as your own
+honour by adopting a different tone," said the prior, not without
+dignity.
+
+"My safety is little worth consulting. I am a bold, rough soldier,
+used to peril and violence. Would it were such, and such alone, that
+you menaced. But, fiends that you are, would no one serve you for a
+victim save my young, gentle, unoffending brother; he who never harmed
+you nor any one? Would nothing satisfy your malice but to immure him
+in your hideous dungeons for two-and-thirty long slow months, in what
+suffering of mind and body God alone can tell; and then, at last, to
+bring him forth to that horrible death? I curse you! I curse you! Nay,
+that is nothing; who am I to curse? I invoke God's curse upon you! I
+give you up into God's hands this hour! When He maketh inquisition for
+blood--another inquisition than yours--I pray him to exact from you,
+murderers of the innocent, torturers of the just, every drop of blood,
+every tear, every pang of which he has been the witness, as he shall be
+the avenger."
+
+At last the prior found a voice. Hitherto he had listened spell-bound,
+as one oppressed by nightmare, powerless to free himself from the
+hideous burden. "Man!" he cried, "you are raving; the Holy Office--"
+
+"Is the arch-fiend's own contrivance, and its ministers his favourite
+servants," interrupted Juan, reckless in his rage, and defying all
+consequences.
+
+"Blasphemy! This may not be borne," and Fray Ricardo stretched out his
+hand towards a bell that lay on the table.
+
+But Juan's strong grasp prevented his touching it. He could not shake
+off that as easily as he had shaken off a pale thin hand two days
+before. "I shall speak forth my mind this once," he said. "After that,
+what you please.--Go on. Fill your cup full to the brim. Immure,
+plunder, burn, destroy. Pile up, high as heaven, your hecatomb of
+victims, offered to the God of love. At least there is one thing that
+may be said in your favour. In your cruelties there is a horrible
+impartiality. It can never be spoken of you that you have gone out into
+the highways and hedges, taken the blind and the lame, and made of them
+your burnt sacrifice. No. You go into the closest guarded homes; you
+take thence the gentlest, the tenderest, the fairest, the best, and of
+such you make your burnt-offering. And you--are your hearts human, or
+are they not? If they are, stifle them, crush them down into silence
+while you can; for a day will come when you can stifle them no longer.
+That will begin your punishment. You will feel remorse."
+
+"Man, let me go!" interrupted the indignant yet half-frightened
+prior, struggling vainly to free himself from his grasp. "Cease your
+blasphemies. Men only feel remorse when they have sinned; and I serve
+God and the Church."
+
+"Yet, servant of the Church (for God's servant I am not profane enough
+to call you), speak to me this once as man to man, and tell me, did a
+victim's pale face never haunt you, a victim's agonized cry never ring
+in your ears?"
+
+For just an instant the prior winced, as one who feels a sharp, sudden
+pain, but determines to conceal it.
+
+"There!" cried Juan--and at last he released his arm and flung it from
+him--"I read an answer in your look. You, at least, are capable of
+remorse."
+
+"You are false there," the prior broke in. "Remorse is not for me."
+
+"No? Then all the worse for you--infinitely the worse. Yet it may be.
+You may sleep and rise, and go to your rest again untroubled by an
+accusing conscience. You may sit down to eat and drink with the wail
+of your brother's anguish ringing in your ears, like Munebrãga, who
+sits feasting yonder in his marble hall, with the ashes yet hot on the
+Quemadero. Until you go down quick into hell, and the pit shuts her
+mouth upon you. Then, THEN shall you drink of the wine of the
+wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
+indignation; and you shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
+presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."
+
+"Thou art beside thyself," cried the prior; "and I, scarce less mad
+than thou, to listen to thy ravings. Yet hear me a moment, Don Juan
+Alvarez. I have not merited these insane reproaches. To you and yours I
+have been more a friend than you wot of."
+
+"Noble friendship! I thank you for it, as it deserves."
+
+"You have given me, this hour, more than cause enough to order your
+instant arrest."
+
+"You are welcome. It were shame indeed if I could not bear at your
+hands what my gentle brother bore."
+
+The last of his race! The father dead in prison; the mother dead long
+ago (Fray Ricardo himself best knew why); the brother burned to ashes.
+"I think you have a wife, perhaps a child?" asked the prior hurriedly.
+
+"A young wife, and an infant son," said Juan, softening a little at the
+thought.
+
+"Wild as your words have been, I am yet willing, for their sakes, to
+show you forbearance. According to the lenity which ministers of the
+Holy Office--"
+
+"Have learned from their father the devil," interrupted Juan, the flame
+of his wrath blazing up again. "After what the stars looked down on
+last night, dare to mock me with thy talk of lenity!"
+
+"You are in love with destruction," said the prior. "But I have heard
+you long enough. Now hear me. You have been, ere this, under grave
+suspicion. Indeed, you would have been arrested, only that your brother
+endured the Question without revealing anything to your disadvantage.
+That saved you."
+
+But here he stopped, struck with astonishment at the sudden change his
+words had wrought.
+
+A man stabbed to the heart makes no outcry, he does not even moan or
+writhe. Nor did Juan. Mutely he sank on the nearest seat, all his rage
+and defiance gone now. A moment before he stood over the shrinking
+Inquisitor like a prophet of doom or an avenging angel; now he cowered
+crushed and silent, stricken to the soul. There was a long silence.
+Then he raised a changed, sad look to the prior's face. "He bore _that_
+for me," he said, "and I never knew it."
+
+In the cold gray morning light, now filling the room, he looked
+utterly forlorn and broken. The prior could even afford to pity him.
+He questioned, mildly enough, "How was it you did not know it? Fray
+Sebastian Gomez, who visited him in prison, was well aware of the fact."
+
+In Juan's present mood every faculty was stimulated to unnatural
+activity. This perhaps enabled him to divine a truth which in calmer
+moments might have escaped him. "My brother," he said, in a low tone of
+deep emotion, "my heroic, tender-hearted brother must have bidden him
+conceal it from me."
+
+"It was strange," said the prior, and his thoughts ran back to other
+things which were strange also--to the uniform patience and gentleness
+of Carlos; to the fortitude with which, whilst acknowledging his own
+faith, he had steadily refused to compromise any one else; to the
+self-forgetfulness with which he had shielded his father's last hours
+from disturbance. Granted that the heretic was a wild beast, "made to
+be taken and destroyed," even the hunter may admire unblamed the grace
+and beauty of the creature who has just fallen beneath his relentless
+weapon. Something like a mist rose to the eyes of Fray Ricardo, taking
+him by surprise.
+
+Still, the interests of the Faith were paramount with him. All that had
+been done had been well done; he would not, if he could, undo any part
+of it. But did his duty to the Faith and to Holy Church require that he
+should hunt the remaining brother to death, and thus "quench the coal
+that was left"? He hoped not; he thought not. And, although he would
+not have allowed it to himself, the words that followed were really a
+peace-offering to the shade of Carlos.
+
+"Young man, I am willing, for my own part, to overlook the wild words
+you have uttered, regarding them as the outpourings of insanity, and
+making moreover due allowance for your natural fraternal sorrow.
+Still you must be aware that you have laid yourself open, and not for
+the first time, to grave suspicion of heresy. I should not only sin
+against my own conscience, but also expose myself to the penalties of a
+grievous irregularity, did I take no steps for the vindication of the
+Faith and your just and well-merited punishment. Therefore give ear to
+what I say. _This day week_ I bring the matter before the Table of the
+Holy Office, of which I have the honour to be an unworthy member. And
+God grant you the grace of repentance, and his forgiveness."
+
+Having said this, Fray Ricardo left the room. He disappears also from
+our pages, where he occupied a place as a type of the less numerous
+and less guilty class of persecutors--those who not only thought they
+were doing God service (Munebrãga may have thought that, but he was
+only willing to do God such service as cost him nothing), but who were
+honestly anxious to serve him to the best of their ability. His future
+is hidden from our sight. We cannot even undertake to say whether, when
+death drew near,--if the name of Alvarez de Meñaya occurred to him at
+all,--he reproached himself for his sternness to the brother whom he
+had consigned to the flames, or for his weakness to the brother to whom
+he had generously given a chance of life and liberty.
+
+It is not usually the most guilty who hear the warning voice that
+denounces their crimes and threatens their doom. Such words as Don Juan
+spoke to Fray Ricardo could not, by any conceivable possibility, have
+been uttered in the presence of Gonzales de Munebrãga.
+
+Soon afterwards a lay brother, the same who had admitted Don Juan,
+entered the room and placed wine on the table before him. "My lord the
+prior bade me say your Excellency seemed exhausted, and should refresh
+yourself ere you depart," he explained.
+
+Juan motioned it away. He could not trust himself to speak. But did
+Fray Ricardo imagine he would either eat bread or drink water beneath
+the roof that sheltered _him?_
+
+Still the poor man lingered, standing before him with the air of one
+who had something to say which he did not exactly know how to bring out.
+
+"You may tell your lord that I am going," said Juan, rising wearily,
+and with a look that certainly told of exhaustion.
+
+"If it please your noble Excellency--" and the lay brother stopped and
+hesitated.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Let his Excellency pardon me. Could his worship have the misfortune to
+be related, very distantly no doubt, to one of the heretics who--"
+
+"Don Carlos Alvarez was my brother," said Juan proudly.
+
+The poor lay brother drew nearer to him, and lowered his voice to a
+mysterious whisper. "Señor and your Excellency, he was here in prison
+for a long time. It was thought that my lord the prior had a kindness
+for him, and wished him better used than they use the criminals in the
+Santa Casa. It happened that the prisoner whose cell he shared died the
+day before his--_removal_. So that the cell was empty, and it fell to
+my lot to cleanse it. Whilst I was doing it I found this; I think it
+belonged to him."
+
+He drew from beneath his serge gown a little book, and handed it to
+Juan, who seized it as a starving man might seize a piece of bread.
+Hastily taking out his purse, he flung it in exchange to the lay
+brother; and then, just as the matin bells began to ring, he buckled on
+his sword and went forth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVIII.
+
+                         San Isodro Once More.
+
+  "And if with milder anguish now I bear
+  To think of thee in thy forsaken rest;
+  If from my heart be lifted the despair,
+  The sharp remorse with healing influence pressed,
+  It is that Thou the sacrifice hast blessed,
+  And filled my spirit, in its inmost cell,
+  With a deep chastened sense that all at last is well."
+
+                                                   HEMANS.
+
+
+The cloudless sky above him, the fresh morning air on his cheek, the
+dew-drops on his feet, Don Juan walked along. The river--his own bright
+Guadalquivir--glistened in the early sunshine; and soon his pathway
+led him amidst the gray ruins of old Italica, while among the brambles
+that half hid them, glittering lizards, startled by his footsteps,
+ran in and out. But he saw nothing, felt nothing, save the passionate
+pain that burned in his heart. During his interview with Fray Ricardo
+he had been, practically and for the time, what the prior called him,
+insane--mad with rage and hate. But now rage was dying out for the
+present, and giving place to anguish.
+
+Is the worst pang earth has to give that of witnessing the sufferings
+of our beloved? Or is there yet one keener, more thrilling? That they
+should suffer alone; no hand near to help, no voice to speak sympathy,
+no eye to look "ancient kindness" on their pain. That they should
+die--die in anguish--and still alone,--
+
+  "With eyes turned away,
+  And no last word to say."
+
+Don Juan was now drinking that bitter cup to its very dregs. What the
+young brother, his one earthly tie, had been to him, need not here be
+told; and assuredly he could not have told it. He had been all his
+life a thing to protect and shield--as the strong protect the weak, as
+manhood shields womanhood and childhood. Had God but taken him with his
+own right hand, Juan would have thought it a light matter, a sorrow
+easily borne. But, instead, He stood afar off--He did not help; whilst
+men, cruel as fiends from the bottomless pit, did their worst, their
+very worst, upon him. And with refined self-torture he went through all
+the horrible details, as far as he knew or could guess them. Nor did he
+spare to stab his own heart with that keenest weapon of all--"It was
+_for me_; for me he endured the Question." The cry of his brother's
+anguish--anguish borne for him--seemed to sound in his ears and to
+haunt him: he felt that it would haunt him evermore.
+
+Of course, there was a well of comfort near, which a child's hand might
+have pointed out to him: "All is over now; he suffers no longer--he is
+at rest." But who ever stoops to drink from that well in the parching
+thirst of the first hour of such a grief as his? In truth, all was over
+for Carlos; but all was _not_ over for Juan. He had to pass through his
+dark hour as really as Carlos had passed through his.
+
+Again the agony almost maddened him; again wild hatred and rage against
+his brother's torturers rose and surged like a flood within him. And
+with these were mingled thoughts, too nearly rebellious, of Him whom
+that brother trusted so firmly and served so faithfully; as if he had
+used his servant hardly, and forsaken him in his hour of sorest need.
+
+He shrank with horror from every wayfarer he chanced to meet,
+imagining that his eyes might have looked on his brother's suffering.
+But at last he came unawares upon the gate of San Isodro. Left unbarred
+by some accident, it yielded to his touch, and he entered the monastery
+grounds. At that very spot, three years ago, the brothers parted, on
+the day that Carlos avowed his change of faith. Yet not even that
+remembrance could bring a tear to the hot and angry eyes of Juan. But
+just then he happened to recollect the book he had received from the
+lay brother. He took it from its place of concealment, and eagerly
+began to examine it. It was almost filled with writing; but not, alas!
+from that beloved hand. So he flung it aside in bitter disappointment.
+Then becoming suddenly conscious of bodily weakness, he half sat down,
+half threw himself on the ground. His vigorous frame and his strong
+nerves saved him from swooning outright: he only lay sick and faint,
+the blue sky looking black above him, and a strange, indistinct sound,
+as of many voices, murmuring in his ears.
+
+By-and-by he became conscious that some one was holding water to his
+lips, and trying, though with an awkward, trembling hand, to loose his
+doublet at the throat. He drank, shook off his weakness, and looked
+about him. A very old man, in a white tunic and brown mantle, was
+bending over him compassionately. In another moment he was on his feet;
+and having briefly thanked the aged monk for his kindness, he turned
+his face to the gate.
+
+"Nay, my son," the old man interposed; "San Isodro is changed--changed!
+Still the sick and weary never left its gates unaided; and they shall
+not begin now--not now. I pray you come with me to the house, and
+refresh and rest yourself there."
+
+Juan was not reckless enough to refuse what in truth he sorely needed.
+He entered the monastery under the guidance of poor old Fray Bernardo,
+who had been passed by, perhaps in scorn, by the persecutors: and so,
+after all, he had his wish--he should die and be buried in peace where
+he had passed his life from boyhood to extreme old age. Yet there was
+something sad in the thought that the storm that swept by had left
+untouched the poor, useless, half-withered tree, while it tore down the
+young and strong and noble oaks, the pride of the now desolated forest.
+
+The few cowed and terrified monks who had been allowed to remain in
+the convent received Don Juan with great kindness. They set food and
+wine before him: food he could not touch, but wine he accepted with
+thankfulness. And they almost insisted on his endeavouring to take some
+rest; assuring him that when his servant and horses should arrive, they
+would see them properly cared for, until such time as he might be able
+to resume his journey.
+
+His journey would not brook delay, as he knew full well. That his young
+wife might not be a widow and his babe an orphan, he "charged his soul
+to hold his body strengthened" for the work that both had to do. Back
+to Nuera for these dear ones as swiftly as the fleetest horses would
+bear him, then to Seville again, and on board the first ship he could
+meet with bound for any foreign port,--would the term of grace assigned
+him by the Inquisitor suffice for all this? Certainly not a moment
+should be lost.
+
+"I will rest for an hour," he said. "But I pray you, my fathers, do me
+one kindness first. Is there a man here who witnessed--what was done
+yesterday?"
+
+A young monk came forward. Juan led him into the cell which had been
+prepared for him to rest in, and leaning against its little window,
+with his face turned away, he murmured one agitated question. Three
+words comprised the answer,--
+
+"_Calmly_, _silently_, _quickly_."
+
+Juan's breast heaved and his strong frame trembled. After a long
+interval he said, still without looking,--
+
+"Now tell me of the others. Name him no more."
+
+"No less than _eight_ ladies died the martyr's death," said the monk,
+who cared not, before _this_ auditor, to conceal his own sentiments.
+"One of them was Señora Maria Gomez; your Excellency probably knows her
+story. Her three daughters and her sister died with her. When their
+sentences were read, they embraced on the scaffold, and bade each other
+farewell with tears. Then they comforted each other with holy words
+about our Lord and his passion, and the home he was preparing for them
+above."
+
+Here the young monk paused for a few moments; then went on, his voice
+still trembling: "There were, moreover, two Englishmen and a Frenchman,
+who all died bravely. Lastly, there was Juliano Hernandez."
+
+"Ah! tell me of him."
+
+"He died as he had lived. In the morning, when brought out into the
+court of the Triana, he cried aloud to his fellow-sufferers,--'Courage,
+comrades! Now must we show ourselves valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ.
+Let us bear faithful testimony to his truth before men, and in a
+few hours we shall receive the testimony of his approbation before
+angels, and triumph with him in heaven.' Though silenced, he continued
+throughout the day to encourage his companions by his gestures. On the
+Quemadero, he knelt down and kissed the stone upon which the stake was
+erected; then thrust his head among the fagots to show his willingness
+to suffer. But at the end, having raised his hands in prayer, one of
+the attendant priests--Dr. Rodriguez--mistook the attitude for a sign
+that he would recant, and made intercession with the Alguazils to give
+him a last opportunity of speaking. He confessed his faith in a few
+strong, brief words; and knowing the character of Rodriguez, told him
+he thought the same himself, but hid his true belief out of fear. The
+angry priest bade them light the pile at once. It was done; but the
+guards, with kind cruelty, thrust the martyr through with their lances,
+so that he passed, without much pain, into the presence of the Lord
+whom he served as few have been honoured to do."
+
+"And--Fray Constantino?" Juan questioned.
+
+"He was not, for God took him. They had only his dust to burn. They
+have sought to slander his memory, saying he raised his hand against
+his own life. But we knew the contrary. It has reached our ears--I dare
+not tell you how--that he died in the arms of one of our dear brethren
+from this place--poor young Fray Fernando, who closed his eyes in
+peace. It was from one of the dark underground cells of the Triana that
+he passed straight to the glory of God."[35]
+
+    [35] At the Auto they produced his effigy, of the size of life,
+    clad in his canon's robe, and with the arms stretched out in the
+    gesture he had been wont to use in preaching; but it caused such a
+    demonstration of feeling among the people, that they were obliged
+    hastily to withdraw it.
+
+It was at this Auto that Maria Gonsalez was sentenced to receive two
+hundred lashes, and to be imprisoned for ten years, for the kindnesses
+she had shown the prisoners. An equally severe punishment was awarded
+to the under-gaoler Herrera for the offence of having allowed a
+mother and three daughters, who were imprisoned in separate cells, an
+interview of half an hour; while the many cruelties and peculations of
+the infamous Benevidio were only chastised by the loss of his situation
+and its advantages, and banishment from Seville.
+
+"I thank you for your tidings," said Juan, slowly and faintly. "And now
+I pray of you to leave me."
+
+After a considerable time, one of the monks softly opened the door of
+their visitor's cell. He sat on the pallet prepared for him, his head
+buried in his hands.
+
+"Señor," said the monk, "your servant has arrived, and begs you to
+excuse his delay. It may be there are some instructions you wish him to
+receive."
+
+Juan roused himself with an effort.
+
+"Yes," he said; "and I thank you. Will you add to your kindness by
+bidding him immediately procure for us fresh horses, the best and
+fleetest that can be had?" He sought his purse; but, remembering in a
+moment what had become of it, drew a ring from his finger to supply
+its loss. It was the diamond ring that the Sieur de Ramenais had given
+him. A keen pang shot through his heart. "No, not that; I cannot part
+with it." He took two others instead--old family jewels. "Bid him bring
+these," he said, "to Isaac Ozorio, who dwells in La Juderia[36]--any
+man there will show him the house; take for them whatever he will give
+him, and therewith hire fresh horses--the best he can--from the posada
+where he rested, leaving our own in pledge. Let him also buy provisions
+for the way; for my business requires haste. I will explain all to you
+anon."
+
+    [36] The Jewish quarter of Seville.
+
+While the monk did the errand, Don Juan sat still, gazing at the
+diamond ring. Slowly there came back upon his memory the words spoken
+by Carlos on the day when the sharp facets cut his hand, unfelt by
+him: "If He calls me to suffer for him, he may give me such blessed
+assurance of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear will vanish."
+
+Could it be possible He _had_ done this? Oh, for some token, to relieve
+his breaking heart by the assurance that thus it had been! And yet,
+wherefore seek a sign? Was not the heroic courage, the calm patience,
+given to that young brother, once so frail and timid, as plain a token
+of the sunlight of God's peace and presence as is the bow in the cloud
+of the sun shining in the heavens? True; but not the less was his soul
+filled with passionate longing for one word--only one word--from the
+lips that were dust and ashes now. "If God would give me _that_," he
+moaned, "I think I could weep for him."
+
+It occurred to him then that he might examine the book more carefully
+than he had done before. Don Juan, of late, had been no great reader,
+except of the Spanish Testament. Instead of glancing rapidly through
+the volume with a practised eye, he carefully began at the beginning
+and perused several pages with diligence, and with a kind of compelled
+and painful attention.
+
+The writer of the diary with which the book seemed filled had not
+prefixed his name. Consequently Juan, who was without a clue to the
+authorship, saw in it merely the effusions of a penitent, with whose
+feelings he had but little sympathy. Still, he reflected that if the
+writer had been his brother's fellow-prisoner, some mention of his
+brother would probably reward his persevering search. So he read on;
+but he was not greatly interested, until at length he came to one
+passage which ran thus:--
+
+"Christ and Our Lady forgive me, if it be a sin. Ofttimes, even by
+prayer and fasting, I cannot prevent my thoughts from wandering to the
+past. Not to the life I lived, and the part I acted in the great world,
+for that is dead to me and I to it; but to the dear faces my eyes shall
+never see again. My Costanza!"--("Costanza!" thought Juan with a start,
+"that was my mothers name!")--"my wife! my babe! O God, in thy great
+mercy, still this hungering and thirsting of the heart!"
+
+Immediately beneath this entry was another. "_May 21._ My Costanza, my
+beloved wife, is in heaven. It is more than a year ago, but they did
+not tell me till to-day. Does death only visit the free?"
+
+Yet another entry caught the eye of Juan. "Burning heat to-day. It
+would be cool enough in the halls of Nuera, on the breezy slope of the
+Sierra Morena. What does my orphaned Juan Rodrigo there, I wonder?"
+
+"Nuera! Sierra Morena! Juan Rodrigo!" reiterated the astonished reader.
+What did it all mean? He was stunned and bewildered, so that he had
+scarcely power left even to form a conjecture. At last it occurred
+to him turn to the other end of the book, if perchance some name,
+affording a clue to the mystery, might be inscribed there.
+
+And then he read, in another, well-known hand, a few calm words,
+breathing peace and joy, "quietness and assurance for ever."
+
+He pressed the loved handwriting to his lips, to his heart. He sobbed
+over it and wept; blistering it with such burning tears as scarcely
+come from a strong man's eyes more than once in a lifetime. Then,
+flinging himself on his knees, he thanked God--God whom he had doubted,
+murmured against, almost blasphemed, and who yet had been true to his
+promise--true to his tried and suffering servant in the hour of need.
+
+When he rose, he took up the book again, and read and re-read those
+precious words. All but the first he thought he could comprehend. "My
+beloved father is gone to Him in peace." Would the preceding entries
+throw any light upon _that_ saying?
+
+Once more, with changed feelings and quickened perceptions, he turned
+back to the records of the penitent's long captivity. Slowly and
+gradually the secret they revealed unfolded itself before him. The
+history of the last nine months of his brother's life lay clearly
+traced; and the light it shed illumined another life also, longer,
+sadder, less glorious than his.
+
+One entry, almost the last, and traced with a trembling hand, he read
+over and over, till his eyes grew too dim to see the words.
+
+"He entreats of me to pray for my absent Juan, and to bless him. My
+son, my first-born, whose face I know not, but whom he has taught me
+to love, I do bless thee. All blessings rest upon thee--blessings of
+heaven above, blessings of the earth beneath, blessings of the deep
+that lieth under! But for _thee_, Carlos, what shall I say? I have no
+blessing fit for thee--no word of love deep and strong enough to join
+with that name of thine. Doth not He say, of whose tenderness thou
+tellest me ours is but the shadow, 'He will _be silent_ in his love'?
+But may he read my heart in its silence, and bless thee, and repay thee
+when thou comest to thy home, where already thy heart is."
+
+It might have been two hours afterwards, when the same friendly monk
+who had narrated to Don Juan the circumstances of the Auto-da-fé, came
+to apprise him that his servant had fulfilled his errand, and was
+waiting with the horses.
+
+Don Juan rose and met him. His face was sad; it would be a sad face
+always; but there was in it a look as of one who saw the end, and
+who knew that, however dark the way might be, the end was light
+everlasting. "Look here, my friend," he said, for no concealment was
+necessary there; truth could hurt no one. "See how wondrously God has
+dealt with me and mine. Here is the record of the life and death of my
+honoured father. For three-and-twenty years he lay in the Dominican
+monastery, a prisoner for Christ's sake. And to my heroic martyr
+brother God has given the honour and the joy of unravelling the mystery
+of his fate, and thus fulfilling our youthful dream. Carlos has found
+our father!"
+
+He went forth into the hall, and bade the other monks a grateful
+farewell. Old Fray Bernardo embraced and blessed him with tears, moved
+by the likeness, now discerned for the first time, between the stately
+soldier and the noble and gentle youth, whose kindness to him, during
+his residence at the monastery three years before, he well remembered.
+
+Then Don Juan set his face towards Nuera, with patient endurance,
+rather sad than stern, upon his brow, and in his heart "a grief as deep
+as life or thought," but no rebellion, and no despair. Something like
+resignation had come to him; already he could say, or at least try to
+say, "Thy will be done." And he foresaw, as in the distance, far off
+and faintly, a time when he might even be able to share in spirit the
+joy of the crowned and victorious one, to whom, in the dark prison,
+face to face with death, God had so wondrously given the desire of his
+heart, and not denied him the request of his lips.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIX.
+
+                               Farewell.
+
+                            "My country is there;
+  Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow."
+
+                                               E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+About a fortnight afterwards, a closely veiled lady, dressed in deep
+mourning, leaned over the side of a merchant vessel, and gazed into the
+sapphire depths of the Bay of Cadiz. A respectable elderly woman was
+standing near her, holding her pretty dark-eyed babe. They seemed to be
+under the protection of a Franciscan friar; and of a stately, handsome
+serving-man, whose bearing and appearance were rather out of keeping
+with his supposed rank. It was said amongst the crew that the lady
+was the widow of a rich Sevillian merchant, who during a residence in
+London some years before had married an Englishwoman. She was now going
+to join her kindred in the heretical country, and much compassion was
+expended on her, as she was said to be very Catholic and very pious.
+It was a signal proof of these dispositions that she ventured to bring
+with her, as private chaplain, the Franciscan friar, who, the sailors
+thought, would probably soon fall a martyr to his attachment to the
+Faith.
+
+But a few illusions might have been dispelled, if the conversation
+of the party, when for a brief space they had the deck to themselves,
+could have been overheard.
+
+"Dost thou mourn that the shores of our Spain are fading from us?" said
+the lady to the supposed servant.
+
+"Not as I should once have done, my Beatriz; though it is still my
+fatherland, dearest and best of all lands to me. And you, my beloved?"
+
+"Where thou art is my country, Don Juan. Besides," she added softly,
+"God is everywhere. And think what it will be to worship him in peace,
+none making us afraid."
+
+"And you, my brave, true-hearted Dolores?" asked Don Juan.
+
+"Señor Don Juan, my country is _there_; with those that I love best,"
+said Dolores, with an upward glance of the large wistful eyes, which
+had yet, in their sorrowful depths, a look of peace unknown in past
+days. "What is Spain to me--Spain, that would not give to the noblest
+of them all a few feet of her earth for a grave?"
+
+"Do not let us stain with one bitter thought our last look at those
+shores," said Don Juan, with the gentleness that was growing upon him
+of late. "Remember that they who denied a grave to our beloved, are
+powerless to rob us of one precious memory of him. His grave is in our
+hearts; his memorial is the faith which every one of us now standing
+here has learned from him."
+
+"That is true." said Doña Beatriz. "I think that not all thy teaching,
+Don Juan, made me understand what 'precious faith' is, until I learned
+it by his death."
+
+"He gave up all for Christ, freely and joyfully," Juan continued.
+"While I gave up nothing, save as it was wrenched from my unwilling
+hand. Therefore for him there is the 'abundant entrance,' the 'crown of
+glory.' For me, at the best, 'Seekest thou great things for thyself,
+seek them not. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all
+places whither thou goest.'"
+
+Fray Sebastian drew near at the moment, and happening to overhear the
+last words, he asked, "Have you any plan, señor, as to whither you will
+go?"
+
+"I have no plan," Don Juan answered. "But I think God will guide us. I
+have indeed a dream," he added, after a pause, "which may, or may not,
+come true eventually. My thoughts often turn to that great New World,
+where, at least, there should be room for truth and liberty. It was
+our childhood's dream, to go forth to the New World and to find our
+father. And the lesser half of it, comparatively worthless as it is,
+may fitly fall to my lot to fulfil, another worthier than I having done
+the rest." His voice grew gentler, his whole countenance softened as
+he continued,--"That the prize was his, not mine, I rejoice. It is but
+an earnest of the nobler victory, the grander triumph, he enjoys now,
+amongst those who stand evermore before the King of kings--CALLED,
+CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL."
+
+
+                           Historical Note.
+
+It may be asked by some thoughtful reader who has followed the
+narrative of the foregoing pages, How much is fact, how much fiction?
+As the writers sole object is to reveal, to enforce, and to illustrate
+Truth, an answer to the question is gladly supplied. All is fact,
+except what concerns the personal history of the Brothers and their
+family. Whatever relates to the rise, progress, and downfall of the
+Protestant Church in Spain, is strictly historical. Especially may be
+mentioned the story of the two great Autos at Seville. But much of
+interest on the subject remains untold, as nothing was taken up but
+what would naturally amalgamate with the narrative; and it was not
+designed to supersede history, only to stimulate to its study. Except
+in the instance of a conversation with Juliano Hernandez, another with
+Don Carlos de Seso, and a few words required by the exigencies of the
+tale from Losada, the glorious martyr names have been left untouched
+by the hand of fiction. It was a sense of their sacredness which led
+the writer to choose for hero a character not historical, but typical
+and illustrative. But nothing is told of him which did not occur over
+and over again, if we except the act of mercy which is supposed to have
+shed a brightness over his last days. He is merely a given example, a
+specimen of the ordinary fate of such prisoners of the Inquisition as
+were enabled to remain faithful to the end; and, thank God, these were
+numerous. He is even a favourable specimen; for the conditions of art
+require that in a work of fiction a veil should be thrown over some of
+the worst horrors of persecution. Those who accuse Protestant writers
+of exaggeration in these matters, little know what they say. Easily
+could we show greater abominations than these; but we forbear.
+
+As for the joy and triumph ascribed to the steadfast martyr at the
+close of his career, we have a thousand well-authenticated instances
+that such has been really given. These embrace all classes and ages,
+and all varieties of character, and range throughout all time, from the
+day that Stephen saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God, until the
+martyrs of Madagascar sang hymns in the fire, and "prayed as long as
+they had any life; and then they died, softly, gently."
+
+It is not fiction, but truest truth, that He repays his faithful
+servants an hundred-fold, even in this life, for anything they do or
+suffer for his name's sake.
+
+
+
+
+                     Library of Historical Tales.
+
+    =The City and the Castle.= A Story of the Reformation in
+      Switzerland. By ANNIE LUCAS, Author of "Leonie," etc. Crown 8vo,
+      cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming
+      connected by circumstances, the relation of which faithfully
+      portrays the state and character of society at the time of the
+      Reformation (in Switzerland)._
+
+    =Leonie=; or, Light out of Darkness: and =Within Iron Walls=, a
+      Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the Franco-German War.
+      By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country
+      life in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged
+      capital. These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches
+      of French life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful
+      description of the leading events of the Franco-German War._
+
+    =Wenzel's Inheritance=; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of Bohemia
+      in the Fifteenth Century. By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra.
+      Price 4s.
+
+      _Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social conditions
+      of Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering
+      and martyrdom borne for faith's sake._
+
+    =Helena's Household.= A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With
+      Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the
+      primitive ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the
+      Spirit of God, to the promulgation of the faith._
+
+    =The Spanish Brothers.= A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the
+      Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee." Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+      4s.
+
+      _A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of
+      the cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition._
+
+    =The Czar.= A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812-13;
+      the characters partly French, partly Russian._
+
+    =Arthur Erskine's Story.= A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of
+      the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time
+      are vividly described, and the story of Scotland's Reformation is
+      effectively re-told._
+
+    =Under the Southern Cross.= A Tale of the New World. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
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+
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+      By M. FILLEUL. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English
+      history previous to the Reformation._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                        WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF
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+              "Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family."
+
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+      _An intensely interesting tale of German family-life in the times
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+      to others._
+
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+      and the Wesleys. Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
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+      cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.
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+      Price 3s. 6d.
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+      _A lady's notes of a tour in the Holy Land, returning home by
+      Damascus and the coast of Asia Minor._
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+    =Songs Old and New.= By the Author of "Chronicles of the
+      Schönberg-Cotta Family," etc. _Collected Edition_. Square 16mo,
+      cloth antique, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _The many readers who have been charmed by the prose writings of
+      this well-known and much-admired writer, will no doubt be glad to
+      see a collection of poems from the same pen._
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+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
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+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
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+      Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
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+      who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope
+      in boyhood._
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+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
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+      KEYWORTH, Author of "Dick the Newsboy," "Green and Grey," etc.,
+      etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.
+
+      _"In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and
+      it is certain to be a general favourite."_--MANCHESTER EXAMINER.
+
+      _"Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its
+      lessons."_--LIVERPOOL ALBION.
+
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+      BURLEIGH. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing
+      incidents._
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+SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
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+    =Every-Day Doings.= By HELLENA RICHARDSON. With Six Illustrations.
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale, "written for an earnest purpose," and
+      consisting almost entirely of facts._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+    =By Uphill Paths=; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to be
+      Done. By E. VAN SOMMER, Author of "Lionel Franklin's Victory."
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+    =True to His Colours=; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the Rev.
+      T.P. WILSON, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of "Frank Oldfield,"
+      etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting tale--the scene laid in England--illustrating the
+      influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and
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+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+          T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+There were a number of printing errors in this book. These have been
+corrected silently. The following errors in spelling have been changed.
+
+  desengãno is now desengaño
+  persume is now presume.
+
+The oe ligature has been expanded.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Spanish Brotheres, by Deborah Alcock.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Spanish Brothers
+       A Tale of the Sixteenth Century
+
+Author: Deborah Alcock
+
+Release Date: November 23, 2013 [EBook #44262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SPANISH BROTHERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sarah Gutierrez, Sue Fleming and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" id="coverpage">
+<img src="images/coverpage.jpg" width="392" height="600" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/decotitle.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>THE ALGUAZILS PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT FOR ARREST.</small></p>
+
+<p class="indent60 space-below"><small><i>page 215</i></small></p></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS</small>
+<br />
+<small><i>LONDON, EDINBURGH AND NEW YORK.</i></small><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>THE</small><br /></p>
+
+
+<h1><span class="smcap">Spanish Brothers</span></h1>
+
+
+<p class="center space-above space-below no-indent">A Tale of the Sixteenth Century</p>
+
+
+<p class="center space-above no-indent"><i>By the Author of<br />
+
+<small>"THE CZAR: A TALE OF THE FIRST NAPOLEON."</small></i><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent space-below"><i>&amp;c. &amp;c.</i><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center no-indent">"Thy loving-kindness is better than life."</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center space-above no-indent">London:</p>
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW.</small><br />
+<small><small>EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.</small></small><br /></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="no-indent center"><small><small>1888</small></small>.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</a></h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="toc">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#I">I.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#I">BOYHOOD,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#I">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#II">II.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#II">THE MONK'S LETTER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#II">18</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#III">III.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#III">SWORD AND CASSOCK,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#III">22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#IV">IV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#IV">ALCALA DE HENAREZ,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#IV">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#V">V.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#V">DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#V">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VI">VI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#VI">DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF STILL FURTHER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VI">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VII">VII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#VII">THE DESENGANO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VII">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#VIII">VIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIII">THE MULETEER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#VIII">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#IX">IX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#IX">EL DORADO FOUND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#IX">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#X">X.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#X">DOLORES,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#X">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XI">XI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XI">THE LIGHT ENJOYED,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XI">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XII">XII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XII">THE LIGHT DIVIDED FROM THE DARKNESS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XII">91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIII">XIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIII">SEVILLE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIII">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIV">XIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIV">THE MONKS OF SAN ISODRO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIV">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XV">XV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XV">THE GREAT SANBENITO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XV">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVI">XVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVI">WELCOME HOME,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVI">131</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVII">XVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVII">DISCLOSURES,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVII">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVIII">XVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XVIII">THE AGED MONK,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XVIII">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIX">XIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XIX">TRUTH AND FREEDOM,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XIX">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XX">XX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XX">THE FIRST DROP OF A THUNDER SHOWER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XX">160</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXI">XXI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXI">BY THE GUADALQUIVIR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXI">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXII">XXII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXII">THE FLOOD-GATES OPENED,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXII">173</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIII">XXIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIII">THE REIGN OF TERROR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIII">181</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIV">XXIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIV">A GLEAM OF LIGHT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIV">191</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXV">XXV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXV">WAITING,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXV">198</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVI">XXVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVI">DON GONSALVO'S REVENGE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVI">205</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVII">XXVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVII">MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVII">217</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVIII">XXVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXVIII">REAPING THE WHIRLWIND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXVIII">226</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIX">XXIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXIX">A FRIEND AT COURT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXIX">233</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXX">XXX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXX">THE CAPTIVE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXX">248</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXI">XXXI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXI">MINISTERING ANGELS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXI">255</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXII">XXXII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXII">THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXII">260</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIII">XXXIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIII">ON THE OTHER SIDE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIII">271</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIV">XXXIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIV">FRAY SEBASTIAN'S TROUBLE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIV">282</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXV">XXXV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXV">THE EVE OF THE AUTO,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXV">290</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVI">XXXVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVI">"THE HORRIBLE AND TREMENDOUS SPECTACLE,"</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVI">300</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVII">XXXVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXVII">SOMETHING ENDED AND SOMETHING BEGUN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVII">307</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVIII">NUERA AGAIN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXVIII">313</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIX">XXXIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XXXIX">LEFT BEHIND,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XXXIX">321</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XL">XL.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XL">"A SATISFACTORY PENITENT,"</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XL">329</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLI">XLI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLI">MORE ABOUT THE PENITENT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLI">338</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">XLII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLII">QUIET DAYS,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">347</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLII">XLIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIII">EL DORADO FOUND AGAIN,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIII">357</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIV">XLIV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIV">ONE PRISONER SET FREE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIV">367</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLV">XLV.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLV">TRIUMPHANT,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLV">374</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVI">XLVI.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVI">IS IT TOO LATE?</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVI">382</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVII">XLVII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVII">THE DOMINICAN PRIOR,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVII">390</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVIII">XLVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLVIII">SAN ISODRO ONCE MORE,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLVIII">399</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIX">XLIX.</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#XLIX">FAREWELL,</a></td><td align="right"><a href="#XLIX">409</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+<p class="title">THE SPANISH BROTHERS.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 94px;">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="I" id="I">I.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Boyhood.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+   <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse">"A boy's will is the wind's will,</div>
+    <div class="verse">&nbsp;And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."</div>
+    </div>
+   <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Longfellow.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n one of the green slopes of the Sierra Morena, shaded by a few
+cork-trees, and with wild craggy heights and bare brown wastes
+stretching far above, there stood, about the middle of the sixteenth
+century, a castle even then old and rather dilapidated. It had once
+been a strong place, but was not very spacious; and certainly,
+according to our modern ideas of comfort, the interior could not have
+been a particularly comfortable dwelling-place. A large proportion
+of it was occupied by the great hall, which was hung with faded,
+well-repaired tapestry, and furnished with oaken tables, settles, and
+benches, very elaborately carved, but bearing evident marks of age.
+Narrow unglazed slits in the thick wall admitted the light and air;
+and beside one of these, on a gloomy autumn morning, two boys stood
+together, watching the rain that pored down without intermission.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They were dressed exactly alike, in loose jackets of blue cloth,
+homespun, indeed, but so fresh and neatly-fashioned as to look more
+becoming than many a costlier dress. Their long stockings were of
+silk, and their cuffs and wide shirt-frills of fine Holland, carefully
+starched and plaited. The elder&mdash;a very handsome lad, who looked
+fourteen at least, but was really a year younger&mdash;had raven hair,
+black sparkling eager eyes, good but strongly-marked features, and
+a complexion originally dark, and well-tanned by exposure to sun
+and wind. A broader forehead, wider nostrils, and a weaker mouth,
+distinguished the more delicate-looking younger brother, whose hair was
+also less dark, and his complexion fairer.</p>
+
+<p>"Rain&mdash;rain! Will it rain for ever?" cried, in a tone of impatience,
+the elder, whose name was Juan; or rather, his proper style and title
+(and very angry would he have felt had any part been curtailed or
+omitted) was Don Juan Rodrigo Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. He
+was of the purest blood in Spain; by the father's side, of noblest
+Castilian lineage; by the mother's, of an ancient Asturian family. Well
+he knew it, and proudly he held up his young head in consequence, in
+spite of poverty, and of what was still worse, the mysterious blight
+that had fallen on the name and fortunes of his house, bringing poverty
+in its train, as the least of its attendant evils.</p>
+
+<p>"'Rising early will not make the daylight come sooner,' nor watching
+bring the sunshine," said the quick-witted Carlos, who, apt in learning
+whatever he heard, was already an adept in the proverbial philosophy
+which was then, and is now, the inheritance of his race.</p>
+
+<p>"True enough. So let us fetch the canes, and have a merry play. Or,
+better still, the foils for a fencing match."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos acquiesced readily, though apparently without pleasure. In all
+outward things, such as the choice of pursuits and games, Juan was
+the unquestioned leader; Carlos never dreamed of disputing his fiat.
+Yet in other, and really more <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>important matters, it was Carlos who,
+quite unconsciously to himself, performed the part of guide to his
+stronger-willed but less thoughtful brother.</p>
+
+<p>Juan now fetched the carefully guarded foils with which the boys were
+accustomed to practise fencing; either, as now, simply for their own
+amusement, or under the instructions of the gray-haired Diego, who had
+served with their father in the Emperor's wars, and was now mayor-domo,
+butler, and seneschal, all in one. He it was, moreover, from whom
+Carlos had learned his store of proverbs.</p>
+
+<p>"Now stand up. Oh, you are too low; wait a moment." Juan left the hall
+again, but quickly returned with a large heavy volume, which he threw
+on the floor, directing his brother to take his stand upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos hesitated. "But what if the Fray should catch us using our great
+Horace after such a fashion?"</p>
+
+<p>"I just wish he might," answered Juan, with a mischievous sparkle in
+his black eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The matter of height being thus satisfactorily adjusted, the game
+began, and for some time went merrily forward. To do the elder brother
+justice, he gave every advantage to his less active and less skilful
+companion; often shouting (with very unnecessary exertion of his lungs)
+words of direction or warning about fore-thrust, side-thrust, back-hand
+strokes, hitting, and parrying. At last, however, in an unlucky moment,
+Carlos, through some awkward movement of his own in violation of the
+rules of the game, received a blow on the cheek from his brother's
+foil, severe enough to make the blood flow. Juan instantly sprang
+forward, full of vexation, with an "Ay de mi!" on his lips. But Carlos
+turned away from him, covering his face with both hands; and Juan, much
+to his disgust, soon heard the sound of a heavy sob.</p>
+
+<p>"You little coward!" he exclaimed, "to weep for a blow. Shame&mdash;shame
+upon you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Coward yourself, to call me ill names when I cannot fight you,"
+retorted Carlos, as soon as he could speak for weeping.</p>
+
+<p>"That is ever your way, little tearful. <i>You</i> to talk of going to find
+our father! A brave man you would make to sail to the Indies and fight
+the savages. Better sit at home and spin, with Mother Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>Far too deeply stung to find a proverb suited to the occasion, or
+indeed to make any answer whatever, Carlos, still in tears, left the
+hall with hasty footsteps, and took refuge in a smaller apartment that
+opened into it.</p>
+
+<p>The hangings of this room were comparatively new and very beautiful,
+being tastefully wrought with the needle; and the furniture was much
+more costly than that in the hall. There was also a glazed window, and
+near this Carlos took his stand, looking moodily out on the falling
+rain, and thinking hard thoughts of his brother, who had first hurt him
+so sorely, then called him coward, and last, and far worst of all, had
+taunted him with his unfitness for the task which, child as he was, his
+whole heart and soul were bent on attempting.</p>
+
+<p>But he could not quarrel very seriously with Juan, nor indeed could he
+for any considerable time do without him. Before long his anger began
+to give way to utter loneliness and discomfort, and a great longing to
+"be friends" again.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was Juan much more comfortable, though he told himself he was
+quite right to reprove his brother sharply for his lack of manliness;
+and that he would be ready to die for shame if Carlos, when he went
+to Seville, should disgrace himself before his cousins by crying when
+he was hurt, like a baby or a girl. It is true that in his heart he
+rather wished he himself had held his peace, or at least had spoken
+more gently; but he braved it out, and stamped up and down the hall,
+singing, in as cheery a voice as he could command,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The Cid rode through the horse-shoe gate, Omega like it stood,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A symbol of the moon that waned before the Christian rood.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He was all sheathed in golden mail, his cloak was white as shroud;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;His vizor down, his sword unsheathed, corpse still he rode, and proud."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>"Ruy!" Carlos called at last, just a little timidly, from the next
+room&mdash;"Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>Ruy is the Spanish diminutive of Rodrigo, Juan's second name, and the
+one by which, for reasons of his own, it pleased him best to be called;
+so the very use of it by Carlos was a kind of overture for peace.
+Juan came right gladly at the call; and having convinced himself, by
+a moment's inspection, that his brother's hurt signified nothing, he
+completed the reconciliation by putting his arm, in familiar boyish
+fashion, round his neck. Thus, without a word spoken, the brief quarrel
+was at an end. It happened that the rain was over also, and the sun
+just beginning to shine out again. It was, indeed, an effect of the
+sunlight which had given Carlos a pretext for calling Juan again to his
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, Ruy," he said, "the sun shines on our father's words!"</p>
+
+<p>These children had a secret of their own, carefully guarded, with the
+strange reticence of childhood, even from Dolores, who had been the
+faithful nurse of their infancy, and who still cast upon their young
+lives the only shadow of motherly love they had ever known&mdash;a shadow,
+it is true, pale and faint, yet the best thing that had fallen to their
+lot: for even Juan could remember neither parent; while Carlos had
+never seen his father's face, and his mother had died at his birth.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it happened that in the imaginary world which the children had
+created around them, and where they chiefly lived, their unknown father
+was by far the most important personage. All great nations in their
+childhood have their legends, their epics, written or unwritten, and
+their hero, one or many of them, upon whose exploits Fancy rings its
+changes at will during the ages when national language, literature, and
+character are in process of development. So it is with <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>individuals.
+Children of imagination&mdash;especially if they are brought up in
+seclusion, and guarded from coarse and worldly companionship&mdash;are sure
+to have their legends, perhaps their unwritten epic, certainly their
+hero. Nor are these dreams of childhood idle fancies. In their time
+they are good and beautiful gifts of God&mdash;healthful for the present,
+helpful for after-years. There is deep truth in the poets words, "When
+thou art a man, reverence the dreams of thy youth."</p>
+
+<p>The Cid Campeador, the Charlemagne, and the King Arthur of our youthful
+Spanish brothers, was no other than Don Juan Alvarez de Menaya, second
+and last Conde de Nuera. And as the historical foundation of national
+romance is apt to be of the slightest&mdash;nay, the testimony of credible
+history is often ruthlessly set at defiance&mdash;so it is with the romances
+of children; nor did the present instance form any exception. All the
+world said that their father's bones lay bleaching on a wild Araucanian
+battle-field; but this went for nothing in the eyes of Juan and
+Carlos Alvarez. Quite enough to build their childish faith upon was a
+confidential whisper of Dolores&mdash;when she thought them sleeping&mdash;to the
+village barber-surgeon, who was helping her to tend them through some
+childish malady: "Dead? Would to all the Saints, and the blessed Queen
+of Heaven, that we only had assurance of it!"</p>
+
+<p>They had, however, more than this. Almost every day they read and
+re-read those mysterious words, traced with a diamond by their father's
+hand&mdash;as it never entered their heads to doubt&mdash;on the window of the
+room which had once been his favourite place of retirement:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent1">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent1">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+   <div class="verse">"I have found El Dorado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>No eyes but their own had ever noticed this inscription; and marvellous
+indeed was the superstructure their fancy contrived to raise on the
+slight and airy foundation of its enigmatical five words. They had
+heard from the lips of Diego many of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>fables current at the period
+about the "golden country" of which Spanish adventurers dreamed so
+wildly, and which they sought so vainly in the New World. They were
+aware that their father in his early days had actually made a voyage to
+the Indies: and they had thoroughly persuaded themselves, therefore, of
+nothing less than that he was the fortunate discoverer of El Dorado;
+that he had returned thither, and was reigning there as a king, rich
+and happy&mdash;only, perhaps, longing for his brave boys to come and join
+him. And join him one day they surely would, even though unheard of
+dangers (of which giants twelve feet high and fiery dragons&mdash;things in
+which they quite believed&mdash;were among the least) might lie in their
+way, thick as the leaves of the cork-trees when the autumn winds swept
+down through the mountain gorges.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, Ruy," said Carlos, "the light is on our father's words!"</p>
+
+<p>"So it is! What good fortune is coming now? Something always comes to
+us when they look like that."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish for most?"</p>
+
+<p>"A new bow, and a set of real arrows tipped with steel. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;the 'Chronicles of the Cid,' I think."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like that too. But I should like better still&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"That Fray Sebastian would fall ill of the rheum, and find the mountain
+air too cold for his health; or get some kind of good place at his
+beloved Complutum."</p>
+
+<p>"We might go farther and fare worse, like those that go to look for
+better bread than wheaten," returned Carlos, laughing. "Wish again,
+Juan; and truly this time&mdash;your wish of wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"What else but to find my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean, next to that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, truly, to go once more to Seville, to see the shops, and the
+bull-fights, and the great Church; to tilt with our cousins, and dance
+the cachuca with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That would not I. There be folk that go out for wool, and come home
+shorn. Though I like Do&ntilde;a Beatriz as well as any one."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! here comes Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>A tall, slender woman, robed in black serge, relieved by a neat white
+head-dress, entered the room. Dark hair, threaded with silver, and
+pale, sunken, care-worn features, made her look older than she really
+was. She had once been beautiful; and it seemed as though her beauty
+had been burned up in the glare of some fierce agony, rather than had
+faded gradually beneath the suns of passing years. With the silent
+strength of a deep, passionate heart, that had nothing else left to
+cling to, Dolores loved the children of her idolized mistress and
+foster-sister. It was chiefly her talent and energy that kept together
+the poor remains of their fortune. She surrounded them with as many
+inexpensive comforts as possible; still, like a true Spaniard, she
+would at any moment have sacrificed their comfort to the maintenance of
+their rank, or the due upholding of their dignity. On this occasion she
+held an open letter in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen," she said, using the formal style of address no
+familiarity ever induced her to drop, "I bring your worships good
+tidings. Your noble uncle, Don Manuel, is about to honour your castle
+with his presence."</p>
+
+<p>"Good tidings indeed! I am as glad as if you had given me a satin
+doublet. He may take us back with him to Seville," cried Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"He might have stayed at home, with good luck and my blessing,"
+murmured Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Whether you go to Seville or no, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan," said Dolores,
+gravely, "may very probably depend on the contentment you give your
+noble uncle respecting your progress in your Latin, your grammar, and
+your other humanities."</p>
+
+<p>"A green fig for my noble uncle's contentment!" said Juan,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>irreverently. "I know already as much as any gentleman need, and ten
+times more than he does himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, truly," struck in Carlos, coming forward from the embrasure of the
+window; "my uncle thinks a man of learning&mdash;except he be a fellow of
+college, perchance&mdash;not worth his ears full of water. I heard him say
+such only trouble the world, and bring sorrow on themselves and all
+their kin. So, Juan, it is you who are likely to find favour in his
+sight, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, what ails your face?" asked Dolores, noticing now
+for the first time the marks of the hurt he had received.</p>
+
+<p>Both the boys spoke together.</p>
+
+<p>"Only a blow caught in fencing; all through my own awkwardness. It is
+nothing," said Carlos, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I hurt him with my foil. It was a mischance. I am very sorry," said
+Juan, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Dolores wisely abstained from exhorting them to greater carefulness.
+She only said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen who mean to be knights and captains must learn to give
+hard blows and take them." Adding mentally&mdash;"Bless the lads! May they
+stand by each other as loyally ten or twenty years hence as they do
+now."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="II" id="II">II.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Monk's Letter.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Quoth the good fat friar,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Wiping his own mouth&mdash;'twas refection time."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>ray Sebastian Gomez, to the Honourable Se&ntilde;or Felipe de Santa Maria,
+Licentiate of Theology, residing at Alcala de Henarez, commonly called
+Complutum.</p>
+
+
+<blockquote><p><br />"Most Illustrious and Reverend Se&ntilde;or,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In my place of banishment, amidst these gloomy and inhospitable
+mountains, I frequently solace my mind by reflections upon the friends
+of my youth, and the happy period spent in those ancient halls of
+learning, where in the morning of our days you and I together attended
+the erudite prelections of those noble and most orthodox Grecians,
+Demetrius Ducas and Nicetus Phaustus, or sat at the feet of that
+venerable patriarch of science, Don Fernando Nu&ntilde;ez. Fortunate are you,
+O friend, in being able to pass your days amidst scenes so pleasant
+and occupations so congenial; while I, unhappy, am compelled by fate,
+and by the neglect of friends and patrons, to take what I may have,
+in place of having what I might wish. I am, alas! under the necessity
+of wearing out my days in the ungrateful <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>occupation of instilling
+the rudiments of humane learning into the dull and careless minds of
+children, whom to instruct is truly to write upon sand or water. But
+not to weary your excellent and illustrious friendship with undue
+prolixity, I shall briefly relate the circumstances which led to my
+sojourn here."</p>
+
+<p>(The good friar proceeds with his personal narrative, but by no means
+briefly; and as it has, moreover, little or nothing to do with our
+story, it may be omitted with advantage.)</p>
+
+<p>"In this desert, as I may truly style it" (he continues), "nutriment
+for the corporeal frame is as poor and bare as nutriment for the
+intellectual part is altogether lacking. Alas! for the golden wine of
+Xerez, that ambery nectar wherewith we were wont to refresh our jaded
+spirits! I may not mention now our temperate banquets: the crisp red
+mullet, the succulent pasties, the delicious ham of Estremadura, the
+savoury olla podrida. Here beef is rarely seen, veal never. Our olla
+is of lean mutton (if it be not rather of the flesh of goats), washed
+down with bad vinegar, called wine by courtesy, and supplemented
+by a few naughty figs or roasted chestnuts, with cheese of goat's
+milk, hard as the heads of the rustics who make it. Certainly I am
+experiencing the truth of the proverb, 'A bad cook is an inconvenient
+relation.' And marvellously would a cask of Xerez wine, if, through
+the kindness of my generous friends, it could find its way to these
+remote mountains, mend my fare, and in all probability prolong my
+days. The provider here is an antiquated, sour-faced duenna, who rules
+everything in this old ruin of a castle, where poverty and pride are
+the only things to be found in plenty. She is an Asturian, and came
+hither in the train of the late unfortunate countess. Like all of
+that race, where the very shepherds style themselves nobles, she is
+proud; but it is just to add that she is also active, industrious, and
+thrifty to a miracle.</p>
+
+<p>"But to pass on to affairs of greater importance. I have presumed,
+on the part of my illustrious friend, some acquaint<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>ance with the
+sorrowful history of my young pupils' family. You will remember the
+sudden shadow that fell, like the eclipse of one of the bright orbs
+of heaven, upon the fame and fortunes of the Conde de Nuera, known,
+some fifteen years ago or more, as a brilliant soldier and courtier,
+and personal favourite of his Imperial Majesty. There was a rumour of
+some black treason, I know not what, but men said it even struck at
+the life of the great Emperor, his friend and patron. It is supposed
+that the Emperor (whom God preserve!), in his just wrath remembered
+mercy, and generously saved the honour, while he punished the crime,
+of his ungrateful servant. At all events, the world was told that the
+Count had accepted a command in the Indies, and that he sailed thither
+from some port in the Low Countries to which the Emperor had summoned
+him, without returning to Spain. It is believed that, to save his
+neck from the axe and his name from dire disgrace, he signed away, by
+his own act, his large property to the Emperor and to Holy Church,
+reserving only a pittance for his children. One year afterwards, his
+death, in battle with the Araucanian savages, was announced, and, if I
+am not mistaken, His Majesty was gracious enough to have masses said
+for his soul. But, at the time, the tongue of rumour whispered a far
+more dreadful ending to the tale. Men hinted that, upon the discovery
+of his treason, he despaired alike of human and divine compassion, and
+perished miserably by his own hand. But all possible pains were taken,
+for the sake of the family, to hush up the affair; and nothing certain
+has ever, or probably will ever, transpire. I am doubtful whether I am
+not a transgressor in having committed to paper what is written above.
+Still, as it is written, it shall stand. With you, most illustrious
+and honourable friend, all things are safe.</p>
+
+<p>"The youths whom it is my task to instruct are not deficient in
+parts. But the elder, Don Juan, is idle and insolent; and withal, of
+so fiery a temper, that he will brook no manner of correction. The
+younger, Don Carlos, is more toward in dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>position, and really apt at
+his humanities, were it not that his good-for-nothing brother is for
+ever leading him into mischief. Don Manuel Alvarez, their uncle and
+guardian, who is a shrewd man of the world, will certainly cause him
+to enter the Church. But I pray, as I am bound in Christian charity,
+that it may not occur to him to make the lad a Minorite friar, since,
+as I can testify from sorrowful experience, such go barely enough
+through this wicked and miserable world.</p>
+
+<p>"In conclusion, I entreat of you, most illustrious friend, with the
+utmost despatch and carefulness, to commit this writing to the flames;
+and so I pray our Lady and the blessed St. Luke, upon whose vigil I
+write, to have you in their good keeping.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="toright2">Your unworthy brother,</p>
+<p class="toright4">"<span class="smcap">Sebastian</span>."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus, with averted face, or head shaken doubtfully, or murmured "Ay de
+mi," the world spoke of him, of whom his own children, happy at least
+in this, knew scarce anything, save words that seemed like a cry of
+joy.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III">III.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Sword and Cassock.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The helmet and the cap make houses strong."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Spanish Proverb.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Manuel Alvarez stayed for several days at Nuera, as the half-ruined
+castle in the Sierra Morena was styled. Grievous, during this period,
+were the sufferings of Dolores, and unceasing her efforts to provide
+suitable accommodation, not merely for the stately and fastidious guest
+himself, but also for the troop of retainers he saw fit to bring with
+him, comprising three or four personal attendants, and half a score of
+men-at-arms&mdash;the last perhaps really necessary for a journey through
+that wild district. Don Manuel scarcely enjoyed the situation more than
+did his entertainers, but he esteemed it his duty to pay an occasional
+visit to the estate of his orphan nephews, to see that it was properly
+taken care of. Perhaps the only member of the party quite at his ease
+was the worthy Fray Sebastian, a good-natured, self-indulgent friar,
+with a better education and more refined tastes than the average
+of his order; fond of eating and drinking, fond of gossip, fond of
+a little superficial literature, and not fond of troubling himself
+about anything. He was comforted by the improved fare Don Manuel's
+visit introduced; and was, moreover, soon relieved from his very
+natural appre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>hensions that the guardian of his pupils might express
+discontent at the slowness of their progress. He speedily discovered
+that Don Manuel did not care to have his nephews made good scholars:
+he only cared to have them ready, in two or three years, to go to the
+University of Complutum, or to that of Salamanca, where they might
+remain until they were satisfactorily provided for&mdash;one in the Army,
+the other in the Church.</p>
+
+<p>As for Juan and Carlos, they felt, with the sure instinct of children,
+in this respect something like that of animals, that their uncle had
+little love for them. Juan dreaded, more than under the circumstances
+he need have done, too careful inquiries into his progress; and
+Carlos, while he stood in great outward awe of his uncle, all the time
+contrived to despise him in his heart, because he neither knew Latin,
+nor could repeat any of the ballads of the Cid.</p>
+
+<p>On the third day of his visit, after dinner, which was at noon,
+Don Manuel solemnly seated himself in the great carved armchair
+that stood on the estrada at one end of the hall, and summoned his
+nephews to his side. He was a tall, wiry-looking man, with a narrow
+forehead, thin lips, and a pointed beard. His dress was of the finest
+mulberry-coloured cloth, turned back with velvet; everything about him
+was rich, handsome, and in good keeping, but without extravagance. His
+manner was dignified, perhaps a little pompous, like that of a man bent
+upon making the most of himself, as he had unquestionably made the most
+of his fortune.</p>
+
+<p>He first addressed Juan, whom he gravely reminded that his father's
+<i>imprudence</i> had left him nothing save that poor ruin of a castle,
+and a few barren acres of rocky ground, at which the boy's eyes
+flashed, and he shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. Don Manuel then
+proceeded, at some length, to extol the noble profession of arms as
+the road to fame and fortune. This kind of language proved much more
+acceptable to his nephew, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>looking up, he said promptly, "Yes,
+se&ntilde;or my uncle, I will gladly be a soldier, as all my fathers were."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken. And when thou art old enough, I promise to use my
+influence to obtain for thee a good appointment in His Imperial
+Majesty's army. I trust thou wilt honour thine ancient name."</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust me," said Juan, in slow, earnest tones. Then raising his
+head, he went on more rapidly: "Beside his own name, Juan, my father
+gave me that of Rodrigo, borne by the Cid Ruy Diaz, the Campeador,
+meaning no doubt to show&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, boy!" Don Miguel interrupted, cutting short the only words
+that his nephew had ever spoken really from his heart in his presence,
+with as much unconsciousness as a countryman might set his foot on a
+glow-worm. "Thou wert never named Rodrigo after thy Cid and his idle
+romances. Thy father called thee so after some madcap friend of his
+own, of whom the less spoken the better."</p>
+
+<p>"My father's friend must have been good and noble, like himself," said
+Juan proudly, almost defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man," returned Don Manuel severely, and lifting his eyebrows as
+if in surprise at his audacity, "learn that a humbler tone and more
+courteous manners would become thee in the presence of thy superiors."
+Then turning haughtily away from him, he addressed himself to Carlos:
+"As for thee, nephew Carlos, I hear with pleasure of thy progress in
+learning. Fray Sebastian reports of thee that thou hast a good ready
+wit and a retentive memory. Moreover, if I mistake not, sword cuts
+are less in thy way than in thy brother's. The service of Holy Mother
+Church will fit thee like a glove; and let me tell thee, boy, for thou
+art old enough to understand me, 'tis a right good service. Churchmen
+eat well and drink well&mdash;churchmen sleep soft&mdash;churchmen spend their
+days fingering the gold other folk toil and bleed for. For those who
+have fair interest in high places, and shuffle their own cards deftly,
+there be good fat <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>benefices, comfortable canonries, and perhaps&mdash;who
+knows?&mdash;a rich bishopric at the end of all; with a matter of ten
+thousand hard ducats, at the least, coming in every year to save or
+spend, or lend, if you like it better."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten thousand ducats!" said Carlos, who had been gazing in his
+uncle's face, his large blue eyes full of half-incredulous,
+half-uncomprehending wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, my son, that is about the least. The Archbishop of Seville has
+sixty thousand every year, and more."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten thousand ducats!" Carlos repeated again in a kind of awe-struck
+whisper. "That would buy a ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Don Manuel, highly pleased with what he considered an
+indication of precocious intelligence in money matters. "And an
+excellent thought that is of thine, my son. A good ship chartered for
+the Indies, and properly freighted, would bring thee back thy ducats
+<i>well perfumed</i>.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> For a ship is sailing while you are sleeping. As
+the saying is, Let the idle man buy a ship or marry a wife. I perceive
+thou art a youth of much ingenuity. What thinkest thou, then, of the
+Church?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was still too much the child to say anything in answer except,
+"If it please you, se&ntilde;or my uncle, I should like it well."</p>
+
+<p>And thus, with rather more than less consideration of their tastes and
+capacities than was usual at the time, the future of Juan and Carlos
+Alvarez was decided.</p>
+
+<p>When the brothers were alone together, Juan said, "Dolores must have
+been praying Our Lady for us, Carlos. An appointment in the army is
+the very thing for me. I shall perform some great feat of arms, like
+Alphonso Vives, for instance, who took the Duke of Saxony prisoner; I
+shall win fame and promotion, and then come back and ask my uncle for
+the hand of his ward, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, and I&mdash;if I enter the Church, I can never marry," said Carlos
+rather ruefully, and with a vague perception that his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>brother was to
+have some good thing from which he must be shut out for ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not; but you will not care."</p>
+
+<p>"Never a whit," said the boy of twelve, very confidently. "I shall
+ever have thee, Juan. And all the gold my uncle says churchmen win so
+easily, I will save to buy our ship."</p>
+
+<p>"I will also save, so that one day we may sail together. I will be the
+captain, and thou shalt be the mass-priest, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"But I marvel if it be true that churchmen grow rich so fast. The cura
+in the village must be very poor, for Diego told me he took old Pedro's
+cloak because he could not pay the dues for his wife's burial."</p>
+
+<p>"More shame for him, the greedy vulture. Carlos, you and I have each
+half a ducat; let us buy it back."</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart. It will be worth something to see the old man's
+face."</p>
+
+<p>"The cura is covetous rather than poor," said Juan. "But poor or no, no
+one dreams of <i>your</i> being a beggarly cura like that. It is only vulgar
+fellows of whom they make parish priests in the country. You will get
+some fine preferment, my uncle says. And he ought to know, for he has
+feathered his own nest well."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is he rich when we are poor, Juan? Where does he get all his
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>"The saints know best. He has places under Government. Something about
+the taxes. I think, that he buys and sells again."</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, he's not one to measure oil without getting some on his
+fingers. How different from him our father must have been."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Juan. "<i>His</i> riches, won by his own sword and battle-axe,
+and his good right hand, will be worth having. Ay, and even worth
+seeing; will they not?"</p>
+
+<p>So these children dreamed of the future&mdash;that future of which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>nothing
+was certain, except its unlikeness to their dreams. No thing was
+certain; but what was only too probable? That the brave, free-hearted
+boy, who had never willingly injured any one, and who was ready to
+share his last coin with the poor man, would be hardened and brutalized
+into a soldier of fortune, like those who massacred tribes of trusting,
+unoffending Indians, or burned Flemish cities to the ground, amidst
+atrocities that even now make hearts quail and ears tingle. And yet
+worse, that the fair child beside him, whose life still shone with
+that child-like innocence which is truly the dew of youth, as bright
+and as fleeting, would be turned over, soul and spirit, to a system of
+training too surely calculated to obliterate the sense of truth, to
+deprave the moral taste, to make natural and healthful joys impossible,
+and unlawful and degrading ones fearfully easy and attainable; to teach
+the strong nature the love of power, the mean the love of money, and
+all alike falsehood, cowardice, and cruelty.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV">IV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Alcala de Henarez.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Give me back, give me back the wild freshness of morning,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Her tears and her smiles are worth evening's best light."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>ew are the lives in which seven years come and go without witnessing
+any great event. But whether they are eventful or no, the years that
+change children into men must necessarily be important. Three years of
+these important seven, Juan and Carlos Alvarez spent in their mountain
+home; the remaining four at the University of Alcala, or Complutum.</p>
+
+<p>The university training was of course needful for the younger brother,
+who was intended for the Church. That the elder was allowed to share
+the privilege, although destined for the profession of arms, was the
+result of circumstances. His guardian, Don Manuel Alvarez, although
+worldly and selfish, still retained a lingering regard for the memory
+of that lost brother whose latest message to him had been, "Have my
+boy carefully educated." And, moreover, he could scarcely have left
+the high-spirited youth to wear out the years that must elapse before
+he could obtain his commission in the dreary solitude of his mountain
+home, with Diego and Dolores for companions, and for sole amusement, a
+horse and a few greyhounds. Better that he should take his chance at
+Alcala, and enjoy himself there as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>best he might, with no obligation
+to severe study, and but one duty strongly impressed on him&mdash;that of
+keeping out of debt.</p>
+
+<p>He derived real benefit from the university training, though no
+academic laurels rested on his brow, nor did he take a degree. Fray
+Sebastian had taught him to read and write, and had even contrived to
+pass him through the Latin grammar, of which he afterwards remembered
+scarcely anything. To have urged him to learn more would have required
+severity only too popular at the time; but this Fray Sebastian was too
+timid, perhaps too prudent, to employ; while of interesting him in his
+studies he never thought. At Alcala, however, he <i>was</i> interested.
+He did not care, indeed, for the ordinary scholastic course; but
+he found in the college library all the books yet written in his
+native language, and it was then the palmy age of Spanish literature.
+Beginning with the poems and romances relating to the history of his
+country, he read through everything; poetry, romance, history, science,
+nothing came amiss to him, except perhaps theology. He studied with
+especial care all that had reference to the story of the New World,
+whither he hoped one day to go. He attended lectures; he even acquired
+Latin enough to learn anything he really wanted to know, and could not
+find except in that language.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, at the end of his four years' residence, he had acquired a good
+deal of useful though somewhat desultory information; and he had gained
+the art of expressing himself in the purest Castilian, by tongue or
+pen, with energy, vigour, and precision.</p>
+
+<p>The sixteenth century gives us many specimens of such men&mdash;and
+not a few of them were Spaniards&mdash;men of intelligence and general
+cultivation, whose profession was that of arms, but who can handle the
+pen with as much ease and dexterity as the sword; men who could not
+only do valiant deeds, but also describe them when done, and that often
+with singular effectiveness.</p>
+
+<p>With his contemporaries Juan was popular, for his pride was
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>inaggressive, and his fiery temper was counterbalanced by great
+generosity of disposition. During his residence at Alcala he fought
+three duels; one to chastise a fellow-student who had called his
+brother "Do&ntilde;a Carlotta," the other two on being provoked by the far
+more serious offence of covert sneers at his father's memory. He also
+caned severely a youth whom he did not think of sufficient rank to
+honour with his sword, merely for observing, when Carlos won a prize
+from him, "Don Carlos Alvarez unites genius and industry, as he would
+need to do, who is the <i>son of his own good works</i>." But afterwards,
+when the same student was in danger, through poverty, of having to give
+up his career and return home, Juan stole into his chamber during his
+absence, and furtively deposited four gold ducats (which he could ill
+spare) between the leaves of his breviary.</p>
+
+<p>Far more outwardly successful, but more really disastrous, was the
+academic career of Carlos. As student of theology, most of his days,
+and even some of his nights, were spent over the musty tomes of the
+Schoolmen. Like living water on the desert, his young bright intellect
+was poured out on the dreary sands of scholastic divinity (little else,
+in truth, than "bad metaphysics"), to no appreciable result, except its
+own utter waste. The kindred study of casuistry was even worse than
+waste of intellect; it was positive defilement and degradation. It was
+bad enough to tread with painful steps through roads that led nowhere;
+but it became worse when the roads were miry, and the mud at every step
+clung to the traveller's feet. Though here the parallel must cease; for
+the moral defilement, alas! is most deadly and dangerous when least
+felt or heeded.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, or unfortunately, according as we look on the things seen
+or the things not seen, Carlos offered to his instructors admirable
+raw material out of which to fashion a successful, even a great
+Churchman. He came to them a stripling of fifteen, innocent, truthful,
+affectionate. He had "parts," as they styled them, and singularly good
+ones. He had just the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>acute perception, the fine and ready wit, which
+enabled him to cut his way through scholastic subtleties and conceits
+with ease and credit. And, to do his teachers justice, they sharpened
+his intellectual weapon well, until its temper grew as exquisite as
+that of the scimitar of Saladin, which could divide a gauze kerchief by
+the thread at a single blow. But how would it fare with such a weapon,
+and with him who, having proved no other, could wield only that, in the
+great conflict with the Dragon that guarded the golden apples of truth?
+The question is idle, for truth was a luxury of which Carlos was not
+taught to dream. To find truth, to think truth, to speak truth, to act
+truth, was not placed before him as an object worth his attainment. Not
+the <i>True</i>, but the <i>Best</i>, was always held up to him as the mark to be
+aimed at: the best for the Church, the best for his family, the best
+for himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had much imagination, he was quick in invention and ready in
+expedients; good gifts in themselves, but very perilous where the
+sense of truth is lacking, or blunted. He was timid, as sensitive and
+reflective natures are apt to be, perhaps also from physical causes.
+And in those rough ages, the Church offered almost the only path in
+which the timid man could not only escape infamy, but actually attain
+to honour. In her service a strong head could more than atone for
+weak nerves. Power, fame, wealth, might be gained in abundance by
+the Churchman without stirring from his cell or chapel, or facing a
+single drawn sword or loaded musket. Always provided that his subtle,
+cultivated intellect could guide the rough hands that wielded the
+swords, or, better still, the crowned head that commanded them.</p>
+
+<p>There may have been even then at that very university (there certainly
+were a few years earlier), a little band of students who had quite
+other aims, and who followed other studies than those from which Carlos
+hoped to reap worldly success and fame. These youths really desired
+to find the truth and to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>keep it; and therefore they turned from
+the pages of the Fathers and the Schoolmen to the Scriptures in the
+original languages. But the "Biblists," as they were called, were few
+and obscure. Carlos did not, during his whole term of residence, come
+in contact with any of them. The study of Hebrew, and even of Greek,
+was by this time discouraged; the breath of calumny had blown upon it,
+linking it with all that was horrible in the eyes of Spanish Catholics,
+summed up in the one word, heresy. Carlos never even dreamed of any
+excursion out of the beaten path marked out for him, and which he was
+travelling so successfully as to distance nearly all his competitors.</p>
+
+<p>Both Juan and Carlos still clung fondly to their early dream; though
+their wider knowledge had necessarily modified some of its details.
+Carlos, at least, was not quite so confident as he had once been about
+the existence of El Dorado; but he was as fully determined as Juan to
+search out the mystery of their father's fate, and either to clasp his
+living hand, or to stand beside his grave. The love of the brothers,
+and their trust in each other, had only strengthened with their years,
+and was beautiful to witness.</p>
+
+<p>Occasional journeys to Seville, and brief intervals of making holiday
+there, varied the monotony of their college life, and were not without
+important results.</p>
+
+<p>It was the summer of 1556. The great Carlos, so lately King and Kaiser,
+had laid down the heavy burden of sovereignty, and would soon be on his
+way to pleasant San Yuste, to mortify the flesh, and prepare for his
+approaching end, as the world believed; but in reality to eat, drink,
+and enjoy himself as well as his worn-out body and mind would allow
+him. Just then our young Juan, healthy, hearty, hopeful, and with the
+world before him, received the long wished-for appointment in the army
+of the new King of all the Spains, Don Felipe Segunde.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The brothers have eaten their last temperate meal together, in their
+handsome, though not very comfortable, lodging at Alcala. Juan pushes
+away the wine-cup that Carlos would fain have refilled, and toys
+absently with the rind of a melon. "Carlos," he says, without looking
+his brother in the face, "remember that thing of which we spoke;"
+adding in lower and more earnest tones, "and so may God remember thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, brother. You have, however, little to fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Little to fear!" and there was the old quick flash in the dark eyes.
+"Because, forsooth, to spare my aunt's selfishness and my cousin's
+vanity, she must not be seen at dance, or theatre, or bull-feast? It is
+enough for her to show her face on the Alameda or at mass to raise me
+up a host of rivals."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, my uncle favours you; and Do&ntilde;a Beatriz herself will not be
+found of a different mind when you come home with your promotion and
+your glory, as you will, my Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then, brother, watch thou in my absence, and fail not to speak the
+right word at the right moment, as thou canst so well. So shall I hold
+myself at ease, and give my whole mind to the noble task of breaking
+the heads of all the enemies of my liege lord the king."</p>
+
+<p>Then, rising from the table, he girt on his new Toledo sword with its
+embroidered belt, threw over his shoulders his short scarlet cloak, and
+flung a gay velvet montero over his rich black curls. Don Carlos went
+out with him, and mounting the horses a lad from their country-home
+held in readiness, they rode together down the street and through the
+gate of Alcala; Don Juan followed by many an admiring gaze, and many a
+hearty "Vaya con Dios,"<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> from his late companions.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V">V.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Carlos Forgets Himself.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"A fair face and a tender voice had made me mad and blind."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Carlos Alvarez found Alcala, after his brother's departure,
+insupportably dull; moreover, he had now almost finished his brilliant
+university career. As soon, therefore, as he could, he took his degree
+as Licentiate of Theology. He then wrote to inform his uncle of the
+fact; adding that he would be glad to spend part of the interval that
+must elapse before his ordination at Seville, where he might attend
+the lectures of the celebrated Fray Constantino Ponce de la Fuente,
+Professor of Divinity in the College of Doctrine in that city. But, in
+fact, a desire to fulfil his brother's last charge weighed more with
+him than an eagerness for further instruction; especially as rumours
+that his watchfulness was not unnecessary had reached his ears at
+Alcala.</p>
+
+<p>He received a prompt and kind invitation from his uncle to make his
+house his home for as long a period as he might desire. Now, although
+Don Manuel was highly pleased with the genius and industry of his
+younger nephew, the hospitality he extended to him was not altogether
+disinterested. He thought Carlos capable of rendering what he deemed an
+essential service to a member of his own family.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>That family consisted of a beautiful, gay, frivolous wife, three sons,
+two daughters, and his wife's orphan niece, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella.
+The two elder sons were cast in their father's mould; which, to speak
+truth, was rather that of a merchant than of a cavalier. Had he been
+born of simple parents in the flats of Holland or the back streets of
+London, a vulgar Hans or Thomas, his tastes and capabilities might have
+brought him honest wealth. But since he had the misfortune to be Don
+Manuel Alvarez, of the bluest blood in Spain, he was taught to look on
+industry as ineffably degrading, and trade and commerce scarcely less
+so. Only one species of trade, one kind of commerce, was open to the
+needy and avaricious, but proud grandee. Unhappily it was almost the
+only kind that is really degrading&mdash;the traffic in public money, in
+places, and in taxes. "A sweeping rain leaving no food," such traffic
+was, in truth. The Government was defrauded; the people, especially the
+poorer classes, were cruelly oppressed. No one was enriched except the
+greedy jobber, whose birth rendered him infinitely too proud to work,
+but by no means too proud to cheat and steal.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel the younger, and Don Balthazar Alvarez, were ready and
+longing to tread in their father's footsteps. Of the two pale-faced
+dark-eyed sisters, Do&ntilde;a Inez and Do&ntilde;a Sancha, one was already married,
+and the other had also plans satisfactory to her parents. But the
+person in the family who was not of it was the youngest son, Don
+Gonsalvo. He was the representative, not of his father, but of his
+grandfather; as we so often see types of character reproduced in the
+third generation. The first Conde de Nuera had been a wild soldier of
+fortune in the Moorish wars, fierce and fiery, with strong unbridled
+passions. At eighteen, Gonsalvo was his image; and there was scarcely
+any mischief possible to a youth of fortune in a great city, into
+which he had not already found his way. For two years he continued to
+scandalize his family, and to vex the soul of his prudent and decorous
+father.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, however, a change came over him. He reformed; became
+quiet and regular in his conduct; gave himself up to study, making
+extraordinary progress in a very short time; and even showed what those
+around him called "a pious disposition." But these hopeful appearances
+passed as suddenly and as unaccountably as they came. After an interval
+of less than a year, he returned to his former habits, and plunged even
+more madly than ever into all kinds of vice and dissipation.</p>
+
+<p>His father resolved to procure him a commission, and send him away to
+the wars. But an accident frustrated his intentions. In those days,
+cavaliers of rank frequently sought the dangerous triumphs of the
+bull-ring. The part of matador was performed, not, as now, by hired
+bravos of the lowest class, but often by scions of the most honourable
+houses. Gonsalvo had more than once distinguished himself in the bloody
+arena by courage and coolness. But he tempted his fate too often. Upon
+one occasion he was flung violently from his horse, and then gored by
+the furious bull, whose rage had been excited to the utmost pitch by
+the cruel arts usually practised. He escaped with life, but remained
+a crippled invalid, apparently condemned for the rest of his days to
+inaction, weakness, and suffering.</p>
+
+<p>His father thought a good canonry would be a decent and comfortable
+provision for him, and pressed him accordingly to enter the Church. But
+the invalided youth manifested an intense repugnance to the step; and
+Don Manuel hoped that the influence of Carlos would help to overcome
+this feeling; believing that he would gladly endeavour to persuade his
+cousin that no way of life was so pleasant or so easy as that which he
+himself was about to adopt.</p>
+
+<p>The good nature of Carlos led him to fall heartily into his uncle's
+plans. He really pitied his cousin, moreover, and gladly gave himself
+to the task of trying in every possible way to console and amuse him.
+But Gonsalvo rudely repelled all his efforts. In his eyes the destined
+priest was half a woman, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>with no knowledge of a man's aims or a man's
+passions, and consequently no right to speak of them.</p>
+
+<p>"Turn priest!" he said to him one day; "I have as good a mind to turn
+Turk. Nay, cousin, I am not pious&mdash;you may present my orisons to Our
+Lady with your own, if it so please you. Perhaps she may attend to them
+better than to those I offered before entering the bull-ring on that
+unlucky day of St. Thomas."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, though not particularly devout, was shocked by this language.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, cousin," he said; "your words sound rather like blasphemy."</p>
+
+<p>"And yours sound like the words of what you are, half a priest
+already," retorted Gonsalvo. "It is ever the priest's cry, if you
+displease him, 'Open heresy!' 'Rank blasphemy!' And next, 'the Holy
+Office, and a yellow Sanbenito.' I marvel it did not occur to your
+sanctity to menace me with that."</p>
+
+<p>The gentle-tempered Carlos did not answer; a forbearance which further
+exasperated Gonsalvo, who hated nothing so much as being, on account of
+his infirmities, borne with like a woman or a child. "But the saints
+help the Churchmen," he went on ironically. "Good simple souls, they do
+not know even their own business! Else they would smell heresy close
+enough at hand. What doctrine does your Fray Constantino preach in the
+great Church every feast-day, since they made him canon-magistral?"</p>
+
+<p>"The most orthodox and Catholic doctrine, and no other," said Carlos,
+roused, in his turn, by the attack upon his teacher; though he did
+not greatly care for his instructions, which turned principally upon
+subjects about which he had learned little or nothing in the schools.
+"But to hear thee discuss doctrine is to hear a blind man talking of
+colours."</p>
+
+<p>"If I be the blind man talking of colours, thou art the deaf prating of
+music," retorted his cousin. "Come and tell me, if <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>thou canst, what
+are these doctrines of thy Fray Constantino, and wherein they differ
+from the Lutheran heresy? I wager my gold chain and medal against thy
+new velvet cloak, that thou wouldst fall thyself into as many heresies
+by the way as there are nuts in Barcelona."</p>
+
+<p>Allowing for Gonsalvo's angry exaggeration, there was some truth in his
+assertion. Once out of the region of dialectic subtleties, the champion
+of the schools would have become weak as another man. And he could
+not have expounded Fray Constantino's preaching;&mdash;because he did not
+understand it.</p>
+
+<p>"What, cousin!" he exclaimed, affronted in his tenderest part,
+his reputation as a theological scholar. "Dost thou take me for a
+barefooted friar or a village cura? Me, who only two months ago was
+crowned victor in a debate upon the doctrines taught by Raymondus
+Lullius!"</p>
+
+<p>But whatever chagrin Carlos may have felt at finding himself utterly
+unable to influence Gonsalvo, was soon effectually banished by the
+delight with which he watched the success of his diplomacy with Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>Beatriz was almost a child in years, and entirely a child in mind and
+character. Hitherto, she had been studiously kept in the background,
+lest her brilliant beauty should throw her cousins into the shade.
+Indeed, she would probably have been consigned to a convent, had not
+her portion been too small to furnish the donative usually bestowed by
+the friends of a novice upon any really aristocratic establishment.
+"And pity would it have been," thought Carlos, "that so fair a flower
+should wither in a convent garden."</p>
+
+<p>He made the most of the limited opportunities of intercourse which the
+ceremonious manners of the time and country afforded, even to inmates
+of the same house. He would stand beside her chair, and watch the
+quick flush mount to her olive, delicately-rounded cheek, as he talked
+eloquently of the absent <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>Juan. He was never tired of relating stories
+of Juan's prowess, Juan's generosity. In the last duel he fought, for
+instance, the ball had passed through his cap and grazed his head. But
+he only smiled, and re-arranged his locks, remarking, while he did so,
+that with the addition of a gold chain and medal, the spoiled cap would
+be as good, or better than ever. Then he would dilate on his kindness
+to the vanquished; rejoicing in the effect produced, a tribute as well
+to his own eloquence as to his brother's merit. The occupation was
+too fascinating not to be resorted to once and again, even had he not
+persuaded himself that he was fulfilling a sacred duty.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, he soon discovered that the bright dark eyes which were
+beginning to visit him nightly in his dreams, were pining all day for
+a sight of that gay world from which their owner was jealously and
+selfishly excluded. So he managed to procure for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz many a
+pleasure of the kind she most valued. He prevailed upon his aunt and
+cousins to bring her with them to places of public resort; and then he
+was always at hand, with the reverence of a loyal cavalier, and the
+freedom of a destined priest, to render her every quiet unobtrusive
+service in his power. At the theatre, at the dance, at the numerous
+Church ceremonies, on the promenade, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was his especial
+charge.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst such occupations, pleasant weeks and months glided by almost
+unnoticed by him. Never before had he been so happy. "Alcala was well
+enough," he thought; "but Seville is a thousand times better. All my
+life heretofore seems to me only like a dream, now I am awake."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! he was not awake, but wrapped in a deep sleep, and cradling a
+bright delusive vision. As yet he was not even "as those that dream,
+and know the while they dream." His slumber was too profound even for
+this dim half-consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>No one suspected, any more than he suspected himself, the enchantment
+that was stealing over him. But every one re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>marked his frank, genial
+manners, his cheerfulness, his good looks. Naturally, the name of Juan
+dropped gradually more and more out of his conversation; as at the same
+time the thought of Juan faded from his mind. His studies, too, were
+neglected; his attendance upon the lectures of Fray Constantino became
+little more than a formality; while "receiving Orders" seemed a remote
+if not an uncertain contingency. In fact, he lived in the present, not
+caring to look either at the past or the future.</p>
+
+<p>In the very midst of his intoxication, at slight incident affected him
+for a moment with such a chill as we feel when, on a warm spring day,
+the sun passes suddenly behind a cloud.</p>
+
+<p>His cousin, Do&ntilde;a Inez, had been married more than a year to a wealthy
+gentleman of Seville, Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez. Carlos, calling one morning
+at the lady's house with some unimportant message from Do&ntilde;a Beatriz,
+found her in great trouble on account of the sudden illness of her babe.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go and fetch a physician?" he asked, knowing well that Spanish
+servants can never be depended upon to make haste, however great the
+emergency may be.</p>
+
+<p>"You will do a great kindness, amigo mio," said the anxious young
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>"But which shall I summon?" asked Carlos. "Our family physician, or Don
+Gar&ccedil;ia's?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gar&ccedil;ia's, by all means,&mdash;Dr. Cristobal Losada. I would not give a
+green fig for any other in Seville. Do you know his dwelling?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. But should he be absent or engaged?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must have him. Him, and no other. Once before he saved my darling's
+life. And if my poor brother would but consult him, it might fare
+better with him. Go quickly, cousin, and fetch him, in Heaven's name."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos lost no time in complying; but on reaching the dwelling of the
+physician, found that though the hour was early <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>he had already gone
+forth. After leaving a message, he went to visit a friend in the Triana
+suburb. He passed close by the Cathedral, with its hundred pinnacles,
+and that wonder of beauty, the old Moorish Giralda, soaring far up
+above it into the clear southern sky. It occurred to him that a few
+Aves said within for the infant's recovery would be both a benefit to
+the child and a comfort to the mother. So he entered, and was making
+his way to a gaudy tinselled Virgin and Babe, when, happening to glance
+towards a different part of the building, his eyes rested on the
+physician, with whose person he was well acquainted, as he had often
+noticed him amongst Fray Constantino's hearers. Losada was now pacing
+up and down one of the side aisles, in company with a gentleman of very
+distinguished appearance.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos drew nearer, it occurred to him that he had never seen this
+personage in any place of public resort, and for this reason, as well
+as from certain slight indications in his dress of fashions current
+in the north of Spain, he gathered that he was a stranger in Seville,
+who might be visiting the Cathedral from motives of curiosity. Before
+he came up the two men paused in their walk, and turning their backs
+to him, stood gazing thoughtfully at the hideous row of red and yellow
+Sanbenitos, or penitential garments, that hung above them.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely," thought Carlos, "they might find better objects of
+attention than these ugly memorials of sin and shame, which bear
+witness that their late miserable wearers&mdash;Jews, Moors, blasphemers,
+or sorcerers,&mdash;have ended their dreary lives of penance, if not of
+penitence."</p>
+
+<p>The attention of the stranger seemed to be particularly attracted
+by one of them, the largest of all. Indeed, Carlos himself had been
+struck by its unusual size; and upon one occasion he had even had the
+curiosity to read the inscription, which he remembered because it
+contained Juan's favourite name, Rodrigo. It was this: "Rodrigo Valer,
+a citizen of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>Lebrixa and Seville; an apostate and false apostle, who
+pretended to be sent from God." And now, as he approached with light
+though hasty footsteps, he distinctly heard Dr. Cristobal Losada, still
+looking at the Sanbenito, say to his companion, "Yes, se&ntilde;or; and also
+the Conde de Nuera, Don Juan Alvarez."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan Alvarez! What possible tie could link his father's name with
+the hideous thing they were gazing at? And what could the physician
+know about him of whom his own children knew so little? Carlos stood
+amazed, and pale with sudden emotion.</p>
+
+<p>And thus the physician saw him, happening to turn at that moment. Had
+he not exerted all his presence of mind (and he possessed a great
+deal), he would himself have started visibly. The unexpected appearance
+of the person of whom we speak is in itself disconcerting; but it
+deserves another name when we are saying that of him or his which, if
+overheard, might endanger life, or what is more precious still than
+life. Losada was equal to the occasion, however. The usual greetings
+having been exchanged, he asked quietly whether Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos had
+come in search of him, and hoped that he did not owe the honour to any
+indisposition in his worship's noble family.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos felt it rather a relief, under the circumstances, to have to
+say that his cousin's babe was alarmingly ill. "You will do us a great
+favour," he added, "by coming immediately. Do&ntilde;a Inez is very anxious."</p>
+
+<p>The physician promised compliance; and turning to his companion,
+respectfully apologized for leaving him abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>"A sick child's claim must not be postponed," said the stranger in
+reply. "Go, se&ntilde;or doctor, and God's blessing rest on your skill."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was struck by the noble bearing and courteous manner of the
+stranger, who, in his turn, was interested by the young <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>man's anxiety
+about a sick babe. But with only a passing glance at the other, each
+went his different way, not dreaming that once again at least their
+paths were destined to cross.</p>
+
+<p>The strange mention of his father's name that he had overheard filled
+the heart of Carlos with undefined uneasiness. He knew enough by that
+time to feel his childish belief in his father's stainless virtue
+a little shaken. What if a dreadful unexplained something, linking
+his fate with that of a convicted heretic, were yet to be learned?
+After all, the accursed arts of magic and sorcery were not so far
+removed from the alchemist's more legitimate labours, that a rash
+or presumptuous student might not very easily slide from one into
+the other. He had reason to believe that his father had played with
+alchemy, if he had not seriously devoted himself to its study. Nay, the
+thought had sometimes flashed unbidden across his mind that the "El
+Dorado" found might after all have been no other than the philosopher's
+stone. For he who has attained the power of producing gold at will may
+surely be said, without any stretch of metaphor, to have discovered a
+golden country. But at this period of his life the personal feelings of
+Carlos were so keen and absorbing that almost everything, consciously
+or unconsciously, was referred to them. And thus it was that an intense
+wish sprang up in his heart, that his father's secret might have
+descended to <i>him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Vain wish! The gold he needed or desired must be procured from a
+less inaccessible region than El Dorado, and without the aid of the
+philosopher's stone.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI">VI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Carlos Forgets Himself Still Further.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The not so very false, as falsehood goes,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The spinning out and drawing fine, you know;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Really mere novel-writing, of a sort,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Acting, improvising, make-believe,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Surely not downright cheatery!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t cost Carlos some time and trouble to drive away the haunting
+thoughts which Losada's words had awakened. But he succeeded at length;
+or perhaps it would be more truthful to say the bright eyes and
+witching smiles of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz accomplished the work for him.</p>
+
+<p>Every dream, however, must have a waking. Sometimes a slight sound,
+ludicrously trivial in its cause, dispels a slumber fraught with
+wondrous visions, in which we have been playing the part of kings and
+emperors.</p>
+
+<p>"Nephew Don Carlos," said Don Manuel one day, "is it not time you
+thought of shaving your head? You are learned enough for your Orders
+long ago, and 'in a plentiful house supper is soon dressed.'"</p>
+
+<p>"True, se&ntilde;or my uncle," murmured Carlos, looking suddenly aghast. "But
+I am under the canonical age."</p>
+
+<p>"But you can get a dispensation."</p>
+
+<p>"Why such haste? There is time yet and to spare."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is not so sure. I hear the cura of San Lucar has one foot in the
+grave. The living is a good one, and I think I know where to go for it.
+So take care you lose not a heifer for want of a halter to hold it by."</p>
+
+<p>With these words on his lips, Don Manuel went out. At the same moment
+Gonsalvo, who lay listlessly on a sofa at one end of the room, or
+rather court, reading "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first Spanish novel,
+burst into a loud paroxysm of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"What may be the theme of your merriment?" asked Carlos, turning his
+large dreamy eyes languidly towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yourself, amigo mio. You would make the stone saints of the Cathedral
+laugh on their pedestals. There you stand, pale as marble, a living
+image of despair. Come, rouse yourself! What do you mean to do? Will
+you take what you wish, or let your chance slip by, and then sit and
+weep because you have it not? Will you be a <i>priest</i> or a <i>man</i>? Make
+your choice this hour, for one you must be, and both you cannot be."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos answered him not; in truth, he dared not answer him. Every word
+was the voice of his own heart; perhaps it was also, though he knew it
+not, the voice of the great tempter. He withdrew to his chamber, and
+barred and bolted himself in it. This was the first time in his life
+that solitude was a necessity to him. His uncle's words had brought
+with them a terrible revelation. He knew himself now too well; he knew
+what he loved, what he desired, or rather what he hungered and thirsted
+for with agonizing intensity. No; never the priest's frock for him. He
+must call Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella his&mdash;his before God's altar&mdash;or die.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a thought, stinging him with sharp, sudden pain. It was a
+thought that should have come to him long ago,&mdash;"Juan!" And with the
+name, affection, memory, conscience, rose up together within him to
+combat the mad resolve of his passion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fiery passions slumbered in the heart of Carlos. Such are sometimes
+found united with a gentle temper, a weak will, and sensitive nerves.
+Woe to their possessor when they are aroused in their strength!</p>
+
+<p>Had Carlos been a plain soldier, like the brother he was tempted to
+betray, it is possible he might have come forth from this terrible
+conflict still holding fast his honour and his brotherly affection.
+It was his priestly training that turned the scale. He had been
+taught that simple truth between man and man was a thing of little
+consequence. He had been taught the art of making a hundred clever,
+plausible excuses for whatever he saw best to do. He had been taught,
+in short, every species of sophistry by which, to the eyes of others,
+and to his own also, wrong might be made to seem right, and black to
+appear the purest white.</p>
+
+<p>His subtle imagination forged in the fire of his kindled passions
+chains of reasoning in which no skill could detect a flaw. Juan had
+never loved as he did; Juan would not care; probably by this time he
+had forgotten Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "Besides," the tempter whispered furtively
+within him, "he might never return at all; he might die in battle."
+But Carlos was not yet sunk so low as to give ear for a single instant
+to this wicked whisper; though certainly he could not henceforth look
+for his brother's return with the joy with which he had been wont to
+anticipate that event. But, in any case, Beatriz herself should be the
+judge between them. And he told himself that he knew (how did he know
+it?) that Beatriz preferred <i>him</i>. Then it would be only right and kind
+to prepare Juan for an inevitable disappointment. This he could easily
+do. Letters, carefully written, might gradually suggest to his brother
+that Beatriz had other views; and he knew Juan's pride and his fiery
+temper well enough to calculate that if his jealousy were once aroused,
+these would soon accomplish the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Ere we, who have been taught from our cradles to "speak the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>truth from
+the heart," turn with loathing from the wiles of Carlos Alvarez, we
+ought to remember that he was a Spaniard&mdash;one of a nation whose genius
+and passion is for intrigue. He was also a Spaniard of the sixteenth
+century; but, above all, he was a Spanish Catholic, educated for the
+priesthood.</p>
+
+<p>The ability with which he laid his plans, and the enjoyment which its
+exercise gave him, served in itself to blind him to the treachery and
+ingratitude upon which those plans were founded.</p>
+
+<p>He sought an interview with Fray Constantino, and implored from him a
+letter of recommendation to the imperial recluse at San Yuste, whose
+chaplain and personal favourite the canon-magistral had been. But
+that eloquent preacher, though warm-hearted and generous to a fault,
+hesitated to grant the request. He represented to Carlos that His
+Imperial Majesty did not choose his retreat to be invaded by applicants
+for favours, and that the journey to San Yuste would therefore be, in
+all probability, worse than useless. Carlos answered that he had fully
+weighed the difficulties of the case; but that if the line of conduct
+he adopted seemed peculiar, his circumstances were so also. He believed
+that his father (who died before his birth) had enjoyed the special
+regard of His Imperial Majesty, and he hoped that, for his sake, he
+might now be willing to show him some kindness. At all events, he was
+sure of an introduction to his presence through his mayor-domo, Don
+Luis Quixada, lord of Villagar&ccedil;ia, who was a friend of their house.
+What he desired to obtain, through the kindness of His Imperial
+Majesty, was a Latin secretaryship, or some similar office, at the
+court of the new king, where his knowledge of Latin, and the talents he
+hoped he possessed, might stand him in good stead, and enable him to
+support, though with modesty, the station to which his birth entitled
+him. For, although already a licentiate of theology, and with good
+prospects in the Church, he did not wish to take orders, as he had
+thoughts of marrying.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Constantino felt a sympathy with the young man; and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>perhaps the
+rather because, if report speaks true, he had once been himself in a
+somewhat similar position. So he compromised matters by giving him a
+general letter of recommendation, in which he spoke of his talents and
+his blameless manners as warmly as he could, from the experience of
+the nine or ten months during which he had been acquainted with him.
+And although the attention paid by Carlos to his instructions had been
+slight, and of late almost perfunctory, his great natural intelligence
+had enabled him to stand his ground more creditably than many far more
+diligent students. The Fray's letter Carlos thankfully added to the
+numerous laudatory epistles from the doctors and professors of Alcala
+that he already had in his possession.</p>
+
+<p>All these he enclosed in a cedar box, which he carefully locked, and
+consigned in its turn to a travelling portmanteau, along with a fair
+stock of wearing apparel, sufficiently rich in material to suit his
+rank, but modest in colour and fashion. He then informed his uncle that
+before he took Orders it would be necessary for him, in his brother's
+absence, to take a journey to their little estate, and set its concerns
+in order.</p>
+
+<p>His uncle, suspecting nothing, approved his plan, and insisted on
+providing him with the attendance of an armed guard to Nuera, whither
+he really intended to go in the first instance.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII">VII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Desengaño.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And I should evermore be vexed with thee</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;In vacant robe, or hanging ornament,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Or ghostly foot-fall lingering on the stair."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he journey from the city of oranges to the green slopes of the Sierra
+Morena ought to have been a delightful one to Don Carlos Alvarez. It
+was certainly bright with hope. He scarcely harboured a doubt of the
+ultimate success of his plans, and the consequent attainment of all his
+wishes. Already he seemed to feel the soft hand of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz in his,
+and to stand by her side before the high altar of the great Cathedral.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, as days passed on, the brightness within grew fainter, and
+an acknowledged shadow, ever deepening, began to take its place. At
+last he drew near his home, and rode through the little grove of
+cork-trees where he and Juan had played as children. When last they
+were there together the autumn winds were strewing the leaves, all dim
+and discoloured, about their paths. Now he looked through the fresh
+green foliage at the deep intense blue of the summer sky. But, though
+scarcely more than twenty, he felt at that moment old and worn, and
+wished back the time of his boyish sports with <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>his brother. Never
+again could he feel quite happy with Juan.</p>
+
+<p>Soon, however, his sorrowful fancies were put to flight by the
+joyous greeting of the hounds, who rushed with much clamour from the
+castle-yard to welcome him. There they were, all of them&mdash;Pedro, Zina,
+Pepe, Grullo, Butron&mdash;it was Juan who had named them, every one. And
+there, at the gate, stood Diego and Dolores, ready to give him joyful
+welcome. Throwing himself from his horse, he shook hands with these
+faithful old retainers, and answered their kindly but respectful
+inquiries both for himself and Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Then, having caressed
+the dogs, inquired for each of the under-servants by name, and given
+orders for the due entertainment of his guard, he passed on slowly into
+the great deserted hall.</p>
+
+<p>His arrival being unexpected, he merely surrendered his travelling
+cloak into the hands of Diego, and sat down to wait patiently while the
+servants, always dilatory, prepared for him suitable accommodation.
+Dolores soon appeared with a flask of wine and some bread and grapes;
+but this was only a <i>merienda</i>, or slight afternoon luncheon, which
+she laid before her young master until she could make ready a supper
+fit for him to partake of. Carlos spent half an hour listening to her
+tidings of the household and the village, and felt sorry when she
+quitted the room and left him to his own reflections.</p>
+
+<p>Every object on which his eyes rested reminded him of his brother.
+There hung the cross-bow with which, in old days, Juan had made such
+vigorous war on the rooks and the sparrows. There lay the foils and
+the canes with which they had so often fenced and played; Juan, in his
+unquestioned superiority, usually so patient with the younger brother's
+timidity and awkwardness. And upon that bench he had carved, with a
+hunting-knife, his name in full, adding the title that had expired with
+his father, "Conde de Nuera."</p>
+
+<p>The memories these things recalled were becoming intrusive; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>he would
+fain shake them off. Gladly would he have had recourse to his favourite
+pastime of reading, but there was not a book in the castle, to his
+knowledge, except the breviary he had brought with him. For lack of
+more congenial occupation, he went out at last to the stable to look at
+the horses, and to talk to those who were grooming and feeding them.</p>
+
+<p>Later in the evening Dolores told him that supper was ready, adding
+that she had laid it in the small inner room, which she thought Se&ntilde;or
+Don Carlos would find more comfortable than the great hall.</p>
+
+<p>That inner room was, even more than the hall, haunted by the shadowy
+presence of Juan. But it was usually daylight when the brothers were
+there together. Now, a tapestry curtain shaded the window, and a silver
+lamp shed its light on the well-spread table with its snowy drapery,
+and cover laid for one.</p>
+
+<p>A lonely meal, however luxurious, is always apt to be somewhat dreary;
+it seems a provision for the lowest wants of our nature, and nothing
+more. Carlos sought to escape from the depressing influence by giving
+wings to his imagination, and dreaming of the time when wealth enough
+to repair and refurnish that half-ruinous old homestead might be his.
+He pleased himself with pictures of the long tables in the great hall,
+groaning beneath the weight of a bountiful provision for a merry
+company of guests, upon whom the sweet face of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz might
+beam a welcome. But how idle such fancies! The castle, after all, was
+Juan's, not his. Unless, indeed, more difficulties than one should
+be solved by Juan's death upon some French or Flemish battle-field.
+This thought he could not bear to entertain. Grown suddenly sick at
+heart, he pushed aside his plate of stewed pigeon, and, regardless
+of the feelings of Dolores, sent away untasted her dessert of sweet
+butter-cakes dipped in honey. He was weary, he said, and he would go to
+rest at once.</p>
+
+<p>It was long before sleep would visit his eyelids; and when <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>at last
+it came, his brother's dark reproachful eyes haunted him still. At
+daybreak he awoke with a start from a feverish dream that Juan, all
+pale and ghostlike, had come to his bedside, and laying his hand on his
+arm, said solemnly, "I claim the jewel I left thee in trust."</p>
+
+<p>Further sleep was impossible. He rose, and wandered out into the fresh
+air. As yet no one was astir. Fair and sweet was all that met his gaze:
+the faint pearly light, the first blush of dawn in the quiet sky, the
+silvery dew that bathed his footsteps. But the storm within raged more
+fiercely for the calm without. There was first an agonizing struggle
+to repress the rising thought, "Better, after all, <i>not</i> to do this
+thing." But, in spite of his passionate efforts, the thought gained a
+hearing, it seemed to cry aloud within him, "Better, after all, not to
+betray Juan!" "And give up Beatriz for ever? <i>For ever!</i>" he repeated
+over and over again, beating it</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent3">"In upon his weary brain,</div>
+   <div class="verse">As though it were the burden of a song."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>He had climbed, almost unawares, to the top of a rocky hill; and now
+he stood, looking around him at the prospect, just as if he saw it.
+In truth, he saw nothing, felt nothing outward, until at last a misty
+mountain rain swept in his face, refreshing his burning brow with a
+touch as of cool fingers.</p>
+
+<p>Then he descended mechanically. Exchanging salutations (as if nothing
+were amiss with him) with the milk-maid and the wood-boy, he crossed
+the open courtyard and re-entered the hall. There Dolores, and a girl
+who worked under her, were already busy, so he passed by them into the
+inner room.</p>
+
+<p>Its darkness seemed to stifle him; with hasty hand he drew aside the
+heavy tapestry curtain. As he did so something caught his eye. For the
+hundredth time he re-read the mystic inscription on the glass:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent1">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent1">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>
+<p>And, as an infant's touch may open a sluice that lets in the mighty
+ocean, those simple words broke up the fountains of the great deep
+within. He gave full course to the emotions they awakened. Again he
+heard Juan's voice repeat them; again he saw Juan's deep earnest eyes
+look into his; not now reproachfully, but with full unshaken trust, as
+in the old days when first he said, "We will go forth together and find
+our father."</p>
+
+<p>"Juan&mdash;brother!" he cried aloud, "I will never wrong thee, so help
+me God!" At that moment the morning sun, having scattered the mists
+with the glory of its rising, sent one of its early beams to kiss the
+handwriting on the window-pane. "Old token for good," thought Carlos,
+whose imaginative nature could play with fancies even in the hours of
+supreme emotion. "And true still even yet. Only the good is all for
+Juan; for me&mdash;nothing but despair."</p>
+
+<p>And so Don Carlos found his "desenga&ntilde;o," or disenchantment, and it was
+a very thorough one.</p>
+
+<p>Body and mind were well-nigh exhausted with the violence of the
+struggle. Perhaps this was fortunate, in so far that it won for the
+decision of his better nature a more rapid and easy acceptance. In
+a sense and for a season any decision was welcome to the weary,
+tempest-tossed soul.</p>
+
+<p>It was afterwards that he asked himself how were long years to be
+dragged on without the face that was the joy of his heart and the life
+of his life? How was he to bear the never-ending pain, the aching
+loneliness, of such a lot? Better to die at once than to endure this
+slow, living death. He knew well that it was not in his nature to point
+the pistol or the dagger at his own breast. But he might pine away and
+die silently&mdash;as many thousands die&mdash;of blighted hopes and a ruined
+life. Or&mdash;and this was more likely, perhaps&mdash;as time passed on he
+might grow dead and hard in soul; until at last he would become a dry,
+cold, mechanical mass-priest, mumbling the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>Church's Latin with thin,
+bloodless lips, a keen eye to his dues, and a heart that might serve
+for a Church relic, so much faith would it require to believe that it
+had been warm and living once.</p>
+
+<p>Still, laudably anxious to provide against possible future waverings
+of the decision so painfully attained, he wrote informing his uncle
+of his safe arrival; adding that he had fully made up his mind to
+take Orders at Christmas, but that he found it advisable to remain in
+his present quarters for a month or two. He at once dispatched two of
+the men-at-arms with the letter; and much was the thrifty Don Manuel
+surprised that his nephew should spend a handful of silver reals in
+order to inform him of what he knew already.</p>
+
+<p>Gloomily the day wore on. The instinctive reserve of a sensitive nature
+made Carlos talk to the servants, receive the accounts, inspect the
+kine and sheep&mdash;do everything, in short, except eat and drink&mdash;as he
+would have done if a great sorrow had not all the time been crushing
+his heart. It is true that Dolores, who loved him as her own son, was
+not deceived. It was for no trivial cause that the young master was
+pale as a corpse, restless and irritable, talking hurriedly by fitful
+snatches, and then relapsing into moody silence. But Dolores was a
+prudent woman, as well as a loving and faithful one; therefore she held
+her peace, and bided her time.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos noticed one effort she made to console him. Coming in
+towards evening from a consultation with Diego about some cork-trees
+which a Morisco merchantman wished to purchase and cut down, he saw
+upon his table a carefully sealed wine-flask, with a cup beside it. He
+knew whence it came. His father had left in the cellar a small quantity
+of choice wine of Xeres; and this relic of more prosperous times being,
+like most of their other possessions, in the care of Dolores, was only
+produced very sparingly, and on rare occasions. But she evidently
+thought "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos" needed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>it now. Touched by her watchful,
+unobtrusive affection, he would have gratified her by drinking; but he
+had a peculiar dislike to drinking alone, while he knew he would only
+render his sanity doubtful by inviting either her or Diego to share
+the luxurious beverage. So he put it aside for the present, and drew
+towards him a sheet of figures, an ink-horn, and a pen. He could not
+work, however. With the silence and solitude, his great grief came back
+upon him again. But nature all this time had been silently working
+for him. His despair was giving way to a more violent but less bitter
+sorrow. Tears came now: a long, passionate fit of weeping relieved his
+aching heart. Since his early childhood he had not wept thus.</p>
+
+<p>An approaching footstep recalled him to himself. He rose with haste and
+shame, and stood beside the window, hoping that his position and the
+waning light might together shield him from observation. It was only
+Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," she said, entering somewhat hastily, "will it please you to
+see to those men of Seville that came with your Excellency? They are
+insulting a poor little muleteer, and threatening to rob his packages."</p>
+
+<p>Yanguesian carriers and other muleteers, bringing goods across the
+Sierra Morena from the towns of La Mancha to those of Andalusia, often
+passed by the castle, and sometimes received hospitality there. Carlos
+rose at once at the summons, saying to Dolores&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is not a boy, se&ntilde;or, he is a man; a very little man, but with a
+greater spirit, if I mistake not, than some twice his size."</p>
+
+<p>It was true enough. On the green plot at the back of the castle, beside
+which the mountain pathway led, there were gathered the ten or twelve
+rough Seville pikemen, taken from the lowest of the population, and
+most of them of Moorish blood. In their midst, beside the foremost of
+his three mules, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>with one arm thrown round her neck and the other
+raised to give effect by animated gestures to his eager oratory, stood
+the muleteer. He was a very short, spare, active-looking man, clad from
+head to foot in chestnut-coloured leather. His mules were well laden;
+each with three large alforjas, one at each side and one laid across
+the neck. But they were evidently well fed and cared for also; and they
+presented a gay appearance, with their adornments of bright-coloured
+worsted tassels and tiny bells.</p>
+
+<p>"You know, my friends," the muleteer was saying, as Carlos came within
+hearing, "an arriero's alforjas<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> are like a soldier's colours,&mdash;it
+stands him upon his honour to guard them inviolate. No, no! Ask him for
+aught else&mdash;his purse, his blood&mdash;they are at your service; but never
+touch his colours, if you care for a long life."</p>
+
+<p>"My honest friend, your colours, as you call them, shall be safe here,"
+said Carlos, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer turned towards him a good-humoured, intelligent face, and,
+bowing low, thanked him heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?" asked Carlos; "and whence do you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Juliano; Juliano el Chico (Julian the Little) men generally call
+me&mdash;since, as your Excellency sees, I am not very great. And I come
+last from Toledo."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed! And what wares do you carry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some matters, small in bulk, yet costly, which I am bringing for
+a Seville merchant&mdash;Medel de Espinosa by name, if your worship has
+heard of him? I have mirrors, for example, of a new kind; excellent in
+workmanship, and true as steel, as well they may be."</p>
+
+<p>"I know the shop of Espinosa well. I have been much in Seville," said
+Carlos, with a sudden pang, caused by the recollection of the many
+pretty trifles that he had purchased there <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "But
+follow me, my friend, and a good supper shall make you amends for the
+rudeness of these fellows.&mdash;Andres, take the best care thou canst of
+his mules; 'twill be only fair penance for thy sin in molesting their
+owner."</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred thousand thanks, se&ntilde;or. Still, with your worship's good
+leave, and no offence to friend Andres, I had rather look to the beasts
+myself. We are old companions; they know my ways, and I know theirs."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please, my good fellow. Andres will show you the stable, and I
+shall tell my mayor-domo to see that you lack nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Again I render to your Excellency my poor but hearty thanks."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos went in, gave the necessary directions to Diego, and then
+returned to his solitary chamber.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII">VIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Muleteer.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Are ye resigned that they be spent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;In such world's help? The spirits bent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Their awful brows, and said, 'Content!'</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Content! It sounded like Amen</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Said by a choir of mourning men:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;An affirmation full of pain</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And patience,&mdash;ay, of glorying,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And adoration, as a king</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Might seal an oath for governing."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hen Carlos stood once more face to face with his sorrow&mdash;as he did as
+soon as he had closed the door&mdash;he found that it had somewhat changed
+its aspect. A trouble often does this when some interruption from the
+outer world makes us part company with it for a little while. We find
+on our return that it has developed quite a new phase, and seldom a
+more hopeful one.</p>
+
+<p>It now entered the mind of Carlos, for the first time, that he had
+been acting very basely towards his brother. Not only had he planned
+and intended a treason, but by endeavouring to engage the affections
+of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, he had actually committed one. Heaven grant it might
+not prove irreparable! Though the time that had passed since his better
+self gained the victory was only measured by hours, it represented to
+him a much longer period. Already it enabled him to look upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>what
+had gone before from the vantage-ground that some degree of distance
+gives. He now beheld in true, perhaps even in exaggerated colours, the
+meanness and the treachery of his conduct. He, who prided himself upon
+the nobility of his nature matching that of his birth&mdash;he, Don Carlos
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya, the gentleman of stainless manners,
+of reputation untarnished by a single blot&mdash;he, who had never yet been
+ashamed of anything,&mdash;in his solitude he blushed and covered his face
+in shame, as the villany he had planned rose up before his mind. It
+would have broken his heart to be scorned by any man; and was it not
+worse a thousand-fold to be thus scorned by himself? He thought even
+more of the meanness of his plan than of its treachery. Of its sin he
+did not think at all. Sin was a theological term which he had been
+wont to handle in the schools, and to toss to and fro with the other
+materials upon which he showed off his dialectic skill; but it no more
+occurred to him to take it out of the scholastic world and to bring it
+into that in which he really lived and acted, than it did to talk Latin
+to Diego, or softly to whisper quotations from Thomas Aquinas into the
+ear of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz between the pauses of the dance.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely any consideration, however, could have made him more miserable
+than he was. Past and future&mdash;all alike seemed dreary. Not a happy
+memory, not a cheering anticipation could he find to comfort him. He
+was as one who goes forth to face the driving storm of a wintry night:
+not strong in hope and courage&mdash;a warm hearth behind him, and before
+him the pleasant starry glimmer that tells of another soon to be
+reached&mdash;but chilled, weary, forlorn, the wind whistling through thin
+garments, and nothing to meet his eye but the bare, bleak, shelterless
+moor stretching far out into the distance.</p>
+
+<p>He sat long, too crushed in heart even to finish his slight,
+unimportant task. Sometimes he drew towards him the sheet of figures,
+and for a moment or two tried to fix his attention <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>upon it; but soon
+he would push it away again, or make aimless dots and circles on its
+margin. While thus engaged, he heard a cheery and not unmelodious
+voice chanting a fragment of song in some foreign tongue. Listening
+more attentively, he believed the words were French, and supposed the
+singer must be his humble guest, the muleteer, on his way to the stable
+to take a last look at the beloved companions of his toils before he
+lay down to rest. The man had probably exercised his vocation at some
+former period in the passes of the Pyrenees, and had thus acquired some
+knowledge of French.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour's talk with any one seemed to Carlos at that moment a
+most desirable diversion from the gloom of his own thoughts. He might
+converse with this stranger when he dared not summon to his presence
+Diego or Dolores, because they knew and loved him well enough to
+discover in two minutes that something was seriously wrong with him.
+He waited until he heard the voice once more close beneath his window;
+then softly opening it, he called the muleteer. Juliano responded with
+ready alertness; and Carlos, going round to the door, admitted him, and
+led him into his sanctum.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe," he said, "that was a French song I heard you sing. You
+have been in France, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or; I have crossed the Pyrenees more than once. I have also
+been in Switzerland."</p>
+
+<p>"You must, then, have visited many places worthy of note; and not with
+your eyes shut, I think. I wish you would tell me, for pastime, the
+story of your travels."</p>
+
+<p>"Willingly, se&ntilde;or," said the muleteer, who, though perfectly
+respectful, had an ease and independence of manner that made Carlos
+suspect it was not the first time he had conversed with his superiors.
+"Where shall I begin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever crossed the Santillanos, or visited the Asturias?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or. A man cannot be everywhere; 'he that rings the bells does
+not walk in the procession.' I am only master of the route from Lyons
+here; knowing a little also, as I have said, of Switzerland."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me first of Lyons, then. And be seated, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer sat down, and began his story, telling of the places he
+had seen with an intelligence that more and more engaged the attention
+of Carlos, who failed not to draw out his information by many pertinent
+questions. As they conversed, each observed the other with gradually
+increasing interest. Carlos admired the muleteer's courage and energy
+in the prosecution of his calling, and enjoyed his quaint and shrewd
+observations. Moreover, he was struck by certain indications of a
+degree of education and even of refinement not usual in his class.
+Especially he noticed the small, finely-formed hand, which was
+sometimes in the warmth of conversation laid on the table, and which
+looked as if it had been accustomed to wield some implement far more
+delicate than a riding-whip. Another thing he took note of. Though
+Juliano's language abounded in proverbs, in provincialisms, in quaint
+and racy expressions, not a single oath escaped his lips. "I never
+saw an arriero before," thought Carlos, "who could get through two
+sentences without half a dozen of them."</p>
+
+<p>Juliano, on the other hand, was observing his host, and with a far
+shrewder and deeper insight than Carlos could have imagined. During
+supper he had gathered from the servants that their young master was
+kind-hearted, gentle, easy-tempered, and had never injured any one in
+his life; and knowing all this, he was touched with genuine sympathy
+for the young noble, whose haggard face and sorrowful looks told but
+too plainly that some great grief was pressing on his heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency must be weary of my stories," he said at length. "It
+is time I left you to your repose."</p>
+
+<p>And so indeed it was, for the hour was late.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ere you go," said Carlos kindly, "you shall drink a cup of wine with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He had no wine at hand but the costly beverage Dolores had produced
+for his own especial use. Wondering a little what Juliano would think
+of such a luxurious beverage, he sought a second cup, for the proud
+Castilian gentleman was too "finely courteous" not to drink with his
+guest, although that guest was only a muleteer.</p>
+
+<p>Juliano, evidently a temperate man, remonstrated: "But I have already
+tasted your Excellency's hospitality."</p>
+
+<p>"That should not hinder your drinking to my good health," said Carlos,
+producing a small hunting-cup, forgotten until now, from the pocket of
+his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>Then filling the larger cup, he handed it to Juliano. It was a very
+little thing, a trifling act of kindness. But to the last hour of his
+life, Carlos Alvarez thanked God that he had put it into his heart to
+offer that cup of wine.</p>
+
+<p>The muleteer raised it to his lips, saying earnestly, "God grant you
+health and happiness, noble se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos drank also, glad to relieve a painful feeling of exhaustion.
+As he set down the cup, a sudden impulse prompted him to say, with a
+bitter smile, "Happiness is not likely to come my way at present."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, se&ntilde;or, and wherefore not? With your good leave be it spoken, you
+are young, noble, amiable, with much learning and excellent parts, as
+they tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"All these things may not prevent a man being very miserable," said
+Carlos frankly.</p>
+
+<p>"God comfort you, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks for the good wish," said Carlos, rather lightly, and conscious
+of having already said too much. "All men have their troubles, I
+suppose, but most men contrive to live through them. So shall I, no
+doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"But God <i>can</i> comfort you," Juliano repeated with a kind of wistful
+earnestness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos, surprised at his manner, looked at him dreamily, but with some
+curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said Juliano, leaning forward and speaking in a low tone
+full of meaning. "Let your worship excuse a plain man's plain
+question&mdash;Se&ntilde;or, <i>do you know God</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started visibly. Was the man mad? Certainly not; as all
+his previous conversation bore witness. He was evidently a very
+clever, half-educated man, who spoke with just the simplicity and
+unconsciousness of an intelligent child. And now he had asked a true
+child's question; one which it would exhaust a wise man's wisdom to
+answer. Thoroughly perplexed, Carlos at last determined to take it in
+its easiest sense. He said, "Yes; I have studied theology, and taken
+out my licentiate's degree at the University of Alcala."</p>
+
+<p>"If it please your worship, what may that fine word theology mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have said so many wise things, that I marvel you know not. Science
+about God."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, se&ntilde;or, your Excellency knows <i>about God</i>. But is it not another
+thing <i>to know God</i>? I know much about the Emperor Carlos, now at San
+Yuste; I could tell you the story of all his campaigns. But I never
+saw him, still less spoke with him. And far indeed am I from knowing
+him to be my friend; and so trusting him that if my mules died, or the
+Alguazils seized me at Cordova for bringing over something contraband,
+or other mishap befell me, I should go or send to him, certain that he
+would help and save me."</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to understand you," said Carlos; and a suspicion crossed his
+mind that the muleteer was a friar in disguise. But that could scarcely
+be, since his black abundant hair showed no marks of the tonsure.
+"After the manner you speak of, only great saints know God."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, se&ntilde;or! Can that be true? For I have heard that our Lord
+Christ"&mdash;(at the mention of the name Carlos crossed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>himself, a
+ceremony which the muleteer was so engrossed by his argument as to
+forget)&mdash;"that our Lord Christ came into the world to make men know the
+Father; and that, to all that believe on him, he truly reveals him."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get this strange learning?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is simple learning; and yet very blessed, se&ntilde;or," returned Juliano,
+evading the question. "For those who know God are happy. Whatever
+sorrows they have without, within they have joy and peace."</p>
+
+<p>"You are advising me to seek peace in religion?"</p>
+
+<p>It was singular certainly that a muleteer should advise <i>him</i>; but then
+this was a very uncommon muleteer. "And so I ought," he added, "since I
+am destined for the Church."</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or; not to seek peace in religion, but to seek peace from God,
+and in Christ who reveals him."</p>
+
+<p>"It is only the words that differ, the things are the same."</p>
+
+<p>"Again I say, with all submission to your Excellency, not so. It is
+Christ Jesus himself&mdash;Christ Jesus, God and man&mdash;who alone can give the
+peace and happiness for which the heart aches. Are we oppressed with
+sin? He says, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee!' Are we hungry? He is bread.
+Thirsty? He is living water. Weary? He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that
+are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'"</p>
+
+<p>"Man! who or what are you? You are quoting the Holy Scriptures to me.
+Do you then read Latin?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or," said the muleteer humbly, casting his eyes down to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or; in very truth. But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well? Go on!"</p>
+
+<p>Juliano looked up again, a steady light in his eyes. "Will you promise,
+on the faith of a gentleman, not to betray me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Most assuredly I will not betray you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I trust you, se&ntilde;or. I do not believe it would be possible for <i>you</i> to
+betray one who trusted you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos winced, and rather shrank from the muleteer's look of hearty,
+honest confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"Though I cannot guess your reason for such precautions," he said, "I
+am willing, if you wish it, to swear secrecy upon the holy crucifix."</p>
+
+<p>"It needs not, se&ntilde;or; your word of honour is as much as your oath.
+Though I am putting my life in your hands when I tell you that I have
+dared to read the words of my Lord Christ in my own tongue."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you then a heretic?" Carlos exclaimed, recoiling involuntarily, as
+one who suddenly sees the plague spot on the forehead of a friend whose
+hand he has been grasping.</p>
+
+<p>"That depends upon your notion of a heretic, se&ntilde;or. Many a better man
+than I has been branded with the name. Even the great preacher Don Fray
+Constantino, whom all the fine lords and ladies in Seville flock to
+hear, has often been called heretic by his enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"I have resided in Seville, and attended Fray Constantino's theological
+lectures," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Then your worship knows there is not a better Christian in all the
+Spains. And yet men say that he narrowly escaped a prosecution for
+heresy. But enough of what men say. Let us hear what God says for once.
+His words cannot lead us astray."</p>
+
+<p>"No; not the Holy Scriptures, properly expounded by learned and
+orthodox doctors. But heretics put their own construction upon the
+sacred text, which, moreover, they corrupt and interpolate."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or, you are a scholar; you can consult the original, and judge for
+yourself how far that charge is true."</p>
+
+<p>"But I do not want to read heretic writings."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I, se&ntilde;or. Yet I confess that I have read the words of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>my
+Saviour in my own tongue, which some misinformed or ignorant persons
+call heresy; and through them, to my soul's joy, I have learned to
+know Him and the Father. I am bold enough to wish the same knowledge
+yours, se&ntilde;or, that the same joy may be yours also." The poor man's eye
+kindled, and his features, otherwise homely enough, glowed with an
+enthusiasm that lent them true spiritual beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not unmoved. After a moment's pause he said, "If I could
+procure what you style God's Word in my own tongue, I do not say that I
+would refuse to read it. Should I discover any heretical mistranslation
+or interpolation, I could blot out the passage; or, it necessary, burn
+the book."</p>
+
+<p>"I can place in your hands this very hour the New Testament of our
+Saviour Christ, lately translated into Castilian by Juan Perez, a
+learned man, well acquainted with the Greek."</p>
+
+<p>"What! have you got it with you? In God's name bring it then; and at
+least I will look at it."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it truly in God's name, se&ntilde;or," said Juliano, as he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>During his absence Carlos pondered upon this singular adventure.
+Throughout his lengthened conversation with him, he had discerned no
+marks of heresy in the muleteer, except his possession of the Spanish
+New Testament. And being very proud of his dialectic acuteness, he
+thought he should certainly have discovered such had they existed.
+"He had need to be a clever heretic that would circumvent <i>me</i>," he
+said, with the vanity of a young and successful scholar. Moreover,
+his ten months' attendance on the lectures of Fray Constantino had,
+unconsciously to himself, somewhat imbued his mind with liberal ideas.
+He could have read the Vulgate at Alcala if he had cared to do so (only
+he never had); where then could be the harm of glancing, out of mere
+curiosity, at a Spanish translation from the same original?</p>
+
+<p>He regarded the New Testament in the light of some very <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>dangerous,
+though effective, weapon of the explosive kind; likely to overwhelm
+with terrible destruction the careless or ignorant meddler with its
+intricacies, and therefore wisely forbidden by the authorities; though
+in able and scientific hands, such as his own, it might be harmless and
+even useful.</p>
+
+<p>But it was a very different matter for the poor man who brought it
+to him. Was he, after all, a madman? Or was he a heretic? Or was he
+a great saint or holy hermit in disguise? But whatever his spiritual
+peril might or might not be, it was only too evident that he was
+incurring temporal dangers of a very awful kind. And perhaps he was
+doing so in the simplicity of ignorance. Carlos could not do less than
+warn him of them.</p>
+
+<p>He soon returned; and drawing a small brown volume from beneath his
+leathern jerkin, handed it to the young nobleman.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said Carlos kindly, as he took it from him, "do you know
+what you dare by offering this to me, or even by keeping it yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it well, se&ntilde;or," was the calm reply; and the muleteer's dark
+eye met his undauntedly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are playing a dangerous game. This time you are safe. But take
+care. You may try it once too often."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not, se&ntilde;or. I shall witness for my Lord just so often as he
+permits. When he has no more need of me, he will call me home."</p>
+
+<p>"God help you. I fear you are throwing yourself into the fire. And for
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>"For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the thirsty,
+light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and heavy-laden.
+Se&ntilde;or, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's silence he continued: "I leave within your hands the
+treasure brought at such cost. But God alone, by his Divine Spirit,
+can reveal to you its true worth. Se&ntilde;or, seek that Spirit. Nay, be not
+offended. You are very noble <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>and very learned; and it is a poor and
+ignorant man who speaks to you. But that poor man is risking his life
+for your soul's salvation; and thus he proves, at least, how true his
+desire to see you one day at the right hand of Christ, his King and
+Master. Adios, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>He bowed low; and before Carlos had sufficiently recovered from his
+astonishment to say a word in answer, he had left the room and closed
+the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange being!" thought Carlos; "but I shall talk with him again
+to-morrow." And ere he was aware, his eyelids were wet; for the courage
+and self-sacrifice of the poor muleteer had stirred some answering
+chord of emotion in his heart. Probably, in spite of all appearances to
+the contrary, he was a madman; or else he was a heretical fanatic. But
+he was a man willing to brave numberless sufferings (of which a death
+of torture was the last and least), to bring his fellow-men something
+which he imagined would make them happy. "The Church has no more
+orthodox son than I," said Don Carlos Alvarez; "but I shall read his
+book for all that."</p>
+
+<p>Then, the hour being late, he retired to rest, and slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>He did not rise exactly with the sun, and when he came forth from his
+chamber breakfast was already in preparation.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the muleteer who was here last night?" he asked Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"He was up and away at sunrise," she answered. "Fortunately, it is
+not my custom to stop in bed and see the sunshine; so I just caught
+him loading his mules, and gave him a piece of bread and cheese and
+a draught of wine. A smart little man he is, and one who knows his
+business."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I had seen him ere he left," said Carlos aloud. "Shall I ever
+look upon his face again?" he added mentally.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos Alvarez saw that face again, not by the ray of sun or moon, nor
+yet by the gleam of the student's lamp, but clear and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>distinct in a
+lurid awful light more terrible than Egyptian darkness, yet fraught
+with strange blessing, since it showed the way to the city of God,
+where the sun no more goes down, neither doth the moon withdraw herself.</p>
+
+<p>Juliano el Chico, otherwise Julian Hernandez, is no fancy sketch, no
+"character of fiction." It is matter of history that, cunningly stowed
+away in his alforjas, amongst the ribbons, laces, and other trifles
+that formed their ostensible freight, there was a large supply of
+Spanish New Testaments, of the translation of Juan Perez. And that, in
+spite of all the difficulties and dangers of his self-imposed task, he
+succeeded in conveying his precious charge safely to Seville.</p>
+
+<p>Our cheeks grow pale, our hearts shudder, at the thought of what he and
+others dared, that they might bring to the lips of their countrymen
+that living water which was truly "the blood of the men that went for
+it in jeopardy of their lives." More than jeopardy. Not alone did
+Juliano brave danger, he encountered certain death. Sooner or later,
+it was impossible that he should not fall into the pitiless grasp of
+that hideous engine of royal and priestly tyranny, called the Holy
+Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>We have no words in which to praise such heroism as his. We leave
+that&mdash;and we may be content to leave it&mdash;to Him whose lips shall one
+day pronounce the sublime award, "Well done, good and faithful servant;
+enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But in the view of such things
+done and suffered for his name's sake, there is another thought that
+presses on the mind. How real and great, nay, how unutterably precious,
+must be that treasure which men were found willing, at such cost, not
+only to secure for themselves, but even to impart to others.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX">IX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">El Dorado Found.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"So, the All-Great were the all-loving too&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;So, through the thunder comes a human voice,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Saying, O heart I made, a heart beats here!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But love I gave thee with myself to love,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And thou must love me who have died for thee!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>hree silent months stole away in the old castle of Nuera. No outward
+event affecting the fortunes of its inmates marked their progress.
+And yet they were by far the most important months Don Carlos had
+ever seen, or perhaps would ever see. They witnessed a change in him,
+mysterious in its progress but momentous in its results. An influence
+passed over him, mighty as the wind in its azure pathway, but, like it,
+visible only by its effects; no man could tell "whence it cometh or
+whither it goeth."</p>
+
+<p>Again it was early morning, a bright Sunday morning in September.
+Already Carlos stood prepared to go forth. He had quite discarded his
+student's habit, and was dressed like any other young nobleman, in a
+doublet and short cloak of Genoa velvet, with a sword by his side. His
+Breviary was in his hand, however, and he was on the point of taking
+up his hat when Dolores entered the room, bearing a cup of wine and a
+manchet of bread.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos shook his head, saying, "I intend to communicate. And you,
+Dolores," he added, "are you not also going to hear mass?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, se&ntilde;or; we will all attend our duty. But there is still time to
+spare; your worship sets us an example in the matter of early rising."</p>
+
+<p>"It were shame to lose such fair hours as these. Prithee, Dolores, and
+lest I forget, hast thou something savoury in the house for dinner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad I am to hear you ask, se&ntilde;or. Hitherto it has seemed alike to your
+Excellency whether they served you with a pottage of lentils or a stew
+of partridges. But since Diego had the good fortune to kill that buck
+on Wednesday, we are better than well provided. Your worship shall dine
+on roast venison to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"That will do. And if thou wouldst add some of the batter ware, in
+which thou art so skilful, it would be better still; for I intend to
+bring home a guest."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, the Saints help me, that is news! Without meaning offence, your
+worship might have told me before. Any noble caballero coming to these
+parts to visit you must needs have bed as well as board found him. And
+how can I, in three hours, more or less&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, be not alarmed, Dolores; no stranger is coming here. Only I wish
+to bring the cura home to dinner."</p>
+
+<p>Even the self-restrained Dolores could not repress an exclamation of
+surprise. For both the brothers had been accustomed to regard the
+ignorant vulgar cura of the neighbouring village with unmitigated
+dislike and contempt. In old times Dolores herself had sometimes tried
+to induce them to show him some trifling courtesies, "for their soul's
+health." They were willing enough to send "that beggar"&mdash;as Don Juan
+used to call him&mdash;presents of meat or game when they could, but these
+they would not have grudged to their worst enemy. To <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>converse with
+him, or to seat him at their table, was a very different matter. He was
+"no fit associate for noblemen," said the boys; and Dolores, in her
+heart, agreed with them. She looked at her young master to see whether
+he were jesting.</p>
+
+<p>"He likes a good dinner," Carlos added quietly. "Let us for once give
+him one."</p>
+
+<p>"In good faith, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, I cannot tell what has come to you.
+You must be about doing penance for your sins, though I will say no
+young gentleman of your years has fewer to answer for. Still, to please
+your whim, the cura shall eat the best we have, though beans and bacon
+would be more fitting fare for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, mother Dolores," said Carlos kindly. "In truth, neither Don
+Juan nor I had ever whim yet you did not strive to gratify."</p>
+
+<p>"And who would not do more than that for so pleasant and kind a young
+master?" thought Dolores, as she withdrew to superintend the cooking
+operations. "God's blessing and Our Lady's rest on him, and in sooth I
+think they do. Three months ago he came here looking like a corpse out
+of the grave, and fitter, as it seemed to me, to don his shroud than
+his priest's frock. But the free mountain air wherein he was born is
+bringing back the red to his cheek and the light to his eye, thank the
+holy Saints. Ah, if his lady mother could only see her gallant sons
+now!"</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Don Carlos leisurely took his way down the hill. Having
+abundance of time to spare, he chose a solitary, devious path through
+the cork-trees and the pasture land belonging to the castle. His heart
+was alive to every pleasant sight and sound that met his eye and ear;
+although, or rather because, a low, sweet song of thankfulness was all
+the while chanting itself within him.</p>
+
+<p>During his solitary walk he distinctly realized for the first time the
+stupendous change that had passed over him. For <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>such changes cannot
+be understood or measured until afterwards, perhaps not always then.
+Drawing from his pocket Juliano's little book, he clasped it in both
+hands. "<i>This</i>, God be thanked, has done it all, under him. And yet, at
+first, it added to my misery a hundred-fold." Then his mind ran back
+to the dreary days of helpless, almost hopeless wretchedness, when he
+first began its perusal. Much of it had then been quite unintelligible
+to him; but what he understood had only made his darkness darker still.
+He who had but just learned from that stern teacher, Life, the meaning
+of sorrow, learned from the pages of his book the awful significance
+of that other word, Sin. Bitter hours, never to be remembered without
+a shudder, were those that followed. Already prostrate on the ground
+beneath the weight of his selfish sorrow for the love that might never
+be his, cruel blows seemed rained upon him by the very hand to which
+he turned to lift him up. "All was his own fault," said conscience.
+But had conscience, enlightened by his book, said no more, he could
+have borne it. It was a different thing to recognize that all was his
+own <i>sin</i>&mdash;to feel more keenly every day that the whole current of his
+thoughts and affections was set in opposition to the will of God as
+revealed in that book, and illustrated in the life of him of whom it
+told.</p>
+
+<p>But this sickness of heart, deadly though it seemed, was not unto
+death. The Word had indeed proved a mirror, in which he saw his own
+face reflected with the lines and colours of truth. But it had a
+farther use for him. As he did not fling it away in despair, but still
+gazed on, at length he saw in its clear depths another Face&mdash;a Face
+radiant with divine majesty, yet beaming with tender love and pity. He
+whom the mirror thus gave back to him had been "not far" from him all
+his life; had been standing over against him, watching and waiting for
+the moment in which to reveal himself. At last that moment came. He
+looked up from the mirror to the real Face; from <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>the Word to him whom
+the Word revealed. He turned himself and said unto him, "Rabboni, which
+is to say, My Master." He laid his soul at his feet in love, in trust,
+in gratitude. And he knew then, not until then, that this was the
+"coming" to him, the "believing" on him, the receiving him, of which He
+spoke as the condition of life, of pardon, and of happiness.</p>
+
+<p>From that hour he possessed life, he knew himself forgiven, he was
+<i>happy</i>. This was no theory, but a fact&mdash;a fact which changed all his
+present and was destined to change all his future.</p>
+
+<p>He longed to impart the wonderful secret he had found. This longing
+overcame his contempt for the cura, and made him seek to win him by
+kindness to listen to words which perhaps might open for him also the
+same wonderful fountain of joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I am going to worship my Lord, afterwards I shall speak of him,"
+he said, as he crossed the threshold of the little village church.</p>
+
+<p>In due season the service was over. Its ceremonies did not pain or
+offend Carlos in any way; he took part in them with much real devotion,
+as acts of homage paid to his Lord. Still, if he had analyzed his
+feelings (which he did not), he would have found them like those of a
+king's child, who is obliged, on days of courtly ceremonial, to pay
+his father the same distant homage as the other peers of the realm,
+and yet knows that all this for him is but an idle show, and longs to
+throw aside its cumbrous pomp, and to rejoice once more in the free
+familiar intercourse which is his habit and his privilege. But that the
+ceremonial itself could be otherwise than pleasing to his King, he had
+not the most distant suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke kindly to the priest, and inquired by name after all the sick
+folk in the village, though in fact he knew more about them himself by
+this time than did Father Tomas.</p>
+
+<p>The cura's heart was glad when the catechism came to a ter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>mination so
+satisfactory as an invitation to dine at the castle. Whatever the fare
+might be&mdash;and his expectations were not extravagantly high&mdash;it could
+scarce fail to be an improvement on the olla of which he had intended
+to make his Sunday repast. Moreover, one favour from the castle might
+be the earnest of others; and favours from the castle, poor though its
+lords might be, were not to be despised. Nor was he ill at ease in the
+society of an accomplished gentleman, as a man just a little better
+bred would probably have been. A wealthy peasant's son, and with but
+scanty education, Father Tomas was so hopelessly vulgar that he never
+once imagined he was vulgar at all.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos bore as patiently as he could with his coarse manners, and
+conversation something worse than commonplace. Not until the repast
+was concluded did he find an opportunity of bringing forward the topic
+upon which he longed to speak. Then, with more tact than his guest
+could appreciate, he began by inquiring&mdash;as one himself intended for
+the priesthood might naturally do&mdash;whether he could always keep his
+thoughts from wandering while he was celebrating the holy mysteries of
+the faith.</p>
+
+<p>Father Tomas crossed himself, and answered that he was a sinner like
+other men, but that he tried to do his duty to our holy Mother Church
+to the best of his ability.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos remarked, that unless we ourselves know the love of God by
+experience we cannot love him, and that without love there is no
+acceptable service.</p>
+
+<p>"Most true, se&ntilde;or," said the priest, turning his eyes upwards. "As the
+holy St. Augustine saith. Your worship quotes from him, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"I have quoted nothing," said Carlos, beginning to feel that he was
+speaking to the deaf; "but I know the words of Christ." And then he
+spoke, out of a full heart, of Christ's work for us, of his love to us,
+and of the pardon and peace which those receive that trust him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But his listener's stolid face betrayed no interest, only a vague
+uneasiness, which increased as Carlos proceeded. The poor parish cura
+began to suspect that the clever young collegian meant to astonish and
+bewilder him by the exhibition of his learning and his "new ideas."
+Indeed, he was not quite sure whether his host was eloquently enlarging
+all the time upon Catholic truths, or now and then mischievously
+throwing out a few heretical propositions, in order to try whether he
+would have skill enough to detect them. Naturally, he did not greatly
+relish this style of entertainment. Nothing could be got from him save
+a cautious, "That is true, se&ntilde;or," or, "Very good, your worship;" and
+as soon as his notions of politeness would permit, he took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos marvelled greatly at his dulness; but soon dismissed him
+from his mind, and took his Testament out to read under the shade
+of the cork-trees. Ere long the light began to fade, but he sat
+there still in the fast deepening twilight. Thoughts and fancies
+thronged upon his mind; and dreams of the past sought, as even yet
+they often did, to reassert their supremacy over his heart. One of
+those apparently unaccountable freaks of memory, which we all know by
+experience, brought back to him suddenly the luscious perfume of the
+orange-blossoms, called by the Spaniards the azahar. Such fragrance had
+filled the air, and such flowers had been strewed upon his pathway,
+when last he walked with Donna Beatriz in the fairy gardens of the
+Alcazar of Seville.</p>
+
+<p>Keen was the pang that shot through his heart at the remembrance. But
+it was conquered soon. As he went in-doors he repeated the words he had
+just been reading, "'He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.' And <i>this</i> hunger of the soul, as
+well as every other, He can stay. Having him, I have all things.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'El dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+<p>Father, dear, unknown father, I have found the golden country! Not in
+the sense thou didst fondly seek, and I as fondly dream to find it. Yet
+the only true land of gold I have found indeed&mdash;the treasure unfailing,
+the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
+reserved in heaven for me."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X">X.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Dolores.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Oh, hearts that break and give no sign,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Save whitening lip and fading tresses;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Till death pours out his cordial wine,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Slow dropped from misery's crushing presses,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;If singing breath or echoing chord</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To every hidden pang were given,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;What endless melodies were poured,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">O.W. Holmes.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> great modern poet has compared the soul of man to a pilgrim who
+passes through the world staff in hand, never resting, ever pressing
+onwards to some point as yet unattained, ever sighing wearily, "Alas!
+that <i>there</i> is never <i>here</i>." And with deep significance adds his
+Christian commentator, "In Christ <i>there</i> is <i>here</i>."</p>
+
+<p>He who has found Christ "is already at the goal." "For he stills our
+innermost fears, and fulfils our utmost longings." "In him the dry
+land, the mirage of the desert, becomes living water." "He who knows
+him knows the reason of all things." Passing all along the ages, we
+might gather from the silent lips of the dead such words as these,
+bearing emphatic witness to what human hearts have found in him. Yet,
+after all, we would come back to his own grand and simple words, as
+best expressing the truth: "I am the bread of life;" "I will give you
+rest;" "In me ye shall have peace."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With the peace which he gave there came to Carlos a strange new
+knowledge also. The Testament, from its first page to its last, became
+intelligible to him. From a mere sketch, partly dim and partly blurred
+and blotted, it grew into a transparency through which light shone upon
+his soul, every word being itself a star.</p>
+
+<p>He often read his book to Dolores, though he allowed her to suppose it
+was Latin, and that he was improvising a translation for her benefit.
+She would listen attentively, though with a deeper shade of sadness on
+her melancholy face. Never did she volunteer an observation, but she
+always thanked him at the end in her usual respectful manner.</p>
+
+<p>These readings were, in fact, a trouble to Dolores. They gave her pain,
+like the sharp throbs that accompany the first return of consciousness
+to a frozen member, for they awakened feelings that had long been
+dormant, and that she thought were dead for ever. But, on the other
+hand, she was gratified by the condescension of her young master in
+reading aloud for her edification. She had gone through the world
+giving very largely out of her own large loving heart, and expecting
+little or nothing in return. She would most gladly have laid down her
+life for Don Juan or Don Carlos; yet she did not imagine that the
+old servant of the house could be to them much more than one of the
+oak tables or the carved chairs. That "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos" should take
+thought for her, and trouble himself to do her good, thrilled her with
+a sensation more like joy than any she had known for years. Little
+do those whose cups are so full of human love that they carry them
+carelessly, spilling many a precious drop as they pass along, dream how
+others cherish the few poor lees and remnants left to them.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover Carlos, in the eyes of Dolores, was half a priest already, and
+this lent additional weight, and even sacredness, to all that he said
+and did.</p>
+
+<p>One evening he had been reading to her, in the inner room <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>by the light
+of the little silver lamp. He had just finished the story of Lazarus,
+and he made some remark on the grateful love of Mary, and the costly
+sacrifice by which she proved it. Tears gathered in the dark wistful
+eyes of Dolores, and she said with sudden and, for her, most unusual
+energy, "That was small wonder. Any one would do as much for him that
+brought the dear dead back from the grave."</p>
+
+<p>"He has done a greater thing than even that for each of us," said
+Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But Dolores withdrew into her ordinary self again, as some timid
+creature might shrink into its shell from a touch. "I thank your
+Excellency," she said, rising to withdraw, "and I also make my
+acknowledgments to Our Lady, who has inspired you with such true piety,
+suitable to your holy calling."</p>
+
+<p>"Stay a little, Dolores," said Carlos, as a sudden thought occurred to
+him; "I marvel it has so seldom come into my mind to ask you about my
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or. When you were both children, I used to wonder that you and
+Don Juan, while you talked often together of my lord your father, had
+scarce a thought at all of your lady mother. Yet if she had lived <i>you</i>
+would have been her favourite, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"And Juan my father's," said Carlos, not without a slight pang of
+jealousy. "Was my noble father, then, more like what my brother is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;or; he was bold and brave. No offence to your Excellency, for
+one you love I warrant me <i>you</i> could be brave enough. But he loved
+his sword and his lance and his good steed. Moreover, he loved travel
+and adventure greatly, and never could bear to abide long in the same
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he not make a voyage to the Indies in his youth?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did; and then he fought under the Emperor, both in Italy, and in
+Africa against the Moors. Once His Imperial Majesty sent him on some
+errand to Leon, and there he first <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>met my lady. Afterwards he crossed
+the mountains to our home, and wooed and won her. He brought her, the
+fairest young bride eyes could rest on, to Seville, where he had a
+stately palace on the Alameda."</p>
+
+<p>"You must have grieved to leave your mountains for the southern city."</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or, I did not grieve. Wherever your lady mother dwelt was home
+to me. Besides, 'a great grief kills all the rest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you had known sorrow before. I thought you lived with our house
+from your childhood."</p>
+
+<p>"Not altogether; though my mother nursed yours, and we slept in the
+same cradle, and as we grew older shared each other's plays. At seven
+years old I went home to my father and mother, who were honest,
+well-to-do people, like all my forbears&mdash;good 'old Christians,' and
+noble&mdash;they could wear their caps in the presence of His Catholic
+Majesty. They had no girl but me, so they would fain have me ever in
+their sight. For ten years and more I was the light of their eyes; and
+no blither lass ever led the goats to the mountain in summer, or spun
+wool and roasted chestnuts at the winter fire. But, the year of the
+bad fever, both were stricken. Christmas morning, with the bells for
+early mass ringing in my ears, I closed my father's eyes; and three
+days afterwards, set the last kiss on my mother's cold lips. Nigh upon
+five-and-twenty years ago,&mdash;but it seems like yesterday. Folks say
+there are many good things in the world, but I have known none so good
+as the love of father and mother. Ay de mi, se&ntilde;or, <i>you</i> never knew
+either."</p>
+
+<p>"When your parents died, did you return to my mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"For half a year I stayed with my brother. Though no daughter ever shed
+truer tears over the grave of better parents, I was not then quite
+broken-hearted. There was another love to whisper hope, and to keep me
+from desolation. He&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>Alphonso ('tis years and years since I uttered
+the name save in my prayers) had gone to the war, telling me he would
+come back and claim me for his bride. So I watched for him hour by
+hour, and toiled and spun, and spun and toiled, that I might not go
+home to him empty-handed. But at last a lad from our parish, who had
+been a comrade of his, returned and told me all. <i>He</i> was lying on the
+bloody field of Marignano, with a French bullet in his heart. Se&ntilde;or,
+the sisters you read of could 'go to the grave and weep there.' And yet
+the Lord pitied them."</p>
+
+<p>"He pities all who weep," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"All good Christians, he may. But though an old Christian, I was not
+a good one. For I thought it bitter hard that my candle should be
+quenched in a moment, like a wax taper when the procession is done.
+And it came often into my mind how the Almighty, or Our Lady, or the
+Saints, could have helped me if they would. May they forgive me; it is
+hard to be religious."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think so."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is not hard to learned gentlemen who have been at the
+colleges. But how can simple men and women tell whether they are
+keeping all the commandments of God and Holy Church? It well may be
+that I had done something, or left something undone, whereby Our Lady
+was displeased."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not Our Lady, but our Lord himself, who holds the keys of hell
+and of death," said Carlos, gaining at the moment a new truth for his
+own heart. "None enter the gates of death, as none shall come forth
+through them, save at his command. But go on, Dolores, and tell me how
+did comfort come to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Comfort never came to me, se&ntilde;or. But after a time there came a kind
+of numbness and hardness that helped me to live my life as if I cared
+for it. And your lady mother (God rest her soul!) showed me wondrous
+kindness in my sorrow. It <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>was then she took me to be her own maiden.
+She had me taught many things, such as reading and various cunning
+kinds of embroidery, that I might serve her with them, she said; but I
+well knew they were meant to turn my heart away from its own aching. I
+went with her to Seville. I could be glad for her, se&ntilde;or, that God had
+given her the good thing he had denied to me. At last it came to be
+almost like joy to me to see the great deep love there was between your
+father and her."</p>
+
+<p>This was a degree of unselfishness beyond the comprehension of Carlos
+just then. He felt his own wound throb painfully, and was not sorry
+to turn the conversation. "Did my parents reside long in Seville?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not long, se&ntilde;or. Their life there was a gay one, as became their rank
+and wealth (for, as your worship knows, your father had a noble estate
+then). But soon they both grew tired of the gay world. My lady ever
+loved the free mountains, and my lord&mdash;I scarce can tell what change
+passed over him. He lost his care for the tourney and the dance, and
+betook himself instead to study. Both were glad to withdraw to this
+quiet spot. Here your brother Don Juan was born; and for nigh a year
+afterwards no lord and lady could have led a happier and, at the same
+time, more pious and orderly life, than did your noble parents."</p>
+
+<p>The thoughtful eye of Carlos turned to the inscription on the window,
+and kindled with a strange light. "Was not this room my father's
+favourite place of study?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It was, se&ntilde;or. Of course, the house was not then as it now is. Though
+simple enough, after the Seville palace with its fountains and marble
+statues, and doors grated with golden network, it was still a seemly
+dwelling-place for a noble lord and lady. There was glass in all the
+windows then, though through neglect and carelessness it has been
+broken (even your worship may remember how Don Juan sent an arrow
+through a quarrel-pane in the west window one day), so we thought it
+best to remove the traces."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"My parents led a pious life, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly they did, se&ntilde;or. They were good and charitable to the poor; and
+they spent much of their time reading holy books, as you do now. Ay de
+mi! what was wrong with them I know not, save that perhaps they were
+scarce careful enough to give Holy Church all her dues. And I used
+sometimes to wish that my lady would show more devotion to the blessed
+Mother of God. But she <i>felt</i> it all, no doubt; only it was not her
+way, nor my lord's either, to be for ever running about on pilgrimage
+or offering wax candles, nor yet to keep the father confessor every
+instant with his ear to their lips."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started, and turned an earnest inquiring gaze upon her. "Did my
+mother ever read to you as I have done?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"She sometimes read me good words out of the Breviary, se&ntilde;or. All
+thing went on thus, until one day when a letter came from the Emperor
+himself (as I believe), desiring your father to go to him, to Antwerp.
+The matter was to be kept very private, but my lady used to tell me
+everything. My lord thought he was to be sent on some secret mission
+where skill was needed, and perchance peril was to be met. For it
+was well known that he loved such affairs, and was dexterous in the
+management of them. So he parted cheerily from my lady, she standing
+at the gate yonder, and making little Don Juan kiss hands to him as he
+rode down the path. Woe for the poor babe, that never saw his father's
+face again! And worse woe for the mother! But death heals all things,
+except sin.</p>
+
+<p>"After three weeks or a month, more or less, two monks of St. Dominic
+rode to the gates one day. The younger stayed without in the hall with
+us; while the elder, a man of stern and stately presence, had private
+audience of my lady in this chamber where we sit now&mdash;a place of death
+it has seemed to me ever since. For the audience had not lasted long
+until I heard a cry&mdash;such a cry!&mdash;it rings in my ears even now. I
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>hastened to my lady. She had swooned&mdash;and long, long was it before
+sense returned again. Do not keep looking at me, se&ntilde;or, with eyes so
+like hers, or I cannot tell you more."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she speak? Did she reveal anything to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Nothing</i>, se&ntilde;or. During the days that followed, only things without
+meaning or connection, such as those in fever speak, or broken words of
+prayer, were on her lips. Until the very last, and then she was worn
+and weak, and could but receive the rites of the Church, and whisper
+a few directions about the poor babes. She bade us give you the name
+you bear, since <i>he</i> had said that his next boy should be called for
+the great Emperor. Then she prayed very earnestly, 'Lord, take him
+Thyself&mdash;take him Thyself!' Doctor Marco, who was present, thought she
+meant the poor little new-born babe&mdash;supposing, and no wonder, that it
+would be better tended in heaven by Our Lady and the angels, than here
+on earth. But I <i>know</i> it was not you she thought of."</p>
+
+<p>"My poor mother&mdash;God rest her soul! Nay, I doubt not that now she rests
+in God," Carlos added, softly.</p>
+
+<p>"And so the curse fell on your house, se&ntilde;or; and in such sorrow were
+you born. Yet you grew up merry lads, you and Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to thy care and kindness, well-beloved and faithful nurse. But,
+Dolores, tell me truly&mdash;have you never heard anything further of, or
+from, my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"From him, never. Of him, that I believed, <i>never</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you believe?" Carlos asked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing, se&ntilde;or. I have heard all that your worship has heard,
+and no more."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it is true&mdash;what we have all been told&mdash;of his death in
+the Indies?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing, se&ntilde;or," Dolores repeated, with the air of a person
+determined to <i>say</i> nothing.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos would not allow her to escape thus. Both had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>gone too far
+to leave the subject without probing it to its depths. And both felt
+instinctively that it was not likely again to be discussed between
+them. Laying his hand on her arm, and looking steadily in her face, he
+asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dolores, are you sure my father is dead?"</p>
+
+<p>Seemingly relieved by the form the question had taken, she met his gaze
+without flinching, and answered in tones of evident sincerity, "Sure as
+that I sit here&mdash;so help me God." After a long pause she added, as she
+rose to go, "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, be not offended if I counsel you this
+once, since I held you a babe in my arms, and you will find none that
+loves you better&mdash;if a poor old woman may say so to a young and noble
+caballero."</p>
+
+<p>"Say all you think to me, my dear and kind nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, se&ntilde;or, I say, leave vain thoughts and questions about your
+father's fate. 'There are no birds in last year's nests;' and 'Water
+that has run by will turn no mill.' And I entreat of you to repeat the
+same to your noble brother when you find opportunity. Look before you,
+se&ntilde;or, and not behind; and God's best blessings rest on you!"</p>
+
+<p>Dolores turned to go, but turning back again, stood irresolute.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Dolores?" Carlos asked; hoping, perhaps, for some further
+glimmer of light upon that dark past, from which she implored him to
+turn his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos&mdash;" and she paused and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything for you?" said Carlos, in a kind, encouraging tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or, that you can. With your learning and your good Book, surely
+you can tell me whether the soul of my poor Alphonso, dead on the
+battle-field without shrift or sacrament, has yet found rest with God?"</p>
+
+<p>Thus the true woman's heart, though so full of sympathy for <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>others,
+still turned back to its own sorrow, which lay deepest of all.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos felt himself unexpectedly involved in a difficulty. "My book
+tells me nothing on the subject," he said, after some thought. "But I
+am sure you may be comforted, after all these years, during which you
+have diligently prayed, and sought the Church's prayers for him."</p>
+
+<p>The long eager gaze of her wistful eyes asked mournfully, "Is this
+<i>all</i> you can tell me?" But her lips only said, "I thank your
+Excellency," as she withdrew.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI">XI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Light Enjoyed.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Doubt is slow to clear and sorrow is hard to bear,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And each sufferer has his say, his scheme of the weal and the woe;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The rest may reason and welcome, 'tis we musicians <i>know</i>."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapb"><span class="hide">B</span></span>ewildering were the trains of thought which the conversation just
+narrated awakened in the mind of Carlos. On the one hand, a gleam
+of light was shed upon his father's career, suggesting a possible
+interpretation of the inscription on the window, that thrilled his
+heart with joy. On the other, the termination of that career was
+involved in even deeper obscurity than before; and he was made to feel,
+more keenly than ever, how childish and unreal were the dreams which he
+and his brother had been wont to cherish upon the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, Dolores, just before she left him, had drawn a bow at a
+venture, and most unintentionally sent a sharp arrow through a joint
+in his harness. Why could he find no answer to a question so simple
+and natural as the one she had asked him? Why did the Book, which had
+solved so many mysteries for him, shed not a ray of light upon this
+one? Whence this ominous silence of the apostles and evangelists upon
+so many things that the Church most loudly proclaimed? Where, in his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>Book, was purgatory to be found at all? Where was the adoration of the
+Virgin and the saints? Where were works of supererogation? But here
+he started in horror, as one who suddenly saw himself on the brink of
+a precipice. Or rather, as one dwelling secure and contented within
+a little circle of light and warmth, to whom such questions came as
+intimations of a chaos surrounding it on every side, into which a
+chance step might at any moment plunge him.</p>
+
+<p>Most earnestly he entreated that the Lord of his life, the Guide of
+his spirit, would not let him go forth to wander there. He prayed,
+expressly and repeatedly, that the doubts which began to trouble him
+might be laid and silenced. His prayer was answered, as all true prayer
+is sure to be, but it was not <i>granted</i>. He whose love is strong
+and deep enough to work out its good purpose in us even against the
+pleadings of our own hearts, saw that his child must needs pass through
+"a land of darkness" to reach the clearer light beyond. Conflicts
+fierce and terrible must be his portion, if indeed he were to take his
+place amongst those "called and chosen and faithful" ones who, having
+stood beside the Lamb in his contest with Antichrist, shall stand
+beside him on the sea of glass mingled with fire.</p>
+
+<p>Already Carlos was in training for that contest&mdash;though as yet he knew
+not that there was any contest before him, save the general "striving
+against sin" in which all Christians have to take part. For the joy
+of the Lord is the Christian's strength in the day of battle. And he
+usually prepares those faithful soldiers whom he means to set in the
+forefront of the hottest battle, by previously bestowing that joy upon
+them in very full measure. He who is willing to "sell all that he
+hath," must first have found a treasure, and what "the joy thereof" is
+none else may declare.</p>
+
+<p>In this joy Carlos lived now; and it was as yet too fresh and new to be
+greatly disturbed by haunting doubts or perplexing <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>questions. These,
+for the present, came and passed like a breath upon a surface of molten
+gold, scarcely dimming its lustre for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>It had become his great wish to receive Orders as soon as possible,
+that he might consecrate himself more entirely to the service of his
+Lord, and spread abroad the knowledge of his love more widely. With
+this view, he determined on returning to Seville early in October.</p>
+
+<p>He left Nuera with regret, especially on account of Dolores, who had
+taken a new place in his consideration, and even in his affections,
+since he had begun to read to her from his Book. And, though usually
+very calm and impassive in manner, she could scarcely refrain from
+tears at the parting. She entreated him, with almost passionate
+earnestness, to be very prudent and careful of himself in the great
+city.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, who saw no special danger likely to menace him, save such as
+might arise from his own heart, felt tempted to smile at her foreboding
+tone, and asked her what she feared for him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," she pleaded, with clasped hands, "for the love
+of God, take care; and do not be reading and telling your good words to
+every one you meet. For the world is an ill place, your worship, where
+good is ofttimes evil-spoken of."</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear for me," returned Carlos, with his frank, pleasant smile.
+"I have found nothing in my Book but the most Catholic verities, which
+will be useful to all and hurtful to none. But of course I shall be
+prudent, and take due care of my words, lest by any extraordinary
+chance they might be misinterpreted. So that you may keep your mind at
+peace, dear Mother Dolores."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XII" id="XII">XII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Light Divided from the Darkness.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I felt and feel, what'er befalls,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The footsteps of thy life in mine."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>n the glorious autumn weather, Don Carlos rode joyfully through cork
+and chestnut groves, across bare brown plains, and amidst gardens
+of pale olives and golden orange globes shining through dark glossy
+leaves. He had long ago sent back to Seville the guard with which his
+uncle had furnished him, so that his only companion was a country
+youth, trained by Diego to act as his servant. But although he passed
+through the very district afterwards immortalized by the adventures of
+the renowned Don Quixote, no adventure fell to his lot. Unless it may
+count for an adventure that near the termination of his journey the
+weather suddenly changed, and torrents of ruin, accompanied by unusual
+cold, drove him to seek shelter.</p>
+
+<p>"Ride on quickly, Jorge," he said to his attendant, "for I remember
+there is a venta<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> by the roadside not far off. A poor place truly,
+where we are little likely to find a supper. But we shall find a roof
+to shelter us and fire to warm us, and these at present are our most
+pressing needs."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the venta, they were surprised to see the lazy landlord
+so far stirred out of his usual apathy as to busy himself in trying
+to secure the fastening of the outer door, that it might not swing
+backwards and forwards in the wind, to the great discomfort of all
+within the house. The proud indifferent Spaniard looked calmly up from
+his task, and remarked that he would do all in his power to accommodate
+his worship. "But unfortunately, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, a <i>very</i>
+great and principal nobleman has just arrived here, with a most
+distinguished train of fine caballeros&mdash;his lordship's gentlemen and
+servants; and kitchen, hall, and chamber are as full of them as a hive
+is full of bees."</p>
+
+<p>This was evil news to Carlos. Proud, sensitive, and shy, there could
+be nothing more foreign to his character than to throw himself into
+the society of a person who, though really only his equal in rank, was
+so much his superior in all that lends rank its charm in the eyes of
+the vulgar. "We had better push on to Ecija," said he to his reluctant
+attendant, bravely turning his face to the storm, and making up his
+mind to ten miles more in drenching rain.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, however, a tall figure emerged from the inner door,
+opening into the long room behind the stable and kitchen, that formed
+the only tolerable accommodation the one-storied venta afforded.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, se&ntilde;or, you do not intend to go further in this storm," said
+the nobleman, whose fine thoughtful countenance Carlos could not but
+fancy that he had seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not far to Ecija, se&ntilde;or," returned Carlos, bowing. "And 'First
+come first served,' is an excellent proverb."</p>
+
+<p>"The first-comer has certainly one privilege which I am not disposed
+to waive&mdash;that of hospitably welcoming the second. Do me the favour to
+come in, se&ntilde;or. You will find an excellent fire."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos could not decline an invitation so courteously given. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>He was
+soon seated by the wood fire that blazed on the hearth of the inner
+room, exchanging compliments, in true Spanish fashion, with the
+nobleman who had welcomed him so kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Though no one could doubt for an instant the strangers possession of
+the pure "sangre azul,"<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> yet his manners were more frank and easy and
+less ceremonious than those to which Carlos had been accustomed in the
+exclusive and privileged class of Seville society&mdash;a fact accounted for
+by the discovery, afterwards made, that he was horn and educated in
+Italy.</p>
+
+<p>"I have the pleasure of recognizing Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya," said he. "I hope the babe about whom his worship showed such
+amiable anxiety recovered from its indisposition?"</p>
+
+<p>This then was the personage whom Carlos had seen in such close
+conversation with the physician Losada. The association of ideas
+immediately brought back the mysterious remark about his father he
+had overheard on that occasion. Putting that aside, however, for the
+present, he answered, "Perfectly, I thank your grace. We attribute the
+recovery mainly to the skill and care of the excellent Dr. Cristobal
+Losada."</p>
+
+<p>"A gentleman whose medical skill cannot be praised too highly,
+except, indeed, it were exalted at the expense of his other excellent
+qualities, and particularly his charity to the poor."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heartily acquiesced, and added some instances of the physician's
+kindness to those who could not recompense him again. They were new to
+his companion, who listened with interest.</p>
+
+<p>During this conversation supper was laid. As the principal guest had
+brought his own provisions with him, it was a comfortable and plentiful
+repast. Carlos, ere he sat down, left the room to re-arrange his
+dress, and found opportunity to ask the innkeeper if he knew the noble
+strangers name.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"His Excellency is a great noble from Castile," returned mine host,
+with an air of much importance. "His name, as I am informed, is Don
+Carlos de Seso; and his illustrious lady, Do&ntilde;a Isabella, is of the
+blood royal."</p>
+
+<p>"Where does he reside?"</p>
+
+<p>"His gentlemen tell me, principally at one of his fine estates in the
+north, Villamediana they call it. He is also corregidor<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> of Toro.
+He has been visiting Seville upon business of importance, and is now
+returning home."</p>
+
+<p>Pleased to be the guest of such a man (for in fact he was his guest),
+Carlos took his seat at the table, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. An
+hour's intercourse with a man who had read and travelled much, but had
+thought much more, was a rare treat to him. Moreover, De Seso showed
+him all that fine courtesy which a youth so highly appreciates from a
+senior, giving careful attention to every observation he hazarded, and
+manifestly bringing the best of his powers to bear on his own share of
+the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke of Fray Constantino's preaching, with an enthusiasm that made
+Carlos regret that he had been hitherto such an inattentive hearer.
+"Have you seen a little treatise by the Fray, entitled 'The Confession
+of a Sinner'?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos having answered in the negative, his new friend drew a tract
+from the pocket of his doublet, and gave it to him to read while he
+wrote a letter.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, after the manner of eager, rapid readers, plunged at once into
+the heart of the matter, disdaining beginnings.</p>
+
+<p>Almost the first words upon which his eyes fell arrested his attention
+and drew him irresistibly onwards. "Such has been the pride of man,"
+he read, "that he aimed at being God; but so great was thy compassion
+towards him in his fallen state, that thou abasedst thyself to become
+not only of the rank of men, but a true man, and the least of men,
+taking upon thee <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>the form of a servant, that thou mightest set me at
+liberty, and that by means of thy grace, wisdom, and righteousness,
+man might obtain more than he had lost by his ignorance and pride....
+Wast thou not chastised for the iniquity of others? Has not thy blood
+sufficient virtue to wash out the sins of all the human race? Are not
+thy treasures more able to enrich me than all the debt of Adam to
+impoverish me? Lord, although I had been the only person alive, or the
+only sinner in the world, thou wouldst not have failed to die for me.
+O my Saviour, I would say, and say it with truth, that I individually
+stand in need of those blessings which thou hast given to all. What
+though the guilt of all had been mine? thy death is all mine. Even
+though I had committed all the sins of all, yet would I continue to
+trust thee, and to assure myself that thy sacrifice and pardon is all
+mine, though it belong to all."</p>
+
+<p>So far he read in silence, then the tract fell from his hand, and an
+involuntary exclamation broke from his lips&mdash;"Passing strange!"</p>
+
+<p>De Seso paused, pen in hand, and looked up surprised. "What find you
+'passing strange,' se&ntilde;or?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That he&mdash;that Fray Constantino should have felt precisely what&mdash;what
+he describes here."</p>
+
+<p>"That such a holy man should feel so deeply his own utter sinfulness?
+But you are doubtless aware that the holiest saints in all ages have
+shared this experience. St. Augustine, for instance, with whose
+writings so ripe a theological scholar is doubtless well acquainted."</p>
+
+<p>"Such," returned Carlos, "are not worse than others; but they know what
+they are as others do not."</p>
+
+<p>"True. Tried by the standard of God's perfect law, the purest life must
+appear a miserable failure. We may call the marble of our churches and
+dwellings white, until we see God's snow, pure and fresh from heaven,
+upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, se&ntilde;or," said Carlos, with joyful eagerness; "but the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>Hand that
+points out the stains can cleanse them. No snow is half so pure as the
+linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints."</p>
+
+<p>It was De Seso's turn to be astonished now. In the look that, half
+leaning over the table, he bent upon the eager face of Carlos, surprise
+and emotion blended. For a moment their eyes met with a flash, like
+that which flint strikes from steel, of mutual intelligence and
+sympathy. But it passed again as quickly. De Seso said, "I suspect
+that I see in you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, one of those admirable scholars
+who have devoted their talents to the study of that sacred language in
+which the words of the holy apostles are handed down to us. You are a
+Grecian?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos shook his head. "Greek is but little studied at Complutum now,"
+he said, "and I confined myself to the usual theological course."</p>
+
+<p>"In which, I have heard, your success has been brilliant. But it is a
+sore disgrace to us, and a heavy loss to the youth of our nation, that
+the language of St. John and St. Paul should be deemed unworthy of
+their attention."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency is aware that it was otherwise in former years,"
+returned Carlos. "Perhaps the present neglect is owing to the suspicion
+of heresy which, truly or falsely, has attached itself to most of the
+accomplished Greek scholars of our time."</p>
+
+<p>"A miserable misapprehension; the growth of monkish ignorance and envy,
+and popular superstition. Heresy is a convenient stigma with which men
+ofttimes brand as evil the good they are incapable of comprehending."</p>
+
+<p>"Most true, se&ntilde;or. Even Fray Constantino has not escaped."</p>
+
+<p>"His crime has been, that he has sought to turn the minds of men from
+outward acts and ceremonies to the great spiritual truths of which
+these are the symbols. To the vulgar, Religion is nothing but a series
+of shows and postures."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Carlos; "but the heart that loves God, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>and truly
+believes in our Lord and Saviour, is taught to put such in their
+proper place. 'These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
+undone.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," said De Seso, with surprise he could no longer
+suppress, "you are evidently a devout and earnest student of the
+Scriptures."</p>
+
+<p>"I search the Scriptures; in them I think I have eternal life. And they
+testify of Christ," promptly responded the less cautious youth.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that you do not quote the Vulgate."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled. "No, se&ntilde;or. To a man of your enlightened views I am
+not afraid to acknowledge the truth. I have seen&mdash;nay, why should I
+hesitate?&mdash;I possess a rare treasure&mdash;the New Testament of our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus Christ in our own noble Castilian tongue."</p>
+
+<p>Even through the calm and dignified deportment of his companion Carlos
+could perceive the thrill that this communication caused. There was
+a pause; then he said softly, "And your treasure is also mine." The
+low quiet words came from even greater depths of feeling than the
+eager tremulous tones of Carlos. For <i>his</i> convictions, slowly reached
+and dearly purchased, were "built below" the region of the soul that
+passions agitate,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Based on the crystalline sea</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Of thought and its eternity."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>The heart of Carlos glowed with sudden ardent love towards the man
+who shared his treasure, and, he doubted not, his faith also. He
+could joyfully have embraced him on the spot. But the force of habit
+and the sensitive reserve of his character checked this impetuous
+demonstrativeness. He only said, with a look that was worth an embrace,
+"I knew it. Your Excellency spoke as one who held our Lord and his
+truth in honour."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Ella es pues honor a vosotros que creeis.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It would have been hard to begin a verse that Carlos could not at this
+time have instantly completed. He went on: "<i>Mas para los que no creen,
+la piedra que los edificatores reprobaron</i>."<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p>
+
+<p>"A sorrowful truth," said De Seso, "which my young friend must needs
+bear in mind. His Word, like himself, is rejected by the many. Its very
+mention may expose to obloquy and danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Only another instance, se&ntilde;or, of those lamentable prejudices about
+heresy about which we spoke anon. I am aware that there are those that
+would brand me (<i>me</i>, a scholar too!) with the odious name of heretic,
+merely for reading God's Word in my own tongue. But how utterly absurd
+the charge! The blessed Book has but confirmed my faith in all the
+doctrines of our holy Mother Church."</p>
+
+<p>"Has it?" said De Seso, quietly, perhaps a little drily.</p>
+
+<p>"Most assuredly, se&ntilde;or," Carlos rejoined, with warmth. "In fact I never
+understood, or, I may say, truly believed those holy verities until
+now. Beginning with the Credo itself, and the orthodox Catholic faith
+in our Lord's divinity and atonement."</p>
+
+<p>Here their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the
+attendants, who removed supper, replenished the lamp, and heaped fresh
+chestnut logs on the fire. But as soon as the room was cleared they
+returned eagerly to subjects so interesting to both.</p>
+
+<p>"Our salvation rests," said De Seso, "upon the great cardinal truths
+you have named. By the faith which receives into your heart the
+atonement of Christ as a work done for you, you are justified."</p>
+
+<p>"I am forgiven, and I shall be justified."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, se&ntilde;or; Scripture teaches that your justification is already
+complete. Therefore, <i>being justified by faith</i>, we have peace with
+God."</p>
+
+<p>"But that cannot surely be the apostle's meaning," said Carlos, "Ay de
+mi! I know too well that I am not yet completely justified. Far from
+it; evil thoughts throng my heart; and not with heart alone, but with
+lips, eyes, hands, I transgress daily."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Yet, you see, peace can only be consequent on justification. And peace
+you have."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked perplexed. Misled by the teaching of his Church, he
+confused justification with sanctification; consequently he could
+not legitimately enjoy the peace that ought to flow from the one as
+a complete and finished work, because the other necessarily remained
+imperfect.</p>
+
+<p>De Seso explained that the word justify is never used in Scripture in
+its derivative sense, to <i>make</i> righteous; but always in its common and
+universally accepted sense, to <i>account</i> or <i>declare</i> righteous. Quite
+easily and naturally he glided into the teacher's place, whilst Carlos
+gladly took that of the learner; not, indeed, without astonishment at
+the layman's skill in divinity, but with too intense an interest in
+what he said to waste much thought upon his manner of saying it.</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto he had been like an unlearned man, who, without guide or
+companion, explores the trackless shores of a newly-discovered land.
+Should such an one meet in his course a scientific explorer, who has
+mapped and named every mountain, rock, and bay, who has traced out
+the coast-line, and can tell what lies beyond the white hills in the
+distance, it is easy to understand the eagerness with which he would
+listen to his narrative, and the intentness with which he would bend
+over the chart in which the scene of his own journeyings lies portrayed.</p>
+
+<p>Thus De Seso not only taught Carlos the true meaning of Scripture
+terms, and the connection of Scripture truths with each other; he also
+made clear to him the facts of his own experience, and gave names to
+them for him.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I understand now," said Carlos after a lengthened
+conversation, in which, moving from point to point, he had sug<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>gested
+many doubts and not a few objections, and these in turn had been taken
+up and answered by his friend. "God be thanked, there is no more
+condemnation, no more punishment for us. Nothing, either in act or
+suffering, can be added to the work of Christ, which is complete."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, now you have grasped the truth which is the source of our joy and
+strength."</p>
+
+<p>"It must then be our sanctification which suffering promotes, both in
+this life and in purgatory."</p>
+
+<p>"All God's dealings with us in this life are meant to promote our
+sanctification. Joy may do it, by his grace, as well as sorrow. It is
+written, not alone, 'He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger,' but
+also, 'He fed thee with manna, to teach the secret of life in him, from
+him, and by him.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But suffering is purifying&mdash;like fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Not in itself. Criminals released from the galleys usually come forth
+hardened in their crimes by the lash and the oar."</p>
+
+<p>Having said this, De Seso rose and extinguished the expiring lamp,
+while Carlos remained thoughtfully gazing into the fire. "Se&ntilde;or,"
+he said, after a long pause, during which the stream of thought ran
+continuously underground, to reappear consequently in an unexpected
+place&mdash;"Se&ntilde;or, do you think God's Word, which solves so many mysteries,
+can answer every question for us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Scarcely. Some questions we may ask, of which the answers, in our
+present state, would be beyond our comprehension. And others may
+indeed be answered there, but we may miss the answers, because through
+weakness of faith we are not yet able to receive them."</p>
+
+<p>"For instance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had rather not name an instance&mdash;at present," said De Seso, and
+Carlos thought his face had a sorrowful look as he gazed at it in the
+firelight.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not willingly miss anything my Lord meant to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>teach. I desire
+to know <i>all</i> his will, and to follow it," Carlos rejoined earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be that you know not what you desire. Still, name any question
+you wish; and I will tell you freely whether in my judgment God's Word
+contains an answer."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stated the difficulty suggested by the inquiry of Dolores. Who
+can tell the exact moment when his bark leaves the gently-flowing river
+for the great deep ocean? That of Carlos, on the instant when he put
+this question, was met by the first wave of the mighty sea upon which
+he was to be tossed by many a storm. But he did not know it.</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you as to the silence of God's Word about purgatory,"
+returned his friend; and for some time both gazed into the fire without
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"This and similar discoveries have sometimes given me, I own, a feeling
+of blank disappointment, and even of terror," said Carlos at length.
+For with him it was one of those rare hours in which a man can bear
+to translate into words the "dark misgivings" of the soul, usually
+unacknowledged even to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say," was the answer, "that the thought of passing through
+the gate of death into the immediate presence of my glorified Lord
+affects me with 'blank disappointment' or 'terror.'"</p>
+
+<p>"How?&mdash;What do you say?" cried Carlos, starting visibly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' 'To depart and to be
+with Christ is far better.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But it was San Pablo, the great apostle and martyr, who said that. For
+us,&mdash;we have the Church's teaching," Carlos rejoined in quick, anxious
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, I venture to think that, in the face of all you have
+learned from God's Word, you will find it a task somewhat of the
+hardest to prove purgatory."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," said Carlos; and immediately he bounded into <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>the
+arena of controversy, laid his lance in rest, and began an animated
+tilting-match with his new friend, who was willing (of course, thought
+Carlos, for argument's sake alone, and as an intellectual exercise) to
+personate a Lutheran antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>But not a few doughty champions have met the stern reality of a bloody
+death in the mimic warfare of the tilting-field. At every turn Carlos
+found himself answered, baffled, confounded. Yet, how could he, how
+dared he, acknowledge defeat, even to himself, when with the imperilled
+doctrine so much else must fall? What would become of private masses,
+indulgences, prayers for the dead? Nay, what would become of the
+infallibility of Mother Church herself?</p>
+
+<p>So he fought desperately. Fear, ever increasing, quickened his
+preceptions, baptized his lips with eloquence, made his sense acute
+and his memory retentive. Driven at last from the ground of Scripture
+and reason, he took his stand upon that of scholastic divinity. Using
+the weapons with which he had been taught to play so deftly for once
+in terrible earnest, he spun clever syllogisms, in which he hoped to
+entangle his adversary. But De Seso caught the flimsy webs in the naked
+hand of his strong sense, and crushed them to atoms.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos knew that the battle was lost. "I can say no more," he
+acknowledged, sorrowfully bowing his head.</p>
+
+<p>"And what I have said&mdash;is it not in accordance with the Word of God?"</p>
+
+<p>With a cry of dismay on his lips, Carlos turned and looked at him&mdash;"God
+help us! Are we then Lutherans?"</p>
+
+<p>"It may be Christ is asking another question&mdash;Are we amongst those who
+follow him <i>whithersoever</i> he goeth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not <i>there</i>&mdash;not to <i>that</i>!" cried Carlos, rising in his agitation
+and beginning to pace the room. "I abhor heresy&mdash;I eschew the thought.
+From my cradle I have done so. Anywhere but that!"</p>
+
+<p>Pausing at last in his walk before the place where De Seso <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>sat, he
+asked, "And you, se&ntilde;or, have you considered whither this would lead?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have. I do not ask thee to follow. But this I say: if Christ bids
+any man leave the ship and come to him upon these dark and stormy
+waters, he will stretch out his own right hand to uphold and sustain
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"To leave the ship&mdash;his Church? That would be leaving him. And leaving
+him, I am lost, soul and body&mdash;lost&mdash;lost!"</p>
+
+<p>"Fear not. At his feet, clinging to him, soul of man was never lost
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"I will cleave to him, and to the Church too."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, if one must be forsaken, let not that one be Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, <i>never</i>&mdash;so help me God!" After a pause he added, as if
+speaking to himself, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
+eternal life."</p>
+
+<p>He stood motionless, wrapt in thought; while De Seso rose softly, and
+going to the window, put aside the rude shutter that had been fastened
+across it.</p>
+
+<p>"The night is bright," said Carlos dreamily. "The moon must have risen."</p>
+
+<p>"That is daylight you see," returned his companion with a smile. "Time
+for wayfarers to seek rest in sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Prayer is better than sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"True, and we who own the same precious faith can well unite in prayer."</p>
+
+<p>With the willing consent of Carlos, his new friend laid their common
+desires and perplexities before God. The prayer was in itself a
+revelation to him; he forgot even to wonder that it came from the lips
+of a layman. For De Seso spoke as one accustomed to converse with the
+Unseen, and to enter by faith to the inner sanctuary, the very presence
+of God himself. And Carlos found that it was good thus to draw nigh
+to God. He felt his troubled soul returning to its rest, to its quiet
+con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>fidence in Him who, he knew, would guide him by his counsel, and
+afterwards receive him into glory.</p>
+
+<p>When they rose, instinctively their right hands sought each other, and
+were locked in that strong grasp which is sometimes worth more than an
+embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"We have confidence each in the other," said De Seso, "so that we need
+exchange no pledge of faithfulness or secrecy."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos bowed his head. "Pray for me, se&ntilde;or," he said. "Pray that God,
+who sent you here to teach me, may in his own time complete the work he
+has begun."</p>
+
+<p>Then both lay down in their cloaks; one to sleep, the other to ponder
+and pray.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning each went his several way. And never was it given to
+Carlos, in this world, to look upon that face or to grasp that hand
+again.</p>
+
+<p>He who had thus crossed his path, as it were for a moment, was perhaps
+the noblest of all the heroic band of Spanish martyrs, that forlorn
+hope of Christ's army, who fought and fell "where Satan's seat was."
+His high birth and lofty station, his distinguished abilities, even
+those more superficial graces of person and manner which are not
+without their strong fascination, were all&mdash;like the precious ointment
+with the odour of which the house was filled&mdash;consecrated to the
+service of the Lord for whom he lived and died. The eye of imagination
+lingers with special and reverential love upon that grand calm figure.
+But our simple story leads us far away amongst other scenes and other
+characters. We must now turn to a different part of the wide missionary
+harvest-field, in which the lowly muleteer Juliano Hernandez, and the
+great noble Don Carlos de Seso, were both labouring. Was their labour
+in vain?</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIII" id="XIII">XIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Seville.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There is a multitude around,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Responsive to my prayer;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I hear the voice of my desire</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Resounding everywhere."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Carlos felt surprised, on returning to Seville, to find the circle
+in which he had been wont to move exactly as he left it. His absence
+appeared to him a great deal longer than it really was. Moreover,
+there lurked in his mind an undefined idea that a period so fraught
+with momentous change to him could not have passed without change over
+the heads of others. But the worldly only seemed more worldly, the
+frivolous more frivolous, the vain more vain than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Around the presence of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz there still hung a sweet dangerous
+fascination, against which he struggled, and, in the strength of his
+new and mighty principle of action, struggled successfully. Still, for
+the sake of his own peace, he longed to find some fair pretext for
+making his home elsewhere than beneath his uncle's roof.</p>
+
+<p>One great pleasure awaited his return&mdash;a letter from Juan. It was the
+second he had received; the first having merely told of his brother's
+safe arrival at the headquarters of the royal army <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>at Cambray. Don
+Juan had obtained his commission just in time for active service in
+the brief war between France and Spain that immediately followed the
+accession of Philip II. And now, though he said not much of his own
+exploits, it was evident that he had already begun to distinguish
+himself by the prompt and energetic courage which was a part of his
+character. Moreover, a signal piece of good fortune had fallen to his
+lot. The Spaniards were then engaged in the siege of St. Quentin.
+Before the works were quite completed, the French General&mdash;the
+celebrated Admiral Coligny&mdash;managed to throw himself into the town
+by a brilliant and desperate <i>coup-de-main</i>. Many of his heroic band
+were killed or taken prisoners, however; and amongst the latter was a
+gentleman of rank and fortune, a member of the admiral's suite, who
+surrendered his sword into the hands of young Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>Juan was delighted with his prize, as he well might be. Not only was
+the distinction an honourable one for so young a soldier; but the
+ransom he might hope to receive would serve very materially to smooth
+his pathway to the attainment of his dearest wishes.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was now able to share his brother's joy with unselfish sympathy.
+With a peculiar kind of pleasure, not quite unmixed with superstition,
+he recalled Juan's boyish words, more than once repeated, "When I go
+to the wars, I shall make some great prince or duke my prisoner." They
+had found a fair, if not exactly literal, fulfilment, and that so early
+in his career. And a belief that had grown up with him from childhood
+was strengthened thereby. Juan would surely accomplish everything upon
+which his heart was set. Certainly he would find his father&mdash;if that
+father should prove to be after all in the land of the living.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was warmly welcomed back by his relatives&mdash;at least by all of
+them save one. To a mild temper and amiable disposition he united the
+great advantage of rivalling no man, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>and interfering with no man's
+career. At the same time, he had a well-defined and honourable career
+of his own, in which he bid fair to be successful; so that he was
+not despised, but regarded as a credit to the family. The solitary
+exception to the favourable sentiments he inspired was found in the
+bitter disdain which Gonsalvo, with scarcely any attempt at disguise,
+exhibited towards him.</p>
+
+<p>This was painful to him, both because he was sensitively alive to the
+opinions of others; and also because he actually preferred Gonsalvo,
+notwithstanding his great and glaring faults, to his more calculating
+and worldly-minded brothers. Force of any kind possesses a real
+fascination for an intellectual and sympathetic, but rather weak
+character; and this fascination grows in intensity when the weaker has
+a reason to pity and a desire to help the stronger.</p>
+
+<p>It was not altogether grace, therefore, which checked the proud words
+that often rose to the lips of Carlos in answer to his cousin's sneers
+or sarcasms. He was not ignorant of the cause of Gonsalvo's contempt
+for him. It was Gonsalvo's creed that a man who deserved the name
+always got what he wanted, or died in the attempt; unless, of course,
+absolutely insuperable physical obstacles interfered, as they did in
+his own case. As he knew well enough what Carlos wanted before his
+departure from Seville, the fact of his quietly resigning the prize,
+without even an effort to secure it, was final with him.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when Carlos had returned a forbearing answer to some taunt,
+Do&ntilde;a Inez, who was present, took occasion to apologize for her brother,
+as soon as he had quitted the room. Carlos liked Do&ntilde;a Inez much better
+than her still unmarried sister, because she was more generous and
+considerate to Beatriz. "You are very good, amigo mio," she said,
+"to show so great forbearance to my poor brother. And I cannot think
+wherefore he should treat you so uncourteously. But he is often rude to
+his brothers, sometimes even to his father."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I fear it is because he suffers. Though rather less helpless than he
+was six months ago, he seems really more frail and sickly."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi, that is too true. And have you heard his last whim? He tells
+us he has given up physicians for ever. He has almost as ill an opinion
+of them as&mdash;forgive me, cousin&mdash;of priests."</p>
+
+<p>"Could you not persuade him to consult your friend, Doctor Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have tried, but in vain. To speak the truth, cousin," she added,
+drawing nearer to Carlos, and lowering her voice, "there is another
+cause that has helped to make him what he is. No one knows or even
+guesses aught of it but myself; I was ever his favourite sister. If I
+tell you, will you promise the strictest secrecy?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did so; wondering a little what his cousin would think could she
+surmise the weightier secrets which were burdening his own heart.</p>
+
+<p>"You have heard of the marriage of Do&ntilde;a Juana de Xeres y Bohorques with
+Don Francisco de Vargas?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and I account Don Francisco a very fortunate man."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you acquainted with the young lady's sister, Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have met her. A fair, pale, queenly girl. She is not fond of gaiety,
+but very learned and very pious, as I have been told."</p>
+
+<p>"You will scarce believe me, Don Carlos, when I tell you that pale,
+quiet girl is Gonsalvo's choice, his dream, his idol. How she contrived
+to gain that fierce, eager young heart, I know not&mdash;but hers it is, and
+hers alone. Of course, he had passing fancies before; but she was his
+first serious passion, and she will be his last."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled. "Red fire and white marble," he said. "But, after all,
+the fiercest fire could not feed on marble. It must die out, in time."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"From the first, Gonsalvo had not the shadow of a chance," Do&ntilde;a Inez
+replied, with an expressive flutter of her fan. "I have not the least
+idea whether the young lady even knows he loves her. But it matters
+not. We are Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya; still we could not expect a grandee of
+the first order to give his daughter to a younger son of our house.
+Even before that unlucky bull-feast. <i>Now</i>, of course, he himself would
+be the first to say, 'Pine-apple kernels are not for monkeys,' nor fair
+ladies for crippled caballeros. And yet&mdash;you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Carlos; and in truth he <i>did</i> understand, far better than
+Do&ntilde;a Inez imagined.</p>
+
+<p>She turned to leave the room, but turned back again to say kindly, "I
+trust, my cousin, your own health has not suffered from your residence
+among those bleak inhospitable mountains? Don Gar&ccedil;ia tells me he has
+seen you twice, since your return, coming forth late in the evening
+from the dwelling of our good Se&ntilde;or Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>There was a sufficient reason for these visits. Before they parted, De
+Seso had asked Carlos if he would like an introduction to a person in
+Seville who could give him further instruction upon the subjects they
+had discussed together. The offer having been thankfully accepted,
+he was furnished with a note addressed, much to his surprise, to the
+physician Losada; and the connection thus begun was already proving a
+priceless boon to Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But nature had not designed him for a keeper of secrets. The colour
+mounted rapidly to his cheek, as he answered,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am flattered by my lady cousin's solicitude for me. But, I thank
+God, my health is as good as ever. In truth, Doctor Cristobal is
+a man of learning and a pleasant companion, and I enjoy an hour's
+conversation with him. Moreover, he has some rare and valuable books,
+which he is kind enough to lend me."</p>
+
+<p>"He is certainly very well-bred, for a man of his station," said Do&ntilde;a
+Inez, condescendingly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not resume his attendance upon the lectures of Fray
+Constantino at the College of Doctrine; but when the voice of the
+eloquent preacher was heard in the cathedral, he was never absent.
+He had no difficulty <i>now</i> in recognizing the truths that he loved
+so well, covered with a thin veil of conventional phraseology. All
+mention, not absolutely necessary, of dogmas peculiarly Romish was
+avoided, unless when the congregation were warned earnestly, though
+in terms well-studied and jealously guarded, against "risking their
+salvation" upon indulgences or ecclesiastical pardons. The vanity of
+trusting to their own works was shown also; and in every sermon Christ
+was faithfully held up before the sinner as the one all-sufficient
+Saviour.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos listened always with rapt attention, usually with keen delight.
+Often would he look around him upon the sea of earnest upturned faces,
+saying within himself, "Many of these my brethren and sisters have
+found Christ&mdash;many more are seeking him;" and at the thought his heart
+would thrill with thankfulness. But even at that moment some word from
+the preacher's lips might change his joy into a chill of apprehension.
+It frequently happened that Fray Constantino, borne onward by the
+torrent of his own eloquence, was betrayed into uttering some sentiment
+so very nearly heretical as to make his hearer tingle with the peculiar
+sense of pain that is caused by seeing one rush heedlessly to the verge
+of a precipice.</p>
+
+<p>"I often thank God for the stupidity of evil men and the simplicity of
+good ones," Carlos said to his new friend Losada, after one of these
+dangerous discourses.</p>
+
+<p>For by this time, what De Seso had first led him to suspect, had
+become a certainty with him. He knew himself <i>a heretic</i>&mdash;a terrible
+consciousness to sink into the heart of any man in those days,
+especially in Catholic Spain. Fortunately the revelation had come to
+him gradually; and still more gradually came the knowledge of all that
+it involved. Yet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>those were sorrowful hours in which he first felt
+himself cut off from every hallowed association of his childhood and
+youth; from the long chain of revered tradition, which was all he knew
+of the past; from the vast brotherhood of the Church visible&mdash;that
+mighty organization, pervading all society, leavening all thought,
+controlling all custom, ruling everything in this world, even if not
+in the next. His own past life was shattered: the ambitions he had
+cherished were gone&mdash;the studies he had excelled and delighted in were
+proved for the most part worse than vain. It is true that he believed,
+even still, that he might accept priestly ordination from the hands
+of Rome (for the idolatry of the mass was amongst the things not yet
+revealed to him); but he could no longer hope for honour or preferment,
+or what men call a career, in the Church. Joy enough would it be if
+he were permitted, in some obscure corner of the land, to tell his
+countrymen of a Saviour's love; and perpetual watchfulness, extreme
+caution, and the most judicious management would be necessary to
+preserve him&mdash;as hitherto they had preserved Fray Constantino&mdash;from the
+grasp of the Holy Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>To us, who read that word in the lurid light that martyr fires kindled
+after this period have flung upon it, it may seem strange that Carlos
+was not more a prey to fear of the perils entailed by his heresy.
+But so slowly did he pass out of the stage in which he believed
+himself still a sincere Catholic into that in which he shudderingly
+acknowledged that he was in very truth a Lutheran, that the shock
+of the discovery was wonderfully broken to him. Nor did he think
+the danger that menaced him either near or pressing, so long as he
+conducted himself with reserve and prudence.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that this reserve involved a degree of secrecy, if not of
+dissimulation, that was fast becoming very irksome. Formerly the kind
+of fencing, feinting, and doubling into which he was often forced,
+would rather have pleased him, as affording scope for the exercise of
+ingenuity. But his moral nature was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>growing so much more sensitive,
+that he began to recoil from slight departures from truth, in which
+heretofore he would only have seen a proper exercise of the advantage
+which a keen and quick intellect possesses over dull ones. Moreover,
+he longed to be able to speak freely to others of the things which he
+himself found so precious.</p>
+
+<p>Though quite sufficiently afraid of pain and danger, the thought of
+disgrace was still more intolerable to him. Keener than any suffering
+he had yet known&mdash;except the pang of renouncing Beatriz&mdash;was the
+consciousness that all those amongst whom he lived, and who now
+respected and loved him, would, if they guessed the truth, turn away
+from him with unutterable scorn and loathing.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when walking in the city with his aunt and Do&ntilde;a Sancha, they
+turned down a side-street to avoid meeting the death procession of a
+murderer on his way to the scaffold. The crime for which he suffered
+had been notorious; and with the voluble exclamations of horror and
+congratulations at getting safely out of the way to which the ladies
+gave expression, were mingled prayers for the soul of the miserable
+man. "If they knew all," thought Carlos, as the slight, closely-veiled
+forms clung trustingly to him for protection, "they would think <i>me</i>
+worse, more degraded, than yon wretched being. They pity <i>him</i>, they
+pray for <i>him</i>; <i>me</i> they would only loathe and execrate. And Juan, my
+beloved, my honoured brother&mdash;what will he think?" This last thought
+was the one that haunted him most frequently and troubled him most
+deeply.</p>
+
+<p>But had he nothing to counter-balance these pangs of fear and shame,
+these manifold dark misgivings? He had much. First and best, he had
+the peace that passeth all understanding shed abroad in his heart. Its
+light did not grow pale and faint with time; on the other hand, it
+increased in brightness and steadiness, as new truths arose like stars
+upon his soul, every new truth being in itself "a new joy" to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Moreover, he found keen enjoyment in the communion of saints. Great was
+his surprise when, after sufficiently instructing him in private, and
+satisfactorily testing his sincerity, Losada cautiously revealed to him
+the existence of a regularly-organized Lutheran Church in Seville, of
+which he himself was actually the pastor. He invited Carlos to attend
+its meetings, which were held, with due precaution, and usually after
+nightfall, in the house of a lady of rank&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos readily accepted the perilous invitation, and with deep emotion
+took his place amongst the band of "called, chosen, and faithful" men
+and women, every one of whom, as he believed, shared the same joys and
+hopes that he did. They were not at all such a "little band" as he
+expected to find them. Nor were they, with very few exceptions, of the
+poor of this world. If that bright southern land, so rich in all that
+kindles the imagination, eventually to her own ruin rejected the truth
+of God, at least she offered upon his altar some of her choicest and
+fairest flowers. Many of those who met in Do&ntilde;a Isabella's upper room
+were "chief men" and "devout and honourable women." Talent, learning,
+excellence of every kind was largely represented there; so also was
+the <i>sangre azul</i>, the boast of the proud Spanish grandees. One of
+the first faces that Carlos recognized was the sweet, thoughtful one
+of the young Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques, whose precocious learning and
+accomplishments had often been praised in his hearing, and in whom he
+had now a new and peculiar interest.</p>
+
+<p>There were two noblemen of the first order&mdash;Don Domingo de Guzman, son
+of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon, son of the
+Count of Baylen. Carlos had often heard of the munificent charities of
+the latter, who had actually embarrassed his estates by his unbounded
+liberality to the poor. But while Ponce de Leon was thus labouring
+to relieve the sorrows of others, a deep sadness brooded over his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>own spirit. He was wont to go forth by night, and pace up and down
+the great stone platform in the Prado San Sebastian, that bore the
+ghastly name of the Quemadero, or <i>Burning-place</i>, while in his heart
+the shadow of death&mdash;the darkest shadow of the dreadest death&mdash;was
+struggling with the light of immortality.</p>
+
+<p>Did the rest of that devoted band share the agony of apprehension that
+filled those lonely midnight hours with passionate prayer? Some amongst
+them did, no doubt. But with most, the circumstances and occupations
+of daily life wove, with their multitudinous slender threads, a veil
+dense enough to hide, or at least to soften, the perils of their
+situation. The Protestants of Seville contrived to pass their lives
+and to do their work side by side with other men; they moved amongst
+their fellow-citizens and were not recognized; they even married and
+were given in marriage; though all the time there fell upon their daily
+paths the shadow of the grim old fortress where the Holy Inquisition
+held its awful secret court.</p>
+
+<p>But then, at this period the Holy Inquisition was by no means
+exhibiting its usual terrible activity. The Inquisitor-General,
+Fernando de Valdez, Archbishop of Seville, was an old man of
+seventy-four, relentless when roused, but not particularly
+enterprising. Moreover, he was chiefly occupied in amassing enormous
+wealth from his rich and numerous Church preferments. Hitherto, the
+fires of St. Dominic had been kindled for Jews and Moors; only one
+Protestant had suffered death in Spain, and Valladolid, not Seville,
+had been the scene of his martyrdom. Seville, indeed, had witnessed two
+notable prosecutions for Lutheranism&mdash;that of Rodrigo de Valer and that
+of Juan Gil, commonly called Dr. Egidius. But Valer had been only sent
+to a monastery to die, while, by a disgraceful artifice, retraction had
+been obtained from Egidius.</p>
+
+<p>During the years that had passed since then, the Holy Office had
+appeared to slumber. Victims who refused to eat pork, or kept Sabbath
+on Saturday, were growing scarce for obvious <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>reasons. And not yet had
+the wild beast "exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron and his
+nails of brass," begun to devour a nobler prey. Did the monster, gorged
+with human blood, really slumber in his den; or did he only assume the
+attitude and appearance of slumber, as some wild beasts are said to do,
+to lure his unwary victims within the reach of his terrible crouch and
+spring?</p>
+
+<p>No one can certainly tell; but however it may have been, we doubt not
+the Master used the breathing-time thus afforded his Church to prepare
+and polish many a precious gem, destined to shine through all ages in
+his crown of glory.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIV" id="XIV">XIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Monks of San Esodro.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The earnest of eternal joy</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">In every prayer I trace;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I see the likeness of the Lord</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">In every patient face.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;How oft, in still communion known,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Those spirits have been sent</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To share the travail of my soul,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Or show me what it meant."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t is amongst the perplexing conditions of our earthly life, that we
+cannot first reflect, then act; first form our opinions, then, and
+not till then, begin to carry them out into practice. Thought and
+action have usually to run beside each other in parallel lines; a
+terrible necessity, and never more terrible than during the progress of
+momentous inward changes.</p>
+
+<p>A man becomes convinced that the star by which he has hitherto been
+steering is not the true pole-star, and that if he perseveres in his
+present course his barque will inevitably be lost. At his peril,
+he must find out the one unerring guide; yet, while he seeks it,
+his hand must not for an instant quit his hold on the helm, for the
+winds of circumstance fill his sails, and he cannot choose whether he
+will go, he can <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>only choose where. This lies at the root of much of
+the apparent inconsistency which has often been made a reproach to
+reformers.</p>
+
+<p>Though Carlos did not feel this difficulty as keenly as some of his
+brethren in the faith, he yet felt it. His uncle was continually
+pressing him to take Orders, and to seek for this or that tempting
+preferment; whilst every day he had stronger doubts as to the
+possibility of his accepting any preferment in the Church, and was even
+beginning to entertain scruples about taking Orders at all.</p>
+
+<p>During this period of deliberation and uncertainty, one of his new
+friends, Fray Cassiodoro, an eloquent Jeromite friar, who assisted
+Losada in his ministrations, said to him, "If you intend embracing a
+religious life, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, you will find the white tunic and
+brown mantle of St. Jerome more to your taste than any other habit."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos pondered the hint; and shortly afterwards announced to his
+relatives that he intended to "go into retreat" for a season, at the
+Jeromite Convent of San Isodro del Campo, which was about two miles
+from Seville.</p>
+
+<p>His uncle approved this resolution; and none the less, because he
+thought it was probably intended as a preparation for taking the cowl.
+"After all, nephew, it may turn out that you have the longest head
+amongst us," he said. "In the race for wealth and honours, no man can
+doubt that the Regulars beat the Seculars now-a-days. And there is
+not a saint in all the Spains so popular as St. Jerome. You know the
+proverb,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'He who is a count, and to be a duke aspires,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Let him straight to Guadaloupe, and sing among the friars.'"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo, who was present, here looked up from his book and observed
+sharply,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No man will ever be a duke who changes his mind three times within
+three months."</p>
+
+<p>"But I only changed my mind once," returned Carlos.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You have never changed it at all, that I wot of," said Don Manuel.
+"And I would that thine were turned in the same profitable direction,
+son Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes! By all means. Offer the blind and the lame in sacrifice. Put
+Heaven off with the wreck of a man that the world will not condescend
+to take into her service."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, son born to cross me!" said the father, losing his
+temper at by no means the worst of the many provocations he had
+recently received. "Is it not enough to look at thee lying there a
+useless log, and to suffer thy vile temper; but thou must set thyself
+against me, when I point out to thee the only path in which a cripple
+such as thou could earn green figs to eat with his bread, not to speak
+of supporting the rank of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya as he ought."</p>
+
+<p>Here Carlos, out of consideration for the feelings of Gonsalvo, left
+the room; but the angry altercation between the father and son lasted
+long after his departure.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Don Carlos rode out, by a lonely path amidst the gray
+ruins of old Italica, to the stately castellated convent of San
+Isodro. Amidst all his new interests, the young Castilian noble still
+remembered with due enthusiasm how the building had been reared, more
+than two hundred years ago, by the devotion of the heroic Alonzo Guzman
+the Good, who gave up his own son to death, under the walls of Tarifa,
+rather than surrender the city to the Moors.</p>
+
+<p>Before he left Seville, he placed a copy of Fray Constantino's "Sum of
+Christian Doctrine" between two volumes of Gonsalvo's favourite "Lope
+de Vega." He had previously introduced to the notice of the ladies
+several of the Fray's little treatises, which contained a large amount
+of Scripture truth, so cautiously expressed as to have not only escaped
+the censure, but actually obtained the express approbation of the Holy
+Office. He had also induced them occasionally to accompany him to the
+preachings at the Cathedral. Further than this he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>dared not go; nor
+did he on other accounts think it advisable, as yet, to permit himself
+much communication with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>The monks of San Isodro welcomed him with that strong, peculiar
+love which springs up between the disciples of the same Lord, more
+especially when they are a little flock surrounded by enemies. They
+knew that he was already one of the initiated, a regular member of
+Losada's congregation. Both this fact, and the warm recommendations of
+Fray Cassiodoro, led them to trust him implicitly; and very quickly
+they made him a sharer in their secrets, their difficulties, and their
+perplexities.</p>
+
+<p>To his astonishment, he found himself in the midst of a community,
+Protestant in heart almost to a man, and as far as possible acting out
+their convictions; while at the same time they retained (how could they
+discard them?) the outward ceremonies of their Church and their Order.</p>
+
+<p>He soon fraternized with a gentle, pious young monk named Fray
+Fernando, and asked him to explain this extraordinary state of things.</p>
+
+<p>"I am but just out of my novitiate, having been here little more than
+a year," said the young man, who was about his own age; "and already,
+when I came, the fathers carefully instructed the novices out of the
+Scriptures, exhorting us to lay no stress upon outward ceremonies,
+penances, crosses, holy water, and the like. But I have often heard
+them speak of the manner in which they were led to adopt these views."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was their teacher? Fray Cassiodoro?"</p>
+
+<p>"Latterly; not at first. It was Dr. Blanco who sowed the first seed of
+truth here."</p>
+
+<p>"Whom do you mean? We in the city give the name of Dr. Blanco (the
+white doctor), from his silver hairs, to a man of your holy order,
+certainly, but one most zealous for the old faith. He is a friend
+and confidant of the Inquisitors, if indeed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>he is not himself a
+Qualificator of Heresy:<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> I speak of Dr. Gar&ccedil;ias Ari&acirc;s."</p>
+
+<p>"The same man. You are astonished, se&ntilde;or; nevertheless it is true.
+The elder brethren say that when he came to the convent all were sunk
+in ignorance and superstition. The monks cared for nothing but vain
+repetitions of unfelt prayers, and showy mummeries of idle ceremonial.
+But the white doctor told them all these would avail them nothing,
+unless their hearts were given to God, and they worshipped him in
+spirit and in truth. They listened, were convinced, began to study the
+Holy Scriptures as he recommended them, and truly to seek Him who is
+revealed therein."</p>
+
+<p>"'Out of the eater came forth meat,'" said Carlos. "I am truly amazed
+to hear of such teaching from the lips of Gar&ccedil;ias Ari&acirc;s."</p>
+
+<p>"Not more amazed than the brethren were by his after conduct," returned
+Fray Fernando. "Just when they had received the truth with joy, and
+were beginning heartily to follow it, their teacher suddenly changed
+his tone, and addressed himself diligently to the task of building up
+the things that he once destroyed. When Lent came round, the burden of
+his preaching was nothing but penance and mortification of the flesh.
+No less would content him than that the poor brethren should sleep on
+the bare ground, or standing; and wear sackcloth and iron girdles. They
+could not tell what to make of these bewildering instructions. Some
+followed them, others clung to the simpler faith they had learned to
+love, many tried to unite both. In fact, the convent was filled with
+confusion, and several of the brethren were driven half distracted.
+But at last God put it into their hearts to consult Dr. Egidius. Your
+Excellency is well acquainted with his history, doubtless?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Not so well as I should like to be. Still, for the present, let us
+keep to the brethren. Did Dr. Egidius confirm their faith?"</p>
+
+<p>"That he did, se&ntilde;or; and in many ways he led them into a further
+acquaintance with the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"And that enigma, Dr. Blanco?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Fernando shook his head. "Whether his mind was really changed, or
+whether he concealed his true opinions through fear, or through love of
+the present world, I know not. I should not judge him."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Carlos, softly. "It is not for us, who have never been
+tried, to judge those who have failed in the day of trial. But it must
+be a terrible thing to fail, Fray Fernando."</p>
+
+<p>"As good Dr. Egidius did himself. Ah, se&ntilde;or, if you had but seen him
+when he came forth from his prison! His head was bowed, his hair was
+white; they who spoke with him say his heart was well-nigh broken.
+Still he was comforted, and thanked God, when he saw the progress the
+truth had made during his imprisonment, both in Valladolid and in
+Seville, especially amongst the brethren here. His visit was of great
+use to us. But the most precious boon we ever received was a supply of
+God's Word in our own tongue, which was brought to us some months ago."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked at him eagerly. "I think I know whose hand brought it,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot fail to know, se&ntilde;or. You have doubtless heard of Juliano El
+Chico?"</p>
+
+<p>The colour rose to the cheek of Carlos as he answered, "I shall thank
+God all my life, and beyond it, that I have not heard of him alone, but
+met him. He it was who put this book into my hand," and he drew out his
+own Testament.</p>
+
+<p>"We also have good cause to thank him. And we mean that others
+shall have it through us. For the books he brought <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>we not only use
+ourselves, but diligently circulate far and wide, according to our
+ability."</p>
+
+<p>"It is strange to know so little of a man, and yet to owe him so much.
+Can you tell me anything more than the name, Juliano Hernandez, which I
+repeat every day when I ask God in my prayers to bless and reward him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only know he is a poor, unlearned man, a native of Villaverda, in
+Campos. He went to Germany, and entered the service of Juan Peres, who,
+as you are aware, translated the Testament, and printed it, Juliano
+aiding in the work as compositor. He then undertook, of his own free
+will, the task of bringing a supply into this country; you well know
+how perilous a task, both the sea-ports and the passes of the Pyrenees
+being so closely watched by the emissaries of the Holy Office. Juliano
+chose the overland journey, since, knowing the mountains well, he
+thought he could manage to make his way unchallenged by some of their
+hazardous, unfrequented paths. God be thanked, he arrived in safety
+with his precious freight early last summer."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where he is now?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Doubtless he is wandering somewhere, perhaps not far distant,
+carrying on, in darkness and silence, his noble missionary work."</p>
+
+<p>"What would I give&mdash;rather, what would I not give&mdash;to see him once
+more, to take his hand in mine, and to thank him for what he has done
+for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there is the vesper bell. You know, se&ntilde;or, that Fray Cristobal is
+to lecture this evening on the Epistle to the Hebrews. That is why I
+love Tuesday best of all days in the week."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Cristobal D'Arellano was a monk of San Isodro, remarkable for his
+great learning, which was consecrated to the task of explaining and
+spreading the Reformed doctrines. Carlos put himself under the tuition
+of this man, to perfect his knowledge of Greek, a language of which he
+had learned very <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>little, and that little very imperfectly, at Alcala.
+He profited exceedingly by the teaching he received, and partially
+repaid the obligation by instructing the novices in Latin, a task which
+was very congenial to him, and which he performed with much success.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XV" id="XV">XV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Great Sanbenito.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The thousands that, uncheered by praise,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Have made one offering of their days;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For Truth's, for Heaven's, for Freedom's sake,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Resigned the bitter cup to take."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapy"><span class="hide">Y</span></span>oung as was the Protestant Church in Seville, she already had her
+history. There was one name that Carlos had heard mentioned in
+connection with her first origin, round which there gathered in his
+thoughts a peculiar interest, or rather fascination. He knew now that
+the monks of San Isodro had been largely indebted to the instructions
+of Doctor Juan Gil, or Egidius. And he had been told previously that
+Egidius himself had learned the truth from an earlier and bolder
+witness, Rodrigo de Valer. This was the name that Losada once coupled
+in his hearing with that of his own father.</p>
+
+<p>Why then had he not sought information, which might have proved so
+deeply interesting to him, directly from Losada himself, his friend
+and teacher? Several causes contributed to his reluctance to broach
+the subject. But by far the greatest was a kind of chivalrous, half
+romantic tenderness for that absent brother, whom he could now truly
+say that he loved best on earth. It is very difficult for us to put
+ourselves in the position <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>of Spaniards of the sixteenth century, so
+far as at all to understand the way in which they were accustomed to
+look upon heresy. In their eyes it was not only a crime, infinitely
+more dreadful than that of murder; it was also a horrible disgrace,
+branding a man's whole lineage up and down for generations, and
+extending its baleful influence to his remotest kindred. Carlos asked
+himself, day by day, how would the high-hearted Don Juan Alvarez, whose
+idol was glory, and his dearest pride a noble and venerated name,
+endure to hear that his beloved and only brother was stained with that
+surpassing infamy? But at least it would be anguish enough to stab Juan
+once, as it were, with his own hand, without arming the dead hand of
+the father whose memory they both revered, and then driving home the
+weapon into his brother's heart. Rather would he let the matter remain
+in obscurity, even if (which was extremely doubtful) he could by any
+effort of his own shed a ray of light upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Still he took occasion one day to inquire of his friend Fray Fernando,
+who had received full information on these subjects from the older
+monks, "Was not that Rodrigo de Valer, whose sanbenito hangs in the
+Cathedral, the first teacher of the pure faith in Seville?"</p>
+
+<p>"True, se&ntilde;or, he taught many. While he himself, as I have heard,
+received the faith from none save God only."</p>
+
+<p>"He must have been a remarkable man. Tell me all you know of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Our Fray Cassiodoro has often heard Dr. Egidius speak of him; so that,
+though his lips were silenced long before your time or mine, se&ntilde;or, he
+seems still one of our company."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, already some of our number have joined the Church triumphant, but
+they are still one with us in Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Rodrigo de Valer," continued the young monk, "was of a noble
+family, and very wealthy. He was born at Lebrixa, but came to reside
+in Seville, a gay, light-hearted, brilliant <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>young caballero, who
+was soon a leader in all the folly and fashion of the great city.
+But suddenly these things lost their charm for him. Much to the
+astonishment of the gay world, to which he had been such an ornament,
+he disappeared from the scenes of amusement and festivity he had been
+wont to love. His companions could not understand the change that came
+over him&mdash;but <i>we</i> can understand it well. God's arrows of conviction
+were sharp in his heart. And he led him to turn for comfort, not to
+penance and self-mortification, but to his own Word. Only in one form
+was that Word accessible to him. He gathered up the fragments of
+his old school studies&mdash;little cared for at the time, and well-nigh
+forgotten afterwards&mdash;to enable him to read the Vulgate. There he
+found justification by faith, and through it, peace to his troubled
+conscience. But he did not find, as I need scarcely say to you, Don
+Carlos, purgatory, the worship of Our Lady and the saints, and certain
+other things our fathers taught us."</p>
+
+<p>"How long since was all this?" asked Carlos, who was listening with
+much interest, and at the same time comparing the narrative with that
+other story he had heard from Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>"Long enough, se&ntilde;or. Twenty years ago or more. When God had thus
+enlightened him, he returned to the world. But he returned to it a
+new man, determined henceforth to know nothing save Christ and him
+crucified. He addressed himself in the first instance to the priests
+and monks, whom, with a boldness truly amazing, he accosted wherever he
+met them, were it even in the most public places of the city, proving
+to them from Scripture that their doctrines were not the truth of God."</p>
+
+<p>"It was no hopeful soil in which to sow the Word."</p>
+
+<p>"No, truly; but it seemed laid upon him as a burden from God to speak
+what he felt and knew, whether men would hear or whether they would
+forbear. He very soon aroused the bitter enmity of those who hate the
+light because their deeds are evil. Had he been a poor man, he would
+have been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>burned at the stake, as that brave, honest-hearted young
+convert, Francisco de San Romano, was burned at Valladolid not so long
+ago, saying to those who offered him mercy at the last, 'Did you envy
+me my happiness?' But Don Rodrigo's rank and connections saved him from
+that fate. I have heard, too, that there were those in high places who
+shared, or at least favoured his opinions in secret. Such interceded
+for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then his words were received by some?" Carlos asked anxiously. "Have
+you ever heard the names of any of those who were his friends or
+patrons?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Fernando shook his head. "Even amongst ourselves, se&ntilde;or," he said,
+"names are not mentioned oftener than is needful. For 'a bird of the
+air will carry the matter;' and when life depends on our silence, it
+is no wonder if at last we become a trifle over-silent. In the lapse
+of years, some names that ought to be remembered amongst us may well
+chance to be forgotten, from this dread of breathing them, even in
+a whisper. Always excepting Dr. Egidius, Don Rodrigo's friends or
+converts are unknown to me. But I was about to say, the Inquisitors
+were prevailed upon, by those who interceded for him, to regard him
+as insane. They dismissed him, therefore, with no more severe penalty
+than the loss of his property, and with many cautions as to his future
+behaviour."</p>
+
+<p>"I hold it scarce likely that he observed them."</p>
+
+<p>"Very far otherwise, se&ntilde;or. For a short time, indeed, his friends
+prevailed on him to express his sentiments more privately; and Fray
+Cassiodoro says that during this interval he confirmed them in the
+faith by expounding the Epistle to the Romans. But he could not long
+hide the light he held. To all remonstrances he answered, that he
+was a soldier sent on a forlorn hope, and must needs press forward
+to the breach. If he fell, it mattered not; in his place God would
+raise up others, whose would be the glory and the joy of victory. So,
+once again, the Holy Office laid its grasp upon him. It was resolved
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>that his voice should be heard no more on earth; and he was therefore
+consigned to the living death of perpetual imprisonment. And yet, in
+spite of all their care and all their malice, one more testimony for
+God and his truth was heard from his lips."</p>
+
+<p>"How was that?"</p>
+
+<p>"They led him, robed in that great sanbenito you have often seen, to
+the Church of San Salvador, to sit and listen, with the other weeping
+penitents, while some ignorant priest denounced their heresies and
+blasphemies. But he was not afraid after the sermon to stand up in his
+place, and warn the people against the preacher's erroneous doctrine,
+showing them where and how it differed from the Word of God. It is
+marvellous they did not burn him; but God restrained the remainder of
+their wrath. They sent him at last to the monastery of San Lucar, where
+he remained in solitary confinement until his death."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos mused a little. Then he said, "What a blessed change, from
+solitary confinement to the company of just men made perfect; from the
+gloom of a convent prison to the glory of God's house, eternal in the
+heavens!"</p>
+
+<p>"Some of the elder brethren say <i>we</i> may be called upon to pass through
+trials even more severe," remarked Fray Fernando. "I know not. Being
+amongst the youngest here, I should speak my mind with humility; still
+I cannot help looking around me, and seeing that everywhere men are
+receiving the Word of God with joy. Think of the learned and noble men
+and women in the city who have joined our band already, and are eager
+to gain others! New converts are won for us every day; not to speak of
+that great multitude among Fray Constantino's hearers who are really on
+our side, without dreaming it themselves. Moreover, your noble friend,
+Don Carlos de Seso, told us last summer that the signs in the north are
+equally encouraging. He thinks the Lutherans of Valladolid are more
+numerous than those of Seville. In Toro and Logrono also <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>the light is
+spreading rapidly. And throughout the districts near the Pyrenees the
+Word has free course, thanks to the Huguenot traders from B&eacute;arn."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard these things in Seville, and truly my heart rejoices at
+them. But yet&mdash;" here Carlos broke off suddenly, and remained silent,
+gazing mournfully into the fire, near which, as it was now winter, they
+had seated themselves.</p>
+
+<p>At last Fray Fernando asked, "What do <i>you</i> think, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised his dark blue eyes and fixed them on the questioner's
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Of the future," he said slowly, "I think&mdash;<i>nothing</i>. I dare not think
+of it. It is in God's hand, and he thinks for us. Still, one thing I
+cannot choose but see. Where we are we cannot remain. We are bound to a
+great wheel that is turning&mdash;turning&mdash;and turn with it, even in spite
+of ourselves, we must and do. But it is the wheel, not of chance, but
+of God's mighty purposes; that is all our comfort."</p>
+
+<p>"And those purposes, are they not mercy and truth unto our beloved
+land?"</p>
+
+<p>"They may be; but I know not. They are not revealed. 'Mercy and truth
+unto such as keep his covenant,' that indeed is written."</p>
+
+<p>"We are they that keep his covenant."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos sighed, and resumed the thread of his own thought,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The wheel turns round, and we with it. Even since I came here it has
+turned perceptibly. And how it is to turn one step further without
+bringing us into contact with the solid frame of things as they are,
+and so crushing us, truly I see not. I see not; but I trust God."</p>
+
+<p>"You allude to these discussions about the sacrifice of the mass now
+going on so continually amongst us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do. Hitherto we have been able to work underground; but if doubt
+must be thrown upon <i>that</i>, the thin shell of earth <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>that has concealed
+and protected us, will break and fall in upon our heads. And then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Already we are all asking, 'And then?'" said Fray Fernando. "There
+will be nothing before us but flight to some foreign land."</p>
+
+<p>"And how, in God's name, is that to be accomplished? But God forgive
+me these words; and God keep me, and all of us, from the subtle snare
+of mixing with the question, 'What is his will?' that other question,
+'What will be our fate if we try to do it?' As the noble De Seso said
+to me, all that matters to us is to be found amongst those who 'follow
+the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.' <i>But he went to Calvary.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The last words were spoken in so low a tone that Fray Fernando heard
+them not.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you say?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Time enough to hear if God himself speaks it in our ears."</p>
+
+<p>Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a lay brother,
+who informed Carlos that a visitor awaited him in the convent parlour.
+As it was one of the hours during which the rules of the house
+(which were quite liberal enough, without being lax) permitted the
+entertainment of visitors, Carlos went to receive his without much
+delay.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that if the guest had been one of "their own," their loved
+brethren in the faith, even the attendant would have been well
+acquainted with his person, and would naturally have named him. He
+entered the room, therefore, with no very lively anticipations;
+expecting, at most, to see one of his cousins, who might have paid him
+the compliment of riding out from the city to visit him.</p>
+
+<p>A tall, handsome, sunburnt man, who had his left arm in a sling, was
+standing with his back to the window. But in one moment more the other
+arm was flung round the neck of Carlos, and heart pressed to heart, and
+lip to lip&mdash;the brothers stood together.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVI" id="XVI">XVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Welcome Home.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"We are so unlike each other,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Thou and I, that none would guess</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;We were children of one mother,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">But for mutual tenderness."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>fter the first tumult of greeting, in which affection was expressed
+rather by look and gesture than by word, the brothers sat down and
+talked. Eager questions rose to the lips of both, but especially to
+those of Carlos, whose surprise at Juan's unexpected appearance only
+equalled his delight.</p>
+
+<p>"But you are wounded, my brother," he said. "Not seriously, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no! Only a bullet through my arm. A piece of my usual good luck. I
+got it in The Battle."</p>
+
+<p>No adjective was needed to specify the glorious day of St. Quentin,
+when Flemish Egmont's chivalrous courage, seconded by Castilian
+bravery, gained for King Philip such a brilliant victory over the arms
+of France. Carlos knew the story already from public sources. And it
+did not occur to Juan, nor indeed to Carlos either, that there had
+ever been, or would ever be again, a battle so worthy of being held in
+everlasting remembrance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But do you count the wound part of your good luck?" asked Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, truly, and well I may. It has brought me home; as you ought to
+have known ere this."</p>
+
+<p>"I received but two letters from you&mdash;that written on your first
+arrival, and dated from Cambray; and that which told of your notable
+prize, the French prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"But I wrote two others: one, I entrusted to a soldier who was coming
+home invalided&mdash;I suppose the fellow lost it; the other (written just
+after the great St. Laurence's day) arrived in Seville the night
+before I made my own appearance there. His Majesty will need to look
+to his posts; certes, they are the slowest carriers to be found in any
+Christian country." And Juan's merry laugh rang through the convent
+parlour, little enough used to echo such sounds.</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard almost nothing of you, brother; save what could be
+gathered from the public accounts," Carlos continued.</p>
+
+<p>"All the better now. I have only such news as is pleasant for me to
+tell; and will not be ill, I think, for thee to hear. First, then, and
+in due order&mdash;I am promised my company!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good news, indeed! My brother must have honoured our name by some
+special deed of valour. Was it at St. Quentin?" asked Carlos, looking
+at him with honest, brotherly pride. He was not much changed by his
+campaign, except that his dark cheek wore a deeper bronze, and his face
+was adorned with a formidable pair of <i>bigotes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"That story must wait," returned Juan. "I have so much else to tell
+thee. Dost thou remember how I said, as a boy, that I should take a
+noble prisoner, like Alphonso Vives, and enrich myself by his ransom?
+And thou seest I have done it."</p>
+
+<p>"In a good day! Still, he was not the Duke of Saxony."</p>
+
+<p>"Like him, at least, in being a heretic, or Huguenot, if that be a
+less unsavoury word to utter in these holy precincts. Moreover, he is
+a tried and trusted officer of Admiral Coligny's <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>suite. It was that
+day when the admiral so gallantly threw himself into the besieged town.
+And, for my part, I am heartily obliged to him. But for his presence,
+there would have been no defence of St. Quentin, to speak of, at all;
+but for the defence, no battle; but for the battle, no grand victory
+for the Spains and King Philip. We cut off half of the admiral's
+troops, however, and it fell to my lot to save the life of a brave
+French officer whom I saw fighting alone amongst a crowd. He gave me
+his sword; and I led him to my tent, and provided him with all the
+solace and succour I could, for he was sorely wounded. He was the Sieur
+de Ramenais; a gentleman of Provence, and an honest, merry-hearted,
+valiant man, as it was ever my lot to meet withal. He shared my bed
+and board, a pleasant guest rather than a prisoner, until we took the
+town, making the admiral himself our captive, as you know already. By
+that time, his brother had raised the sum for his ransom, and sent it
+honourably to me. But, in any case, I should have dismissed him on
+parole, as soon as his wounds were healed. He was pleased to give me,
+beside the good gold pistoles, this diamond ring you see on my finger,
+in token of friendship."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos took the costly trinket in his hand, and duly admired it.
+He did not fail to gather from Juan's simple narrative many things
+that he told not, and was little likely to tell. In the time of
+action, chivalrous daring; when the conflict was over, gentleness
+and generosity no less chivalrous, endearing him to all&mdash;even to
+the vanquished enemy. No wonder Carlos was proud of his brother!
+But beneath all the pride and joy there was, even already, a secret
+whisper of fear. How could he bear to see that noble brow clouded with
+anger&mdash;those bright confiding eyes averted from him in disdain? Turning
+from his own thoughts as if they had been guilty things, he asked
+quickly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you obtain leave of absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Through the kindness of his Highness."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Duke of Savoy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. And a braver general I would never ask to serve."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it might have been from the King himself, when he came to
+the camp after the battle."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's cheek glowed with modest triumph. "His Highness was good
+enough to point me out to His Catholic Majesty," he said. "And the King
+spoke to me himself!"</p>
+
+<p>It is difficult for us to understand how a few formal words of praise
+from the lips of one of the meanest and vilest of men could be looked
+upon by the really noble-hearted Don Juan Alvarez as almost the
+crowning joy of his life. With the enthusiastic loyalty of his age and
+country he honoured Philip the king; Philip the man being all the time
+a personage as utterly unknown to him as the Sultan of Turkey. But
+not choosing to expatiate upon a theme so flattering to himself, he
+continued,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Duke contrived to send me home with despatches, saying kindly
+that he thought my wound required a little rest and care. Though I had
+affairs of importance" (and here the colour mounted to his brow) "to
+settle in Seville, I would not have quitted the camp, with my goodwill,
+had we been about any enterprise likely to give us fair fighting. But
+in truth Carlos, things have been abundantly dull since the fall of St.
+Quentin. Though we have our King with us, and Henry of France and the
+Duke of Guise have both joined the enemy, all are standing at gaze as
+if they were frozen, and doomed to stay there motionless till the day
+of judgment. I have no mind for that kind of sport, not I! I became a
+soldier to fight His Catholic Majesty's battles, not to stare at his
+enemies as if they were puppets paid to make a show for my amusement.
+So I was not sorry to take leave of absence."</p>
+
+<p>"And your important business in Seville. May a brother ask what that
+means?"</p>
+
+<p>"A brother may ask what he pleases, and be answered. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>Wish me joy,
+Carlos; I have arranged that little matter with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz." And
+his light words half hid, half revealed the great deep joy of his
+own strong heart. "My uncle," he continued, "is favourable to my
+views; indeed, I have never known him so friendly. We are to have our
+betrothal feast at Christmas, when your time of retreat here is over."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos "wished him joy" most sincerely. Fervently did he thank God
+that it was in his power to do it; that the snare that had once wound
+itself so subtly around his footsteps was broken, and his soul escaped.
+He could now meet his brother's eye without self-reproach. Still, this
+seemed sudden. He said, "Certainly you did not lose time."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I?" asked Juan with simplicity. "'By-and-by is always too
+late,' as thou wert wont to say; and I would they learned that proverb
+at the camp. In truth," he added more gravely, "I often feared, during
+my stay there, that I might have lost all through my tardiness. But
+thou wert a good brother to me, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"Mayest thou ever think so, brother mine," said Carlos, not without a
+pang, as his conscience told him how little he deserved the praise.</p>
+
+<p>"But what in the world," asked Juan hastily, "has induced thee to bury
+thyself here, amongst these drowsy monks?"</p>
+
+<p>"The brethren are excellent men, learned and pious. And I am not
+buried," Carlos returned with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And if thou wert buried ten fathoms deep, thou shouldst come up out of
+the grave when I need thee to stand beside me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear for that. Now thou art come, I will not prolong my stay
+here, as otherwise I might have done. But I have been very happy here,
+Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it," said the merry-hearted, unsuspecting Juan. "I
+am glad also that you are not in too great haste to tie yourself down
+to the Church's service; though our honoured uncle seems to wish you
+had a keener eye to your <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>own interest, and a better look-out for fat
+benefices. But I believe his own sons have appropriated all the stock
+of worldly prudence meant for the whole family, leaving none over for
+thee and me, Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true of Don Manuel and Don Balthazar, not of Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Gonsalvo! he is far the worst of the three," Juan exclaimed, with
+something like anger in his open, sunny face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos laughed. "I suppose he has been favouring you with his opinion
+of me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"If he were not a poor miserable weakling and cripple, I should answer
+him with the point of my good sword. However, this is idle talk. Little
+brother" (Carlos being nearly as tall as himself, the diminutive was
+only a term of affection, recalling the days of their childhood, and
+more suited to masculine lips than its equivalent, dear)&mdash;"little
+brother, you look grave and pale, and ten years older than when we
+parted at Alcala."</p>
+
+<p>"Do I? Much has happened with me since. I have been very sorrowful and
+very happy."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan laid his available hand on his brother's shoulder, and looked
+him earnestly in the face. "No secrets from me, little brother," he
+said. "If thou dost not like the service of Holy Church after all,
+speak out, and thou shalt go back with me to France, or to anywhere
+else in the known world that thou wilt. There may be some fair lady in
+the case," he added, with a keen and searching glance.</p>
+
+<p>"No, brother&mdash;not that. I have indeed much to tell thee, but not
+now&mdash;not to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Choose thine own time; only remember, no secrets. That were the one
+unbrotherly act I could never forgive."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not yet satisfied about your wound," said Carlos, with
+perhaps a little moral cowardice, turning the conversation. "Was the
+bone broken?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, fortunately; only grazed. It would not have signified, but for the
+treatment of the blundering barber-surgeon. I was advised to show it to
+some man of skill; and already my cousins have recommended to me one
+who is both physician and surgeon, and very able, they say."</p>
+
+<p>"Dr. Cristobal Losada?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same. Your favourite, Don Gonsalvo, has just been prevailed upon
+to make trial of his skill."</p>
+
+<p>"I am heartily glad of it," returned Carlos. "There is a change of mind
+on his part, equal to any wherewith he can reproach me; and a change
+for the better, I have little doubt."</p>
+
+<p>Thus the conversation wandered on; touching many subjects, exhausting
+none; and never again drawing dangerously near those deep places which
+one of the brothers knew must be thoroughly explored, and that at no
+distant day. For Juan's sake, for the sake of One whom he loved even
+more than Juan, he dared not&mdash;nay, he would not&mdash;avoid the task. But he
+needed, or thought he needed, consideration and prayer, that he might
+speak the truth wisely, as well as bravely, to that beloved brother.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVII" id="XVII">XVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Disclosures.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"No distance breaks the tie of blood;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Brothers are brothers evermore;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;That magic may o'erpower."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Keble.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he opportunity for free converse with his brother which Carlos
+desired, yet dreaded, was unexpectedly postponed. It would have been
+in accordance neither with the ideas of the time nor with his own
+feelings to have shortened his period of retreat in the monastery,
+though he would not now prolong it. And though Don Juan did not fail
+to make his appearance upon every day when visitors were admitted,
+he was always accompanied by either of his cousins Don Manuel or Don
+Balthazar, or by both. These shallow, worldly-minded young men were
+little likely to allow for the many things, in which strangers might
+not intermeddle, that brothers long parted might find to say to each
+other; they only thought that they were conferring a high honour on
+their poorer relatives by their favour and notice. In their presence
+the conversation was necessarily confined to the incidents of Juan's
+campaign, and to family matters. Whether Don Balthazar would obtain
+a post he was seeking under Government; whether Do&ntilde;a Sancha would
+eventually bestow the inestimable <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>favour of her hand upon Don Beltran
+Vivarez or Don Alonso de Giron; and whether the disappointed suitor
+would stab himself or his successful rival;&mdash;these were questions
+of which Carlos soon grew heartily weary. But in all that concerned
+Beatriz he was deeply interested. Whatever he may once have allowed
+himself to fancy about the sentiments of a very young and childish
+girl, he never dreamed that she would make, or even desire to make,
+any opposition to the expressed wish of her guardian, who destined her
+for Juan. He was sure that she would learn quickly enough to love his
+brother as he deserved, even if she did not already do so. And it gave
+him keen pleasure that his sacrifice had not been in vain; that the
+wine-cup of joy which he had just tasted, then put steadily aside, was
+being drained to the dregs by the lips he loved best. It is true this
+pleasure was not yet unmixed with pain, but the pain was less than a
+few months ago he would have believed possible. The wound which he once
+thought deadly, was in process of being healed; nay, it was nearly
+healed already. But the scar would always remain.</p>
+
+<p>Grand and mighty, but perplexing and mournful thoughts were filling
+his heart every day more and more. Amongst the subjects eagerly and
+continually discussed with the brethren of San Isodro, the most
+prominent just now was the sole priesthood of Christ, with the
+impossibility of his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice being ever
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>But these truths, in themselves so glorious, had for those who dared
+to admit them one terrible consequence. Their full acknowledgment
+would transform "the main altar's consummation," the sacrifice of the
+mass, from the highest act of Christian worship into a hideous lie,
+dishonouring to God, and ruinous to man.</p>
+
+<p>To this conclusion the monks of San Isodro were drawing nearer slowly
+but surely every day. And Carlos was side by side with the most
+advanced of them in the path of progress. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>Though timid in action, he
+was bold in speculation. To his keen, quick intellect to think and to
+reason was a necessity; he could not rest content with surface truths,
+nor leave any matter in which he was interested without probing it to
+its depths.</p>
+
+<p>But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now
+imminent was practically a most momentous one. It must transform the
+light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture
+the hands that held and tried to conceal it. They could only guard
+themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting
+it on the candle-stick of a true and faithful profession.</p>
+
+<p>"Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich
+lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison
+to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man? Let us
+go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but
+faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the
+liberty of confessing his name before men." This plan was the most
+popular with the community; though there were some that objected to it,
+not because of the loss of worldly wealth it would entail, but because
+of its extreme difficulty, and the peril in which it would involve
+others.</p>
+
+<p>That the question might be fully discussed and some course of action
+resolved upon, the monks of San Isodro convened a solemn chapter.
+Carlos had not, of course, the right to be present, though his friends
+would certainly inform him immediately afterwards of all that passed.
+So he whiled away part of the anxious hours by a walk in the orange
+grove belonging to the monastery. It was now December, and there had
+been a frost&mdash;not very usual in that mild climate. Every blade of
+grass was gemmed with tiny jewels, which were crushed by his footsteps
+as he passed along. He fancied them like the fair and sparkling, but
+unreal dreams of the creed in which he had been nurtured. They must
+perish; even should he weakly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>turn aside to spare them, God's sun
+would not fail ere long to dissolve them with the warmth of its beams.
+But wherefore mourn them? Would not the sun shine on still, and the
+blue sky, the emblem of eternal truth and love, still stretch above
+his head? Therefore he would look up&mdash;up, and not down. Forgetting
+the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those that were
+before, he would fain press forward towards the mark for the prize. And
+then his heart went up in fervent prayer that not only he himself, but
+also all those who shared his faith, might be enabled so to do.</p>
+
+<p>Turning into a path leading back through the grove to the monastery, he
+saw his brother coming towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"I was seeking thee," said Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"And always welcome. But why so early? On a Friday too!"</p>
+
+<p>"Wherein is Friday worse than Thursday?" asked Juan with a laugh. "You
+are not a monk, or even a novice, to be bound by rules so strict that
+you may not say, 'Vaya con Dios' to your brother without asking leave
+of my lord Abbot."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos had often noticed, not with displeasure, the freedom which
+Juan since his return assumed in speaking of Churchmen and Church
+ordinances. He answered, "I am only bound by the general rules of the
+house, to which it is seemly that visitors should conform. To-day the
+brethren are holding a Chapter to confer upon matters pertaining to
+their discipline. I cannot well bring you in-doors; but we do not need
+a better parlour than this."</p>
+
+<p>"True. I care for no roof save God's sky; and as for glazed and grated
+windows, I abhor them. Were I thrown into prison, I should die in a
+week. I made an early start for San Isodro, on an unusual day, to get
+rid of the company of my excellent but tiresome cousins; for in truth I
+am sick unto death of their talk and their courtesies. Moreover, I have
+ten thousand things to tell you, brother."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have a few for your ear also."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us sit down. Here is a pleasant seat which some of your brethren
+contrived to rest their weary limbs and enjoy the prospect. They know
+how to be comfortable, these monks."</p>
+
+<p>They sat down accordingly. For more than an hour Don Juan was the chief
+speaker; and as he spoke out of the abundance of his heart, it was no
+wonder that the name oftenest on his lips was that of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. Of
+the long and circumstantial story that he poured into the sympathizing
+ear of Carlos no more than this is necessary to repeat&mdash;that Beatriz
+not only did not reject him (no well-bred Spanish girl would behave in
+such a singular manner to a suitor recommended by her guardian), but
+actually looked kindly, nay, even smiled upon him. His exhilaration was
+in consequence extreme; and its expression might have proved tedious to
+any listener not deeply interested in his welfare.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, the subject was dismissed. "So my path lies clear
+and plain before me," said Juan, his fine determined face glowing with
+resolution and hope. "A soldier's life, with its toils and prizes;
+and a happy home at Nuera, with a sweet face to welcome me when I
+return. And, sooner or later, <i>that</i> voyage to the Indies. But you,
+Carlos&mdash;speak out, for I confess you perplex me&mdash;what do <i>you</i> wish and
+intend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Had you asked me that question a few months, I might almost say a few
+weeks, ago, I should not have hesitated, as now I do, for an answer."</p>
+
+<p>"You were ever willing, more than willing, for Holy Church's service.
+I know but one cause which could alter your mind; and to the tender
+accusation you have already pleaded not guilty."</p>
+
+<p>"The plea is a true one."</p>
+
+<p>"Certes; it cannot be that you have been seized with a sudden passion
+for a soldier's life," laughed Juan. "That was never your taste,
+little brother; and with all respect for you, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>scarce think your
+achievements with sword and arquebus would be specially brilliant. But
+there is something wrong with you," he said in an altered tone, as he
+gazed in his brother's anxious face.</p>
+
+<p>"Not <i>wrong</i>, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have it!" said Juan, joyously interrupting him. "You are in debt.
+That is soon mended, brother. In fact, it is my fault. I have had far
+too large a share already of what should have been for both of us
+alike. In future&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, brother. I have always had enough, more than I needed. And thou
+hast many expenses, and wilt have more henceforward, whilst I shall
+only want a doublet and hosen, and a pair of shoes."</p>
+
+<p>"And a cassock and gown?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I vow it is a harder task to comprehend you than to chase Coligny's
+guard with my single arm! And you so pious, so good a Christian! If
+you were a dull rough soldier like me, and if you had had a Huguenot
+prisoner (and a very fine fellow, too) to share your bed and board for
+months, one could comprehend your not liking certain things over well,
+or even"&mdash;and Juan averted his face and lowered his voice&mdash;"your having
+certain evil thoughts you would scarcely care to breathe in the ears of
+your father confessor."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, I too have had thoughts," said Carlos eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>But Juan suddenly tossed off his montero, and ran his fingers through
+his black glossy hair. In old times this gesture used to be a sign that
+he was going to speak seriously. After a moment he began, but with a
+little hesitation, for in fact he held the <i>mind</i> of Carlos in as true
+and unfeigned reverence as Carlos held his <i>character</i>. And that is
+enough to say, without mentioning the additional respect with which he
+regarded him, as almost a priest. "Brother Carlos, you are good and
+pious. You were thus from childhood; and therefore it is that you are
+fit <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>for the service of Holy Church. You rise and go to rest, you read
+your books, and tell your beads, and say your prayers, all just as you
+are ordered. It is the best life for you, and for any man who <i>can</i>
+live it, and be content with it. You do not sin, you do not doubt;
+therefore you will never come into any grief or trouble. But let me
+tell you, little brother, you have a scant notion what men meet with
+who go forth into the great world and fight their way in it; seeing
+on every side of them things that, take them as they may, will <i>not</i>
+always square with the faith they have learned in childhood."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, I also have struggled and suffered. I also have doubted."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, a Churchman's doubts! You had only to tell yourself doubt
+was a sin, to make the sign of the cross, to say an Ave or two, then
+there was an end of your doubts. 'Twere a different matter if you had
+the evil one in the shape of an angel of light&mdash;at least in that of a
+courteous, well-bred Huguenot gentleman, with as nice a sense of honour
+as any Catholic Christian&mdash;at your side continually, to whisper that
+the priests are no better than they ought to be, that the Church needs
+reform; and Heaven knows what more, and worse, beside.&mdash;Now, my pious
+brother, if thou art going to curse me with bell, book, and candle,
+begin at once. I am ready, and prepared to be duly penitent. Let me
+first put on my cap though, for it is cold," and he suited the action
+to the word.</p>
+
+<p>The voice in which Carlos answered him was low and tremulous with
+emotion. "Instead of cursing thee, brother beloved, I bless thee from
+my heart for words which give me courage to speak. I have doubted&mdash;nay,
+why should I shrink from the truth? I have learned, as I believe, from
+God himself that some things which the Church teaches as her doctrines
+are only the commandments of men."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan started, and his colour changed. His vaguely liberal ideas
+were far from having prepared him for this. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>"What do you mean?" he
+cried, staring at his brother in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"That I am now, in very truth, what I think you would call&mdash;<i>a
+Huguenot</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The die was cast. The avowal was made. Carlos waited its effects in
+breathless silence, as one who has fired a powder magazine might await
+the explosion.</p>
+
+<p>"May all the holy saints have mercy upon us!" cried Juan, in a voice
+that echoed through the grove. But after that one involuntary cry he
+was silent. The eyes of Carlos sought his face, but he turned away from
+him. At last he muttered, striking with his sword at the trunk of a
+tree that was near him, "Huguenot&mdash;Protestant&mdash;<i>heretic</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," said Carlos, rising and standing before him&mdash;"brother, say
+what thou wilt, only speak to me. Reproach me, curse me, strike me, if
+it please thee, only speak to me."</p>
+
+<p>Juan turned, gazed full in his imploring face, and slowly, very slowly,
+allowed the sword to fall from his hand. There was a moment of doubt,
+of hesitation. Then he stretched out that hand to his brother. "They
+who list may curse thee, but not I," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos strained the offered hand in so close a grasp that his own was
+cut by his brother's diamond ring, and the blood flowed.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time both were silent, Juan in amazement, perhaps in
+consternation; Carlos in deep thankfulness. His confession was made,
+and his brother loved him still.</p>
+
+<p>At last Juan spoke, slowly and as if half bewildered. "The Sieur de
+Ramenais believes in God, and in our Lord and his passion. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos repeated the Apostles' Creed in the vulgar tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"And in Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that she was the most blessed among women, the holiest among
+the holy saints. Yet I ask her intercession no <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>more. I am too well
+assured of His love who says to me; and to all who keep his word, 'My
+brother, my sister, my mother.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought devotion to Our Lady was the surest mark of piety," said
+Juan, in utter perplexity. "Then, I am only a man of the world. But oh,
+my brother, this is frightful!" He paused a moment, then added more
+calmly, "Still, I have learned that Huguenots are not beasts with horns
+and hoofs; but, possibly, brave and honourable men enough, as good,
+for this world, as their neighbours. And yet&mdash;the disgrace!" His dark
+cheek flushed, then grew pale, as there rose before his mind's eye an
+appalling vision&mdash;his brother robed in a hideous sanbenito, bearing a
+torch in the ghastly procession of an <i>auto-da-f&eacute;</i>! "You have kept your
+secret as your life? My uncle and his family suspect nothing?" he asked
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, thank God."</p>
+
+<p>"And who taught you this accursed&mdash;these doctrines?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos briefly told the story of his first acquaintance with the
+Spanish New Testament; suppressing, however, all mention of the
+personal sorrow that had made its teaching so precious to him; nor did
+he think it expedient to give the name of Juliano Hernandez.</p>
+
+<p>"The Church may need reform. I am sure she does," Juan candidly
+admitted. "But Carlos, my brother," he added, while the expression of
+his face softened gradually into mournful, pitying tenderness, "little
+brother, in old times so gentle, so timid, hast thou dreamed&mdash;of the
+peril? I speak not now of the disgrace&mdash;God wot that is hard enough to
+think of&mdash;hard enough," he repeated bitterly. "But the peril?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent; his hands were clasped, his eyes raised upwards,
+full of thought, perhaps of prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that on thy hand?" asked Juan, with a sudden change of tone.
+"Blood? The Sieur de Ramenais' diamond ring has hurt thee."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos glanced at the little wound, and smiled. "I never felt it," he
+said, "so glad was my heart, Ruy, for that brave grasp of faithful
+brotherhood." And there was a strange light in his eye as he added,
+"Perchance it may be thus with me, if Christ indeed should call me to
+suffer. Weak as I am, he can give, even to me, such blessed assurance
+of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear shall be unfelt, or
+vanish."</p>
+
+<p>Juan could not understand him, but he was awed and impressed. He had
+no heart for many words. He rose and walked towards the gate of the
+monastery grounds, slowly and in silence, Carlos accompanying him. When
+they had nearly reached the spot where they were to part, Carlos said,
+"You have heard Fray Constantino, as I asked you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I greatly admire him."</p>
+
+<p>"He teaches God's truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can you not rest content with his teaching, then, instead of going
+to look for better bread than wheaten, Heaven knows where?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I return to the city next week I will explain all to thee."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so. In the meantime, adios." He strode on a pace or two, then
+turned back to say, "Thou and I, Carlos; we will stand together against
+the world."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVIII" id="XVIII">XVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Aged Monk.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I will not boast a martyr's might</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">To leave my home without a sigh&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The dwelling of my past delight,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The shelter where I hoped to die."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Anon.</span>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>uch was Carlos strengthened by the result of his interview with Don
+Juan. The thing that he greatly feared, his beloved brother's wrath and
+scorn, had not come upon him. Juan had shown, instead, a moderation,
+a candour, and a willingness to listen, which, while it really amazed
+him, inspired him with the happiest hopes. With a glad heart he
+repeated the Psalmist's exulting words: "The Lord is my strength and
+my shield; my heart hath trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my
+heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him."</p>
+
+<p>He soon perceived that the Chapter was over; for figures, robed in
+white and brown, were moving here and there amongst the trees. He
+entered the house, and without happening to meet any one, made his
+way to the deserted Chapter-room. Its sole remaining occupant was a
+very aged monk, the oldest member of the community. He was seated at
+the table, his face buried in his hands, and his frail, worn frame
+quivering as if with sobs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos went up to him and asked gently, "Father, what ails you?"</p>
+
+<p>The old man slowly raised his head, and gazed at him with sad, tired
+eyes, which had watched the course of more than eighty years. "My son,"
+he said, "if I weep, it is for joy."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos wondered; for he saw no joy on the wrinkled brow or in the
+tearful face. But he merely asked, "What have the brethren resolved?"</p>
+
+<p>"To await God's providence here. Praised be his holy name for that."
+And the old man bowed his silver head, and wept once more.</p>
+
+<p>To Carlos also the determination was a cause for deep gratitude.
+He had all along regarded the proposed flight of the brethren with
+extreme dread, as an almost certain means of awakening the suspicions
+of the Holy Office, and thus exposing all who shared their faith to
+destruction. It was no light matter that the danger was now at least
+postponed, always provided that the respite was purchased by no
+sacrifice of principle.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God!" reiterated the old monk. "For here I have lived; and here
+I will die and be buried, beside the holy brethren of other days, in
+the chapel of Don Alonzo the Good. My son, I came hither a stripling
+as thou art&mdash;no, younger, younger&mdash;I know not how many years ago; one
+year is so like another, there is no telling. I could tell by looking
+at the great book, only my eyes are too dim to read it. They have grown
+dim very fast of late; when Doctor Egidius used to visit us, I could
+read my Breviary with the youngest of them all. But no matter how many
+years. They were many enough to change a blooming, black-haired boy
+into an old man tottering on the grave's brink. And I to go forth now
+into that great, wicked world beyond the gate! I to look upon strange
+faces, and to live amongst strange men! Or to die amongst them, for to
+that it would come full soon! No, no, Se&ntilde;or <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>Don Carlos. Here I took
+the cowl; here I lived; and here I will die and lie buried, God and the
+saints helping me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yet for the Truth's sake, my father, would you not be willing to make
+even this sacrifice, and to go forth in your old age into exile?"</p>
+
+<p>"If the brethren must needs go, so, I suppose, must I. But they are
+<i>not</i> going, St. Jerome be praised," the old man repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Going or staying, the presence of Him whom they serve and for whom
+they witness will be with them."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, it may be, for aught I know. But in my young days so many
+fine words were not in use. We sang our matins, our complines, our
+vespers; we said the holy mass and all our offices, and God and St.
+Jerome took care of the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"But you would not have those days back again, would you, my father?
+You did not then know the glorious gospel of the grace of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Gospel, gospel? We always read the gospel for the day. I know my
+Breviary, young sir, just as well as another. And on festival days,
+some one always preached from the gospel. When Fray Domingo preached,
+plenty of great folks used to come out from the city to hear him. For
+he was very eloquent, and as much thought of, in his time, as Fray
+Cristobal is now. But they are forgotten in a little while, all of
+them. So will we, in a few years to come."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos reproached himself for having named the gospel, instead of Him
+whose words and works are the burden of the gospel story. For even to
+that dull ear, heavy with age, the name of Jesus was sweet. And that
+dull mind, drowsy with the slumber of a long lifetime, had half awaked
+at least to the consciousness of his love.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear father," he said gently, "I know you are well acquainted with the
+gospels. You remember what our blessed Lord saith of those who confess
+him before men, how he will <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>not be ashamed to confess them before his
+Father in heaven? And, moreover, is it not a joy for us to show, in any
+way he points out to us, our love to him who loved us and gave himself
+for us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, we love him. And he knows I only wish to do what is right,
+and what is pleasing in his sight."</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards, Carlos talked over the events of the day with the younger
+and more intelligent brethren; especially with his teacher, Fray
+Cristobal, and his particular friend, Fray Fernando. He could but
+admire the spirit that had guided their deliberations, and feel
+increased thankfulness for the decision at which they had arrived. The
+peace which the whole community of Spanish Protestants then enjoyed,
+perilous and unstable as it was, stood at the mercy of every individual
+belonging to that community. The unexplained flight of any obscure
+member of Losada's congregation would have been sufficient to give the
+alarm, and let loose the bloodhounds of persecution upon the Church;
+how much more the abandonment of a wealthy and honourable religious
+house by the greater part of its inmates?</p>
+
+<p>The sword hung over their heads, suspended by a single hair, which a
+hasty or incautious movement, a word, a breath even, might suffice to
+break.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIX" id="XIX">XIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Truth and Freedom.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent2">"Man is greater than you thought him;</div>
+   <div class="verse">The bondage of long slumber he will break,</div>
+   <div class="verse">His just and ancient rights he will reclaim,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With Nero and Busiris he will rank</div>
+   <div class="verse">The name of Philip."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Schiller.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>ever before had it fallen to the lot of Don Juan Alvarez to experience
+such bewilderment as that which his brother's disclosure occasioned
+him. That brother, whom he had always regarded as the embodiment
+of goodness and piety, who was rendered illustrious in his eyes by
+all sorts of academic honours, and sanctified by the shadow of the
+coming priesthood, had actually confessed himself to be&mdash;what he had
+been taught to hold in deepest, deadliest abomination&mdash;a Lutheran
+heretic. But, on the other hand, from the wise, pious, and in every
+way unexceptionable manner in which Carlos had spoken, Juan could not
+help hoping that what, probably through some unaccountable aberration
+of mind, he himself persisted in styling Lutheranism, might prove in
+the end some very harmless and orthodox kind of devotion. Perhaps,
+eventually, his brother might found some new and holy order of monks
+and friars. Or even (he was so clever) he might take the lead in a
+Reformation of the Church, which, there was no use <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>in an honest man's
+denying, was sorely needed. Still, he could not help admitting that
+the Sieur de Ramenais had sometimes expressed himself with nearly as
+much apparent orthodoxy; and he was undoubtedly a confirmed heretic&mdash;a
+Huguenot.</p>
+
+<p>But if the recollection of this man, who for months had been his
+guest rather than his prisoner, served, from one point of view, to
+increase his difficulties, from another, it helped to clear away the
+most formidable of them. Don Juan had never been religious; but he had
+always been hotly orthodox, as became a Castilian gentleman of purest
+blood, and heir to all the traditions of an ancient house, foremost
+for generations in the great conflict with the infidel. He had been
+wont to look upon the Catholic faith as a thing bound up irrevocably
+with the knightly honour, the stainless fame, the noble pride of his
+race, and, consequently, with all that was dearest to his heart.
+Heresy he regarded as something unspeakably mean and degrading. It
+was associated in his mind with Jews and Moors, "caitiffs," "beggarly
+fellows;" all of them vulgar and unclean, some of them the hereditary
+enemies of his race. Heretics were Moslems, infidels, such as "my Cid"
+delighted in hewing down with his good sword Tizona, "for God and Our
+Lady's honour." Heretics kept the passover with mysterious, unhallowed
+rites, into which it would be best not to inquire; heretics killed (and
+perhaps ate) Christian children; they spat upon the cross; they had to
+wear ugly yellow sanbenitos at <i>autos-da-f&eacute;</i>; and, to sum up all in
+one word, they "smelled of the fire." To give full weight to the last
+allusion, it must be remembered that in the eyes of Don Juan and his
+cotemporaries, death by fire had no hallowed or ennobling associations
+to veil its horrors. The burning pile was to him what the cross was
+to our fore-fathers, and what the gibbet is to us, only far more
+disgraceful. Thus it was not so much his conscience as his honour and
+his pride that were arrayed against the new faith.</p>
+
+<p>But, unconsciously to himself, opposition had been silently <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>undermined
+by his intercourse with the Sieur de Ramenais. It would probably have
+been fatal to Protestantism with Don Juan, had his first specimen of a
+Protestant been an humble muleteer. Fortunately, the new opinions had
+come to him represented by a noble and gallant knight, who</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"In open battle or in tilting field</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Forbore his own advantage;"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>who was as careful of his "pundonor"<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> as any Castilian gentleman,
+and scarcely yielded even to himself in all those marks of good
+breeding, which, to say the truth, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya valued far more than any abstract dogmas of faith.</p>
+
+<p>This circumstance produced a willingness on his part to give fair play
+to his brother's convictions. When Carlos returned to Seville, which he
+did about a week after the meeting of the Chapter, he was overjoyed to
+find Juan ready to hear all he had to say with patience and candour.
+Moreover, the young soldier was greatly attracted by the preaching of
+Fray Constantino, whom he pronounced, in language borrowed from the
+camp, "a right good camerado." Using these favourable dispositions
+to the best advantage, Carlos repeated to him passages from the
+New Testament; and with deep and prayerful earnestness explained
+and enforced the truths they taught, taking care, of course, not
+unnecessarily to shock his prejudices.</p>
+
+<p>And, as time passed on, it became every day more and more apparent
+that Don Juan was receiving "the new ideas;" and that with far less
+difficulty and conflict than Carlos himself had done. For with him
+the Reformed faith had only prejudices, not convictions, to contend
+against. These once broken down, the rest was easy. And then it came to
+him so naturally to follow the guidance of Carlos in all that pertained
+to <i>thinking</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Unmeasured was the joy of the affectionate brother when at last he
+found that he might safely venture to introduce him privately to Losada
+as a promising inquirer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime their outward life passed on smoothly and happily. With
+much feasting and rejoicing, Juan was betrothed to Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. He had
+loved her devotedly since boyhood; he loved her now more than ever.
+But his love was a deep, life-long passion&mdash;no sudden delirium of the
+fancy&mdash;so that it did not render him oblivious of every other tie, and
+callous to every other impression; it rather stimulated, and at the
+same time softened his whole nature. It made him not less, but more,
+sensitive to all the exciting and ennobling influences which were being
+brought to bear upon him.</p>
+
+<p>In Do&ntilde;a Beatriz Carlos perceived a change that surprised him, while,
+at the same time, it made more evident than ever how great would have
+been his own mistake, had he accepted the passive gratitude of a child
+towards one who noticed and flattered her for the true deep love of a
+woman's heart. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was a passive child no longer now. On the
+betrothal day, a proud and beautiful woman leaned on the arm of his
+handsome brother, and looked around her upon the assembled family,
+queen-like in air and mien, her cheek rivalling the crimson of the
+damask rose, her large dark eye beaming with passionate, exulting joy.
+Carlos compared her in thought to the fair, carved alabaster lamp that
+stood on the inlaid centre table of his aunt's state receiving-room.
+Love had wrought in her the change which light within always did in
+that, revealing its hidden transparency, and glorifying its pale, cold
+whiteness with tints so warmly beautiful, that the clouds of evening
+might have envied them.</p>
+
+<p>The betrothal of Do&ntilde;a Sancha to Don Beltran Vivarez quickly followed.
+Don Balthazar also succeeded in obtaining the desired Government
+appointment, and henceforth enjoyed, much to his satisfaction, the
+honours and emoluments of an "<i>empleado</i>." To crown the family good
+fortune, Do&ntilde;a Inez <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>rejoiced in the birth of a son and heir; while even
+Don Gonsalvo, not to be left out, acknowledged some improvement in
+his health, which he attributed to the judicious treatment of Losada.
+The mind of an intelligent man can scarcely be deeply exercised upon
+one great subject, without the result making itself felt throughout
+the whole range of his occupations. Losada's patients could not
+fail to benefit by his habits of independent thought and searching
+investigation, and his freedom from vulgar prejudices. This freedom,
+so rare in his nation, led him occasionally, though very cautiously,
+even to hazard the adoption of a few remedies which were not altogether
+"<i>cosas de Espana</i>."<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p>The physician deserved less credit for his treatment of Juan's wounded
+arm, which nature healed, almost as soon as her beneficent operations
+ceased to be retarded by ignorant and blundering leech-craft.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan was occasionally heard to utter aspirations for the full
+restoration of his cousin Gonsalvo's health, more hearty in their
+expression than charitable in their motive. "I would give one of my
+fingers he could ride a horse and handle a sword, or at least a good
+foil with the button off, and I would soon make him repent his bearing
+and language to thee, Carlos. But what can a man do with a <i>thing</i>
+like that, save let him alone for very shame? Yet he is dastard enough
+to presume on such toleration, and to strike those whom his own
+infirmities hinder from returning the blow."</p>
+
+<p>"If he could ride a horse or handle a sword, brother, I think you would
+find a marvellous change for the better in his bearing and language.
+That bitterness, what is it, after all, but the fruit of pain? Or of
+what is even worse than pain, repressed force and energy. He would be
+in the great world doing and daring; and behold, he is chained to a
+narrow room, or at best toils with difficulty a few hundred paces. No
+wonder that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>strong winds, bound in their caverns, moan and shriek
+piteously at times. When I hear them I feel far too much compassion to
+think of anger. And I would give one of my fingers&mdash;nay, I would give
+my right hand," he added with a smile, "that he shared our blessed
+hope, Juan, my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"The most unlikely person of all our acquaintance to become a convert."</p>
+
+<p>"So say not I. Do you know that he has given money&mdash;he that has so
+little&mdash;more than once to Se&ntilde;or Cristobal for the poor?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is nothing," said Juan. "He was ever free-handed. Do you not
+remember, in our childhood, how he would strike us upon the least
+provocation, yet insist on our sharing his sweetmeats and his toys, and
+even sometimes fight us for refusing them? While the others knew the
+value of a ducat before they knew their Angelus, and would sell and
+barter their small possessions like Dutch merchants."</p>
+
+<p>"Which you spared not to call them, bearing yourself in the quarrels
+that naturally ensued with undaunted prowess; while I too often
+disgraced you by tearful entreaties for peace at all costs," returned
+Carlos, laughing. "But, my brother," he resumed more gravely, "I
+often ask myself, are we doing all that is possible in our present
+circumstances to share with others the treasure we have found?"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust it will soon be open to them all," said Juan, who had now come
+just far enough to grasp strongly his right to think and judge for
+himself, and with it the idea of emancipation from the control of a
+proud and domineering priesthood. "Great is truth, and shall prevail."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, in the end. But much that to mortal eyes looks like defeat
+may come first."</p>
+
+<p>"I think my learned brother, so much wiser than I upon many subjects,
+fails to read well the signs of the times. Whose Word saith, 'When ye
+see the fig-tree put forth her buds, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>know ye that summer is nigh, even
+at the door'? Everywhere the fig-trees are budding now."</p>
+
+<p>"Still the frosts may return."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, too desponding brother. Thou shouldst have learned
+another lesson yesterday, when thou and I watched the eager thousands
+as they hung breathless on the lips of our Fray Constantino. Are not
+those thousands really for <i>us</i>, and for truth and freedom?"</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt Christ has his own amongst them."</p>
+
+<p>"You always think of individuals, Carlos, rather than of our country.
+You forget we are sons of Spain, Castilian nobles. Of course we rejoice
+when even one man here and there is won for the truth. But our Spain!
+our glorious land, first and fairest of all the earth! our land of
+conquerors, whose arms reach to the ends of the world&mdash;one hand taming
+the infidel in his African stronghold, while the other crowns her with
+the gold and jewels of the far West! She who has led the nations in the
+path of discovery&mdash;whose fleets gem the ocean&mdash;whose armies rule the
+land,&mdash;shall she not also lead the way to the great city of God, and
+bring in the good coming time when all shall know him from the least to
+the greatest&mdash;when they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
+them free? Carlos, my brother, I do not dare to doubt it."</p>
+
+<p>It was not often that Don Juan expressed himself in such a lengthened
+and energetic, not to say grandiloquent manner. But his love for Spain
+was a passion, and to extol her or to plead her cause words were never
+lacking with him. In reply to this outburst of enthusiasm, Carlos only
+said gently, "Amen, and the Lord establish it in his time."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked keenly at him. "I thought you had faith, Carlos?" he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith?" Carlos repeated inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Such faith," said Juan, "as I have. Faith in truth and freedom!" And
+he rang out the sonorous words, "<i>Verdad y</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span><i>libertad</i>," as if he
+thought, as indeed he did, that they had but to go forth through a
+submissive, rejoicing world, "conquering and to conquer."</p>
+
+<p>"I have faith <i>in Christ</i>," Carlos answered quietly.</p>
+
+<p>And in those two brief phrases each unconsciously revealed to the other
+the very depths of his soul, and told the secret of his history.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XX" id="XX">XX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The First Drop of a Thunder Shower.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Closed doorways that are folded</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And prayed against in vain."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>eanwhile the happy weeks glided on noiselessly and rapidly. They
+brought full occupation for head and heart, as well as varied and
+intense enjoyment. Don Juan's constant intercourse with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz
+was not the less delightful because already he sought to imbue her mind
+with the truths which he himself was learning every day to love better.
+He thought her an apt and hopeful pupil, but, under the circumstances,
+he was scarcely the best possible judge.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not so well satisfied with her attainments; he advised
+reserve and caution in imparting their secrets to her, lest through
+inadvertence she might betray them to her aunt and cousins. Juan
+considered this a mark of his constitutional timidity; yet he so far
+attended to his warnings, that Do&ntilde;a Beatriz was strongly impressed
+with the necessity of keeping their religious conversations a profound
+secret, whilst her sensibilities were not shocked by any mention of
+words so odious as heresy or Lutheranism.</p>
+
+<p>But there could be no doubt as to Juan's own progress under <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>the
+instructions of his brother, and of Losada and Fray Cassiodoro.
+He began, ere long, to accompany Carlos to the meetings of the
+Protestants, who welcomed the new acquisition to their ranks with
+affectionate enthusiasm. All were attracted by Don Juan's warmth and
+candour of disposition, and by his free, joyous, hopeful temperament;
+though he was not beloved by any as intensely as Carlos was by the few
+who really knew him, such as Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and the
+young monk, Fray Fernando.</p>
+
+<p>Partly through the influence of his religious friends, and partly
+through the brilliant reputation he had brought from Alcala, Carlos
+now obtained a lectureship at the College of Doctrine, of which the
+provost, Fernando de San Juan, was a decided and zealous Lutheran. This
+appointment was an honourable one, considered in no way derogatory to
+his social position, and useful as tending to convince his uncle that
+he was "doing something," not idly dreaming his time away.</p>
+
+<p>Occupations of another kind opened out before him also. Amongst the
+many sincere and anxious inquirers who were troubled with perplexities
+concerning the relations of the old faith and the new, were some
+who turned to him, with an instinctive feeling that he could help
+them. This was just the work that best suited his abilities and his
+temperament. To sympathize, to counsel, to aid in conflict as only
+that man can do who has known conflict himself, was God's special gift
+to him. And he who goes through the world speaking, whenever he can,
+a word in season to the weary, will seldom be without some weary one
+ready to listen to him.</p>
+
+<p>Upon one subject, and only one, the brothers still differed. Juan saw
+the future robed in the glowing hues borrowed from his own ardent,
+hopeful spirit. In his eyes the Spains were already won "for truth
+and freedom," as he loved to say. He anticipated nothing less than a
+glorious regeneration of Christendom, in which his beloved country
+would lead the van. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>And there were many amongst Losada's congregation
+who shared these bright and beautiful, if delusive dreams, and the
+enthusiasm which had given them birth, and in its turn was nourished by
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Again, there were others who rejoiced with much trembling over the
+good tidings that often reached them of the spread of the faith in
+distant parts of the country, and who welcomed each neophyte to their
+ranks as if they were adorning a victim for the sacrifice. They could
+not forget that name of terror, the Holy Inquisition. And from certain
+ominous indications they thought the sleeping monster was beginning to
+stir in his den. Else why had new and severe decrees against heresy
+been recently obtained from Rome? And above all, why had the Bishop
+of Terragona, Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga, already known as a relentless
+persecutor of Jews and Moors, been appointed Vice-Inquisitor General at
+Seville?</p>
+
+<p>Still, on the whole, hope and confidence predominated; and strange,
+nay, incredible as it may appear to us, beneath the very shadow of the
+Triana the Lutherans continued to hold their meetings "almost with open
+doors."</p>
+
+<p>One evening Don Juan escorted Do&ntilde;a Beatriz to some festivity from which
+he could not very well excuse himself, whilst Carlos attended a reunion
+for prayer and mutual edification at the usual place&mdash;the house of Do&ntilde;a
+Isabella de Baena.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan returned at a late hour, but in high spirits. Going at once to
+the room where his brother sat awaiting him, he threw off his cloak,
+and stood before him, a gay, handsome figure, in his doublet of crimson
+satin, his gold chain, and well-used sword, now worn for ornament, with
+its embossed scabbard and embroidered belt.</p>
+
+<p>"I never saw Do&ntilde;a Beatriz look so charming," he began eagerly. "Don
+Miguel de Santa Cruz was there, but he could not get so much as a
+single dance with her, and looked ready <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>to die for envy. But save me
+from the impertinence of Luis Rotelo! I shall have to cane him one
+of these days, if no milder measures will teach him his place and
+station. <i>He</i>, the son of a simple hidalgo, to dare lift his eyes to
+Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella? The caitiff's presumption!&mdash;But thou art not
+listening, brother. What is wrong with thee?"</p>
+
+<p>No wonder he asked. The face of Carlos was pale; and the deep mournful
+eyes looked as if tears had been lately there. "A great sorrow, brother
+mine," he answered in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>My</i> sorrow too, then. Tell me, what is it?" asked Juan, his tone and
+manner changed in a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Juliano is taken."</p>
+
+<p>"Juliano! The muleteer who brought the books, and gave you that
+Testament?"</p>
+
+<p>"The man who put into my hands this precious Book, to which I owe my
+joy now and my hope for eternity," said Carlos, his lip trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi!&mdash;But perhaps it is not true."</p>
+
+<p>"Too true. A smith, to whom he showed a copy of the Book, betrayed him.
+God forgive him&mdash;if there be forgiveness for such. It may have been a
+month ago, but we only heard it now. And he lies there&mdash;<i>there</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you?"</p>
+
+<p>"All were talking of it at the meeting when I entered. It is the sorrow
+of all; but I doubt if any have such cause to sorrow as I. For he is my
+father in the faith, Juan. And now," he added, after a long, sad pause,
+"I shall <i>never</i> tell him what he has done for me&mdash;at least on this
+side of the grave."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no hope for him," said Juan mournfully, as one that mused.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Hope!</i> Only in the great mercy of God. Even those dreadful dungeon
+walls cannot shut Him out."</p>
+
+<p>"No; thank God."</p>
+
+<p>"But the prolonged, the bitter, the horrible suffering! I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>have been
+trying to contemplate, to picture it&mdash;but I cannot, I dare not. And
+what I dare not think of, he must endure."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a peasant, you are a noble&mdash;that makes some difference," said
+Don Juan, with whom the tie of brotherhood in Christ had not yet
+effaced all earthly distinctions. "But Carlos," he questioned suddenly,
+and with a look of alarm, "does not he know everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Everything</i>," Carlos answered quietly. "One word from his lips, and
+the pile is kindled for us all. But that word will never be spoken.
+To-night not one heart amongst us trembled for ourselves, we only wept
+for him."</p>
+
+<p>"You trust him, then, so completely? It is much to say. They in whose
+hands he is are cruel as fiends. No doubt they will&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" interrupted Carlos, with a look of such exceeding pain, that
+Juan was effectually silenced. "There are things we cannot speak of,
+save to God in prayer. Oh, my brother, pray for him, that He for whom
+he has risked so much may sustain him, and, if it may be, shorten his
+agony."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely more than two or three will join in that prayer. But, my
+brother," he added, after a pause, "be not so downcast. Do you not
+know that every great cause must have its martyr? When was a victory
+won, and no brave man left dead on the field; a city stormed, and none
+fallen in the breach? Perhaps to that poor peasant may be given the
+glory&mdash;the great glory&mdash;of being honoured throughout all time as the
+sainted martyr whose death has consecrated our holy cause to victory. A
+grand lot truly! Worth suffering for!" And Juan's dark eye kindled, and
+his cheek glowed with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think that Christ is worth suffering for," said Carlos at <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>last.
+"And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith,
+can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May
+that&mdash;may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and
+comfort are far away."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXI" id="XXI">XXI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">By the Guadalquivir.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Schiller.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>ext Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Do&ntilde;a
+Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the
+deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there.
+But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and
+death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death
+for all who trust him. Then came prayer&mdash;true incense offered on the
+golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil,"
+still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> But
+in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had
+parted with their friends. "The night is fine."</p>
+
+<p>"Whither shall we bend our steps?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of
+the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.</p>
+
+<p>"Why take such a circuit?" said Carlos, showing a disposition to turn
+in an opposite direction. "This is far the shorter way."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"True; but it is less pleasant."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked at him gratefully. "My brother would spare my weakness,"
+he said. "But it needs not. Twice of late, when you were engaged with
+Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, I went alone thither, and&mdash;to the Prado San Sebastian."</p>
+
+<p>So they passed through the Puerta de Triana, and having crossed the
+bridge of boats, leisurely took their way beneath the walls of the grim
+old castle. As they did so, both prayed in silence for one who was
+pining in its dungeons. Don Juan, whose interest in the fate of Juliano
+was naturally far less intense than his brother's, was the first to
+break that silence. He remarked that the Dominican convent adjoining
+the Triana looked nearly as gloomy as the inquisitorial prison itself.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it looks like all other convents," returned Carlos, with
+indifference.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon in the shadow of the dark, ghostlike olive trees. The
+moon was young, and gave but little light; but the large clear stars
+looked down through the southern air like lamps of fire, hanging not so
+much in the sky as from it. Were those bright watchers charged with a
+message from the land very far off, which seemed so near to <i>them</i> in
+the high places whence they ruled the night? Carlos drank in the spirit
+of the scene in silence. But this did not please his less meditative
+brother. "What art thou pondering?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
+they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Art thinking still of the prisoner in the Triana?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of him, and also of another very dear to both of us, of whom I have
+for some time been purposing to speak to thee. What if thou and I have
+been, like children, seeking for a star <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>on earth while all the time it
+was shining above us in God's glorious heaven?"</p>
+
+<p>"Knowest thou not of old, little brother, that when thy parables begin
+I am left behind at once? I pray thee, let the stars alone, and speak
+the language of earth."</p>
+
+<p>"What was the task to which thou and I vowed ourselves in childhood,
+brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked at him keenly through the dim light. "I sometimes feared
+thou hadst forgotten," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that. But I had a reason&mdash;I think a good and sufficient
+one&mdash;for not speaking to thee until well and fully assured of thy
+sympathy."</p>
+
+<p>"My sympathy? In aught that concerned the dream, the passion of my
+life!&mdash;of both our young lives! Carlos, how couldst thou even doubt of
+this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had reason to doubt at first whether a gleam of light which has been
+shed upon our father's fate would be regarded by his son as a blessing
+or a curse."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not keep a man in suspense, brother. Speak at once, in Heaven's
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt no longer <i>now</i>. It will be to thee, Juan, as to me, a joy
+exceeding great to think that our venerated father read God's Word for
+himself, and knew his truth and honoured it, as we have learned to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, God be thanked!" cried Juan, pausing in his walk and clasping his
+hands together. "This indeed is joyful news. But speak, brother; how do
+you know it? Are you certain, or is it only dream, hope, conjecture?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos told him in detail, first the hint dropped by Losada to De Seso;
+then the story of Dolores; lastly, what he had heard at San Isodro
+about Don Rodrigo de Valer. And as he proceeded with his narrative, he
+welded the scattered links into a connected chain of evidence.</p>
+
+<p>Juan, all eagerness, could hardly wait till he came to the end. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>"Why
+did you not speak to Losada?" he interrupted at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, brother, and hear me out; the best is to come. I have done so
+lately. But until assured how thou wouldst regard the matter, I cared
+not to ask questions, the answers to which might wound thy heart."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in no doubt now. What heard you from Se&ntilde;or Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard that Dr. Egidius named the Conde de Nuera as one of those who
+befriended Don Rodrigo. And that he had been present when that brave
+and faithful teacher privately expounded the Epistle to the Romans."</p>
+
+<p>"There!" Juan exclaimed with a start. "There is the origin of my second
+and favourite name, Rodrigo. Brother, brother, these are the best
+tidings I have heard for years." And uncovering his head, he uttered
+fervent and solemn words of thanksgiving.</p>
+
+<p>To which Carlos added a heartfelt "Amen," and resumed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Then, brother, you think we are justified in taking this joy to our
+hearts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt," cried the sanguine Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"And it follows that his crime&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Was what in our eyes constitutes the truest glory, the profession of a
+pure faith," said Juan with decision, leaping at once to the conclusion
+Carlos had reached by a far slower path.</p>
+
+<p>"And those mystic words inscribed upon the window, the delight and
+wonder of our childhood&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" repeated Juan&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>But what they have to do with the matter I see not yet."</p>
+
+<p>"You see not? Surely the knowledge of God in Christ, the kingdom of
+heaven opened up to us, is the true El Dorado, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>golden country,
+which enriches those who find it for evermore."</p>
+
+<p>"That is all very good," said Juan, with the air of a man not quite
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt not that was our father's meaning," Carlos continued.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it, though. Up to that point I follow you, Carlos; but there
+we part. <i>Something</i> in the New World, I think, my father must have
+found."</p>
+
+<p>A lengthened debate followed, in which Carlos discovered, rather to his
+surprise, that Juan still clung to his early faith in a literal land
+of gold. The more thoughtful and speculative brother sought in vain to
+reason him out of that belief. Nor was he much more successful when he
+came to state his own settled conviction that they should never see
+their father's face on earth. Not the slightest doubt remained on his
+own mind that, on account of his attachment to the Reformed faith, the
+Conde de Nuera had been, in the phraseology of the time, quietly "put
+out of the way." But whether this had been done during the voyage, or
+on the wild unknown shores of the New World, he believed his children
+would never know.</p>
+
+<p>On this point, however, no argument availed with Juan. He seemed
+determined <i>not</i> to believe in his father's death. He confessed,
+indeed, that his heart bounded at the thought that he had been a
+sufferer "in the cause of truth and freedom." "He has suffered exile,"
+he said, "and the loss of all things. But I see not wherefore he may
+not after all be living still, somewhere in that vast wonderful New
+World."</p>
+
+<p>"I am content to think," Carlos replied, "that all these years he has
+been at rest with the dead in Christ. And that we shall see his face
+first with Christ when he appears in glory."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not content. We must learn something more."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall never learn more. How can we?" asked Carlos.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is so like thee, little brother. Ever desponding, ever turned
+easily from thy purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"Well; be it so," said Carlos meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"But what <i>I</i> determine, that I do," said Juan. "At least I will make
+my uncle speak out," he continued. "I have ever suspected that he knows
+something."</p>
+
+<p>"But how is that to be done?" asked Carlos. "Nevertheless, do all thou
+canst, and God prosper thee. Only," he added with great earnestness,
+"remember the necessities of our present position; and for the sake of
+our friends, as well as of our own lives, use due prudence and caution."</p>
+
+<p>"Fear not, my too prudent brother.&mdash;The best and dearest brother in the
+world," he added kindly, "if he had but a little more courage."</p>
+
+<p>Thus conversing they hastily retraced their steps to the city, the hour
+being already late.</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p>Quiet weeks passed on after this unmarked by any event of importance.
+Winter had now given place to spring; the time of the singing of birds
+was come. In spite of numerous and heavy anxieties, and of <i>one</i> sorrow
+that pressed more or less upon all, it was still spring-time in many
+a brave and hopeful heart amongst the adherents of the new faith in
+Seville. Certainly it was spring-time with Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>One Sunday a letter arrived by special messenger from Nuera, containing
+the unwelcome tidings that the old and faithful servant of the house,
+Diego Montes, was dying. It was his last wish to resign his stewardship
+into the hands of his young master, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Juan could not
+hesitate. "I will go to-morrow morning," he said to Carlos; "but rest
+assured I will return hither as soon as possible; the days are too
+precious to be lost."</p>
+
+<p>Together they repaired once more to Do&ntilde;a Isabella's house. Don Juan
+told the friends they met there of his intended de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>parture, and ere
+they separated many a hand warmly grasped his, and many a voice spoke
+kindly the "Vaya con Dios" for his journey.</p>
+
+<p>"It needs not formal leave-takings, se&ntilde;ores and my brethren," said
+Juan; "my absence will be very short; not next Sunday indeed, but
+possibly in a fortnight, and certainly this day month I shall meet you
+all here again."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>God willing</i>," said Losada gravely. And so they parted.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXII" id="XXII">XXII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Flood-Gates Opened.</p>
+
+<p class="center">"And they feared as they entered into the cloud."</p>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapf"><span class="hide">F</span></span>or the first stage of Don Juan's journey Carlos accompanied him. They
+spent the time in animated talk, chiefly about Nuera, Carlos sending
+kind messages to the dying man, to Dolores, and indeed to all the
+household. "Remember, brother," he said, "to give Dolores the little
+books I put into the alforjas, specially the 'Confession of a Sinner.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall remember everything, even to bringing thee back tidings of all
+the sick folk in the village. Now, Carlos, here we agreed to part;&mdash;no,
+not one step further."</p>
+
+<p>They clasped each other's hands. "It is not like a long parting," said
+Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"No. Vaya con Dios, my Ruy."</p>
+
+<p>"Quede con Dios,<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> brother;" and he rode off, followed by his servant.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos watched him wistfully; would he turn for a last look? He <i>did</i>
+turn. Taking off his velvet montero, he gaily bowed farewell; thus
+allowing Carlos to gaze once more upon his dark, handsome, resolute
+features, keen, sparkling eyes and curling black hair.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whilst Juan saw a scholar's face, thoughtful, refined, sensitive; a
+broad pale forehead, from which the breeze had blown the waving fair
+hair (fair to a southern eye, though really a bright soft brown), and
+lips that kept the old sweetness of expression, though, whether from
+the manly fringe that graced them or from some actual change, the
+weakness which marred them once had ceased to be apparent now.</p>
+
+<p>Another moment, and both had turned their horses' heads. Carlos, when
+he reached the city, made a circuit to avoid one of the very frequent
+processions of the Host; since, as time passed on, he felt ever
+more and more disinclined to the absolutely necessary prostration.
+Afterwards he called upon Losada, to inquire the exact address of a
+person whom he had asked him to visit. He found him engaged in his
+character of physician, and sat down in the patio to await his leisure.</p>
+
+<p>Ere long Dr. Cristobal passed through, politely accompanying to the
+gate a canon of the cathedral, for whose ailments he had just been
+prescribing. The Churchman, who was evidently on the best terms with
+his physician, was showing his good-nature and affability by giving him
+the current news of the city; to which Losada listened courteously,
+with a grave, quiet smile, and, when necessary, an appropriate
+question or comment. Only one item made any impression upon Carlos: it
+related to a pleasant estate by the sea-side which Munebr&atilde;ga had just
+purchased, disappointing thereby a relative of the canon's who desired
+to possess it, but could not command the very large price readily
+offered by the Inquisitor.</p>
+
+<p>At last the visitor was gone. In a moment the smile had faded from the
+physician's care-worn face. Turning to Carlos with a strangely altered
+look, he said, "The monks of San Isodro have fled."</p>
+
+<p>"Fled!" Carlos repeated, in blank dismay.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes; no fewer than twelve of them have abandoned the monastery."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you hear it?"</p>
+
+<p>"One of the lay brethren came in this morning to inform me. They held
+another solemn Chapter, in which it was determined that each one should
+follow the guidance of his own conscience, those, therefore, to whom it
+seemed best to go have gone, the rest remain."</p>
+
+<p>For some moments they looked at each other in silence. So fearful was
+the peril in which this rash act involved them all, that it almost
+seemed as if they had heard a sentence of death.</p>
+
+<p>The voice of Carlos faltered as he asked at last,&mdash;"Have Fray Cristobal
+or Fray Fernando gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; they are both amongst those, more generous if not more wise, who
+have chosen to remain and take what God will send them here. Stay, here
+is a letter from Fray Cristobal which the lay brother brought me; it
+will tell you as much as I know myself."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos read it carefully. "It seems," he said, when he had finished,
+"that the consciences of those who fled would not allow them any longer
+to conform, even outwardly, to the rules of their order. Moreover, from
+the signs of the times, they believe that a storm is about to burst
+upon the company of the faithful."</p>
+
+<p>"God grant it may prove that they have saved <i>themselves</i> from its
+violence," Losada answered, with a slight emphasis on "themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"And for us?&mdash;God help us!" Carlos almost moaned, the paper falling
+from his trembling hand. "What shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," returned Losada
+bravely. "No other strength remains for us. But God grant none of us in
+the city may be so unadvised as to follow the example of the brethren.
+The flight of one might be the ruin of all."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And those noble, devoted men who remain at San Isodro?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are in God's hands, as we are."</p>
+
+<p>"I will ride out and visit them, especially Fray Fernando."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, but you will do nothing of the kind; that
+were to court suspicion. I will bear any message you choose to send."</p>
+
+<p>"And you?"</p>
+
+<p>Losada smiled, though sadly. "The physician has occasion to go," he
+said; "he is a very useful personage, who often covers with his ample
+cloak the <i>dogmatizing heretic</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos recognized the official phraseology of the Holy Office. He
+repressed a shudder, but could not hide the look of terror that dilated
+his large blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The older man, the more experienced Christian, could compassionate
+the youth. Losada, himself standing "face to face with death," spoke
+kind words of counsel and comfort to Carlos. He cautioned him strongly
+against losing his self-possession, and thereby running needlessly into
+danger. "Especially would I urge upon you, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos," he said,
+"the duty of avoiding unnecessary risk, for already you are useful to
+us; and should God spare your life, you will be still more so. If I
+fall&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not speak of it, my beloved friend."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be as God pleases," said the pastor calmly. "But I need
+not remind you, others stand in like peril with me. Especially Fray
+Cassiodoro, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon."</p>
+
+<p>"The noblest heads, the likeliest to fall," Carlos murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"Then must younger soldiers step forth from the ranks, and take up
+the standards dropped from their hands. Don Carlos Alvarez, we have
+high hopes of you. Your quiet words reach the heart; for you speak
+that which you know, and testify that which you have seen. And the
+good gifts of mind that God has given you enable you to speak with the
+greater acceptance. He may have much work for you in his harvest-field.
+But <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>whether he should call you to work or to suffer, shrink not,
+but 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
+dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I will try to trust him; and may he make his strength perfect in my
+weakness," said Carlos. "But for the present," he added, "give me any
+lowly work to do, whereby I may aid you or lighten your cares, my loved
+friend and teacher."</p>
+
+<p>Losada gladly gave him, as indeed he had done several times before,
+instructions to visit certain secret inquirers, and persons in distress
+and perplexity of mind.</p>
+
+<p>He passed the next two or three days in these ministrations, and in
+constant prayer, especially for the remaining monks of San Isodro,
+whose sore peril pressed heavily on his heart. He sought, as much
+as possible, to shut out other thoughts; or, when they would force
+an entrance, to cast their burden, which otherwise would have been
+intolerable, upon Him who would surely care for his own Church, his few
+sheep in the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he remained late in his chamber, writing a letter to his
+brother; and then went forth, intending to visit Losada. As it was a
+fast-day, and he kept the Church fasts rigorously, it happened that he
+had not previously met any of his uncle's family.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to the physician's house did not present its usual
+cheerful appearance. The gate was shut and bolted, and there was no
+sign of patients passing in or out. Carlos became alarmed. It was long
+before he obtained an answer to his repeated calls. At last, however,
+some one inside cried, "<i>Quien es</i>?"<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p>Carlos gave his name, well known to all the household.</p>
+
+<p>Then the door was half opened, and a mulatto serving-lad showed a
+terrified face behind it.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Se&ntilde;or Cristobal?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Gone, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Gone!&mdash;whither?"</p>
+
+<p>The answer was a furtive, frightened whisper. "Last night&mdash;the
+Alguazils of the Holy Office." And the door was shut and bolted in his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>He stood rooted to the spot, speechless and motionless, in a trance
+of horror. At last he was startled by feeling some one grasp his arm
+without ceremony, indeed rather roughly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you moonstruck, Cousin Don Carlos?" asked the voice of Gonsalvo.
+"At least you might have had the courtesy to offer me the aid of your
+arm, without putting me to the shame of requesting it, miserable
+cripple that I am!" and he gave vent to a torrent of curses upon his
+own infirmities, using expressions profane and blasphemous enough to
+make Carlos shiver with pain.</p>
+
+<p>Yet that very pain did him real service. It roused him from his stupor,
+as sharp anguish sometimes brings back a patient from a swoon. He said,
+"Pardon me, my cousin, I did not see you; but I hear you now&mdash;with
+sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo deigned no answer, except his usual short, bitter laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Whither do you wish to go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Home. I am tired."</p>
+
+<p>They walked along in silence; at last Gonsalvo asked, abruptly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard the news?"</p>
+
+<p>"What news?"</p>
+
+<p>"The news that is in every one's mouth to-day. Indeed, the city has
+well nigh run mad with holy horror. And no wonder! Their reverences,
+the Lords Inquisitors, have just discovered a community of abominable
+Lutherans, a very viper's nest, in our midst. It is said the wretches
+have actually dared to carry on their worship somewhere in the town.
+Ah, no marvel you look horror-stricken, my pious cousin. <i>You</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>could
+never have dreamed that such a thing was possible, could you?" After
+one quick, keen glance, he did not look again in his cousin's face; but
+he might have felt the beating of his cousin's heart against his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I am told," he continued, "that nearly two hundred persons have been
+arrested already."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Two hundred!</i>" gasped Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"And the arrests are going on still."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is taken?" Carlos forced his trembling lips to ask.</p>
+
+<p>"Losada; more's the pity. A good physician, though a bad Christian."</p>
+
+<p>"A good physician, and a good Christian too," said Carlos in the voice
+of one who tries to speak calmly in terrible bodily pain.</p>
+
+<p>"An opinion you would do more wisely to keep to yourself, if a
+reprobate such as I may presume to counsel so learned and pious a
+personage."</p>
+
+<p>"Who else?"</p>
+
+<p>"One you would never guess. Don Juan Ponce de Leon, of all men. Think
+of the Count of Baylen's son being thus degraded! Also the master of
+the College of Doctrine, San Juan; and a number of Jeromite friars from
+San Isodro. Those are all I know worth a gentleman's taking account
+of. There are some beggarly tradesfolk, such as Medel d'Espinosa, the
+embroiderer; and Luis d'Abrego, from whom your brother bought that
+beautiful book of the Gospels he gave Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. But if only such
+cattle were concerned in it, no one would care."</p>
+
+<p>"Some fools there be," Don Gonsalvo continued after a pause, "who have
+run to the Triana, and informed against themselves, thinking thereby
+to get off more easily. <i>Fools</i>, again I say, for their pains." And he
+emphasized his words by a pressure of the arm on which he was leaning.</p>
+
+<p>At length they reached the door of Don Manuel's house. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>"Thanks for
+your aid," said Gonsalvo. "Now that I remember it, Don Carlos, I hear
+also that we are to have a grand procession on Tuesday with banners and
+crosses, in honour of Our Lady, and of our holy patronesses Justina
+and Rufina, to beg pardon for the sin and scandal so long permitted in
+the midst of our most Catholic city. You, my pious cousin, licentiate
+of theology and all but consecrated priest&mdash;you will carry a taper, no
+doubt?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos would fain have left the question unanswered; but Gonsalvo meant
+to have an answer. "You will?" he repeated, laying his hand on his arm,
+and looking him in the face, though with a smile. "It would be very
+creditable to the family for one of us to appear. Seriously; I advise
+you to do it."</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos said quietly, "<i>No</i>;" and crossed the patio to the
+staircase which led to his own apartment.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo stood watching him, and mentally retracting, at his last word,
+the verdict formerly pronounced against him as "a coward," "not half a
+man."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIII" id="XXIII">XXIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Reign of Terror.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Though shining millions around thee stand,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For the sake of him at thy right hand</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Think of the souls he died for here,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Thus wandering in darkness, in doubt and fear.</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"The powers of darkness are all abroad&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;They own no Saviour, and they fear no God;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And we are trembling in dumb dismay;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Oh, turn not thou thy face away."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hogg.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t was late in the evening when Carlos emerged from his chamber. How
+the intervening hours had been passed he never told any one. But
+this much is certain,&mdash;he contended with and overcame a wild, almost
+uncontrollable impulse to seek refuge in flight. His reason told him
+that this would be to rush upon certain destruction: so sedulously
+guarded were all the ways of egress, and so watchful and complete, in
+every city and village of the land, was the inquisitorial organization;
+not to speak of the "Hermandad," or Brotherhood&mdash;a kind of civil
+police, always ready to co-operate with the ecclesiastical authorities.</p>
+
+<p>Still, if he could not be saved, Juan might and should. This thought
+was growing gradually clearer and stronger in his bewildered brain and
+aching heart while he knelt in his chamber, finding a relief in the
+attitude of prayer, though <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>few and broken were the words of prayer
+that passed his trembling lips. Indeed, the burden of his cry was this:
+"Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Thou that carest for
+us, forsake us not in our bitter need. For thine is the kingdom; even
+yet thou reignest."</p>
+
+<p>This was all he could find to plead, either on his own behalf or on
+that of his imprisoned brethren; though for them his heart was wrung
+with unutterable anguish. Once and again did he repeat&mdash;"<i>Thine</i> is the
+kingdom and the power. Thine, O Father; thine, O Lord and Saviour. Thou
+<i>canst</i> deliver us."</p>
+
+<p>It was well for him that he had Juan to save. He rose at last; and
+added to the letter previously written to his brother a few lines of
+most earnest entreaty that he would on no account return to Seville.
+But then, recollecting his own position, he marvelled greatly at his
+simplicity in purposing to send such a letter by the King's post&mdash;an
+institution which, strange to say, Spain possessed at an earlier period
+than any other country in Europe. If he should fall under suspicion,
+his letter would be liable to detention and examination, and might thus
+be the means of involving Juan in the very peril from which he sought
+to deliver him.</p>
+
+<p>A better plan soon occurred to him. That he might carry it out,
+he descended late in the evening to the cool, marble-paved court,
+or <i>patio</i>, in the centre of which the fountain ever murmured and
+glistened, surrounded by tropical plants, some of them in gorgeous
+bloom.</p>
+
+<p>As he had hoped, one solitary lamp burned like a star in a remote
+corner; and its light illumined the form of a young girl seated on
+a low chair, before an inlaid ebony table, writing busily. Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz had excused herself from accompanying the family on an evening
+visit, that she might devote herself in undisturbed solitude to the
+composition of her first love-letter&mdash;indeed, her first letter of any
+kind: for short as he intended <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>his absence to be, Juan had stipulated
+for this consolation, and induced her to promise it; and she knew that
+the King's post went northwards the next day, passing by Nuera on his
+way to the towns of La Mancha.</p>
+
+<p>So engrossing was her occupation that she did not hear the step of
+Carlos. He drew near, and stood behind her. Pearls, golden Agni, and
+a scarlet flower or two, were twined with her glossy raven hair; and
+the lamp shed a subdued radiance over her fine features, which glowed
+through their delicate olive with the rosy light of joy. An exquisite
+though not very costly perfume, that Carlos in other days always
+associated with her presence, still continued a favourite with her, and
+filled the place around with fragrance. It brought back his memory to
+the past&mdash;to that wild, vain, yet enchanting dream; the brief romance
+of his life. But there was no time now even for "a dream within a
+dream." There was only time to thank God, from the depths of his soul,
+that in all the wide world there was no heart that would break for
+<i>him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz," he said gently.</p>
+
+<p>She started, and half turned, a bright flush mounting to her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"You are writing to my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"And how know you that, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos?" asked the young lady, with a
+little innocent affectation.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos, standing face to face with terrible realities, pushed aside
+her pretty arts, as one hastening to succour a dying man might push
+aside a branch of wild roses that impeded his path.</p>
+
+<p>"I most earnestly request of you, se&ntilde;ora, to convey to him a message
+from me."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore can you not write to him yourself, Se&ntilde;or Licentiate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible, se&ntilde;ora, that you know not what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos! how you startle one.&mdash;Do you mean these
+horrible arrests?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos found that a few strong, plain words were absolutely necessary
+in order to make Beatriz understand his brother's peril. She had
+listened hitherto to Don Juan's extracts from Scripture, and the
+arguments and exhortations founded thereon, conscious, indeed, that
+these were secrets which should be jealously guarded, yet unconscious
+that they were what the Church and the world branded as heresy.
+Consequently, although she heard of the arrest of Losada and his
+friends with vague regret and apprehension, she was far from distinctly
+associating the crime for which they suffered with the name dearest to
+her heart. She was still very young; and she had not thought much&mdash;she
+had only loved. And she blindly followed him she loved, without caring
+to ask whither he was going himself, or whither he was leading her.
+When at last Carlos made her comprehend that it was for reading the
+Scriptures, and talking of justification by faith alone, that Losada
+was thrown into the dungeons of the Triana, a thrilling cry of anguish
+broke from her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, se&ntilde;ora!" said Carlos; and for once his voice was stern. "If even
+your little black foot-page heard that cry, it might ruin all."</p>
+
+<p>But Beatriz was unused to self-control. Another cry followed, and there
+were symptoms of hysterical tears and laughter. Carlos tried a more
+potent spell.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, se&ntilde;ora" he repeated. "We must be strong and silent, if we are to
+save Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>She looked piteously up at him, repeating, "Save Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;ora. Listen to me. <i>You</i>, at least, are a good Catholic. You
+have not compromised yourself in any way: you say your angelus; you
+make your vows; you bring flowers to Our Lady's shrine. <i>You</i> are
+safe."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She turned round and faced him&mdash;her cheek dyed crimson, and her eyes
+flashing,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am safe! Is that all you have to say? Who cares for that? What is
+<i>my</i> life worth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Patience, dear se&ntilde;ora! Your safety aids in securing his. Listen.&mdash;You
+are writing to him. Tell him of the arrests; for hear of them he must.
+Use the language about heresy which will occur to you, but which&mdash;God
+help me!&mdash;I could not use. Then pass from the subject. Write aught
+else that comes to your mind; but before closing your letter, say that
+I am well in mind and body, and would be heartily recommended to him.
+Add that I most earnestly request of him, for our common good and the
+better arrangement of our affairs, not to return to Seville, but to
+remain at Nuera. He will understand that. Lay your own commands upon
+him&mdash;your <i>commands</i>, remember, se&ntilde;ora&mdash;to the same effect."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do all that.&mdash;But here come my aunt and cousins."</p>
+
+<p>It was true. Already the porter had opened for them the gloomy outer
+gate; and now the gilt and filagreed inner door was thrown open also,
+and the returning family party filled the court. They were talking
+together; not quite so gaily as usual, but still eagerly enough. Do&ntilde;a
+Sancha soon drew near to Beatriz, and began to rally her upon her
+occupation, threatening playfully to carry away and read the unfinished
+letter. No one addressed a word to Carlos; but that might have been
+mere accident.</p>
+
+<p>It was, however, scarcely accidental that his aunt, as she passed him
+on her way to an inner room, drew her mantilla closer round her, lest
+its deep lace fringe might touch his clothing. Shortly afterwards Do&ntilde;a
+Sancha dropped her fan. According to custom, Carlos stooped for it,
+and handed it to her with a bow. The young lady took it mechanically,
+but almost immediately dropped it again with a look of scorn, as if
+polluted by its touch. Its delicate carved ivory, the work of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>Moorish
+hands, lay in fragments on the marble floor; and from that moment
+Carlos knew that he was under the ban, that he stood alone amidst his
+uncle's household&mdash;a suspected and degraded man.</p>
+
+<p>It was not wonderful. His intimacy with the monks of San Isodro,
+his friendship with Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and with the physician
+Losada, were all well-known facts. Moreover, had he not taught at the
+College of Doctrine, under the direct patronage of Fernando de San
+Juan, another of the victims? And there were other indications of his
+tendencies which could scarcely escape notice, once the suspicions of
+those who lived under the same roof with him were awakened.</p>
+
+<p>For a time he stood silent, watching his uncle's countenance, and
+marking the frown that contracted his brow whenever his eye turned
+towards him. But when Don Manuel passed into a smaller saloon that
+opened upon the court, Carlos followed him boldly.</p>
+
+<p>They stood face to face, but could hardly see each other. The room was
+darkness, save for a few struggling moonbeams.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or my uncle," said Carlos, "I fear my presence here is displeasing
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel paused before replying.</p>
+
+<p>"Nephew," he said at length, "you have been lamentably imprudent. The
+saints grant you have been no worse."</p>
+
+<p>A moment of strong emotion will sometimes bring out in a man's face
+characteristic lineaments of his family, in calmer seasons not
+traceable there. Thus it is with features of the soul. It was not the
+gentle timid Don Carlos who spoke now, it was Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya. There was both pride and courage in his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"If it has been my misfortune to offend my honoured uncle, to whom I
+owe so many benefits, I am sorry, though I cannot charge myself with
+any fault. But I should be faulty indeed were I to prolong my stay in
+a house where I am no longer <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>what, thanks to your kindness, se&ntilde;or my
+uncle, I have ever been hitherto, a welcome guest." Having spoken thus,
+he turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, young fool!" cried Don Manuel, who thought the better of him for
+his proud words. They raised him, in his estimation, from a mark for
+his scorn to a legitimate object for his indignation. "There spoke your
+father's voice. But I tell you, for all that, you shall not quit the
+shelter of my roof."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"You may spare the pains. I ask you not, for I prefer to remain in
+ignorance, to what perilous and fool-hardy lengths your intimacy with
+heretics may have gone. Without being a Qualificator of heresy myself,
+I can tell that you smell of the fire. And indeed, young man, were you
+anything less than Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya, I would hardly scorch my own
+fingers to hold you out of it. The Devil&mdash;to whom, in spite of all your
+fair appearances, I fear you belong&mdash;might take care of his own. But
+since truth is the daughter of God, you shall have it from my lips.
+And the plain truth is, that I have no desire to hear every cur dog in
+Seville barking at me and mine; nor to see our ancient and honourable
+name dragged through the mire and filth of the streets."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never disgraced that name."</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not said that I desire no protestations from you? Whatever
+my private opinion may be, it stands upon our family honour to hold
+that yours is still unstained. Therefore, not from love, as I tell you
+plainly, but from motives that may perchance prove stronger in the
+end, I and mine extend to you our protection. I am a good Catholic, a
+faithful son of Mother Church; but I freely confess I am no hero of
+the Faith, to offer up upon its shrine those that bear my own name.
+I pretend not to such heights of sanctity, not I." And Don Manuel
+shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I entreat of you, se&ntilde;or my uncle, to allow me to explain&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel waved his hand with a forbidding gesture. "None of thy
+explanations for me," he said. "I am no silly cock, to scratch till I
+find the knife. Dangerous secrets had best be let alone. This I will
+say, however, that of all the contemptible follies of these evil times,
+this last one of heresy is the worst. If a man <i>will</i> lose his soul, in
+the name of common sense let him lose it for fine houses, broad lands,
+a duke's title, an archbishop's coffers, or something else good at
+least in this world. But to give all up, and to gain nothing, save fire
+here and fire again hereafter! It is sheer, blank idiocy."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> gained something," said Carlos firmly. "I have gained a
+treasure worth more than all I risk, more than life itself."</p>
+
+<p>"What! Is there really a meaning in this madness? Have you and your
+friends a secret?" Don Manuel asked in a gentler voice, and not without
+curiosity. For he was the child of his age; and had Carlos told him
+that the heretics had made the discovery of the philosopher's stone, he
+would have seen nothing worthy of disbelief in the statement; he would
+only have asked him for proofs.</p>
+
+<p>"The knowledge of God in Christ," began Carlos eagerly "gives me joy
+and peace&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Is that all?</i>" cried Don Manuel with an oath. "Fool that I was, to
+imagine, for half an idle minute, that there might be some grain of
+common sense still left in your crazy brain! But since it is only a
+question of words and names, and mystical doctrines, I have the honour
+to wish you good evening, Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos. Only I command you, as you
+value your life, and prefer a residence beneath my roof to a dungeon
+in the Triana, to keep your insanity within bounds, and to conduct
+yourself so as to avert suspicion. On these conditions we will shelter
+you. Eventually, if it can be done with safety, we may <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>even ship you
+out of the Spains to some foreign country, where heretics, rogues, and
+thieves are permitted to go at large." So saying, he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was stung to the quick by his contempt; but remembered at last
+that it was a fragment of the true cross (really the first that had
+fallen to his lot) given him to wear in honour of his Master.</p>
+
+<p>Sleep would not visit his eyes that night. The next day was the
+Sabbath, a day he had been wont to welcome and enjoy. But never again
+should the Reformed Church of Seville meet in the upper room which
+had been the scene of so much happy intercourse. The next reunion was
+appointed for another place, a house not made with hands, eternal in
+the heavens. Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena and Losada were in the dungeons
+of the Triana. Fray Cassiodoro de Reyna, singularly fortunate, had
+succeeded in making his escape. Fray Constantino, on the other hand,
+had been amongst the first arrested; but Carlos went as usual to the
+Cathedral, where that eloquent voice would never again be heard. A
+heavy silent gloom, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, seemed to
+fill the crowded aisles.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it was there that the first gleam of comfort reached the breaking
+heart of Carlos. It came to him through the familiar words of the Latin
+service, loved from childhood.</p>
+
+<p>He said afterwards to the trembling children of one of the victims,
+whose desolated home he dared to visit, "For myself, horror took
+hold of me. I dared not to think. I scarce dared to pray, save in
+broken words that were only like cries of pain. The first thing that
+helped me was that grand verse in the Te Deum, chanted by the sweet
+childish voices of the Cathedral choir&mdash;'Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
+aperuesti credentibus regna c&oelig;lorum.' Think, dear friends, not death
+alone, but its sting, its sharpness,&mdash;for us and our beloved,&mdash;He has
+overcome, and they and we in him. The gates of the kingdom of heaven
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>stand open; opened by his hands, and neither men nor fiends can shut
+them again."</p>
+
+<p>Such words as these did Carlos find opportunity to speak to many
+bereaved ones, from whom the desire of their eyes had been taken by
+a stroke far more bitter than death. This ministry of love did not
+greatly increase his own peril, since the less he deviated from his
+ordinary habits of life the less suspicion he was likely to awaken.
+But had it been otherwise, he was not now in a position to calculate.
+Perhaps he was too near heaven; at all events, he had already ventured
+too much for Christ's sake not to be willing, at his call, to venture a
+little more.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the isolation of his position in his uncle's house grew
+overpowering. No one reproached him, no one taunted him, not even
+Gonsalvo. He often longed for some bitter word, ay, though it were a
+curse, to break the oppressive silence. Every eye looked upon him with
+hatred and scorn; every hand shrank from the slightest, most accidental
+contact with his. Almost he came to consider himself what all others
+considered him,&mdash;polluted, degraded&mdash;under the ban.</p>
+
+<p>Once and again would he have sought escape by flight from an atmosphere
+in which it seemed more and more impossible to breathe. But flight
+meant arrest; and arrest, besides its overwhelming terrors for himself,
+meant the danger of betraying Juan. His uncle and his uncle's family,
+though they seemed now to scorn and hate him, had promised to save him
+if they could, and so far he trusted them.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIV" id="XXIV">XXIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">A Gleam of Light.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"It is a weary task to school the heart,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Ere years or griefs have tamed its fiery throbbings,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Into that still and passive fortitude</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Which is but learned from suffering."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcaps"><span class="hide">S</span></span>hortly afterwards, the son and heir of Do&ntilde;a Inez was baptized, with
+the usual amount of ceremony and rejoicing. After the event, the family
+and friends partook of a merienda of fruit, confectionery, and wine, in
+the patio of Don Gar&ccedil;ia's house. Much against his inclination, Carlos
+was obliged to be present, as his absence would have occasioned remark
+and inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>When the guests were beginning to disperse, the hostess drew near the
+spot where he stood, near to the fountain, admiring, or seeming to
+admire, a pure white azalia in glorious bloom.</p>
+
+<p>"In good sooth, cousin Don Carlos," she said, "you forget old friends
+very easily. But I suppose it is because you are going so soon to take
+Orders. Every one knows how learned and pious you are. And no doubt
+you are right to wean yourself in good time from the concerns and
+amusements of this unprofitable world."</p>
+
+<p>No word of this little speech was lost upon one of the greatest gossips
+in Seville, a lady of rank, who stood near, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>leaning on the arm of
+Losada's former patient, the wealthy Canon. And this was what the
+speaker, in her good nature, probably intended.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised to her face eyes beaming with gratitude for the friendly
+notice.</p>
+
+<p>"No change of state, se&ntilde;ora, can ever make me forget the kindness of my
+fair cousin," he responded with a bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Your cousin's little daughter," said the lady, "had once a place in
+your affections. But with you, as with all the rest, I presume the boy
+is everything. As for my poor little Inez, her small person is of small
+account in the world now. It is well she has her mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to renew my acquaintance
+with Do&ntilde;a Inez, if I maybe permitted so to do."</p>
+
+<p>This was evidently what the mother desired. "Go to the right then,
+amigo mio," she said promptly, indicating the place intended by a quick
+movement of her fan, "and I will send the child to you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos obeyed, and for a considerable time paced up and down a cool
+spacious apartment, only separated from the court by marble pillars,
+between which costly hangings were suspended. Being a Spaniard, and
+dwelling among Spaniards, he was neither surprised nor disconcerted by
+the long delay.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, he began to suspect that his cousin had forgotten
+him. But this was not the case. First a painted ivory ball rolled in
+over the smooth floor; then one of the hangings was hastily pushed
+aside, and the little Do&ntilde;a Inez bounded gaily into the room in search
+of her toy. She was a merry, healthy child, about two years old, and
+really very pretty, though her infantine charms were not set off to
+advantage by the miniature nun's habit in which she was dressed, on
+account of a vow made by her mother to "Our Lady of Carmel," during the
+serious illness for which Carlos had summoned Losada to her aid.</p>
+
+<p>She was followed almost immediately, not by the grave <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>elderly nurse
+who usually waited on her, but by a girl of about sixteen, rather a
+beauty, whose quick dark eyes bestowed, from beneath their long lashes,
+bashful but evidently admiring glances on the handsome young nobleman.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, ever fond of children, and enjoying the momentary relief from
+the painful tension of his daily life, stooped for the ball and held
+it, just allowing its bright red to appear through his fingers. As the
+child was not in the least shy, he was soon engaged in a game with her.</p>
+
+<p>Looking up in the midst of it, he saw that the mother had come in
+silently, and was watching him with searching anxious eyes that brought
+back in a moment all his troubles. He allowed the ball to slide to the
+ground, and then, with a touch of his foot, sent it rolling into one
+of the farthest corners of the spacious hall. The child ran gleefully
+after it; while the mother and the attendant exchanged glances. "You
+may take the noble child away, Juanita," said the former.</p>
+
+<p>Juanita led off her charge without again allowing her to approach
+Carlos, thus rendering unnecessary the ceremony of a farewell. Was this
+the mother's contrivance, lest by spell of word or gesture, or even by
+a kiss, the heretic might pollute or endanger the innocent babe?</p>
+
+<p>When they were alone together, Do&ntilde;a Inez was the first to speak. "I do
+not think you can be so wicked after all; since you love children, and
+play with them still," she said in a low, half-frightened tone.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you for those words, se&ntilde;ora," answered Carlos with a
+trembling lip. He was learning to steel himself to scorn; but kindness
+tested his self-control more severely.</p>
+
+<p>"Amigo mio," she resumed, drawing nearer and speaking more rapidly,
+"I cannot quite forget the past. It is very wrong, I know, and I am
+weak. Ay de mi! If it be true you really are that dreadful thing I do
+not care to name, I ought to have the courage to stand by and see you
+perish."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But my kinsfolk," said Carlos, "do not intend me to perish. And for
+the protection they afford me I am grateful. More I could not have
+expected from them; less they might well have done for me. But I would
+to God I could show them and you that I am not the foul dishonoured
+thing they deem me."</p>
+
+<p>"If it had only been something <i>respectable</i>," said Do&ntilde;a Inez, with a
+sort of writhe, "such as some youthful irregularity, or stabbing or
+slaying somebody!&mdash;but what use in words? I would say, I counsel you to
+look to your own safety. Do you not know my brothers?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do, se&ntilde;ora. That an Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya should be defamed of
+heresy would be more than a disgrace&mdash;it would be a serious injury to
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"There be more ways than one of avoiding the misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked inquiringly at her. Something in her half-averted face
+and the quick shrug of her shoulders prompted him to ask, "Do you think
+they mean me mischief?"</p>
+
+<p>"Daggers are sharp to cut knots," said the lady, playing with her fan
+and avoiding his eye.</p>
+
+<p>With so many ghastlier terrors had the mind of Carlos grown familiar,
+that this one came to him in the guise of a relief. So "the sharpness
+of death" for him might mean no more than a dagger's thrust, after all!
+One moment here, the next in his Saviour's presence. Who that knew
+aught of the tender mercies of the Holy Office could do less than thank
+God on his bended knees for the prospect of such a fate!</p>
+
+<p>"It is not <i>death</i> that I fear," he answered, looking at her steadily.</p>
+
+<p>"But you may as well live; nay, you had better live. For you may
+repent, may save your unhappy soul. I shall pray for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, dear and kind se&ntilde;ora; but, through the grace of God, my
+soul is saved already. I believe in Jesus Christ&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Hush! for Heaven's sake!" Do&ntilde;a Inez interrupted, dropping her fan and
+putting her fingers in her ears. "Hush! or ere I am aware I shall have
+listened to some dreadful heresy. The saints help me! How should I know
+just where the good Catholic words end, and the wicked ones begin? I
+might be caught in the web of the evil one; and then neither saint nor
+angel, no, nor even Our Lady herself, could deliver me. But listen to
+me, Don Carlos, for at all events I would save your life."</p>
+
+<p>"I will listen gratefully to aught from your lips."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that you dare not attempt flight from the city at present.
+But if you could lie concealed in some safe and quiet place within it
+till this storm has blown over, you might then steal away unobserved.
+Don Gar&ccedil;ia says that now there is such a keen search made after the
+Lutherans, that every man who cannot give a good account of himself
+is like to be taken for one of the accursed sect. But that cannot
+last for ever; in six months or so the panic will be past. And those
+six months you may spend in safety, hidden away in the lodging of my
+lavandera."<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p>
+
+<p>"You are kind&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, and listen. I have arranged the whole matter. And once you are
+there, I will see that you lack nothing. It is in the Morrero;<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> a
+house hidden in a very labyrinth of lanes, a chamber in the house which
+a man would need to look for very particularly ere he found it."</p>
+
+<p>"How shall <i>I</i> succeed in finding it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You noticed the pretty girl who led in my little Inez? Pepe, the
+lavandera's son, is ready to die for the love of her. She will describe
+you to him, and engage his assistance in the adventure, telling him the
+story I have told her, that you wish to conceal yourself for a season,
+having stabbed your rival in a love affair."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"O Do&ntilde;a Inez! <i>I!</i>&mdash;almost a priest!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well; do not look so horror-stricken, amigo mio. What could I
+do? I dared not give them a hint of the truth, or both my hands full
+of double ducats would not have tempted them to stir in the affair. So
+I thought no shame of inventing a crime for you that would win their
+interest and sympathy, and dispose them to aid you."</p>
+
+<p>"Passing strange," said Carlos. "Had I only sinned against the law of
+God and the life of my neighbour, they would gladly help me to escape;
+did they dream that I read his words in my own tongue, they would give
+me up to death."</p>
+
+<p>"Juanita is a good little Christian," remarked Do&ntilde;a Inez; "and Pepe
+also is a very honest lad. But perhaps you may find some sympathy with
+the old crone of a lavandera, who is of Moorish blood, and, it is
+whispered, knows more of Mohammed than she does of her Breviary."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos disclaimed all connection with the followers of the false
+prophet.</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know the difference?" said Do&ntilde;a Inez. "I thought it was
+all the same, heresy and heresy. But I was about to say, Pepe is a
+gallant lad, a regular <i>majo</i>; his hand knows its way either amongst
+the strings of a guitar, or on the hilt of a dagger. He has often
+served caballeros who were out of nights serenading their ladies; and
+he will go equipped as if for such an adventure. You, also, bind a
+guitar on your shoulder (you could use one in old times, and to good
+purpose too, if you have not forgotten all Christian accomplishments
+together); bribe old Sancho to leave the gates open, and sally forth
+to-morrow night when the clock strikes the midnight hour. Pepe will
+wait for you in the Calle del Candilejo until one."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would have named to-night, but Pepe has a dance to attend. Moreover,
+I knew not whether I could arrange this interview in sufficient time to
+prepare you. Now, cousin," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>she added anxiously, "you understand your
+part, and you will not fail in it."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand everything, se&ntilde;ora my cousin. From my heart I thank
+you for the noble effort to save me. Whether in its result it shall
+prove successful or no, already it is successful in giving me hope and
+strength, and renewing my faith in old familiar kindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! that step is Don Gar&ccedil;ia's. It is best you should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Only one word more, se&ntilde;ora. Will my generous cousin add to her
+goodness by giving my brother, when it can be done with safety, a hint
+of how it has fared with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; that shall be cared for. Now, adios."</p>
+
+<p>"I kiss your feet, se&ntilde;ora."</p>
+
+<p>She hastily extended her hand, upon which he pressed a kiss of
+friendship and gratitude. "God bless you, my cousin," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya con Dios," she responded. "For it is our last meeting," she added
+mentally.</p>
+
+<p>She stood and watched the retreating figure with tears in her bright
+eyes, and in her heart a memory that went back to old times, when she
+used to intercede with her rough brothers for the delicate shrinking
+child, who was younger, as well as frailer, than all the rest. "He was
+ever gentle and good, and fit to be a holy priest," she thought. "Ay de
+mi, for the strange, sad change! Yet, after all, I cannot see that he
+is so greatly changed. Playing with the child, talking with me, he is
+just the same Carlos as of old. But the devil is very cunning. God and
+Our Lady keep us from his wiles!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXV" id="XXV">XXV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Waiting.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Our night is dreary, and dim our day,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And if thou turn thy face away,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;We are sinful, feeble, and helpless dust,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And have none to look to and none to trust."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hogg.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>hus was Carlos roused from the dull apathy of forced inaction. With
+the courage and energy that are born of hope, he made the few and
+simple preparations for his flight that were in his power. He also
+visited as many as he could of his afflicted friends, feeling that his
+ministry among them was now drawing to a close.</p>
+
+<p>He rejoined his uncle's family as usual at the evening meal. Don
+Balthazar, the empleado, was not present at its commencement, but soon
+came in, looking so much disturbed that his father asked, "What is
+amiss?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing amiss, se&ntilde;or and my father," answered the young man,
+as he raised a large cup of Manzanilla to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any news in the city?" asked his brother Don Manuel.</p>
+
+<p>Don Balthazar set down the empty cup. "No great news," he answered. "A
+curse upon those Lutheran dogs that are setting the place in an uproar."</p>
+
+<p>"What! more arrests," said Don Manuel the elder. "It is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>awful. The
+number reached eight hundred yesterday. Who is taken now?"</p>
+
+<p>"A priest from the country, Doctor Juan Gonzalez, and a friar named
+Olmedo. But that is nothing. They might take all the Churchmen in all
+the Spains, and fling them into the lowest dungeons of the Triana for
+me. It is a different matter when we come to speak of ladies&mdash;ladies,
+too, of the first families and highest consideration."</p>
+
+<p>A slight shudder, and a kind of forward movement, as if to catch what
+was coming, passed round the table. But Don Balthazar seemed reluctant
+to say more.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it any of our acquaintances?" asked the sharp, high-pitched voice
+of Do&ntilde;a Sancha at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Every one is acquainted with Don Pedro Gar&ccedil;ia de Xeres y Bohorques. It
+is&mdash;I tremble to tell you&mdash;his daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Which?</i>" cried Gonsalvo, in tones that turned the gaze of all on his
+livid face and fierce eager eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"St. Iago, brother! You need not look thus at me. Is it my fault?&mdash;It
+is the learned one, of course, Do&ntilde;a Maria. Poor lady, she may well wish
+now that she had never meddled with anything beyond her Breviary."</p>
+
+<p>"Our Lady and all the saints defend us! Do&ntilde;a Maria in prison for
+heresy&mdash;horrible! Who will be safe now?" the ladies exclaimed, crossing
+themselves shudderingly.</p>
+
+<p>But the men used stronger language. Fierce and bitter were the
+anathemas they heaped upon heresy and heretics. Yet it is only just to
+say that, had they dared, they might have spoken differently. Probably
+in their secret hearts they meant the curses less for the victims than
+for their oppressors; and had Spain been a land in which men might
+speak what they thought, Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga would have been devoted
+to a lower place in hell than Luther or Calvin.</p>
+
+<p>Only two were silent. Before the eye of Carlos rose the sweet
+thoughtful face of the young girl, as he had seen it last, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>radiant
+with the faith and hope kindled by the sublime words of heavenly
+promise spoken by Losada. But the sight of another face&mdash;still, rigid,
+deathlike&mdash;drove that vision away. Gonsalvo sat opposite to him at the
+table. And had he never heard the strange story Do&ntilde;a Inez told him,
+that look would have revealed it all.</p>
+
+<p>Neither curse nor prayer passed the white lips of Gonsalvo. Not one of
+all the bitter words, found so readily on slighter occasions, came now
+to his aid. The fiercest outburst of passion would have seemed less
+terrible to Carlos than this unnatural silence.</p>
+
+<p>Yet none of the others, after the first moment, appeared to notice
+it. Or if they did observe anything strange in the look and manner
+of Gonsalvo, it was imputed to physical pain, from which he often
+suffered, but for which he rejected, and even resented, sympathy, until
+at last it ceased to be offered him. Having given what expression they
+dared to their outraged feelings, they once more turned their attention
+to the unfinished repast. It was not at all a cheerful meal, yet it was
+duly partaken of, except by Gonsalvo and Carlos, both of whom left the
+table as soon as they could without attracting attention.</p>
+
+<p>Willingly would Carlos have endeavoured to console his cousin; but he
+did not dare to speak to him, or even to allow him to guess that he saw
+the anguish of his soul.</p>
+
+<p>One day still remained to him before his flight. In the morning,
+though not very early, he set out to finish his farewell visits to his
+friends. He had not gone many paces from the house, when he observed a
+gentleman in plain black clothing, with sword and cloak, look at him
+regardfully as he passed. A moment afterwards the same person, having
+apparently changed his mind as to the direction in which he wished
+to go, hurried by him at a rapid pace; and with a murmured "Pardon,
+se&ntilde;or," thrust a billet into his hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Not doubting that one of his friends had sent an emissary to warn him
+of some danger, Carlos turned into one of the narrow winding lanes with
+which the semi-oriental city abounds, and finding himself safe from
+observation, cast a hasty glance at the billet.</p>
+
+<p>His eye just caught the words, "His reverence the Lord Inquisitor&mdash;Don
+Gonsalvo&mdash;after midnight&mdash;revelations of importance&mdash;strict secrecy."
+What did it all mean? Did the writer wish to inform him that his cousin
+intended betraying him to the Inquisition? He did not believe it. But
+the sound of approaching footsteps made him thrust the paper hastily
+away; and in another moment his sleeve was grasped by Gonsalvo.</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to me," said his cousin in a breathless whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Give you what?"</p>
+
+<p>"The paper that born idiot and marplot put into thy hands, mistaking
+thee for me. Curse the fool! Did he not know I was lame?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos showed the note, still holding it. "Is this what you mean?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"You have read it! <i>Honourable!</i>" cried Gonsalvo, with a bitter sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"You are unjust to me. It bears no address; and I could not suppose
+otherwise than that it was intended for myself. However, I only read
+the few disconnected words upon which my eye first chanced to fall."</p>
+
+<p>The cousins stood gazing in each other's faces; as those might do that
+meet in mortal combat, ere they close hand to hand. Each was pondering
+whether the other was capable of doing him a deadly injury. Yet, after
+all, each held, at the bottom of his heart, a conviction that the other
+might be trusted.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, though he had the greater cause for apprehension, was the first
+to come to a conclusion. Almost with a smile he handed the note to
+Gonsalvo. "Whatever yon mysterious <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>billet may mean to Don Gonsalvo,"
+he said, "I am convinced that he means no harm to any one bearing the
+name of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>"You will never repent that word. And it is true&mdash;in the sense you
+speak it," returned Gonsalvo, taking the paper from his hand. At that
+moment he was irresolute whether to confide in Carlos or no. But the
+touch of his cousin's hand decided him. It was cold and trembling. One
+so weak in heart and nerve was obviously unfit to share the burden of a
+brave man's desperate resolve.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos went his way, firmly believing that Gonsalvo intended no ill
+to him. But what then did he intend? Had he solicited the Inquisitor
+for a private midnight interview merely to throw himself at his feet,
+and with impassioned eloquence to plead the cause of Do&ntilde;a Maria? Were
+"important revelations" only a blind to procure his admission?</p>
+
+<p>Impossible! who, past the age of infancy, would kneel to the storm to
+implore it to be still, or to the fire to ask it to subdue its rage?
+Perhaps some dreamy enthusiast, unacquainted with the world and its
+ways, might still be found sanguine enough for such a project, but
+certainly not Don Gonsalvo Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya.</p>
+
+<p>Or had he a bribe to offer? Inquisitors, like other Churchmen, were
+known to be subject to human frailties; of course they would not touch
+gold, but, according to a well-known Spanish proverb, you were invited
+to throw it into their cowls. And Munebr&atilde;ga could scarcely have fed his
+numerous train of insolent retainers, decked his splendid barge with
+gold and purple, and brought rare plants and flowers from every known
+country to his magnificent gardens, without very large additions to the
+acknowledged income of the Inquisitor-General's deputy. But, again,
+not all the wealth of the Indies would avail to open the gates of the
+Triana to an obstinate heretic, however it might modify the views of
+"his Reverence" upon the merits of a <i>doubt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>ful</i> case. And even to
+procure a few slight alleviations in the treatment of the accused,
+would have required a much deeper purse than Gonsalvo's.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, Carlos saw that the young man was "bitter of soul;" ready for
+any desperate deed. What if he meant to accuse <i>himself</i>. Amidst the
+careless profanity in which he had been too wont to indulge, many a
+word had fallen from his lips that might be contrary to sound doctrine
+in the estimation of Inquisitors, comparatively lenient as they were to
+<i>blasphemers</i>. But what possible benefit to Do&ntilde;a Maria would be gained
+by his throwing himself into the jaws of death? And if it were really
+his resolve to commit suicide, by way of ending his own miseries, he
+could surely accomplish the act in a more direct and far less painful
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Carlos pondered; but in whatever way he regarded the matter, he
+could not escape from the idea that his cousin intended some dangerous
+or fatal step. Gonsalvo was too still, too silent. This was an evil
+sign. Carlos would have felt comparatively easy about him had he made
+him shrink and shudder by an outburst of the fiercest, most indignant
+curses. For the less emotion is wasted in expression, the more remains,
+like pent-up steam, to drive the engine forward in its course.
+Moreover, there was an evil light in Gonsalvo's eye; a gleam like that
+of hope, but hope that was certainly not kindled from above.</p>
+
+<p>Although the very crisis of his own fate was now approaching, and
+every faculty might have had full occupation nearer home, Carlos was
+haunted perpetually by the thought of his cousin. It continued to
+occupy him not only during his visits to his friends, but afterwards in
+the solitude and silence of his own apartment. We all know the strange
+perversity with which, in times of suspense and sorrow, the mind will
+sometimes run riot upon matters irrelevant, and even apparently trivial.</p>
+
+<p>With slow footsteps the hours stole on; miserable hours to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>Carlos,
+except in so for as he could spend them in prayer, now his only
+resource and refuge. After pleading for himself, for Juan, for his
+dear imprisoned brethren and sisters, he named Gonsalvo; and was led
+most earnestly to implore God's mercy for his unhappy cousin. As he
+thought of his misery, so much greater than his own; his loneliness,
+without God in the world; his sorrow, without hope,&mdash;his pleading grew
+impassioned. And when at last he rose from his knees, it was with that
+sweet sense that God would hear&mdash;nay, that he <i>had</i> heard&mdash;which is
+one of the mysteries of the new life, the precious things that no man
+knoweth save he that receiveth them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, believing it was nearly midnight, he quickly finished his simple
+preparations, took his guitar (which had now lain unused for a long
+time), and sallied forth from his chamber.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVI" id="XXVI">XXVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Don Gonsalvo's Revenge.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent3">"Our God, the all just,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Unto himself reserves this royalty,</div>
+   <div class="verse">The secret chastening of the guilty heart;</div>
+   <div class="verse">The fiery touch, the scourge that purifies&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Leave it with him. Yet make not that thy trust;</div>
+   <div class="verse">For that strong heart of thine&mdash;oh, listen yet!&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Must in its depths o'ercome the very wish</div>
+   <div class="verse">Of death or torture to the guilty one,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Ere it can sleep again."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Manuel's house had once belonged to a Moorish Cid, or lord. It
+had been assigned to the first Conde de Nuera, as one of the original
+<i>conquistadors</i> of Seville; and he had bequeathed it to his second son.
+It had a turret, after the Moorish fashion, and the upper chamber of
+this had been given to Carlos on his first arrival in the city; from an
+idea that the theological student would require a solitary place for
+study and devotion, or, at least, that it would be decorous to suppose
+so. The room beneath had been occupied by Don Juan, but since his
+departure it was appropriated by Gonsalvo, who liked solitude, and took
+advantage of his improved health to escape from the ground-floor, to
+which his infirmities had long confined him.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos stole noiselessly down the narrow winding stair, he noticed a
+light in his cousin's room. This in itself did not sur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>prise him. But
+he certainly felt a little disconcerted when, just as he passed the
+door, Don Gonsalvo opened it, and met him face to face. He also was
+fully equipped in sword and cloak, and carried a torch in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos," he said reproachfully; "after all, thou
+couldst not trust me."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I did trust you."</p>
+
+<p>From fear of being overheard, both entered the nearest room&mdash;Don
+Gonsalvo's&mdash;and its owner closed the door softly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are stealing away from fear of me, and thereby throwing yourself
+into the fire. Do it not, Don Carlos; be advised, and do it not." He
+spoke earnestly, and without a shadow of the old bitterness and sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, it is not thus. My flight was planned ere yesterday; and in
+concert with one who both can and will provide me with the means of
+safety. It is best I should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough said then," returned Gonsalvo, more coldly. "Farewell; I seek
+not to detain you. Farewell; for though we may go forth together, our
+paths divide, and for ever, at the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Your path is perhaps less safe than mine, Don Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Talk of what you understand, cousin. My path is safety itself. And now
+that I think of it (if you could be trusted), you might aid me perhaps.
+Did you know all, I dare not doubt that you would rejoice to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"God knows how joyfully I would aid you if I could, Don Gonsalvo. But I
+fear you are bound on a useless, and worse than useless, errand."</p>
+
+<p>"You know not my errand."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know to whom you go this night. Oh, my cousin, is it possible
+you can dream that prayer of yours will soften hearts harder than the
+nether millstone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know the way to one heart; and though it be the hardest of all, I
+shall reach it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Were you to pour the wealth of El Dorado at the feet of Gonzales de
+Munebr&atilde;ga, he neither would nor could unloose one bolt of that prison."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo's wild look changed suddenly into one of wistful earnestness,
+almost of tenderness. He said, lowering his voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Near as death, the revealer of secrets, may be to me, there are still
+some questions worth the asking. Perchance <i>you</i> can throw a gleam of
+light upon this horrible darkness. We are speaking frankly now, and as
+in God's presence. Tell me, <i>is that charge true</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frankly, and in the sense in which you ask&mdash;it is."</p>
+
+<p>The last fatal words Carlos only whispered. Gonsalvo made no answer;
+but a kind of momentary spasm passed across his face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos at length went on in a low voice: "She knew the Evangel long
+before I did, though she is so young&mdash;not yet one-and-twenty. She was
+the pupil of Dr. Egidius; but he was wont to say he learned more from
+her than she did from him. Her keen, bright intellect cut through
+sophistries, and reached truth so quickly. And God gave her abundantly
+of his grace; making her willing, for that truth, to endure all things.
+Oft have I seen her sweet face kindle and glow whilst he who taught us
+spoke of the joy and strength given to those that suffer for the name
+of Christ. I am persuaded He is with her now, and will be with her
+even to the end. Could you gain access to her where she is, I think
+she would tell you she possesses a treasure of peace of which neither
+death nor suffering, neither cruelty of fiends nor worse cruelty of
+fiend-like men, can avail to rob her."</p>
+
+<p>"She is a saint&mdash;she will be a blessed saint in heaven, let them say
+what they may," murmured Gonsalvo hoarsely. Then the fierce look
+returned to his face again. "But I think the old Christians of Castile,
+the men whose good swords made the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>infidels bite the dust, and
+planted the cross on their painted towers, are no better than curs and
+dastards."</p>
+
+<p>"In that they suffer these things?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; a thousand times, yes. In the name of man's honour and woman's
+loveliness, are there, in our good city of Seville, neither fathers,
+nor brothers, nor lovers left alive? No man who thinks the sweetest
+eyes ever seen worth six inches of steel in five skilful fingers? No
+one man, save the poor forgotten cripple, Don Gonsalvo Alvarez. But he
+thanks God this night that he has spared his life, and left strength
+enough in his feeble limbs to beat him into a murderer's presence."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo! what do you mean?" cried Carlos, shrinking from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Lower thy voice, an' it please thee. But why should I fear to tell
+thee&mdash;<i>thee</i>, who hast good cause to be the death-foe of Inquisitors?
+If thou art not cur and dastard too, thou wilt applaud and pray for me.
+For I suppose heretics pray, at least as well as Inquisitors. I said
+I would reach the heart of Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga this night. Not with
+gold. There is another metal of keener temper, which enters in where
+even gold cannot come."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you mean&mdash;<i>murder</i>?" said Carlos, again drawing near him,
+and laying his hand on his arm. Gonsalvo sank into a seat, half
+mechanically, half from an instinct that led him to spare the strength
+he would need so sorely by-and-by.</p>
+
+<p>In the momentary pause that followed, the clock of San Vicente tolled
+the midnight hour.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Gonsalvo steadily; "I mean murder&mdash;as the shepherd does
+who strangles the wolf with his paw on the lamb."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, think&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of everything. And mark me, Don Carlos, I have but one
+regret. It is that my weapon deals an instantaneous death. Such revenge
+is poor and flavourless after all. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>I have heard of poisons whose least
+drop, mingling with the blood, ensures a slow agonizing death&mdash;time
+to learn what torture means, and to drain to the dregs the cup filled
+for others&mdash;to curse God and man ere he dies. For a phial of such,
+wherewith to anoint my blade, I would sell my soul to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"O Gonsalvo, this is horrible! They are wild, wicked words you speak.
+Pray God to pardon you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I adjure him by his justice to prosper me," said Gonsalvo, raising his
+head defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>"He will not prosper you. And do you dream that such a mad achievement
+(suppose you even succeed in it) will open prison-doors and set
+captives free? Alas! alas! that we are not at the mercy of a tyrant's
+<i>will</i>. For tyrants, the worst of them, sometimes relent; and&mdash;they are
+mortal. That which is crushing us is not a living being, an organism
+with nerves, and brain, and blood. It is a system, a <span class="smcap">THING</span>,
+a terrible engine, that moves on in its resistless way, cold and
+lifeless, without will or feeling. Strong as adamant, it kills,
+tortures, destroys; obeying laws far away out of our sight. Were Valdez
+and Munebr&atilde;ga, and all the Board of Inquisitors, dead corpses by the
+morning light, not a single dungeon in the Triana would open its
+pitiless gate."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe <i>that</i>," replied Gonsalvo, rather more quietly.
+"Surely there must be some confusion, of which advantage may be taken
+by friends of the prisoners. This, indeed, is the motive which now
+induces me to confide in you. <i>You</i> may know those who, if they had the
+chance, could strike a shrewd blow to save their dearest on earth from
+torture and death."</p>
+
+<p>But Gonsalvo read no answer in the sorrowful face of Carlos to the
+searching look of inquiry with which he said this. After a silence he
+went on,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the worst, however. The Holy Office sorely needs a little
+blood-letting, and will be much the better for it. Who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>ever succeeds,
+Munebr&atilde;ga will have my dagger flashing in his eyes, and will take care
+how he deals with his prisoners, and whom he arrests."</p>
+
+<p>"I implore you to think of yourself," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo smiled. "I know I shall pay the forfeit," he said, "even as
+those who slew the Inquisitor Pedro Arbues before the high altar in
+Saragossa. But"&mdash;here the smile faded, and the stern set look returned
+to his face&mdash;"I shall not pay more, for a man's triumphant vengeance,
+than those fiends will dare to inflict upon a tender, delicately
+nurtured girl for the crime of a mystic meditation, or a few words of
+prayer not properly rounded off with an Ave."</p>
+
+<p>"True. But then you will suffer alone. She has God with her."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>can</i> suffer alone."</p>
+
+<p>For that word Carlos envied him. <i>He</i> shrank in terror from loneliness,
+from suffering, shuddering at the very thought of the dungeon and the
+torture-room. And just then the first quarter of his hour of grace
+chimed from the clock of San Vicente. What if he and Pepe should fail
+to meet? He would not think of that now. Whatever happened, Gonsalvo
+<i>must</i> be saved. He went on,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Here you can suffer alone and be strong. But how will you endure the
+loneliness of the long hereafter, away from God's presence, from light
+and life and hope? Are you content that you, and she for whom you give
+your life, should be sundered throughout eternity?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay; I am casting my lot in with hers. If the Church curses her (pure
+and holy as she ever was), its anathema shall fall on me too. If only
+the Church's key opens heaven, she and I will both stand without."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you know she will enter heaven. Shall <i>you</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo hesitated. "It will not be the blood of a villain that will
+bar my way," he said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"God says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Then what will he do with Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will do that with him of which, if you but dreamed, it would change
+your fiercest hate into saddest, deepest pity. Have you realized what
+a span is our life here compared with the countless ages of eternity?
+Think! For God's chosen a few weeks, or months at most, of solitude and
+fear and pain, ended perhaps by&mdash;but that is as he pleases; <i>ended</i>, at
+all events. Then add up the million years, fill them with the joy of
+victory, and the presence and love of Christ himself. Can they not, and
+we for them, be content with this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you content with it yourself?" Gonsalvo suddenly interrupted. "You
+seek flight."</p>
+
+<p>The glow faded from the face of Carlos, and his eyes sank to the
+ground. "Christ has not called me yet," he answered in a lower tone.
+There was a silence; then he resumed: "Turn now to the other side.
+Would you change, even this hour, with Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga? But take
+him from his wealth, and his pomp, and his sinful luxuries, all defiled
+with blood, and what remains for him? Everlasting fire, prepared for
+the devil and his angels."</p>
+
+<p>"Everlasting fire!" Gonsalvo repeated, as if the thought pleased him.</p>
+
+<p>"Leave him in God's hand. It is a stronger hand than yours, Don
+Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Everlasting fire! I would send him there to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"And whither would you send your own sinful soul?"</p>
+
+<p>"God might pardon, though the Church cursed."</p>
+
+<p>"Possibly. But to enter God's heaven you need something besides pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"What?" asked Gonsalvo, half wearily, half incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>"'Holiness; without which no man can see the Lord.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Holiness?" Gonsalvo questioned, as if the word was strange to him, and
+he attached no meaning to it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Carlos went on, with intense and ever increasing earnestness;
+"unless, even from that passionate heart of yours, revenge and hatred
+are banished, you can <i>never</i> see God, never come where&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy peace, trifler!" Gonsalvo interrupted with angry impatience.
+"Too long have I tarried, listening to thine idle talk. Priests and
+women are content with words; brave men <i>act</i>. Farewell to thee!"</p>
+
+<p>"One word more, only one." Carlos drew near and laid his hand on his
+cousin's arm. "Nay, you <i>shall</i> listen to me. Seemeth it to you a thing
+incredible that that heart of yours can be changed and softened to a
+love like His who prayed on the cross for his murderers? Yet it can be.
+<i>He</i> can do it. He gives pardon, holiness, peace. Peace of which you
+dream not now, but which <i>she</i> knows full well. O Don Gonsalvo, better
+join her where she is going, than wildly, rashly, and most uselessly
+peril your soul to avenge her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Uselessly! Were that true indeed&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! who can doubt it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would I had time for thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, in God's name, and pray him to keep you from a great crime."</p>
+
+<p>For a few moments he sat still&mdash;still as the dead. Then he started
+suddenly. "Already the hour is passing," he exclaimed; "I shall be too
+late. Fool that I was, to be almost moved from my purpose by the idle
+words of a&mdash;The weakness is past now. Still, ere we part, give me thy
+hand, Don Carlos, for, on my faith, I never liked thee half so well."</p>
+
+<p>Very sorrowfully Carlos extended it, rather wondering as he did so that
+the energetic Gonsalvo failed to spring from his seat and prepare to be
+gone.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo stirred not, even to take the offered hand. A deathlike
+paleness overspread his face, and a cry of terror had well nigh broken
+from his lips. But he choked it back. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>"Something is strangely wrong
+with me," he faltered. "I cannot move. I feel dead&mdash;<i>dead</i>&mdash;from the
+waist down."</p>
+
+<p>"God has spoken to you from heaven," said Carlos solemnly. He felt as
+if a miracle had been wrought in his presence. His Protestantism had
+not freed him from the superstitions of his age. Had he lived three
+centuries later, he would have seen nothing miraculous in the disease
+with which Gonsalvo was stricken, but rather have called it the natural
+result of intense agitation and excitement, acting upon a frame already
+weakened.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the reckless Gonsalvo was the more superstitious of the two. He was
+at war with the creed in which he had been nurtured; but that older and
+deeper kind of superstition which has its root in human nature had, for
+this very reason, a stronger hold upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead&mdash;dead!" he repeated, the words falling from his lips in broken,
+awe-struck whispers. "The limbs I misused! The feet that led me into
+sin! God&mdash;God have mercy upon me! It is thy hand!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is his hand; a sign he has not forsaken thee; that he means to
+bring thee back to himself. Oh, my cousin, do not despair. Hope yet in
+his mercy, for it is great."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos knelt down beside him, took his passive hand in his, and spoke
+earnest, loving words of hope and comfort. The last quarter, ere the
+single stroke that should announce that the hour appointed for his own
+flight was past, chimed from the clock on the church tower. Yet he did
+not move&mdash;he had forgotten self. At last, however, he said, "But it may
+be something can be done to relieve you. You ought to have medical aid
+without delay. I should have thought of this before. I will rouse the
+household."</p>
+
+<p>"No; that would endanger you. Go on your way, and bid the porter do it
+when you are gone."</p>
+
+<p>It was too late, the household <i>was</i> roused. A loud authori<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>tative
+knocking at the outer gate sent the blood back from the hearts of both
+with sudden and horrible fear.</p>
+
+<p>There was a sound of opening gates, followed by
+footsteps&mdash;voices&mdash;cries.</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo was the first to understand all. "The Alguazils of the Holy
+Office!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am lost!" cried Carlos, large drops gathering on his brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Conceal yourself," said Gonsalvo; but he knew his words were vain.
+Already his quick ear had caught the sound of his cousin's name; and
+already footsteps were on the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos glanced round the room. For a moment his eye rested on the
+window, eighty feet above the ground. Better spring from it and perish!
+No, that would be self-murder. In God's name he would await them
+manfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You will be searched," Gonsalvo whispered hurriedly; "have you aught
+about your person that may add to your danger?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos drew from its place of concealment the heroic Juliano's
+treasured gift.</p>
+
+<p>"I will hide it," said his cousin; and taking it hastily, he slipped it
+beneath his inner vest, where it lay in strange neighbourhood with a
+small, exquisitely tempered poniard, destined never to be used.</p>
+
+<p>The torch-light within, perhaps the voices, guided the Alguazils
+to that room. A hand was placed on the door. "They are coming, Don
+Carlos," cried Gonsalvo; "I am thy murderer."</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no fault of thine. Always remember that," said Carlos, in his
+sharpest anguish generous still. Then for one brief moment, that seemed
+an age, he was deaf to all outward things. Afterwards he was himself
+again.</p>
+
+<p>And something more than himself perhaps. Now, as in other moments of
+intense excitement, the spirit of his race descended <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>on him. When the
+Alguazils entered, it was Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya
+who met them, with folded arms, with steadfast eye, and pale but
+dauntless forehead.</p>
+
+<p>All was quiet, regular, and most orderly. Don Manuel, roused from his
+slumbers, appeared with the Alguazils, and respectfully requested a
+sight of the warrant upon which they proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>It was produced; and all could see that it was duly signed, and sealed
+with the famous seal&mdash;the sword and olive branch, the dog with the
+flaming brand, the sorely outraged, "Justitia et misericordia."</p>
+
+<p>Had Don Manuel Alvarez been king of all the Spains, and Carlos his
+heir-apparent, he dared not have offered the least resistance then. He
+had no wish to resist, however; he bowed obsequiously, and protested
+his own and his family's devotion to the Faith and the Holy Office.
+But he added (perhaps merely as a matter of form), that he could bring
+many witnesses of unimpeachable character to testify to his nephew's
+orthodoxy, and hoped to succeed in clearing him from whatever odious
+imputation had induced their Reverences to order his arrest.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Gonsalvo gnashed his teeth in impotent rage and despair. He
+would have bartered his life for two minutes of health and strength
+in which to rush suddenly on the Alguazils, and give Carlos time to
+escape, let the consequences of such frantic audacity be what they
+might. But the bands of disease, stronger than iron, made the body a
+prison for the indignant, tortured spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos spoke for the first time. "I am ready to go with you," he said
+to the chief of the Alguazils. "Do you wish to examine my apartment?
+You are welcome. It is the chamber over this."</p>
+
+<p>Having gone over every detail of such a scene a thousand times in
+imagination, he knew that the examination of papers and personal
+effects usually formed a part of it. And he had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>no fears for the
+result, as, in preparation for his flight, he had carefully destroyed
+everything that he thought could implicate himself or any one else.</p>
+
+<p>"Don Carlos&mdash;cousin!" cried Gonsalvo suddenly, as surrounded by the
+officers he was about to leave the room. "Vaya con Dios! A braver man
+than you have I never seen."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos turned on him one long, sorrowful gaze. "<i>Tell Ruy</i>," he said.
+That was all.</p>
+
+<p>Then there was trampling of footsteps overhead, and the sound of
+voices, not excited or angry, but cool, business-like, even courteous.</p>
+
+<p>Then the footsteps descended, passed the door of Gonsalvo's room,
+sounded along the corridor, grew fainter on the great staircase, died
+away in the court.</p>
+
+<p>Less than an hour afterwards, the great gate of the Triana opened to
+receive a new victim. The grave familiar held it, bowing low, until the
+prisoner and his guard had passed through. Then it was swung to again,
+and barred and bolted, shutting out from Don Carlos Alvarez all help
+and hope, all charity and all mercy&mdash;save only the mercy of God.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVII" id="XXVII">XXVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">My Brother's Keeper.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Since she loved him, he went carefully,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Bearing a thing so precious in his hand."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">George Eliot.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>bout a week afterwards, Don Juan Alvarez dismounted at the door of his
+uncle's mansion. His shout soon brought the porter, a "pure and ancient
+Christian," who had spent nearly all his life in the service of the
+family.</p>
+
+<p>"God save you, father," said Juan. "Is my brother in the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, se&ntilde;or and your worship,"&mdash;the old man hesitated, and looked
+confused.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall I find him, then?" cried Juan; "speak at once, if you
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"May it please your noble Excellency, I&mdash;I know nothing. At least&mdash;the
+Saints have mercy on us!" and he trembled from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>Juan thrust him aside, nearly knocking him down in his haste, and
+dashed breathless into his uncle's private room, on the right hand side
+of the patio.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel was there, seated at a table, looking over some papers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Where is my brother?" asked Juan sternly and abruptly, searching his
+face with his keen dark eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Holy Saints defend us!" cried Don Manuel, nearly startled out of his
+ordinary decorum. "And what madness brings <i>you</i> here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my brother?" Juan repeated, in the same tone, and without
+moving a muscle.</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet&mdash;be reasonable, nephew Don Juan. Do not make a disturbance;
+it will be worse for all of us. We did all we could&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"For Heaven's sake, se&ntilde;or, will you answer me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have patience. We did all we could for him, I was about to say; and
+more than we ought. The Guilt was his own, if he was suspected and
+taken&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Taken!</i> Then I come too late." Sinking into the nearest seat, he
+covered his face with both hands, and groaned aloud.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel Alvarez had never learned to reverence the sacredness of a
+great sorrow. "Rushing in" where such as he might well fear to tread,
+he presumed to offer consolation. "Come, then, nephew Don Juan," he
+said, "you know as well as I do that 'water that has run by will turn
+no mill,' and that 'there is no good in throwing the rope after the
+bucket.' No man can alter that which is past. All we can do is to avoid
+worse mischief in future."</p>
+
+<p>"When was it?" asked Juan, without looking up.</p>
+
+<p>"A week agone."</p>
+
+<p>"Seven days and nights!"</p>
+
+<p>"Thereabouts. But <i>you</i>&mdash;are you in love with destruction yourself,
+that, when you were safe and well at Nuera, you must needs comes hither
+again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came to save him."</p>
+
+<p>"Unheard of folly! If <i>you</i> have been meddling with these matters&mdash;and
+it is but too likely, seeing you were always with him (though, the
+Saints forbid I should suspect an honourable <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>soldier like you of
+anything worse than imprudence)&mdash;do you not know they will wring the
+whole truth out of <i>him</i> with very little trouble, and your life is not
+worth a brass maraved&igrave;?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan started to his feet, and glared scorn and defiance in his uncle's
+face. "Whoever dares to hint so vile a slander," he cried, "by my faith
+he shall repent it, were he my uncle ten times over. Don Carlos Alvarez
+never did, and never will, betray a trust, let those wretches deal with
+him as they may. But I know him; he will die, or worse,&mdash;they will make
+him mad." Here Juan's voice failed, and he stood in silent horror,
+gazing on the dread vision that rose before his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Don Manuel was daunted by his vehemence. "You are the best judge
+yourself of what amount of danger you may be incurring," he said. "But
+let me tell you, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, that I hold you rather a dangerous
+guest to harbour under the circumstances. To have the Alguazils of the
+Holy Office twice in my house would be enough to cost me all my places,
+not to mention the disgrace of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not lose a real by me or mine," returned Juan proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not mean, however, to refuse you hospitality," said Don Manuel,
+relieved, yet a little uneasy, perhaps even remorseful.</p>
+
+<p>"But I mean to decline it, se&ntilde;or. I have only two favours to ask
+of you," he continued: "one, to allow me free intercourse with my
+betrothed; the other, to permit me"&mdash;his voice faltered, stopped. With
+a great effort he resumed&mdash;"to permit me to examine my brother's room,
+and whatever effects he may have left there."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you speak more rationally," said his uncle, mistaking the
+self-control of indignant pride for genuine calmness. "But as to your
+brother's effects, you may spare your pains; for the Alguazils set
+the seal of the Holy Office upon them on the night of his arrest, and
+they have since carried them away. As to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>the other matter, what Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz may think of the connection, after the infamy in which your
+branch of the family is involved, I cannot tell."</p>
+
+<p>A burning flush mounted to Juan's cheek as he answered, "I trust my
+betrothed; even as I trust my brother."</p>
+
+<p>"You can see the lady herself. She may be better able than I to
+persuade you to consult for your own safety. For if you are not a
+madman, you will return at once to Nuera, which you ought never to have
+quitted; or you will take the earliest opportunity of rejoining the
+army."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not stir from Seville till I obtain my brother's deliverance;
+or&mdash;" Juan did not name the other alternative. Involuntarily he placed
+his hand on his belt, in which he had concealed certain old family
+jewels, which he believed would produce a considerable sum of money;
+for his last faint hope for Carlos lay in a judicious appeal to the
+all-powerful "Don Dinero."<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p>
+
+<p>"You will <i>never</i> leave it, then," said Don Manuel. "And you must
+hold me excused from aiding and abetting your folly. Your brother's
+business has cost me and mine more than enough already. I had rather
+ten thousand times that a man had died of the plague in my house, were
+it for the scandal's sake alone! Nor, bad as it is, is the scandal all.
+Since that miserable night, my unhappy son Gonsalvo, in whose apartment
+the arrest took place, has been sick unto death, and out of his mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo! What brought my brother to his room?"</p>
+
+<p>"The devil, whose servant he is, may know; I do not. He was found
+there, in his sword and cloak, as if ready to go forth, when the
+officers came."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he leave no message&mdash;no word for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not one word. I know not if he spoke at all, save to offer to show the
+Alguazils his personal effects. To do him justice, nothing suspicious
+was found amongst them. But the less said on the subject the better. I
+wash my hands of it, and of him. I thought he would have done honour to
+the family; but he has proved its sorest disgrace."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or, what you say of him you say of me also," said Juan, growing
+white with anger. "And already I have heard quite enough."</p>
+
+<p>"That is as you please, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall only trespass upon you for the favour you have promised
+me&mdash;permission to wait upon Do&ntilde;a Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall apprise her of your presence, and give her leave to act as she
+sees fit." And glad to put an end to the interview, Don Manuel left the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Juan sank into a seat once more, and gave himself up to an agony of
+grief for his brother.</p>
+
+<p>So absorbed was he in his sorrow, that a light footstep entered and
+approached unheard by him. At last a small hand touched his arm. He
+started and looked up. Whatever his anguish of heart might be, he was
+still the loyal lover of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. So the next moment found him on
+his knees saluting that hand with his lips. And then followed certain
+ceremonies abundantly interesting to those who enact them, but apt to
+prove tedious when described.</p>
+
+<p>"My lady's devoted slave," said Don Juan, using the ordinary language
+of the time, "bears a breaking heart to-day. We knew neither father nor
+mother; there were but the two of us."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not receive my letter, praying you to remain at Nuera?" asked
+the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, queen of my heart, in that I dared to disregard a wish of
+yours. But I knew <i>his</i> danger, and I came to save him. Alas! too late."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure that I do pardon you, Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, I presume so far as to say, that I know Do&ntilde;a Beatriz better than
+she knows herself. Indeed, had I acted otherwise, she would scarce have
+pardoned me. How would it have been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>possible for me to consult for my
+own safety, leaving him, alone and unaided, in such fearful peril?"</p>
+
+<p>"You acknowledge there is peril&mdash;<i>to you</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"There may be, se&ntilde;ora."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! Why, in Heaven's name, have you thus involved yourself? O
+Don Juan, you have dealt very cruelly with me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Light of my eyes, life of my life, what mean you by these words?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not cruel to allow your brother, with his gentle, winning ways,
+and his soft specious words, to lead you step by step from the faith
+of our fathers, until he had you entangled in I know not what horrible
+heresies, and made you put in peril your honour, your liberty, your
+life&mdash;everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"We only sought Truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Truth!" echoed the lady, with a contemptuous stamp of her small foot
+and twirl of her fan. "What is Truth? What good will Truth do me if
+those cruel men drag you from your bed at midnight, take you to that
+dreadful place, stretch you on the rack?" But that last horror was too
+much to bear; Do&ntilde;a Beatriz hid her face in her hands, and wept and
+sobbed passionately.</p>
+
+<p>Juan soothed her with every tender, lover-like art. "I will be very
+prudent, dearest lady," he said at last; adding, as he gazed on her
+beautiful face, "I have too much to live for not to hold life very
+precious."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you promise to fly&mdash;to leave the city <i>now</i>, before suspicions
+are awakened which may make flight impossible?"</p>
+
+<p>"My first and my only love, I would die to fulfil your slightest wish.
+But this thing I cannot do."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore not, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can you ask? I must hazard everything, spend everything, in the
+chance&mdash;if there be a chance&mdash;of saving him, or, at least, of softening
+his fate."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then God help us both," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"Amen! Pray to him day and night, se&ntilde;ora. Perhaps he may have pity on
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no chance of saving Don Carlos. Know you not that of all the
+prisoners the Holy House receives, scarce one in a thousand goes forth
+again to take his place in the world?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan shook his head. He knew well that his task was almost hopeless;
+yet, even by Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, he was not to be moved from his
+determination.</p>
+
+<p>But he thanked her in strong, passionate words for her faith in him and
+her truth to him. "No sorrow can divide us, my beloved," he said, "nor
+even what they call shame, falsely as they speak therein. You are my
+star, that shines on me throughout the darkness."</p>
+
+<p>"I have promised."</p>
+
+<p>"My uncle's family may seek to divide us, and I think they will. But
+the lady of my heart will not heed their idle words?"</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Beatriz smiled. "I am a Lavella," she said. "Do you not know our
+motto?&mdash;'True unto death.'"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a glorious motto. May it be mine too."</p>
+
+<p>"Take heed what you do, Don Juan. If you love me, you will look well to
+your footsteps, since, wherever they lead, mine are bound to follow."
+Saying this, she rose, and stood gazing in his face with flushed cheek
+and kindling eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The words were such as might thrill any lover's heart with joy and
+gratitude. Yet there was something in the look which accompanied them
+that changed joy and gratitude into vague fear and apprehension. The
+light in that dark eye seemed borrowed from the fire of some sublime
+but terrible resolve within. Juan's heart quailed, though he knew not
+why, as he said, "My queen should never tread except through flowery
+paths."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Beatriz took up a little golden crucifix that, attached <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>to a
+rosary of coral beads, hung from her girdle. "You see this cross, Don
+Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, se&ntilde;ora mia."</p>
+
+<p>"On that horrible night when they dragged your brother to prison, I
+swore a sacred oath upon it. You esteemed me a child, Don Juan, when
+you read me chapters from your book, and talked freely to me about God,
+and faith, and the soul's salvation. Perchance I was a child in some
+things. For I supposed them good words; how could they be otherwise,
+since you spoke them? I listened and believed, after a fashion; half
+thinking all the time of the pretty fans and trinkets you brought me,
+or of the pattern of such and such an one's mantilla that I had seen
+at mass. But your brother tore the veil from my eyes at last, and made
+me understand that those specious words, with which a child played
+childishly, were the crime that finds no pardon here or hereafter.
+Of the hereafter I know not; of the here I know too much, God help
+me! There be fair ladies, not more deeply involved than I, who have
+changed their gilded saloons for the dungeons of the Triana. But then
+it matters not so much about me. For I am not like other girls, who
+have fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers to care for them. Saving
+Don Carlos (who was good to me for your sake), no one ever gave me
+more than the half-sorrowful, half-pitying kindness one might give a
+pet parrot from the Indies. Therefore, thinking over all things, and
+knowing well your reckless nature, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I swore that night
+upon this holy cross, that if by evil hap <i>you</i> were attainted for
+heresy, <i>I</i> would go next day to the Triana and accuse myself of the
+same crime."</p>
+
+<p>Juan did not for a moment doubt that she would do it; and thus a chain,
+light as silk but strong as adamant, was flung around him.</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, for my sake&mdash;" he began to plead.</p>
+
+<p>"For <i>my</i> sake, Don Juan will take care of his life and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>liberty," she
+interrupted, with a smile that, if it had a little sadness, had very
+far more of triumph in it. She knew the power her resolve gave her over
+him: she had bought it dearly, and she meant to use it. "Is it <i>still</i>
+your wish to remain here," she continued; "or will you go abroad, and
+wait for better times?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan paused for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"No choice is left me while Carlos pines uncomforted in a dungeon," he
+said at last, firmly, though very sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you know what you risk, that is all," answered the lady, whose
+will was a match for his.</p>
+
+<p>In a marvellously short time had love and sorrow transformed the young
+and childish girl into a passionate, determined woman, with all the
+fire of her own southern skies in her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Ere he departed, Juan pleaded for permission to visit her frequently.
+But here again she showed a keen-sighted apprehensiveness for <i>him</i>,
+which astonished him. She cautioned him against their cousins, Manuel
+and Balthazar; who, if they thought him in danger of arrest, were quite
+capable of informing against him themselves, to secure a share of
+his patrimony. Or they might gain the same end, without the disgrace
+of such a baseness, by putting him quietly out of the way with their
+daggers. On all accounts, his frequent presence at the house would be
+undesirable, and might be dangerous; but she agreed to inform him, by
+means of certain signals (which they arranged together), when he might
+pay a visit to her with safety. Then, having bidden her farewell, Don
+Juan turned his back on his uncle's house with a heavy heart.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXVIII" id="XXVIII">XXVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Reaping the Whirlwind.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"All is lost, except a little life."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Byron.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapn"><span class="hide">N</span></span>early a fortnight passed away before a tiny lace kerchief, fluttering
+at nightfall through the jealous grating of one of the few windows of
+Don Manuel's house that looked towards the street, told Juan that he
+was at liberty to seek admission the next day. He was permitted to
+enter; but he explored the patio and all the adjacent corridors and
+rooms without seeing the face of which he was in search. He did not,
+indeed, meet any one, not even a domestic; for it was the eve of the
+Feast of the Ascension, and nearly all the household had gone to see
+the great tabernacle carried in state to the Cathedral and set up
+there, in preparation for the solemnities of the following day.</p>
+
+<p>He thought this a good opportunity for satisfying his longing to visit
+the apartment his brother had been wont to occupy. In spite of what his
+uncle had said to the contrary, and indeed of the dictates of his own
+reason, he could not relinquish the hope that something which belonged
+to him&mdash;perhaps even some word or line traced by his hand&mdash;might reward
+his careful search.</p>
+
+<p>He ascended the stairs; not stealthily, or as if ashamed of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>his
+errand, for no one had the right to forbid him. He reached the turret
+without meeting any one, but had hardly placed his foot upon the stair
+that led to its upper apartment, when a voice called out, not very
+loudly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Chien va?"</p>
+
+<p>It was Gonsalvo's. Juan answered,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is I&mdash;Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"Come to me, for Heaven's sake!"</p>
+
+<p>A private interview with a madman is not generally thought particularly
+desirable. But Juan was a stranger to fear. He entered the room
+immediately, and was horror-stricken at the change in his cousin's
+appearance. A tangled mass of black hair mingled with his beard, and
+fell neglected over the pillow; while large, wild, melancholy eyes
+lit up the pallor of his wasted face. He lay, or rather reclined, on
+a couch, half covered by an embroidered quilt, but wearing a loose
+doublet, very carelessly thrown on.</p>
+
+<p>Of late the cousins had been far from friendly. Still Juan from
+compassion stretched out his hand. But Gonsalvo would not touch it.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you know all," he said, "you would stab me where I lie, and thus
+make an end at once of the most miserable life under God's heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear you are very ill, my cousin," said Juan, kindly; for he thought
+Gonsalvo's words the offspring of his wandering fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"From the waist downwards I am dead. It is God's hand; and he is just."</p>
+
+<p>"Does your physician give hope of your recovery from this seizure?"</p>
+
+<p>With something like his old short, bitter laugh, Gonsalvo answered&mdash;"I
+have no physician."</p>
+
+<p>"This must be one of his delusions," thought Juan; "or else, since he
+cannot have Losada, he has refused, with his usual obstinacy, to see
+any one else."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He said aloud,&mdash;"That is not right, cousin Don Gonsalvo. You ought
+not to neglect lawful means of cure. Se&ntilde;or Sylvester Areto is a very
+skilful physician; you might safely place yourself in his hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Only there is one slight objection&mdash;my father and my brothers would
+not permit me to see him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was in no doubt how to regard this statement; but hoping to
+extract from him some additional information respecting his brother, he
+turned the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"When did this malady seize you?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Close the door gently, and I will tell you all. And oh! tread softly,
+lest my mother, who lies asleep in the room beneath, worn out with
+watching, should wake and separate us. Then must I bear my guilt and my
+anguish unconfessed to the grave."</p>
+
+<p>Juan obeyed, and took a seat beside his cousin's couch.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit where I can see your face," said Gonsalvo; "I will not shrink even
+from <i>that</i>. Don Juan, I am your brother's murderer."</p>
+
+<p>Juan started, and his colour changed rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"If I did not think you were mad&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am no more mad than you are," Gonsalvo interrupted. "I <i>was</i> mad,
+indeed; but that horrible night, when God smote my body, I regained my
+reason. I see all things clearly now&mdash;too late."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I to understand, then," said Juan, rising from his seat, and
+speaking in measured tones, though his eye was like a tiger's&mdash;"am I to
+understand that you&mdash;<i>you</i>&mdash;denounced my brother? If so, thank God that
+you are lying helpless there."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not quite so vile a thing as that. I did not intend to harm a
+hair of his head; but I detained him here to his ruin. He had the means
+of escape provided, and but for me would have been in safety ere the
+Alguazils came."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well for both of us your guilt was not greater. Still, you cannot
+expect me&mdash;just yet&mdash;to forgive you."</p>
+
+<p>"I expect no forgiveness from man," said Gonsalvo, who perhaps
+disdained to plead in his own exculpation the generous words of Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Juan had by this time changed his tone towards his cousin, and assumed
+his perfect sanity; though, engrossed by the thought of his brother, he
+was quite unconscious of the mental process by which he had arrived at
+this conclusion. He asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But why did you detain him? How did you come to know at all of his
+intended flight?"</p>
+
+<p>"He had a safe asylum provided for him by some friend&mdash;I know not
+whom," said Gonsalvo, in reply. "He was going forth at midnight to seek
+it. At the same hour I also"&mdash;(for a moment he hesitated, but quickly
+went on)&mdash;"was going forth&mdash;to plunge a dagger in my enemy's heart. We
+met face to face; and each confided his errand to the other. He sought,
+by argument and entreaty, to move me from a purpose which seemed to
+him a great crime. But ere our debate was ended, God laid his hand in
+judgment upon me; and whilst Don Carlos lingered, speaking words of
+comfort&mdash;brave and kind, though vain&mdash;the Alguazils came, and he was
+taken."</p>
+
+<p>Juan listened in gloomy silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he leave no message, not one word, for me?" he asked at last, in a
+low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; one word. Filled with wonder at the calmness with which he met
+his terrible fate, I cried out, as they led him from the room, 'Vaya
+con Dios, Don Carlos, a braver man than you have I never seen!' With
+one long mournful look, that haunts me still, he said, '<i>Tell Ruy!</i>'"</p>
+
+<p>Strong man as he was, Don Juan Alvarez bowed his head and wept. They
+were the first tears the great sorrow had wrung from him&mdash;almost the
+first that he ever remembered shedding. Gonsalvo saw no shame in them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Weep on," he said&mdash;"weep on; and thank God that thy tears are for
+sorrow only, not for remorse."</p>
+
+<p>Hoarse and heavy sobs shook the strong frame. For some time they were
+the only sounds that broke the stillness. At length Gonsalvo said,
+slowly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He gave me something to keep, which in right should belong to thee."</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked up. Gonsalvo half raised himself, and drew a cushion
+from beneath his head. First he took off its outer cover of fine
+holland; then he inserted his hand into an opening that seemed like
+an accidental rip, and, not without some trouble, drew out a small
+volume. Juan seized it eagerly: well did he know his brother's Spanish
+Testament.</p>
+
+<p>"Take it," said Gonsalvo; "but remember it is a dangerous treasure."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are not sorry to part with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I deserve that you should say so," answered Gonsalvo, with unwonted
+gentleness. "But the truth is," he added, with a wan, sickly smile,
+"nothing can part me from it now, for I have learned almost every word
+of it by heart."</p>
+
+<p>"How could you, in so short a time, accomplish such a task?" asked
+Juan, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Easily enough. I was alone long hours of the day, when I could read;
+and in the silent, sleepless nights I could recall and repeat what I
+read during the day. But for that I should be in truth what they call
+me&mdash;mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you love its words?"</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>fear</i> them," cried Gonsalvo, with strange energy, flinging out
+his wasted arm over the counterpane. "They are words of life&mdash;words
+of fire. They are, to the Church's words, the priest's threatenings,
+the priest's pardons, what your limbs, throbbing with healthy
+vigorous life, are to mine&mdash;cold, dead, impotent; or what the living
+champion&mdash;steel from head to heel, the Toledo blade in his strong right
+hand&mdash;is to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>painted San Cristofro on the Cathedral door. Because
+I dare to say so much, my father pretends to think me mad; lest,
+wrecked as I am in mind and body, I should still find one terrible
+consolation,&mdash;that of flinging the truth for once in the face of the
+scribes and Pharisees, and then suffering for it&mdash;like Don Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent from exhaustion, and lay with closed eyes and deathlike
+countenance. After a long pause, he resumed, in a low, weak voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Some words are good&mdash;perhaps. There was San Pablo, who was a
+blasphemer, and injurious."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Gonsalvo, my brother once said he would give his right hand that
+you shared his faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did he?" A quick flush overspread the wan face. "But hark! a step
+on the stairs! My mother's."</p>
+
+<p>"I am neither afraid nor ashamed to be found here," said Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor mother! She has shown me more tenderness of late than I
+deserved at her hands. Do not let us involve her in trouble."</p>
+
+<p>Juan greeted his aunt with due courtesy, and even attempted some words
+of condolence upon his cousin's illness. But he saw that the poor lady
+was terribly disconcerted, and indeed frightened, by his presence
+there. And not without cause, since mischief, even to bloodshed, might
+have followed had Don Manuel or either of his sons found Juan in
+communication with Gonsalvo. She conjured him to go, adding, by way of
+inducement,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz is taking the air in the garden."</p>
+
+<p>"Availing myself of your gracious permission, se&ntilde;ora my aunt, I shall
+offer her my homage there; and so I kiss your feet.&mdash;Adi&otilde;s, Don
+Gonsalvo."</p>
+
+<p>"Adi&otilde;s, my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Katarina followed him out of the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He is not sane," she whispered anxiously, laying her hand on his arm;
+"he is out of his mind. You perceive it clearly, Don Juan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I shall not dispute it, se&ntilde;ora," Juan answered, prudently.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXIX" id="XXIX">XXIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">A Friend at Court.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I have a soul and body that exact</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A comfortable care in many ways."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapd"><span class="hide">D</span></span>on Juan's peril was extreme. Well known as he was to many of the
+imprisoned Lutherans, it seemed a desperate chance that, amongst the
+numerous confessions wrung from them, no mention of his name should
+occur. He knew himself deeply implicated in the crime for which they
+were suffering&mdash;the one unpardonable crime in the eyes of Rome.
+Moreover, unlike his brother, whose temperament would have led him to
+avoid danger by every lawful means, he was by nature brave even to
+rashness, and bold even to recklessness. It was his custom to wear
+his heart on his lips; and though of late stern necessity had taught
+him to conceal what he thought, it was neither his inclination nor
+his habit to disguise what he felt. Probably, not even his desire to
+aid Carlos would have prevented his compromising himself by some rash
+word or deed, had not the soft hand of Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, strong in its
+weakness, held him back from destruction. Not for one instant could
+he forget her terrible vow. With this for ever before his eyes, it is
+little marvel if he was willing to do anything, to bear anything&mdash;ay,
+almost <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>to feign anything&mdash;rather than involve her he loved in a fate
+inconceivably horrible.</p>
+
+<p>And&mdash;alas for the brave, honest-hearted, truthful Don Juan Alvarez!&mdash;it
+was often necessary to feign. If he meant to remain in Seville,
+and to avoid the dungeons of the Inquisition, he must obviate&mdash;or
+remove&mdash;suspicion by protesting, both by word and action, his devotion
+to the Catholic Church, and his hatred of heresy.</p>
+
+<p>Could he stoop to this? Gradually, and more and more, as each day's
+emergency made it more and more necessary, he <i>did</i> stoop to it. He
+told himself it was all for his brother's sake. And though such a
+line of conduct was intensely repugnant to his character, it was not
+contrary to his principles. To conceal an opinion is one thing, to deny
+a friend quite another. And while Carlos had found a Friend, Juan had
+only embraced an opinion.</p>
+
+<p>He himself would have said that he had found Truth&mdash;had devoted himself
+to the cause of Freedom. But where were truth and freedom now, with all
+the bright anticipations of their ultimate triumph which he had been
+wont to indulge? As far as his native land was concerned (and it must
+be owned that his native eye scarcely reached beyond "the Spains"),
+a single day had blotted out his glowing visions for ever. Almost at
+the same moment, as if by some secret preconcerted signal, the leading
+Protestants in Seville, in Valladolid, all over the kingdom, had been
+arrested and thrown into prison. Swiftly, silently, with the utmost
+order and regularity, had the whole thing been accomplished. Every name
+that Juan had heard Carlos mention with admiration and sympathy was now
+the name of a helpless captive. The Reformed Church of Spain existed no
+longer, or existed only in dungeons.</p>
+
+<p>In what quarter the storm had first arisen, that burst so suddenly upon
+the community of the faithful, Don Juan never knew. It is probable the
+Holy Office had long been silently <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>watching its prey, waiting for the
+moment of action to arrive. In Seville, it is said, a spy had been set
+upon some of Losada's congregation, who revealed their meeting to the
+Inquisitors. While in Valladolid, the foul treachery of the wife of one
+of the Protestants furnished the Holy Office with the means of bringing
+her husband and his friends to the stake.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan, whose young heart had lately beat so high with hope, now
+bowed his head in despair. And despairing of freedom, he lost his
+confidence in truth also. In opinion he was still a decided Lutheran.
+He accepted every doctrine of the Reformed as against the Roman
+Catholic creed. But the hold he once had upon these doctrines as living
+realities was slackened. He did not doubt that justification by faith
+was a scriptural dogma, but he did not think it necessary to die for
+it. Compared with the tremendous interest of the fate of Carlos and the
+peril of Beatriz, and amidst his desperate struggles to aid the one and
+shield the other, doctrinal questions grew pale and faint to him.</p>
+
+<p>Nor had he yet learned to throw himself, in utter weakness, upon a
+strength greater than his own, and a love that knows no limits. He did
+not feel his weakness: he felt strong, in the strength of a brave heart
+struggling against cruel wrong; strong to resist, and, if it might be,
+to conquer his fate.</p>
+
+<p>At first he cherished a hope that his brother was not actually in the
+secret dungeons of the Inquisition. For so great was the number of the
+captives, that the public gaols of the city and the convent prisons
+were full of them; and some had to be lodged even in private houses.
+As Carlos had been one of the last arrested, there seemed reason to
+suppose that he might be amongst those thus accommodated; in which case
+it would be much easier both to communicate with him, and to alleviate
+his fate, than if he were within the gloomy walls of the Triana; there
+might be, moreover, the possibility of forming some plan for his
+deliverance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But Juan's diligent and persevering search resulted at last in the
+conviction that his brother was in the "Santa Casa" itself. This
+conviction sent a chill to his heart. He shuddered to think of his
+present suffering, whilst he feared the worst for the future, supposing
+that the Inquisitors would take care to lodge in their own especial
+fortress those whom they esteemed the most heinous transgressors.</p>
+
+<p>He engaged a lodging in the Triana suburb, which the river, spanned by
+a bridge of boats, separated from the city. There were several reasons
+for this choice of residence; but by far the greatest was, that those
+who lingered beneath the walls of the grim old castle could sometimes
+see, behind its grated windows, spectral faces raised to catch the few
+scanty gleams of daylight which fell to their lot. Long weary hours did
+Juan watch there, hoping to recognize the face he loved. But always in
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>When he went into the city, it was sometimes for other purposes than
+to visit Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. It was as often to seek the precincts of the
+magnificent Cathedral, and to pace up and down that terrace whose
+massive truncated pillars, raised when the Romans founded a heathen
+temple on the spot, had stood throughout the long ages of Moslem
+domination. Now the place was consecrated to Christian worship, and yet
+it was put to no hallowed use. Rich merchants, in many a varying garb,
+that told of different nations, trod the stately colonnade, and bought
+and sold and made bargains there. For in those days (strange as seems
+to us the irreverence of the so-called "ages of faith") that terrace
+was the royal exchange of Seville, then a mercantile city of great
+importance. Don Juan Alvarez diligently resorted thither, and held many
+a close and earnest conversation with a keen-eyed, hawk-nosed Jew, whom
+he met there.</p>
+
+<p>Isaac Osorio, or more properly, Isaac ben Osorio, was a notorious
+money-lender, who had often "obliged" Don <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>Manuel's sons, not unfairly
+requiring heavy interest to counter-balance the hazardous nature of his
+investments. Callings branded as unlawful are apt to prove particularly
+gainful. The Jew was willing to "oblige" Don Juan also, upon certain
+conditions. He was not by any means ignorant of the purpose for which
+his money was needed. Of course he was himself a Christian in name,
+for none other would have been permitted to live upon Spanish ground.
+But by what wrongs, tortures, agonies worse than death, he and those
+like him had been forced to accept Christian baptism, will never be
+known until Christ comes again to judge the false Church that has
+slandered him. Will it be nothing in his sight that millions of the
+souls for whom he died have been driven to hate his Name&mdash;that Name so
+unutterably precious?</p>
+
+<p>Osorio derived grim satisfaction from the thought that the Christians
+were now imprisoning, torturing, burning each other. It reminded him
+of the grand old days in his people's history, when the Lord of hosts
+was wont to stretch forth his mighty arm and trouble the armies of the
+aliens, turning every man's hand against his brother. Let the Gentiles
+bite and devour one another, the child of Abraham could look upon
+their quarrels with calm indifference. But if he had any sympathy, it
+was for the weaker side. He was rather disposed to help a Christian
+youth who was trying to save his brother from the same cruel fangs
+in which so many sons of Israel had writhed and struggled. Don Juan,
+therefore, found him accommodating, and even lenient. From time to time
+he advanced to him considerable sums, first upon the jewels he brought
+with him from Nuera, and then, alas! upon his patrimony itself.</p>
+
+<p>Not without a keen pang did Juan thus mortgage the inheritance of his
+fathers. But he began to realize the bitter truth that a flight from
+Spain, and a new career in some foreign land, would eventually be the
+only course open to him&mdash;if indeed he escaped with life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Nor would the armies of Spain henceforth be more free to him than her
+soil. Fortunately, the necessity for rejoining his regiment had not
+arisen. For the brief war in which he served was over now; and as the
+promised captaincy had not yet been assigned to him, he was at liberty
+for the present to remain at home.</p>
+
+<p>He largely bribed the head-gaoler of the inquisitorial prison, besides
+supplying him liberally with necessaries and comforts for his brother's
+use. Gaspar Benevidio bore the worst of characters, both for cruelty
+and avarice; still, Juan had no resource but to trust implicitly to his
+honour, in the hope that at least some portion of what he gave would be
+allowed to reach the prisoner. But not a single gleam of information
+about him could be gained from Benevidio, who, like all other servants
+of the Inquisition, was bound by a solemn oath to reveal nothing that
+passed within its walls.</p>
+
+<p>He also bribed some of the attendants and satellites of the
+all-powerful Inquisitor, Munebr&atilde;ga. It was his desire to obtain a
+personal interview with the great man himself, that he might have the
+opportunity of trying the intercession of Don Dinero, to whose advances
+he was known to be not altogether obdurate.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of soliciting an audience, he repaired one evening to
+the splendid gardens belonging to the Triana, to await the Inquisitor,
+who was expected shortly to return from a sail for pleasure on the
+Guadalquivir. He was sick at heart of the gorgeous tropical plants that
+surrounded him, of the myrtle-blossoms that were showered on his path;
+of all that told of the hateful pomp and luxury in which the persecutor
+lived, while his victims pined unpitied in loathsome dungeons. Yet
+neither by word, look, nor sign dared he betray the rage that was
+gnawing his heart.</p>
+
+<p>At length the shouts of the populace, who thronged the river's side,
+announced the approach of their idol; for such <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>Munebr&atilde;ga was for the
+time. Clad in costly silks and jewels, and surrounded by a brilliant
+little court, composed both of churchmen and laymen, the "Lord
+Inquisitor" stepped from his splendid purple-decked barge. Don Juan
+threw himself in his way, and modestly requested an audience. His
+bearing, though perfectly respectful, was certainly less obsequious
+than that to which Munebr&atilde;ga had been accustomed of late. So the
+minister of the Holy Office turned from him haughtily, though, as Juan
+bitterly thought, "his father would have been proud to hold the stirrup
+for mine." "This is no fitting time to talk of business, se&ntilde;or," he
+said. "We are weary to-night, and need repose."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a Franciscan friar advanced from the group, and with his
+lowest bow and most reverent manner approached the Inquisitor. "With
+the gracious permission of my very good lord, I shall address myself
+to the caballero, and report his errand to your sanctity. I have the
+honour of some acquaintance with his Excellency's noble family."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please, Fray," said the voice accustomed to speak the terrible
+words that doomed to the rack and the pulley, though no one would have
+suspected this from the bland, careless good-nature of its tones. "But
+see that you tarry not so as to lose your supper. Howbeit, there is
+little need to caution you, or any other son of St. Francis, against
+undue neglecting of the body."</p>
+
+<p>The son of St. Francis made no answer, either because it was not
+worth while, or because those who take the crumbs from the rich man's
+table must ofttimes take his taunts therewith. He disengaged himself
+from the group, and turned towards Juan a broad, good-humoured, not
+unintelligent face, which his former pupil recognized immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Fray Sebastian Gomez!" he exclaimed in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"And very much at the service of my noble Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. Will your
+Excellency deign to bear me company for a little <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>time? In yonder walk
+there are some rare flowers of rich colouring, which it were worth your
+while to observe."</p>
+
+<p>They turned into the path he indicated, while the Lord Inquisitor's
+silken train swept towards that half of the Triana where godless luxury
+bore sway; the other half being consecrated to the twin demon, cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>"Will it please your worship to look at these Indian pinks?" said the
+friar. "You will not see that flower elsewhere in all the Spains, save
+in the royal gardens. His Imperial Majesty brought it first from Tunis."</p>
+
+<p>Juan all but cursed the innocent flowers; but recollected in time that
+God made them, though they belonged to Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga. "In
+Heaven's name, what brings you here, Fray Sebastian?" he interrupted
+impatiently. "I thought to see only the black cowls of St. Dominic
+about the&mdash;the minister of the Holy Office."</p>
+
+<p>"A little more softly, may I implore of your Excellency? Yonder
+casement is open.&mdash;Pues,<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> se&ntilde;or, I am here in the capacity of a
+guest. Nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"Every man to his taste," said Juan, drily, as with a heedless foot he
+kicked off the beautiful scarlet flower of a rare cactus.</p>
+
+<p>"Have a care, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency; my lord is very proud of his
+cactus flowers."</p>
+
+<p>"Then come with me to some spot of God's free earth where we can talk
+together, out of sight of him and his possessions."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, rest content, se&ntilde;or; and untire yourself in this fair arbour
+overlooking the river."</p>
+
+<p>"At least, God made the river," said Juan, flinging himself, with
+a sigh of irritation and impatience, on the cushioned seat of the
+summer-house.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian seated himself also. "My lord," he began to explain,
+"has received me with all courtesy, and is good enough to desire my
+continual attendance. The fact is, se&ntilde;or, his reverence is a man of
+literary taste."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juan allowed himself the solace of a quiet sneer. "Oh, is he? Very
+creditable to him, no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"Especially he is a great lover of the divine art of poesy."</p>
+
+<p>No <i>genuine</i> love of the gentle art, whose great lesson is sympathy,
+did or could soften the Inquisitor's hard heart. Nor, had his wealth
+been doubled, could he have hired one real poet to sing his praise
+in strains worthy the ear of posterity. In an atmosphere so cold,
+the most ethereal spirit would have frozen. But it was in his power
+to buy flattery in rhyme, and it suited his inclination so to do.
+He liked the trick of rhyme, at once so easy and so charming in the
+sonorous Castilian tongue&mdash;it was a pleasure of the ear which he keenly
+appreciated, as he did also those of the eye and the palate.</p>
+
+<p>"I addressed to him," Fray Sebastian continued with becoming modesty,
+"a little effort of my Muse&mdash;really a mere trifle&mdash;on the suppression
+of heresy, comparing the Lord Inquisitor to Michael the archangel, with
+the dragon beneath his feet. You understand, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan understood so well that it was with difficulty he refrained from
+flinging the unlucky rhymester into the river. But of late he had
+learned many a lesson in prudence. Still, his words sounded almost
+fierce in their angry scorn. "I suppose he gave you in return&mdash;a good
+dinner."</p>
+
+<p>But Fray Sebastian would not take offence. He answered mildly, "He was
+pleased to express his approval of my humble effort, and to admit me
+into his noble household; where, except my poor exertions to amuse and
+untire him by my conversation may be accounted a service, I am of no
+service to him whatever."</p>
+
+<p>"So you are clad in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every
+day," said Juan, with contempt that he cared not to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>"As to purple and fine linen, se&ntilde;or, I am an unworthy son <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>of St.
+Francis; and it is well known to your Excellency that by the rules of
+our Order not even one scrap of holland&mdash;&mdash; But you are laughing at me,
+as you used in old times, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"God knows, I have little heart to laugh. In those old times you speak
+of, Fray, there was no great love between you and me; and no marvel,
+for I was a wild and idle lad. But I think you loved my gentle brother,
+Don Carlos!"</p>
+
+<p>"That I did, se&ntilde;or, as did every one. Has any evil come upon him? St.
+Francis forbid!"</p>
+
+<p>"Worse evil than I care to name. He lies in yonder tower."</p>
+
+<p>"The blessed Virgin have pity on us!" cried Fray Sebastian, crossing
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would have heard of his arrest," Juan continued, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"I, se&ntilde;or! Never a breath. Holy Saints defend us! How could I, or any
+one, dream that a young gentleman of noblest race, well learned, and
+of truly pious disposition, would have had the ill luck to fall under
+so foul a suspicion? Doubtless it is the work of some personal enemy.
+And&mdash;ah, woe is me! 'the clattering horse-shoe ever wants a nail'&mdash;here
+have I been naming heresy, 'talking of halters in the house of the
+hanged?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold thy tongue about hanging," said Juan, testily, "and listen to me,
+if thou canst."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian indicated, by a respectful gesture, his profound
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>"It has been whispered to me that the door of his reverence's heart may
+be unlocked by a golden key."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian assured him this was a foul slander; concluding a
+panegyric on the purity of the Inquisitor's administration with the
+words, "You would forfeit his favour for ever by presuming so far as to
+offer a bribe."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt," answered Juan with a sneer, and a hard, worldly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>look in
+his face that of late was often seen there. "I should deserve to pay
+that penalty were I the fool to approach him with a bow, and, 'Here is
+a purse of gold for your sanctity.' But 'one take is worth two I give
+you's,' and there is a way of saying 'take' to every man. And I ask
+you, for old kindness, to show me how to say it to his lordship."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian pondered. After an interval he said, with some
+hesitation, "May I venture to inquire, se&ntilde;or, what means you possess of
+clearing the character of your noble brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan only answered by a sorrowful shake of the head.</p>
+
+<p>Darker and darker grew the friar's sensual but good-natured face.</p>
+
+<p>"His excellent reputation, his brilliant success at college, his
+blameless life should tell in his favour," Juan said at length.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you nothing more direct? If not, I fear it is a bad business. But
+'silence is called holy,' so I hold my peace. Still, if indeed (which
+the Saints forbid) he has fallen inadvertently into error, it is a
+comfort to reflect that there will be little difficulty in reclaiming
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan made no reply. Did he expect his brother to retract? Did he <i>wish</i>
+him to do it? These were questions he scarcely dared to ask himself.
+From any reply he could give to them he shrank in shuddering dread.</p>
+
+<p>"He was ever gentle and tractable," Fray Sebastian continued, "and
+ofttimes but too easy to persuade."</p>
+
+<p>Juan rose, took up a stone, and threw it into the river. When the
+circles it made in the water had died away, he turned back to the
+friar. "But what can <i>I</i> do for him?" he asked, with an undertone of
+helpless sadness, touching from the lips of one so strong.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian put his hand to his forehead, and looked as if he were
+composing another poem. "Let me see, your Excellency. There is my
+lord's nephew and pet page, Don Alonzo (where he has got the 'Don' I
+know not, but Don Dinero <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>makes many a noble); I dare say it would not
+hurt the Donzelo's soft white hand to finger a purse of gold ducats,
+and those same ducats might help your brother's cause not a little."</p>
+
+<p>"Manage the matter for me, and I will thank you heartily. Gold, to
+any extent that will serve <i>him</i>, shall be forthcoming; and, my good
+friend, see that you spare it not."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, you were always generous."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother's life is at stake," said Juan, softening a little. But the
+hard look returned as he added, "Those who live in great men's houses
+have many expenses, Fray. Always remember that I am your friend, and
+that my ducats are very much at your service also."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian thanked him with his lowest bow. Juan's look changed
+again; this time more rapidly. "If it were possible," he added, in low,
+hurried tones&mdash;"if you could only bring me the least word of tidings
+from him&mdash;even one word to say if he lives, if he is well, how he is
+entreated. Three months it is now since he was taken, and I have heard
+no more than if they had carried him to his grave."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a difficult matter, a <i>very</i> difficult matter that you ask of
+me. Were I a son of St. Dominic, I might indeed accomplish somewhat.
+For the black cowls are everything now. Still, I will do all I can,
+se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust you, Fray. If under cover of seeking his conversion, of
+anything, you could but see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, se&ntilde;or&mdash;utterly impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? They sometimes send friars to reason with the&mdash;the prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"Always Dominicans or Jesuits&mdash;men well-known and trusted by the Board
+of the Inquisition. However, se&ntilde;or, nothing that a man may do shall be
+wanting on my part. Will not that content your Excellency?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Content</i> me? Well, as far as you are concerned, yes. But, in truth,
+I am haunted day and night by one horrible dread. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>What if&mdash;if they
+should <i>torture</i> him? My gentle brother, frail in mind and body,
+tender and sensitive as a woman! Terror and pain would drive him mad."
+The last words were a quick broken whisper. But outward expressions
+of emotion with Don Juan were always speedily repressed. Recovering
+apparent calmness, he stretched out his hand to Fray Sebastian,
+saying, with a faint smile, "I have kept you too long from my lord's
+supper-table&mdash;pardon me."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency's condescension in conversing with me deserves my
+profound gratitude," replied the monk, in true Castilian fashion. His
+residence at the Inquisitor's Court had certainly improved his manners.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan gave him his address, and it was agreed that he should call on
+him in a few days. Fray Sebastian then offered to bring him on his way
+through the garden and court of that part of the Triana which formed
+the Inquisitor's residence. But Juan declined the favour. He could not
+answer for himself when brought face to face with the impious pomp and
+luxury of the persecutor of the saints. He feared that, by some wild
+word or deed, he might imperil the cause he had at heart. So he hailed
+a waterman who was guiding his little boat down the tranquil stream
+in the waning light. The boat was soon brought to the place where the
+Inquisitor had landed from his barge; and Juan, after shaking the dust
+from his feet, both literally and metaphorically, sprang into it.</p>
+
+<p>The popular ideal of a persecutor is very far from the truth. At the
+word there rises before most minds the vision of a lean, pale-faced,
+fierce-eyed monk, whose frame is worn with fasting, and his scourge
+red with his own blood. He is a fanatic&mdash;pitiless, passionate,
+narrow-minded, perhaps half insane&mdash;but penetrated to the very core of
+his being with intense zeal for his Church's interest, and prepared in
+her service both to inflict and to endure all things.</p>
+
+<p>Very unlike this ideal were <i>most</i> of the great persecutors who
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>carried out the behests of Antichrist. They were generally able men.
+But they were pre-eminently men wise in their generation, men <i>of</i>
+their generation, men who "loved this present world." They gave the
+Church the service of strong hand and skilful brain that she needed;
+and she gave <i>them</i>, in return, "gold, and silver, and precious stones,
+and pearls; and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and
+all sweet wood; and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of
+vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and marble;
+and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense; and wine, and
+oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and beasts, and sheep, and horses and
+chariots, and slaves and souls of men." It was for these things, not
+for abstract ideas, not for high places in heaven, that they tortured
+and murdered the saints of God. Whilst the cry of the oppressed reached
+the ears of the Most High, those who were "wearing them out" lived in
+unhallowed luxury, in degrading sensuality. Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga was a
+good specimen of the class to which he belonged&mdash;he was no exceptional
+case.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was Fray Sebastian anything but an ordinary character. He was
+amiable, good-natured, free from gross vices&mdash;what is usually called
+"well disposed." But he "loved wine and oil," and to obtain what he
+loved he was willing to become the servant and the flatterer of worse
+men than himself, at the terrible risk of sinking to their level.</p>
+
+<p>With all the force of his strong nature, Don Juan Alvarez loathed
+Munebr&atilde;ga, and scorned Fray Sebastian. Gradually a strange alteration
+appeared to come over the little book he constantly studied&mdash;his
+brother's Spanish Testament. The words of promise, and hope, and
+comfort, in which he used to delight, seemed to be blotted from its
+pages; while ever more and more those pages were filled with fearful
+threatenings and denunciations of doom&mdash;against hypocritical scribes
+and Pharisees, false teachers and wicked high priests&mdash;against great
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>Babylon, the mother of abominations. The peace-breathing, "Father,
+forgive them, for they know not what they do," grew fainter and more
+faint, until at last it faded completely from his memory; while there
+stood out before him night and day, in characters of fire, "Serpents,
+generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXX" id="XXX">XXX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Captive.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ay, but for <i>me</i>&mdash;my name called&mdash;drawn</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Like a conscript's lot from the lap's black yawn</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He has dipped into on the battle dawn.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Bid out of life by a nod, a glance,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Stumbling, mute mazed, at Nature's chance</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;With a rapid finger circling round,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Fixed to the first poor inch of ground</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To fight from, where his foot was found,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Whose ear but a moment since was free</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To the wide camp's hum and gossipry&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Summoned, a solitary man,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To end his life where his life began,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;From the safe glad rear to the awful van."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n the night of his arrest, when Don Carlos Alvarez was left alone in
+his dungeon, he stood motionless as one in a dream. At length he raised
+his head, and began to look around him. A lamp had been left with him;
+and its light illumined a cell ten feet square, with a vaulted roof.
+Through a narrow grating, too high for him to reach, one or two stars
+were shining; but these he saw not. He only saw the inner door sheathed
+with iron; the mat of rushes on which he was to sleep; the stool that
+was to be his seat; the two earthen pitchers of water that completed
+his scanty furniture. From the first moment these things looked
+strangely familiar to him.</p>
+
+<p>He threw himself on the mat to think and pray. He com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>prehended his
+situation perfectly. It seemed as if he had been all his life expecting
+this hour; as if he had been born for it, and led up to it gradually
+through all his previous experience. As yet he did not think that his
+fate was terrible; he only thought that it was inevitable&mdash;something
+that was to come upon him, and that in due course had come at last. It
+was his impression that he should always remain there, and never more
+see anything beyond that grated window and that iron door.</p>
+
+<p>There was a degree of unreality about this mood. For the past
+fortnight, or more, his mind had been strained to its utmost tension.
+Suspense, more wearing even than sorrow, had held him on the rack.
+Sleep had seldom visited his eyes; and when it came, it had been broken
+and fitful.</p>
+
+<p>Now the worst had befallen him. Suspense was over; certainty had come.
+This brought at first a kind of rest to the overtaxed mind and frame.
+He was as one who hears a sentence of death, but who is taken off
+the rack. No dread of the future could quite overpower the present
+unreasoning sense of relief.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened that an hour afterwards he was sleeping the
+dreamless sleep of exhaustion. Well for him if, instead of "death's
+twin-brother," the angel of death himself had been sent to open the
+prison doors and set the captive free! And yet, after all, <i>would</i> it
+have been well for him?</p>
+
+<p>So utter was his exhaustion, that when food was placed in his cell
+the next morning, he only awaked for a moment, then slept again as
+soundly as before. Not till some hours later did he finally shake off
+his slumber. He lay still for some time, examining with a strange kind
+of curiosity the little bolted aperture which was near the top of
+his door, and watching a solitary broken sunbeam which had struggled
+through the grating that served him for a window, and threw a gleam of
+light on the opposite wall.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a start, he asked himself, "<i>Where am I?</i>" The <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>answer
+brought an agony of fear, of horror, of bitter pain. "Lost! lost! God
+have mercy on me! I am lost!" As one in intense bodily anguish, he
+writhed, moaned&mdash;ay, even cried aloud.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder. Hope, love, life&mdash;alike in its noblest aims and its
+commonest joys&mdash;all were behind him. Before him were the dreary dungeon
+days and nights&mdash;it might be months or years; the death of agony and
+shame; and, worst of all, the unutterable horrors of the torture-room,
+from which he shrank as any one of us would shrink to-day.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly and at last came the large burning tears. But very few of them
+fell; for his anguish was as yet too fierce for many tears. All that
+day the storm raged on. When the alcayde brought his evening meal, he
+lay still, his face covered with his cloak. But as night drew on he
+rose, and paced his narrow cell with hasty, irregular steps, like those
+of a caged wild animal.</p>
+
+<p>How should he endure the horrible loneliness of the present, the
+maddening terror of all that was to come? And this life was to <i>last</i>.
+To last, until it should be succeeded by worse horrors and fiercer
+anguish. Words of prayer died on his lips. Or, even when he uttered
+them, it seemed as if God heard not&mdash;as if those thick walls and grated
+doors shut him out too.</p>
+
+<p>Yet one thing was clear to him from the beginning. Deeper than all
+other fears within him lay the fear of denying his Lord. Again and
+again did he repeat, "When called in question, I will at once confess
+all." For he knew that, according to a law recently enacted by the Holy
+Office, and sanctioned by the Pope, no subsequent retraction could save
+a prisoner who had once confessed&mdash;he must die. And he desired finally
+and for ever to put it out of his own power to save his life and lose
+it.</p>
+
+<p>As every dreary morning dawned upon him, he thought that ere its sun
+set he might be called to confess his Master's name before the solemn
+tribunal. At first he awaited the summons <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>with a trembling heart. But
+as time passed on, the delay became more dreadful than the anticipated
+examination. At last he began to long for <i>any</i> change that might break
+the monotony of his prison-life.</p>
+
+<p>The only person, with the exception of his gaoler, that ever entered
+his cell, was a member of the Board of Inquisitors, who was obliged
+by their rules to make a fortnightly inspection of the prisons. But
+the Dominican monk to whom this duty was relegated merely asked the
+prisoner a few formal questions: such as, whether he was well, whether
+he received his appointed provision, whether his warder used him with
+civility. To these Carlos always answered prudently that he had no
+complaint to make. At first he was wont to inquire, in his turn, when
+his case might be expected to come on. To this it would be answered,
+that there was no hurry about the matter. The Lords Inquisitors had
+much business on hand, and many more important cases than his to attend
+to; he must await their leisure and their pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>At length a kind of lethargy stole over him; though it was broken
+frequently by sharp bursts of anguish. He ceased to take note of time,
+ceased to make fruitless inquiries of his gaoler, who would never tell
+him anything. Upon one occasion he asked this man for a Breviary, since
+he sometimes found it difficult to recall even the gospel words that
+he knew so well. But he was answered in the set terms the Inquisitors
+taught their officials, that the book he ought now to study was the
+book of his own heart, which he should examine diligently, in order to
+the confession and repentance of his sins.</p>
+
+<p>During the morning hours the outer door of his cell (there were two)
+was usually left open, in order to admit a little fresh air. At such
+times he often heard footsteps in the corridors, and doors opening
+and shutting. With a kind of sick yearning, not unmixed with hope, he
+longed that some visitant would enter his cell. But none ever came.
+Some of the Inquisitors were <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>keen observers and good students of
+character. They had watched Carlos narrowly before his arrest, and they
+had arrived at the conclusion that utter and prolonged solitude was the
+best remedy for his disease.</p>
+
+<p>Such solitude has driven many a weary tortured soul to insanity. But
+that divine compassion which no dungeon walls or prison bars avail to
+shut out, saved Carlos from such a fate.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he knew from the stir outside that some of his
+fellow-captives had received a visit. But the deep stillness that
+followed the dying away of footsteps in the corridor was broken by a
+most unwonted sound. A loud, clear, and even cheerful voice sang out,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ven&ccedil;idos van los frailes; ven&ccedil;idos van!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Corridos van los lobos; corridos van!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">[There go the friars; there they run!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;There go the wolves, the wolves are done!]<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Every nerve and fibre of the lonely captive's heart thrilled responsive
+to that strain. Evidently the song was one of triumph. But from whose
+lips? Who could dare to triumph in the abode of misery, the very seat
+of Satan?</p>
+
+<p>Carlos Alvarez had heard that voice before. A striking peculiarity in
+the dialect rivetted this fact upon his mind. The words were neither
+the pure sonorous Castilian that he spoke himself, nor the soft gliding
+sibilant Andaluz that he heard in Seville, nor yet the patois of the
+Manchegan peasants around his mountain home. In such accents one, and
+one alone, had ever spoken in his hearing. And that was the man who
+said, "For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the
+thirsty, light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and
+heavy-laden, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."</p>
+
+<p>Whatever men had done to the body, it was evident that Juliano
+Hernandez was still unbroken in heart, strong in hope and courage. A
+fettered, tortured captive, he was yet enabled, not only to hold his
+own faith fast, but actually to minister to that of others. His rough
+rhyme intimated to his fellow-captives that "the wolves" of Rome were
+leaving his cell, vanquished by the sword of the Spirit. And that, as
+he overcame, so might they also.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard, understood, and felt from that hour that he was not
+alone. Moreover, the grace and strength so richly given to his
+fellow-sufferer seemed to bring Christ nearer to himself. "Surely God
+is in this place&mdash;even here," he said, "and I knew it not." And then,
+bowing his head, he wept&mdash;wept such tears as bring help and healing
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this time he had held Christ's hand indeed, else had he "utterly
+fainted." But he held it in the dark. He clung to him desperately, as
+if for mere life and reason. Now the light began to dawn upon him. He
+began to see the face of Him to whom he had been clinging. His good and
+gracious words&mdash;such words as, "Let not your heart be troubled," "My
+peace I give unto you"&mdash;became again, as in old times, full of meaning,
+instinct with life. He "remembered the years of the right hand of the
+Most High;" he thought of those days that now seemed so long ago, when,
+with such thrilling joy, he received the truth from Juliano's book.
+And he knew that the same joy might be his even in that dreary prison,
+because the same God was above him, and the same Lord was "rich unto
+all that call upon him."</p>
+
+<p>On the next occasion when Juliano raised his brave song of victory,
+Carlos had the courage to respond, by chanting in the vulgar tongue,
+"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
+defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out
+of Zion."</p>
+
+<p>But this brought him a visit from the alcayde, who commanded him to
+"forbear that noise."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Prisoners are not permitted to disturb the Santa Casa,"
+said Gasper Benevidio, as he quitted the cell.</p>
+
+<p>The "Santa Casa," or Holy House, was the proper style and title of
+the prison of the Holy Inquisition. At first sight the name appears
+a hideous mockery. We seem to catch in it an echo of the laughter of
+fiends, as in that other kindred name, "The Society of Jesus." Yet,
+just then, the Triana was truly a holy house. Precious in the sight
+of the Lord were those who crowded its dismal cells. Many a lonely
+captive wept and prayed and agonized there, who, though now forgotten
+on earth, shall one day shine with a brightness eclipsing kings and
+conquerors&mdash;"a star for ever and ever."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXI" id="XXXI">XXXI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Ministering Angels.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Thou wilt be near, and not forsake,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">To turn the bitter pool</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Into a bright and breezy lake,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The throbbing brow to cool;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Till, left awhile with Thee alone,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">The wilful heart be fain to own</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;That he, by whom our bright hours shone,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Our darkness best may rule."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Keble.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he overpowering heat of an Andalusian summer aggravated the physical
+sufferings of the captives. And so did the scanty and unwholesome
+provisions, which were all that reached them through the hands of the
+avaricious Benevidio.</p>
+
+<p>But this last hardship was little felt by Carlos. Small as were the
+rations he received, they usually proved more than enough for him;
+indeed, the coarse food sometimes lay almost untasted in his cell.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, however, to his extreme surprise, something was pushed
+through the grating in the lower part of his inner door, the outer door
+being open, as was usual at that hour. The mysterious gift consisted
+of white bread and good meat, of which he partook with mingled
+astonishment and thankfulness. But the relief to the unvaried monotony
+of his life, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>the occupation the little circumstance gave his
+thoughts, was much more to him than the welcome novelty of a wholesome
+meal.</p>
+
+<p>The act of charity was repeated often, indeed almost daily. Sometimes
+bread and meat, sometimes fruit&mdash;the large luscious grapes or purple
+figs of that southern climate&mdash;were thus conveyed to him. Endless
+were the speculations these gifts awakened in his mind. He longed
+to discover his benefactor, not only to express his gratitude,
+but to supplicate that the same favours might be extended to his
+fellow-sufferers, especially to Juliano. Moreover, would not one so
+kindly disposed be willing to give him what he longed for far more than
+meat or drink&mdash;some word of tidings from the world without, or from his
+dear imprisoned brethren?</p>
+
+<p>At first he suspected the under-gaoler, whose name was Herrera. This
+man was far more gentle and compassionate than Benevidio. Carlos often
+thought he would have shown him some kindness, or at least have spoken
+to him, if he dared. But dire would have been the penalty even the
+slightest transgression of the prison rules would have entailed. Carlos
+naturally feared to broach the matter, lest, if Herrera really had
+nothing to do with it, the unknown benefactor might be betrayed.</p>
+
+<p>The same motive prevented his hazarding a question or exclamation at
+the time the little gifts were thrust in. How could he tell who might
+be within hearing? If it were safe to speak, surely the person outside
+would try the experiment.</p>
+
+<p>It was generally very early in the morning, at the hour when the outer
+door was first opened, that the gifts came. Or, if delayed a little
+later, he would often notice something timid and even awkward in the
+way they were pushed through the grating, and the approaching and
+retreating footsteps, for which he used to listen so eagerly, would be
+quick and light, like those of a child.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At last a day came, marked indeed with white in the dark chronicle of
+prison life. Bread and meat were conveyed to him as usual; then there
+was a low knock upon the door. Carlos, who was standing close to it,
+responded by an eager "<i>Chien es?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"A friend. Kneel down, se&ntilde;or, and put your ear to the grating."</p>
+
+<p>The captive obeyed, and a woman's voice whispered, "Do not lose heart,
+your worship. Friends outside are thinking of you."</p>
+
+<p>"One friend is with me, even here," Carlos answered. "But," he added,
+"I entreat of you to tell me your name, that I may know whom to thank
+for the daily kindnesses which lighten my captivity."</p>
+
+<p>"I am only a poor woman, se&ntilde;or, the alcayde's servant. And what I have
+brought you is your own, and but a small part of it."</p>
+
+<p>"My own! How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Robbed from you by my master, who defrauds and spoils the poor
+prisoners even of their necessary food. And if any one dares to
+complain to the Lords Inquisitors, he throws him into the Masmurra."</p>
+
+<p>"The&mdash;what?"</p>
+
+<p>"A deep, horrible cistern which he hath in his house." This was spoken
+in a still lower voice.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was not yet sufficiently naturalized to horrors to repress a
+shudder. He said, "Then I fear it is at great risk to yourself that you
+show kindness to me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is for the dear Lord's sake, senor."</p>
+
+<p>"Then <i>you</i>&mdash;you too&mdash;love his Name!" said Carlos, tears of joy
+starting to his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Chiton</i>,<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> se&ntilde;or! <i>chiton!</i> But as far as a poor woman may, I <i>do</i>
+love him," she added in a frightened whisper. "What I want now to tell
+you is, that the noble lord, your brother&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p></div>
+
+<p>"My brother!" cried Carlos; "what of him? Oh, tell me, for Christ's
+dear sake!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let your Excellency speak lower. We may be overheard. I know he has
+seen my master once and again, and has given him much money to provide
+your worship with good food and other conveniences, which he, however,
+not having the fear of God before his eyes&mdash;" The rest of the sentence
+did not reach the ear of Carlos; but he could easily guess its import.</p>
+
+<p>"That is little matter," he said. "But oh, kind friend, if I could send
+him a message, were it only one word."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the wistful earnestness of his tone awakened latent mother
+instincts in the poor woman's heart. She knew that he was very young;
+that he had lain there for dreary months alone, away from the bright
+world into which he was just entering, and which was now shut to him
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>"I will do all I can for your Excellency," she said, in a tone that
+betrayed some emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Carlos, "tell him it is well with me. 'The Lord is my
+shepherd'&mdash;all that psalm, bid him read it. But, above all things, say
+unto him to leave this place&mdash;to fly to Germany or England. For I fear,
+I fear&mdash;no, do not tell him <i>what</i> I fear. Only implore of him to go.
+You promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"I promise, young sir, to do all I can. God comfort him and you."</p>
+
+<p>"And God reward you, brave and kind friend. But one word more, if
+it may be without risk to you. Tell me of my dear fellow-prisoners.
+Especially of Dr. Cristobal Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, Fray
+Constantino, and Juliano Hernandez, called Juliano El Chico."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know anything of Fray Constantino. I think he is not here.
+The others you name have&mdash;<i>suffered</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Not death!&mdash;surely not death!" said Carlos, in terror.</p>
+
+<p>"There be worse things than death, se&ntilde;or," the poor woman answered.
+"Even my master, whose heart is iron, is astonished <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>at the fortitude
+of Se&ntilde;or Juliano. He fears nothing&mdash;seems to feel nothing. No tortures
+have wrung from him a word that could harm any one."</p>
+
+<p>"God sustain him! Oh, my friend," Carlos went on with passionate
+earnestness, "if by any deed of kindness, such as you have shown me,
+you could bring God's dear suffering servant so much comfort as a cup
+of cold water, truly your reward would be rich in heaven. For the day
+will come when that poor man will take his station in the court of the
+King of kings, and at the right hand of Christ, in great glory and
+majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, se&ntilde;or. I have tried&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Just then an approaching footstep made Carlos start; but the poor woman
+said, "It is only the child, God bless her. But I must go, se&ntilde;or; for
+she comes to tell me her father has arisen, and is making ready to
+begin his daily rounds."</p>
+
+<p>"Her father! Does Benevidio's own child help you to comfort his
+prisoners?"</p>
+
+<p>"Even so, thank the good God. I am her nurse. But I must not linger
+another moment. Adi&otilde;s, se&ntilde;or."</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya con Dios, good mother. And God repay your kindness, as he surely
+will."</p>
+
+<p>And surely he did repay it; but not on earth, unless the honour
+of being accounted worthy to suffer shame and stripes and cruel
+imprisonment for his sake be called a reward.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXII" id="XXXII">XXXII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Valley of the Shadow of Death.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And shall I fear the coward fear of standing all alone</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To testify of Zion's King and the glory of his throne?</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;My Father, O my Father, I am poor and frail and weak,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Let me not utter of my own, for idle words I speak;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;But give me grace to wrestle now, and prompt my faltering tongue,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And name thy name upon my soul, and so shall I be strong."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Stuart Menteith.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapm"><span class="hide">M</span></span>any a weary hour did Carlos shorten by chanting the psalms and hymns
+of the church in low voice for himself. At first he sang them loudly
+enough for his fellow-prisoners to hear; but the commands of Benevidio,
+which were accompanied even by threats of personal violence, soon made
+him forbear. Not a few kindly deeds and words of comfort came to him
+through the ministrations of the poor servant Maria Gonsalez, aided by
+the gaoler's little daughter. On the whole, he was growing accustomed
+to his prison life. It seemed as though it would last for ever; as
+though every other kind of life lay far away from him in the dim
+distance. There were slow and weary hours, more than he could count;
+there were bitter hours&mdash;of passionate regret, of dark foreboding,
+of unutterable fear. But there were also quiet hours, burdened by no
+special pain or sorrow; there were sometimes even happy hours, when
+Christ seemed very near, and his consolations were not small with his
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p>
+<p>It was one of the quiet hours, when thoughts of the past, not full of
+the anguish of vain yearning, as they often were, but calm and even
+pleasant, were occupying his mind. He had been singing the Te Deum
+for himself; and thinking how sweetly the village choristers used to
+chant it at Nuera; not in the time of Father Tomas, but in that of his
+predecessor, a gentle old man with a special taste for music, whom he
+and his brother, then little children, loved, but used to tease. He was
+so deeply engaged in feeling over again his poignant distress upon one
+particular occasion when Juan had offended the aged priest, that all
+his present sorrows were forgotten for the moment, when he heard the
+large key grate harshly in the strong outer door of his cell.</p>
+
+<p>Benevidio entered, bearing some articles of dress, which he ordered the
+prisoner to put on immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos obeyed in silence, though not without surprise, perhaps even
+a passing feeling of indignation. For the very form and fashion of
+the garments he was thus obliged to assume (a kind of jacket without
+sleeves, and long loose trowsers), meant to the Castilian noble keen
+insult and degradation.</p>
+
+<p>"Take off your shoes," said the alcayde. "Prisoners always come before
+their reverences with uncovered head and feet. Now follow me."</p>
+
+<p>It was, then, the summons to stand before his judges. A thrilling dread
+took possession of his soul. Heedless of the alcayde's presence, he
+threw himself for one brief moment on his knees. Then, though his cheek
+was pale, he could speak calmly. "I am ready," he said.</p>
+
+<p>He followed his conductor through several long and gloomy corridors. At
+length he ventured to ask, "Whither are you leading me?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Chiton!</i>" said Benevidio, placing his finger on his lips. Speech was
+not permitted there.</p>
+
+<p>At last they drew near an open door. The alcayde quickened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>his pace,
+entered first, made a very low reverence, then drew back again, and
+motioned Carlos to go forward alone.</p>
+
+<p>He did so; and found himself in the presence of his judges&mdash;the Board,
+or "Table of the Inquisition." He bowed, though rather from the habit
+of courtesy, than from any special respect to the tribunal, and stood
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>Before any one addressed him, he had ample leisure for observation. The
+room was large, lofty, and surrounded by pillars, between which there
+were handsome hangings of gilt leather. At one end, the furthest from
+him, stood a great crucifix, larger than life. Around the long table
+on the estrada six or seven persons were seated. Of these, one alone
+was covered, he who sat nearest the door by which Carlos had entered,
+and facing the crucifix. He knew that this was Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga,
+and the thought that he had once pleaded earnestly for that man's life,
+helped to give him boldness in his presence.</p>
+
+<p>At Munebr&atilde;ga's right hand sat a stern and stately man, whom Carlos,
+though he had never seen him before, knew, from his dress and the
+position he occupied, to be the prior of the Dominican convent
+adjoining the Triana. One or two of the subordinate members of the
+Board he had met occasionally in other days, and he had then considered
+them very far his own inferiors, both in education and in social
+position.</p>
+
+<p>At length Munebr&atilde;ga, half turning, motioned him to approach the table.
+He did so, and a person who sat at the opposite end, and appeared
+by his dress to be a notary, made him lay his hand on a missal, and
+administered an oath to him.</p>
+
+<p>It bound him to speak the truth, and to keep everything secret which he
+might see or hear; and he took it without hesitation. A bench at the
+Inquisitor's left hand was then pointed out to him, and he was desired
+to be seated.</p>
+
+<p>A member of the Board, who bore the title of the Promoter-fiscal,
+conducted the examination. After some merely formal <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>questions, he
+asked him whether he knew the cause of his present imprisonment? Carlos
+answered immediately, "I do."</p>
+
+<p>This was not the course usually taken by prisoners of the Holy
+Office. They commonly denied all knowledge of any offence that could
+have induced "their reverences" to order their arrest. With a slight
+elevation of the eyebrows, perhaps expressive of surprise, his examiner
+continued, gently enough, "Are you then aware of having erred from the
+faith, and by word or deed offended your own soul, and the consciences
+of good Christians? Speak boldly, my son; for to those who acknowledge
+their faults the Holy Office is full of tenderness and mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not erred, consciously, from the true faith, since I knew it."</p>
+
+<p>Here the Dominican prior interposed. "You can ask for an advocate,"
+he said; "and as you are under twenty-five years of age, you can also
+claim the assistance of a curator.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> Furthermore, you can request a
+copy of the deposition against you, in order to prepare your defence."</p>
+
+<p>"Always supposing," said Munebr&atilde;ga himself, "that he formally denies
+the crime laid to his charge.&mdash;Do you?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"We understand you so to do," said the prior, looking earnestly at
+Carlos. "You plead not guilty?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos rose from his seat, and advanced a step or two nearer to the
+table where sat the men who held his life in their hands. Addressing
+himself chiefly to the prior, he said, "I know that by taking the
+course your reverence recommends to me, as I believe out of kindness,
+I may defer my fate for a little while. I may beat the air, fighting
+in the dark with witnesses whom you would refuse to name to me, still
+more to confront with me. Or, I may make you wring out the truth from
+me slowly, drop by drop. But what would that avail me? Neither for
+the truth, nor yet for any falsehood I might be base enough to utter,
+would you loose your hand from your prey. I prefer that straight road
+which is ever the shortest way. I stand before your reverences this
+day a professed Lutheran, despairing of mercy from man, but full of
+confidence in the mercy of God."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A movement of surprise ran around the Board at these daring words. The
+prior turned away from the prisoner with a pained, disconcerted look;
+but only to meet a half-triumphant, half-reproachful glance from his
+superior, Munebr&atilde;ga. But Munebr&atilde;ga was not displeased; far from it.
+It did not grieve him that the prisoner, a mere youth, "was throwing
+himself into the fire." That was his own concern. He was saving "their
+reverences" a great deal of trouble. Thanks to his hardihood, his
+folly, or his despair, a good piece of work was quickly and easily
+accomplished. For it was the business of the Inquisitors first to
+convict; retractations were an after consideration.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a bold heretic, and fit for the fire," he said. "We know how
+to deal with such." And he placed his hand on the bell that was to
+signal the termination of the interview.</p>
+
+<p>But the prior, recovering from his astonishment, once more interposed.
+"My lord and your reverence, be pleased to allow me a few minutes, in
+which I may set plainly before the prisoner both the wonted mercy and
+lenity of the Holy Office to the repentant, and the fatal consequences
+of obstinacy."</p>
+
+<p>Munebr&atilde;ga acquiesced by a nod, then leant back carelessly in his seat;
+this was not a part of the proceedings in which he felt much interest.</p>
+
+<p>No one could doubt the sincerity with which the prior warned Carlos of
+the doom that awaited the impenitent heretic. The horrors of the death
+of fire, the deeper, darker horror of the fire that never dies, these
+were the theme of his discourse. If not actually eloquent, it had at
+least the earnestness of intense conviction. "But to the penitent," he
+added, and the hard face <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>softened a little, "God is ever merciful, and
+his Church is merciful too."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos listened in silence, his eyes bent on the ground. But when the
+Dominican concluded, he looked up again, glanced first at the great
+crucifix, then fixed his eyes steadily on the prior's face. "I cannot
+deny my Lord," he said. "I am in your hands, and you can do with me as
+you will. But God is mightier than you."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough!" said Munebr&atilde;ga, and he rang the hand-bell. After a very short
+delay, the alcayde reappeared, and led Carlos back to his cell.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was gone, Munebr&atilde;ga turned to the prior. "My lord," he
+said, "your wonted penetration is at fault for once. Is this the youth
+whom you assured us a few months of solitary confinement would render
+pliant as a reed and plastic as wax? Whereas we find him as bold a
+heretic as Losada, or D'Arellano, or that imp of darkness, little
+Juliano."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my lord, I do not despair of him. Far from it. He is much less
+firm than he seems. Give him time, with a due mixture of kindness and
+severity, and, I trust in our Lord and St. Dominic, we will see him a
+hopeful penitent."</p>
+
+<p>"I am of your mind, reverend father," said the Promoter-fiscal. "It is
+probable he confessed only to avoid the Question. Many of them fear it
+more than death."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," answered Munebr&atilde;ga quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The notary looked up from his papers. "Please your lordships," he said,
+"I think it is the <i>sangre azul</i> that makes him so bold. He is Alvarez
+de Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep to thy quires and thine ink-horn, man of law," interposed
+Munebr&atilde;ga angrily. "Thy part is to write down what wiser men say, not
+to prate thyself." It was well known that the Inquisitor, far from
+boasting the <i>sangre azul</i> himself, had not even what the Spaniards
+call "good red blood" flowing in his veins; hence his irritation at the
+notary's speech.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There is often a great apparent similarity in the effects of quite
+opposite causes. That which results from a degree of weakness of
+character may sometimes wear the aspect of transcendent courage. A
+bolder man than Don Carlos Alvarez might, in his circumstances, have
+made a struggle for life. He might have fought over every point as it
+arose; have availed himself of every loophole for escape; have thrown
+upon his persecutors the onus of proving his crime. But such a course
+would not have been possible to Carlos. As a running leap is far more
+easy than a standing one, so to sensitive temperaments it is easier to
+rush forward to meet pain or danger than to stand still and fight it
+off, knowing all the time that it must come at last.</p>
+
+<p>He would have been astonished had he guessed the impression made upon
+his examiners. To himself it seemed that he had confessed his Lord in
+much weakness. Still, he had confessed him. And shut out as he was from
+all ordinary "means of grace," the act of confession became a kind of
+sacrament to him. It was a token and an evidence of Christ's presence
+with him, and Christ's power working in him. He could say now, "In the
+day that I called upon thee thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
+with strength in my soul." And from that hour he seemed to live in
+greater nearness to Christ, and more intimate communion with him, than
+he had ever done before.</p>
+
+<p>It was well that he had strong consolation, for his need was great.
+Two other examinations followed after a short interval; and in both of
+these Munebr&atilde;ga took a far more active part than he had done in the
+first. The Inquisitors were at that time extremely anxious to procure
+evidence upon which to condemn Fray Constantino, who up to this point
+had steadily resisted every effort they had made to induce him to
+criminate himself. They thought it probable that Don Carlos Alvarez
+could assist them if he would, especially since there had been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>found
+amongst his papers a highly laudatory letter of recommendation from the
+late Canon Magistral.</p>
+
+<p>Still, his assistance was needed even more in other matters. It is
+scarcely necessary to say that Munebr&atilde;ga, who forgot nothing, had not
+forgotten the mysterious appointment made with him, but never kept, by
+a cousin of the prisoner's, who was now stated to be hopelessly insane.
+What did that mean? Was the story true; or were the family keeping back
+evidence which might compromise one or more of its remaining members?</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos was expected to resolve a yet graver question; or, at least,
+one that touched him more nearly. His own arrest had been decreed in
+consequence of two depositions against him. First, a member of Losada's
+congregation had named him as one of the habitual attendants; then a
+monk of San Isodro had fatally compromised him under the torture. The
+monk's testimony was clear and explicit, and was afterwards confirmed
+by others. But the first witness had deposed that <i>two</i> gentlemen of
+the name of Me&ntilde;aya had been wont to attend the conventicle. Who was the
+second? Hitherto this problem had baffled the Inquisitors. Don Manuel
+Alvarez and his sons were noted for orthodoxy; and the only other
+Me&ntilde;aya known to them was the prisoner's brother. But in his favour
+there was every presumption, both from his character as a gallant
+officer in the army of the most Catholic king, and from the fact of his
+voluntary return to Seville; where, instead of shunning, he seemed to
+court observation, by throwing himself continually in the Inquisitor's
+way, and soliciting audience of him.</p>
+
+<p>Still, of course, his guilt was possible. But, in the absence of
+anything suspicious in his conduct, some clearer evidence than the
+vague deposition alluded to was absolutely necessary, in order to
+warrant proceedings against him. According to the inquisitorial laws,
+what they styled "full half proof" of a crime must be obtained before
+ordering the arrest of the supposed criminal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And the key to all these perplexities had now to be wrung from the
+unwilling hands of Carlos. This needed "half proof" could, and must,
+be furnished by him. "He <i>must</i> speak out," said those stern, pitiless
+men, who held him in their hands.</p>
+
+<p>But here he was stronger than they. Neither arts, persuasions, threats,
+nor promises, availed to unseal those pale, silent lips. Would torture
+do it? He was told plainly, that unless he would answer every question
+put to him freely and distinctly, he must undergo its worst horrors.</p>
+
+<p>His heart throbbed wildly, then grew sick and faint. A dread far keener
+than the dread of death prompted one short sharp struggle against the
+inevitable. He said, "It is against your own law to torture a confessed
+criminal for information concerning others. For the law presumes that
+a man loves himself better than his neighbour; and, therefore, that
+he who has informed against himself would more readily inform against
+other heretics if he knew them."</p>
+
+<p>He was right. His early studies had enabled him to quote correctly one
+of the rules laid down by the highest authority for the regulation of
+the inquisitorial proceedings. But what mattered rules and canons to
+the members of a secret and irresponsible tribunal?</p>
+
+<p>Munebr&atilde;ga covered his momentary embarrassment with a sneer. "That rule
+was framed for delinquents of another sort," he said. "You Lutheran
+heretics have the command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,'
+so deeply rooted in your hearts, that the very flesh must needs be
+torn from your bones ere you will inform against your brethren.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> I
+overrule your objection as frivolous."</p>
+
+<p>And then a sentence, more dreaded than the terrible death-sentence
+itself, received the formal sanction of the Board.</p>
+
+<p>Once more alone in his cell, Carlos flung himself on his knees, and
+pressing his burning brow against the cold damp stone, cried aloud in
+his anguish, "Let this cup&mdash;only this&mdash;pass from me!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His was just the nature to which the thought of physical suffering
+is most appalling. Keenly sensitive in mind and body, he shrank in
+unspeakable dread from what stronger characters might brave or defy.
+His vivid imagination intensified every pang he felt or feared. His
+mind was like a room hung round with mirrors, in which every terrible
+thing, reflected a hundred times, became a hundred terrors instead of
+one. What another would have endured once, he endured over and over
+again in agonized anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>At times the nervous horror grew absolutely insupportable. Fearfulness
+and trembling took hold upon him. He felt ready to pray that God in his
+great mercy would take away his life, and let the bearer of the dreaded
+summons find him beyond all their malice.</p>
+
+<p>One thought haunted him like a demon, whispering words of despair. It
+had begun to haunt him from the hour when poor Maria Gonsalez told him
+she had seen his brother. What if they dragged that loved name from his
+lips! What if, in his weakness, he became Juan's betrayer! Once it had
+been in his heart to betray him from selfish love; perhaps in judgment
+for that sin he was now to betray him through sharp bodily anguish.
+Even if his will were kept firm all through (which he scarcely dared to
+hope), would not reason give way, and wild words be wrung from his lips
+that would too surely ruin all?</p>
+
+<p>He tried to think of his Saviour's death and passion; tried to pray for
+strength and patience to drink of <i>his</i> cup. Sometimes he prayed that
+prayer with strong crying and tears; sometimes with cold mute lips, too
+weary to cry any longer. If he was heard and answered, he knew it not
+then.</p>
+
+<p>Days of suspense wore on. They were only less dreary than the nights,
+when sleep fled from his eyes, and horrible visions <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>(which yet he knew
+were less horrible than the truth) rose in quick succession before his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, seated on his bench in the twilight, he fell into an
+uneasy slumber. The dark dread that never left him, mingling with the
+sunny gleam of old memories, wove a vivid dream of Nuera, of that
+summer morning when the first great conflict of his life found an
+ending in the strong resolve, "Juan, brother! I will never wrong thee,
+so help me God!"</p>
+
+<p>The grating of the key in the door and the sudden flash of the lamp
+aroused him. He started to his feet at the alcayde's entrance. This
+time no change of dress was prescribed him. He knew his doom. He cried,
+but to no human ear. From the very depths of his being the prayer
+arose, "Father, save&mdash;sustain me; <i>I am thine</i>!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIII" id="XXXIII">XXXIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">On the Other Side.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Happy are they who learn at last,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Though silent suffering teach</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The secret of enduring strength,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And praise too deep for speech,&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Peace that no pressure from without,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">No storm within can reach.</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"There is no death for me to fear,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">For Christ my Lord hath died:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;There is no curse in all my pain,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">For he was crucified;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And it is fellowship with him</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">That keeps me near his side."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">A.L. Waring.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hen the light of the next morning streamed in through the narrow
+grating of his cell, Carlos was there once more, lying on his bed of
+rushes. But was it indeed the next morning, or was it ten years, twenty
+years afterwards? Without a painful effort of thought and memory, he
+himself could scarcely have told. That last night was like a great
+gulf, fixed between his present and all his past. The moment when he
+entered that torch-lit subterranean room seemed a sharp, black dividing
+line, sundering his life into two halves. And the latter half seemed
+longer than that which had gone before.</p>
+
+<p>Nor could years of suffering have left a sadder impress on the young
+face, out of which the look of youth had passed, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>apparently for ever.
+Brow and lips were pale; but two crimson spots, still telling of
+feverish pain, burned on the hollow cheeks, while the large lustrous
+eyes beamed with even unnatural brilliance.</p>
+
+<p>The poor woman, who was doing the work of God's bright angels in
+that dismal prison, came softly in. How she obtained entrance there
+Carlos did not know, and was far too weak to ask, or even to wonder.
+But probably she was sent by Benevidio, who knew that, in his present
+condition, some human help was indispensable to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>Maria Gonsalez was too well accustomed to scenes of horror to be
+over-much surprised or shocked by what she saw. Silently, though with a
+heart full of compassion, she rendered the few little services in her
+power. She placed the broken frame in as easy a position as she could,
+and once and again she raised to the parched lips the "cup of cold
+water" so eagerly desired.</p>
+
+<p>He roused himself to murmur a word of thanks; then, as she prepared to
+leave him, his eyes followed her wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything more for you, se&ntilde;or?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mother. Tell me&mdash;have you spoken to my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi! no, se&ntilde;or," said the poor woman, whose ability was not equal
+to her goodwill. "I have tried, God wot; but I could not get from my
+master the name of the place where he lives without making him suspect
+something, and never since have I had the good fortune to see his face."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you have done&mdash;what you could. My message does not matter now.
+Not so much. Still, best he should go. Tell him so, when you find him.
+But, remember, tell him nought of this. You promise, mother? He must
+never know it&mdash;<i>never</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>She spoke a few words of pity and condolence.</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>was</i> horrible!" he faltered, in faint, broken tones. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>"Worst of
+all&mdash;the return to life. For I thought all was over, and that I should
+awake face to face with Christ. But&mdash;I cannot speak of it."</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence; then his eye kindled, and a look of joy&mdash;ay,
+even of triumph&mdash;flashed across the wasted, suffering face. "But <i>I
+have overcome</i>! No; not I. Christ has overcome in me, the weakest of
+his members. Now I am beyond it&mdash;on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>To the poor tortured captive there had been given a foretaste, strange
+and sweet, of what they feel who stand on the sea of glass, having
+the harps of God in their hands. Men had done their worst&mdash;their very
+worst. He knew now all "the dread mystery of pain;" all that flesh
+could accomplish in its fiercest conflict with spirit. Yet not one word
+that could injure any one he loved had been wrung from his lips.</p>
+
+<p><i>All</i> was over now. In that there was mercy&mdash;far more mercy than was
+shown to others. He had been permitted to drain the cup at a single
+draught. <i>Now</i> he could feel grateful to the physicians, who with truly
+kind cruelty (and not without some risk to themselves) had prevented,
+in his case, that fiendish device, "the suspension of the torture."
+Even according to the execrable laws of the Inquisition, he had won his
+right to die in peace.</p>
+
+<p>As time passed on, a blessed sense that he was now out of the hands of
+man, and in those of God alone, sank like balm upon his weary spirit.
+Fear was gone; grief had passed away; even memory had almost ceased to
+give him a pang. For how could he long for the loved faces of former
+days, when day and night Christ himself was near him? So strangely
+near, so intimately present, that he sometimes thought that if, through
+some wonderful relenting of his persecutors, Juan were permitted to
+come and stand beside him, that loved brother would still seem further
+away, less real, than the unseen Friend who was keeping watch by his
+couch. And even the bodily pain, that <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>so seldom left him, was not hard
+to hear, for it was only the touch of His finger.</p>
+
+<p>He had passed into the clear air upon the mountain top, where the sun
+shines ever, and the storm winds cannot come. Nothing hurt him; nothing
+disturbed him now. He had visitors; for what had really placed him
+beyond the reach of his enemies was, not unnaturally, supposed by them
+to have brought him into a fitting state to receive their exhortations.
+So Inquisitors, monks, and friars&mdash;"persons of good learning and honest
+repute"&mdash;came in due course to his lonely cell, armed with persuasions
+and arguments, which were always weighted with threats and promises.</p>
+
+<p>Their voices seemed to reach him faintly, from a great distance. Into
+"the secret place of the Lord," where he dwelt now, they could not
+enter. Threats and promises fell powerless on his ear. What more could
+they do to him? As far as the mere facts of the case were concerned,
+this security may have been misplaced&mdash;nay, it <i>was</i> misplaced; but it
+saved him from much suffering. And as for promises, had they thrown
+open the door of his dungeon and bid him go forth free, only that one
+intense longing to see his brother's face would have nerved him to make
+the effort.</p>
+
+<p>Arguments he was glad to answer when permitted. It was a joy to speak
+for his Lord, who had done, and was doing, such great things for him.
+As far as he could, he made use of those Scripture words with which his
+memory was so richly stored. But more than once it happened that he
+was forced to take up the weapons which he had learned in the schools
+to use so skilfully. He tore sophisms to pieces with the dexterity of
+one who knew how they were constructed, and astonished the students of
+Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas by vanquishing them on their own ground.</p>
+
+<p>Reproach and insult he met with a fearless meekness that nothing could
+ruffle. Why should he feel anger? Rather did <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>he pity those who stood
+without in the darkness, not seeing the Face he saw, not hearing the
+Voice he heard. Usually, however, those who visited him yielded to the
+spell of his own sweet and perfect courtesy, and were kinder than they
+intended to be to the "professed impenitent heretic."</p>
+
+<p>His heart, now "at leisure from itself," was filled with sympathy for
+his imprisoned brethren and sisters. But, except to Maria Gonsalez,
+he dared not speak of them, lest the simplest remark or question
+might give rise to some new suspicion, or supply some link, hitherto
+missing, in the chain of evidence against them. But those who came
+to visit him sometimes gave him unasked intelligence about them. He
+could not, however, rely upon the truth of what reached him in this
+way. He was told that Losada had retracted; he did not believe it.
+Equally did he disbelieve a similar story of Don Juan Ponce de Leon,
+in which, unhappily, there was some truth. The constancy of that
+gentle, generous-hearted nobleman had yielded under torture and cruel
+imprisonment, and concessions had been wrung from him that dimmed the
+brightness of his martyr crown. On the other hand, the waverer, Gar&ccedil;ias
+Arias, known as the "White Doctor," had come forward with a hardihood
+truly marvellous, and not only confessed his own faith, but mocked and
+defied the Inquisitors.</p>
+
+<p>Of Fray Constantino, the most contradictory stories were told him.
+At one time he was assured that the great preacher had not only
+admitted his own guilt, but also, on the rack, had informed against
+his brethren. Again he was told, and this time with truth, that the
+Emperor's former chaplain and favourite had been spared the horrors of
+the Question, but that the eagerly desired evidence against him had
+been obtained by accident. A lady of rank, one of his chief friends,
+was amongst the prisoners; and the Inquisitors sent an Alguazil
+to her house to demand possession of her jewels. Her son, without
+waiting to ascertain the precise object of the officer's visit,
+surrendered <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>to him in a panic some books which Fray Constantino had
+given his mother to conceal. Amongst them was a volume in his own
+handwriting, containing the most explicit avowal of the principles of
+the Reformation. On this being shown to the prisoner, he struggled no
+longer. "You have there a full and candid confession of my belief,"
+he said. And he was now in one of the dark and loathsome subterranean
+cells of the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst those who most frequently visited Carlos was the prior of the
+Dominican convent. This man seemed to take a peculiar interest in the
+young heretic's fate. He was a good specimen of a character oftener
+talked about than met with in real life,&mdash;the genuine fanatic. When he
+threatened Carlos, as he spared not to do, with the fire that is never
+quenched, at least he believed with all his heart that he was in danger
+of it. Carlos soon perceived this, and accepting his honest intention
+to benefit him, came to regard him with a kind of friendliness.
+Besides, the prior listened to what he said with more attention than
+did most of the others, and even in the prison of the Inquisition a man
+likes to be listened to, especially when his opportunities of speaking
+are few and brief.</p>
+
+<p>Many weeks passed by, and still Carlos lay on his mat, in weakness and
+suffering of body, though in calm gladness of spirit. Surgical and
+medical aid had been afforded him in due course. And it was not the
+fault of either surgeon or physician that he did not recover. They
+could stanch wounds and set dislocated joints, but when the springs of
+life were sapped, how could they renew them? How could they quicken the
+feeble pulse, or send back life and energy into the broken, exhausted
+frame? At this time Carlos himself felt certain&mdash;even more certain than
+did his physician&mdash;that never again would his footsteps pass the limits
+of that narrow cell.</p>
+
+<p>Once, indeed, there came to him a brief and fleeting pang of regret.
+It was in the spring-time; everywhere else so bright <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>and fair,
+but making little change in those gloomy cells. Maria Gonsalez now
+sometimes obtained access to him, partly through Benevidio's increased
+inattention to all his duties, partly because, any attempt at escape
+on the part of the captive being obviously out of the question, he was
+somewhat less jealously watched. And more than once the gaoler's little
+daughter stole in timidly beside her nurse, bearing some trifling gift
+for the sick prisoner. To Carlos these visits came like sunbeams; and
+in a very short time he succeeded in establishing quite an intimate
+friendship with the child.</p>
+
+<p>One morning she entered his cell with Maria, carrying a basket, from
+which she produced, with shy pleasure, a few golden oranges. "Look,
+se&ntilde;or," she said, "they are good to eat now, for the blossoms are
+out.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> I gathered some to show you;" and filling both her hands with
+the luscious wealth of the orange flowers, she flung them carelessly
+down on the mat beside him. In her eyes they were of no value compared
+with the fruit.</p>
+
+<p>With Carlos it was far otherwise. The rich perfume that filled the cell
+filled his heart also with sweet sad dreams, which lasted long after
+his kindly visitors had left him. The orange-trees had just been in
+flower last spring when all God's free earth and sky were shut out from
+his sight for ever. Only a year ago! What a long, long year it seemed!
+And only one year further back he was walking in the orange gardens
+with Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, in all the delicious intoxication of his first and
+last dream of youthful love. "Better here than there, better now than
+then," he murmured, though the tears gathered in his eyes. "But oh, for
+one hour of the old free life, one look at orange-trees in flower, or
+blue skies, or the grassy slopes and cork-trees of Nuera! Or"&mdash;and more
+painfully intense the yearning grew&mdash;"one familiar face, belonging to
+the past, to show me it was not all a dream, as I am sometimes tempted
+to think it. Thine, Ruy, if it might be&mdash;O Ruy, Ruy!&mdash;But, thank God, I
+have not betrayed thee!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of that day visitors were announced. Carlos was not
+surprised to see the stern narrow face and white hair of the Dominican
+prior. But he was a little surprised to observe that the person who
+followed him wore the gray cowl of St. Francis. The prior merely
+bestowed the customary salutation upon him, and then, stepping aside,
+allowed his companion to approach.</p>
+
+<p>But as soon as Carlos saw his face, he raised himself eagerly, and
+stretching out both his hands, grasped those of the Franciscan. "Dear
+Fray Sebastian!" he cried; "my good, kind tutor!"</p>
+
+<p>"My lord the prior has been graciously pleased to allow me to visit
+your Excellency."</p>
+
+<p>"It is truly kind of you, my lord. I thank you heartily," said Carlos,
+frankly and promptly turning towards the Dominican, who looked at him
+with somewhat the air of one who is trying to be stern with a child.</p>
+
+<p>"I have ventured to allow you this indulgence," he said, "in the hope
+that the counsels of one whom you hold in honour may lead you to
+repentance."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos turned once more to Fray Sebastian, whose hand he still held.
+"It is a great joy to see you," he said. "Only to-day I had been
+longing for a familiar face. And you are changed never a whit since you
+used to teach me my humanities. How have you come hither? Where have
+you been all these years?"</p>
+
+<p>Poor Fray Sebastian vainly tried to frame an answer to these simple
+questions. He had come to that prison straight from Munebr&atilde;ga's
+splendid patio, where, amidst the gleam of azulejos and of
+many-coloured marbles, the scent of rare exotics and the music of
+rippling fountains, he had partaken of a sumptuous <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>mid-day repast.
+In this dark foul dungeon there was nothing to please the senses, not
+even God's free air and light. Everything on which his eye rested was
+coarse, painful, loathsome. By the prisoner's side lay the remains of
+a meal, in great contrast to his. And the sleeve, fallen back from the
+hand that held his own, showed deep scars on the wrist. He knew whence
+they were. Yet the face that was looking in his, with kindling eyes,
+and a smile on the parted lips, might have been the face of the boy
+Carlos, when he praised him for a successful task, only for the pain
+in it, and, far deeper than pain, a look of assured peace that boyhood
+could scarcely know.</p>
+
+<p>Repressing a choking sensation, he faltered, "Se&ntilde;or Don Carlos, it
+grieves me to the heart to see you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not grieve for me, dear Fray Sebastian, for I tell you truly, I
+have never known such happy hours as since I came here. At first,
+indeed, I suffered; there was storm and darkness. But then"&mdash;here for
+a moment his voice failed, and his flushed cheek and quivering lip
+betrayed the anguish a too hasty movement cost the broken frame. But,
+recovering himself quickly, he went on: "Then He arose and rebuked
+the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. That calm lasts
+still. And oftentimes this narrow room seems to me the house of God,
+the very gate of heaven. Moreover," he added, with a smile of strange
+brightness, "there is heaven itself beyond."</p>
+
+<p>"But, se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, consider the disgrace and sorrow
+of your noble family&mdash;that is, I mean"&mdash;here the speaker paused
+in perplexity, and met the keen eye of the prior, fixed somewhat
+scornfully, as he thought, upon him. He was quite conscious that the
+Dominican was thinking him incapable, and incompetent to the task
+he had so earnestly solicited. He had sedulously prepared himself
+for this important interview, had gone through it in imagination
+beforehand, laying up in his memory several convincing and most
+pertinent exhortations, which could not fail to benefit his old pupil.
+But these were <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>of no avail now; in fact, they all vanished from his
+recollection. He had just begun something rather vague and incoherent
+about Holy Church, when the prior broke in.</p>
+
+<p>"Honoured brother," he said, addressing with scrupulous politeness
+the member of a rival fraternity, "the prisoner may be more willing
+to listen to your pious exhortations, and you may have more freedom
+in addressing him, if you are left for a brief space alone together.
+Therefore, though it is scarcely regular, I will visit a prisoner in a
+neighbouring apartment, and return hither for you in due time."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian thanked him, and he withdrew, saying as he did so, "It
+is not necessary for me to remind my reverend brother that conversation
+upon worldly matters is strictly forbidden in the Holy House."</p>
+
+<p>Whether the prior visited the other prisoner or no, it is not for
+us to inquire; but if he did, his visit was a short one; for it is
+certain that for some time he paced the gloomy corridor with troubled
+footsteps. He was thinking of a woman's face, a fair young face, to
+which that of Don Carlos Alvarez bore a startling likeness. "Too harsh,
+needlessly harsh," he murmured; "for, after all, <i>she</i> was no heretic."
+But which of us is always in the right? Ave Maria Sanctissima, ora pro
+me! But if I can, I would fain make some reparation&mdash;to <i>him</i>. If ever
+there was a true and sincere penitent, he is one."</p>
+
+<p>After a little further delay, he summoned Fray Sebastian by a
+peremptory knock at the inner door, the outer one of course remaining
+open. The Franciscan came, his broad, good-humoured face bathed in
+tears, which he scarcely made an effort to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>The prior glanced at him for a moment, then signed to Herrera, who was
+waiting in the gallery, to come and make the door fast. They walked
+on together in silence, until at length Fray Sebastian said, in a
+trembling voice, "My lord, you are very powerful here; can <i>you</i> do
+nothing for him?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> done much. At my intercession he had nine months of solitude,
+in which to recollect himself and ponder his situation, ere he was
+called on to make answer at all. Judge my amazement when, instead of
+entering upon his defence, or calling witnesses to his character, he
+at once confessed all. Judge my greater amazement at his continued
+obstinacy since. When a man has broken a giant oak in two, he may feel
+some surprise at being battled by a sapling."</p>
+
+<p>"He will not relent," said Fray Sebastian, hardly restraining his sobs.
+"He will die."</p>
+
+<p>"I see one chance to save him," returned the prior; "but it is a
+hazardous experiment. The consent of the Supreme Council is necessary,
+as well as that of my Lord Vice-Inquisitor, and neither may be very
+easy to obtain."</p>
+
+<p>"To save his body or his soul?" Fray Sebastian asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Both, if it succeeds. But I can say no more," he added rather
+haughtily; "for my plan is bound up with a secret, of which few living
+men, save myself, are in possession."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIV" id="XXXIV">XXXIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Fray Sebastian's Trouble.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Now, with fainting frame,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With soul just lingering on the flight begun,</div>
+   <div class="verse">To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one,</div>
+   <div class="verse">I bless thee. Peace be on thy noble head,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead!</div>
+   <div class="verse">I bid this prayer survive me, and retain</div>
+   <div class="verse">Its power again to bless thee, and again.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Thou hast been gathered into my dark fate</div>
+   <div class="verse">Too much; too long for my sake desolate</div>
+   <div class="verse">Hath been thine exiled youth; but now take back</div>
+   <div class="verse">From dying hands thy freedom."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapi"><span class="hide">I</span></span>t was late in August. All day long the sky had been molten fire, and
+the earth brass. Every one had dozed away the sultry noontide hours
+in the coolest recesses of dwellings made to exclude heat, as ours
+to exclude cold. But when at last the sun sank in flame beneath the
+horizon, people began to creep out languidly to woo the refreshment of
+the evening breeze.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful gardens of the Triana were still deserted, save by
+two persons. One of these, a young lad&mdash;we beg pardon, a young
+gentleman&mdash;of fifteen or sixteen, sat, or rather reclined, by the
+river-side, eating slices from an enormous melon, which he cut with a
+small silver-hilted dagger. A plumed cap, and a gay velvet jerkin lined
+with satin, had been thrown aside for <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>coolness sake, and lay near him
+on the ground; so that his present dress consisted merely of a mass
+of the finest white holland, delicately starched and frilled, velvet
+hosen, long silk stockings, and fashionable square-toed shoes. Curls
+of scented hair were thrown back from a face beautiful as that of a
+girl, but bold and insolent in its expression as that of a spoiled and
+mischievous boy.</p>
+
+<p>The other person was seated in the arbour mentioned once before, with
+a book in his hand, of which, however, he did not in the course of
+an hour turn over a single leaf. A look of chronic discontent and
+dejection had replaced the good-humoured smiles of Fray Sebastian
+Gomez. Everything was wrong with the poor Franciscan now. Even the
+delicacies of his patron's table ceased to please him; and he, in his
+turn, was fast ceasing to please his patron. How could it be otherwise,
+when he had lost not only his happy art of indirect ingenious flattery,
+but his power to be commonly agreeable or amusing? No more poems&mdash;not
+so much as the briefest sonnet&mdash;on the suppression of heresy were to be
+had from him; and he was fast becoming incapable of turning a jest or
+telling a story.</p>
+
+<p>It is said that idiots often manifest peculiar pain and terror at the
+sound of music, because it awakens within them faint stirrings of that
+higher life from which God's mysterious dispensation has shut them out.
+And it is true that the first stirrings of higher life usually come
+to all of us with pain and terror. Moreover, if we do not crush them
+out, but cherish and foster them, they are very apt to take away the
+brightness and pleasantness of the old lower life altogether, and to
+make it seem worthless and distasteful.</p>
+
+<p>A new and higher life had begun for Fray Sebastian. It was not his
+conscience that was quickened, only his heart. Hitherto he had
+chiefly cared for himself. He was a good-natured man, in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term; yet no sympathy <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>for others had ever spoiled
+his appetite or hindered his digestion. But for the past three months
+he had been feeling as he had not felt since he clung weeping to the
+mother who left him in the parlour of the Franciscan convent&mdash;a child
+of eight years old. The patient suffering face of the young prisoner in
+the Triana had laid upon him a spell that he could not break.</p>
+
+<p>To say that he would have done anything in his power to save Don
+Carlos, is to say little. Willingly would he have lived for a month
+on black bread and brackish water, if that could have even mitigated
+his fate. But the very intensity of his desire to help him was fast
+making him incapable of rendering him the smallest service. Munebr&atilde;ga's
+flatterer and favourite might possibly, by dint of the utmost
+self-possession and the most adroit management, have accomplished some
+little good. But Fray Sebastian was now consciously forfeiting even the
+miserable fragment of power that had once been his. He thought himself
+like the salt that had lost its savour, and was fit neither for the
+land nor yet for the dunghill.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in his mournful reflections, he continued unconscious of the
+presence of such an important personage as Don Alonzo de Munebr&atilde;ga, the
+Lord Vice-Inquisitor's favourite page. At length, however, he was made
+aware of the fact by a loud angry shout, "Off with you, varlets, scum
+of the people! How dare you put your accursed fishing-smack to shore in
+my lord's garden, and under his very eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian looked up, and saw no fishing-boat, but a decent
+covered barge, from which, in spite of the page's remonstrance, two
+persons were landing: an elderly female clad in deep mourning, and her
+attendant, apparently a tradesman's apprentice, or serving-man.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian knew well how many distracted petitioners daily sought
+access to Munebr&atilde;ga, to plead (alas, how vainly!) for the lives of
+parents, husbands, sons, or daughters. This <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>was doubtless one of them.
+He heard her plead, "For the love of Heaven, dear young gentleman,
+hinder me not. Have you a mother? My only son lies&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon thee, woman!" interrupted the page; "and the foul fiend take
+thee and thy only son together."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Don Alonzo!" Fray Sebastian interposed, coming forward towards
+the spot; and perhaps for the first time in his life there was
+something like dignity in his tone and manner. "You must be aware,
+se&ntilde;ora," he said, turning to the woman, "that the right of using
+this landing-place is restricted to my lord's household. You will be
+admitted at the gate of the Triana, if you present yourself at a proper
+hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! good father, once and again have I sought admission to my lord's
+presence. I am the unhappy mother of Luis D'Abrego, he who used to
+paint and illuminate the church missals so beautifully. More than a
+year agone they tore him from me, and carried him away to yonder tower,
+and since then, so help me the good God, never a word of him have I
+heard. Whether he is living or dead, this day I know not."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a Lutheran dog! Serve him right," cried the page. "I hope they
+have put him on the pulley."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian turned suddenly, and dealt the lad a stinging blow
+on the side of his face. To the latest hour of his life this act of
+passion remained incomprehensible to himself. He could only ascribe it
+to the direct agency of the evil one. "I was tempted by the Devil," he
+would say with a sigh, "Vade retro me, Satana."</p>
+
+<p>Crimson to the roots of his perfumed hair, the boy sought his dagger.
+"Vile caitiff! beggarly trencher-scraping Franciscan!" he cried, "you
+shall repent of this."</p>
+
+<p>But apparently changing his mind the next moment, he allowed the dagger
+to drop from his hand, and snatching up his jerkin, ran at full speed
+towards the house.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian crossed himself, and gazed after him be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>wildered; his
+unwonted passion dying as suddenly as it had flamed up, and giving
+place to fear.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the mother of Abrego, to whom it did not occur that the
+buffet bestowed on the page could have any serious consequences,
+resumed her pleadings. "Your reverence seems to have a heart that can
+feel for the unhappy," she said. "For Heaven's sake refuse not the
+prayer of the most unhappy woman in the world. Only let me see his
+lordship&mdash;let me throw myself at his feet and tell him the whole truth.
+My poor lad had nothing at all to do with the Lutherans; he was a good,
+true Christian, and an old one, like all his family."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay, my good woman; I fear I can do nothing to help you. And I
+entreat of you to leave this place, else some of my lord's household
+are sure to come and compel you. Ay, there they are."</p>
+
+<p>It was true enough. Don Alonzo, as he ran through the porch, shouted to
+the numerous idle attendants who were lounging about, and some of them
+immediately rushed out into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>In justice to Fray Sebastian, it must be recorded, that before he
+consulted for his personal safety, he led the poor woman back to the
+barge, and saw her depart in it. Then he made good his own retreat,
+going straight to the lodging of Don Juan Alvarez.</p>
+
+<p>He found Juan lying asleep on a settle. The day was hot; he had nothing
+to do; and, moreover, the fiery energy of his southern blood was dashed
+by the southern taint of occasional torpor. Starting up suddenly, and
+seeing Fray Sebastian standing before him with a look of terror, he
+asked in alarm, "Any tidings, Fray? Speak&mdash;tell me quickly."</p>
+
+<p>"None, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. But I must leave this place at once." And the
+friar briefly narrated the scene that had just taken place, adding
+mournfully, "Ay de mi! I cannot tell what came over me&mdash;<i>me</i>, the
+mildest tempered man in all the Spains!"</p>
+
+<p>"And what of all that?" asked Juan rather contemptuously. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>"I see
+nothing to regret, save that you did not give the insolent lad what he
+deserved, a sound beating."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, you don't understand," gasped the poor friar. "I
+must fly immediately. If I stay here over to-night I shall find myself
+before the morning&mdash;<i>there</i>." And with a significant gesture he pointed
+to the grim fortress that loomed above them.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense. They cannot suspect a man of heresy, even <i>de levi</i>,<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> for
+boxing the ear of an impudent serving-lad."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, and can they not, your worship? Do you not know that the gardener
+of the Triana has lain for many a weary month in one of those dismal
+cells; and all for the grave offence of snatching a reed out of the
+hand of one of my lord's lackeys so roughly as to make it bleed?"<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Truly? Now are things come to a strange pass in our free and royal
+land of Spain! A beggarly upstart, such as this Munebr&atilde;ga, who could
+not, to save himself from the rack, tell you the name of his own
+great-grandfather, drags the sons and brothers&mdash;ay, and God help us!
+the wives and daughter&mdash;of our knights and nobles to the dungeon and
+the stake before our eyes. And it is not enough for him to set his
+own heel on our necks. His minions&mdash;his very grooms and pages&mdash;must
+lord it over us, and woe to him who dares to chastise their insolence.
+Nathless, I would feel it a comfort to make every bone in that urchin's
+body ache soundly. I have a mind&mdash;but this is folly. I believe you are
+right, Fray. You should go."</p>
+
+<p>"Moreover," said the friar mournfully, "I am doing no good here."</p>
+
+<p>"No one can do good now," returned Juan, in a tone of deep dejection.
+"And to-day the last blow has fallen. The poor woman who showed him
+kindness, and sometimes told us how he fared, is herself a prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"What! she has been discovered?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Even so: and with those fiends mercy is the greatest of all crimes.
+The child met me to-day (whether by accident or design, I know not),
+and told me, weeping bitterly."</p>
+
+<p>"God help her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Some would gladly endure her punishment if they might commit her
+crime," said Don Juan. There was a pause; then he resumed, "I had been
+about to ask you to apply once more to the prior."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian shook his head. "That were of no use," he said; "for it
+is certain that my lord the Vice-Inquisitor and the prior have had a
+misunderstanding about the matter. And the prior, so far from obtaining
+permission to deal with him as he desired, is not even allowed to see
+him now."</p>
+
+<p>"And yourself?&mdash;whither do you mean to go?" asked Juan, rather abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>"In sooth, I know not, se&ntilde;or. I have had no time to think. But go I
+must."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what to do. Go to Nuera. There for the present you
+will be safe. And if any man inquire your business, you have a fair and
+ready answer. <i>I</i> send you to look after my affairs. Stay; I will write
+by you to Dolores. Poor, true-hearted Dolores!" Don Juan seemed to fall
+into a reverie, so long did he sit motionless, his face shaded by his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>His mournful air, his unwonted listlessness, his attenuated frame&mdash;all
+struck Fray Sebastian painfully. After musing a while in silence, he
+said at last, very suddenly, "Se&ntilde;or Don Juan!"</p>
+
+<p>Juan looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever thought since on the message <i>he</i> sent you by me?"</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked as though that question were worse than needless. Was
+not every word of his brother's message burned into his heart? This
+it was: "My Ruy, thou hast done all for me that the best of brothers
+could. Leave me now to God, unto whom I am going quickly, and in peace.
+Quit the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>country as soon as thou canst; and God's best blessings
+surround thy path and guard thee evermore."</p>
+
+<p>One fact Carlos had most earnestly entreated Fray Sebastian to withhold
+from his brother. Juan must never know that he had endured the horrors
+of the Question. The monk would have promised almost anything that
+could bring a glow of pleasure to that pale, patient face. And he had
+kept his promise, though at the expense of a few falsehoods, that did
+not greatly embarrass his conscience. He had conveyed the impression
+to Don Juan that it was merely from the effects of his long and cruel
+imprisonment that his brother was sinking into the only refuge that
+remained to him&mdash;a quiet grave.</p>
+
+<p>After a pause, he resumed, looking earnestly at Juan&mdash;"<i>He</i> wished you
+to go."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not know that next month they say there will be&mdash;<i>an Auto</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but it is not likely&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>They gazed at each other in silence, neither saying <i>what</i> was not
+likely.</p>
+
+<p>"Any horror is <i>possible</i>," said Juan at last. "But no more of this.
+Until after the Auto, with its chances of <i>some</i> termination to this
+dreadful suspense, I stir not from Seville. Now, we must think for you.
+I know where to find a boat, the owner of which will take you some
+miles on your way up the river to-night. Then you can hire a horse."</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian groaned. Neither the journey itself, its cause, nor its
+manner were anything but disagreeable to the poor friar. But there was
+no help for him. Juan gave him some further directions about his way;
+then set food and wine before him.</p>
+
+<p>"Eat and drink," he said. "Meanwhile I will secure the boat. When I
+return, I can write to Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>All was done as he planned; and ere the morning broke, Fray Sebastian
+was far on his way to Nuera, with the letter to Dolores stitched into
+the lining of his doublet.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXV" id="XXXV">XXXV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Eve of the Auto.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Lamentations</span> iii, 27-29.</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapo"><span class="hide">O</span></span>n the 21st of September 1559, all Seville wore a festive appearance.
+The shops were closed, and the streets were filled with idle loiterers
+in their gay holiday apparel. For it was the eve of the great
+Auto, and the preliminary ceremonies were going forward amidst the
+admiration of gazing thousands. Two stately scaffolds, in the form of
+an amphitheatre, had been erected in the great square of the city,
+then called the Square of St. Francis; and thither, when the work was
+completed, flags and crosses were borne in solemn procession, with
+music and singing.</p>
+
+<p>But a still more significant ceremonial was enacted in another place.
+Outside the walls, on the Prado San Sebastian, stood the ghastly
+Quemadero&mdash;the great altar upon which, for generations, men had offered
+human sacrifices to the God of peace and love. Thither came long files
+of barefooted friars, carrying bushes and faggots, which they laid in
+order on the place of death, while, in sweet yet solemn tones, they
+chanted the "Miserere" and "De Profundis."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Very close together on those festive days were "strong light and deep
+shadow." But our way leads us, for the present, into the light. Turning
+away from the Square of St. Francis, and the Prado San Sebastian, we
+enter a cool upper room in the stately mansion of Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez.
+There, in the midst of gold and gems, and of silk and lace, Do&ntilde;a Inez
+is standing, busily engaged in the task of selecting the fairest
+treasures of her wardrobe to grace the grand festival of the following
+day. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella, and the young waiting-woman who had been
+employed in the vain though generous effort to save Don Carlos, are
+both aiding her in the choice.</p>
+
+<p>"Please your ladyship," said the girl, "I should recommend rose colour
+for the basquina. Then, with those beautiful pearls, my lord's late
+gift, my lady will be as fine as a duchess; of whom, I hear, many will
+be there.&mdash;But what will Se&ntilde;ora Do&ntilde;a Beatriz please to wear?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not intend to go, Juanita," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a little
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"Not intend to go!" cried the girl, crossing herself in surprise. "Not
+go to see the grandest sight there has been in Seville for many a year!
+Worth a hundred bull-feasts! Ay de mi! what a pity!"</p>
+
+<p>"Juanita," interposed her mistress, "I think I hear the se&ntilde;orita's
+voice in the garden. It is far too hot for her to be out of doors.
+Oblige me by bringing her in at once."</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the attendant was gone, Do&ntilde;a Inez turned to her cousin. "It
+is really most unreasonable of Don Juan," she said, "to keep you shut
+up here, whilst all Seville is making holiday."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad&mdash;I have no heart to go forth," said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a
+quivering lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor have I too much, for that matter. My poor brother is so weak
+and ill to-day, it grieves me to the heart. Moreover, he is still so
+thoughtless about his poor soul. That is the worst <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>of all. I never
+cease praying Our Lady to bring him to a better mind. If he would only
+consent to see a priest; but he was ever obstinate. And if I urge the
+point too strongly, he will think I suppose him dying."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought his health had improved since you had him brought over here."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly he is happier here than he was in his father's house. But
+of late he seems to me to be sinking, and that quickly. And now, the
+Auto&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What of that?" asked Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, with a quick look, half suspicious
+and half frightened.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez closed the door carefully, and drew nearer to her cousin.
+"They say <i>she</i> will be amongst the relaxed,"<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he know it?" asked Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear he suspects something; and what to tell him, or not to tell
+him, I know not&mdash;Our Lady help me! Ay de mi! 'Tis a horrible business
+from beginning to end. And the last thing&mdash;the arrest of the sister,
+Do&ntilde;a Juana! A duke's daughter&mdash;a noble's bridge. But&mdash;best be silent.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'Con el re e la Inquisicion,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Chiton! Chiton!'"<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Thus, only in a few hurried words, spoken with 'bated breath, did Do&ntilde;a
+Inez venture to allude to the darkest and saddest of the horrible
+tragedies in that time of horrors. Nor shall we do more.</p>
+
+<p>"Still, you know, amiga mia," she continued, "one must do like one's
+neighbours. It would be so ridiculous to look gloomy on a festival day.
+Besides, every one would talk."</p>
+
+<p>"That is why I say I am glad Don Juan made it his prayer to me that I
+would not go. For not to look sorrowful, when thy father, Don Manuel,
+and my aunt, Do&ntilde;a Katarina, are both doing their utmost to drive me out
+of my senses, would be past my power."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Have they been urging the suit of Se&ntilde;or Luis upon thee again? My poor
+Beatriz, I am truly sorrow for thee," said Do&ntilde;a Inez, with genuine
+sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>"Urging it again!" Beatriz repeated with flashing eyes. "Nay; but they
+have never ceased to urge it. And they spare not to say such wicked,
+cruel words. They tell me Don Juan is dishonoured by his brother's
+crime. Dishonoured, forsooth! Think of dishonour touching him! After
+the day of St. Quentin, the Duke of Savoy was not of that mind, nor our
+Catholic King himself. And they have the audacity to say that I can
+easily get absolved of my troth to him. Absolved of a solemn promise
+made in the sight of God and of Our Lady, and all the holy Saints! If
+<i>that</i> be not heresy, as bad as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" interrupted Do&ntilde;a Inez. "These are dangerous subjects. Moreover,
+I hear some one knocking at the door."</p>
+
+<p>It proved to be a page bearing a message.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please Do&ntilde;a Beatriz de Lavella, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos
+y Me&ntilde;aya kisses the se&ntilde;ora's feet, and most humbly desires the favour
+of an audience."</p>
+
+<p>"I go," said Beatriz.</p>
+
+<p>"Request Se&ntilde;or Don Juan to have the goodness to untire himself a
+little, and bring his Excellency fruit and wine," added Do&ntilde;a Inez. "My
+cousin," she said, turning to Beatriz as soon as the page left the
+room, "do you not know your cheeks are all aflame? Don Juan will think
+we have quarrelled. Rest you here a minute, and let me bathe them for
+you with this water of orange-flowers."</p>
+
+<p>Beatriz submitted, though reluctantly, to her cousin's good offices.
+While she performed them she whispered, "And be not so downcast, amiga
+mia. There is a remedy for most <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>troubles. And as for yours, I see not
+why Don Juan himself should not save you out of them once for all." She
+added, in a whisper, two or three words that more than undid all the
+benefit which the cheeks of Beatriz might otherwise have derived from
+the application of the fragrant water.</p>
+
+<p>"No use," was the agitated reply. "Even were it possible, <i>they</i> would
+not permit it."</p>
+
+<p>"You can come to visit me. Then trust me to manage the rest. The truth
+is, amiga mia," Do&ntilde;a Inez continued hurriedly, as she smoothed her
+cousin's dark glossy hair, "what between sickness, and quarrelling, and
+the Faith, and heresy, and prisons, there is so much trouble in the
+world that no one can help, it seems a pity not to help all one can. So
+you may tell Don Juan that if Do&ntilde;a Inez can do him a good turn she will
+not be found wanting. There, I despair of your cheeks. Yet I must allow
+that their crimson becomes you well. But you would rather hear that
+from Don Juan's lips than from mine. Go to him, my cousin." And with a
+parting kiss Beatriz was dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>But if she expected any flattery that day from the lips of Don Juan,
+she was disappointed. His heart was far too sorrowful. He had merely
+come to tell his betrothed what he intended to do on the morrow&mdash;that
+dreadful morrow! "I have secured a station," he said, "from whence
+I can watch the whole procession, as it issues from the gate of the
+Triana. If <i>he</i> is there, I shall dare everything for a last look and
+word. And a desperate man is seldom baffled. If even his dust is there,
+I shall stand beside it till all is over. If not&mdash;" Here he broke off,
+leaving his sentence unfinished, as if in that case it did not matter
+what he did.</p>
+
+<p>Just then Do&ntilde;a Inez entered. After customary salutations, she said, "I
+have a request to make of you, my cousin, on the part of my brother,
+Don Gonsalvo. He desires to see you for a few moments."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora my cousin, I am very much at your service, and at his."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was accordingly conducted to the upper room where Gonsalvo lay.
+And at the special request of the sick man, they were left alone
+together.</p>
+
+<p>He stretched out a wasted hand to his cousin, who took it in silence,
+but with a look of compassion. For it needed only a glance at his face
+to show that death was there.</p>
+
+<p>"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask.
+Tell me the names of any of the&mdash;the <i>victims</i> that have come to your
+knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I
+succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me&mdash;has rumour named in your hearing&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Maria de Xeres y
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Do&ntilde;a Inez had but recently
+confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation,
+though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth,
+he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well&mdash;for
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"A brave word, bravely spoken."</p>
+
+<p>"Nigh upon eighteen months&mdash;long slow months of grief and pain. All
+ended now. To-morrow night she will see the glory of God."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was another long pause. At last Juan said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps, if you could, you would gladly share her fate?"</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo half raised himself, and a flush overspread the wan face that
+already wore the ashy hue of approaching death. "Share <i>that</i> fate?" he
+cried, with an eagerness contrasting strangely with his former slow and
+measured utterance. "Change with <i>them</i>? Ask the beggar, who sits all
+day at the King's gate, waiting for his dole of crumbs, would he gladly
+change with the King's children, when he sees the golden gate flung
+open before them, and watches them pass in robed and crowned, to the
+presence-chamber of the King himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Your faith is greater than mine," said Juan in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"In one way, yes," replied Gonsalvo, sinking back, and resuming his
+low, quiet tone. "For the beggar dares to hope that the King has looked
+with pity even on <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"You do well to hope in the mercy of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Cousin, do you know what my life has been?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do."</p>
+
+<p>"I am past disguise now. Standing on the brink of the grave, I dare
+speak the truth, though it be to my own shame. There was no evil, no
+sin&mdash;stay, I will sum up all in one word. <i>One</i> pure, blameless life&mdash;a
+man's life, too&mdash;I have watched from day to day, from childhood to
+manhood. All that your brother Don Carlos was, I was not; all he was
+not, I was."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you once thought that life incomplete, unmanly," said Juan,
+remembering the taunts that in past days had so often aroused his wrath.</p>
+
+<p>"I was a fool. It is just retribution that I&mdash;I who called him
+coward&mdash;should see him march in there triumphant, with the palm of
+victory in his hand. But let me end; for I think it is the last time
+I shall speak of myself in any human ear. I sowed to the flesh, and
+of the flesh I have reaped&mdash;<i>corruption</i>. It is an awful word, Don
+Juan. All the life in me turned to death; all the good in me (what God
+meant for good, such as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>force, fire, passion) turned to evil. What
+availed it me that I loved a star in heaven&mdash;a bright, lonely, distant
+star&mdash;while I was earthy, of the earth? Because I could not (and thank
+God for that!) pluck down my star from the sky and hold it in my hand,
+even that love became corruption too. I fulfilled my course, the
+earthly grew sensual, the sensual grew devilish. And then God smote me,
+though not then for the first time. The stroke of his hand was heavy.
+My heart was crushed, my frame left powerless." He paused for a while,
+then slowly resumed. "The stroke of his hand, your brother's words,
+your brother's book&mdash;by these he taught me. There is deliverance even
+from the bondage of corruption, through him who came to call not the
+righteous, but sinners. One day&mdash;and that soon&mdash;I, even I, shall kneel
+at his feet, and thank him for saving the lost. And then I shall see my
+star, shining far above me in his glorious heaven, and be content and
+glad."</p>
+
+<p>"God has been very gracious to you, my cousin," said Juan in a tone
+of emotion. "And what he has cleansed I dare not call common. Were my
+brother here to-day, I think he would stretch out to you the right
+hand, not of forgiveness, but of fellowship. I have told you how he
+longed for your soul."</p>
+
+<p>"God can fulfil more desires of his than that, Don Juan, and I doubt
+not he will. What know we of his dealings? we who all these dreary
+months have been mourning for and pitying his prisoners, to-morrow to
+be his crowned and sainted martyrs? It were a small thing with him
+to flood the dungeon's gloom with light, and give&mdash;even here, even
+now&mdash;all their hearts long for to those who suffer for him."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was silent. Truly the last was first, and the first last now.
+Gonsalvo had reached some truths which were still far beyond <i>his</i> ken.
+He did not know how their seed had been sown in his heart by his own
+brother's hand. At length he answered, in a low and faltering voice,
+"There is much in what you say. Fray Sebastian told me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ay," cried Gonsalvo eagerly, "what did Fray Sebastian tell you of
+<i>him</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"That he found him in perfect peace, though ill and weak in body. It is
+my hope that God himself has delivered him ere now out of their cruel
+hands. And I ought to tell you that he spoke of all his relatives with
+affection, and made special inquiry after your health."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo said quietly, "It is likely I shall see him before you."</p>
+
+<p>Juan sighed. "To-morrow will reveal something," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Many things, perhaps," Gonsalvo returned. "Well&mdash;Do&ntilde;a Beatriz waits
+you now. There is no poison in that wine, though it be of an earthly
+vintage; and God himself puts the cup in your hand; so take it, and be
+comforted. Yet stay; have you patience for one word more?"</p>
+
+<p>"For a thousand, if you will, my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that in heart you share his&mdash;<i>our</i> faith."</p>
+
+<p>Juan shrank a little from his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," he replied, "I have been obliged to conceal my opinions;
+and, indeed, of late all things have seemed to grow dim and uncertain
+with me. Sometimes, in my heart of hearts, I cannot tell what truth is."</p>
+
+<p>"'He came not to call the righteous, but sinners,'" said Gonsalvo. "And
+the sinner who has heard his call <i>must</i> believe, let others doubt as
+they may. Thank God, the sinner may not only believe, but love. Yes;
+in that the beggar at the gate may take his stand beside the king's
+children unreproved. Even I dare to say, 'Lord, thou knowest all
+things; thou knowest that I love thee.' Only to them it is given to
+prove it; while I&mdash;ay, there was the bitter thought. Long it haunted
+me. At last I prayed that if indeed he deigned to accept me, all sinful
+as I was, he would give me for a sign something to do, to suffer, or to
+give up, whereby I might prove my love."</p>
+
+<p>"And did he hear you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He showed me one thing harder to give up than life; one thing
+harder to do than to brave the torture and the death of fire."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>Once more Gonsalvo veiled his face. Then he murmured&mdash;"Harder to give
+up&mdash;vengeance, hatred; harder to do&mdash;to pray for <i>their</i> murderers."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> could never do it," said Juan, starting.</p>
+
+<p>"And if at last&mdash;at last&mdash;<i>I</i> can,&mdash;I, whose anger was fierce, and
+whose wrath was cruel, even unto death,&mdash;is not that His own work in
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan half turned away, and did not answer immediately. In his heart
+many thoughts were struggling. Far, indeed, was he from praying for his
+brother's murderers; almost as far from wishing to do it. Rather would
+he invoke God's vengeance upon them. Had Gonsalvo, in the depths of his
+misery, remorse, and penitence, actually found something which Don Juan
+Alvarez still lacked? He said at last, with a humility new and strange
+to him,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My cousin, you are nearer heaven than I."</p>
+
+<p>"As to time&mdash;yes," said Gonsalvo, with a faint smile. "Now farewell,
+cousin; and thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do nothing more for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; tell my sister that I know all. Now, God bless you, and deliver
+you from the evils that beset your path, and bring you and yours to
+some land where you may worship him in peace and safety."</p>
+
+<p>And so the cousins parted, never to meet again upon earth.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVI" id="XXXVI">XXXVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">"The Horrible and Tremendous Spectacle."<small><a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"All have passed:</div>
+   <div class="verse">The fearful, and the desperate, and the strong.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Some like the barque that rushes with the blast;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Some like the leaf borne tremblingly along;</div>
+   <div class="verse">And some like men who have but one more field</div>
+   <div class="verse">To fight, and then may slumber on their shield&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Therefore they arm in hope."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>t earliest dawn next morning, Juan established himself in an upper
+room of one of the high houses which overlooked the gate of the Triana.
+He had hired it from the owners for the purpose, stipulating for sole
+possession and perfect loneliness.</p>
+
+<p>At sunrise the great Cathedral bell tolled out solemnly, and all the
+bells in the city responded. Through the crowd, which had already
+gathered in the street, richly dressed citizens were threading their
+way on foot. He knew they were those who, out of zeal for the faith,
+had volunteered to act as <i>patrinos</i>, or god-fathers, to the prisoners,
+walking beside them in the procession. Amongst them he recognized his
+cousins, Don Manuel and Don Balthazar. They were all admitted into the
+castle by a private door.</p>
+
+<p>Ere long the great gate was flung open. Juan's eyes were rivetted to
+the spot. There was a sound of singing, sweet and low, as of childish
+voices; for the first to issue from those gloomy portals were the
+boys of the College of Doctrine, dressed in white surplices, and
+chanting litanies to the saints. Clear and full at intervals rose from
+their lips the "Ora pro nobis" of the response; and tears gathered
+unconsciously in the eyes of Juan at the old familiar words.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In great contrast with the white-robed children came the next in
+order. Juan drew his breath hard, for here were the penitents:
+pale, melancholy faces, "ghastly and disconsolate beyond what can
+be imagined;"<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> forms clothed in black, without sleeves, and
+barefooted&mdash;hands carrying extinguished tapers.</p>
+
+<p>Those who walked foremost in the procession had only been convicted
+of such <i>minor</i> offences as blasphemy, sorcery, or polygamy. But
+by-and-by there came others, wearing ugly sanbenitos&mdash;yellow, with red
+crosses&mdash;and conical paper mitres on their heads. Juan's eye kindled
+with intenser interest; for he knew that these were Lutherans. Not
+without a wild dream&mdash;hope, perhaps&mdash;that the near approach of death
+might have subdued his brother's fortitude, did he scan in turn every
+mournful face. There was Luis D'Abrego, the illuminator of church
+books; there, walking long afterwards, as far more guilty, was Medel
+D'Espinosa, the dealer in embroidery, who had received the Testaments
+brought by Juliano. There were many others of much higher rank, with
+whom he was well acquainted. Altogether more than eighty in number, the
+long and melancholy train swept by, every man or woman attended by two
+monks and a patrino. But Carlos was not amongst them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then came the great Cross of the Inquisition; the face turned towards
+the penitent, the back to the <i>impenitent</i>&mdash;those devoted to the death
+of fire. And now Juan's breath came and went&mdash;his lips trembled; all
+his soul was in his eager, straining eyes. Now first he saw the hideous
+zamarra&mdash;a black robe, painted all over with saffron-coloured flames,
+into which devils and serpents, rudely represented, were thrusting
+the impenitent heretic. A paper crown, or carroza, similarly adorned,
+covered the victim's head. But the face of the wearer was unknown
+to Juan. He was a poor artizan&mdash;Juan de Leon by name&mdash;who had made
+his escape by flight, but had been afterwards apprehended in the
+Low Countries. Torture and cruel imprisonment had almost killed him
+already; but his heart was strong to suffer for the Lord he loved, and
+though the pallor of death was on his cheek, there was no fear there.</p>
+
+<p>But the countenances of those that followed Juan knew too well. Never
+afterwards could he exactly recall the order in which they walked; yet
+every individual face stamped itself indelibly on his memory. He would
+carry those looks in his heart until his dying hour.</p>
+
+<p>No less than four of the victims wore the white tunic and brown mantle
+of St. Jerome. One of these was an old man&mdash;leaning on his staff for
+very age, but with joy and confidence beaming in his countenance. The
+white locks, from which Gar&ccedil;ias Arias had gained the name of Doctor
+Blanco, had been shorn away; but Juan easily recognized the waverer of
+past days, now strengthened with all might, according to the glorious
+power of Him whom at last he had learned to trust. The accomplished
+Cristobal D'Arellano, and Fernando de San Juan, Master of the College
+of Doctrine, followed calm and dauntless. Steadfast, too, though not
+without a little natural shrinking from the doom of fire, was a mere
+youth&mdash;Juan Crisostomo.</p>
+
+<p>Then came one clad in a doctor's robe, with the step of at conqueror
+and the mien of a king. As he issued from the Triana he chanted, in a
+clear and steady voice, the words of the Hundred and ninth Psalm: "Hold
+not thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the ungodly, yea,
+the mouth of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>the deceitful, is opened upon me: and they have spoken
+against me with false tongues. They compassed me about also with words
+of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.... Help me, O Lord
+my God: O save me according to thy mercy; and they shall know how that
+this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it. Though they
+curse, yet bless thou." So died away the voice of Juan Gonsalez, one of
+the noblest of Christ's noble band of witnesses in Spain.</p>
+
+<p>All these were arrayed in the garments of their ecclesiastical
+orders, to be solemnly degraded on the scaffold in the Square of St.
+Francis. But there followed one already in the full infamy, or glory,
+of the zamarra and carroza, with painted flames and demons;&mdash;with a
+thrill of emotion, Juan recognized his friend and teacher, Cristobal
+Losada&mdash;looking calm and fearless&mdash;a hero marching to his last battle,
+conquering and to conquer.</p>
+
+<p>Yet even that face soon faded from Juan's thoughts. For there walked
+in that gloomy death procession <i>six</i> females&mdash;persons of rank; nearly
+all of them young and beautiful, but worn by imprisonment, and more
+than one amongst them maimed by torture. Yet if man was cruel, Christ,
+for whom they suffered, was pitiful. Their countenances, calm and
+even radiant, revealed the hidden power by which they were sustained.
+Their names&mdash;which deserve a place beside those of the women of old
+who were last at his cross and first beside his open sepulchre&mdash;were,
+Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena, in whose house the church was wont to meet;
+the two sisters of Juan Gonsalez; Do&ntilde;a Maria de Virves; Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Cornel; and, last of all, Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques, whose face shone
+as the first martyr's, looking up into heaven. She alone, of all the
+female martyr band, appeared wearing the gag, an honour due to her
+heroic efforts to console and sustain her companions in the court of
+the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>Juan's brave heart well-nigh burst with impotent, indignant <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>anguish.
+"Ay de mi, my Spain!" he cried; "thou seest these things, and endurest
+them. Lucifer, son of the morning, thou art fallen&mdash;fallen from thy
+high place amongst the nations."</p>
+
+<p>It was true. From the man, or nation, "that hath not," shall be taken
+"even that which he seemeth to have." Had the spirit of chivalry,
+Spain's boast and pride, been faithful to its own dim light, it might
+even then have saved Spain. But its light became darkness; its trust
+was betrayed into the hand of superstition. Therefore, in the just
+judgment of God, its own degradation quickly followed. Spain's chivalry
+lost gradually all that was genuine, all that was noble in it; until it
+became only a faint and ghastly mockery, a sign of corruption, like the
+phosphoric light that flickers above the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in his bitter thoughts, Juan well-nigh missed the last of the
+doomed ones&mdash;last because highest in worldly rank. Sad and slow, with
+eyes bent down, Don Juan Ponce de Leon walked along. The flames on his
+zamarra were reversed; poor symbol of the poor mercy for which he sold
+his joy and triumph and dimmed the brightness of his martyr crown. Yet
+surely he did not lose the glad welcome that awaited him at the close
+of that terrible day; nor the right to say, with the erring restored
+apostle, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."</p>
+
+<p>All the living victims had passed now. And Don Carlos Alvarez was not
+amongst them. Juan breathed a sigh of relief; but not yet did his
+straining eyes relax their gaze. For Rome's vengeance reached even to
+the grave. Next, there were borne along the statues of those who had
+died in heresy, robed in the hideous zamarra, and followed by black
+chests containing their bones to be burned.</p>
+
+<p>Not there!&mdash;No&mdash;not there! At last Juan's trembling hands let go the
+framework of the window to which they had been clinging; and, the
+intense strain over, he fell back exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>The stately pageant swept by, unwatched by him. He never <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>saw, what
+all Seville was gazing on with admiration, the grand procession of
+the judges and counsellors of the city, in their robes of office; the
+chapter of the Cathedral; the long slow train of priests and monks that
+followed. And then, in a space left empty out of reverence, the great
+green standard of the Inquisition was borne aloft, and over it a gilded
+crucifix. Then came the Inquisitors themselves, in their splendid
+official dresses. And lastly, on horseback and in gorgeous apparel, the
+familiars of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>It was well that Juan's eyes were turned from that sight. What avails
+it for lips white with passion to heap wild curses on the heads of
+those for whom God's curse already "waits in calm shadow," until
+the day of reckoning be fully come? Curses, after all, are weapons
+dangerous to use, and apt to pierce the hand that wields them.</p>
+
+<p>His first feeling was one of intense relief, almost of joy. He had
+escaped the maddening torture of seeing his brother dragged before
+his eyes to the death of anguish and shame. But to that succeeded the
+bitter thought, growing soon into full, mournful conviction, "I shall
+see his face no more on earth. He is dead&mdash;or dying."</p>
+
+<p>Yet that day the deep, strong current of his brotherly love was crossed
+by another tide of emotion. Those heroic men and women, whom he
+watched as they passed along so calmly to their doom, had he no bond
+of sympathy with them? Was it so long since he had pressed Losada's
+hand in grateful friendship, and thanked Do&ntilde;a Isabella de Baena for the
+teaching received beneath her roof? With a thrill of keen and sudden
+shame the gallant soldier saw himself a recreant, who had flaunted his
+gay uniform on the parade and at the field-day, but when the hour of
+conflict came, had stepped aside, and let the sword and the bullet find
+out braver and truer hearts.</p>
+
+<p><i>He</i> could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him
+but little to conceal it, to live in every respect like an <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>orthodox
+Catholic. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled
+his young brother&mdash;the boy who used to weep for a blow&mdash;to stand and
+look fearless in the face of a horrible death. Something that enabled
+even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the
+murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVII" id="XXXVII">XXXVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Something Ended and Something Begun.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"O sweet and strange it is to think that ere this day is done,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;For ever and for ever with those just souls and true&mdash;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And what is life that we should mourn, why make we such ado?"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapl"><span class="hide">L</span></span>ate in the afternoon of that day, Do&ntilde;a Inez entered her sick brother's
+room. A glitter of silk, rose-coloured and black, of costly lace and
+of gems and gold, seemed to surround her. But as she threw aside the
+mantilla that partially shaded her face, and almost sank on a seat
+beside the bed, it was easy to see that she was very faint and weary,
+if not also very sick at heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Santa Maria! I am tired to death," she murmured. "The heat was
+killing; and the whole business interminably long."</p>
+
+<p>Gonsalvo gazed at her with eager eyes, as a man dying of thirst might
+gaze on one who holds a cup of water; but for a while he did not
+speak. At last he said, pointing to some wine that lay near, beside an
+untasted meal,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Drink, then."</p>
+
+<p>"What, my brother!" said Do&ntilde;a Inez, reproachfully, "you have not
+touched food to-day! You&mdash;so ill and weak!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am a man&mdash;even still," said Gonsalvo with a little bitterness in his
+tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez drank, and for a few moments fanned herself in silence,
+distress and embarrassment in her face.</p>
+
+<p>At last Gonsalvo, who had never withdrawn his eager gaze, said in a low
+voice,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Sister, remember your promise."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid&mdash;for you."</p>
+
+<p>"You need not," he gasped. "Only tell me <i>all</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez passed her hand wearily across her brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything floats before me," she said. "What with the music, and
+the mass, and the incense; and the crosses, and banners, and gorgeous
+robes; and then the taking of the oaths, and the sermon of the faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Still&mdash;you kept my charge?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, brother." She lowered her voice. "Hard as it was, I looked at
+<i>her</i>. If it comforts you to know that, all through that long day, her
+face was as calm as ever I have seen it listening to Fray Constantino's
+sermons, you may take that comfort to your heart. When her sentence had
+been read, she was asked to recant; and I heard her answer rise clear
+and distinct, 'I neither can nor will recant.' Ave Maria Sanctissima!
+it is all a great mystery."</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence, then she resumed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"And Se&ntilde;or Cristobal Losada&mdash;" but the thought of the kind and skilful
+physician who had watched beside her own sick-bed, and brought back her
+babe from the gates of the grave, almost overcame her. Turning quickly
+to other victims, she went on&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"There were four monks of St. Jerome. Think of the White Doctor, that
+every one believed so good a man, so pious and orthodox! Another of
+them, Fray Cristobal D'Arellano, was accused in his sentence of some
+wicked words against Our Lady which, it would seem, he never said. He
+cried out boldly, before them all, 'It is false! I never advanced such
+a blasphemy; and I am ready to prove the contrary with the Bible in my
+hand.' Every one seemed too much amazed even to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>think of ordering him
+to be gagged: and, for my part, I am glad the poor wretch had his word
+for the last time. I cannot help wishing they had equally forgotten
+to silence Doctor Juan Gonzales; for it does not appear that he was
+speaking any blasphemy, but merely a word of comfort to a poor pale
+girl, his sister, as they told me. Two of them are to die with him&mdash;God
+help them!&mdash;Holy Saints forgive me; I forgot we were told not to pray
+for them," and she crossed herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Does my sister really believe that compassionate word a sin in God's
+sight?"</p>
+
+<p>"How am I to know? I believe whatever the Church says, of course. And
+surely there is enough in these days to inspire us with a pious horror
+of heresy. <i>Pues</i>," she resumed, "there was that long and terrible
+ceremony of degrading from the priesthood. And yet that Gonsalez passed
+through it all as calm and unmoved as though he were but putting on
+his robes to say mass. His mother and his two brothers are still in
+prison, it is said, awaiting their doom. Of all the relaxed, I am told
+that only Don Juan Ponce de Leon showed any sign of penitence. For the
+sake of his noble house, one is glad to think he is not so hardened as
+the rest. Ay de mi! Whether it be right or wrong, I cannot help pitying
+their unhappy souls."</p>
+
+<p>"Pity your own soul, not theirs," said Gonsalvo. "For I tell you Christ
+himself, in all his glory and majesty, at the right hand of the Father,
+will <i>stand up</i> to receive them this night, as he did to welcome St.
+Stephen long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my poor brother, what dreadful words you speak! It is a mortal
+sin even to listen to you. Take thought, I implore you, of your own
+situation."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> taken thought," interrupted Gonsalvo, faintly. "But I can
+bear no more&mdash;just now. Leave me, I pray you, alone with God."</p>
+
+<p>"If you would even try to say an Ave!&mdash;But I fear you are
+ill&mdash;suffering. I do not like to leave you thus."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do not heed me; I shall be better soon. And a vow is upon me that I
+must keep to-day." Once more he flung the wasted hand across his face
+to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>Irresolute whether to go or stay, she stood for some minutes watching
+him silently. At length she caught a low murmur, and hoping that he
+prayed, she bent over him to hear. Only three words reached her ear.
+They were these&mdash;"Father, forgive them."</p>
+
+<p>After an interval, Gonsalvo looked up again. "I thought you were gone,"
+he said. "Go now, I entreat of you. But so soon as you know <i>the end</i>,
+spare not to come and tell me. For I wait for that."</p>
+
+<p>Thus entreated, Do&ntilde;a Inez had no choice but to leave him alone, which
+she did.</p>
+
+<p>Evening had worn to night, and night was beginning to wear towards
+daybreak, when at last Don Gar&ccedil;ia Ramirez, and those of his servants
+who had accompanied him to the Prado San Sebastian to see the end,
+returned home.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez sat awaiting her husband in the patio. She looked pale and
+languid; apparently the great holiday of Seville had been anything but
+a joyful day to her.</p>
+
+<p>Don Gar&ccedil;ia divested himself of his cloak and sword, and dismissed
+the servants to their beds. But when his wife invited him to partake
+of the supper she had prepared, he turned upon her with very unusual
+ill-humour. "It is little like thy wonted wit, se&ntilde;ora mia, to bid a
+man to his breakfast at midnight," he said. Yet he drank deeply of the
+Xeres wine that stood on the board beside the venison pasty and the
+manchet bread.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after long patience, Do&ntilde;a Inez won from his lips what she
+desired to hear. "Oh yes; all is over. Our Lady defend us! I have never
+seen such obstinacy; nor could I have believed it possible unless I
+had seen it. The criminals encouraged each other to the very last.
+Those girls, the sisters of Gonsalez, repeated their Credo at the
+stake; whereupon the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>attendant Brethren entreated them to have so much
+pity on their own souls as to say, 'I believe in the <i>Roman</i> Catholic
+Church.' They answered, 'We will do as our brother does.' So the gag
+was removed, and Doctor Juan cried aloud, 'Add nothing to the good
+confession you have made already.' But for all that, order was given
+to strangle them; and one of the friars told us they died in the true
+faith. I suppose it is not a sin to hope they did."</p>
+
+<p>After a pause, he continued, in a deeper tone, "Se&ntilde;or Cristobal amazed
+me as much as any of them. At the very stake, some of the Brethren
+undertook to argue with him. But seeing that we were all listening,
+and might hear somewhat to the hurt of our souls, they began to speak
+in the Latin tongue. Our physician immediately did the same. I am no
+scholar myself; but there were learned men there who marked every word,
+and one of them told me afterwards that the doomed man spoke with
+as much elegance and propriety as if he had been contending for an
+academic prize, instead of waiting for the lighting of the fire which
+was to consume him. This unheard-of calmness and composure, whence is
+it? The devil's own work, or"&mdash;&mdash;he broke off suddenly and resumed
+in a different tone, "Se&ntilde;ora mia, have you thought of the hour? In
+Heaven's name, let us to our beds!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot go to rest until you tell me one thing more. Do&ntilde;a Maria de
+Bohorques?"</p>
+
+<p>"Vaya, vaya! have we not had enough of it all?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay; I have made a promise. I must entreat you to tell me how Do&ntilde;a
+Maria de Bohorques met her doom."</p>
+
+<p>"With unflinching hardihood. Don Juan Ponce tried to urge her to yield
+somewhat. But she refused, saying it was not now a time for reasoning,
+and that they ought rather to meditate on the Lord's death and passion.
+(They believe in <i>that</i>, it seems.) When she was bound to the stake,
+the monks and friars crowded round her, and pressed her only to repeat
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>the Credo. She did so; but began to add some explanations, which, I
+suppose, were heretical. Then immediately the command was given to
+strangle her; and so, in one moment, while she was yet speaking, death
+came to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she did not suffer? She escaped the fire! Thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes afterwards, Do&ntilde;a Inez stood by her brother's bed. He lay
+in the same posture, his face still shaded by his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," she said gently&mdash;"brother, all is over. She did not suffer.
+It was done in one moment."</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, are you not glad she did not feel the fire? Can you not thank
+God for it? Speak to me."</p>
+
+<p>Still no answer.</p>
+
+<p>He could not be asleep! Impossible!&mdash;"Speak to me,
+Gonsalvo!&mdash;<i>Brother!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>She drew close to him; she touched his hand to remove it from his face.
+The next moment a cry of horror rang through the house. It brought the
+servants and Don Gar&ccedil;ia himself to the room.</p>
+
+<p>"He is dead! God and Our Lady have mercy on his soul!" said Don Gar&ccedil;ia,
+after a brief examination.</p>
+
+<p>"If only he had had the Holy Sacrament, I could have borne it!" said
+Do&ntilde;a Inez; and then, kneeling down beside the couch, she wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>So passed the beggar with the King's sons, through the golden gate into
+the King's own presence-chamber. His wrecked and troublous life over,
+his passionate heart at rest for ever, the erring, repentant Gonsalvo
+found entrance into the same heaven as D'Arellano, and Gonsalez, and
+Losada, with their radiant martyr-crowns. In the many mansions there
+was a place for him, as for those heroic and triumphant ones. He wore
+the same robe as they&mdash;a robe washed and made white, not in the blood
+of martyrs, but in the blood of the Lamb.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXVIII" id="XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Nuera Again.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Happy places have grown holy;</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">If ye went where once ye went,</div>
+   <div class="verse">Only tears would fall down slowly,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">As at solemn Sacrament.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Household names, that used to flutter</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Through your laughter unawares,</div>
+   <div class="verse">God's divine one ye can utter</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">With less troubling in your prayers."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> chill and dreary torpor stole over Juan's fiery spirit after the
+Auto. The settled conviction that his brother was dead took possession
+of his mind. Moreover, his soul had lost its hold upon the faith which
+he once embraced so warmly. He had consciously ceased to be true to his
+best convictions, and those convictions, in turn, had ceased to support
+him. His confidence in himself, his trust in his own heart, had been
+shaken to its foundations. And he was very far from having gained in
+its stead that strong confidence in God which would have infinitely
+more than counterbalanced its loss.</p>
+
+<p>Thus two or three slow and melancholy months wore away. Then,
+fortunately for him, events happened that forced him, in spite of
+himself, to the exertion that saves from the deadly slumber of despair.
+It became evident, that if he did not wish <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>to see the last earthly
+treasure that remained to him swept out of his reach for ever, he must
+rouse himself from his lethargy so far as to grasp and hold it; for
+now Don Manuel <i>commanded</i> his ward to bestow her hand upon his rival,
+Se&ntilde;or Luis Rotelo.</p>
+
+<p>In her anguish and dismay, Beatriz fled for refuge to her kind-hearted
+cousin, Do&ntilde;a Inez.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez received her into her house, where she soothed and comforted
+her; and soon found means to despatch an "esquelita," or billet, to Don
+Juan, to the following effect:&mdash;"Do&ntilde;a Beatriz is here. Remember, my
+cousin, 'that a leap over a ditch is better than another man's prayer.'"</p>
+
+<p>To which Juan replied immediately:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora and my cousin, I kiss your feet. Lend me a helping hand, and I
+take the leap."</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez desired nothing better. Being a Spanish lady, she loved an
+intrigue for its own sake; being a very kindly disposed lady, she loved
+an intrigue for a benevolent object. With her active co-operation and
+assistance, and her husband's connivance, it was quickly arranged
+that Don Juan should carry off Do&ntilde;a Beatriz from their house to a
+little country chapel in the neighbourhood, where a priest would be
+in readiness to perform the solemn rite which should unite them for
+ever. Thence they were to proceed at once to Nuera, Don Juan disguising
+himself for the journey as the lady's attendant. Do&ntilde;a Inez did not
+anticipate that her father and brothers would take any hostile steps
+after the conclusion of the affair&mdash;glad though they might have been
+to prevent it&mdash;since there was nothing which they hated and dreaded so
+much as a public scandal.</p>
+
+<p>All Juan's latent fire and energy woke up again to meet the peril and
+to secure the prize. He was successful in everything; the plan had been
+well laid, and was well and promptly carried out. And thus it happened,
+that amidst December snows he bore his beautiful bride home to Nuera in
+triumph. If triumph it could be called, overcast by the ever-present
+memory of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>one who "was not," which rested like a deep shadow upon
+all joy, and subdued and chastened it. Few things in life are sadder
+than a great, long-expected blessing coming thus;&mdash;like a friend from
+a foreign land whose return has been eagerly anticipated, but who,
+after years of absence, meets us changed in countenance and in heart,
+unrecognizing and unrecognized.</p>
+
+<p>Dolores welcomed her young master and his bride with affection and
+thankfulness. But he noticed that the dark hair, at the time of his
+last visit still only threaded with silver, had grown white as the
+mountain snows. In former days Dolores could not have told which of the
+noble youths, her lady's gallant sons, had been the dearer to her. But
+now she knew full well. Her heart was in the grave with the boy she had
+taken a helpless babe from his dying mother's arms. But, after all,
+<i>was</i> he in the grave? This was the question which she asked herself
+day by day, and many times a day. She was not quite so sure of the
+answer as Se&ntilde;or Don Juan seemed to be. Since the day of the Auto, he
+had assumed all the outward signs of mourning for his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian was also at Nuera, and proved a real help and comfort to
+its inmates. His very presence served to shield the household from any
+suspicions that might have been awakened with regard to their faith.
+For who could doubt the orthodoxy of Don Juan Alvarez, while he not
+only contributed liberally to the support of his parish church, but
+also kept a pious Franciscan in his family, in the capacity of private
+chaplain? Though it must be confessed that the Fray's duties were
+anything but onerous; now, as in former days, he showed himself a man
+fond of quiet, who for the most part held his peace, and let every one
+do what was right in his own eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He was now on far more cordial terms with Dolores than he had ever been
+before. This was partly because he had learned that worse physical
+evils than ollas of lean mutton, or cheese of goat's milk, <i>might</i> be
+borne with patience, even with thankful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>ness. But partly also because
+Dolores now really tried to consult his tastes and to promote his
+comfort. Many a savoury dish "which the Fray used to like" did she
+trouble herself to prepare; many a flask of wine from their diminishing
+store did she gladly produce, "for the kind words that he spake to
+<i>him</i> in his sorrow and loneliness."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the depressing influences around her, Do&ntilde;a Beatriz could
+not but be very happy. For was not Don Juan hers, all her own, her own
+for ever? And with the zeal love inspires, and the skill love imparts,
+she applied herself to the task of brightening his darkened life. Not
+quite without effect. Even from that stern and gloomy brow the shadows
+at length began to roll away.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan could not speak of his sorrow. For weeks indeed after his
+return to Nuera his brother's name did not pass his lips. Better had
+it been otherwise, both for himself and for Dolores. Her heart, aching
+with its own lonely anguish and its vague, dark surmisings, often
+longed to know her young master's true innermost thought about his
+brother's fate. But she did not dare to ask him.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, this painful silence was partially broken through.
+One morning the old servant accosted her master with an air of some
+displeasure. It was in the inner room within the hall. Holding in her
+hand a little book, she said,&mdash;"May it please your Excellency to pardon
+my freedom, but it is not well done of you to leave this lying open on
+your table. I am a simple woman; still I am at no loss to know what and
+whence it is. If you will not destroy it, and cannot keep it safe and
+secret, I implore of your worship to give it to me."</p>
+
+<p>Juan held out his hand for it. "It is dearer to me than any earthly
+possession," he said briefly.</p>
+
+<p>"It had need to be dearer than your life, se&ntilde;or, if you mean to leave
+it about in that fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost the right to say so much," Juan answered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And yet, Dolores&mdash;tell me, would it break your heart if I sold this
+place&mdash;you know it is mortgaged heavily already&mdash;and quitted the
+country?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan expected a start, if not a cry of surprise and dismay. That
+Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya should sell the inheritance of his fathers seemed
+indeed a monstrous proposal. In the eyes of the world it would be an
+act of insanity, if not a crime. What then would it appear to one who
+loved the name of Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya far better than her life?</p>
+
+<p>But the still face of Dolores never changed. "Nothing would break my
+heart <i>now</i>," she said calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"You would come with us?"</p>
+
+<p>She did not even ask <i>whither</i>. She did not care: all her thoughts were
+in the past.</p>
+
+<p>"That is of course, se&ntilde;or," she answered. "If I had but first assurance
+of <i>one</i> thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Name it; and if I can assure you, I will."</p>
+
+<p>Instead of naming it she turned silently away. But presently turning
+again, she asked, "Will your Excellency please to tell me, is it that
+book that is driving you into exile?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is. I am bound to confess the truth before men; and that is
+impossible here."</p>
+
+<p>"But are you sure then that it is the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure. I have read God's message both in the darkness and in the light.
+I have seen it traced in characters of blood&mdash;and fire."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;forgive the question, se&ntilde;or&mdash;does it make you happy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan"&mdash;she spoke with an effort, but firmly, and
+fixing her eyes on his face&mdash;"he who gave you yon book found therein
+that which made him happy. I know it; he was here, and I watched him.
+When he came first, he was ill, or else very sorrowful, I know not
+why. But he learned from that book that God Almighty loved him, and
+that the Lord and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>Saviour Christ was his friend; and then his sorrow
+passed away, and his heart grew full of joy, so full that he must needs
+be telling me&mdash;ay, and even that poor dolt of a cura down there in
+the village&mdash;about the good news. And I think"&mdash;but here she stopped,
+frightened at her own boldness.</p>
+
+<p>"What think you?" asked Juan, with difficulty restraining his emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I think that if that good news be true, it would
+not be so hard to suffer for it. Blessed Virgin! Could it be aught
+but joy to me, for instance, to lie in a dark dungeon, or even to be
+hanged or burned, if that could work out <i>his</i> deliverance? There be
+worse things in the world than pain or prisons. For where there's
+love, se&ntilde;or&mdash;&mdash; Moreover, it comes upon me sometimes that the Lords
+Inquisitors may have mistaken his case. Wise and learned they may he,
+and good and holy they are, of course&mdash;'twere sin to doubt it&mdash;yet they
+<i>may</i> mistake sometimes. 'Twas but the other day, my old eyes growing
+dim apace, that I took a blessed gleam of sunlight that had fallen on
+yon oak table for a stain, and set to work to rub it off; the Lord
+forgive me for meddling with one of the best of his works! And, for
+aught we know, just so may they be doing, mistaking God's light upon
+the soul for the devil's stain of heresy. But the sunlight is stronger
+than they, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"Dolores, you are half a Lutheran already yourself," answered Juan in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I, se&ntilde;or! The Lord forbid! I am an old Christian, and a good Catholic,
+and so I hope to die. But if you must hear all the truth, I would
+walk in a yellow sanbenito, with a taper in my hand, before I would
+acknowledge that <i>he</i> ever said one word or thought one thought that
+was not Catholic and Christian too. All his crime was to find out that
+the good Lord loved him, and to be happy on account of it. If that
+be your religion also, Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, I have nothing to say against
+it. And, as I have said, God granting me, in his great mercy, one
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>assurance first, I am ready to follow you and your lady to the world's
+end."</p>
+
+<p>With these words on her lips she left the room. For a time Juan sat
+silent in deep thought. Then he opened the Testament, and turned over
+its leaves until he found the parable of the sower. "'Some fell upon
+stony places,'" he read, "'where they had not much earth; and forthwith
+they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the
+sun was up, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they
+withered away.' There," he said within himself, "in those words is
+written the history of my life, from the day my brother confessed his
+faith to me in the garden of San Isodro. God help me, and forgive my
+backsliding! But at least it is not too late to go humbly back to the
+beginning, and to ask him who alone can do it to break up the fallow
+ground."</p>
+
+<p>He closed the book, walked to the window and looked out. Presently his
+eye was attracted to those dear mystic words on the pane, which both
+the brothers had loved and dreamed over from their childhood,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>And at that moment the sun was shining on them as brightly as it used
+to do in those old days gone by for ever.</p>
+
+<p>No vague dream of any good, foreshadowed by the omen to him or to his
+house, crossed the mind of the practical Don Juan. But he seemed to
+hear once more the voice of his young brother saying close beside him,
+"Look, Ruy, the light is on our father's words." And memory bore him
+back to a morning long ago, when some slight boyish quarrel had been
+ended thus.</p>
+
+<p>Over his stern, handsome face there passed a look that shaded and
+softened it, and his eyes grew dim&mdash;dim with tears.</p>
+
+<p>But just then Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, radiant from a morning walk, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>with
+her hands full of early spring flowers, tripped in, singing a Spanish
+ballad,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Ye men that row the galleys,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">I see my lady fair;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;She gazes at the fountain</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">That leaps for pleasure there."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Beatriz was a child of the city; and, moreover, her life hitherto had
+been an unloved and unloving one. Now her nature was expanding under
+the wholesome influences of home life and home love, and of simple
+healthful pleasures. "Look, Don Juan, what pretty things grow in your
+fields here! I have never seen the like," she said, breaking off in her
+song to exhibit her treasures.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked carelessly at them, lovingly at her. "I would fain hear
+a morning hymn from those sweet, tuneful lips," he pleaded.</p>
+
+<p>"Most willingly, amigo mio,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">'Ave Sanctissima&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, my beloved; hush, I entreat of you." And laying his hand lightly
+on her shoulder, he gazed in her face with a mixture of fond and tender
+admiration and of gentle reproach difficult to describe. "<i>Not that.</i>
+For the sake of all that lies between us and the old faith, not that.
+Rather let us sing together,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">'Vexilla Regis prodeunt.'</p>
+
+<p>For you know that between us and our King there stands, and there needs
+to stand, no human mediator. Do you not, my beloved?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know that <i>you</i> are right," answered Beatriz, still reading her
+faith in Don Juan's eyes. "But we can sing afterwards, whatever you
+like, and as much as you will. I pray you let us come forth now into
+the sunshine together. Look, what a glorious morning it is!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XXXIX" id="XXXIX">XXXIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Left Behind.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"They are all gone into a world of light,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And I alone am lingering here."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Henry Vaughan.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he change of seasons brought little change to those dark cells in the
+Triana, where neither the glory of summer nor the breath of spring
+could come. While the world, with its living interests, its hopes and
+fears, its joys and sorrows, kept surging round them, not even an echo
+of its many voices reached the doomed ones within, who lay so near, yet
+so far from all, "fast bound in misery and iron."</p>
+
+<p>Not yet had the Deliverer come to Carlos. More than once he had seemed
+very near. During the summer heats, so terrible in that prison, fever
+had wasted the captive's already enfeebled frame; but this was the
+means of prolonging his life, for the eve of the Auto found him unable
+to walk across his cell. Still he heard without very keen sorrow the
+fate of his beloved friends, so soon did he hope to follow them.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, month after month, life lingered on. In his circumstances
+restoration to health was simply impossible. Not that he endured more
+than others, or even as much as some. He was not loaded with fetters,
+or buried in one of the frightful subterranean cells where daylight
+never entered. Still, when to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>the many physical sufferings his
+position entailed was added the weight of sickness, weakness, and utter
+loneliness, they formed together a burden heavy enough to have crushed
+even a strong heart to despair.</p>
+
+<p>Long ago the last gleam of human sympathy and kindness had faded from
+him. Maria Gonsalez was herself a prisoner, receiving such payment as
+men had to give her for her brave deeds of charity. God's payment,
+however, was yet to come, and would be of another sort. Herrera, the
+under-gaoler, was humane, but very timid; moreover, his duties seldom
+led him to that part of the prison where Carlos lay. So that he was
+left dependent upon the tender mercies of Gaspar Benevidio, which were
+indeed cruel.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, in spite of all, he was not crushed, not despairing. The lamp
+of patient endurance burned on steadily, because it was continually fed
+with oil by an unseen Hand.</p>
+
+<p>It has been beautifully said, "The personal love of Christ to you,
+felt, delighted in, returned, is actually, truly, simply, without
+exaggeration, the deepest joy and the deepest feeling that the heart of
+man or woman can know. It will absolutely satisfy your heart. It would
+satisfy your heart if it were his will that you should spend the rest
+of your life alone in a dungeon."</p>
+
+<p>Just this, nothing else, nothing less, sustained Carlos throughout
+those long slow months of suffering, which had now come to "add
+themselves and make the years." It proved sufficient for him. It has
+proved sufficient for thousands&mdash;God's unknown saints and martyrs,
+whose names we shall learn first in heaven.</p>
+
+<p>Those who still occasionally sought access to him, in the hope of
+transforming the obstinate heretic into a penitent, marvelled greatly
+at the cheerful calm with which he was wont to receive them and to
+answer their arguments.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes he would even brave all the wrath of Benevidio, and raising
+his voice as loud as he could, he would make the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>gloomy vaults re-echo
+to such words as these: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
+shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
+afraid?" Or these: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
+upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth;
+but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."</p>
+
+<p>But still it was not in Christ's promise, nor was it to be expected,
+that his prisoner should never know hours of sorrow, weariness, and
+heart-sinking. Such hours came sometimes. And on the very morning when
+Don Juan and Do&ntilde;a Beatriz were going forth together into the spring
+sunshine through the castle gate of Nuera, Carlos, in his dungeon, was
+passing through one of the darkest of these. He lay on his mat, his
+face covered with his wasted hands, through which tears were slowly
+falling. It was but very seldom that he wept now; tears had grown rare
+and scarce with him.</p>
+
+<p>The evening before, he had received a visit from two Jesuits, bound
+on the only errand which would have procured their admission there.
+Irritated by his bold and ready answers to the usual arguments, they
+had recourse to declamation. And one of them bethought himself of
+mentioning the fate of the Lutherans who suffered at the two great
+Autos of Valladolid. "Most of the heretics," said the Jesuit, "though
+when they were in prison they were as obstinate as thou art now, yet
+had their eyes opened in the end to the error of their ways, and
+accepted reconciliation at the stake. At the last great Act of Faith,
+held in the presence of King Philip, only Don Carlos de Seso&mdash;" Here
+he stopped, surprised at the agitation of the prisoner, who had heard
+their threatenings against himself so calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"De Seso! De Seso! Have they murdered him too?" moaned Carlos, and
+for a few brief moments he gave way to natural emotion. But quickly
+recovering himself he said, "I shall only see him the sooner."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Were you acquainted with him?" asked the Jesuit.</p>
+
+<p>"I loved and honoured him. My avowing that cannot hurt him <i>now</i>,"
+answered Carlos, who had grown used to the bitter thought that any name
+would be disgraced and its owner imperilled, by <i>his</i> mentioning it
+with affection.</p>
+
+<p>"But if you will do me so much kindness," he added, "I pray you to tell
+me anything you know of his last hours. Any word he spoke."</p>
+
+<p>"He could speak nothing," said the younger of his two visitors. "Before
+he left the prison he had uttered so many horrible blasphemies against
+Holy Church and Our Lady that he was obliged to wear the gag during the
+whole ceremony, 'lest he should offend the little ones.'"<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p>This last cruel wrong&mdash;the refusal of leave to the dying to speak one
+word in defence of the truths he died for&mdash;stung Carlos to the quick.
+It wrung from lips so patient hitherto words of indignant threatening.
+"God will judge your cruelty," he said. "Go on, fill up the measure
+of your guilt, for your time is short. One day, and that soon, there
+will be a grand spectacle, grander than your Autos. Then shall you,
+torturers of God's saints, call upon the mountains and rocks to cover
+you, and to hide you from the wrath of the Lamb."</p>
+
+<p>Once more alone, his passionate anger died away. And it was well.
+Surrounded as he was on every side by strong, cold, relentless wrong
+and cruelty, if his spirit had beaten its wings against those bars of
+iron, it would soon have fallen to the ground faint and helpless, with
+crushed pinions. It was not in such vain strivings that he could find,
+or keep, the deep calm peace with which his heart was filled; it was in
+the quiet place at his Saviour's feet, from whence, if he looked at his
+enemies at all, it was only to pity and forgive them.</p>
+
+<p>But though anger was gone, a heavy burden of sorrow remained. De Seso's
+noble form, shrouded in the hideous zamarra, his head crowned with the
+carroza, his face disfigured by the gag,&mdash;these were ever before his
+eyes. He well-nigh forgot that all this was over now&mdash;that for him the
+conflict was ended and the triumph begun.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Could he have known even as much as we know now of the close of that
+heroic life, it might have comforted him.</p>
+
+<p>Don Carlos de Seso met his doom at the second of the two great Autos
+celebrated at Valladolid during the year 1559. At the first, the most
+steadfast sufferers were Francisco de Vibero Cazalla, one of a family
+of confessors; and Antonio Herezuelo, whose pathetic story&mdash;the most
+thrilling episode of Spanish martyrology&mdash;would need an abler pen than
+ours.</p>
+
+<p>During his lingering imprisonment of a year and a half, De Seso never
+varied in his own clear testimony to the truth, never compromised any
+of his brethren. Informed at last that he was to die the next day, he
+requested writing materials. These being furnished him, he placed on
+record a confession of his faith, which Llorente, the historian of the
+Inquisition, thus describes:&mdash;"It would be difficult to convey an idea
+of the uncommon vigour of sentiment with which he filled two sheets of
+paper, though he was then in the presence of death. He handed what he
+had written to the Alguazil, with these words: 'This is the true faith
+of the gospel, as opposed to that of the Church of Rome, which has been
+corrupted for ages. In this faith I wish to die, and in the remembrance
+and lively belief of the passion of Jesus Christ, to offer to God my
+body, now reduced so low.'"</p>
+
+<p>All that night and the next morning were spent by the friars in vain
+endeavours to induce him to recant. During the Auto, though he could
+not speak, his countenance showed the steadfastness of his soul&mdash;a
+steadfastness which even the sight of his beloved wife amongst those
+condemned to perpetual imprisonment failed to disturb. When at last, as
+he was bound to the stake, the gag was removed, he said to those who
+stood around <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>him, still urging him to yield, "I could show you that
+you ruin yourselves by not following my example; but there is no time.
+Executioners, light the fire that is to consume me."</p>
+
+<p>Even in the act of death it was given him, though unconsciously,
+to strengthen the faith of another. In the martyr band was a poor
+man, Juan Sanchez, who had been a servant of the Cazallas, and was
+apprehended in Flanders with Juan de Leon. He had borne himself bravely
+throughout; but when the fire was kindled, the ropes that bound him
+to the stake having given way, the instinct of self-preservation made
+him rush from the flames, and, not knowing what he did, spring upon
+the scaffold where those who yielded at the last were wont to receive
+absolution. The attendant monks at once surrounded him, offering him
+the alternative of the milder death. Recovering self-possession, he
+looked around him. At one side knelt the penitents, at the other,
+motionless amidst the flames, De Seso stood,</p>
+
+<p class="center no-indent">"As standing in his own high hall."</p>
+
+<p>His choice was made. "I will die like De Seso," he said calmly; and
+then walked deliberately back to the stake, where he met his doom with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>Another brave sufferer at this Auto, Don Domingo de Roxas, ventured to
+make appeal to the justice of the King, only to receive the memorable
+reply, never to be read without a shudder,&mdash;"I would carry wood to burn
+my son, if he were such a wretch as thou!"</p>
+
+<p>All these circumstances Carlos never heard on this side of the grave.
+But in the quiet Sabbath-keeping that remaineth for the people of
+God, there will surely be leisure enough to talk over past trials and
+triumphs. At present, however, he only saw the dark side&mdash;only knew
+the bare and bitter facts of suffering and death. He had not merely
+loved De Seso as his instructor; he had admired him with the generous
+enthusiasm of a young man for a senior in whom he recognizes <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span>his
+ideal&mdash;all that he himself would fain become. If the Spains had but
+known the day of their visitation, he doubted not that man would have
+been their leader in the path of reform. But they knew it not; and so,
+instead, the chariot of fire had come for him. For him, and for nearly
+all the men and women whose hands Carlos had been wont to clasp in
+loving brotherhood. Losada, D'Arellano, Ponce de Leon, Do&ntilde;a Isabella
+de Baena, Do&ntilde;a Maria de Bohorques,&mdash;all these honoured names, and many
+more, did he repeat, adding after each one of them, "At rest with
+Christ." Somewhere in the depths of those dreary dungeons it might be
+that the heroic Juliano, his father in the faith, was lingering still;
+and also Fray Constantino, and the young monk of San Isodro, Fray
+Fernando. But the prison walls sundered them quite as hopelessly from
+him as the River of Death itself.</p>
+
+<p>Earlier ties sometimes seemed to him only like things he had read
+or dreamed of. During his fever, indeed, old familiar faces had
+often flitted round him. Dolores sat beside him, laying her hand on
+his burning brow; Fray Sebastian taught him disjointed, meaningless
+fragments from the schoolmen; Juan himself either spoke cheerful words
+of hope and trust, or else talked idly of long-forgotten trifles.</p>
+
+<p>But all this was over now: neither dream nor fancy came to break his
+utter, terrible loneliness. He knew that he was never to see Juan
+again, nor Dolores, nor even Fray Sebastian. The world was dead to him,
+and he to it. And as for his brethren in the faith, they had gone "to
+the light beyond the clouds, and the rest beyond the storms," where he
+would so gladly be. Why, then, was he left so long, like one standing
+without in the cold? Why did not the golden gate open for him as well
+as for them? What was he doing in this place?&mdash;what <i>could</i> he do for
+his Master's cause or his Master's honour? He did not murmur. By this
+time his Saviour's prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done," had been
+wrought into the texture of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span>being with the scarlet, purple, and
+golden threads of pain, of patience, and of faith. But it is well for
+His tried ones that He knows longing is not murmuring. Very full of
+longing were the words&mdash;words rather of pleading than of prayer&mdash;that
+rose continually from the lips of Carlos that day,&mdash;"And now, Lord,
+<i>what wait I for</i>?"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XL" id="XL">XL.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">"A Satisfactory Penitent."</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"How long in thraldom's grasp I lay</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;I knew not; for my soul was black,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And knew no change of night or day."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Campbell.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapc"><span class="hide">C</span></span>arlos was sleeping tranquilly in his dungeon on the following night,
+when the opening of the door aroused him. He started with sickening
+dread, the horrors of the torture-room rising in an instant before his
+imagination. Benevidio entered, followed by Herrera, and commanded
+him to rise and dress immediately. Long experience of the Santa Casa
+had taught him that he might as well make an inquiry of its doors and
+walls as of any of its officials. So he obeyed in silence, and slowly
+and painfully enough. But he was soon relieved from his worst fear by
+seeing Herrera fold together the few articles of clothing he had been
+allowed to have with him, preparatory to carrying them away. "It is
+only, then, a change of prison," he thought; "and wherever they bring
+me, heaven will be equally near."</p>
+
+<p>His limbs, enfeebled by two years of close confinement, and lame
+from the effects of one terrible night, were sorely tried by what he
+thought an almost interminable walk through corridors and down narrow
+winding stairs. But at last he was conducted <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span>to a small postern door,
+which, greatly to his surprise, Benevidio proceeded to unlock. The
+kind-hearted Herrera took advantage of the moment when Benevidio was
+thus occupied to whisper,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We are bringing you to the Dominican prison, se&ntilde;or; you will be better
+used there."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thanked him by a grateful look and a pressure of the hand. But
+an instant afterwards he had forgotten his words. He had forgotten
+everything save that he stood once more in God's free air, and that
+God's own boundless heaven, spangled with ten thousand stars, was
+over him, no dungeon roof between. For one rapturous moment he gazed
+upwards, thanking God in his heart. But the fresh air he breathed
+seemed to intoxicate him like strong wine. He grew faint, and leaned
+for support on Herrera.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, se&ntilde;or; it is not far&mdash;only a few paces," said the
+under-gaoler, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Weak as he was, Carlos wished the distance a hundred times greater.
+But it proved quite long enough for his strength. By the time he was
+delivered over into the keeping of a couple of lay brothers, and
+locked by them into a cell in the Dominican monastery, he was scarcely
+conscious of anything save excessive fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning was pretty far advanced before any one came to him;
+but at last he was honoured with a visit from the prior himself. He
+said frankly, and with perfect truth,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to find myself in your hands, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>To one accustomed to feel himself an object of terror, it is a new and
+pleasant sensation to be trusted. Even a wild beast will sometimes
+spare the weak but fearless creature that ventures to play with it: and
+Don Fray Ricardo was not a wild beast; he was only a stern, narrow,
+conscientious man, the willing and efficient agent of a terrible
+system. His brow relaxed visibly as he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have always sought your true good, my son."</p>
+
+<p>"I am well aware of it, father."</p>
+
+<p>"And you must acknowledge," the prior resumed, "that great forbearance
+and lenity have been shown towards you. But your infatuation has been
+such that you have deliberately and persistently sought your own ruin.
+You have resisted the wisest arguments, the gentlest persuasions,
+and that with an obstinacy which time and discipline seem only to
+increase. And now at last, as another Auto-da-f&eacute; may not be celebrated
+for some time, my Lord Vice-Inquisitor-General, justly incensed at
+your contumacy, would fain have thrown you into one of the underground
+dungeons, where, believe me, you would not live a month. But I have
+interceded for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your kindness, my lord. But I cannot see that it matters much
+how you deal with me now. Sooner or later, in one form or other, it
+must be death; and I thank God it can be no more."</p>
+
+<p>While a man might count twenty, the prior looked silently in that
+steadfast sorrowful young face. Then he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My son, do not yield to despair; for I come to thee this day with
+a message of hope. I have also made intercession for thee with the
+Supreme Council of the Holy Office; and I have succeeded in obtaining
+from that august tribunal a great and unusual grace."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos looked up, a sudden flush on his cheek. He hoped this unusual
+grace might be permission to see some familiar face ere he died; but
+the prior's next words disappointed him. Alas! it was only the offer
+of escape from death on terms that he might not accept. And yet such
+an ofter really deserved the name the prior gave it&mdash;a great and
+unusual grace. For, as has been already intimated, by the laws of the
+Inquisition at that time in force, the man who had <i>once</i> professed
+heretical doctrines, however sincerely he might have retracted them,
+was doomed to die. His penitence would procure him the favour <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span>of
+absolution&mdash;the mercy of the garotte instead of the stake: that was all.</p>
+
+<p>The prior went on to explain to Carlos, that upon the ground of his
+youth, and the supposition that he had been led into error by others,
+his judges had consented to show him singular favour. "Moreover," he
+added, "there are other reasons for this course of action, upon which
+it would be needless, and might be inexpedient, to enter at present;
+but they have their weight, especially with me. For the preservation,
+therefore, both of your soul and your body&mdash;upon which I take more
+compassion than you do yourself&mdash;I have, in the first place, obtained
+permission to remove you to a more easy and more healthful confinement,
+where, besides other favours, you will enjoy the great privilege of a
+companion, constant intercourse with whom can scarcely fail to benefit
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought this last a doubtful boon; but as it was kindly
+intended, he was bound to be grateful. He thanked the prior
+accordingly; adding, "May I be permitted to ask the name of this
+companion?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will probably find out ere long, if you conduct yourself so as to
+deserve it,"&mdash;an answer Carlos found so enigmatical, that after several
+vain endeavours to comprehend it, he gave up the task in despair, and
+not without some apprehension that his long imprisonment had dulled his
+perceptions. "Amongst us he is called Don Juan," the prior continued.
+"And this much I will tell you. He is a very honourable person, who had
+many years ago the great misfortune to be led astray by the same errors
+to which you cling with such obstinacy. God was pleased, however, to
+make use of my poor instrumentality to lead him back to the bosom of
+the Church. He is now a true and sincere penitent, diligent in prayer
+and penance, and heartily detesting his former evil ways. It is my last
+hope for you that his wise and faithful counsels may bring you to the
+same mind."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not particularly like the prospect. He feared that this
+vaunted penitent would prove a noisy apostate, who would seek to obtain
+the favour of the monks by vilifying his former associates. Nor, on the
+other hand, did he think it honest to accept without protest kindnesses
+offered him on the supposition that he might even yet be induced to
+recant. He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I ought to tell you, se&ntilde;or, that my mind will never change, God
+helping me. Rather than lead you to imagine otherwise, I would go at
+once to the darkest cell in the Triana. My faith is based on the Word
+of God, which can never be overthrown."</p>
+
+<p>"The penitent of whom I speak used such words as these, until God
+and Our Lady opened his eyes. Now he sees all things differently.
+So will you, if God is pleased to give you the inestimable benefit
+of his divine grace; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
+that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," said the Dominican,
+who, like others of his order, ingeniously managed to combine strong
+predestinarian theories with the creed of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>"That is most true, se&ntilde;or," Carlos responded.</p>
+
+<p>"But to resume," said the prior; "for I have yet more to say. Should
+you be favoured with the grace of repentance, I am authorized to hold
+out to you a well-grounded hope, that, in consideration of your youth,
+your life may even yet be spared."</p>
+
+<p>"And then, if I were strong enough, I might live out ten or twenty
+years&mdash;like the last two," Carlos answered, not without a touch of
+bitterness.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not so, my son," returned the prior mildly. "I cannot promise,
+indeed, under any circumstances, to restore you to the world. For
+that would be to promise what could not be performed; and the laws of
+the Holy Office expressly forbid us to delude prisoners with false
+hopes.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> But this much I will say, your restraint shall be rendered
+so light and easy, that your position will be preferable to that of
+many a monk, who has taken the vows of his own free will. And if you
+like the society of the penitent of whom I spoke anon, you shall
+continue to enjoy it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Carlos began to feel a somewhat unreasonable antipathy to this
+penitent, whose face he had never seen. But what mattered the
+antipathies of a prisoner of the Holy Office? He only said, "Permit
+me again to thank you, my lord, for the kindness you have shown me.
+Though my fellow-men cast out my name as evil, and deny me my share of
+God's free air and sky, and my right to live in his world, I still take
+thankfully every word or deed of pity and gentleness they give me by
+the way. For they know not what they do."</p>
+
+<p>The prior turned away, but turned back again a moment afterwards, to
+ask&mdash;what for the credit of his humanity he ought to have asked a year
+before&mdash;"Do you stand in need of any thing? or have you any request you
+wish to make?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos hesitated a moment. Then he said, "Of things within your power
+to grant, my lord, there is but one that I care to ask. Two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus visited me the day before yesterday. I spoke
+hastily to one of them, who was named Fray Isodor, I think. Had I the
+opportunity, I should be glad to offer him my hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, of all mysterious things in heaven or earth," said the prior, "a
+heretic's conscience is the most difficult to comprehend. Truly you
+strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. But as for Fray Isodor, you may
+rest content. For good and sufficient reasons, he cannot visit you
+here. But I will repeat to him what you have said. And I know well that
+his own tongue is a sharp weapon enough when used in the defence of the
+faith."</p>
+
+<p>The prior withdrew; and shortly afterwards one of the monks appeared,
+and silently conducted Carlos to a cell, or chamber, in the highest
+story of the building. Like the cells <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span>in the Triana, it had two
+doors&mdash;the outer one secured by strong bolts and bars, the inner one
+furnished with an aperture through which food or other things could be
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>But here the resemblance ceased. Carlos found himself, on entering,
+in what seemed to him more like a hall than a cell; though, indeed,
+it must be remembered that his eye was accustomed to ten feet square.
+It was furnished as comfortably as any room needed to be in that warm
+climate; and it was tolerably clean, a small mercy which he noted with
+no small gratitude. Best perhaps of all, it had a good window, looking
+down on the courtyard, but strongly barred, of course. Near the window
+was a table, upon which stood an ivory crucifix, and a picture of the
+Madonna and child.</p>
+
+<p>But even before his eye took in all these objects, it turned to the
+penitent, whose companionship had been granted him as so great a boon.
+He was utterly unlike all that he had expected. Instead of a fussy,
+noisy pervert, he saw a serene and stately old man, with long white
+hair and beard, and still, clearly chiselled, handsome features. He
+was dressed in a kind of mantle, of a nondescript colour, made like
+a monk's cowl without the hood, and bearing two large St. Andrew's
+crosses, one on the breast and the other on the back; in fact, it was a
+compromised sanbenito.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos entered, he rose (showing a tall, spare figure, slightly
+stooped), and greeted his new companion with a courteous and elaborate
+bow, but did not speak.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, food was handed through the aperture in the
+door; and the half-starved prisoner from the Triana sat down with
+his fellow-captive to what he esteemed a really luxurious repast. He
+had intended to be silent until obliged to speak, but the aspect and
+bearing of the penitent quite disarranged his preconceived ideas.
+During the meal, he tried once and again to open a conversation by some
+slight courteous observation.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>All in vain. The penitent did the honours of the table like a prince
+in disguise, and never failed to bow and answer, "Yes, se&ntilde;or," or "No,
+se&ntilde;or," to everything Carlos said. But he seemed either unable or
+unwilling to do more.</p>
+
+<p>As the day wore on, this silence grew oppressive to Carlos; and he
+marvelled increasingly at his companion's want of ordinary interest in
+him, or curiosity about him. Until at length a probable solution of the
+mystery dawned upon his mind. As he considered the penitent an agent
+of the monks deputed to convert him, very likely the penitent, on his
+side, regarded <i>him</i> in the light of a spy commissioned to watch his
+proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>But this, if it was true at all, was only a small part of the truth.
+Carlos failed to take into account the terrible effect of long years
+of solitude, crushing down all the faculties of the mind and heart.
+It is told of some monastery, where the rules were so severe that the
+brethren were only allowed to converse with each other during one hour
+in the week, that they usually sat for that hour in perfect silence:
+they had nothing to say. So it was with the penitent of the Dominican
+convent. He had nothing to say, nothing to ask; curiosity and interest
+were dead within him&mdash;dead long ago, of absolute starvation.</p>
+
+<p>Yet Carlos could not help observing him with a strange kind of
+fascination. His face was too still, too coldly calm, like a white
+marble statue; and yet it was a noble face. It was, although not a
+thoughtful face, the face of a thoughtful man asleep. It did not lack
+expressiveness, though it lacked expression. Moreover, there was in it
+a look that awakened dim, undefined memories&mdash;shadowy things, that fled
+away like ghosts whenever he tried to grasp them, yet persistently rose
+again, and mingled with all his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>He told himself many times that he had never seen the man before. Was
+it, then, an accidental likeness to some familiar face that so fixed
+and haunted him? Certainly there <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span>was something which belonged to his
+past, and which, even while it perplexed and baffled, strangely soothed
+and pleased him.</p>
+
+<p>At each of the canonical hours (which were announced to them by the
+tolling of the convent bells), the penitent did not fail to kneel
+before the crucifix, and, with the aid of a book and a rosary, to read
+or repeat long Latin prayers, in a half audible voice. He retired
+to rest early, leaving his fellow-prisoner supremely happy in the
+enjoyment of his lamp and his Book of Hours. For it was two years
+since the eyes of the once enthusiastic young scholar had rested on a
+printed page, or since the kindly gleam of lamp or fire had cheered
+his solitude. The privilege of refreshing his memory with the passages
+of Scripture contained in the Romish book of devotion now appeared an
+unspeakable boon to him. And although, accustomed as he was to a life
+of unbroken monotony, the varied impressions of the day had produced
+extreme weariness of mind and body, it was near midnight before he
+could prevail upon himself to close the volume, and lie down to rest on
+the comfortable pallet prepared for him.</p>
+
+<p>He was just falling asleep, when the midnight bell tolled out heavily.
+He saw his companion rise, throw his mantle over his shoulders, and
+betake himself to his devotions. How long these lasted he could
+not tell, for the stately kneeling figure soon mingled with his
+dreams&mdash;strange dreams of Juan as a penitent, dressed in a sanbenito,
+and with white hair and an old man's face, kneeling devoutly before the
+altar in the church at Nuera, but reciting one of the songs of the Cid
+instead of <i>De Profundis</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLI" id="XLI">XLI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">More about the Penitent.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent4">"Ay, thus thy mother looked,</div>
+   <div class="verse">With such a sad, yet half-triumphant smile,</div>
+   <div class="verse">All radiant with deep meaning."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span> slight incident, that occurred the following morning, partially
+broke down the barrier of reserve between the two prisoners. After his
+early devotions, the penitent laid aside his mantle, took up a besom
+made of long slips of cane, and proceeded, with great deliberation and
+gravity, to sweep out the room. The contrast that his stately figure,
+his noble air, and the dignity of all his movements, offered to the
+menial occupation in which he was engaged, was far too pathetic to
+be ludicrous. Carlos could not but think that he wielded the lowly
+implement as if it were a chamberlain's staff of office, or a grand
+marshal's baton.</p>
+
+<p>He himself was well accustomed to such tasks; for every prisoner of
+the Santa Casa, no matter what his rank might be, was his own servant.
+And it spoke much for the revolution that had taken place in his ideas
+and feelings, that though taught to look on all servile occupations as
+ineffably degrading, he had never associated a thought of degradation
+with anything laid upon him to do or to suffer as the prisoner of
+Christ.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And yet he could not endure to see his aged and stately fellow-prisoner
+thus occupied. He rose immediately, and earnestly entreated to be
+allowed to relieve him of the task, pleading that all such duties ought
+to devolve on him as the younger. At first the penitent resisted,
+saying that it was part of his penance. But when Carlos continued to
+urge the point, he yielded; perhaps the more readily because his will,
+like his other faculties, was weakened for want of exercise. Then,
+with more apparent interest than he had shown in any of his previous
+proceedings, he watched the rather slow and difficult movements of his
+young companion.</p>
+
+<p>"You are lame, se&ntilde;or," he said, a little abruptly, when Carlos, having
+finished his work, sat down to rest.</p>
+
+<p>"From the pulley," Carlos answered quietly; and then his face beamed
+with a sudden smile, for the secret of the Lord was with him, and he
+tasted the sweet, strange joy that springs out of suffering borne for
+Him.</p>
+
+<p>That look was the wire that drew an electric flash of memory from the
+clouds that veiled the old man's soul. What that sudden flash revealed
+was a castle gate, at which stood a stately yet slender form robed in
+silk. In the fair young face tears and smiles were contending; but a
+smile won the victory, as a little child was held up, and made to kiss
+a baby-hand in farewell to its father.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment all was gone; only a vague trouble and uneasiness remained,
+accompanied by that strange sense of having seen or felt just the same
+thing before, with which we are most of us familiar. Accustomed to
+solitude, the penitent spoke aloud, perchance unconsciously.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did they bring you here?" he said, in a half fretful tone. "You
+hurt me. I have done very well alone all these years."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to incommode you, se&ntilde;or," returned Carlos. "But I did
+not come here of my own will; neither, unhappily, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span>can I go. I am a
+prisoner like yourself; but, unlike you, I am a prisoner under sentence
+of death."</p>
+
+<p>For several minutes the penitent did not answer. Then he rose, and
+taking a step or two towards the place where Carlos sat, gravely
+extended his hand. "I fear I have spoken uncourteously," he said. "So
+many years have passed since I have conversed with my fellows, that I
+have well-nigh forgotten how I ought to address them. Do me the favour,
+se&ntilde;or and my brother, to grant me your pardon."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos warmly assured him no offence had been given; and taking the
+offered hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. From that moment he
+loved his fellow-prisoner in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>There was an interval of silence, then the penitent of his own accord
+resumed the conversation. "Did I hear you say you are under sentence of
+death?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so actually, though not formally," Carlos replied. "In the
+language of the Holy Office, I am a professed impenitent heretic."</p>
+
+<p>"And you so young!"</p>
+
+<p>"To be a heretic?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I meant so young to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Do I look young&mdash;even yet? I should not have thought it. To me the
+last two years seem like a long lifetime."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been two years, then, in prison? Poor boy! Yet I have been
+here ten, fifteen, twenty years&mdash;I cannot tell how many. I have lost
+the account of them."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos sighed. And such a life was before him, should he be weak enough
+to surrender his hope. He said, "Do you really think, se&ntilde;or, that these
+long years of lonely suffering are less hard to bear than a speedy
+though violent death?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it matters, as to that," was the penitent's not very
+apposite reply. In fact, his mind was not capable, at the time, of
+dealing with such a question; so he turned from it instinctively.
+But in the meantime he was remembering, every <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span>moment more and more
+clearly, that a duty had been laid upon him by the authority to
+which his soul held itself in absolute subjection. And that duty had
+reference to his fellow-prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"I am commanded," he said at last, "to counsel you to seek the
+salvation of your soul, by returning to the bosom of the one true
+Catholic and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no peace and no
+salvation."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos saw that he spoke by rote; that his words echoed the thought
+of another, not his own. It seemed to him, under the circumstances,
+scarcely generous to argue. He spared to put forth his mental powers
+against the aged and broken man, as Juan in like case would have spared
+to use his strong right arm.</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's thought, he replied,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask of your courtesy, se&ntilde;or and my father, to bear with me for a
+little while, that I may frankly disclose to you my real belief?"</p>
+
+<p>Appeal could never be made in vain to that penitent's courtesy. No
+heresy, that could have been proposed, would have shocked him half
+so much as the supposition that one Castilian gentleman could be
+uncourteous to another, upon any account. "Do me the favour to state
+your opinions, se&ntilde;or," he responded, with a bow, "and I will honour
+myself by giving them my best attention."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was little used to language such as this. It induced him to
+speak his mind more freely than he had been able to do for the last two
+years. But, mindful of his experience with old Father Bernardo at San
+Isodro, he did not speak of doctrines, he spoke of a Person. In words
+simple enough for a child to understand, but with a heart glowing with
+faith and love, he told of what He was when he walked on earth, of what
+He is at the right hand of the Father, of what He has done and is doing
+still for every soul that trusts him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly the faded eye brightened; and something like a look of
+interest began to dawn in the mournfully still and passive countenance.
+For a time Carlos was aware that his listener followed every word, and
+he spoke slowly, on purpose to allow him so to do. But then there came
+a change. The <i>listening</i> look passed out of the eyes; and yet they did
+not wander once from the speaker's face. The expression of the whole
+countenance was gradually altered, from one of rather painful attention
+to the dreamy look of a man who hears sweet music, and gives free
+course to the emotions it is calculated to awaken. In truth, the voice
+of Carlos <i>was</i> sweet music in his fellow-captive's ear; and he would
+willingly have sat thus for ever, gazing at him and enjoying it.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought that if this was their reverences' idea of "a
+satisfactory penitent," they were not difficult to satisfy. And he
+marvelled increasingly that so astute a man as the Dominican prior
+should have put the task of his conversion into such hands. For the
+piety so lauded in the penitent appeared to him mere passiveness&mdash;the
+submission of a soul out of which all resisting forces had been
+crushed. "It is only life that resists," he thought; "the dead they can
+move whithersoever they will."</p>
+
+<p>Intolerance always sets a premium on mental stagnation. Nay, it
+actually produces it; it "makes a desert, and calls it peace." And what
+the Inquisition did for the penitent, that it has done also for the
+penitent's fair fatherland. Was the resurrection of dead and buried
+faculties possible for <i>him</i>? Is such a resurrection possible for <i>it</i>?</p>
+
+<p>And yet, in spite of the deadness of heart and brain, which he doubted
+not was the result of cruel suffering, Carlos loved his fellow-prisoner
+every hour more and more. He could not tell why; he only knew that "his
+soul was knit" to his.</p>
+
+<p>When Carlos, for fear of fatiguing him, brought his explanations to a
+close, both relapsed into silence; and the remainder <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span>of the day passed
+without much further conversation, but with a constant interchange of
+little kindnesses and courtesies. The first sight that greeted the eyes
+of Carlos when he awoke the next morning, was that of the penitent
+kneeling before the pictured Madonna, his lips motionless, his hands
+crossed on his breast, and his face far more earnest with feeling&mdash;it
+might be thought with devotion&mdash;than he had ever seen it yet.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was moved, but saddened. It grieved him sore that his aged
+fellow-prisoner should pour out the last costly libation of love and
+trust left in his desolated heart before the shrine of that which was
+no god. And a great longing awoke within him to lead back this weary
+and heavy-laden one to the only Being who could give him true rest.</p>
+
+<p>"If, indeed, he is one of God's chosen, of his loved and redeemed ones,
+he will be led back," thought Carlos, who had spent the past two years
+in thinking out many things for himself. Certain aspects of truth,
+which may be either strong cordials or rank poisons, as they are used,
+had grown gradually clear to him. Opposed to the Dominican prior upon
+most subjects, he was at one with him upon that of predestination. For
+he had need to be assured, when the great water floods prevailed, that
+the chain which kept him from drifting away with them was a strong
+one. And therefore he had followed it up, link by link, until he came
+at last to that eternal purpose of God in which it was fast anchored.
+Since the day that he first learned it, he had lived in the light of
+that great centre truth, "I have loved thee"&mdash;<i>thee</i> individually.
+But as he lay in the gloomy prison, sentenced to die, something more
+was revealed to him. "I have loved thee <i>with an everlasting love,
+therefore</i> with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." The value of this
+truth, to him as to others, lay in the double aspect of that word
+"everlasting;" its look forward to the boundless future, as well as
+backward on the mysterious past. The one was a pledge and assurance of
+the other. And now he was taking to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span>his heart the comfort it gave,
+for the penitent as well as for himself. But it made him, not less,
+but more anxious to be God's fellow-worker in bringing him back to the
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, however, he was quite mistaken as to the feelings
+with which the old man knelt before the pictured Virgin and Child. His
+heart was stirred by no mystic devotion to the Queen of Heaven, but by
+some very human feelings, which had long lain dormant, but which were
+now being gradually awakened there. He was thinking not of heaven,
+but of earth, and of "earth's warm beating joy and dole." And what
+attracted him to that spot was only the representation of womanhood and
+childhood, recalling, though far off and faintly, the fair young wife
+and babe from whom he had been cruelly torn years and years ago.</p>
+
+<p>A little later, as the two prisoners sat over the bread and fruit that
+formed their morning meal, the penitent began to speak more frankly
+than he had done before. "I was quite afraid of you, se&ntilde;or, when you
+first came," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"And perhaps I was not guiltless of the same feeling towards you,"
+Carlos answered. "It is no marvel. Companions in sorrow, such as we
+are, have great power either to help or to hurt one another."</p>
+
+<p>"You may truly say that," returned the penitent. "In fact, I once
+suffered so cruelly from the treachery of a fellow-prisoner, that it is
+not unnatural I should be suspicious."</p>
+
+<p>"How was that, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was very long ago, soon after my arrest. And yet, not soon. For
+weary months of darkness and solitude, I cannot tell how many, I held
+out&mdash;I mean to say, I continued impenitent."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you?" asked Carlos with interest. "I thought as much."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think ill of me, I entreat of you, se&ntilde;or," said the penitent
+anxiously. "I am <i>reconciled</i>. I have returned to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span>bosom of the
+true Church, and I belong to her. I have confessed and received
+absolution. I have even had the Holy Sacrament; and if ill, or in
+danger of death, it is promised I shall receive 'su majestad'<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> at
+any time. And I have abjured and detested all the heresies I learned
+from De Valero."</p>
+
+<p>"From De Valero! Did you learn from him?" The pale cheek of Carlos
+crimsoned for a moment, then grew paler than before. "Tell me, se&ntilde;or,
+if I may ask it, how long have you been here?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I cannot tell. The first year stands out clearly;
+but all the after years are like a dream to me. It was in that first
+year that the caitiff I spoke of anon, who was imprisoned with me&mdash;you
+observe, se&ntilde;or, I had already asked for reconciliation. It was promised
+me. I was to perform penance; to be forgiven; to have my freedom.
+<i>Pues</i>, se&ntilde;or, I spoke to that man as I might to you, freely and from
+my heart. For I supposed him a gentleman. I dared to say that their
+reverences had dealt somewhat hardly with me, and the like. Idle words,
+no doubt&mdash;idle and wicked. God knows, I have had time enough to repent
+them since. For that man, my fellow-prisoner, he who knew what prison
+was, went forth straightway and delated me to the Lords Inquisitors for
+those idle words&mdash;God in heaven forgive him! And thus the door was shut
+upon me&mdash;shut&mdash;shut for ever. Ay de mi! Ay de mi!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard but little of this speech. He was gazing at him with
+eager, kindling eyes. "Were there left behind in the world any that it
+wrung your heart to part from?" he asked, in a trembling voice.</p>
+
+<p>"There were. And since you came, their looks have never ceased to
+haunt me. Why, I know not. My wife, my child!" And the old man shaded
+his face, while in his eyes, long unused to tears, there rose a mist,
+like the cloud in form as a man's hand, that foretold the approach of
+the beneficent rain, which should refresh and soften the thirsty soil,
+making all things young again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said Carlos, trying to speak calmly, and to keep down the
+wild tumultuous throbbing of his heart&mdash;"se&ntilde;or, a boon, I entreat of
+you. Tell me the name you bore amongst men. It was a noble one, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"True. They promised to save it from disgrace. But it was part of my
+penance not to utter it; if possible, to forget it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, this once. I do not ask idly&mdash;this once&mdash;have pity on me, and
+speak it," pleaded Carlos, with intense tremulous earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>"Your face and your voice move me strangely; it seems to me that I
+could not deny you anything. I am&mdash;I ought to say, I <i>was</i>&mdash;Don Juan
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya."</p>
+
+<p>Before the sentence was concluded, Carlos lay senseless at his feet.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLII" id="XLII">XLII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Quiet Days.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"I think that by-and-by all things</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Which were perplexed a while ago</div>
+   <div class="verse">And life's long, vain conjecturings,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Will simple, calm, and quiet grow.</div>
+   <div class="verse">Already round about me, some</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">August and solemn sunset seems</div>
+   <div class="verse">Deep sleeping in a dewy dome,</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">And bending o'er a world of dreams."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Owen Meredith.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he penitent laid Carlos gently on his pallet (he still possessed a
+measure of physical strength, and the worn frame was easy to lift);
+then he knocked loudly on the door for help, as he had been instructed
+to do in any case of need. But no one heard, or at least no one heeded
+him, which was not remarkable, since during more than twenty years he
+had not, on a single occasion, thus summoned his gaolers. Then, in
+utter ignorance what next to do, and in very great distress, he bent
+over his young companion, helplessly wringing his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stirred at last, and murmured, "Where am I? What is it?" But
+even before full consciousness returned, there came the sense, taught
+by the bitter experience of the last two years, that he must look
+within for aid&mdash;he could expect none from any fellow-creature. He tried
+to recollect himself. Some <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span>bewildering, awful joy had fallen upon him,
+striking him to the earth. Was he free? Was he permitted to see Juan?</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, very slowly, all grew clear to him. He half raised himself,
+grasped the penitent's hand, and cried aloud, "<i>My father!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you better, se&ntilde;or?" asked the old man with solicitude. "Do me the
+favour to drink this wine."</p>
+
+<p>"Father, my father! I am your son. I am Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya. Do you not understand me, father?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand you, se&ntilde;or," said the penitent, moving a little
+away from him, with a mixture of dignified courtesy and utter amazement
+in his manner strange to behold. "Who is it that I have the honour to
+address?"</p>
+
+<p>"O my father, I am your son&mdash;your very son Carlos."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never seen you till&mdash;ere yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite true; and yet&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay," interrupted the old man; "you are speaking wild words to
+me. I had but one boy&mdash;Juan&mdash;Juan Rodrigo. The heir of the house of
+Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya was always called Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"He lives. He is Captain Don Juan now, the bravest soldier, and the
+best, truest-hearted man on earth. How you would love him! Would you
+could see him face to face! Yet no; thank God you cannot."</p>
+
+<p>"My babe a captain in His Imperial Majesty's army!" said Don Juan, in
+whose thoughts the great Emperor was reigning still.</p>
+
+<p>"And I," Carlos continued, in a broken, agitated voice&mdash;"I, born when
+they thought you dead&mdash;I, who opened my young eyes on this sad world
+the day God took my mother home from all its sin and sorrow&mdash;I am
+brought here, in his mysterious providence, to comfort you, after your
+long dreary years of suffering."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Your mother! Did you say your mother? My wife, <i>Costanza mia</i>. Oh, let
+me see your face!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos raised himself to a kneeling attitude, and the old man laid his
+hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him long and earnestly. At length
+Carlos removed the hand, and drawing it gently upwards, placed it on
+his head. "Father," he said, "you will love your son? you will bless
+him, will you not? He has dwelt long amongst those who hated him, and
+never spoke to him save in wrath and scorn, and his heart pines for
+human love and tenderness."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan did not answer for a while; but he ran his fingers through
+the soft fine hair. "So like hers," he murmured dreamily. "Thine eyes
+are hers too&mdash;<i>zarca</i>.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> Yes, yes; I do bless thee&mdash;But who am I to
+bless? God bless thee, my son!"</p>
+
+<p>In the long, long silence that followed, the great convent bell rang
+out. It was noon. For the first time for twenty years the penitent did
+not hear that sound.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos heard it, however. Agitated as he was, he yet feared the
+consequences that might follow should the penitent omit any part of the
+penance he was bound by oath to perform. So he gently reminded him of
+it. "Father&mdash;(how strangely sweet the name sounded!)&mdash;"father, at this
+hour you always recite the penitential psalms. When you have finished,
+we will talk together. I have ten thousand things to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>With the silent, unreasoning submission that had become a part of his
+nature, the penitent obeyed; and, going to his usual station before the
+crucifix, began his monotonous task. The fresh life newly awakened in
+his heart and brain was far from being strong enough, as yet, to burst
+the bonds of habit. And this was well. Those bonds were his safeguard;
+but for their wholesome restraint, mind or body, or both, might have
+been shattered by the tumultuous rush of new thoughts and feelings.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span>But the familiar Latin words, repeated without thought, almost without
+consciousness, soothed the weary brain like a slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Carlos thanked God with a full heart. Here, then&mdash;<i>here</i>,
+in the dark prison, the very abode of misery&mdash;had God given him the
+desire of his heart, fulfilled the longing of his early years. Now the
+wilderness and the solitary place were glad; the desert rejoiced and
+blossomed as the rose. Now his life seemed complete, its end answering
+its beginning; all its meaning lying clear and plain before him. He was
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"Ruy, Ruy, I have found our father!&mdash;Oh, that I could but tell thee,
+my Ruy!"&mdash;was the cry of his heart, though he forced his lips to
+silence. Nor could the tears of joy, that sprang unbidden to his eyes,
+be permitted to overflow, since they might perplex and trouble his
+fellow-captive&mdash;<i>his father</i>.</p>
+
+<p>He had still a task to perform; and to that task his mind soon bent
+itself; perhaps instinctively taking refuge in practical detail from
+emotions that might otherwise have proved too strong for his weakened
+frame. He set himself to consider how best he could revive the past,
+and make the present comprehensible to the aged and broken man, without
+overpowering or bewildering him.</p>
+
+<p>He planned to tell him, in the first instance, all that he could about
+Nuera. And this he accomplished gradually, as he was able to bear the
+strain of conversation. He talked of Dolores and Diego; described both
+the exterior and interior of the castle; in fact, made him see again
+the scenes to which his eye had been accustomed in past days. With
+special minuteness did he picture the little room within the hall, both
+because it was less changed since his father's time than the others,
+and because it had been his favourite apartment. "And on the window,"
+he said, "there were some words, written with a diamond, doubtless
+by your hand, my father. My brother and I used to read them in our
+childhood; we <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span>loved them, and dreamed many a wondrous dream about
+them. Do you not remember them?"</p>
+
+<p>But the old man shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos began,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'El Dorado&mdash;'"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"'Yo h&eacute; trovado.'</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Yes, I remember now," said Don Juan promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"And the golden country you had discovered&mdash;was it not the truth as
+revealed in Scripture?" asked Carlos, perhaps a little too eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>The penitent mused a space; grew bewildered; said at last sorrowfully,
+"I know not. I cannot now recall what moved me to write those lines, or
+even when I wrote them."</p>
+
+<p>In the next place, Carlos ventured to tell all he had heard from
+Dolores about his mother. The fact of his wife's death had been
+communicated to the prisoner; but this was the only fragment of
+intelligence about his family that had reached him during all these
+years. When she was spoken of, he showed emotion, slight in the
+beginning, but increasing at every succeeding mention of her name,
+until Carlos, who had at first been glad to find that the slumbering
+chords of feeling responded to his touch, came at last to dread laying
+his hands upon them, they were apt to moan so piteously. And once and
+again did his father say, gazing at him with ever-increasing fondness,
+"Thy face is hers, risen anew before me."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos tried hard to awaken Don Juan's interest in his first-born. It
+is true that he cherished an almost passionate love for Juanito the
+babe, but it was such a love as we feel for children whom God has taken
+to himself in infancy. Juan the youth, Juan the man, seemed to him a
+stranger, difficult to conceive of or to care about. Yet, in time,
+Carlos did succeed in establishing a bond between the long-imprisoned
+father and the brave, noble, free-hearted son, who was so <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span>like what
+that father had been in his early manhood. He was never weary of
+telling of Juan's courage, Juan's truthfulness, Juan's generosity;
+often concluding with the words, "<i>He</i> would have been your favourite
+son, had you known him, my father."</p>
+
+<p>As time wore on, he won from his father's lips the principal facts of
+his own story. His past was like a picture from which the colouring,
+once bright and varied, has faded away, leaving only the bare outlines
+of fact, and here and there the shadows of pain still faintly visible.
+What he remembered, that he told his son; but gradually, and often in
+very disjointed fragments, which Carlos carefully pieced together in
+his thoughts, until he formed out of them a tolerably connected whole.</p>
+
+<p>Just three-and-twenty years before, on his arrival in Seville, in
+obedience to what he believed to be a summons from the Emperor, the
+Conde de Nuera had been arrested and thrown into the secret dungeons
+of the Inquisition. He well knew his offence: he had been the friend
+and associate of De Valero; he had read and studied the Scriptures; he
+had even advocated, in the presence of several witnesses, the doctrine
+of justification by faith alone. Nor was he unprepared to pay the
+terrible penalty. Had he, at the time of his arrest, been led at once
+to the rack or the stake, it is probable he would have suffered with
+a constancy that might have placed his name beside that of the most
+heroic martyrs.</p>
+
+<p>But he was allowed to wear out long months in suspense and solitude,
+and in what his eager spirit found even harder to bear, absolute
+inaction. Excitement, motion, stirring occupation for mind and body,
+had all his life been a necessity to him. In the absence of these he
+pined&mdash;grew melancholy, listless, morbid. His faith was genuine, and
+would have been strong enough to enable him for anything <i>in the line
+of his character</i>; but it failed under trials purposely and sedulously
+contrived to assail that character through its weak points.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When already worn out with dreary imprisonment, he was beset by
+arguments, clever, ingenious, sophistical, framed by men who made
+argument the business of their lives. Thus attacked, he was like a
+brave but unskilful man fencing with adepts in the noble science. He
+<i>knew</i> he was right; and with the Vulgate in his hand, he thought he
+could have proved it. But they assured him they proved the contrary;
+nor could he detect a flaw in their syllogisms when he came to
+examine them. If not convinced, then surely he ought to have been.
+They conjured him not to let pride and vain-glory seduce him into
+self-opinionated obstinacy, but to submit his private judgment to that
+of the Holy Catholic Church. And they promised that he should go forth
+free, only chastised by a suitable and not disgraceful penance, and by
+a pecuniary fine.</p>
+
+<p>The hope of freedom burned in his heart like fire; and by this time
+there was sufficient confusion in his brain for his will to find
+arguments there against the voice of his conscience. So he yielded,
+though not without conflict, fierce and bitter. His retractation was
+drawn up in as mild a form as possible by the Inquisitors, and duly
+signed by him. No public act of penance was required, as strict secrecy
+was to be observed in the whole transaction.</p>
+
+<p>But the Inquisitor-General, Valdez, felt a well-grounded distrust of
+the penitent's sincerity, which was quickened perhaps by a desire
+to appropriate to the use of the Holy Office a larger share of his
+possessions than the moderate fine alluded to. Probably, too, he
+dreaded the disclosures that might have followed had the Count been
+restored to the world. He had recourse, therefore, to an artifice
+often employed by the Inquisitors, and seriously recommended by their
+standard authorities. The "fly" (for such traitors were common enough
+to have a technical name as well as a recognized existence) reported
+that the Conde de Nuera railed at the Holy Office, blasphemed the
+Catholic faith, and still adhered in his heart to all his abomi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span>nable
+heresies. The result was a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's condition was truly pitiable then. Like Samson, he was
+shorn of the locks in which his strength lay, bound hand and foot, and
+delivered over to his enemies. Because he could not bear perpetual
+imprisonment he had renounced his faith, and denied his Lord. And now,
+without the faith he had renounced, without the Lord he had denied,
+he <i>must</i> bear it. It told upon him as it would have told on nine men
+out of ten, perhaps on ninety-nine out of a hundred. His mind lost its
+activity, its vigour, its tone. It became, in time, almost a passive
+instrument in the hands of others.</p>
+
+<p>And then the Dominican monk, Fray Ricardo, brought his powerful
+intellect and his strong will to bear upon him. He had been sent by
+his superiors (he was not prior until long afterwards) to impart
+the terrible story of her husband's arrest to the Lady of Nuera,
+with secret instructions to ascertain whether her own faith had been
+tampered with. In his fanatical zeal he performed a cruel task cruelly.
+But he had a conscience, and its fault was not insensibility. When he
+heard the tale of the lady's death, a few days after his visit, he was
+profoundly affected. Accustomed, however, to a religion of weights and
+balances, it came naturally to him to set one thing against another, by
+way of making the scales even. If he could be the means of saving the
+husband's soul, he would feel, to say the least, much more comfortable
+about his conduct to the wife.</p>
+
+<p>He spared no pains upon the task he had set himself; and a measure
+of success crowned his efforts. Having first reduced the mind of the
+penitent to a cold, blank calm, agitated by no wave of restless thought
+or feeling, he had at length the delight of seeing his own image
+reflected there, as in a mirror. He mistook that spectral reflection
+for a reality, and great was his triumph when, day by day, he saw it
+move responsive to every motion of his own.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But the arrest of his penitent's son broke in upon his
+self-satisfaction. It seemed as though a dark doom hung over the
+family, which even the father's repentance was powerless to avert. He
+wished to save the youth, and he had tried to do it after his fashion;
+but his efforts only resulted in bringing up before him the pale
+accusing face of the Lady of Nuera, and in interesting him more than
+he cared to acknowledge in the impenitent heretic, who seemed to him
+such a strange mixture of gentleness and obstinacy. Surely the father's
+influence would prevail with the son, originally a much less courageous
+and determined character, and now already wrought upon by a long period
+of loneliness and suffering.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps also&mdash;monk, fanatic, and inquisitor though he was&mdash;the
+pleasantness of trying the experiment, and cheering thereby the last
+days of the pious and docile penitent, his own especial convert,
+weighed a little with him; for he was still a man. Moreover, like
+many hard men, he was capable of great kindness towards those whom
+he liked. And, with the full approbation of his conscience, he liked
+his penitent; whilst, rather in spite of his conscience, he liked his
+penitent's son.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not trouble himself over-much about the prior's motives. He
+was too content in his new-found joy, too engrossed in his absorbing
+task&mdash;the concern and occupation of his every hour, almost of his every
+moment. He was as one who toils patiently to clear away the moss and
+lichen that has grown over a memorial stone; that he may bring out once
+more, in all their freshness, the precious words engraven upon it.
+The inscription was there, and there it had been always (so he told
+himself); all that he had to do was to remove that which covered and
+obscured it.</p>
+
+<p>He had his reward. Life returned, first through love for him, to the
+heart; then, through the heart, to the brain. Not rapidly and with
+tingling pain, as it returns to a frozen limb, but gradually and
+insensibly, as it comes to the dry trees in spring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But, in the trees, life shows itself first in the extremities; it
+is slowest in appearing in those parts which are really nearest the
+sources of all life. So the penitent's interest in other subjects,
+and his care for them, revived; yet in one thing, the greatest of
+all, these seemed lacking still. There did <i>not</i> return the spiritual
+light and life, which Carlos could not doubt he had enjoyed in past
+days. Sometimes, it is true, he would startle his son by unexpected
+reminiscences, disjointed fragments of the truth for which he had
+suffered so much. He would occasionally interrupt Carlos, when he was
+repeating to him passages from the Testament, to tell him "something
+Don Rodrigo said about that, when he expounded the Epistle to the
+Romans." But these were only like the rich flowers that surprise the
+explorer amidst the tangled weeds of a waste ground, showing that a
+carefully tended garden has flourished there once&mdash;very long ago.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not that I desire him above all things to hold this doctrine
+or that," thought Carlos; "I desire him to find Christ again, and to
+rejoice in his love, as doubtless he did in the old days. And surely
+he will, since Christ found him&mdash;chose him for his own even before the
+foundation of the world."</p>
+
+<p>But in order to bring this about, perhaps it was necessary that the
+faded colours of his soul should be steeped in the strong and bitter
+waters of a great agony, that they might regain thereby their full
+freshness.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIII" id="XLIII">XLIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">El Dorado Found Again.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And every power was used, and every art,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To bend to falsehood one determined heart;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Assailed, in patience it received the shock,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Soft as the wave, unbroken as the rock."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Crabbe.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapw"><span class="hide">W</span></span>hat are you doing, my father?" Carlos asked one morning.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan had produced from some private receptacle a small ink-horn,
+and was moistening its long-dried contents with water.</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking that I should like to write down somewhat," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"But whereto will ink serve us without pen and paper?"</p>
+
+<p>The penitent smiled; and presently pulled out from within his pallet
+a little faded writing-book, and a pen that looked&mdash;what it was&mdash;more
+than twenty years old.</p>
+
+<p>"Long ago," he said, "I used to be weary, weary of sitting idle all the
+day; so I bribed one of the lay brothers with my last ducat to bring
+me this, only that I might set down therein whatever happened, for
+pastime."</p>
+
+<p>"May I read it, my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"And welcome, if thou wilt;" and he gave the book into the hand of his
+son. "At first, as you see, there be many things <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span>written therein.
+I cannot tell what they are now; I have forgotten them all;&mdash;but I
+suppose I thought them, or felt them&mdash;once. Or sometimes the brethren
+would come to visit me, and talk, and afterwards I would write what
+they said. But by degrees I set down less and less in it. Many days
+passed in which I wrote nothing, because nothing was to write. Nothing
+ever happened."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos was soon absorbed in the perusal of the little book. The records
+of his father's earlier prison life he scanned with great interest and
+with deep emotion; but coming rather suddenly upon the last entry, he
+could not forbear a smile. He read aloud:</p>
+
+<p>"'A feast day. Had a capon for dinner, and a measure of red wine.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I not judge well," asked the father, "that it was time to give
+over writing, when I could stoop low enough to record such trifles?
+Yes; I think I can recall the bitterness of heart with which I laid the
+book aside. I despised myself for what I wrote therein; and yet I had
+nothing else to write&mdash;would never have anything else, I thought. But
+now God has given me my son. I will write that down."</p>
+
+<p>Looking up, after a little while, from his self-imposed task, he asked,
+with an air of perplexity,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But when was it? How long is it since you came here, Carlos?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos in his turn was perplexed. The quiet days had glided on swiftly
+and noiselessly, leaving no trace behind.</p>
+
+<p>"To me it seems to have been all one long Sabbath," he said. "But let
+me think. The summer heats had not come; I suppose it must have been
+March or April&mdash;April, perhaps. I remember thinking I had been just two
+years in prison."</p>
+
+<p>"And now it is growing cool again. I suppose it may have been four
+months&mdash;six months ago. What think you?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought it nearer the latter period than the former.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I believe we have been visited six times by the brethren," he said.
+"No; only five times."</p>
+
+<p>These visits of inspection had been made by command of the
+prior&mdash;himself absent from Seville on important business during most
+of the time&mdash;and the result had been duly reported to him. The monks
+to whom the duty had been deputed were aged and respectable members
+of the community; in fact, the only persons in the monastery who were
+acquainted with Don Juan's real name and history. It was their opinion
+that matters were progressing favourably with the prisoners. They found
+the penitent as usual&mdash;docile, obedient, submissive, only more inclined
+to converse than formerly; and they thought the young man very gentle
+and courteous, grateful for the smallest kindness, and ready to listen
+attentively, and with apparent interest, to everything that was said.</p>
+
+<p>For more definite results the prior was content to wait: he had great
+faith in waiting. Still, even to him six months seemed long enough for
+the experiment he was trying. At the end of that time&mdash;which happened
+to be the day after the conversation just related&mdash;he himself made a
+visit to the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Both most warmly expressed their gratitude for the singular grace he
+had shown them. Carlos, whose health had greatly improved, said that he
+had not dreamed so much earthly happiness could remain for him still.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, my son," said the prior, "give evidence of thy gratitude in the
+only way possible to thee, or acceptable to me. Do not reject the mercy
+still offered thee by Holy Church. Ask for reconciliation."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," replied Carlos, firmly, "I can but repeat what I told you
+six months agone&mdash;that is impossible."</p>
+
+<p>The prior argued, expostulated, threatened&mdash;in vain. At length he
+reminded Carlos that he was already condemned to death&mdash;the death of
+fire; and that he was now putting from him his last chance of mercy.
+But when he still remained <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span>steadfast, he turned away from him with an
+air of deep disappointment, though more in sorrow than in anger, as one
+pained by keen and unexpected ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>"I speak to thee no more," he said. "I believe there is in thy father's
+heart some little spark, not only of natural feeling, but of the grace
+of God. I address myself to him."</p>
+
+<p>Whether Don Juan had never fully comprehended the statement of Carlos
+that he was under sentence of death, or whether the tide of emotion
+caused by finding in him his own son had swept the terrible fact from
+his remembrance, it is impossible to say; but it certainly came to him,
+from the lips of the prior, as a dreadful, unexpected blow. So keen
+was his anguish that Fray Ricardo himself was moved; and the rather,
+because it was impossible to the aged and broken man to maintain the
+outward self-restraint a younger and stronger person might have done.</p>
+
+<p>More touched, at the moment, by his father's condition than by all the
+horrors that menaced himself, Carlos came to his side, and gently tried
+to soothe him.</p>
+
+<p>"Cease!" said the prior, sternly. "It is but mockery to pretend
+sympathy with the sorrow thine own obstinacy has caused. If in truth
+thou lovest him, save him this cruel pain. For three days still," he
+added, "the door of grace shall stand open to thee. After that term has
+expired, I dare not promise thy life." Then turning to the agitated
+father&mdash;"If <i>you</i> can make this unhappy youth hear the voice of divine
+and human compassion," he said, "you will save both his body and his
+soul alive. You know how to send me a message. God comfort you, and
+incline his heart to repentance." And with these words he departed,
+leaving Carlos to undergo the sharpest trial that had come upon him
+since his imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>All that day, and the greater part of the night that followed it, the
+two wills strove together. Prayers, tears, entreaties, seemed to the
+agonized father to fall on the strong heart of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span>son like drops of
+rain on the rock. He did not know that all the time they were falling
+on that heart like sparks of living fire; for Carlos, once so weak,
+had learned now to endure pain, both of mind and body, with brow and
+lip that "gave no sign." Passing tender was the love that had sprung
+up between those two, so strangely brought together. And now Carlos,
+by his own act, must sever that sweet bond&mdash;must leave his newly-found
+father in a solitude doubly terrible, where the feeble lamp of his life
+would soon go out in obscure darkness. Was not this bitterness enough,
+without the anguish of seeing that father bow his white head before
+him, and teach his aged lips words of broken, passionate entreaty that
+his son&mdash;his one earthly treasure&mdash;would not forsake him thus?</p>
+
+<p>"My father," Carlos said at last, as they sat together in the
+moonlight, for their light had gone out unheeded&mdash;"my father, you have
+often told me that my face is like my mother's."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay de mi!" moaned the penitent&mdash;"and truly it is. Is that why it must
+leave me as hers did? Ay de mi, Costanza mia! Ay de mi, my son!"</p>
+
+<p>"Father, tell me, I pray you, to escape what anguish of mind or body
+would you set your seal to a falsehood told to her dishonour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Boy, how can you ask? Never!&mdash;nothing could force me to that." And
+from the faded eye there shot a gleam almost like the fire of old days.</p>
+
+<p>"Father, there is One I love better than ever you loved her. Not to
+save myself, not even to save you, from this bitter pain, can I deny
+him or dishonour his name. Father, I cannot!&mdash;Though this is worse than
+the torture," he added.</p>
+
+<p>The anguish of the last words pierced to the very core of the old
+man's heart. He said no more; but he covered his face, and wept long
+and passionately, as a man weeps whose heart is broken, and who has no
+longer any power left him to struggle against his doom.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Their last meal lay untasted. Some wine had formed part of it; and this
+Carlos now brought, and, with a few gentle, loving words, offered to
+his father. Don Juan put it aside, but drew his son closer, and looked
+at him in the moonlight long and earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I give thee up?" he murmured.</p>
+
+<p>As Carlos tried to return his gaze, it flashed for the first time
+across his mind that his father was changed. He looked older, feebler,
+more wan than he had done at his coming. Was the newly-awakened spirit
+wearing out the body? He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, my father, that God will not call you to the trial. Perhaps
+months may elapse before they arrange another Auto."</p>
+
+<p>How calmly he could speak of it;&mdash;for he had forgotten himself.
+Courage, with him, always had its root in self-forgetting love.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan caught at the gleam of hope, though not exactly as Carlos
+intended. "Ay, truly," he said, "many things may happen before then."</p>
+
+<p>"And nothing <i>can</i> happen save at the will of Him who loves and cares
+for us. Let us trust him, my beloved father. He will not allow us
+to be tempted above that we are able to bear. For he is good&mdash;oh,
+how good!&mdash;to the soul that seeketh him. Long ago I believed that;
+but since he has honoured me to suffer for him, once and again have
+I proved it true, true as life or death. Father, I once thought
+the strongest thing on earth&mdash;that which reached deepest into our
+nature&mdash;was pain. But I have lived to learn that his love is stronger,
+his peace is deeper, than all pain."</p>
+
+<p>With many such words&mdash;words of faith, and hope, and tenderness&mdash;did he
+soothe his weary, broken-hearted father. And at last, though not till
+towards morning, he succeeded in inducing him to lie down and seek the
+rest he so sorely needed.</p>
+
+<p>Then came his own hour; the hour of bitter, lonely conflict. He
+had grown accustomed to the thought, to the <i>expectation</i>, of a
+silent, peaceful death within the prison walls. He had hoped, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span>nay,
+certainly believed, that in the slow hours of some quiet day or night,
+undistinguished from other days and nights, God's messenger would steal
+noiselessly to his gloomy cell, and heart and brain would thrill with
+rapture at the summons, "The Master calleth thee."</p>
+
+<p>Now, indeed, it was true that the Master called him. But he called him
+to go to Him through the scornful gaze of ten thousand eyes; through
+reproach, and shame, and mockery; the hideous zamarra and carroza; the
+long agony of the Auto, spun out from daybreak till midnight; and, last
+of all, through the torture of the doom of fire. How could he bear it?
+Sharp were the pangs of fear that wrung his heart, and dread was the
+struggle that followed.</p>
+
+<p>It was over at last. Raising to the cold moonlight a steadfast though
+sorrowful face, Carlos murmured audibly, "What time I am afraid I will
+put my trust in thee. Lord, I am ready to go with thee, whithersoever
+thou wilt; only&mdash;with thee."</p>
+
+<p>He woke, late the following morning, from the sleep of exhaustion to
+the painful consciousness of something terrible to come upon him. But
+he was soon roused from thoughts of self by seeing his father kneel
+before the crucifix, not quietly reciting his appointed penance, but
+uttering broken words of prayer and lamentation, accompanied by bitter
+weeping. As far as he could gather, the burden of the cry was this,
+"God help me! God forgive me! <i>I have lost it!</i>" Over and over again
+did he moan those piteous words, "I have lost it!" as if they were the
+burden of some dreary song. They seemed to contain the sum of all his
+sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos, yearning to comfort him, still did not feel that he could
+interrupt him then. He waited quietly until they were both ready for
+their usual reading or repetition of Scripture; for Carlos, every
+morning, either read from the Book of Hours to his father, or recited
+passages from memory, as suited his inclination at the time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He knew all the Gospel of John by heart. And this day he began with
+those blessed words, dear in all ages to the tried and sorrowing, "Let
+not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
+my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
+told you. I go to prepare a place for you." He continued without pause
+to the close of the sixteenth chapter, "These things I have spoken
+unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
+tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."</p>
+
+<p>Then once more Don Juan uttered that cry of bitter pain, "Ay de mi! I
+have lost it!"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos thought he understood him now. "Lost that peace, my father?" he
+questioned gently.</p>
+
+<p>The old man bowed his head sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is in Him. 'In me ye might have peace.' And Him you have," said
+Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan drew his hand across his brow, was silent for a few moments,
+then said slowly, "I will try to tell you how it is with me. There is
+one thing I could do, even yet; one path left open to my footsteps
+in which none could part us.&mdash;What hinders my refusing to perform my
+penance, and boldly taking my stand beside thee, Carlos?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos started, flushed, grew pale again with emotion. He had not
+dreamed of this, and his heart shrank from it in terror. "My beloved
+father!" he exclaimed in a trembling voice. "But no&mdash;God has not called
+you. Each one of us must wait to see his guiding hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Once I could have done it bravely, nay, joyfully," said the penitent.
+"<i>Not now.</i>" And there was a silence.</p>
+
+<p>At last Don Juan resumed, "My boy, thy courage shames my weakness. What
+hast thou seen, what dost thou see, that makes this thing possible to
+thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"My father knows. I see Him who died for me, who rose <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span>again for me,
+who lives at the right hand of God to intercede for me."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>For me?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is this thought that gives strength and peace."</p>
+
+<p>"Peace&mdash;which I have lost for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Not for ever, my honoured father. No; you are his, and of such it is
+written, 'Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' Though your
+tired hand has relaxed its grasp of him, his has never ceased to hold
+you, and never can cease."</p>
+
+<p>"I was at peace and happy long ago, when I believed, as Don Rodrigo
+said, that I was justified by faith in him."</p>
+
+<p>"Once justified, justified for ever," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Don Rodrigo used to say so too, but&mdash;I cannot understand it now," and
+a look of perplexity passed over his face.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos spoke more simply. "No! Then come to him now, my father, just as
+if you had never come before. You may not know that you are justified;
+you know well that you are weary and heavy laden. And to such he says,
+'Come. He says it with outstretched arms, with a heart full of love and
+tenderness. He is as willing to save you from sin and sorrow as you are
+this hour to save me from pain and death. Only, you cannot, and he can."</p>
+
+<p>"Come&mdash;that is&mdash;believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is believe, and more. Come, as your heart came out to me, and mine
+to you, when we knew the great bond between us. But with far stronger
+trust and deeper love; for he is more than son or father. He fulfils
+all relationships, satisfies all wants."</p>
+
+<p>"But then, what of those long years in which I forgot him?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were but adding to the sum of sin; sin that he has pardoned, has
+washed away for ever in his blood."</p>
+
+<p>At that point the conversation dropped, and days passed ere it was
+renewed. Don Juan was unusually silent; very tender to his son, making
+no complaint, but often weeping quietly. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span>Carlos thought it best to
+leave God to deal with him directly, so he only prayed for him and with
+him, repeated precious Scripture words, and sometimes sang to him the
+psalms and hymns of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>But one evening, to the affectionate "Good-night" always exchanged by
+the son and father with the sense that many more might not be left to
+them, Don Juan added, "Rejoice with me, my son; for I think that I have
+found again the thing that I lost&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">'El Dorado</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Yo h&eacute; trovado.'"</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIV" id="XLIV">XLIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">One Prisoner Set Free.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"All was ended now, the hope and the fear, and the sorrow;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;All the aching of heart, the restless unsatisfied longing,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;All the dull deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Longfellow.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he winter rain was pouring down in a steady continuous torrent. It
+was long since a gleam of sunshine had come through the windows of the
+prison-room. But Don Juan Alvarez did not miss the sunlight. For he lay
+on his pallet, weak and ill, and the only sight he greatly cared to
+look upon was the loving face that was ever beside him.</p>
+
+<p>It is possible, by means of the embalmer's art, to enable buried forms
+to retain for ages a ghastly outward similitude to life. Tombs have
+been opened, and kings found therein clothed in their royal robes,
+stern and stately, the sceptre in their cold hands, and no trace of
+the grave and its corruption visible upon them. But no sooner did the
+breath of the upper air and the finger of light touch them than they
+crumbled away, silently and rapidly, and dust returned to dust again.
+Thus, buried in the chill dark tomb of his seclusion, Don Juan might
+have lived for years&mdash;if life it could be called&mdash;or, at least, he
+might have lingered on in the outward similitude of life. But Carlos
+brought in light and air upon him. His mind and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span>heart revived; and,
+just in proportion, his physical nature sank. It proved too weak to
+bear these powerful influences. He was dying.</p>
+
+<p>Tender and thoughtful as a woman, Carlos, who himself knew so well
+all the bitterness of unpitied pain and sickness, ministered to his
+father's wants. But he did not request their gaolers to afford him any
+medical aid, though, had he done so, it would have been readily granted.</p>
+
+<p>He had good reason for seeking no help from man. The daily penance was
+neglected now; the rosary lay untold; and never again would "Ave Maria
+Sanctissima" pass the lips of Don Juan Alvarez. Therefore it was that
+Carlos, after much thought and prayer, said quietly to him one day, "My
+father, are you afraid to lie here, in God's hands, and in his alone,
+and to take whatever he pleases to send us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you desire <i>any</i> help they can give, either for your soul or for
+your body?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No</i>," said the Conde de Nuera, with something like the spirit of
+other days. "I would not confess to them; for Christ is my only priest
+now. And they should not anoint me while I retained my consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>A look of resolution, strange to see, passed over the gentle face of
+Carlos. "It is well said, my father," he responded. "And, God helping
+me, I will let no man trouble you."</p>
+
+<p>"My son," said Don Juan one evening, as Carlos sat beside him in the
+twilight, "I pray you, tell me a little more of those who learned to
+love the truth since I walked amongst men. For I would fain be able to
+recognize them when we meet in heaven."</p>
+
+<p>Then Carlos told him, not indeed for the first time, but more fully
+than ever before, the story of the Reformed Church in Spain. Almost
+every name that he mentioned has come down to us surrounded by the
+mournful halo of martyr glory. With special reverential love, he told
+of Don Carlos de Seso, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span>of Losada, of D'Arellano, and of the heroic
+Juliano Hernandez, who, as he believed, was still waiting for his
+crown. "For him," he said, "I pray even yet; for the others I can
+only thank God. Surely," he added, after a pause, "God will remember
+the land for which these, his faithful martyrs, prayed and toiled and
+suffered! Surely he will hear their voices, that cry under the altar,
+not for vengeance, but for forgiveness and mercy; and one day he will
+return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not," said the dying man despondingly. "The Spains have had
+their offer of God's truth, and have rejected it. What is there that is
+said, somewhere in the Scriptures, about Noah, Daniel, and Job?"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos repeated the solemn words, "'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were
+in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither
+son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their
+righteousness.' Do you fear that such a terrible doom has gone forth
+over our land, my father? I dare to hope otherwise. For it is not the
+Spains that have rejected the truth. It is the Inquisition that is
+crushing it out."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Spains must answer for its deeds, since they consent to them.
+They heed not. There are brave men enough, with weapons in their
+hands," said the soldier of former days, with a momentary return to old
+habits of thought and feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet God may give our land another trial," Carlos continued. "His truth
+is sometimes offered twice to individuals, why not to nations?"</p>
+
+<p>"True; it was offered twice to me, praised be his name." After an
+interval of silence, he resumed, "My son always speaks of others, never
+of himself. Not yet have I learned how it was that you came to receive
+the Word of God so readily from Juliano."</p>
+
+<p>Then in the dark, with his father's hand in his, Carlos told, for the
+first and last time, the true story of his life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Before he had gone far, Don Juan started, half-raised himself, and
+exclaimed in surprise, "What, and you!&mdash;<i>you</i> too&mdash;once loved?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, and bitter as the pain has been, I am glad now of all except the
+sin. I am glad that I have tasted earth's very best and sweetest;
+that I know how the wine is red and gives its colour in the cup of
+life he honours me to put aside for him." His voice was low and full
+of feeling as he said this. Presently he resumed. "But the sin, my
+father! Especially my treachery in heart to Juan; that rankled long
+and stung deeply. Juan, my brave, generous brother, who would have
+struck down any man who dared to hint that I could do, or think,
+aught dishonourable! He never knew it; and had he known it, he would
+have forgiven me; but I could not forgive myself. I do not think the
+self-scorn passed away until&mdash;<i>that</i> which happened after I had been
+nigh a year in prison. O my father, if God had not interposed to save
+me by withholding me from that crime, I shudder to think what my life
+might have been. I am persuaded I should have sunk lower, lower, and
+ever lower. Perhaps, even, I might have ended in the purple and fine
+linen, and the awful pomp and luxury of the oppressors and persecutors
+of the saints."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Don Juan, "that would <i>never</i> have been possible to thee,
+Carlos. But there is a question I have often longed to ask thee. Does
+Juan, my Juan Rodrigo, know and love the Word of God?"</p>
+
+<p>He had asked that question before; but Carlos had contrived, with tact
+and gentleness, to evade the answer. Up to this hour he had not dared
+to tell his father the truth upon this important subject. Besides the
+terrible risk that in some moment of fear or forgetfulness the prior or
+his agents might draw an incautious word from the old man's lips, there
+was a haunting dread of listeners at key-holes, or secret apertures,
+quite natural in one who knew the customs of the Holy Office. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span>But now
+he bent down close to the dying man, and spoke to him in a long earnest
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God," murmured Don Juan. "I would have no earthly wish
+unsatisfied now&mdash;if only <i>you</i> were safe. But still," he added, "it
+seemeth somewhat hard to me that Juan should have <i>all</i>, and you
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>nothing</i>!" Carlos exclaimed; and had not the room been in darkness
+his father would have seen that his eye kindled, and his whole
+countenance lighted up. "My father, mine has been the best lot, even
+for earth. Were it to do again, I would not change the last two years
+for the deepest love, the brightest hope, the fairest joy life has
+to offer. For the Lord himself has been the portion of my cup, my
+inheritance in the land of the living."</p>
+
+<p>After a silence, he continued, "Moreover, and beside all, I have thee,
+my father. Therefore to me it is a joy to think that my beloved brother
+has also something precious. How he loved her! But the strangest thing
+of all, as I ponder over it now, is the fulfilment of our childhood's
+dream. And in me, the weak one who deserved nothing, not in Juan the
+hero who deserved everything. It is the lame who has taken the prey. It
+is the weak and timid Carlos who has found our father."</p>
+
+<p>"Weak&mdash;timid?" said Don Juan, with an incredulous smile. "I marvel who
+ever joined such words with the name of my heroic son. Carlos, have we
+any wine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Abundance, my father," answered Carlos, who carefully treasured for
+his father's use all that was furnished for both of them. Having given
+him a little, he asked, "Do you feel pain to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no pain. Only weary; always weary."</p>
+
+<p>"I think my beloved father will soon be where the weary are at
+rest"&mdash;"and where the wicked cease from troubling," he added mentally,
+not aloud.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He would fain have dropped the conversation then, fearing to exhaust
+his father's strength. But the sick man's restlessness was soothed by
+his talk. Ere long he questioned, "Is it not near Christmas now?"</p>
+
+<p>Well did Carlos know that it was; and keenly did he dread the return
+of the season which ought to bring "peace upon earth." For it would
+certainly bring the prisoners a visit; and almost certainly there would
+be the offer of special privileges to the penitent, perhaps sacramental
+consolation, perhaps permission to hear mass. He shuddered to think
+what a refusal to avail himself of these indulgences might entail. And
+once and again did he breathe the fervent prayer, that whatever came
+upon <i>him</i>, neither violence, insult, nor reproach might be allowed to
+touch his father.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, amongst the great festivities of the season, it was more than
+likely that a solemn Auto-da-f&eacute; might find place. But this was a secret
+inner thought, not often put into words, even to himself. Only, if it
+were God's will to call his father first!</p>
+
+<p>"It is December," he said, in answer to Don Juan's question; "but
+I have lost account of the day. It may be perhaps the twelfth or
+fourteenth. Shall I recite the evening psalms for the twelfth, 'Te
+dicet hymnus'?"</p>
+
+<p>As he did so, the old man fell asleep, which was what he desired. Half
+in the sleep of exhaustion, half in weary restlessness, the next day
+and the next night wore on. Once only did Don Juan speak connectedly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will see my mother soon," said Carlos, as he bore to his
+lips wine mingled with water.</p>
+
+<p>"True," breathed the dying man; "but I am not thinking of that now. Far
+better&mdash;I shall see Christ."</p>
+
+<p>"My father, are you still in peace, resting on him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In perfect peace."</p>
+
+<p>And Carlos said no more. He was content; nay, he was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span>exceeding glad.
+He who in all things will have the pre-eminence, had indeed taken his
+rightful place in the heart of the dying, when even the strong earthly
+love that was "twisted with the strings of life" had paled before the
+love of him.</p>
+
+<p>And in the last watch of the night, when the day was breaking, he sent
+his angel to loose the captive's bonds. So gentle was the touch that
+freed him, that he who sat holding his hand in his, and watching his
+face as we watch the last conscious looks of our beloved, yet knew not
+the exact moment when the Deliverer came. Carlos never said "He is
+going!" he only said "He is gone!" And then he kissed the pale lips and
+closed the sightless eyes&mdash;in peace.</p>
+
+<p>None ever thanked God for bringing back their beloved from the gates
+of the grave more fervently than Carlos thanked him that hour for
+so gently opening unto his those gates that "no man can shut." "My
+father, thy rest is won!" he said, as he gazed on the calm and noble
+countenance. "They cannot touch thee now. Not all the malice of men
+or of fiends can give one pang. A moment since so fearfully in their
+power; now so completely beyond it! Thank God! thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>The rain was over, and ere long the sun arose, in his royal robes of
+crimson and purple and gold&mdash;to the prisoner from the dungeon of the
+Triana an ever fresh wonder and joy. Yet not even that sight could win
+his eyes to-day from the deeper beauty of the still and solemn face
+before him. And as the soft crimson light fell on the pallid cheek and
+brow, the watcher murmured, with calm thankfulness,&mdash;"'To him sun and
+daylight are as nothing, for he sees the glory of God.'"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLV" id="XLV">XLV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Triumphant.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"For ever with the Lord!</div>
+   <div class="verse indent2">Amen! so let it be!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Montgomery.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapc"><span class="hide">C</span></span>arlos was still sitting beside that couch, with scarcely more sense of
+time than if he had been already where time exists no longer, when the
+door of his cell was opened to admit two distinguished visitors. First
+came the prior; then another member of the Table of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos rose up from beside his dead, and said calmly, addressing the
+prior, "My father is free!"</p>
+
+<p>"How? what is this?" cried Fray Ricardo, his brow contracting with
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Carlos stood aside, allowing him to approach and look. With real
+concern in his stern countenance, he stooped for a few moments over the
+motionless form. Then he asked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But why was I not summoned? Who was with him when he departed?"</p>
+
+<p>"I,&mdash;his son," said Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"But who besides thee?" Then, in a higher key and with more hurried
+intonation,&mdash;"Who gave him the last rites of the Church?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did not receive them, my lord, for he did not desire <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span>them. He said
+that Christ was his priest; that he would not confess; and that they
+should not anoint him while he retained consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican's face grew white with anger, even to the lips.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Liar!</i>" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "How darest thou tell me
+that he for whom I watched, and prayed, and toiled, after years and
+years of faithful penance, has gone down at last, unanointed and
+unassoiled, to hell with Luther and Calvin?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell thee that he has gone home in peace to his Father's house."</p>
+
+<p>"Blasphemer! liar, like thy father the devil! But I understand all now.
+Thou, in thy hatred of the Faith, didst refuse to summon help&mdash;didst
+let his spirit pass without the aid and consolations of the Church.
+Murderer of his soul&mdash;thy father's soul! Not content even with that,
+thou canst stand there and slander his memory, bidding us believe that
+he died in heresy! But that, at least, is false&mdash;false as thine own
+accursed creed!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is true; and you believe it," said Carlos, in calm, clear, quiet
+tones, that contrasted strangely with the Dominican's outburst of
+unwonted rage.</p>
+
+<p>And the prior did believe it&mdash;there was the sharpest sting. He knew
+perfectly well that the condemned heretic was incapable of falsehood:
+on a matter of fact he would have received his testimony more readily
+than that of the stately "Lord Inquisitor" now standing by his side.
+In the momentary pause that followed, that personage came forward and
+looked upon the face of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>"If there be really any proof that he died in heresy," he said, "he
+ought to be proceeded against according to the laws of the Holy Office
+provided for such cases."</p>
+
+<p>Carlos smiled&mdash;smiled in calm triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot hurt him now," he said. "Look there, se&ntilde;or. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span>The King
+immortal, invisible, has set his own signet upon that brow, that the
+decree may not be reversed nor the purpose changed concerning him."</p>
+
+<p>And the peace of the dead face seemed to have passed into the living
+face that had gazed on it so long. Carlos was as really beyond the
+power of his enemies as his father was that hour. They felt it; or at
+least one of them did. As for the other, his strong heart was torn with
+rage and sorrow: sorrow for the penitent, whom he truly loved, and whom
+he now believed, after all his prayers and efforts, a lost soul; rage
+against the obstinate heretic, whom he had sought to befriend, and who
+had repaid his kindness by snatching his convert from his grasp at the
+very gate of heaven, and plunging him into hell.</p>
+
+<p>"I will <i>not</i> believe it," he reiterated, with pale lips, and eyes
+that gleamed beneath his cowl like coals of fire. Then, softening a
+little as he turned to the dead&mdash;"Would that those silent lips could
+utter, were it only one word, to say that death found thee true to the
+Catholic faith!&mdash;Not one word! So end the hopes of years. But at least
+thy betrayer shall be with thee amongst the dead to-morrow.&mdash;Heretic!"
+he said, turning fiercely to Carlos, "we are here to announce thy doom.
+I came, with a heart full of pity and relenting, to offer counsel
+and comfort, and such mercy as Holy Church still keeps for those
+who return to her bosom at the eleventh hour. But now, I despair of
+thee. Professed, impenitent, dogmatizing heretic, go thine own way to
+everlasting fire!"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow! Did you say to-morrow?" asked Carlos, standing motionless,
+as one lost in thought.</p>
+
+<p>The other Inquisitor took up the word.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," he said. "To-morrow the Church offers to God the
+acceptable sacrifice of a solemn Act of Faith. And we come to announce
+to thee thy sentence, well merited and long delayed&mdash;to be relaxed to
+the secular arm as an obstinate heretic. But if even yet thou wilt
+repent, and, confessing and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span>deploring thy sins, supplicate restoration
+to the bosom of the Church, she will so effectually intercede for thee
+with the civil magistrate that the doom of fire will be exchanged for
+the milder punishment of death by strangling."</p>
+
+<p>Something like a faint smile played round the lips of Carlos; but he
+only repeated, "To-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my son," said the Inquisitor, promptly; for he was a man who knew
+his business well. He had come there to improve the occasion; and he
+meant to do it. "No doubt it seems to thee a sudden blow, and but a
+brief space left thee for preparation. But, at the best, our life here
+is only a span; 'Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to
+live, and is full of misery.'"</p>
+
+<p>Carlos did not look as if he heard; he still stood lost in thought, his
+head sunk upon his breast. But in another moment he raised it suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow I shall be with Christ in glory!" he exclaimed, with a
+countenance as radiant as if that glory were already reflected there.</p>
+
+<p>Some faint feeling of awe and wonder touched the Inquisitor's heart,
+and silenced him for an instant. Then, recovering himself, and falling
+back for help upon wonted words of course, he said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I entreat of you to think of your soul."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of it long ago. I have given it into the safe keeping
+of Christ my Lord. Therefore I think no more of it; I only think of
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"But have you no fear of the anguish&mdash;the doom of fire?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no fear," Carlos answered. And this was a great mystery, even
+to himself. "Christ's hand will either lift me over it or sustain me
+through it; which, I know not yet. And I am not careful; he will care."</p>
+
+<p>"Men of noble lineage, such as you are&mdash;of high honour and stainless
+name, such as you <i>were</i>," said the Inquisitor&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span>"ofttimes dread shame
+more than agony. You, who were called Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya, what think
+<i>you</i> of the infamy, the loathing of all men, the scorn and mockery of
+the lowest rabble&mdash;the zamarra, the carroza?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall joyfully go forth with Him without the camp, bearing his
+reproach."</p>
+
+<p>"And stand at the stake beside a vile caitiff, a miserable muleteer,
+convicted of the same crimes?"</p>
+
+<p>"A muleteer? Juliano Hernandez?" Carlos questioned eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"The same."</p>
+
+<p>A softer light played over the features of Carlos. Then he should see
+that face once more&mdash;perhaps even grasp that hand! Truly God was giving
+him everything he desired of him. He said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to stand, here to the last, at the side of that faithful
+soldier and servant of Christ. For when we go in there together, I dare
+not hope to be so highly honoured as to take a place beside him."</p>
+
+<p>At this point the prior broke in. "Se&ntilde;or and my brother, your words
+are wasted. He is given over to the power of the evil one. Let us
+leave him." And drawing his mantle round him, he turned to go, without
+looking again towards Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>But Carlos came forward. "Pardon me, my lord; I have a few words
+yet to say to you;" and, stretching out his hand to detain him, he
+unconsciously touched his arm with it.</p>
+
+<p>The prior flung it off with a gesture of angry scorn. There was
+contamination in that touch. "I have heard too many words from your
+lips already," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow night my lips will be dust, my voice silent for ever. So you
+may well bear with me for a little while to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak then; but be brief."</p>
+
+<p>"It gives me the last pang I think to know on earth, to part <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span>thus from
+you; for you have shown me true kindness. I owe you, not forgiveness as
+an enemy, but gratitude as a sincere though mistaken friend. I shall
+pray for you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"An impenitent heretic's prayers&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Will do my lord the prior no harm; and there may come a day when he
+will not be sorry he had them."</p>
+
+<p>There was a short pause. "Have you anything else to say?" asked the
+prior rather more gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Only one word, se&ntilde;or." He turned and looked at the dead. "I know you
+loved him well. You will deal gently with his dust, will you not? A
+grave is not much to ask for him. You will give it; I trust you."</p>
+
+<p>The stern set face relaxed a little before that pleading look. "It is
+<i>you</i> who have sought to rob him of a grave," said the prior&mdash;"you who
+have defamed him of heresy. But your testimony is invalid; and, as I
+have said, I believe you not."</p>
+
+<p>With this declaration of purely official disbelief, he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>His colleague lingered a moment. "You plead for the senseless dust that
+can neither feel nor suffer," he said; "you can pity that. How is it
+you cannot pity yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"That which you destroy to-morrow is not myself. It is only my garment,
+my tent. Yet even over that Christ watches. He can raise it glorious
+from the ashes of the Quemadero as easily as from the church where the
+bones of my fathers sleep. For I am his, soul and body&mdash;the purchase of
+his blood. And why should it be a marvel in your eyes that I rejoice to
+give my life for him who gave his own for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"God grant thee even yet to die in his grace!" answered the Inquisitor,
+somewhat moved. "I do not despair of thee. I will pray for thee, and
+visit thee again to-night." So saying, he hastened after the prior.</p>
+
+<p>For a season Carlos sat motionless, his soul filled to overflowing with
+a calm, deep tide of awed and wondering joy. No <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span>room was there for any
+thought save one&mdash;"I shall see His face; I shall be with Him for ever."
+Over the Thing that lay between he could spring as joyously as a child
+might leap across a brook to reach his father's outstretched hand.</p>
+
+<p>At length his eye fell, perhaps by accident, on the little writing-book
+which lay near. He drew it towards him, and having found out the place
+where the last entry was made, wrote rapidly beneath it,&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>"To depart and to be with Christ is far better. My beloved father is
+gone to him in peace to-day. I too go in peace, though by a rougher
+path, to-morrow. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the
+days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="toright2">
+"<span class="smcap">Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya.</span>"<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And with a strange consciousness that he had now signed his name for
+the last time, he carefully affixed to it his own especial "rubrica,"
+or sign-manual.</p>
+
+<p>Then came one thought of earth&mdash;only one&mdash;the last. "God, in his great
+mercy, grant that my brother may be far away! I would not that he saw
+my face to-morrow. For the pain and the shame can be seen of all; while
+that which changes them to glory no man knoweth, save he that receiveth
+it. But, wherever thou art, God bless thee, my Ruy!" And drawing the
+book towards him again, he added, as if by a sudden impulse, to what he
+had already written, "God bless thee, my Ruy!"</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards the Alguazils arrived to conduct him back to the
+Triana. Then, turning to his dead once more, he kissed the pale
+forehead, saying, "Farewell, for a little while. Thou didst never taste
+death; nor shall I. Instead of thee and me, Christ drank that cup."</p>
+
+<p>And then, for the second time, the gate of the Triana opened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span>to
+receive Don Carlos Alvarez. At sunrise next morning its gloomy portals
+were unlocked, and he, with others, passed forth from beneath their
+shadow. Not to return again to that dark prison, there to linger
+out the slow and solitary hours of grief and pain. His warfare was
+accomplished, his victory was won. Long before the sun had arisen again
+upon the weary blood-stained earth, a brighter sun arose for him who
+had done with earth. All his desire was granted, all his longings were
+fulfilled. He saw the face of Christ, and he was with Him for ever.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVI" id="XLVI">XLVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Is it too Late?</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Death upon his face</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Is rather shine than shade;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A tender shine by looks beloved made:</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;He seemeth dying in a quiet place."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he mountain-snow lay white around the old castle of Nuera; but
+within there was light and warmth. Joy and gladness were there also,
+"thanksgiving and the voice of melody;" for Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, graver and
+paler than of old, and with the brilliant lustre of her dark eyes
+subdued to a kind of dewy softness, was singing a cradle-song beside
+the cot where her first-born slept.</p>
+
+<p>The babe had just been baptized by Fray Sebastian. With a pleading,
+wistful look had Dolores asked her lord, the day before, what name he
+wished his son to bear. But he only answered, "The heir of our house
+always bears the name of Juan." Another name was far dearer to memory;
+but not yet could he accustom his lips to utter it, or his ear to bear
+the sound.</p>
+
+<p>Now he came slowly into the room, holding in his hand an unsealed
+letter. Do&ntilde;a Beatriz looked up. "He sleeps," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let him sleep on, se&ntilde;ora mia."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But will you not look? See, how pretty he is! How he smiles in his
+sleep! And those dear small hands&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have their share in dragging me further than you wot of, my Beatriz."</p>
+
+<p>Nay; what dost thou mean? Do not be grave and sad to-day&mdash;not to-day,
+Don Juan."</p>
+
+<p>"My beloved, God knows I would not cloud thy brow with a single care
+if I could help it. Nor am I sad. Only we must think. Here is a letter
+from the Duke of Savoy (and very gracious and condescending too),
+inviting me to take my place once more in His Catholic Majesty's army."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will not go? We are so happy together here."</p>
+
+<p>"My Beatriz, I <i>dare</i> not go. I would have to fight"&mdash;(here he broke
+off, and cast a hasty glance round the room, from the habit of dreading
+listeners)&mdash;"I would have to fight against those whose cause is just
+the cause I hold dearest upon earth. I would have to deny my faith
+by the deeds of every day. But yet, how to refuse and not stand
+dishonoured in the eyes of the world, a traitor and a coward, I know
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"No dishonour could ever touch thee, my brave and noble Juan."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan's brow relaxed a little. "But that men should even <i>think</i> it
+did, is what I could not bear," he said. "Besides"&mdash;and he drew nearer
+the cradle, and looked fondly down at the little sleeper&mdash;"it does not
+seem to me, my Beatriz, that I dare bring up this child God has given
+me to the bitter heritage of a slave."</p>
+
+<p>"A slave!" repeated Do&ntilde;a Beatriz, almost with a cry. "Now Heaven help
+us, Don Juan; are you mad? You, of noblest lineage&mdash;you, Alvarez de
+Me&ntilde;aya&mdash;to call your own first-born a slave!"</p>
+
+<p>"I call any one a slave who dares not speak out what he thinks, and act
+out what he believes," returned Don Juan sadly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And what is it that you would do then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would to God that I knew! But the future is all dark to me. I see not
+a single step before me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, amigo mio, do not look before you. Let the future alone, and
+enjoy the present, as I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly that baby face would charm many a care away," said Juan, with
+another fond glance at the sleeping child. "But a man <i>must</i> look
+before him, and a Christian man must ask what God would have him to do.
+Moreover, this letter of the duke demands an answer, Yea or Nay."</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan. I desire to speak with your Excellency," said the
+voice of Dolores at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Dolores."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, se&ntilde;or, I want you here." This peremptory sharpness was very
+unlike the wonted manner of Dolores.</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan came forth immediately. Dolores signed to him to shut the
+door. Then, not till then, she began,&mdash;"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus have come from Seville, and are now in the
+village."</p>
+
+<p>"What then? Surely you do not fear that they suspect anything with
+regard to us?" asked Juan, in some alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but they have brought tidings."</p>
+
+<p>"You tremble, Dolores. You are ill. Speak&mdash;what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"They have brought tidings of a great Act of Faith, to be held at
+Seville, upon a day not yet fixed when they left the city, but towards
+the end of this month."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the two stood silent, gazing in each other's faces. Then
+Dolores said, in an eager breathless whisper, "You will go, se&ntilde;or?"</p>
+
+<p>Juan shook his head. "What you are thinking of Dolores, is a dream&mdash;a
+vain, wild dream. Long since, I doubt not, he rests with God."</p>
+
+<p>"But if we had the proof of it, rest might come to us," said Dolores,
+large tears gathering slowly in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It is true," Juan mused; "they may wreak their vengeance on the dust."</p>
+
+<p>"And for the assurance that would give that nothing more was left them,
+I, a poor woman, would joyfully walk barefoot from this to Seville and
+back again."</p>
+
+<p>Juan hesitated no longer. "<i>I go</i>" he said. "Dolores, seek Fray
+Sebastian, and send him to me at once. Bid Jorge be ready with the
+horses to start to-morrow at daybreak. Meanwhile, I will prepare Do&ntilde;a
+Beatriz for my sudden departure."</p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p>Of that hurried winter journey, Don Juan was never afterwards heard
+to speak. No one of its incidents seemed to have made the slightest
+impression on his mind, or even to have been remembered by him.</p>
+
+<p>But at last he drew near Seville. It was late in the evening, however,
+and he had told his attendant they should spend the night at a village
+eight or nine miles from their destination.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Jorge cried out. "Look there, se&ntilde;or, the city is on fire."</p>
+
+<p>Don Juan looked. A lurid crimson glow paled the stars in the southern
+sky. With a shudder he bowed his head, and veiled his face from the
+awful sight.</p>
+
+<p>"That fire is <i>without the gate</i>," he said at last. "Pray for the souls
+that are passing in anguish now."</p>
+
+<p>Noble, heroic souls! Probably Juliano Hernandez, possibly Fray
+Constantino, was amongst them. These were the only names that occurred
+to Don Juan's mind, or were breathed in his fervent, agitated prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder is the posada, se&ntilde;or," said the attendant presently.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Jorge, we will ride on. There will be no sleepers in Seville
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"But, se&ntilde;or," remonstrated the servant, "the horses are weary. We have
+travelled far to-day already."</p>
+
+<p>"Let them rest afterwards," said Juan briefly. Motion, just <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span>then, was
+an absolute necessity to him. He could not have rested anywhere, within
+sight of that awful glare.</p>
+
+<p>Two hours afterwards he drew the rein of his weary steed before
+the house of his cousin Do&ntilde;a Inez. He had no scruple in asking for
+admission in the middle of the night, as he knew that, under the
+circumstances, the household would not fail to be astir. His summons
+was speedily answered, and he was conducted to a hall opening on the
+patio.</p>
+
+<p>Thither, after a brief interval, came Juanita, bearing a lamp in
+her hand, which she set down on the table. "My lady will see your
+Excellency presently," said the girl, with a shy, frightened air, which
+was very unlike her, but which Juan was too preoccupied to notice. "But
+she is much indisposed. My lord was obliged to accompany her home from
+the Act of Faith before it was half over."</p>
+
+<p>Juan expressed the concern he felt, and desired that she would not
+incommode herself upon his account. Perhaps Don Gar&ccedil;ia, if he had not
+yet retired to rest, would converse with him for a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>"My lady said she must speak with you herself," answered Juanita, as
+she left the room.</p>
+
+<p>After a considerable time Do&ntilde;a Inez appeared. In that southern climate
+youth and beauty fade quickly; and yet Juan was by no means prepared
+for the changed, worn, haggard face that gazed on him now, There was
+no pomp of apparel to carry off the impression. Do&ntilde;a Inez wore a loose
+dark dressing-robe; and a hasty careless hand seemed to have untwined
+the usual ornaments from her black hair. Her eyes were like those of
+one who has wept for hours, and then only ceased for very weariness.</p>
+
+<p>She stretched out both her hands to Juan&mdash;"O Don Juan, I never meant
+it! I never meant it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;ora and my cousin, I have but just arrived here. I do not
+understand you," said Juan, rising to greet her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Santa Maria! Then you know not!&mdash;Horrible!"</p>
+
+<p>She sank into a seat. Juan stood gazing at her eagerly, almost wildly.
+"Yes; I understand all now," he said at last. "I suspected it."</p>
+
+<p><i>He</i> saw in imagination a black chest, with a little lifeless dust
+within it; a rude shapeless figure, robed in the hideous zamarra, and
+bearing in large letters the venerated name, "Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Me&ntilde;aya." While <i>she</i> saw a living face, that would never cease to haunt
+her memory until death shadowed all things.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me speak," she gasped; "and I will try to be calm. I did not wish
+to go. It was the day of the last Auto, you remember, that my poor
+brother died, and altogether&mdash;&mdash; But Don Gar&ccedil;ia insisted. He said
+everybody would talk, and especially when the taint had touched our own
+house. Besides, Do&ntilde;a Juana de Bohorques, who died in prison, was to be
+publicly declared innocent, and her property restored to her heirs. Out
+of regard to the family, it was thought we ought to be present. O Don
+Juan, if I had but known! I would rather have put on a sanbenito myself
+than have gone there. God grant it did not hurt him!"</p>
+
+<p>"How could it possibly hurt him, my tender-hearted cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! Let me go on now, while I can speak of it; or I shall never,
+never tell you. And I must. <i>He</i> would have wished&mdash;&mdash; Well, we were
+seated in what they called good places; very near the condemned; in
+fact, the scaffold opposite was plain to us as you are to me now. But
+that last time, and Do&ntilde;a Maria's look, and Dr. Cristobal's, haunted
+me, so that I did not dare to raise my eyes to where <i>they</i> sat;&mdash;not
+until long after the mass had begun. And I knew besides there were
+so many women there&mdash;eight on that dreadful top bench, doomed to
+die. But at last a lady who sat near me bade me look at one of the
+relaxed, a little man, who was pointing upwards and making signs to his
+companions to encourage <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span>them. 'Do not look, se&ntilde;ora,' said Don Gar&ccedil;ia,
+quickly&mdash;but too late. O Don Juan, I saw his face!"</p>
+
+<p>"His <span class="smcap">LIVING</span> face? Not his living face?" cried Juan, with a
+shudder that convulsed his strong frame from head to foot. And the
+Name&mdash;the one awful Name that rises to all human lips in moments of
+supreme emotion&mdash;broke from his in a wail of anguish.</p>
+
+<p>Do&ntilde;a Inez tried to speak; but in vain. Thoroughly broken down, she wept
+and sobbed aloud. But the sight of the rigid, tearless face before
+her checked her tears at last. She gained power to go on. "I saw him.
+Worn and pale, of course; yet not changed so greatly, after all. The
+same dear, kind, familiar face I had seen last in this room, when he
+caressed and played with my child. Not sad, not as though he suffered.
+Rather as though he had suffered long ago; but was beyond it all, even
+then. A still, patient, fearless look, eyes that saw everything; and
+yet nothing seemed to trouble him. I bore it until they were reading
+the sentences, and came to his. But when I saw the Alguazil strike
+him&mdash;the blow that relaxed to the secular arm&mdash;I could endure no more.
+I believe I cried aloud. But in fact I know not what I did. I know
+nothing more till Don Gar&ccedil;ia and my brother Don Manuel were carrying me
+through the crowd."</p>
+
+<p>"No word? Was there no word spoken?" asked Juan wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No</i>; but I heard some one near me say that he talked with that
+muleteer in the court of the Triana, and spoke words of comfort to a
+poor woman amongst the penitents, whom they called Maria Gonsalez."</p>
+
+<p>All was told now. Maddened with rage and anguish, Juan rushed from
+the room, from the house; and, without being conscious of any settled
+purpose, in five minutes found himself far on his way to the Dominican
+convent adjoining the Triana.</p>
+
+<p>His servant, who was still waiting at the gate, followed him <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span>to ask
+for orders, and with difficulty overtook him, and arrested his steps.</p>
+
+<p>Juan sternly silenced his faltering, agitated question as to what was
+wrong with his lord. "Go to rest," he said, "and meet me in the morning
+by the great gate of Sun Isodro." Nothing was clear to him; but that he
+must shake off as soon as possible the dust of the wicked, cruel city
+from his feet. And San Isodro was the only trysting-place without its
+walls that happened at the moment to occur to his bewildered brain.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVII" id="XLVII">XLVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">The Dominican Prior.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"Oh, deep is a wounded heart, and strong</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;A voice that cries against mighty wrong!</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And full of death as a hot wind's blight,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Doth the ire of a crushed affection light."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>ell the prior Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya desires to
+speak with him, and that instantly," said Juan to the drowsy lay
+brother who at last answered his impatient summons, lantern in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord has but just retired to rest, and cannot now be disturbed,"
+answered the attendant, looking with some curiosity, not to say
+surprise, at the visitor, who seemed to think three o'clock of a winter
+morning a proper and suitable hour to demand instant audience of a
+great man.</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait," said Juan, walking into the court.</p>
+
+<p>The attendant led him to a parlour; then, holding the door ajar, he
+said, "Let his Excellency pardon me, I did not hear distinctly his
+worship's honourable name."</p>
+
+<p>"Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya. The prior knows it&mdash;too
+well."</p>
+
+<p>It was evident from his face that the poor lay brother knew it also.
+And so that night did every man, woman, and child in Seville. It had
+become a name of infamy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With a hasty "Yes, yes, se&ntilde;or," the door was closed, and Juan was left
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>What had brought him there? Did he mean to accuse the Dominican of
+his brother's murder, or did he only intend to reproach him&mdash;him who
+had once shown some pity to the captive&mdash;for not saving him from that
+horrible doom? He himself scarcely knew. He had been driven thither by
+a wild, unreasoning impulse, an instinct of passionate rage, prompting
+him to grasp at the only shadow of revenge that lay within his reach.
+If he could not execute God's awful judgments against the persecutors,
+at least he could denounce them. A poor substitute, but all that
+remained to him. Without it his heart must break.</p>
+
+<p>Yet that unreasoning impulse had a kind of unconscious reason in it,
+since it led him to seek the presence of the Dominican prior, and not
+that of the far more guilty Munebr&atilde;ga. For who would accuse a tiger,
+reproach a wolf? Words would be wasted upon such. For them there is no
+argument but the spear and the bullet. A man can only speak to men.</p>
+
+<p>To do Fray Ricardo justice, he was so much of a man that sleep did not
+visit his eyes that night. When at length his attendants thought fit
+to inform him that Don Juan desired to see him, he was still kneeling,
+as he had knelt for hours, before the crucifix in his private oratory.
+"Saviour of the world, so much didst thou suffer," this was the
+key-note of his thoughts; "and shall I weakly pity thine enemies, or
+shrink from seeing them suffer what they have deserved at thy hands and
+those of thy holy Church?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alvarez de Santillanos y Me&ntilde;aya waits below!" Just then Don Fray
+Ricardo would rather have held his right hand in the fire than have
+gone forth to face one bearing that name. But, for that very reason, no
+sooner did he hear that Don Juan awaited him than he robed himself in
+his cowl and mantle, took a lamp in his hand (for it was still dark),
+and went down to meet the visitor. For that morning he was in the mood
+to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span>welcome any form of self-torture that came in his way, and to find
+a strange but real relief in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Peace be with thee, my son," was his grave but courteous salutation,
+as he entered the parlour. He looked upon Juan with mournful
+compassion, as the last of a race over which there hung a terrible doom.</p>
+
+<p>"Let your peace be with murderers like yourselves, or with slaves like
+those that work your will; I fling it back to you in scorn," was the
+fierce reply.</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican recoiled a step&mdash;only a step, for he was a brave man, and
+his face, pale with conflict and watching, grew a shade paler.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think I mean to harm you?" cried Juan in yet fiercer scorn.
+"Not a hair of your tonsured head. See there!" He unbuckled his sword,
+and threw it from him, and it fell with a clang on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man, you would consult your own safety as well as your own
+honour by adopting a different tone," said the prior, not without
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"My safety is little worth consulting. I am a bold, rough soldier,
+used to peril and violence. Would it were such, and such alone, that
+you menaced. But, fiends that you are, would no one serve you for a
+victim save my young, gentle, unoffending brother; he who never harmed
+you nor any one? Would nothing satisfy your malice but to immure him
+in your hideous dungeons for two-and-thirty long slow months, in what
+suffering of mind and body God alone can tell; and then, at last, to
+bring him forth to that horrible death? I curse you! I curse you! Nay,
+that is nothing; who am I to curse? I invoke God's curse upon you! I
+give you up into God's hands this hour! When He maketh inquisition for
+blood&mdash;another inquisition than yours&mdash;I pray him to exact from you,
+murderers of the innocent, torturers of the just, every drop of blood,
+every tear, every pang of which he has been the witness, as he shall be
+the avenger."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At last the prior found a voice. Hitherto he had listened spell-bound,
+as one oppressed by nightmare, powerless to free himself from the
+hideous burden. "Man!" he cried, "you are raving; the Holy Office&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is the arch-fiend's own contrivance, and its ministers his favourite
+servants," interrupted Juan, reckless in his rage, and defying all
+consequences.</p>
+
+<p>"Blasphemy! This may not be borne," and Fray Ricardo stretched out his
+hand towards a bell that lay on the table.</p>
+
+<p>But Juan's strong grasp prevented his touching it. He could not shake
+off that as easily as he had shaken off a pale thin hand two days
+before. "I shall speak forth my mind this once," he said. "After that,
+what you please.&mdash;Go on. Fill your cup full to the brim. Immure,
+plunder, burn, destroy. Pile up, high as heaven, your hecatomb of
+victims, offered to the God of love. At least there is one thing that
+may be said in your favour. In your cruelties there is a horrible
+impartiality. It can never be spoken of you that you have gone out into
+the highways and hedges, taken the blind and the lame, and made of them
+your burnt sacrifice. No. You go into the closest guarded homes; you
+take thence the gentlest, the tenderest, the fairest, the best, and of
+such you make your burnt-offering. And you&mdash;are your hearts human, or
+are they not? If they are, stifle them, crush them down into silence
+while you can; for a day will come when you can stifle them no longer.
+That will begin your punishment. You will feel remorse."</p>
+
+<p>"Man, let me go!" interrupted the indignant yet half-frightened
+prior, struggling vainly to free himself from his grasp. "Cease your
+blasphemies. Men only feel remorse when they have sinned; and I serve
+God and the Church."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, servant of the Church (for God's servant I am not profane enough
+to call you), speak to me this once as man to man, and tell me, did a
+victim's pale face never haunt you, a victim's agonized cry never ring
+in your ears?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For just an instant the prior winced, as one who feels a sharp, sudden
+pain, but determines to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" cried Juan&mdash;and at last he released his arm and flung it from
+him&mdash;"I read an answer in your look. You, at least, are capable of
+remorse."</p>
+
+<p>"You are false there," the prior broke in. "Remorse is not for me."</p>
+
+<p>"No? Then all the worse for you&mdash;infinitely the worse. Yet it may be.
+You may sleep and rise, and go to your rest again untroubled by an
+accusing conscience. You may sit down to eat and drink with the wail
+of your brother's anguish ringing in your ears, like Munebr&atilde;ga, who
+sits feasting yonder in his marble hall, with the ashes yet hot on the
+Quemadero. Until you go down quick into hell, and the pit shuts her
+mouth upon you. Then, <span class="smcap">THEN</span> shall you drink of the wine of the
+wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
+indignation; and you shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
+presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art beside thyself," cried the prior; "and I, scarce less mad
+than thou, to listen to thy ravings. Yet hear me a moment, Don Juan
+Alvarez. I have not merited these insane reproaches. To you and yours I
+have been more a friend than you wot of."</p>
+
+<p>"Noble friendship! I thank you for it, as it deserves."</p>
+
+<p>"You have given me, this hour, more than cause enough to order your
+instant arrest."</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome. It were shame indeed if I could not bear at your
+hands what my gentle brother bore."</p>
+
+<p>The last of his race! The father dead in prison; the mother dead long
+ago (Fray Ricardo himself best knew why); the brother burned to ashes.
+"I think you have a wife, perhaps a child?" asked the prior hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>"A young wife, and an infant son," said Juan, softening a little at the
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wild as your words have been, I am yet willing, for their sakes, to
+show you forbearance. According to the lenity which ministers of the
+Holy Office&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have learned from their father the devil," interrupted Juan, the flame
+of his wrath blazing up again. "After what the stars looked down on
+last night, dare to mock me with thy talk of lenity!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are in love with destruction," said the prior. "But I have heard
+you long enough. Now hear me. You have been, ere this, under grave
+suspicion. Indeed, you would have been arrested, only that your brother
+endured the Question without revealing anything to your disadvantage.
+That saved you."</p>
+
+<p>But here he stopped, struck with astonishment at the sudden change his
+words had wrought.</p>
+
+<p>A man stabbed to the heart makes no outcry, he does not even moan or
+writhe. Nor did Juan. Mutely he sank on the nearest seat, all his rage
+and defiance gone now. A moment before he stood over the shrinking
+Inquisitor like a prophet of doom or an avenging angel; now he cowered
+crushed and silent, stricken to the soul. There was a long silence.
+Then he raised a changed, sad look to the prior's face. "He bore <i>that</i>
+for me," he said, "and I never knew it."</p>
+
+<p>In the cold gray morning light, now filling the room, he looked
+utterly forlorn and broken. The prior could even afford to pity him.
+He questioned, mildly enough, "How was it you did not know it? Fray
+Sebastian Gomez, who visited him in prison, was well aware of the fact."</p>
+
+<p>In Juan's present mood every faculty was stimulated to unnatural
+activity. This perhaps enabled him to divine a truth which in calmer
+moments might have escaped him. "My brother," he said, in a low tone of
+deep emotion, "my heroic, tender-hearted brother must have bidden him
+conceal it from me."</p>
+
+<p>"It was strange," said the prior, and his thoughts ran back <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span>to other
+things which were strange also&mdash;to the uniform patience and gentleness
+of Carlos; to the fortitude with which, whilst acknowledging his own
+faith, he had steadily refused to compromise any one else; to the
+self-forgetfulness with which he had shielded his father's last hours
+from disturbance. Granted that the heretic was a wild beast, "made to
+be taken and destroyed," even the hunter may admire unblamed the grace
+and beauty of the creature who has just fallen beneath his relentless
+weapon. Something like a mist rose to the eyes of Fray Ricardo, taking
+him by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Still, the interests of the Faith were paramount with him. All that had
+been done had been well done; he would not, if he could, undo any part
+of it. But did his duty to the Faith and to Holy Church require that he
+should hunt the remaining brother to death, and thus "quench the coal
+that was left"? He hoped not; he thought not. And, although he would
+not have allowed it to himself, the words that followed were really a
+peace-offering to the shade of Carlos.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man, I am willing, for my own part, to overlook the wild words
+you have uttered, regarding them as the outpourings of insanity, and
+making moreover due allowance for your natural fraternal sorrow.
+Still you must be aware that you have laid yourself open, and not for
+the first time, to grave suspicion of heresy. I should not only sin
+against my own conscience, but also expose myself to the penalties of a
+grievous irregularity, did I take no steps for the vindication of the
+Faith and your just and well-merited punishment. Therefore give ear to
+what I say. <i>This day week</i> I bring the matter before the Table of the
+Holy Office, of which I have the honour to be an unworthy member. And
+God grant you the grace of repentance, and his forgiveness."</p>
+
+<p>Having said this, Fray Ricardo left the room. He disappears also from
+our pages, where he occupied a place as a type of the less numerous
+and less guilty class of persecutors&mdash;those who <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span>not only thought they
+were doing God service (Munebr&atilde;ga may have thought that, but he was
+only willing to do God such service as cost him nothing), but who were
+honestly anxious to serve him to the best of their ability. His future
+is hidden from our sight. We cannot even undertake to say whether, when
+death drew near,&mdash;if the name of Alvarez de Me&ntilde;aya occurred to him at
+all,&mdash;he reproached himself for his sternness to the brother whom he
+had consigned to the flames, or for his weakness to the brother to whom
+he had generously given a chance of life and liberty.</p>
+
+<p>It is not usually the most guilty who hear the warning voice that
+denounces their crimes and threatens their doom. Such words as Don Juan
+spoke to Fray Ricardo could not, by any conceivable possibility, have
+been uttered in the presence of Gonzales de Munebr&atilde;ga.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards a lay brother, the same who had admitted Don Juan,
+entered the room and placed wine on the table before him. "My lord the
+prior bade me say your Excellency seemed exhausted, and should refresh
+yourself ere you depart," he explained.</p>
+
+<p>Juan motioned it away. He could not trust himself to speak. But did
+Fray Ricardo imagine he would either eat bread or drink water beneath
+the roof that sheltered <i>him?</i></p>
+
+<p>Still the poor man lingered, standing before him with the air of one
+who had something to say which he did not exactly know how to bring out.</p>
+
+<p>"You may tell your lord that I am going," said Juan, rising wearily,
+and with a look that certainly told of exhaustion.</p>
+
+<p>"If it please your noble Excellency&mdash;" and the lay brother stopped and
+hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let his Excellency pardon me. Could his worship have the misfortune to
+be related, very distantly no doubt, to one of the heretics who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don Carlos Alvarez was my brother," said Juan proudly.</p>
+
+<p>The poor lay brother drew nearer to him, and lowered his voice to a
+mysterious whisper. "Se&ntilde;or and your Excellency, he was here in prison
+for a long time. It was thought that my lord the prior had a kindness
+for him, and wished him better used than they use the criminals in the
+Santa Casa. It happened that the prisoner whose cell he shared died the
+day before his&mdash;<i>removal</i>. So that the cell was empty, and it fell to
+my lot to cleanse it. Whilst I was doing it I found this; I think it
+belonged to him."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from beneath his serge gown a little book, and handed it to
+Juan, who seized it as a starving man might seize a piece of bread.
+Hastily taking out his purse, he flung it in exchange to the lay
+brother; and then, just as the matin bells began to ring, he buckled on
+his sword and went forth.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLVIII" id="XLVIII">XLVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">San Isodro Once More.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"And if with milder anguish now I bear</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;To think of thee in thy forsaken rest;</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;If from my heart be lifted the despair,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;The sharp remorse with healing influence pressed,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;It is that Thou the sacrifice hast blessed,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And filled my spirit, in its inmost cell,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;With a deep chastened sense that all at last is well."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Hemans.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapt"><span class="hide">T</span></span>he cloudless sky above him, the fresh morning air on his cheek, the
+dew-drops on his feet, Don Juan walked along. The river&mdash;his own bright
+Guadalquivir&mdash;glistened in the early sunshine; and soon his pathway
+led him amidst the gray ruins of old Italica, while among the brambles
+that half hid them, glittering lizards, startled by his footsteps,
+ran in and out. But he saw nothing, felt nothing, save the passionate
+pain that burned in his heart. During his interview with Fray Ricardo
+he had been, practically and for the time, what the prior called him,
+insane&mdash;mad with rage and hate. But now rage was dying out for the
+present, and giving place to anguish.</p>
+
+<p>Is the worst pang earth has to give that of witnessing the sufferings
+of our beloved? Or is there yet one keener, more thrilling? That they
+should suffer alone; no hand near to help, no voice to speak sympathy,
+no eye to look "ancient <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span>kindness" on their pain. That they should
+die&mdash;die in anguish&mdash;and still alone,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"With eyes turned away,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;And no last word to say."</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>Don Juan was now drinking that bitter cup to its very dregs. What the
+young brother, his one earthly tie, had been to him, need not here be
+told; and assuredly he could not have told it. He had been all his
+life a thing to protect and shield&mdash;as the strong protect the weak, as
+manhood shields womanhood and childhood. Had God but taken him with his
+own right hand, Juan would have thought it a light matter, a sorrow
+easily borne. But, instead, He stood afar off&mdash;He did not help; whilst
+men, cruel as fiends from the bottomless pit, did their worst, their
+very worst, upon him. And with refined self-torture he went through all
+the horrible details, as far as he knew or could guess them. Nor did he
+spare to stab his own heart with that keenest weapon of all&mdash;"It was
+<i>for me</i>; for me he endured the Question." The cry of his brother's
+anguish&mdash;anguish borne for him&mdash;seemed to sound in his ears and to
+haunt him: he felt that it would haunt him evermore.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, there was a well of comfort near, which a child's hand might
+have pointed out to him: "All is over now; he suffers no longer&mdash;he is
+at rest." But who ever stoops to drink from that well in the parching
+thirst of the first hour of such a grief as his? In truth, all was over
+for Carlos; but all was <i>not</i> over for Juan. He had to pass through his
+dark hour as really as Carlos had passed through his.</p>
+
+<p>Again the agony almost maddened him; again wild hatred and rage against
+his brother's torturers rose and surged like a flood within him. And
+with these were mingled thoughts, too nearly rebellious, of Him whom
+that brother trusted so firmly and served so faithfully; as if he had
+used his servant hardly, and forsaken him in his hour of sorest need.</p>
+
+<p>He shrank with horror from every wayfarer he chanced to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span>meet,
+imagining that his eyes might have looked on his brother's suffering.
+But at last he came unawares upon the gate of San Isodro. Left unbarred
+by some accident, it yielded to his touch, and he entered the monastery
+grounds. At that very spot, three years ago, the brothers parted, on
+the day that Carlos avowed his change of faith. Yet not even that
+remembrance could bring a tear to the hot and angry eyes of Juan. But
+just then he happened to recollect the book he had received from the
+lay brother. He took it from its place of concealment, and eagerly
+began to examine it. It was almost filled with writing; but not, alas!
+from that beloved hand. So he flung it aside in bitter disappointment.
+Then becoming suddenly conscious of bodily weakness, he half sat down,
+half threw himself on the ground. His vigorous frame and his strong
+nerves saved him from swooning outright: he only lay sick and faint,
+the blue sky looking black above him, and a strange, indistinct sound,
+as of many voices, murmuring in his ears.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by he became conscious that some one was holding water to his
+lips, and trying, though with an awkward, trembling hand, to loose his
+doublet at the throat. He drank, shook off his weakness, and looked
+about him. A very old man, in a white tunic and brown mantle, was
+bending over him compassionately. In another moment he was on his feet;
+and having briefly thanked the aged monk for his kindness, he turned
+his face to the gate.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my son," the old man interposed; "San Isodro is changed&mdash;changed!
+Still the sick and weary never left its gates unaided; and they shall
+not begin now&mdash;not now. I pray you come with me to the house, and
+refresh and rest yourself there."</p>
+
+<p>Juan was not reckless enough to refuse what in truth he sorely needed.
+He entered the monastery under the guidance of poor old Fray Bernardo,
+who had been passed by, perhaps in scorn, by the persecutors: and so,
+after all, he had his wish&mdash;he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span>should die and be buried in peace where
+he had passed his life from boyhood to extreme old age. Yet there was
+something sad in the thought that the storm that swept by had left
+untouched the poor, useless, half-withered tree, while it tore down the
+young and strong and noble oaks, the pride of the now desolated forest.</p>
+
+<p>The few cowed and terrified monks who had been allowed to remain in
+the convent received Don Juan with great kindness. They set food and
+wine before him: food he could not touch, but wine he accepted with
+thankfulness. And they almost insisted on his endeavouring to take some
+rest; assuring him that when his servant and horses should arrive, they
+would see them properly cared for, until such time as he might be able
+to resume his journey.</p>
+
+<p>His journey would not brook delay, as he knew full well. That his young
+wife might not be a widow and his babe an orphan, he "charged his soul
+to hold his body strengthened" for the work that both had to do. Back
+to Nuera for these dear ones as swiftly as the fleetest horses would
+bear him, then to Seville again, and on board the first ship he could
+meet with bound for any foreign port,&mdash;would the term of grace assigned
+him by the Inquisitor suffice for all this? Certainly not a moment
+should be lost.</p>
+
+<p>"I will rest for an hour," he said. "But I pray you, my fathers, do me
+one kindness first. Is there a man here who witnessed&mdash;what was done
+yesterday?"</p>
+
+<p>A young monk came forward. Juan led him into the cell which had been
+prepared for him to rest in, and leaning against its little window,
+with his face turned away, he murmured one agitated question. Three
+words comprised the answer,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Calmly</i>, <i>silently</i>, <i>quickly</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Juan's breast heaved and his strong frame trembled. After a long
+interval he said, still without looking,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Now tell me of the others. Name him no more."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[403]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No less than <i>eight</i> ladies died the martyr's death," said the monk,
+who cared not, before <i>this</i> auditor, to conceal his own sentiments.
+"One of them was Se&ntilde;ora Maria Gomez; your Excellency probably knows her
+story. Her three daughters and her sister died with her. When their
+sentences were read, they embraced on the scaffold, and bade each other
+farewell with tears. Then they comforted each other with holy words
+about our Lord and his passion, and the home he was preparing for them
+above."</p>
+
+<p>Here the young monk paused for a few moments; then went on, his voice
+still trembling: "There were, moreover, two Englishmen and a Frenchman,
+who all died bravely. Lastly, there was Juliano Hernandez."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! tell me of him."</p>
+
+<p>"He died as he had lived. In the morning, when brought out into the
+court of the Triana, he cried aloud to his fellow-sufferers,&mdash;'Courage,
+comrades! Now must we show ourselves valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ.
+Let us bear faithful testimony to his truth before men, and in a
+few hours we shall receive the testimony of his approbation before
+angels, and triumph with him in heaven.' Though silenced, he continued
+throughout the day to encourage his companions by his gestures. On the
+Quemadero, he knelt down and kissed the stone upon which the stake was
+erected; then thrust his head among the fagots to show his willingness
+to suffer. But at the end, having raised his hands in prayer, one of
+the attendant priests&mdash;Dr. Rodriguez&mdash;mistook the attitude for a sign
+that he would recant, and made intercession with the Alguazils to give
+him a last opportunity of speaking. He confessed his faith in a few
+strong, brief words; and knowing the character of Rodriguez, told him
+he thought the same himself, but hid his true belief out of fear. The
+angry priest bade them light the pile at once. It was done; but the
+guards, with kind cruelty, thrust the martyr through with their lances,
+so that he passed, without much pain, into the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[404]</a></span>presence of the Lord
+whom he served as few have been honoured to do."</p>
+
+<p>"And&mdash;Fray Constantino?" Juan questioned.</p>
+
+<p>"He was not, for God took him. They had only his dust to burn. They
+have sought to slander his memory, saying he raised his hand against
+his own life. But we knew the contrary. It has reached our ears&mdash;I dare
+not tell you how&mdash;that he died in the arms of one of our dear brethren
+from this place&mdash;poor young Fray Fernando, who closed his eyes in
+peace. It was from one of the dark underground cells of the Triana that
+he passed straight to the glory of God."<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for your tidings," said Juan, slowly and faintly. "And now
+I pray of you to leave me."</p>
+
+<p>After a considerable time, one of the monks softly opened the door of
+their visitor's cell. He sat on the pallet prepared for him, his head
+buried in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or," said the monk, "your servant has arrived, and begs you to
+excuse his delay. It may be there are some instructions you wish him to
+receive."</p>
+
+<p>Juan roused himself with an effort.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said; "and I thank you. Will you add to your kindness by
+bidding him immediately procure for us fresh horses, the best and
+fleetest that can be had?" He sought his purse; but, remembering in a
+moment what had become of it, drew a ring from his finger to supply
+its loss. It was the diamond ring that the Sieur de Ramenais had given
+him. A keen pang shot through his heart. "No, not that; I cannot part
+with it." He took two others instead&mdash;old family jewels. "Bid him bring
+these," he said, "to Isaac Ozorio, who dwells in La Juderia<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>&mdash;any
+man there will show him the house; take for them whatever he will give
+him, and therewith hire fresh horses&mdash;the best he can&mdash;from the posada
+where he rested, leaving our own in pledge. Let him also buy provisions
+for the way; for my business requires haste. I will explain all to you
+anon."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[405]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>While the monk did the errand, Don Juan sat still, gazing at the
+diamond ring. Slowly there came back upon his memory the words spoken
+by Carlos on the day when the sharp facets cut his hand, unfelt by
+him: "If He calls me to suffer for him, he may give me such blessed
+assurance of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear will vanish."</p>
+
+<p>Could it be possible He <i>had</i> done this? Oh, for some token, to relieve
+his breaking heart by the assurance that thus it had been! And yet,
+wherefore seek a sign? Was not the heroic courage, the calm patience,
+given to that young brother, once so frail and timid, as plain a token
+of the sunlight of God's peace and presence as is the bow in the cloud
+of the sun shining in the heavens? True; but not the less was his soul
+filled with passionate longing for one word&mdash;only one word&mdash;from the
+lips that were dust and ashes now. "If God would give me <i>that</i>," he
+moaned, "I think I could weep for him."</p>
+
+<p>It occurred to him then that he might examine the book more carefully
+than he had done before. Don Juan, of late, had been no great reader,
+except of the Spanish Testament. Instead of glancing rapidly through
+the volume with a practised eye, he carefully began at the beginning
+and perused several pages with diligence, and with a kind of compelled
+and painful attention.</p>
+
+<p>The writer of the diary with which the book seemed filled had not
+prefixed his name. Consequently Juan, who was without a clue to the
+authorship, saw in it merely the effusions of a penitent, with whose
+feelings he had but little sympathy. Still, he reflected that if the
+writer had been his brother's fellow-prisoner, some mention of his
+brother would probably reward his persevering search. So he read on;
+but he was not greatly interested, until at length he came to one
+passage which ran thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Christ and Our Lady forgive me, if it be a sin. Ofttimes, even by
+prayer and fasting, I cannot prevent my thoughts from wandering to the
+past. Not to the life I lived, and the part I acted in the great world,
+for that is dead to me and I to it; but to the dear faces my eyes shall
+never see again. My Costanza!"&mdash;("Costanza!" thought Juan with a start,
+"that was my mothers name!")&mdash;"my wife! my babe! O God, in thy great
+mercy, still this hungering and thirsting of the heart!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[406]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Immediately beneath this entry was another. "<i>May 21.</i> My Costanza, my
+beloved wife, is in heaven. It is more than a year ago, but they did
+not tell me till to-day. Does death only visit the free?"</p>
+
+<p>Yet another entry caught the eye of Juan. "Burning heat to-day. It
+would be cool enough in the halls of Nuera, on the breezy slope of the
+Sierra Morena. What does my orphaned Juan Rodrigo there, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nuera! Sierra Morena! Juan Rodrigo!" reiterated the astonished reader.
+What did it all mean? He was stunned and bewildered, so that he had
+scarcely power left even to form a conjecture. At last it occurred
+to him turn to the other end of the book, if perchance some name,
+affording a clue to the mystery, might be inscribed there.</p>
+
+<p>And then he read, in another, well-known hand, a few calm words,
+breathing peace and joy, "quietness and assurance for ever."</p>
+
+<p>He pressed the loved handwriting to his lips, to his heart. He sobbed
+over it and wept; blistering it with such burning tears as scarcely
+come from a strong man's eyes more than once <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[407]</a></span>in a lifetime. Then,
+flinging himself on his knees, he thanked God&mdash;God whom he had doubted,
+murmured against, almost blasphemed, and who yet had been true to his
+promise&mdash;true to his tried and suffering servant in the hour of need.</p>
+
+<p>When he rose, he took up the book again, and read and re-read those
+precious words. All but the first he thought he could comprehend. "My
+beloved father is gone to Him in peace." Would the preceding entries
+throw any light upon <i>that</i> saying?</p>
+
+<p>Once more, with changed feelings and quickened perceptions, he turned
+back to the records of the penitent's long captivity. Slowly and
+gradually the secret they revealed unfolded itself before him. The
+history of the last nine months of his brother's life lay clearly
+traced; and the light it shed illumined another life also, longer,
+sadder, less glorious than his.</p>
+
+<p>One entry, almost the last, and traced with a trembling hand, he read
+over and over, till his eyes grew too dim to see the words.</p>
+
+<p>"He entreats of me to pray for my absent Juan, and to bless him. My
+son, my first-born, whose face I know not, but whom he has taught me
+to love, I do bless thee. All blessings rest upon thee&mdash;blessings of
+heaven above, blessings of the earth beneath, blessings of the deep
+that lieth under! But for <i>thee</i>, Carlos, what shall I say? I have no
+blessing fit for thee&mdash;no word of love deep and strong enough to join
+with that name of thine. Doth not He say, of whose tenderness thou
+tellest me ours is but the shadow, 'He will <i>be silent</i> in his love'?
+But may he read my heart in its silence, and bless thee, and repay thee
+when thou comest to thy home, where already thy heart is."</p>
+
+<p>It might have been two hours afterwards, when the same friendly monk
+who had narrated to Don Juan the circumstances of the Auto-da-f&eacute;, came
+to apprise him that his servant had fulfilled his errand, and was
+waiting with the horses.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[408]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Don Juan rose and met him. His face was sad; it would be a sad face
+always; but there was in it a look as of one who saw the end, and
+who knew that, however dark the way might be, the end was light
+everlasting. "Look here, my friend," he said, for no concealment was
+necessary there; truth could hurt no one. "See how wondrously God has
+dealt with me and mine. Here is the record of the life and death of my
+honoured father. For three-and-twenty years he lay in the Dominican
+monastery, a prisoner for Christ's sake. And to my heroic martyr
+brother God has given the honour and the joy of unravelling the mystery
+of his fate, and thus fulfilling our youthful dream. Carlos has found
+our father!"</p>
+
+<p>He went forth into the hall, and bade the other monks a grateful
+farewell. Old Fray Bernardo embraced and blessed him with tears, moved
+by the likeness, now discerned for the first time, between the stately
+soldier and the noble and gentle youth, whose kindness to him, during
+his residence at the monastery three years before, he well remembered.</p>
+
+<p>Then Don Juan set his face towards Nuera, with patient endurance,
+rather sad than stern, upon his brow, and in his heart "a grief as deep
+as life or thought," but no rebellion, and no despair. Something like
+resignation had come to him; already he could say, or at least try to
+say, "Thy will be done." And he foresaw, as in the distance, far off
+and faintly, a time when he might even be able to share in spirit the
+joy of the crowned and victorious one, to whom, in the dark prison,
+face to face with death, God had so wondrously given the desire of his
+heart, and not denied him the request of his lips.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[409]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XLIX" id="XLIX">XLIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="title">Farewell.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse indent6">"My country is there;</div>
+   <div class="verse">Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow."</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+<div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">E.B. Browning.</span></div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcapa"><span class="hide">A</span></span>bout a fortnight afterwards, a closely veiled lady, dressed in deep
+mourning, leaned over the side of a merchant vessel, and gazed into the
+sapphire depths of the Bay of Cadiz. A respectable elderly woman was
+standing near her, holding her pretty dark-eyed babe. They seemed to be
+under the protection of a Franciscan friar; and of a stately, handsome
+serving-man, whose bearing and appearance were rather out of keeping
+with his supposed rank. It was said amongst the crew that the lady
+was the widow of a rich Sevillian merchant, who during a residence in
+London some years before had married an Englishwoman. She was now going
+to join her kindred in the heretical country, and much compassion was
+expended on her, as she was said to be very Catholic and very pious.
+It was a signal proof of these dispositions that she ventured to bring
+with her, as private chaplain, the Franciscan friar, who, the sailors
+thought, would probably soon fall a martyr to his attachment to the
+Faith.</p>
+
+<p>But a few illusions might have been dispelled, if the conver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[410]</a></span>sation
+of the party, when for a brief space they had the deck to themselves,
+could have been overheard.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou mourn that the shores of our Spain are fading from us?" said
+the lady to the supposed servant.</p>
+
+<p>"Not as I should once have done, my Beatriz; though it is still my
+fatherland, dearest and best of all lands to me. And you, my beloved?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where thou art is my country, Don Juan. Besides," she added softly,
+"God is everywhere. And think what it will be to worship him in peace,
+none making us afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"And you, my brave, true-hearted Dolores?" asked Don Juan.</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Don Juan, my country is <i>there</i>; with those that I love best,"
+said Dolores, with an upward glance of the large wistful eyes, which
+had yet, in their sorrowful depths, a look of peace unknown in past
+days. "What is Spain to me&mdash;Spain, that would not give to the noblest
+of them all a few feet of her earth for a grave?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not let us stain with one bitter thought our last look at those
+shores," said Don Juan, with the gentleness that was growing upon him
+of late. "Remember that they who denied a grave to our beloved, are
+powerless to rob us of one precious memory of him. His grave is in our
+hearts; his memorial is the faith which every one of us now standing
+here has learned from him."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true." said Do&ntilde;a Beatriz. "I think that not all thy teaching,
+Don Juan, made me understand what 'precious faith' is, until I learned
+it by his death."</p>
+
+<p>"He gave up all for Christ, freely and joyfully," Juan continued.
+"While I gave up nothing, save as it was wrenched from my unwilling
+hand. Therefore for him there is the 'abundant entrance,' the 'crown of
+glory.' For me, at the best, 'Seekest thou great things for thyself,
+seek them not. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all
+places whither thou goest.'"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[411]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fray Sebastian drew near at the moment, and happening to overhear the
+last words, he asked, "Have you any plan, se&ntilde;or, as to whither you will
+go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no plan," Don Juan answered. "But I think God will guide us. I
+have indeed a dream," he added, after a pause, "which may, or may not,
+come true eventually. My thoughts often turn to that great New World,
+where, at least, there should be room for truth and liberty. It was
+our childhood's dream, to go forth to the New World and to find our
+father. And the lesser half of it, comparatively worthless as it is,
+may fitly fall to my lot to fulfil, another worthier than I having done
+the rest." His voice grew gentler, his whole countenance softened as
+he continued,&mdash;"That the prize was his, not mine, I rejoice. It is but
+an earnest of the nobler victory, the grander triumph, he enjoys now,
+amongst those who stand evermore before the King of kings&mdash;<span class="smcap">CALLED,
+CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL</span>."</p>
+
+
+<p class="plabel no-indent">Historical Note.</p>
+
+<p>It may be asked by some thoughtful reader who has followed the
+narrative of the foregoing pages, How much is fact, how much fiction?
+As the writers sole object is to reveal, to enforce, and to illustrate
+Truth, an answer to the question is gladly supplied. All is fact,
+except what concerns the personal history of the Brothers and their
+family. Whatever relates to the rise, progress, and downfall of the
+Protestant Church in Spain, is strictly historical. Especially may be
+mentioned the story of the two great Autos at Seville. But much of
+interest on the subject remains untold, as nothing was taken up but
+what would naturally amalgamate with the narrative; and it was not
+designed to supersede history, only to stimulate to its study. Except
+in the instance of a conversation with Juliano Hernandez, another with
+Don Carlos de Seso, and a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[412]</a></span>few words required by the exigencies of the
+tale from Losada, the glorious martyr names have been left untouched
+by the hand of fiction. It was a sense of their sacredness which led
+the writer to choose for hero a character not historical, but typical
+and illustrative. But nothing is told of him which did not occur over
+and over again, if we except the act of mercy which is supposed to have
+shed a brightness over his last days. He is merely a given example, a
+specimen of the ordinary fate of such prisoners of the Inquisition as
+were enabled to remain faithful to the end; and, thank God, these were
+numerous. He is even a favourable specimen; for the conditions of art
+require that in a work of fiction a veil should be thrown over some of
+the worst horrors of persecution. Those who accuse Protestant writers
+of exaggeration in these matters, little know what they say. Easily
+could we show greater abominations than these; but we forbear.</p>
+
+<p>As for the joy and triumph ascribed to the steadfast martyr at the
+close of his career, we have a thousand well-authenticated instances
+that such has been really given. These embrace all classes and ages,
+and all varieties of character, and range throughout all time, from the
+day that Stephen saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God, until the
+martyrs of Madagascar sang hymns in the fire, and "prayed as long as
+they had any life; and then they died, softly, gently."</p>
+
+<p>It is not fiction, but truest truth, that He repays his faithful
+servants an hundred-fold, even in this life, for anything they do or
+suffer for his name's sake.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+
+<h2>Library of Historical Tales.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The City and the Castle.</b> A Story of the Reformation in
+Switzerland. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>, Author of "Leonie," etc. Crown
+8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming connected by
+circumstances, the relation of which faithfully portrays the state and
+character of society at the time of the Reformation (in Switzerland).</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Leonie</b>; or, Light out of Darkness: and <b>Within Iron
+Walls</b>, a Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the
+Franco-German War. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth extra.
+Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country life
+in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged capital.
+These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches of French
+life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful description of
+the leading events of the Franco-German War.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Wenzel's Inheritance</b>; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of
+Bohemia in the Fifteenth Century. By <span class="smcap">Annie Lucas</span>. Crown 8vo,
+cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social conditions of
+Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering and
+martyrdom borne for faith's sake.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Helena's Household.</b> A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With
+Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the primitive
+ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the Spirit of God,
+to the promulgation of the faith.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Spanish Brothers.</b> A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the
+Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee." Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of the
+cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Czar.</b> A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812-13; the
+characters partly French, partly Russian.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Arthur Erskine's Story.</b> A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of
+the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time
+are vividly described, and the story of Scotland's Reformation is
+effectively re-told.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Under the Southern Cross.</b> A Tale of the New World. By the
+Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A thrilling and fascinating story, most exciting in incident, and
+most instructive in its accurate reproduction of the manners and
+customs in Peru during the later years of the sixteenth century.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Pendower.</b> A Story of Cornwall in the Reign of Henry the Eighth.
+By <span class="smcap">M. Filleul</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English
+history previous to the Reformation.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center">WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF</p>
+
+<p class="plabel">"Chronicles of the Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family."</p>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Chronicles of the Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family.</b> Crown 8vo, cloth, red
+edges. Price 5s.</p>
+
+<p><i>An intensely interesting tale of German family-life in the times of
+Luther, including much of the personal history of the great Reformer.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>On Both Sides of the Sea.</b> A Story of the Commonwealth and the
+Restoration. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 5s.</p>
+
+<p><i>Two tales, the one being the sequel to the other, of English families
+on opposite sides during the great Civil Wars.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Watchwords for the Warfare of Life.</b> From Dr. <span class="smcap">Martin
+Luther</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. 5s.</p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Joan the Maid:</b> Deliverer of England and France. A Story of the
+Fifteenth Century. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 4s.</p>
+
+<p><i>A story of the career and death of Joan of Arc, professedly narrated
+by those who witnessed some of her achievements, and who believed in
+her purity and sincerity.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Winifred Bertram, and the World She Lived in.</b> Post 8vo, cloth,
+red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Tale for young people, the scene chiefly in London. Wealth and
+poverty are contrasted, and the happiness shown of living, not for
+selfish indulgence, but in the service of Christ, and doing good to
+others.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Diary of Mrs. Kitty Trevylyan.</b> A Story of the Times of
+Whitefield and the Wesleys. Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>This Diary forms a charming tale; introducing the lights and shades,
+the trials and pleasures, of that most interesting revival period that
+occurred in the middle of last century.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Bertram Family.</b> A Sequel to "Winifred Bertram." Post 8vo,
+cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of English family life and experience in modern times.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Draytons and the Davenants.</b> A Story of the Civil Wars. Post
+8vo, cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of the times of Charles I. and Cromwell: records kept by two
+English families&mdash;one Royalist, the other Puritan&mdash;of public events
+and domestic experiences.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Ravens and the Angels.</b> With other Stories and Parables.
+Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A volume of interesting stories and sketches, many of them in the
+allegorical form.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Victory of the Vanquished.</b> Post 8vo, cloth, red edges.
+Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The struggles and trials of the early Christians are graphically
+described in this volume.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Wanderings over Bible Lands and Seas.</b> Post 8vo, cloth, red
+edges. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A lady's notes of a tour in the Holy Land, returning home by Damascus
+and the coast of Asia Minor.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Songs Old and New.</b> By the Author of "Chronicles of the
+Sch&ouml;nberg-Cotta Family," etc. <i>Collected Edition</i>. Square 16mo, cloth
+antique, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The many readers who have been charmed by the prose writings of this
+well-known and much-admired writer, will no doubt be glad to see a
+collection of poems from the same pen.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">Library of Tales and Stories.</p>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Thankful Rest.</b> A Tale. By <span class="smcap">Annie S. Swan</span>, Author of
+"Aldersyde," "Carlowrie," "Shadowed Lives," etc. Large foolscap 8vo,
+cloth extra. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting story for young people. The scene an American township
+and farmstead; the principal characters an orphan brother and sister,
+with the relatives who ungraciously give them a home in "Thankful
+Rest."</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Willie's Choice</b>; or, All is not Gold that Glitters. By <span class="smcap">M.A.
+Paull</span>. Foolscap 8vo. 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale for young people, of life-lessons and experience dearly
+bought.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>At the Pastor's.</b> By the Author of "The Swedish Twins," etc.
+Royal 18mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A charming Swedish story, describing domestic life, with its usual
+vicissitudes, in a Swedish rural parsonage.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Adventures of Mark Willis.</b> By Mrs. <span class="smcap">George Cupples</span>,
+Author of "The Little Captain," etc. With 45 Engravings. Royal 18mo.
+Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A young sailor's story of adventures on the West Coast of Africa, in
+China, etc.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Boy Artist.</b> A Tale. By the Author of "Hope On." With
+Coloured Frontispiece and numerous Engravings. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s.
+6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>The trials and success at last of a youthful artist.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Tempered Steel</b>; or, Tried in the Fire. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">E.N.
+Hoare</span>, M.A., Author of "Roe Carson's Enemy," etc. Foolscap 8vo.
+Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"A well-written story, with a good purpose. It is likely to impress
+the reader at once with the earnestness of the writer, and with a
+sense of his ability."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Scotsman.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Brother Reginald's Golden Secret.</b> By the Author of "Hope On,"
+etc. With Coloured Frontispiece and Vignette, and numerous Engravings.
+Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Christmas tale for children,&mdash;the best way of securing a truly
+happy Christmas.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Christian Principle in Little Things.</b> A Book for the Young.
+With Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A tale of home life for the young, to illustrate how self-will and
+other faults of temper may be corrected and subdued by the power of
+Christian motives and influence.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Emily Herbert</b>; or, The Happy Home. By <span class="smcap">Maria M'Intosh</span>,
+Author of "Praise and Principle," etc. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A story of family life, inculcating the lesson that a cheerful
+performance of the duties assigned to us makes a home happy.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Father's Coming Home.</b> A Tale. By the Author of "Under the
+Microscope." Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A family preparing for their father's return from India, by seeking
+to please him by improvement in character and conduct; and the various
+incidents which help or hinder them.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Under the Microscope</b>; or, "Thou Shalt Call Me My Father." By
+the Author of "Village Missionaries." With Coloured Frontispiece and
+17 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"Our Father which art in heaven," read by children in photographic
+letters under the microscope; and the lesson of divine love giving
+comfort afterwards under the trials of daily life.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">Prize Temperance Tales.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Frank Oldfield</b>; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">T.P.
+Wilson</span>, M.A. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in Lancashire,
+partly in Australia.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Sought and Saved.</b> By <span class="smcap">M.A. Paull</span>, Author of "Tim's
+Troubles; or, Tried and True." With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth
+extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative engravings.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Through Storm to Sunshine.</b> By <span class="smcap">William J. Lacey</span>, Author
+of "A Life's Motto," "The Captain's Plot," etc. With Illustrations.
+Post 8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last
+year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the £100 prize. It
+now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Tim's Troubles</b>; or, Tried and True. By <span class="smcap">M.A. Paull</span>.
+With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy,
+who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope in
+boyhood.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Lionel Franklin's Victory.</b> By <span class="smcap">E. Van Sommer</span>. With Six
+Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with illustrative
+engravings.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SEVENTY POUND PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>The Naresborough Victory.</b> A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev.
+<span class="smcap">T. Keyworth</span>, Author of "Dick the Newsboy," "Green and Grey,"
+etc., etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>"In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and it
+is certain to be a general favourite."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Manchester Examiner.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>"Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its
+lessons."</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Liverpool Albion.</span></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Owen's Hobby</b>; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By <span class="smcap">Elmer
+Burleigh</span>. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing
+incidents.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p class="center">SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>Every-Day Doings.</b> By <span class="smcap">Hellena Richardson</span>. With Six
+Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>A prize temperance tale, "written for an earnest purpose," and
+consisting almost entirely of facts.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>By Uphill Paths</b>; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to
+be Done. By <span class="smcap">E. Van Sommer</span>, Author of "Lionel Franklin's
+Victory." Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p class="hindent"><b>True to His Colours</b>; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the
+Rev. <span class="smcap">T.P. Wilson</span>, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of "Frank
+Oldfield," etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s.
+6d.</p>
+
+<p><i>An interesting tale&mdash;the scene laid in England&mdash;illustrating the
+influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and
+temperance advocate.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+<p class="center no-indent"><small>T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.</small></p>
+
+<hr class="r15" />
+
+
+
+
+<p class="plabel">FOOTNOTES</p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> With good interest.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Go with God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> <i>Arriero</i>, muleteer; <i>alforjas</i>, bags.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> An inn.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> "Blue blood."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Mayor.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Unto you who believe he is precious," or "an honour."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> "But unto those that believe not, the stone that the
+builders reject."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> One of the learned men who were appointed to assist
+the Inquisitors, and whose duty is was to decide whether doubtful
+propositions were, or were not, heretical.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Point of honour.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Things of Spain.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> See Exodus <span class="smcap">XXX</span>. 6.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Remain with God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Who is there?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Washerwoman.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Moorish quarter of the city.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> The Lord Dollar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Well, or well then</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Everything related of Juliano Hernandez is strictly true.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Hush.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> The story of the gaoler's servant and his little
+daughter is historical.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Guardian.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Words actually used by this monster.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> The people of Seville do not think the oranges fit to eat
+until the new blossoms come out in spring.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Lightly.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> A fact.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Those delivered over to the secular arm&mdash;that is, to
+death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a>
+</p>
+<div class="poetry-container">
+ <div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse">"With the King or the Inquisition,</div>
+   <div class="verse">&nbsp;Hush! Hush!"</div>
+</div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+   <div class="verse right">_A Spanish Proverb._</div>
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> So called by the Inquisitor, De Pegna.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Report of De Pegna.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> A genuine inquisitorial expression.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> But these laws were often broken or evaded.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> "His Majesty," the ordinary term applied by Spaniards to
+the Host.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Blue; a word applied by the Spaniards only to blue eyes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> At the Auto they produced his effigy, of the size of
+life, clad in his canon's robe, and with the arms stretched out in
+the gesture he had been wont to use in preaching; but it caused such
+a demonstration of feeling among the people, that they were obliged
+hastily to withdraw it.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this Auto that Maria Gonsalez was sentenced to receive two
+hundred lashes, and to be imprisoned for ten years, for the kindnesses
+she had shown the prisoners. An equally severe punishment was awarded
+to the under-gaoler Herrera for the offence of having allowed a
+mother and three daughters, who were imprisoned in separate cells, an
+interview of half an hour; while the many cruelties and peculations of
+the infamous Benevidio were only chastised by the loss of his situation
+and its advantages, and banishment from Seville.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The Jewish quarter of Seville.</p></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/hr.jpg" width="94" height="10" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="transnote"><p class="no-indent"><b>Transcriber's Note:</b></p>
+
+<p>There were a number of printing errors in this book. These have been
+corrected silently. The following errors in spelling have been changed:</p>
+
+<p>deseng&atilde;no is now desenga&ntilde;o<br /></p>
+<p>persume is now presume.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,14839 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Spanish Brothers
+       A Tale of the Sixteenth Century
+
+Author: Deborah Alcock
+
+Release Date: November 23, 2013 [EBook #44262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SPANISH BROTHERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sarah Gutierrez, Sue Fleming and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS
+
+                   A.TALE.OF.THE.SIXTEENTH.CENTURY.
+
+   [Illustration: THE ALGUAZILS PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT FOR ARREST.
+
+                                                       _page 215_]
+
+                          T. NELSON AND SONS
+
+                   _LONDON, EDINBURGH AND NEW YORK._
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                           SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+                  A Tale of the Sixteenth Century.
+
+                           _By the Author of
+               "THE CZAR: A TALE OF THE FIRST NAPOLEON."
+                               &c. &c._
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+              "Thy loving-kindness is better than life."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+                               London:
+                 T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+                       EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                 1888.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+        I.  BOYHOOD,                                         9
+
+       II.  THE MONK'S LETTER,                              18
+
+      III.  SWORD AND CASSOCK,                              22
+
+       IV.  ALCALA DE HENAREZ,                              28
+
+        V.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF,                     34
+
+       VI.  DON CARLOS FORGETS HIMSELF STILL FURTHER,       44
+
+      VII.  THE DESENGANO,                                  49
+
+     VIII.  THE MULETEER,                                   58
+
+       IX.  EL DORADO FOUND,                                70
+
+        X.  DOLORES,                                        78
+
+       XI.  THE LIGHT ENJOYED,                              88
+
+      XII.  THE LIGHT DIVIDED FROM THE DARKNESS,            91
+
+     XIII.  SEVILLE,                                       105
+
+      XIV.  THE MONKS OF SAN ISODRO,                       116
+
+       XV.  THE GREAT SANBENITO,                           124
+
+      XVI.  WELCOME HOME,                                  131
+
+     XVII.  DISCLOSURES,                                   138
+
+    XVIII.  THE AGED MONK,                                 148
+
+      XIX.  TRUTH AND FREEDOM,                             152
+
+       XX.  THE FIRST DROP OF A THUNDER SHOWER,            160
+
+      XXI.  BY THE GUADALQUIVIR,                           166
+
+     XXII.  THE FLOOD-GATES OPENED,                        173
+
+    XXIII.  THE REIGN OF TERROR,                           181
+
+     XXIV.  A GLEAM OF LIGHT,                              191
+
+      XXV.   WAITING,                                      198
+
+     XXVI.   DON GONSALVO'S REVENGE,                       205
+
+    XXVII.   MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,                          217
+
+   XXVIII.   REAPING THE WHIRLWIND,                        226
+
+     XXIX.   A FRIEND AT COURT,                            233
+
+      XXX.   THE CAPTIVE,                                  248
+
+     XXXI.   MINISTERING ANGELS,                           255
+
+    XXXII.   THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,            260
+
+   XXXIII.   ON THE OTHER SIDE,                            271
+
+    XXXIV.   FRAY SEBASTIAN'S TROUBLE,                     282
+
+     XXXV.   THE EVE OF THE AUTO,                          290
+
+    XXXVI.   "THE HORRIBLE AND TREMENDOUS SPECTACLE,"      300
+
+   XXXVII.   SOMETHING ENDED AND SOMETHING BEGUN,          307
+
+  XXXVIII.   NUERA AGAIN,                                  313
+
+    XXXIX.   LEFT BEHIND,                                  321
+
+       XL.   "A SATISFACTORY PENITENT,"                    329
+
+      XLI.   MORE ABOUT THE PENITENT,                      338
+
+     XLII.   QUIET DAYS,                                   347
+
+    XLIII.   EL DORADO FOUND AGAIN,                        357
+
+     XLIV.   ONE PRISONER SET FREE,                        367
+
+      XLV.   TRIUMPHANT,                                   374
+
+     XLVI.   IS IT TOO LATE?                               382
+
+    XLVII.   THE DOMINICAN PRIOR,                          390
+
+   XLVIII.   SAN ISODRO ONCE MORE,                         399
+
+     XLIX.   FAREWELL,                                     409
+
+
+
+
+                         THE SPANISH BROTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                                  I.
+
+                               Boyhood.
+
+      "A boy's will is the wind's will,
+       And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."
+
+                                               LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+On one of the green slopes of the Sierra Morena, shaded by a few
+cork-trees, and with wild craggy heights and bare brown wastes
+stretching far above, there stood, about the middle of the sixteenth
+century, a castle even then old and rather dilapidated. It had once
+been a strong place, but was not very spacious; and certainly,
+according to our modern ideas of comfort, the interior could not have
+been a particularly comfortable dwelling-place. A large proportion
+of it was occupied by the great hall, which was hung with faded,
+well-repaired tapestry, and furnished with oaken tables, settles, and
+benches, very elaborately carved, but bearing evident marks of age.
+Narrow unglazed slits in the thick wall admitted the light and air;
+and beside one of these, on a gloomy autumn morning, two boys stood
+together, watching the rain that poured down without intermission.
+
+They were dressed exactly alike, in loose jackets of blue cloth,
+homespun, indeed, but so fresh and neatly-fashioned as to look more
+becoming than many a costlier dress. Their long stockings were of
+silk, and their cuffs and wide shirt-frills of fine Holland, carefully
+starched and plaited. The elder--a very handsome lad, who looked
+fourteen at least, but was really a year younger--had raven hair,
+black sparkling eager eyes, good but strongly-marked features, and
+a complexion originally dark, and well-tanned by exposure to sun
+and wind. A broader forehead, wider nostrils, and a weaker mouth,
+distinguished the more delicate-looking younger brother, whose hair was
+also less dark, and his complexion fairer.
+
+"Rain--rain! Will it rain for ever?" cried, in a tone of impatience,
+the elder, whose name was Juan; or rather, his proper style and title
+(and very angry would he have felt had any part been curtailed or
+omitted) was Don Juan Rodrigo Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. He
+was of the purest blood in Spain; by the father's side, of noblest
+Castilian lineage; by the mother's, of an ancient Asturian family. Well
+he knew it, and proudly he held up his young head in consequence, in
+spite of poverty, and of what was still worse, the mysterious blight
+that had fallen on the name and fortunes of his house, bringing poverty
+in its train, as the least of its attendant evils.
+
+"'Rising early will not make the daylight come sooner,' nor watching
+bring the sunshine," said the quick-witted Carlos, who, apt in learning
+whatever he heard, was already an adept in the proverbial philosophy
+which was then, and is now, the inheritance of his race.
+
+"True enough. So let us fetch the canes, and have a merry play. Or,
+better still, the foils for a fencing match."
+
+Carlos acquiesced readily, though apparently without pleasure. In all
+outward things, such as the choice of pursuits and games, Juan was
+the unquestioned leader; Carlos never dreamed of disputing his fiat.
+Yet in other, and really more important matters, it was Carlos who,
+quite unconsciously to himself, performed the part of guide to his
+stronger-willed but less thoughtful brother.
+
+Juan now fetched the carefully guarded foils with which the boys were
+accustomed to practise fencing; either, as now, simply for their own
+amusement, or under the instructions of the gray-haired Diego, who had
+served with their father in the Emperor's wars, and was now mayor-domo,
+butler, and seneschal, all in one. He it was, moreover, from whom
+Carlos had learned his store of proverbs.
+
+"Now stand up. Oh, you are too low; wait a moment." Juan left the hall
+again, but quickly returned with a large heavy volume, which he threw
+on the floor, directing his brother to take his stand upon it.
+
+Carlos hesitated. "But what if the Fray should catch us using our great
+Horace after such a fashion?"
+
+"I just wish he might," answered Juan, with a mischievous sparkle in
+his black eyes.
+
+The matter of height being thus satisfactorily adjusted, the game
+began, and for some time went merrily forward. To do the elder brother
+justice, he gave every advantage to his less active and less skilful
+companion; often shouting (with very unnecessary exertion of his lungs)
+words of direction or warning about fore-thrust, side-thrust, back-hand
+strokes, hitting, and parrying. At last, however, in an unlucky moment,
+Carlos, through some awkward movement of his own in violation of the
+rules of the game, received a blow on the cheek from his brother's
+foil, severe enough to make the blood flow. Juan instantly sprang
+forward, full of vexation, with an "Ay de mi!" on his lips. But Carlos
+turned away from him, covering his face with both hands; and Juan, much
+to his disgust, soon heard the sound of a heavy sob.
+
+"You little coward!" he exclaimed, "to weep for a blow. Shame--shame
+upon you."
+
+"Coward yourself, to call me ill names when I cannot fight you,"
+retorted Carlos, as soon as he could speak for weeping.
+
+"That is ever your way, little tearful. _You_ to talk of going to find
+our father! A brave man you would make to sail to the Indies and fight
+the savages. Better sit at home and spin, with Mother Dolores."
+
+Far too deeply stung to find a proverb suited to the occasion, or
+indeed to make any answer whatever, Carlos, still in tears, left the
+hall with hasty footsteps, and took refuge in a smaller apartment that
+opened into it.
+
+The hangings of this room were comparatively new and very beautiful,
+being tastefully wrought with the needle; and the furniture was much
+more costly than that in the hall. There was also a glazed window, and
+near this Carlos took his stand, looking moodily out on the falling
+rain, and thinking hard thoughts of his brother, who had first hurt him
+so sorely, then called him coward, and last, and far worst of all, had
+taunted him with his unfitness for the task which, child as he was, his
+whole heart and soul were bent on attempting.
+
+But he could not quarrel very seriously with Juan, nor indeed could he
+for any considerable time do without him. Before long his anger began
+to give way to utter loneliness and discomfort, and a great longing to
+"be friends" again.
+
+Nor was Juan much more comfortable, though he told himself he was
+quite right to reprove his brother sharply for his lack of manliness;
+and that he would be ready to die for shame if Carlos, when he went
+to Seville, should disgrace himself before his cousins by crying when
+he was hurt, like a baby or a girl. It is true that in his heart he
+rather wished he himself had held his peace, or at least had spoken
+more gently; but he braved it out, and stamped up and down the hall,
+singing, in as cheery a voice as he could command,--
+
+  "The Cid rode through the horse-shoe gate, Omega like it stood,
+  A symbol of the moon that waned before the Christian rood.
+  He was all sheathed in golden mail, his cloak was white as shroud;
+  His vizor down, his sword unsheathed, corpse still he rode,
+     and proud."
+
+"Ruy!" Carlos called at last, just a little timidly, from the next
+room--"Ruy!"
+
+Ruy is the Spanish diminutive of Rodrigo, Juan's second name, and the
+one by which, for reasons of his own, it pleased him best to be called;
+so the very use of it by Carlos was a kind of overture for peace.
+Juan came right gladly at the call; and having convinced himself, by
+a moment's inspection, that his brother's hurt signified nothing, he
+completed the reconciliation by putting his arm, in familiar boyish
+fashion, round his neck. Thus, without a word spoken, the brief quarrel
+was at an end. It happened that the rain was over also, and the sun
+just beginning to shine out again. It was, indeed, an effect of the
+sunlight which had given Carlos a pretext for calling Juan again to his
+side.
+
+"Look, Ruy," he said, "the sun shines on our father's words!"
+
+These children had a secret of their own, carefully guarded, with the
+strange reticence of childhood, even from Dolores, who had been the
+faithful nurse of their infancy, and who still cast upon their young
+lives the only shadow of motherly love they had ever known--a shadow,
+it is true, pale and faint, yet the best thing that had fallen to their
+lot: for even Juan could remember neither parent; while Carlos had
+never seen his father's face, and his mother had died at his birth.
+
+Yet it happened that in the imaginary world which the children had
+created around them, and where they chiefly lived, their unknown father
+was by far the most important personage. All great nations in their
+childhood have their legends, their epics, written or unwritten, and
+their hero, one or many of them, upon whose exploits Fancy rings its
+changes at will during the ages when national language, literature, and
+character are in process of development. So it is with individuals.
+Children of imagination--especially if they are brought up in
+seclusion, and guarded from coarse and worldly companionship--are sure
+to have their legends, perhaps their unwritten epic, certainly their
+hero. Nor are these dreams of childhood idle fancies. In their time
+they are good and beautiful gifts of God--healthful for the present,
+helpful for after-years. There is deep truth in the poets words, "When
+thou art a man, reverence the dreams of thy youth."
+
+The Cid Campeador, the Charlemagne, and the King Arthur of our youthful
+Spanish brothers, was no other than Don Juan Alvarez de Menaya, second
+and last Conde de Nuera. And as the historical foundation of national
+romance is apt to be of the slightest--nay, the testimony of credible
+history is often ruthlessly set at defiance--so it is with the romances
+of children; nor did the present instance form any exception. All the
+world said that their father's bones lay bleaching on a wild Araucanian
+battle-field; but this went for nothing in the eyes of Juan and
+Carlos Alvarez. Quite enough to build their childish faith upon was a
+confidential whisper of Dolores--when she thought them sleeping--to the
+village barber-surgeon, who was helping her to tend them through some
+childish malady: "Dead? Would to all the Saints, and the blessed Queen
+of Heaven, that we only had assurance of it!"
+
+They had, however, more than this. Almost every day they read and
+re-read those mysterious words, traced with a diamond by their father's
+hand--as it never entered their heads to doubt--on the window of the
+room which had once been his favourite place of retirement:--
+
+        "El Dorado
+         Yo he trovado."
+  "I have found El Dorado."
+
+No eyes but their own had ever noticed this inscription; and marvellous
+indeed was the superstructure their fancy contrived to raise on the
+slight and airy foundation of its enigmatical five words. They had
+heard from the lips of Diego many of the fables current at the period
+about the "golden country" of which Spanish adventurers dreamed so
+wildly, and which they sought so vainly in the New World. They were
+aware that their father in his early days had actually made a voyage to
+the Indies: and they had thoroughly persuaded themselves, therefore, of
+nothing less than that he was the fortunate discoverer of El Dorado;
+that he had returned thither, and was reigning there as a king, rich
+and happy--only, perhaps, longing for his brave boys to come and join
+him. And join him one day they surely would, even though unheard of
+dangers (of which giants twelve feet high and fiery dragons--things in
+which they quite believed--were among the least) might lie in their
+way, thick as the leaves of the cork-trees when the autumn winds swept
+down through the mountain gorges.
+
+"Look, Ruy," said Carlos, "the light is on our father's words!"
+
+"So it is! What good fortune is coming now? Something always comes to
+us when they look like that."
+
+"What do you wish for most?"
+
+"A new bow, and a set of real arrows tipped with steel. And you?"
+
+"Well--the 'Chronicles of the Cid,' I think."
+
+"I should like that too. But I should like better still--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"That Fray Sebastian would fall ill of the rheum, and find the mountain
+air too cold for his health; or get some kind of good place at his
+beloved Complutum."
+
+"We might go farther and fare worse, like those that go to look for
+better bread than wheaten," returned Carlos, laughing. "Wish again,
+Juan; and truly this time--your wish of wishes."
+
+"What else but to find my father?"
+
+"I mean, next to that."
+
+"Well, truly, to go once more to Seville, to see the shops, and the
+bull-fights, and the great Church; to tilt with our cousins, and dance
+the cachuca with Dona Beatriz."
+
+"That would not I. There be folk that go out for wool, and come home
+shorn. Though I like Dona Beatriz as well as any one."
+
+"Hush! here comes Dolores."
+
+A tall, slender woman, robed in black serge, relieved by a neat white
+head-dress, entered the room. Dark hair, threaded with silver, and
+pale, sunken, care-worn features, made her look older than she really
+was. She had once been beautiful; and it seemed as though her beauty
+had been burned up in the glare of some fierce agony, rather than had
+faded gradually beneath the suns of passing years. With the silent
+strength of a deep, passionate heart, that had nothing else left to
+cling to, Dolores loved the children of her idolized mistress and
+foster-sister. It was chiefly her talent and energy that kept together
+the poor remains of their fortune. She surrounded them with as many
+inexpensive comforts as possible; still, like a true Spaniard, she
+would at any moment have sacrificed their comfort to the maintenance of
+their rank, or the due upholding of their dignity. On this occasion she
+held an open letter in her hand.
+
+"Young gentlemen," she said, using the formal style of address no
+familiarity ever induced her to drop, "I bring your worships good
+tidings. Your noble uncle, Don Manuel, is about to honour your castle
+with his presence."
+
+"Good tidings indeed! I am as glad as if you had given me a satin
+doublet. He may take us back with him to Seville," cried Juan.
+
+"He might have stayed at home, with good luck and my blessing,"
+murmured Carlos.
+
+"Whether you go to Seville or no, Senor Don Juan," said Dolores,
+gravely, "may very probably depend on the contentment you give your
+noble uncle respecting your progress in your Latin, your grammar, and
+your other humanities."
+
+"A green fig for my noble uncle's contentment!" said Juan,
+irreverently. "I know already as much as any gentleman need, and ten
+times more than he does himself."
+
+"Ay, truly," struck in Carlos, coming forward from the embrasure of the
+window; "my uncle thinks a man of learning--except he be a fellow of
+college, perchance--not worth his ears full of water. I heard him say
+such only trouble the world, and bring sorrow on themselves and all
+their kin. So, Juan, it is you who are likely to find favour in his
+sight, after all."
+
+"Senor Don Carlos, what ails your face?" asked Dolores, noticing now
+for the first time the marks of the hurt he had received.
+
+Both the boys spoke together.
+
+"Only a blow caught in fencing; all through my own awkwardness. It is
+nothing," said Carlos, eagerly.
+
+"I hurt him with my foil. It was a mischance. I am very sorry," said
+Juan, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+Dolores wisely abstained from exhorting them to greater carefulness.
+She only said,--
+
+"Young gentlemen who mean to be knights and captains must learn to give
+hard blows and take them." Adding mentally--"Bless the lads! May they
+stand by each other as loyally ten or twenty years hence as they do
+now."
+
+
+
+
+                                  II.
+
+                          The Monk's Letter.
+
+                      "Quoth the good fat friar,
+             Wiping his own mouth--'twas refection time."
+
+                                            R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Fray Sebastian Gomez, to the Honourable Senor Felipe de Santa Maria,
+Licentiate of Theology, residing at Alcala de Henarez, commonly called
+Complutum.
+
+    "Most Illustrious and Reverend Senor,--
+
+    "In my place of banishment, amidst these gloomy and inhospitable
+    mountains, I frequently solace my mind by reflections upon the
+    friends of my youth, and the happy period spent in those ancient
+    halls of learning, where in the morning of our days you and I
+    together attended the erudite prelections of those noble and most
+    orthodox Grecians, Demetrius Ducas and Nicetus Phaustus, or sat
+    at the feet of that venerable patriarch of science, Don Fernando
+    Nunez. Fortunate are you, O friend, in being able to pass your days
+    amidst scenes so pleasant and occupations so congenial; while I,
+    unhappy, am compelled by fate, and by the neglect of friends and
+    patrons, to take what I may have, in place of having what I might
+    wish. I am, alas! under the necessity of wearing out my days in
+    the ungrateful occupation of instilling the rudiments of humane
+    learning into the dull and careless minds of children, whom to
+    instruct is truly to write upon sand or water. But not to weary
+    your excellent and illustrious friendship with undue prolixity,
+    I shall briefly relate the circumstances which led to my sojourn
+    here."
+
+(The good friar proceeds with his personal narrative, but by no means
+briefly; and as it has, moreover, little or nothing to do with our
+story, it may be omitted with advantage.)
+
+    "In this desert, as I may truly style it" (he continues),
+    "nutriment for the corporeal frame is as poor and bare as nutriment
+    for the intellectual part is altogether lacking. Alas! for the
+    golden wine of Xerez, that ambery nectar wherewith we were wont
+    to refresh our jaded spirits! I may not mention now our temperate
+    banquets: the crisp red mullet, the succulent pasties, the
+    delicious ham of Estremadura, the savoury olla podrida. Here beef
+    is rarely seen, veal never. Our olla is of lean mutton (if it be
+    not rather of the flesh of goats), washed down with bad vinegar,
+    called wine by courtesy, and supplemented by a few naughty figs or
+    roasted chestnuts, with cheese of goat's milk, hard as the heads
+    of the rustics who make it. Certainly I am experiencing the truth
+    of the proverb, 'A bad cook is an inconvenient relation.' And
+    marvellously would a cask of Xerez wine, if, through the kindness
+    of my generous friends, it could find its way to these remote
+    mountains, mend my fare, and in all probability prolong my days.
+    The provider here is an antiquated, sour-faced duenna, who rules
+    everything in this old ruin of a castle, where poverty and pride
+    are the only things to be found in plenty. She is an Asturian, and
+    came hither in the train of the late unfortunate countess. Like all
+    of that race, where the very shepherds style themselves nobles,
+    she is proud; but it is just to add that she is also active,
+    industrious, and thrifty to a miracle.
+
+    "But to pass on to affairs of greater importance. I have presumed,
+    on the part of my illustrious friend, some acquaintance with the
+    sorrowful history of my young pupils' family. You will remember
+    the sudden shadow that fell, like the eclipse of one of the bright
+    orbs of heaven, upon the fame and fortunes of the Conde de Nuera,
+    known, some fifteen years ago or more, as a brilliant soldier and
+    courtier, and personal favourite of his Imperial Majesty. There
+    was a rumour of some black treason, I know not what, but men said
+    it even struck at the life of the great Emperor, his friend and
+    patron. It is supposed that the Emperor (whom God preserve!), in
+    his just wrath remembered mercy, and generously saved the honour,
+    while he punished the crime, of his ungrateful servant. At all
+    events, the world was told that the Count had accepted a command in
+    the Indies, and that he sailed thither from some port in the Low
+    Countries to which the Emperor had summoned him, without returning
+    to Spain. It is believed that, to save his neck from the axe and
+    his name from dire disgrace, he signed away, by his own act, his
+    large property to the Emperor and to Holy Church, reserving only
+    a pittance for his children. One year afterwards, his death, in
+    battle with the Araucanian savages, was announced, and, if I am
+    not mistaken, His Majesty was gracious enough to have masses said
+    for his soul. But, at the time, the tongue of rumour whispered a
+    far more dreadful ending to the tale. Men hinted that, upon the
+    discovery of his treason, he despaired alike of human and divine
+    compassion, and perished miserably by his own hand. But all
+    possible pains were taken, for the sake of the family, to hush up
+    the affair; and nothing certain has ever, or probably will ever,
+    transpire. I am doubtful whether I am not a transgressor in having
+    committed to paper what is written above. Still, as it is written,
+    it shall stand. With you, most illustrious and honourable friend,
+    all things are safe.
+
+    "The youths whom it is my task to instruct are not deficient in
+    parts. But the elder, Don Juan, is idle and insolent; and withal,
+    of so fiery a temper, that he will brook no manner of correction.
+    The younger, Don Carlos, is more toward in disposition, and really
+    apt at his humanities, were it not that his good-for-nothing
+    brother is for ever leading him into mischief. Don Manuel Alvarez,
+    their uncle and guardian, who is a shrewd man of the world, will
+    certainly cause him to enter the Church. But I pray, as I am
+    bound in Christian charity, that it may not occur to him to make
+    the lad a Minorite friar, since, as I can testify from sorrowful
+    experience, such go barely enough through this wicked and miserable
+    world.
+
+    "In conclusion, I entreat of you, most illustrious friend, with
+    the utmost despatch and carefulness, to commit this writing to the
+    flames; and so I pray our Lady and the blessed St. Luke, upon whose
+    vigil I write, to have you in their good keeping.--
+
+    Your unworthy brother,                        "SEBASTIAN."
+
+Thus, with averted face, or head shaken doubtfully, or murmured "Ay de
+mi," the world spoke of him, of whom his own children, happy at least
+in this, knew scarce anything, save words that seemed like a cry of
+joy.
+
+
+
+
+                                 III.
+
+                          Sword and Cassock.
+
+             "The helmet and the cap make houses strong."
+
+                                              SPANISH PROVERB.
+
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez stayed for several days at Nuera, as the half-ruined
+castle in the Sierra Morena was styled. Grievous, during this period,
+were the sufferings of Dolores, and unceasing her efforts to provide
+suitable accommodation, not merely for the stately and fastidious guest
+himself, but also for the troop of retainers he saw fit to bring with
+him, comprising three or four personal attendants, and half a score of
+men-at-arms--the last perhaps really necessary for a journey through
+that wild district. Don Manuel scarcely enjoyed the situation more than
+did his entertainers, but he esteemed it his duty to pay an occasional
+visit to the estate of his orphan nephews, to see that it was properly
+taken care of. Perhaps the only member of the party quite at his ease
+was the worthy Fray Sebastian, a good-natured, self-indulgent friar,
+with a better education and more refined tastes than the average
+of his order; fond of eating and drinking, fond of gossip, fond of
+a little superficial literature, and not fond of troubling himself
+about anything. He was comforted by the improved fare Don Manuel's
+visit introduced; and was, moreover, soon relieved from his very
+natural apprehensions that the guardian of his pupils might express
+discontent at the slowness of their progress. He speedily discovered
+that Don Manuel did not care to have his nephews made good scholars:
+he only cared to have them ready, in two or three years, to go to the
+University of Complutum, or to that of Salamanca, where they might
+remain until they were satisfactorily provided for--one in the Army,
+the other in the Church.
+
+As for Juan and Carlos, they felt, with the sure instinct of children,
+in this respect something like that of animals, that their uncle had
+little love for them. Juan dreaded, more than under the circumstances
+he need have done, too careful inquiries into his progress; and
+Carlos, while he stood in great outward awe of his uncle, all the time
+contrived to despise him in his heart, because he neither knew Latin,
+nor could repeat any of the ballads of the Cid.
+
+On the third day of his visit, after dinner, which was at noon,
+Don Manuel solemnly seated himself in the great carved armchair
+that stood on the estrada at one end of the hall, and summoned his
+nephews to his side. He was a tall, wiry-looking man, with a narrow
+forehead, thin lips, and a pointed beard. His dress was of the finest
+mulberry-coloured cloth, turned back with velvet; everything about him
+was rich, handsome, and in good keeping, but without extravagance. His
+manner was dignified, perhaps a little pompous, like that of a man bent
+upon making the most of himself, as he had unquestionably made the most
+of his fortune.
+
+He first addressed Juan, whom he gravely reminded that his father's
+_imprudence_ had left him nothing save that poor ruin of a castle,
+and a few barren acres of rocky ground, at which the boy's eyes
+flashed, and he shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. Don Manuel then
+proceeded, at some length, to extol the noble profession of arms as
+the road to fame and fortune. This kind of language proved much more
+acceptable to his nephew, and looking up, he said promptly, "Yes,
+senor my uncle, I will gladly be a soldier, as all my fathers were."
+
+"Well spoken. And when thou art old enough, I promise to use my
+influence to obtain for thee a good appointment in His Imperial
+Majesty's army. I trust thou wilt honour thine ancient name."
+
+"You may trust me," said Juan, in slow, earnest tones. Then raising his
+head, he went on more rapidly: "Beside his own name, Juan, my father
+gave me that of Rodrigo, borne by the Cid Ruy Diaz, the Campeador,
+meaning no doubt to show--"
+
+"Peace, boy!" Don Miguel interrupted, cutting short the only words
+that his nephew had ever spoken really from his heart in his presence,
+with as much unconsciousness as a countryman might set his foot on a
+glow-worm. "Thou wert never named Rodrigo after thy Cid and his idle
+romances. Thy father called thee so after some madcap friend of his
+own, of whom the less spoken the better."
+
+"My father's friend must have been good and noble, like himself," said
+Juan proudly, almost defiantly.
+
+"Young man," returned Don Manuel severely, and lifting his eyebrows as
+if in surprise at his audacity, "learn that a humbler tone and more
+courteous manners would become thee in the presence of thy superiors."
+Then turning haughtily away from him, he addressed himself to Carlos:
+"As for thee, nephew Carlos, I hear with pleasure of thy progress in
+learning. Fray Sebastian reports of thee that thou hast a good ready
+wit and a retentive memory. Moreover, if I mistake not, sword cuts
+are less in thy way than in thy brother's. The service of Holy Mother
+Church will fit thee like a glove; and let me tell thee, boy, for thou
+art old enough to understand me, 'tis a right good service. Churchmen
+eat well and drink well--churchmen sleep soft--churchmen spend their
+days fingering the gold other folk toil and bleed for. For those who
+have fair interest in high places, and shuffle their own cards deftly,
+there be good fat benefices, comfortable canonries, and perhaps--who
+knows?--a rich bishopric at the end of all; with a matter of ten
+thousand hard ducats, at the least, coming in every year to save or
+spend, or lend, if you like it better."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" said Carlos, who had been gazing in his
+uncle's face, his large blue eyes full of half-incredulous,
+half-uncomprehending wonder.
+
+"Ay, my son, that is about the least. The Archbishop of Seville has
+sixty thousand every year, and more."
+
+"Ten thousand ducats!" Carlos repeated again in a kind of awe-struck
+whisper. "That would buy a ship."
+
+"Yes," said Don Manuel, highly pleased with what he considered an
+indication of precocious intelligence in money matters. "And an
+excellent thought that is of thine, my son. A good ship chartered for
+the Indies, and properly freighted, would bring thee back thy ducats
+_well perfumed_.[1] For a ship is sailing while you are sleeping. As
+the saying is, Let the idle man buy a ship or marry a wife. I perceive
+thou art a youth of much ingenuity. What thinkest thou, then, of the
+Church?"
+
+    [1] With good interest.
+
+Carlos was still too much the child to say anything in answer except,
+"If it please you, senor my uncle, I should like it well."
+
+And thus, with rather more than less consideration of their tastes and
+capacities than was usual at the time, the future of Juan and Carlos
+Alvarez was decided.
+
+When the brothers were alone together, Juan said, "Dolores must have
+been praying Our Lady for us, Carlos. An appointment in the army is
+the very thing for me. I shall perform some great feat of arms, like
+Alphonso Vives, for instance, who took the Duke of Saxony prisoner; I
+shall win fame and promotion, and then come back and ask my uncle for
+the hand of his ward, Dona Beatriz."
+
+"Ah, and I--if I enter the Church, I can never marry," said Carlos
+rather ruefully, and with a vague perception that his brother was to
+have some good thing from which he must be shut out for ever.
+
+"Of course not; but you will not care."
+
+"Never a whit," said the boy of twelve, very confidently. "I shall
+ever have thee, Juan. And all the gold my uncle says churchmen win so
+easily, I will save to buy our ship."
+
+"I will also save, so that one day we may sail together. I will be the
+captain, and thou shalt be the mass-priest, Carlos."
+
+"But I marvel if it be true that churchmen grow rich so fast. The cura
+in the village must be very poor, for Diego told me he took old Pedro's
+cloak because he could not pay the dues for his wife's burial."
+
+"More shame for him, the greedy vulture. Carlos, you and I have each
+half a ducat; let us buy it back."
+
+"With all my heart. It will be worth something to see the old man's
+face."
+
+"The cura is covetous rather than poor," said Juan. "But poor or no, no
+one dreams of _your_ being a beggarly cura like that. It is only vulgar
+fellows of whom they make parish priests in the country. You will get
+some fine preferment, my uncle says. And he ought to know, for he has
+feathered his own nest well."
+
+"Why is he rich when we are poor, Juan? Where does he get all his
+money?"
+
+"The saints know best. He has places under Government. Something about
+the taxes. I think, that he buys and sells again."
+
+"In truth, he's not one to measure oil without getting some on his
+fingers. How different from him our father must have been."
+
+"Yes," said Juan. "_His_ riches, won by his own sword and battle-axe,
+and his good right hand, will be worth having. Ay, and even worth
+seeing; will they not?"
+
+So these children dreamed of the future--that future of which nothing
+was certain, except its unlikeness to their dreams. No thing was
+certain; but what was only too probable? That the brave, free-hearted
+boy, who had never willingly injured any one, and who was ready to
+share his last coin with the poor man, would be hardened and brutalized
+into a soldier of fortune, like those who massacred tribes of trusting,
+unoffending Indians, or burned Flemish cities to the ground, amidst
+atrocities that even now make hearts quail and ears tingle. And yet
+worse, that the fair child beside him, whose life still shone with
+that child-like innocence which is truly the dew of youth, as bright
+and as fleeting, would be turned over, soul and spirit, to a system of
+training too surely calculated to obliterate the sense of truth, to
+deprave the moral taste, to make natural and healthful joys impossible,
+and unlawful and degrading ones fearfully easy and attainable; to teach
+the strong nature the love of power, the mean the love of money, and
+all alike falsehood, cowardice, and cruelty.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IV.
+
+                          Alcala de Henarez.
+
+      "Give me back, give me back the wild freshness of morning,
+       Her tears and her smiles are worth evening's best light."
+
+                                                          MOORE.
+
+
+Few are the lives in which seven years come and go without witnessing
+any great event. But whether they are eventful or no, the years that
+change children into men must necessarily be important. Three years of
+these important seven, Juan and Carlos Alvarez spent in their mountain
+home; the remaining four at the University of Alcala, or Complutum.
+
+The university training was of course needful for the younger brother,
+who was intended for the Church. That the elder was allowed to share
+the privilege, although destined for the profession of arms, was the
+result of circumstances. His guardian, Don Manuel Alvarez, although
+worldly and selfish, still retained a lingering regard for the memory
+of that lost brother whose latest message to him had been, "Have my
+boy carefully educated." And, moreover, he could scarcely have left
+the high-spirited youth to wear out the years that must elapse before
+he could obtain his commission in the dreary solitude of his mountain
+home, with Diego and Dolores for companions, and for sole amusement, a
+horse and a few greyhounds. Better that he should take his chance at
+Alcala, and enjoy himself there as best he might, with no obligation
+to severe study, and but one duty strongly impressed on him--that of
+keeping out of debt.
+
+He derived real benefit from the university training, though no
+academic laurels rested on his brow, nor did he take a degree. Fray
+Sebastian had taught him to read and write, and had even contrived to
+pass him through the Latin grammar, of which he afterwards remembered
+scarcely anything. To have urged him to learn more would have required
+severity only too popular at the time; but this Fray Sebastian was too
+timid, perhaps too prudent, to employ; while of interesting him in his
+studies he never thought. At Alcala, however, he _was_ interested.
+He did not care, indeed, for the ordinary scholastic course; but
+he found in the college library all the books yet written in his
+native language, and it was then the palmy age of Spanish literature.
+Beginning with the poems and romances relating to the history of his
+country, he read through everything; poetry, romance, history, science,
+nothing came amiss to him, except perhaps theology. He studied with
+especial care all that had reference to the story of the New World,
+whither he hoped one day to go. He attended lectures; he even acquired
+Latin enough to learn anything he really wanted to know, and could not
+find except in that language.
+
+Thus, at the end of his four years' residence, he had acquired a good
+deal of useful though somewhat desultory information; and he had gained
+the art of expressing himself in the purest Castilian, by tongue or
+pen, with energy, vigour, and precision.
+
+The sixteenth century gives us many specimens of such men--and
+not a few of them were Spaniards--men of intelligence and general
+cultivation, whose profession was that of arms, but who can handle the
+pen with as much ease and dexterity as the sword; men who could not
+only do valiant deeds, but also describe them when done, and that often
+with singular effectiveness.
+
+With his contemporaries Juan was popular, for his pride was
+inaggressive, and his fiery temper was counterbalanced by great
+generosity of disposition. During his residence at Alcala he fought
+three duels; one to chastise a fellow-student who had called his
+brother "Dona Carlotta," the other two on being provoked by the far
+more serious offence of covert sneers at his father's memory. He also
+caned severely a youth whom he did not think of sufficient rank to
+honour with his sword, merely for observing, when Carlos won a prize
+from him, "Don Carlos Alvarez unites genius and industry, as he would
+need to do, who is the _son of his own good works_." But afterwards,
+when the same student was in danger, through poverty, of having to give
+up his career and return home, Juan stole into his chamber during his
+absence, and furtively deposited four gold ducats (which he could ill
+spare) between the leaves of his breviary.
+
+Far more outwardly successful, but more really disastrous, was the
+academic career of Carlos. As student of theology, most of his days,
+and even some of his nights, were spent over the musty tomes of the
+Schoolmen. Like living water on the desert, his young bright intellect
+was poured out on the dreary sands of scholastic divinity (little else,
+in truth, than "bad metaphysics"), to no appreciable result, except its
+own utter waste. The kindred study of casuistry was even worse than
+waste of intellect; it was positive defilement and degradation. It was
+bad enough to tread with painful steps through roads that led nowhere;
+but it became worse when the roads were miry, and the mud at every step
+clung to the traveller's feet. Though here the parallel must cease; for
+the moral defilement, alas! is most deadly and dangerous when least
+felt or heeded.
+
+Fortunately, or unfortunately, according as we look on the things seen
+or the things not seen, Carlos offered to his instructors admirable
+raw material out of which to fashion a successful, even a great
+Churchman. He came to them a stripling of fifteen, innocent, truthful,
+affectionate. He had "parts," as they styled them, and singularly good
+ones. He had just the acute perception, the fine and ready wit, which
+enabled him to cut his way through scholastic subtleties and conceits
+with ease and credit. And, to do his teachers justice, they sharpened
+his intellectual weapon well, until its temper grew as exquisite as
+that of the scimitar of Saladin, which could divide a gauze kerchief by
+the thread at a single blow. But how would it fare with such a weapon,
+and with him who, having proved no other, could wield only that, in the
+great conflict with the Dragon that guarded the golden apples of truth?
+The question is idle, for truth was a luxury of which Carlos was not
+taught to dream. To find truth, to think truth, to speak truth, to act
+truth, was not placed before him as an object worth his attainment. Not
+the _True_, but the _Best_, was always held up to him as the mark to be
+aimed at: the best for the Church, the best for his family, the best
+for himself.
+
+He had much imagination, he was quick in invention and ready in
+expedients; good gifts in themselves, but very perilous where the
+sense of truth is lacking, or blunted. He was timid, as sensitive and
+reflective natures are apt to be, perhaps also from physical causes.
+And in those rough ages, the Church offered almost the only path in
+which the timid man could not only escape infamy, but actually attain
+to honour. In her service a strong head could more than atone for
+weak nerves. Power, fame, wealth, might be gained in abundance by
+the Churchman without stirring from his cell or chapel, or facing a
+single drawn sword or loaded musket. Always provided that his subtle,
+cultivated intellect could guide the rough hands that wielded the
+swords, or, better still, the crowned head that commanded them.
+
+There may have been even then at that very university (there certainly
+were a few years earlier), a little band of students who had quite
+other aims, and who followed other studies than those from which Carlos
+hoped to reap worldly success and fame. These youths really desired
+to find the truth and to keep it; and therefore they turned from
+the pages of the Fathers and the Schoolmen to the Scriptures in the
+original languages. But the "Biblists," as they were called, were few
+and obscure. Carlos did not, during his whole term of residence, come
+in contact with any of them. The study of Hebrew, and even of Greek,
+was by this time discouraged; the breath of calumny had blown upon it,
+linking it with all that was horrible in the eyes of Spanish Catholics,
+summed up in the one word, heresy. Carlos never even dreamed of any
+excursion out of the beaten path marked out for him, and which he was
+travelling so successfully as to distance nearly all his competitors.
+
+Both Juan and Carlos still clung fondly to their early dream; though
+their wider knowledge had necessarily modified some of its details.
+Carlos, at least, was not quite so confident as he had once been about
+the existence of El Dorado; but he was as fully determined as Juan to
+search out the mystery of their father's fate, and either to clasp his
+living hand, or to stand beside his grave. The love of the brothers,
+and their trust in each other, had only strengthened with their years,
+and was beautiful to witness.
+
+Occasional journeys to Seville, and brief intervals of making holiday
+there, varied the monotony of their college life, and were not without
+important results.
+
+It was the summer of 1556. The great Carlos, so lately King and Kaiser,
+had laid down the heavy burden of sovereignty, and would soon be on his
+way to pleasant San Yuste, to mortify the flesh, and prepare for his
+approaching end, as the world believed; but in reality to eat, drink,
+and enjoy himself as well as his worn-out body and mind would allow
+him. Just then our young Juan, healthy, hearty, hopeful, and with the
+world before him, received the long wished-for appointment in the army
+of the new King of all the Spains, Don Felipe Segunde.
+
+The brothers have eaten their last temperate meal together, in their
+handsome, though not very comfortable, lodging at Alcala. Juan pushes
+away the wine-cup that Carlos would fain have refilled, and toys
+absently with the rind of a melon. "Carlos," he says, without looking
+his brother in the face, "remember that thing of which we spoke;"
+adding in lower and more earnest tones, "and so may God remember thee."
+
+"Surely, brother. You have, however, little to fear."
+
+"Little to fear!" and there was the old quick flash in the dark eyes.
+"Because, forsooth, to spare my aunt's selfishness and my cousin's
+vanity, she must not be seen at dance, or theatre, or bull-feast? It is
+enough for her to show her face on the Alameda or at mass to raise me
+up a host of rivals."
+
+"Still, my uncle favours you; and Dona Beatriz herself will not be
+found of a different mind when you come home with your promotion and
+your glory, as you will, my Ruy!"
+
+"Then, brother, watch thou in my absence, and fail not to speak the
+right word at the right moment, as thou canst so well. So shall I hold
+myself at ease, and give my whole mind to the noble task of breaking
+the heads of all the enemies of my liege lord the king."
+
+Then, rising from the table, he girt on his new Toledo sword with its
+embroidered belt, threw over his shoulders his short scarlet cloak, and
+flung a gay velvet montero over his rich black curls. Don Carlos went
+out with him, and mounting the horses a lad from their country-home
+held in readiness, they rode together down the street and through the
+gate of Alcala; Don Juan followed by many an admiring gaze, and many a
+hearty "Vaya con Dios,"[2] from his late companions.
+
+    [2] Go with God.
+
+
+
+
+                                  V.
+
+                      Don Carlos forgets himself.
+
+      "A fair face and a tender voice had made me mad and blind."
+
+                                              E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Carlos Alvarez found Alcala, after his brother's departure,
+insupportably dull; moreover, he had now almost finished his brilliant
+university career. As soon, therefore, as he could, he took his degree
+as Licentiate of Theology. He then wrote to inform his uncle of the
+fact; adding that he would be glad to spend part of the interval that
+must elapse before his ordination at Seville, where he might attend
+the lectures of the celebrated Fray Constantino Ponce de la Fuente,
+Professor of Divinity in the College of Doctrine in that city. But, in
+fact, a desire to fulfil his brother's last charge weighed more with
+him than an eagerness for further instruction; especially as rumours
+that his watchfulness was not unnecessary had reached his ears at
+Alcala.
+
+He received a prompt and kind invitation from his uncle to make his
+house his home for as long a period as he might desire. Now, although
+Don Manuel was highly pleased with the genius and industry of his
+younger nephew, the hospitality he extended to him was not altogether
+disinterested. He thought Carlos capable of rendering what he deemed an
+essential service to a member of his own family.
+
+That family consisted of a beautiful, gay, frivolous wife, three sons,
+two daughters, and his wife's orphan niece, Dona Beatriz de Lavella.
+The two elder sons were cast in their father's mould; which, to speak
+truth, was rather that of a merchant than of a cavalier. Had he been
+born of simple parents in the flats of Holland or the back streets of
+London, a vulgar Hans or Thomas, his tastes and capabilities might have
+brought him honest wealth. But since he had the misfortune to be Don
+Manuel Alvarez, of the bluest blood in Spain, he was taught to look on
+industry as ineffably degrading, and trade and commerce scarcely less
+so. Only one species of trade, one kind of commerce, was open to the
+needy and avaricious, but proud grandee. Unhappily it was almost the
+only kind that is really degrading--the traffic in public money, in
+places, and in taxes. "A sweeping rain leaving no food," such traffic
+was, in truth. The Government was defrauded; the people, especially the
+poorer classes, were cruelly oppressed. No one was enriched except the
+greedy jobber, whose birth rendered him infinitely too proud to work,
+but by no means too proud to cheat and steal.
+
+Don Manuel the younger, and Don Balthazar Alvarez, were ready and
+longing to tread in their father's footsteps. Of the two pale-faced
+dark-eyed sisters, Dona Inez and Dona Sancha, one was already married,
+and the other had also plans satisfactory to her parents. But the
+person in the family who was not of it was the youngest son, Don
+Gonsalvo. He was the representative, not of his father, but of his
+grandfather; as we so often see types of character reproduced in the
+third generation. The first Conde de Nuera had been a wild soldier of
+fortune in the Moorish wars, fierce and fiery, with strong unbridled
+passions. At eighteen, Gonsalvo was his image; and there was scarcely
+any mischief possible to a youth of fortune in a great city, into
+which he had not already found his way. For two years he continued to
+scandalize his family, and to vex the soul of his prudent and decorous
+father.
+
+Suddenly, however, a change came over him. He reformed; became
+quiet and regular in his conduct; gave himself up to study, making
+extraordinary progress in a very short time; and even showed what those
+around him called "a pious disposition." But these hopeful appearances
+passed as suddenly and as unaccountably as they came. After an interval
+of less than a year, he returned to his former habits, and plunged even
+more madly than ever into all kinds of vice and dissipation.
+
+His father resolved to procure him a commission, and send him away to
+the wars. But an accident frustrated his intentions. In those days,
+cavaliers of rank frequently sought the dangerous triumphs of the
+bull-ring. The part of matador was performed, not, as now, by hired
+bravos of the lowest class, but often by scions of the most honourable
+houses. Gonsalvo had more than once distinguished himself in the bloody
+arena by courage and coolness. But he tempted his fate too often. Upon
+one occasion he was flung violently from his horse, and then gored by
+the furious bull, whose rage had been excited to the utmost pitch by
+the cruel arts usually practised. He escaped with life, but remained
+a crippled invalid, apparently condemned for the rest of his days to
+inaction, weakness, and suffering.
+
+His father thought a good canonry would be a decent and comfortable
+provision for him, and pressed him accordingly to enter the Church. But
+the invalided youth manifested an intense repugnance to the step; and
+Don Manuel hoped that the influence of Carlos would help to overcome
+this feeling; believing that he would gladly endeavour to persuade his
+cousin that no way of life was so pleasant or so easy as that which he
+himself was about to adopt.
+
+The good nature of Carlos led him to fall heartily into his uncle's
+plans. He really pitied his cousin, moreover, and gladly gave himself
+to the task of trying in every possible way to console and amuse him.
+But Gonsalvo rudely repelled all his efforts. In his eyes the destined
+priest was half a woman, with no knowledge of a man's aims or a man's
+passions, and consequently no right to speak of them.
+
+"Turn priest!" he said to him one day; "I have as good a mind to turn
+Turk. Nay, cousin, I am not pious--you may present my orisons to Our
+Lady with your own, if it so please you. Perhaps she may attend to them
+better than to those I offered before entering the bull-ring on that
+unlucky day of St. Thomas."
+
+Carlos, though not particularly devout, was shocked by this language.
+
+"Take care, cousin," he said; "your words sound rather like blasphemy."
+
+"And yours sound like the words of what you are, half a priest
+already," retorted Gonsalvo. "It is ever the priest's cry, if you
+displease him, 'Open heresy!' 'Rank blasphemy!' And next, 'the Holy
+Office, and a yellow Sanbenito.' I marvel it did not occur to your
+sanctity to menace me with that."
+
+The gentle-tempered Carlos did not answer; a forbearance which further
+exasperated Gonsalvo, who hated nothing so much as being, on account of
+his infirmities, borne with like a woman or a child. "But the saints
+help the Churchmen," he went on ironically. "Good simple souls, they do
+not know even their own business! Else they would smell heresy close
+enough at hand. What doctrine does your Fray Constantino preach in the
+great Church every feast-day, since they made him canon-magistral?"
+
+"The most orthodox and Catholic doctrine, and no other," said Carlos,
+roused, in his turn, by the attack upon his teacher; though he did
+not greatly care for his instructions, which turned principally upon
+subjects about which he had learned little or nothing in the schools.
+"But to hear thee discuss doctrine is to hear a blind man talking of
+colours."
+
+"If I be the blind man talking of colours, thou art the deaf prating of
+music," retorted his cousin. "Come and tell me, if thou canst, what
+are these doctrines of thy Fray Constantino, and wherein they differ
+from the Lutheran heresy? I wager my gold chain and medal against thy
+new velvet cloak, that thou wouldst fall thyself into as many heresies
+by the way as there are nuts in Barcelona."
+
+Allowing for Gonsalvo's angry exaggeration, there was some truth in his
+assertion. Once out of the region of dialectic subtleties, the champion
+of the schools would have become weak as another man. And he could
+not have expounded Fray Constantino's preaching;--because he did not
+understand it.
+
+"What, cousin!" he exclaimed, affronted in his tenderest part,
+his reputation as a theological scholar. "Dost thou take me for a
+barefooted friar or a village cura? Me, who only two months ago was
+crowned victor in a debate upon the doctrines taught by Raymondus
+Lullius!"
+
+But whatever chagrin Carlos may have felt at finding himself utterly
+unable to influence Gonsalvo, was soon effectually banished by the
+delight with which he watched the success of his diplomacy with Dona
+Beatriz.
+
+Beatriz was almost a child in years, and entirely a child in mind and
+character. Hitherto, she had been studiously kept in the background,
+lest her brilliant beauty should throw her cousins into the shade.
+Indeed, she would probably have been consigned to a convent, had not
+her portion been too small to furnish the donative usually bestowed by
+the friends of a novice upon any really aristocratic establishment.
+"And pity would it have been," thought Carlos, "that so fair a flower
+should wither in a convent garden."
+
+He made the most of the limited opportunities of intercourse which the
+ceremonious manners of the time and country afforded, even to inmates
+of the same house. He would stand beside her chair, and watch the
+quick flush mount to her olive, delicately-rounded cheek, as he talked
+eloquently of the absent Juan. He was never tired of relating stories
+of Juan's prowess, Juan's generosity. In the last duel he fought, for
+instance, the ball had passed through his cap and grazed his head. But
+he only smiled, and re-arranged his locks, remarking, while he did so,
+that with the addition of a gold chain and medal, the spoiled cap would
+be as good, or better than ever. Then he would dilate on his kindness
+to the vanquished; rejoicing in the effect produced, a tribute as well
+to his own eloquence as to his brother's merit. The occupation was
+too fascinating not to be resorted to once and again, even had he not
+persuaded himself that he was fulfilling a sacred duty.
+
+Moreover, he soon discovered that the bright dark eyes which were
+beginning to visit him nightly in his dreams, were pining all day for
+a sight of that gay world from which their owner was jealously and
+selfishly excluded. So he managed to procure for Dona Beatriz many a
+pleasure of the kind she most valued. He prevailed upon his aunt and
+cousins to bring her with them to places of public resort; and then he
+was always at hand, with the reverence of a loyal cavalier, and the
+freedom of a destined priest, to render her every quiet unobtrusive
+service in his power. At the theatre, at the dance, at the numerous
+Church ceremonies, on the promenade, Dona Beatriz was his especial
+charge.
+
+Amidst such occupations, pleasant weeks and months glided by almost
+unnoticed by him. Never before had he been so happy. "Alcala was well
+enough," he thought; "but Seville is a thousand times better. All my
+life heretofore seems to me only like a dream, now I am awake."
+
+Alas! he was not awake, but wrapped in a deep sleep, and cradling a
+bright delusive vision. As yet he was not even "as those that dream,
+and know the while they dream." His slumber was too profound even for
+this dim half-consciousness.
+
+No one suspected, any more than he suspected himself, the enchantment
+that was stealing over him. But every one remarked his frank, genial
+manners, his cheerfulness, his good looks. Naturally, the name of Juan
+dropped gradually more and more out of his conversation; as at the same
+time the thought of Juan faded from his mind. His studies, too, were
+neglected; his attendance upon the lectures of Fray Constantino became
+little more than a formality; while "receiving Orders" seemed a remote
+if not an uncertain contingency. In fact, he lived in the present, not
+caring to look either at the past or the future.
+
+In the very midst of his intoxication, at slight incident affected him
+for a moment with such a chill as we feel when, on a warm spring day,
+the sun passes suddenly behind a cloud.
+
+His cousin, Dona Inez, had been married more than a year to a wealthy
+gentleman of Seville, Don Garcia Ramirez. Carlos, calling one morning
+at the lady's house with some unimportant message from Dona Beatriz,
+found her in great trouble on account of the sudden illness of her babe.
+
+"Shall I go and fetch a physician?" he asked, knowing well that Spanish
+servants can never be depended upon to make haste, however great the
+emergency may be.
+
+"You will do a great kindness, amigo mio," said the anxious young
+mother.
+
+"But which shall I summon?" asked Carlos. "Our family physician, or Don
+Garcia's?"
+
+"Don Garcia's, by all means,--Dr. Cristobal Losada. I would not give a
+green fig for any other in Seville. Do you know his dwelling?"
+
+"Yes. But should he be absent or engaged?"
+
+"I must have him. Him, and no other. Once before he saved my darling's
+life. And if my poor brother would but consult him, it might fare
+better with him. Go quickly, cousin, and fetch him, in Heaven's name."
+
+Carlos lost no time in complying; but on reaching the dwelling of the
+physician, found that though the hour was early he had already gone
+forth. After leaving a message, he went to visit a friend in the Triana
+suburb. He passed close by the Cathedral, with its hundred pinnacles,
+and that wonder of beauty, the old Moorish Giralda, soaring far up
+above it into the clear southern sky. It occurred to him that a few
+Aves said within for the infant's recovery would be both a benefit to
+the child and a comfort to the mother. So he entered, and was making
+his way to a gaudy tinselled Virgin and Babe, when, happening to glance
+towards a different part of the building, his eyes rested on the
+physician, with whose person he was well acquainted, as he had often
+noticed him amongst Fray Constantino's hearers. Losada was now pacing
+up and down one of the side aisles, in company with a gentleman of very
+distinguished appearance.
+
+As Carlos drew nearer, it occurred to him that he had never seen this
+personage in any place of public resort, and for this reason, as well
+as from certain slight indications in his dress of fashions current
+in the north of Spain, he gathered that he was a stranger in Seville,
+who might be visiting the Cathedral from motives of curiosity. Before
+he came up the two men paused in their walk, and turning their backs
+to him, stood gazing thoughtfully at the hideous row of red and yellow
+Sanbenitos, or penitential garments, that hung above them.
+
+"Surely," thought Carlos, "they might find better objects of
+attention than these ugly memorials of sin and shame, which bear
+witness that their late miserable wearers--Jews, Moors, blasphemers,
+or sorcerers,--have ended their dreary lives of penance, if not of
+penitence."
+
+The attention of the stranger seemed to be particularly attracted
+by one of them, the largest of all. Indeed, Carlos himself had been
+struck by its unusual size; and upon one occasion he had even had the
+curiosity to read the inscription, which he remembered because it
+contained Juan's favourite name, Rodrigo. It was this: "Rodrigo Valer,
+a citizen of Lebrixa and Seville; an apostate and false apostle, who
+pretended to be sent from God." And now, as he approached with light
+though hasty footsteps, he distinctly heard Dr. Cristobal Losada, still
+looking at the Sanbenito, say to his companion, "Yes, senor; and also
+the Conde de Nuera, Don Juan Alvarez."
+
+Don Juan Alvarez! What possible tie could link his father's name with
+the hideous thing they were gazing at? And what could the physician
+know about him of whom his own children knew so little? Carlos stood
+amazed, and pale with sudden emotion.
+
+And thus the physician saw him, happening to turn at that moment. Had
+he not exerted all his presence of mind (and he possessed a great
+deal), he would himself have started visibly. The unexpected appearance
+of the person of whom we speak is in itself disconcerting; but it
+deserves another name when we are saying that of him or his which, if
+overheard, might endanger life, or what is more precious still than
+life. Losada was equal to the occasion, however. The usual greetings
+having been exchanged, he asked quietly whether Senor Don Carlos had
+come in search of him, and hoped that he did not owe the honour to any
+indisposition in his worship's noble family.
+
+Carlos felt it rather a relief, under the circumstances, to have to
+say that his cousin's babe was alarmingly ill. "You will do us a great
+favour," he added, "by coming immediately. Dona Inez is very anxious."
+
+The physician promised compliance; and turning to his companion,
+respectfully apologized for leaving him abruptly.
+
+"A sick child's claim must not be postponed," said the stranger in
+reply. "Go, senor doctor, and God's blessing rest on your skill."
+
+Carlos was struck by the noble bearing and courteous manner of the
+stranger, who, in his turn, was interested by the young man's anxiety
+about a sick babe. But with only a passing glance at the other, each
+went his different way, not dreaming that once again at least their
+paths were destined to cross.
+
+The strange mention of his father's name that he had overheard filled
+the heart of Carlos with undefined uneasiness. He knew enough by that
+time to feel his childish belief in his father's stainless virtue
+a little shaken. What if a dreadful unexplained something, linking
+his fate with that of a convicted heretic, were yet to be learned?
+After all, the accursed arts of magic and sorcery were not so far
+removed from the alchemist's more legitimate labours, that a rash
+or presumptuous student might not very easily slide from one into
+the other. He had reason to believe that his father had played with
+alchemy, if he had not seriously devoted himself to its study. Nay, the
+thought had sometimes flashed unbidden across his mind that the "El
+Dorado" found might after all have been no other than the philosopher's
+stone. For he who has attained the power of producing gold at will may
+surely be said, without any stretch of metaphor, to have discovered a
+golden country. But at this period of his life the personal feelings of
+Carlos were so keen and absorbing that almost everything, consciously
+or unconsciously, was referred to them. And thus it was that an intense
+wish sprang up in his heart, that his father's secret might have
+descended to _him_.
+
+Vain wish! The gold he needed or desired must be procured from a
+less inaccessible region than El Dorado, and without the aid of the
+philosopher's stone.
+
+
+
+
+                                  VI.
+
+               Don Carlos forgets Himself still further.
+
+  "The not so very false, as falsehood goes,--
+  The spinning out and drawing fine, you know;
+  Really mere novel-writing, of a sort,
+  Acting, improvising, make-believe,--
+  Surely not downright cheatery!"
+
+                                           R. BROWNING
+
+
+It cost Carlos some time and trouble to drive away the haunting
+thoughts which Losada's words had awakened. But he succeeded at length;
+or perhaps it would be more truthful to say the bright eyes and
+witching smiles of Dona Beatriz accomplished the work for him.
+
+Every dream, however, must have a waking. Sometimes a slight sound,
+ludicrously trivial in its cause, dispels a slumber fraught with
+wondrous visions, in which we have been playing the part of kings and
+emperors.
+
+"Nephew Don Carlos," said Don Manuel one day, "is it not time you
+thought of shaving your head? You are learned enough for your Orders
+long ago, and 'in a plentiful house supper is soon dressed.'"
+
+"True, senor my uncle," murmured Carlos, looking suddenly aghast. "But
+I am under the canonical age."
+
+"But you can get a dispensation."
+
+"Why such haste? There is time yet and to spare."
+
+"That is not so sure. I hear the cura of San Lucar has one foot in the
+grave. The living is a good one, and I think I know where to go for it.
+So take care you lose not a heifer for want of a halter to hold it by."
+
+With these words on his lips, Don Manuel went out. At the same moment
+Gonsalvo, who lay listlessly on a sofa at one end of the room, or
+rather court, reading "Lazarillo de Tormes," the first Spanish novel,
+burst into a loud paroxysm of laughter.
+
+"What may be the theme of your merriment?" asked Carlos, turning his
+large dreamy eyes languidly towards him.
+
+"Yourself, amigo mio. You would make the stone saints of the Cathedral
+laugh on their pedestals. There you stand, pale as marble, a living
+image of despair. Come, rouse yourself! What do you mean to do? Will
+you take what you wish, or let your chance slip by, and then sit and
+weep because you have it not? Will you be a _priest_ or a _man_? Make
+your choice this hour, for one you must be, and both you cannot be."
+
+Carlos answered him not; in truth, he dared not answer him. Every word
+was the voice of his own heart; perhaps it was also, though he knew it
+not, the voice of the great tempter. He withdrew to his chamber, and
+barred and bolted himself in it. This was the first time in his life
+that solitude was a necessity to him. His uncle's words had brought
+with them a terrible revelation. He knew himself now too well; he knew
+what he loved, what he desired, or rather what he hungered and thirsted
+for with agonizing intensity. No; never the priest's frock for him. He
+must call Dona Beatriz de Lavella his--his before God's altar--or die.
+
+Then came a thought, stinging him with sharp, sudden pain. It was a
+thought that should have come to him long ago,--"Juan!" And with the
+name, affection, memory, conscience, rose up together within him to
+combat the mad resolve of his passion.
+
+Fiery passions slumbered in the heart of Carlos. Such are sometimes
+found united with a gentle temper, a weak will, and sensitive nerves.
+Woe to their possessor when they are aroused in their strength!
+
+Had Carlos been a plain soldier, like the brother he was tempted to
+betray, it is possible he might have come forth from this terrible
+conflict still holding fast his honour and his brotherly affection.
+It was his priestly training that turned the scale. He had been
+taught that simple truth between man and man was a thing of little
+consequence. He had been taught the art of making a hundred clever,
+plausible excuses for whatever he saw best to do. He had been taught,
+in short, every species of sophistry by which, to the eyes of others,
+and to his own also, wrong might be made to seem right, and black to
+appear the purest white.
+
+His subtle imagination forged in the fire of his kindled passions
+chains of reasoning in which no skill could detect a flaw. Juan had
+never loved as he did; Juan would not care; probably by this time he
+had forgotten Dona Beatriz. "Besides," the tempter whispered furtively
+within him, "he might never return at all; he might die in battle."
+But Carlos was not yet sunk so low as to give ear for a single instant
+to this wicked whisper; though certainly he could not henceforth look
+for his brother's return with the joy with which he had been wont to
+anticipate that event. But, in any case, Beatriz herself should be the
+judge between them. And he told himself that he knew (how did he know
+it?) that Beatriz preferred _him_. Then it would be only right and kind
+to prepare Juan for an inevitable disappointment. This he could easily
+do. Letters, carefully written, might gradually suggest to his brother
+that Beatriz had other views; and he knew Juan's pride and his fiery
+temper well enough to calculate that if his jealousy were once aroused,
+these would soon accomplish the rest.
+
+Ere we, who have been taught from our cradles to "speak the truth from
+the heart," turn with loathing from the wiles of Carlos Alvarez, we
+ought to remember that he was a Spaniard--one of a nation whose genius
+and passion is for intrigue. He was also a Spaniard of the sixteenth
+century; but, above all, he was a Spanish Catholic, educated for the
+priesthood.
+
+The ability with which he laid his plans, and the enjoyment which its
+exercise gave him, served in itself to blind him to the treachery and
+ingratitude upon which those plans were founded.
+
+He sought an interview with Fray Constantino, and implored from him a
+letter of recommendation to the imperial recluse at San Yuste, whose
+chaplain and personal favourite the canon-magistral had been. But
+that eloquent preacher, though warm-hearted and generous to a fault,
+hesitated to grant the request. He represented to Carlos that His
+Imperial Majesty did not choose his retreat to be invaded by applicants
+for favours, and that the journey to San Yuste would therefore be, in
+all probability, worse than useless. Carlos answered that he had fully
+weighed the difficulties of the case; but that if the line of conduct
+he adopted seemed peculiar, his circumstances were so also. He believed
+that his father (who died before his birth) had enjoyed the special
+regard of His Imperial Majesty, and he hoped that, for his sake, he
+might now be willing to show him some kindness. At all events, he was
+sure of an introduction to his presence through his mayor-domo, Don
+Luis Quixada, lord of Villagarcia, who was a friend of their house.
+What he desired to obtain, through the kindness of His Imperial
+Majesty, was a Latin secretaryship, or some similar office, at the
+court of the new king, where his knowledge of Latin, and the talents he
+hoped he possessed, might stand him in good stead, and enable him to
+support, though with modesty, the station to which his birth entitled
+him. For, although already a licentiate of theology, and with good
+prospects in the Church, he did not wish to take orders, as he had
+thoughts of marrying.
+
+Fray Constantino felt a sympathy with the young man; and perhaps the
+rather because, if report speaks true, he had once been himself in a
+somewhat similar position. So he compromised matters by giving him a
+general letter of recommendation, in which he spoke of his talents and
+his blameless manners as warmly as he could, from the experience of
+the nine or ten months during which he had been acquainted with him.
+And although the attention paid by Carlos to his instructions had been
+slight, and of late almost perfunctory, his great natural intelligence
+had enabled him to stand his ground more creditably than many far more
+diligent students. The Fray's letter Carlos thankfully added to the
+numerous laudatory epistles from the doctors and professors of Alcala
+that he already had in his possession.
+
+All these he enclosed in a cedar box, which he carefully locked, and
+consigned in its turn to a travelling portmanteau, along with a fair
+stock of wearing apparel, sufficiently rich in material to suit his
+rank, but modest in colour and fashion. He then informed his uncle that
+before he took Orders it would be necessary for him, in his brother's
+absence, to take a journey to their little estate, and set its concerns
+in order.
+
+His uncle, suspecting nothing, approved his plan, and insisted on
+providing him with the attendance of an armed guard to Nuera, whither
+he really intended to go in the first instance.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VII.
+
+                             The Desengano
+
+  "And I should evermore be vexed with thee
+  In vacant robe, or hanging ornament,
+  Or ghostly foot-fall lingering on the stair."
+
+                                      TENNYSON
+
+
+The journey from the city of oranges to the green slopes of the Sierra
+Morena ought to have been a delightful one to Don Carlos Alvarez. It
+was certainly bright with hope. He scarcely harboured a doubt of the
+ultimate success of his plans, and the consequent attainment of all his
+wishes. Already he seemed to feel the soft hand of Dona Beatriz in his,
+and to stand by her side before the high altar of the great Cathedral.
+
+And yet, as days passed on, the brightness within grew fainter, and
+an acknowledged shadow, ever deepening, began to take its place. At
+last he drew near his home, and rode through the little grove of
+cork-trees where he and Juan had played as children. When last they
+were there together the autumn winds were strewing the leaves, all dim
+and discoloured, about their paths. Now he looked through the fresh
+green foliage at the deep intense blue of the summer sky. But, though
+scarcely more than twenty, he felt at that moment old and worn, and
+wished back the time of his boyish sports with his brother. Never
+again could he feel quite happy with Juan.
+
+Soon, however, his sorrowful fancies were put to flight by the
+joyous greeting of the hounds, who rushed with much clamour from the
+castle-yard to welcome him. There they were, all of them--Pedro, Zina,
+Pepe, Grullo, Butron--it was Juan who had named them, every one. And
+there, at the gate, stood Diego and Dolores, ready to give him joyful
+welcome. Throwing himself from his horse, he shook hands with these
+faithful old retainers, and answered their kindly but respectful
+inquiries both for himself and Senor Don Juan. Then, having caressed
+the dogs, inquired for each of the under-servants by name, and given
+orders for the due entertainment of his guard, he passed on slowly into
+the great deserted hall.
+
+His arrival being unexpected, he merely surrendered his travelling
+cloak into the hands of Diego, and sat down to wait patiently while the
+servants, always dilatory, prepared for him suitable accommodation.
+Dolores soon appeared with a flask of wine and some bread and grapes;
+but this was only a _merienda_, or slight afternoon luncheon, which
+she laid before her young master until she could make ready a supper
+fit for him to partake of. Carlos spent half an hour listening to her
+tidings of the household and the village, and felt sorry when she
+quitted the room and left him to his own reflections.
+
+Every object on which his eyes rested reminded him of his brother.
+There hung the cross-bow with which, in old days, Juan had made such
+vigorous war on the rooks and the sparrows. There lay the foils and
+the canes with which they had so often fenced and played; Juan, in his
+unquestioned superiority, usually so patient with the younger brother's
+timidity and awkwardness. And upon that bench he had carved, with a
+hunting-knife, his name in full, adding the title that had expired with
+his father, "Conde de Nuera."
+
+The memories these things recalled were becoming intrusive; he would
+fain shake them off. Gladly would he have had recourse to his favourite
+pastime of reading, but there was not a book in the castle, to his
+knowledge, except the breviary he had brought with him. For lack of
+more congenial occupation, he went out at last to the stable to look at
+the horses, and to talk to those who were grooming and feeding them.
+
+Later in the evening Dolores told him that supper was ready, adding
+that she had laid it in the small inner room, which she thought Senor
+Don Carlos would find more comfortable than the great hall.
+
+That inner room was, even more than the hall, haunted by the shadowy
+presence of Juan. But it was usually daylight when the brothers were
+there together. Now, a tapestry curtain shaded the window, and a silver
+lamp shed its light on the well-spread table with its snowy drapery,
+and cover laid for one.
+
+A lonely meal, however luxurious, is always apt to be somewhat dreary;
+it seems a provision for the lowest wants of our nature, and nothing
+more. Carlos sought to escape from the depressing influence by giving
+wings to his imagination, and dreaming of the time when wealth enough
+to repair and refurnish that half-ruinous old homestead might be his.
+He pleased himself with pictures of the long tables in the great hall,
+groaning beneath the weight of a bountiful provision for a merry
+company of guests, upon whom the sweet face of Dona Beatriz might
+beam a welcome. But how idle such fancies! The castle, after all, was
+Juan's, not his. Unless, indeed, more difficulties than one should
+be solved by Juan's death upon some French or Flemish battle-field.
+This thought he could not bear to entertain. Grown suddenly sick at
+heart, he pushed aside his plate of stewed pigeon, and, regardless
+of the feelings of Dolores, sent away untasted her dessert of sweet
+butter-cakes dipped in honey. He was weary, he said, and he would go to
+rest at once.
+
+It was long before sleep would visit his eyelids; and when at last
+it came, his brother's dark reproachful eyes haunted him still. At
+daybreak he awoke with a start from a feverish dream that Juan, all
+pale and ghostlike, had come to his bedside, and laying his hand on his
+arm, said solemnly, "I claim the jewel I left thee in trust."
+
+Further sleep was impossible. He rose, and wandered out into the fresh
+air. As yet no one was astir. Fair and sweet was all that met his gaze:
+the faint pearly light, the first blush of dawn in the quiet sky, the
+silvery dew that bathed his footsteps. But the storm within raged more
+fiercely for the calm without. There was first an agonizing struggle
+to repress the rising thought, "Better, after all, _not_ to do this
+thing." But, in spite of his passionate efforts, the thought gained a
+hearing, it seemed to cry aloud within him, "Better, after all, not to
+betray Juan!" "And give up Beatriz for ever? _For ever!_" he repeated
+over and over again, beating it
+
+      "In upon his weary brain,
+  As though it were the burden of a song."
+
+He had climbed, almost unawares, to the top of a rocky hill; and now
+he stood, looking around him at the prospect, just as if he saw it.
+In truth, he saw nothing, felt nothing outward, until at last a misty
+mountain rain swept in his face, refreshing his burning brow with a
+touch as of cool fingers.
+
+Then he descended mechanically. Exchanging salutations (as if nothing
+were amiss with him) with the milk-maid and the wood-boy, he crossed
+the open courtyard and re-entered the hall. There Dolores, and a girl
+who worked under her, were already busy, so he passed by them into the
+inner room.
+
+Its darkness seemed to stifle him; with hasty hand he drew aside the
+heavy tapestry curtain. As he did so something caught his eye. For the
+hundredth time he re-read the mystic inscription on the glass:
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo he trovado."
+
+And, as an infant's touch may open a sluice that lets in the mighty
+ocean, those simple words broke up the fountains of the great deep
+within. He gave full course to the emotions they awakened. Again he
+heard Juan's voice repeat them; again he saw Juan's deep earnest eyes
+look into his; not now reproachfully, but with full unshaken trust, as
+in the old days when first he said, "We will go forth together and find
+our father."
+
+"Juan--brother!" he cried aloud, "I will never wrong thee, so help
+me God!" At that moment the morning sun, having scattered the mists
+with the glory of its rising, sent one of its early beams to kiss the
+handwriting on the window-pane. "Old token for good," thought Carlos,
+whose imaginative nature could play with fancies even in the hours of
+supreme emotion. "And true still even yet. Only the good is all for
+Juan; for me--nothing but despair."
+
+And so Don Carlos found his "desengano," or disenchantment, and it was
+a very thorough one.
+
+Body and mind were well-nigh exhausted with the violence of the
+struggle. Perhaps this was fortunate, in so far that it won for the
+decision of his better nature a more rapid and easy acceptance. In
+a sense and for a season any decision was welcome to the weary,
+tempest-tossed soul.
+
+It was afterwards that he asked himself how were long years to be
+dragged on without the face that was the joy of his heart and the life
+of his life? How was he to bear the never-ending pain, the aching
+loneliness, of such a lot? Better to die at once than to endure this
+slow, living death. He knew well that it was not in his nature to point
+the pistol or the dagger at his own breast. But he might pine away and
+die silently--as many thousands die--of blighted hopes and a ruined
+life. Or--and this was more likely, perhaps--as time passed on he
+might grow dead and hard in soul; until at last he would become a dry,
+cold, mechanical mass-priest, mumbling the Church's Latin with thin,
+bloodless lips, a keen eye to his dues, and a heart that might serve
+for a Church relic, so much faith would it require to believe that it
+had been warm and living once.
+
+Still, laudably anxious to provide against possible future waverings
+of the decision so painfully attained, he wrote informing his uncle
+of his safe arrival; adding that he had fully made up his mind to
+take Orders at Christmas, but that he found it advisable to remain in
+his present quarters for a month or two. He at once dispatched two of
+the men-at-arms with the letter; and much was the thrifty Don Manuel
+surprised that his nephew should spend a handful of silver reals in
+order to inform him of what he knew already.
+
+Gloomily the day wore on. The instinctive reserve of a sensitive nature
+made Carlos talk to the servants, receive the accounts, inspect the
+kine and sheep--do everything, in short, except eat and drink--as he
+would have done if a great sorrow had not all the time been crushing
+his heart. It is true that Dolores, who loved him as her own son, was
+not deceived. It was for no trivial cause that the young master was
+pale as a corpse, restless and irritable, talking hurriedly by fitful
+snatches, and then relapsing into moody silence. But Dolores was a
+prudent woman, as well as a loving and faithful one; therefore she held
+her peace, and bided her time.
+
+But Carlos noticed one effort she made to console him. Coming in
+towards evening from a consultation with Diego about some cork-trees
+which a Morisco merchantman wished to purchase and cut down, he saw
+upon his table a carefully sealed wine-flask, with a cup beside it. He
+knew whence it came. His father had left in the cellar a small quantity
+of choice wine of Xeres; and this relic of more prosperous times being,
+like most of their other possessions, in the care of Dolores, was only
+produced very sparingly, and on rare occasions. But she evidently
+thought "Senor Don Carlos" needed it now. Touched by her watchful,
+unobtrusive affection, he would have gratified her by drinking; but he
+had a peculiar dislike to drinking alone, while he knew he would only
+render his sanity doubtful by inviting either her or Diego to share
+the luxurious beverage. So he put it aside for the present, and drew
+towards him a sheet of figures, an ink-horn, and a pen. He could not
+work, however. With the silence and solitude, his great grief came back
+upon him again. But nature all this time had been silently working
+for him. His despair was giving way to a more violent but less bitter
+sorrow. Tears came now: a long, passionate fit of weeping relieved his
+aching heart. Since his early childhood he had not wept thus.
+
+An approaching footstep recalled him to himself. He rose with haste and
+shame, and stood beside the window, hoping that his position and the
+waning light might together shield him from observation. It was only
+Dolores.
+
+"Senor," she said, entering somewhat hastily, "will it please you to
+see to those men of Seville that came with your Excellency? They are
+insulting a poor little muleteer, and threatening to rob his packages."
+
+Yanguesian carriers and other muleteers, bringing goods across the
+Sierra Morena from the towns of La Mancha to those of Andalusia, often
+passed by the castle, and sometimes received hospitality there. Carlos
+rose at once at the summons, saying to Dolores--
+
+"Where is the boy?"
+
+"He is not a boy, senor, he is a man; a very little man, but with a
+greater spirit, if I mistake not, than some twice his size."
+
+It was true enough. On the green plot at the back of the castle, beside
+which the mountain pathway led, there were gathered the ten or twelve
+rough Seville pikemen, taken from the lowest of the population, and
+most of them of Moorish blood. In their midst, beside the foremost of
+his three mules, with one arm thrown round her neck and the other
+raised to give effect by animated gestures to his eager oratory, stood
+the muleteer. He was a very short, spare, active-looking man, clad from
+head to foot in chestnut-coloured leather. His mules were well laden;
+each with three large alforjas, one at each side and one laid across
+the neck. But they were evidently well fed and cared for also; and they
+presented a gay appearance, with their adornments of bright-coloured
+worsted tassels and tiny bells.
+
+"You know, my friends," the muleteer was saying, as Carlos came within
+hearing, "an arriero's alforjas[3] are like a soldier's colours,--it
+stands him upon his honour to guard them inviolate. No, no! Ask him for
+aught else--his purse, his blood--they are at your service; but never
+touch his colours, if you care for a long life."
+
+    [3] _Arriero_, muleteer; _alforjas_, bags.
+
+"My honest friend, your colours, as you call them, shall be safe here,"
+said Carlos, kindly.
+
+The muleteer turned towards him a good-humoured, intelligent face, and,
+bowing low, thanked him heartily.
+
+"What is your name?" asked Carlos; "and whence do you come?"
+
+"I am Juliano; Juliano el Chico (Julian the Little) men generally call
+me--since, as your Excellency sees, I am not very great. And I come
+last from Toledo."
+
+"Indeed! And what wares do you carry?"
+
+"Some matters, small in bulk, yet costly, which I am bringing for
+a Seville merchant--Medel de Espinosa by name, if your worship has
+heard of him? I have mirrors, for example, of a new kind; excellent in
+workmanship, and true as steel, as well they may be."
+
+"I know the shop of Espinosa well. I have been much in Seville," said
+Carlos, with a sudden pang, caused by the recollection of the many
+pretty trifles that he had purchased there for Dona Beatriz. "But
+follow me, my friend, and a good supper shall make you amends for the
+rudeness of these fellows.--Andres, take the best care thou canst of
+his mules; 'twill be only fair penance for thy sin in molesting their
+owner."
+
+"A hundred thousand thanks, senor. Still, with your worship's good
+leave, and no offence to friend Andres, I had rather look to the beasts
+myself. We are old companions; they know my ways, and I know theirs."
+
+"As you please, my good fellow. Andres will show you the stable, and I
+shall tell my mayor-domo to see that you lack nothing."
+
+"Again I render to your Excellency my poor but hearty thanks."
+
+Carlos went in, gave the necessary directions to Diego, and then
+returned to his solitary chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 VIII.
+
+                             The Muleteer.
+
+  "Are ye resigned that they be spent
+  In such world's help? The spirits bent
+  Their awful brows, and said, 'Content!'
+
+  "Content! It sounded like Amen
+  Said by a choir of mourning men:
+  An affirmation full of pain
+
+  "And patience,--ay, of glorying,
+  And adoration, as a king
+  Might seal an oath for governing."
+
+                                  E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+When Carlos stood once more face to face with his sorrow--as he did as
+soon as he had closed the door--he found that it had somewhat changed
+its aspect. A trouble often does this when some interruption from the
+outer world makes us part company with it for a little while. We find
+on our return that it has developed quite a new phase, and seldom a
+more hopeful one.
+
+It now entered the mind of Carlos, for the first time, that he had
+been acting very basely towards his brother. Not only had he planned
+and intended a treason, but by endeavouring to engage the affections
+of Dona Beatriz, he had actually committed one. Heaven grant it might
+not prove irreparable! Though the time that had passed since his better
+self gained the victory was only measured by hours, it represented to
+him a much longer period. Already it enabled him to look upon what
+had gone before from the vantage-ground that some degree of distance
+gives. He now beheld in true, perhaps even in exaggerated colours, the
+meanness and the treachery of his conduct. He, who prided himself upon
+the nobility of his nature matching that of his birth--he, Don Carlos
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya, the gentleman of stainless manners,
+of reputation untarnished by a single blot--he, who had never yet been
+ashamed of anything,--in his solitude he blushed and covered his face
+in shame, as the villany he had planned rose up before his mind. It
+would have broken his heart to be scorned by any man; and was it not
+worse a thousand-fold to be thus scorned by himself? He thought even
+more of the meanness of his plan than of its treachery. Of its sin he
+did not think at all. Sin was a theological term which he had been
+wont to handle in the schools, and to toss to and fro with the other
+materials upon which he showed off his dialectic skill; but it no more
+occurred to him to take it out of the scholastic world and to bring it
+into that in which he really lived and acted, than it did to talk Latin
+to Diego, or softly to whisper quotations from Thomas Aquinas into the
+ear of Dona Beatriz between the pauses of the dance.
+
+Scarcely any consideration, however, could have made him more miserable
+than he was. Past and future--all alike seemed dreary. Not a happy
+memory, not a cheering anticipation could he find to comfort him. He
+was as one who goes forth to face the driving storm of a wintry night:
+not strong in hope and courage--a warm hearth behind him, and before
+him the pleasant starry glimmer that tells of another soon to be
+reached--but chilled, weary, forlorn, the wind whistling through thin
+garments, and nothing to meet his eye but the bare, bleak, shelterless
+moor stretching far out into the distance.
+
+He sat long, too crushed in heart even to finish his slight,
+unimportant task. Sometimes he drew towards him the sheet of figures,
+and for a moment or two tried to fix his attention upon it; but soon
+he would push it away again, or make aimless dots and circles on its
+margin. While thus engaged, he heard a cheery and not unmelodious
+voice chanting a fragment of song in some foreign tongue. Listening
+more attentively, he believed the words were French, and supposed the
+singer must be his humble guest, the muleteer, on his way to the stable
+to take a last look at the beloved companions of his toils before he
+lay down to rest. The man had probably exercised his vocation at some
+former period in the passes of the Pyrenees, and had thus acquired some
+knowledge of French.
+
+Half an hour's talk with any one seemed to Carlos at that moment a
+most desirable diversion from the gloom of his own thoughts. He might
+converse with this stranger when he dared not summon to his presence
+Diego or Dolores, because they knew and loved him well enough to
+discover in two minutes that something was seriously wrong with him.
+He waited until he heard the voice once more close beneath his window;
+then softly opening it, he called the muleteer. Juliano responded with
+ready alertness; and Carlos, going round to the door, admitted him, and
+led him into his sanctum.
+
+"I believe," he said, "that was a French song I heard you sing. You
+have been in France, then?"
+
+"Ay, senor; I have crossed the Pyrenees more than once. I have also
+been in Switzerland."
+
+"You must, then, have visited many places worthy of note; and not with
+your eyes shut, I think. I wish you would tell me, for pastime, the
+story of your travels."
+
+"Willingly, senor," said the muleteer, who, though perfectly
+respectful, had an ease and independence of manner that made Carlos
+suspect it was not the first time he had conversed with his superiors.
+"Where shall I begin?"
+
+"Have you ever crossed the Santillanos, or visited the Asturias?"
+
+"No, senor. A man cannot be everywhere; 'he that rings the bells does
+not walk in the procession.' I am only master of the route from Lyons
+here; knowing a little also, as I have said, of Switzerland."
+
+"Tell me first of Lyons, then. And be seated, my friend."
+
+The muleteer sat down, and began his story, telling of the places he
+had seen with an intelligence that more and more engaged the attention
+of Carlos, who failed not to draw out his information by many pertinent
+questions. As they conversed, each observed the other with gradually
+increasing interest. Carlos admired the muleteer's courage and energy
+in the prosecution of his calling, and enjoyed his quaint and shrewd
+observations. Moreover, he was struck by certain indications of a
+degree of education and even of refinement not usual in his class.
+Especially he noticed the small, finely-formed hand, which was
+sometimes in the warmth of conversation laid on the table, and which
+looked as if it had been accustomed to wield some implement far more
+delicate than a riding-whip. Another thing he took note of. Though
+Juliano's language abounded in proverbs, in provincialisms, in quaint
+and racy expressions, not a single oath escaped his lips. "I never
+saw an arriero before," thought Carlos, "who could get through two
+sentences without half a dozen of them."
+
+Juliano, on the other hand, was observing his host, and with a far
+shrewder and deeper insight than Carlos could have imagined. During
+supper he had gathered from the servants that their young master was
+kind-hearted, gentle, easy-tempered, and had never injured any one in
+his life; and knowing all this, he was touched with genuine sympathy
+for the young noble, whose haggard face and sorrowful looks told but
+too plainly that some great grief was pressing on his heart.
+
+"Your Excellency must be weary of my stories," he said at length. "It
+is time I left you to your repose."
+
+And so indeed it was, for the hour was late.
+
+"Ere you go," said Carlos kindly, "you shall drink a cup of wine with
+me."
+
+He had no wine at hand but the costly beverage Dolores had produced
+for his own especial use. Wondering a little what Juliano would think
+of such a luxurious beverage, he sought a second cup, for the proud
+Castilian gentleman was too "finely courteous" not to drink with his
+guest, although that guest was only a muleteer.
+
+Juliano, evidently a temperate man, remonstrated: "But I have already
+tasted your Excellency's hospitality."
+
+"That should not hinder your drinking to my good health," said Carlos,
+producing a small hunting-cup, forgotten until now, from the pocket of
+his doublet.
+
+Then filling the larger cup, he handed it to Juliano. It was a very
+little thing, a trifling act of kindness. But to the last hour of his
+life, Carlos Alvarez thanked God that he had put it into his heart to
+offer that cup of wine.
+
+The muleteer raised it to his lips, saying earnestly, "God grant you
+health and happiness, noble senor."
+
+Carlos drank also, glad to relieve a painful feeling of exhaustion.
+As he set down the cup, a sudden impulse prompted him to say, with a
+bitter smile, "Happiness is not likely to come my way at present."
+
+"Nay, senor, and wherefore not? With your good leave be it spoken, you
+are young, noble, amiable, with much learning and excellent parts, as
+they tell me."
+
+"All these things may not prevent a man being very miserable," said
+Carlos frankly.
+
+"God comfort you, senor."
+
+"Thanks for the good wish," said Carlos, rather lightly, and conscious
+of having already said too much. "All men have their troubles, I
+suppose, but most men contrive to live through them. So shall I, no
+doubt."
+
+"But God _can_ comfort you," Juliano repeated with a kind of wistful
+earnestness.
+
+Carlos, surprised at his manner, looked at him dreamily, but with some
+curiosity.
+
+"Senor," said Juliano, leaning forward and speaking in a low tone
+full of meaning. "Let your worship excuse a plain man's plain
+question--Senor, _do you know God_?"
+
+Carlos started visibly. Was the man mad? Certainly not; as all
+his previous conversation bore witness. He was evidently a very
+clever, half-educated man, who spoke with just the simplicity and
+unconsciousness of an intelligent child. And now he had asked a true
+child's question; one which it would exhaust a wise man's wisdom to
+answer. Thoroughly perplexed, Carlos at last determined to take it in
+its easiest sense. He said, "Yes; I have studied theology, and taken
+out my licentiate's degree at the University of Alcala."
+
+"If it please your worship, what may that fine word theology mean?"
+
+"You have said so many wise things, that I marvel you know not. Science
+about God."
+
+"Then, senor, your Excellency knows _about God_. But is it not another
+thing _to know God_? I know much about the Emperor Carlos, now at San
+Yuste; I could tell you the story of all his campaigns. But I never
+saw him, still less spoke with him. And far indeed am I from knowing
+him to be my friend; and so trusting him that if my mules died, or the
+Alguazils seized me at Cordova for bringing over something contraband,
+or other mishap befell me, I should go or send to him, certain that he
+would help and save me."
+
+"I begin to understand you," said Carlos; and a suspicion crossed his
+mind that the muleteer was a friar in disguise. But that could scarcely
+be, since his black abundant hair showed no marks of the tonsure.
+"After the manner you speak of, only great saints know God."
+
+"Indeed, senor! Can that be true? For I have heard that our Lord
+Christ"--(at the mention of the name Carlos crossed himself, a
+ceremony which the muleteer was so engrossed by his argument as to
+forget)--"that our Lord Christ came into the world to make men know the
+Father; and that, to all that believe on him, he truly reveals him."
+
+"Where did you get this strange learning?"
+
+"It is simple learning; and yet very blessed, senor," returned Juliano,
+evading the question. "For those who know God are happy. Whatever
+sorrows they have without, within they have joy and peace."
+
+"You are advising me to seek peace in religion?"
+
+It was singular certainly that a muleteer should advise _him_; but then
+this was a very uncommon muleteer. "And so I ought," he added, "since I
+am destined for the Church."
+
+"No, senor; not to seek peace in religion, but to seek peace from God,
+and in Christ who reveals him."
+
+"It is only the words that differ, the things are the same."
+
+"Again I say, with all submission to your Excellency, not so. It is
+Christ Jesus himself--Christ Jesus, God and man--who alone can give the
+peace and happiness for which the heart aches. Are we oppressed with
+sin? He says, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee!' Are we hungry? He is bread.
+Thirsty? He is living water. Weary? He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that
+are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!'"
+
+"Man! who or what are you? You are quoting the Holy Scriptures to me.
+Do you then read Latin?"
+
+"No, senor," said the muleteer humbly, casting his eyes down to the
+ground.
+
+"_No?_"
+
+"No, senor; in very truth. But--"
+
+"Well? Go on!"
+
+Juliano looked up again, a steady light in his eyes. "Will you promise,
+on the faith of a gentleman, not to betray me?" he asked.
+
+"Most assuredly I will not betray you."
+
+"I trust you, senor. I do not believe it would be possible for _you_ to
+betray one who trusted you."
+
+Carlos winced, and rather shrank from the muleteer's look of hearty,
+honest confidence.
+
+"Though I cannot guess your reason for such precautions," he said, "I
+am willing, if you wish it, to swear secrecy upon the holy crucifix."
+
+"It needs not, senor; your word of honour is as much as your oath.
+Though I am putting my life in your hands when I tell you that I have
+dared to read the words of my Lord Christ in my own tongue."
+
+"Are you then a heretic?" Carlos exclaimed, recoiling involuntarily, as
+one who suddenly sees the plague spot on the forehead of a friend whose
+hand he has been grasping.
+
+"That depends upon your notion of a heretic, senor. Many a better man
+than I has been branded with the name. Even the great preacher Don Fray
+Constantino, whom all the fine lords and ladies in Seville flock to
+hear, has often been called heretic by his enemies."
+
+"I have resided in Seville, and attended Fray Constantino's theological
+lectures," said Carlos.
+
+"Then your worship knows there is not a better Christian in all the
+Spains. And yet men say that he narrowly escaped a prosecution for
+heresy. But enough of what men say. Let us hear what God says for once.
+His words cannot lead us astray."
+
+"No; not the Holy Scriptures, properly expounded by learned and
+orthodox doctors. But heretics put their own construction upon the
+sacred text, which, moreover, they corrupt and interpolate."
+
+"Senor, you are a scholar; you can consult the original, and judge for
+yourself how far that charge is true."
+
+"But I do not want to read heretic writings."
+
+"Nor I, senor. Yet I confess that I have read the words of my
+Saviour in my own tongue, which some misinformed or ignorant persons
+call heresy; and through them, to my soul's joy, I have learned to
+know Him and the Father. I am bold enough to wish the same knowledge
+yours, senor, that the same joy may be yours also." The poor man's eye
+kindled, and his features, otherwise homely enough, glowed with an
+enthusiasm that lent them true spiritual beauty.
+
+Carlos was not unmoved. After a moment's pause he said, "If I could
+procure what you style God's Word in my own tongue, I do not say that I
+would refuse to read it. Should I discover any heretical mistranslation
+or interpolation, I could blot out the passage; or, it necessary, burn
+the book."
+
+"I can place in your hands this very hour the New Testament of our
+Saviour Christ, lately translated into Castilian by Juan Perez, a
+learned man, well acquainted with the Greek."
+
+"What! have you got it with you? In God's name bring it then; and at
+least I will look at it."
+
+"Be it truly in God's name, senor," said Juliano, as he left the room.
+
+During his absence Carlos pondered upon this singular adventure.
+Throughout his lengthened conversation with him, he had discerned no
+marks of heresy in the muleteer, except his possession of the Spanish
+New Testament. And being very proud of his dialectic acuteness, he
+thought he should certainly have discovered such had they existed.
+"He had need to be a clever heretic that would circumvent _me_," he
+said, with the vanity of a young and successful scholar. Moreover,
+his ten months' attendance on the lectures of Fray Constantino had,
+unconsciously to himself, somewhat imbued his mind with liberal ideas.
+He could have read the Vulgate at Alcala if he had cared to do so (only
+he never had); where then could be the harm of glancing, out of mere
+curiosity, at a Spanish translation from the same original?
+
+He regarded the New Testament in the light of some very dangerous,
+though effective, weapon of the explosive kind; likely to overwhelm
+with terrible destruction the careless or ignorant meddler with its
+intricacies, and therefore wisely forbidden by the authorities; though
+in able and scientific hands, such as his own, it might be harmless and
+even useful.
+
+But it was a very different matter for the poor man who brought it
+to him. Was he, after all, a madman? Or was he a heretic? Or was he
+a great saint or holy hermit in disguise? But whatever his spiritual
+peril might or might not be, it was only too evident that he was
+incurring temporal dangers of a very awful kind. And perhaps he was
+doing so in the simplicity of ignorance. Carlos could not do less than
+warn him of them.
+
+He soon returned; and drawing a small brown volume from beneath his
+leathern jerkin, handed it to the young nobleman.
+
+"My friend," said Carlos kindly, as he took it from him, "do you know
+what you dare by offering this to me, or even by keeping it yourself?"
+
+"I know it well, senor," was the calm reply; and the muleteer's dark
+eye met his undauntedly.
+
+"You are playing a dangerous game. This time you are safe. But take
+care. You may try it once too often."
+
+"I shall not, senor. I shall witness for my Lord just so often as he
+permits. When he has no more need of me, he will call me home."
+
+"God help you. I fear you are throwing yourself into the fire. And for
+what?"
+
+"For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the thirsty,
+light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and heavy-laden.
+Senor, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+After a moment's silence he continued: "I leave within your hands the
+treasure brought at such cost. But God alone, by his Divine Spirit,
+can reveal to you its true worth. Senor, seek that Spirit. Nay, be not
+offended. You are very noble and very learned; and it is a poor and
+ignorant man who speaks to you. But that poor man is risking his life
+for your soul's salvation; and thus he proves, at least, how true his
+desire to see you one day at the right hand of Christ, his King and
+Master. Adios, senor."
+
+He bowed low; and before Carlos had sufficiently recovered from his
+astonishment to say a word in answer, he had left the room and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"Strange being!" thought Carlos; "but I shall talk with him again
+to-morrow." And ere he was aware, his eyelids were wet; for the courage
+and self-sacrifice of the poor muleteer had stirred some answering
+chord of emotion in his heart. Probably, in spite of all appearances to
+the contrary, he was a madman; or else he was a heretical fanatic. But
+he was a man willing to brave numberless sufferings (of which a death
+of torture was the last and least), to bring his fellow-men something
+which he imagined would make them happy. "The Church has no more
+orthodox son than I," said Don Carlos Alvarez; "but I shall read his
+book for all that."
+
+Then, the hour being late, he retired to rest, and slept soundly.
+
+He did not rise exactly with the sun, and when he came forth from his
+chamber breakfast was already in preparation.
+
+"Where is the muleteer who was here last night?" he asked Dolores.
+
+"He was up and away at sunrise," she answered. "Fortunately, it is
+not my custom to stop in bed and see the sunshine; so I just caught
+him loading his mules, and gave him a piece of bread and cheese and
+a draught of wine. A smart little man he is, and one who knows his
+business."
+
+"I wish I had seen him ere he left," said Carlos aloud. "Shall I ever
+look upon his face again?" he added mentally.
+
+Carlos Alvarez saw that face again, not by the ray of sun or moon, nor
+yet by the gleam of the student's lamp, but clear and distinct in a
+lurid awful light more terrible than Egyptian darkness, yet fraught
+with strange blessing, since it showed the way to the city of God,
+where the sun no more goes down, neither doth the moon withdraw herself.
+
+Juliano el Chico, otherwise Julian Hernandez, is no fancy sketch, no
+"character of fiction." It is matter of history that, cunningly stowed
+away in his alforjas, amongst the ribbons, laces, and other trifles
+that formed their ostensible freight, there was a large supply of
+Spanish New Testaments, of the translation of Juan Perez. And that, in
+spite of all the difficulties and dangers of his self-imposed task, he
+succeeded in conveying his precious charge safely to Seville.
+
+Our cheeks grow pale, our hearts shudder, at the thought of what he and
+others dared, that they might bring to the lips of their countrymen
+that living water which was truly "the blood of the men that went for
+it in jeopardy of their lives." More than jeopardy. Not alone did
+Juliano brave danger, he encountered certain death. Sooner or later,
+it was impossible that he should not fall into the pitiless grasp of
+that hideous engine of royal and priestly tyranny, called the Holy
+Inquisition.
+
+We have no words in which to praise such heroism as his. We leave
+that--and we may be content to leave it--to Him whose lips shall one
+day pronounce the sublime award, "Well done, good and faithful servant;
+enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But in the view of such things
+done and suffered for his name's sake, there is another thought that
+presses on the mind. How real and great, nay, how unutterably precious,
+must be that treasure which men were found willing, at such cost, not
+only to secure for themselves, but even to impart to others.
+
+
+
+
+                                  IX.
+
+                           El Dorado Found.
+
+  "So, the All-Great were the all-loving too--
+  So, through the thunder comes a human voice,
+  Saying, O heart I made, a heart beats here!
+  Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself!
+  Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine:
+  But love I gave thee with myself to love,
+  And thou must love me who have died for thee!"
+
+                                              R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Three silent months stole away in the old castle of Nuera. No outward
+event affecting the fortunes of its inmates marked their progress.
+And yet they were by far the most important months Don Carlos had
+ever seen, or perhaps would ever see. They witnessed a change in him,
+mysterious in its progress but momentous in its results. An influence
+passed over him, mighty as the wind in its azure pathway, but, like it,
+visible only by its effects; no man could tell "whence it cometh or
+whither it goeth."
+
+Again it was early morning, a bright Sunday morning in September.
+Already Carlos stood prepared to go forth. He had quite discarded his
+student's habit, and was dressed like any other young nobleman, in a
+doublet and short cloak of Genoa velvet, with a sword by his side. His
+Breviary was in his hand, however, and he was on the point of taking
+up his hat when Dolores entered the room, bearing a cup of wine and a
+manchet of bread.
+
+Carlos shook his head, saying, "I intend to communicate. And you,
+Dolores," he added, "are you not also going to hear mass?"
+
+"Surely, senor; we will all attend our duty. But there is still time to
+spare; your worship sets us an example in the matter of early rising."
+
+"It were shame to lose such fair hours as these. Prithee, Dolores, and
+lest I forget, hast thou something savoury in the house for dinner?"
+
+"Glad I am to hear you ask, senor. Hitherto it has seemed alike to your
+Excellency whether they served you with a pottage of lentils or a stew
+of partridges. But since Diego had the good fortune to kill that buck
+on Wednesday, we are better than well provided. Your worship shall dine
+on roast venison to-day."
+
+"That will do. And if thou wouldst add some of the batter ware, in
+which thou art so skilful, it would be better still; for I intend to
+bring home a guest."
+
+"Now, the Saints help me, that is news! Without meaning offence, your
+worship might have told me before. Any noble caballero coming to these
+parts to visit you must needs have bed as well as board found him. And
+how can I, in three hours, more or less--"
+
+"Nay, be not alarmed, Dolores; no stranger is coming here. Only I wish
+to bring the cura home to dinner."
+
+Even the self-restrained Dolores could not repress an exclamation of
+surprise. For both the brothers had been accustomed to regard the
+ignorant vulgar cura of the neighbouring village with unmitigated
+dislike and contempt. In old times Dolores herself had sometimes tried
+to induce them to show him some trifling courtesies, "for their soul's
+health." They were willing enough to send "that beggar"--as Don Juan
+used to call him--presents of meat or game when they could, but these
+they would not have grudged to their worst enemy. To converse with
+him, or to seat him at their table, was a very different matter. He was
+"no fit associate for noblemen," said the boys; and Dolores, in her
+heart, agreed with them. She looked at her young master to see whether
+he were jesting.
+
+"He likes a good dinner," Carlos added quietly. "Let us for once give
+him one."
+
+"In good faith, Senor Don Carlos, I cannot tell what has come to you.
+You must be about doing penance for your sins, though I will say no
+young gentleman of your years has fewer to answer for. Still, to please
+your whim, the cura shall eat the best we have, though beans and bacon
+would be more fitting fare for him."
+
+"Thank you, mother Dolores," said Carlos kindly. "In truth, neither Don
+Juan nor I had ever whim yet you did not strive to gratify."
+
+"And who would not do more than that for so pleasant and kind a young
+master?" thought Dolores, as she withdrew to superintend the cooking
+operations. "God's blessing and Our Lady's rest on him, and in sooth I
+think they do. Three months ago he came here looking like a corpse out
+of the grave, and fitter, as it seemed to me, to don his shroud than
+his priest's frock. But the free mountain air wherein he was born is
+bringing back the red to his cheek and the light to his eye, thank the
+holy Saints. Ah, if his lady mother could only see her gallant sons
+now!"
+
+Meanwhile Don Carlos leisurely took his way down the hill. Having
+abundance of time to spare, he chose a solitary, devious path through
+the cork-trees and the pasture land belonging to the castle. His heart
+was alive to every pleasant sight and sound that met his eye and ear;
+although, or rather because, a low, sweet song of thankfulness was all
+the while chanting itself within him.
+
+During his solitary walk he distinctly realized for the first time the
+stupendous change that had passed over him. For such changes cannot
+be understood or measured until afterwards, perhaps not always then.
+Drawing from his pocket Juliano's little book, he clasped it in both
+hands. "_This_, God be thanked, has done it all, under him. And yet, at
+first, it added to my misery a hundred-fold." Then his mind ran back
+to the dreary days of helpless, almost hopeless wretchedness, when he
+first began its perusal. Much of it had then been quite unintelligible
+to him; but what he understood had only made his darkness darker still.
+He who had but just learned from that stern teacher, Life, the meaning
+of sorrow, learned from the pages of his book the awful significance
+of that other word, Sin. Bitter hours, never to be remembered without
+a shudder, were those that followed. Already prostrate on the ground
+beneath the weight of his selfish sorrow for the love that might never
+be his, cruel blows seemed rained upon him by the very hand to which
+he turned to lift him up. "All was his own fault," said conscience.
+But had conscience, enlightened by his book, said no more, he could
+have borne it. It was a different thing to recognize that all was his
+own _sin_--to feel more keenly every day that the whole current of his
+thoughts and affections was set in opposition to the will of God as
+revealed in that book, and illustrated in the life of him of whom it
+told.
+
+But this sickness of heart, deadly though it seemed, was not unto
+death. The Word had indeed proved a mirror, in which he saw his own
+face reflected with the lines and colours of truth. But it had a
+farther use for him. As he did not fling it away in despair, but still
+gazed on, at length he saw in its clear depths another Face--a Face
+radiant with divine majesty, yet beaming with tender love and pity. He
+whom the mirror thus gave back to him had been "not far" from him all
+his life; had been standing over against him, watching and waiting for
+the moment in which to reveal himself. At last that moment came. He
+looked up from the mirror to the real Face; from the Word to him whom
+the Word revealed. He turned himself and said unto him, "Rabboni, which
+is to say, My Master." He laid his soul at his feet in love, in trust,
+in gratitude. And he knew then, not until then, that this was the
+"coming" to him, the "believing" on him, the receiving him, of which He
+spoke as the condition of life, of pardon, and of happiness.
+
+From that hour he possessed life, he knew himself forgiven, he was
+_happy_. This was no theory, but a fact--a fact which changed all his
+present and was destined to change all his future.
+
+He longed to impart the wonderful secret he had found. This longing
+overcame his contempt for the cura, and made him seek to win him by
+kindness to listen to words which perhaps might open for him also the
+same wonderful fountain of joy.
+
+"Now I am going to worship my Lord, afterwards I shall speak of him,"
+he said, as he crossed the threshold of the little village church.
+
+In due season the service was over. Its ceremonies did not pain or
+offend Carlos in any way; he took part in them with much real devotion,
+as acts of homage paid to his Lord. Still, if he had analyzed his
+feelings (which he did not), he would have found them like those of a
+king's child, who is obliged, on days of courtly ceremonial, to pay
+his father the same distant homage as the other peers of the realm,
+and yet knows that all this for him is but an idle show, and longs to
+throw aside its cumbrous pomp, and to rejoice once more in the free
+familiar intercourse which is his habit and his privilege. But that the
+ceremonial itself could be otherwise than pleasing to his King, he had
+not the most distant suspicion.
+
+He spoke kindly to the priest, and inquired by name after all the sick
+folk in the village, though in fact he knew more about them himself by
+this time than did Father Tomas.
+
+The cura's heart was glad when the catechism came to a termination so
+satisfactory as an invitation to dine at the castle. Whatever the fare
+might be--and his expectations were not extravagantly high--it could
+scarce fail to be an improvement on the olla of which he had intended
+to make his Sunday repast. Moreover, one favour from the castle might
+be the earnest of others; and favours from the castle, poor though its
+lords might be, were not to be despised. Nor was he ill at ease in the
+society of an accomplished gentleman, as a man just a little better
+bred would probably have been. A wealthy peasant's son, and with but
+scanty education, Father Tomas was so hopelessly vulgar that he never
+once imagined he was vulgar at all.
+
+Carlos bore as patiently as he could with his coarse manners, and
+conversation something worse than commonplace. Not until the repast
+was concluded did he find an opportunity of bringing forward the topic
+upon which he longed to speak. Then, with more tact than his guest
+could appreciate, he began by inquiring--as one himself intended for
+the priesthood might naturally do--whether he could always keep his
+thoughts from wandering while he was celebrating the holy mysteries of
+the faith.
+
+Father Tomas crossed himself, and answered that he was a sinner like
+other men, but that he tried to do his duty to our holy Mother Church
+to the best of his ability.
+
+Carlos remarked, that unless we ourselves know the love of God by
+experience we cannot love him, and that without love there is no
+acceptable service.
+
+"Most true, senor," said the priest, turning his eyes upwards. "As the
+holy St. Augustine saith. Your worship quotes from him, I believe."
+
+"I have quoted nothing," said Carlos, beginning to feel that he was
+speaking to the deaf; "but I know the words of Christ." And then he
+spoke, out of a full heart, of Christ's work for us, of his love to us,
+and of the pardon and peace which those receive that trust him.
+
+But his listener's stolid face betrayed no interest, only a vague
+uneasiness, which increased as Carlos proceeded. The poor parish cura
+began to suspect that the clever young collegian meant to astonish and
+bewilder him by the exhibition of his learning and his "new ideas."
+Indeed, he was not quite sure whether his host was eloquently enlarging
+all the time upon Catholic truths, or now and then mischievously
+throwing out a few heretical propositions, in order to try whether he
+would have skill enough to detect them. Naturally, he did not greatly
+relish this style of entertainment. Nothing could be got from him save
+a cautious, "That is true, senor," or, "Very good, your worship;" and
+as soon as his notions of politeness would permit, he took his leave.
+
+Carlos marvelled greatly at his dulness; but soon dismissed him
+from his mind, and took his Testament out to read under the shade
+of the cork-trees. Ere long the light began to fade, but he sat
+there still in the fast deepening twilight. Thoughts and fancies
+thronged upon his mind; and dreams of the past sought, as even yet
+they often did, to reassert their supremacy over his heart. One of
+those apparently unaccountable freaks of memory, which we all know by
+experience, brought back to him suddenly the luscious perfume of the
+orange-blossoms, called by the Spaniards the azahar. Such fragrance had
+filled the air, and such flowers had been strewed upon his pathway,
+when last he walked with Donna Beatriz in the fairy gardens of the
+Alcazar of Seville.
+
+Keen was the pang that shot through his heart at the remembrance. But
+it was conquered soon. As he went in-doors he repeated the words he had
+just been reading, "'He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.' And _this_ hunger of the soul, as
+well as every other, He can stay. Having him, I have all things.
+
+  'El dorado
+   Yo he trovado.'
+
+Father, dear, unknown father, I have found the golden country! Not in
+the sense thou didst fondly seek, and I as fondly dream to find it. Yet
+the only true land of gold I have found indeed--the treasure unfailing,
+the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
+reserved in heaven for me."
+
+
+
+
+                                  X.
+
+                               Dolores.
+
+  "Oh, hearts that break and give no sign,
+  Save whitening lip and fading tresses;
+  Till death pours out his cordial wine,
+  Slow dropped from misery's crushing presses,
+  If singing breath or echoing chord
+  To every hidden pang were given,
+  What endless melodies were poured,
+  As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven."
+
+                                       O.W. HOLMES.
+
+A great modern poet has compared the soul of man to a pilgrim who
+passes through the world staff in hand, never resting, ever pressing
+onwards to some point as yet unattained, ever sighing wearily, "Alas!
+that _there_ is never _here_." And with deep significance adds his
+Christian commentator, "In Christ _there_ is _here_."
+
+He who has found Christ "is already at the goal." "For he stills our
+innermost fears, and fulfils our utmost longings." "In him the dry
+land, the mirage of the desert, becomes living water." "He who knows
+him knows the reason of all things." Passing all along the ages, we
+might gather from the silent lips of the dead such words as these,
+bearing emphatic witness to what human hearts have found in him. Yet,
+after all, we would come back to his own grand and simple words, as
+best expressing the truth: "I am the bread of life;" "I will give you
+rest;" "In me ye shall have peace."
+
+With the peace which he gave there came to Carlos a strange new
+knowledge also. The Testament, from its first page to its last, became
+intelligible to him. From a mere sketch, partly dim and partly blurred
+and blotted, it grew into a transparency through which light shone upon
+his soul, every word being itself a star.
+
+He often read his book to Dolores, though he allowed her to suppose it
+was Latin, and that he was improvising a translation for her benefit.
+She would listen attentively, though with a deeper shade of sadness on
+her melancholy face. Never did she volunteer an observation, but she
+always thanked him at the end in her usual respectful manner.
+
+These readings were, in fact, a trouble to Dolores. They gave her pain,
+like the sharp throbs that accompany the first return of consciousness
+to a frozen member, for they awakened feelings that had long been
+dormant, and that she thought were dead for ever. But, on the other
+hand, she was gratified by the condescension of her young master in
+reading aloud for her edification. She had gone through the world
+giving very largely out of her own large loving heart, and expecting
+little or nothing in return. She would most gladly have laid down her
+life for Don Juan or Don Carlos; yet she did not imagine that the
+old servant of the house could be to them much more than one of the
+oak tables or the carved chairs. That "Senor Don Carlos" should take
+thought for her, and trouble himself to do her good, thrilled her with
+a sensation more like joy than any she had known for years. Little
+do those whose cups are so full of human love that they carry them
+carelessly, spilling many a precious drop as they pass along, dream how
+others cherish the few poor lees and remnants left to them.
+
+Moreover Carlos, in the eyes of Dolores, was half a priest already, and
+this lent additional weight, and even sacredness, to all that he said
+and did.
+
+One evening he had been reading to her, in the inner room by the light
+of the little silver lamp. He had just finished the story of Lazarus,
+and he made some remark on the grateful love of Mary, and the costly
+sacrifice by which she proved it. Tears gathered in the dark wistful
+eyes of Dolores, and she said with sudden and, for her, most unusual
+energy, "That was small wonder. Any one would do as much for him that
+brought the dear dead back from the grave."
+
+"He has done a greater thing than even that for each of us," said
+Carlos.
+
+But Dolores withdrew into her ordinary self again, as some timid
+creature might shrink into its shell from a touch. "I thank your
+Excellency," she said, rising to withdraw, "and I also make my
+acknowledgments to Our Lady, who has inspired you with such true piety,
+suitable to your holy calling."
+
+"Stay a little, Dolores," said Carlos, as a sudden thought occurred to
+him; "I marvel it has so seldom come into my mind to ask you about my
+mother."
+
+"Ay, senor. When you were both children, I used to wonder that you and
+Don Juan, while you talked often together of my lord your father, had
+scarce a thought at all of your lady mother. Yet if she had lived _you_
+would have been her favourite, senor."
+
+"And Juan my father's," said Carlos, not without a slight pang of
+jealousy. "Was my noble father, then, more like what my brother is?"
+
+"Yes, senor; he was bold and brave. No offence to your Excellency, for
+one you love I warrant me _you_ could be brave enough. But he loved
+his sword and his lance and his good steed. Moreover, he loved travel
+and adventure greatly, and never could bear to abide long in the same
+place."
+
+"Did he not make a voyage to the Indies in his youth?"
+
+"He did; and then he fought under the Emperor, both in Italy, and in
+Africa against the Moors. Once His Imperial Majesty sent him on some
+errand to Leon, and there he first met my lady. Afterwards he crossed
+the mountains to our home, and wooed and won her. He brought her, the
+fairest young bride eyes could rest on, to Seville, where he had a
+stately palace on the Alameda."
+
+"You must have grieved to leave your mountains for the southern city."
+
+"No, senor, I did not grieve. Wherever your lady mother dwelt was home
+to me. Besides, 'a great grief kills all the rest.'"
+
+"Then you had known sorrow before. I thought you lived with our house
+from your childhood."
+
+"Not altogether; though my mother nursed yours, and we slept in the
+same cradle, and as we grew older shared each other's plays. At seven
+years old I went home to my father and mother, who were honest,
+well-to-do people, like all my forbears--good 'old Christians,' and
+noble--they could wear their caps in the presence of His Catholic
+Majesty. They had no girl but me, so they would fain have me ever in
+their sight. For ten years and more I was the light of their eyes; and
+no blither lass ever led the goats to the mountain in summer, or spun
+wool and roasted chestnuts at the winter fire. But, the year of the
+bad fever, both were stricken. Christmas morning, with the bells for
+early mass ringing in my ears, I closed my father's eyes; and three
+days afterwards, set the last kiss on my mother's cold lips. Nigh upon
+five-and-twenty years ago,--but it seems like yesterday. Folks say
+there are many good things in the world, but I have known none so good
+as the love of father and mother. Ay de mi, senor, _you_ never knew
+either."
+
+"When your parents died, did you return to my mother?"
+
+"For half a year I stayed with my brother. Though no daughter ever shed
+truer tears over the grave of better parents, I was not then quite
+broken-hearted. There was another love to whisper hope, and to keep me
+from desolation. He--Alphonso ('tis years and years since I uttered
+the name save in my prayers) had gone to the war, telling me he would
+come back and claim me for his bride. So I watched for him hour by
+hour, and toiled and spun, and spun and toiled, that I might not go
+home to him empty-handed. But at last a lad from our parish, who had
+been a comrade of his, returned and told me all. _He_ was lying on the
+bloody field of Marignano, with a French bullet in his heart. Senor,
+the sisters you read of could 'go to the grave and weep there.' And yet
+the Lord pitied them."
+
+"He pities all who weep," said Carlos.
+
+"All good Christians, he may. But though an old Christian, I was not
+a good one. For I thought it bitter hard that my candle should be
+quenched in a moment, like a wax taper when the procession is done.
+And it came often into my mind how the Almighty, or Our Lady, or the
+Saints, could have helped me if they would. May they forgive me; it is
+hard to be religious."
+
+"I do not think so."
+
+"I suppose it is not hard to learned gentlemen who have been at the
+colleges. But how can simple men and women tell whether they are
+keeping all the commandments of God and Holy Church? It well may be
+that I had done something, or left something undone, whereby Our Lady
+was displeased."
+
+"It is not Our Lady, but our Lord himself, who holds the keys of hell
+and of death," said Carlos, gaining at the moment a new truth for his
+own heart. "None enter the gates of death, as none shall come forth
+through them, save at his command. But go on, Dolores, and tell me how
+did comfort come to you?"
+
+"Comfort never came to me, senor. But after a time there came a kind
+of numbness and hardness that helped me to live my life as if I cared
+for it. And your lady mother (God rest her soul!) showed me wondrous
+kindness in my sorrow. It was then she took me to be her own maiden.
+She had me taught many things, such as reading and various cunning
+kinds of embroidery, that I might serve her with them, she said; but I
+well knew they were meant to turn my heart away from its own aching. I
+went with her to Seville. I could be glad for her, senor, that God had
+given her the good thing he had denied to me. At last it came to be
+almost like joy to me to see the great deep love there was between your
+father and her."
+
+This was a degree of unselfishness beyond the comprehension of Carlos
+just then. He felt his own wound throb painfully, and was not sorry
+to turn the conversation. "Did my parents reside long in Seville?" he
+asked.
+
+"Not long, senor. Their life there was a gay one, as became their rank
+and wealth (for, as your worship knows, your father had a noble estate
+then). But soon they both grew tired of the gay world. My lady ever
+loved the free mountains, and my lord--I scarce can tell what change
+passed over him. He lost his care for the tourney and the dance, and
+betook himself instead to study. Both were glad to withdraw to this
+quiet spot. Here your brother Don Juan was born; and for nigh a year
+afterwards no lord and lady could have led a happier and, at the same
+time, more pious and orderly life, than did your noble parents."
+
+The thoughtful eye of Carlos turned to the inscription on the window,
+and kindled with a strange light. "Was not this room my father's
+favourite place of study?" he asked.
+
+"It was, senor. Of course, the house was not then as it now is. Though
+simple enough, after the Seville palace with its fountains and marble
+statues, and doors grated with golden network, it was still a seemly
+dwelling-place for a noble lord and lady. There was glass in all the
+windows then, though through neglect and carelessness it has been
+broken (even your worship may remember how Don Juan sent an arrow
+through a quarrel-pane in the west window one day), so we thought it
+best to remove the traces."
+
+"My parents led a pious life, you say?"
+
+"Truly they did, senor. They were good and charitable to the poor; and
+they spent much of their time reading holy books, as you do now. Ay de
+mi! what was wrong with them I know not, save that perhaps they were
+scarce careful enough to give Holy Church all her dues. And I used
+sometimes to wish that my lady would show more devotion to the blessed
+Mother of God. But she _felt_ it all, no doubt; only it was not her
+way, nor my lord's either, to be for ever running about on pilgrimage
+or offering wax candles, nor yet to keep the father confessor every
+instant with his ear to their lips."
+
+Carlos started, and turned an earnest inquiring gaze upon her. "Did my
+mother ever read to you as I have done?" he asked.
+
+"She sometimes read me good words out of the Breviary, senor. All
+thing went on thus, until one day when a letter came from the Emperor
+himself (as I believe), desiring your father to go to him, to Antwerp.
+The matter was to be kept very private, but my lady used to tell me
+everything. My lord thought he was to be sent on some secret mission
+where skill was needed, and perchance peril was to be met. For it
+was well known that he loved such affairs, and was dexterous in the
+management of them. So he parted cheerily from my lady, she standing
+at the gate yonder, and making little Don Juan kiss hands to him as he
+rode down the path. Woe for the poor babe, that never saw his father's
+face again! And worse woe for the mother! But death heals all things,
+except sin.
+
+"After three weeks or a month, more or less, two monks of St. Dominic
+rode to the gates one day. The younger stayed without in the hall with
+us; while the elder, a man of stern and stately presence, had private
+audience of my lady in this chamber where we sit now--a place of death
+it has seemed to me ever since. For the audience had not lasted long
+until I heard a cry--such a cry!--it rings in my ears even now. I
+hastened to my lady. She had swooned--and long, long was it before
+sense returned again. Do not keep looking at me, senor, with eyes so
+like hers, or I cannot tell you more."
+
+"Did she speak? Did she reveal anything to you?"
+
+"_Nothing_, senor. During the days that followed, only things without
+meaning or connection, such as those in fever speak, or broken words of
+prayer, were on her lips. Until the very last, and then she was worn
+and weak, and could but receive the rites of the Church, and whisper
+a few directions about the poor babes. She bade us give you the name
+you bear, since _he_ had said that his next boy should be called for
+the great Emperor. Then she prayed very earnestly, 'Lord, take him
+Thyself--take him Thyself!' Doctor Marco, who was present, thought she
+meant the poor little new-born babe--supposing, and no wonder, that it
+would be better tended in heaven by Our Lady and the angels, than here
+on earth. But I _know_ it was not you she thought of."
+
+"My poor mother--God rest her soul! Nay, I doubt not that now she rests
+in God," Carlos added, softly.
+
+"And so the curse fell on your house, senor; and in such sorrow were
+you born. Yet you grew up merry lads, you and Don Juan."
+
+"Thanks to thy care and kindness, well-beloved and faithful nurse. But,
+Dolores, tell me truly--have you never heard anything further of, or
+from, my father?"
+
+"From him, never. Of him, that I believed, _never_."
+
+"And what do you believe?" Carlos asked, eagerly.
+
+"I know nothing, senor. I have heard all that your worship has heard,
+and no more."
+
+"Do you think it is true--what we have all been told--of his death in
+the Indies?"
+
+"I know nothing, senor," Dolores repeated, with the air of a person
+determined to _say_ nothing.
+
+But Carlos would not allow her to escape thus. Both had gone too far
+to leave the subject without probing it to its depths. And both felt
+instinctively that it was not likely again to be discussed between
+them. Laying his hand on her arm, and looking steadily in her face, he
+asked,--
+
+"Dolores, are you sure my father is dead?"
+
+Seemingly relieved by the form the question had taken, she met his gaze
+without flinching, and answered in tones of evident sincerity, "Sure as
+that I sit here--so help me God." After a long pause she added, as she
+rose to go, "Senor Don Carlos, be not offended if I counsel you this
+once, since I held you a babe in my arms, and you will find none that
+loves you better--if a poor old woman may say so to a young and noble
+caballero."
+
+"Say all you think to me, my dear and kind nurse."
+
+"Then, senor, I say, leave vain thoughts and questions about your
+father's fate. 'There are no birds in last year's nests;' and 'Water
+that has run by will turn no mill.' And I entreat of you to repeat the
+same to your noble brother when you find opportunity. Look before you,
+senor, and not behind; and God's best blessings rest on you!"
+
+Dolores turned to go, but turning back again, stood irresolute.
+
+"What is it, Dolores?" Carlos asked; hoping, perhaps, for some further
+glimmer of light upon that dark past, from which she implored him to
+turn his thoughts.
+
+"If it please you, Senor Don Carlos--" and she paused and hesitated.
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" said Carlos, in a kind, encouraging tone.
+
+"Ay, senor, that you can. With your learning and your good Book, surely
+you can tell me whether the soul of my poor Alphonso, dead on the
+battle-field without shrift or sacrament, has yet found rest with God?"
+
+Thus the true woman's heart, though so full of sympathy for others,
+still turned back to its own sorrow, which lay deepest of all.
+
+Carlos felt himself unexpectedly involved in a difficulty. "My book
+tells me nothing on the subject," he said, after some thought. "But I
+am sure you may be comforted, after all these years, during which you
+have diligently prayed, and sought the Church's prayers for him."
+
+The long eager gaze of her wistful eyes asked mournfully, "Is this
+_all_ you can tell me?" But her lips only said, "I thank your
+Excellency," as she withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XI.
+
+                          The Light Enjoyed.
+
+  "Doubt is slow to clear and sorrow is hard to bear,
+  And each sufferer has his say, his scheme of the weal and the woe;
+  But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;
+  The rest may reason and welcome, 'tis we musicians _know_."
+
+                                                   R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Bewildering were the trains of thought which the conversation just
+narrated awakened in the mind of Carlos. On the one hand, a gleam
+of light was shed upon his father's career, suggesting a possible
+interpretation of the inscription on the window, that thrilled his
+heart with joy. On the other, the termination of that career was
+involved in even deeper obscurity than before; and he was made to feel,
+more keenly than ever, how childish and unreal were the dreams which he
+and his brother had been wont to cherish upon the subject.
+
+Moreover, Dolores, just before she left him, had drawn a bow at a
+venture, and most unintentionally sent a sharp arrow through a joint
+in his harness. Why could he find no answer to a question so simple
+and natural as the one she had asked him? Why did the Book, which had
+solved so many mysteries for him, shed not a ray of light upon this
+one? Whence this ominous silence of the apostles and evangelists upon
+so many things that the Church most loudly proclaimed? Where, in his
+Book, was purgatory to be found at all? Where was the adoration of the
+Virgin and the saints? Where were works of supererogation? But here
+he started in horror, as one who suddenly saw himself on the brink of
+a precipice. Or rather, as one dwelling secure and contented within
+a little circle of light and warmth, to whom such questions came as
+intimations of a chaos surrounding it on every side, into which a
+chance step might at any moment plunge him.
+
+Most earnestly he entreated that the Lord of his life, the Guide of
+his spirit, would not let him go forth to wander there. He prayed,
+expressly and repeatedly, that the doubts which began to trouble him
+might be laid and silenced. His prayer was answered, as all true prayer
+is sure to be, but it was not _granted_. He whose love is strong
+and deep enough to work out its good purpose in us even against the
+pleadings of our own hearts, saw that his child must needs pass through
+"a land of darkness" to reach the clearer light beyond. Conflicts
+fierce and terrible must be his portion, if indeed he were to take his
+place amongst those "called and chosen and faithful" ones who, having
+stood beside the Lamb in his contest with Antichrist, shall stand
+beside him on the sea of glass mingled with fire.
+
+Already Carlos was in training for that contest--though as yet he knew
+not that there was any contest before him, save the general "striving
+against sin" in which all Christians have to take part. For the joy
+of the Lord is the Christian's strength in the day of battle. And he
+usually prepares those faithful soldiers whom he means to set in the
+forefront of the hottest battle, by previously bestowing that joy upon
+them in very full measure. He who is willing to "sell all that he
+hath," must first have found a treasure, and what "the joy thereof" is
+none else may declare.
+
+In this joy Carlos lived now; and it was as yet too fresh and new to be
+greatly disturbed by haunting doubts or perplexing questions. These,
+for the present, came and passed like a breath upon a surface of molten
+gold, scarcely dimming its lustre for a moment.
+
+It had become his great wish to receive Orders as soon as possible,
+that he might consecrate himself more entirely to the service of his
+Lord, and spread abroad the knowledge of his love more widely. With
+this view, he determined on returning to Seville early in October.
+
+He left Nuera with regret, especially on account of Dolores, who had
+taken a new place in his consideration, and even in his affections,
+since he had begun to read to her from his Book. And, though usually
+very calm and impassive in manner, she could scarcely refrain from
+tears at the parting. She entreated him, with almost passionate
+earnestness, to be very prudent and careful of himself in the great
+city.
+
+Carlos, who saw no special danger likely to menace him, save such as
+might arise from his own heart, felt tempted to smile at her foreboding
+tone, and asked her what she feared for him.
+
+"Oh, Senor Don Carlos," she pleaded, with clasped hands, "for the love
+of God, take care; and do not be reading and telling your good words to
+every one you meet. For the world is an ill place, your worship, where
+good is ofttimes evil-spoken of."
+
+"Never fear for me," returned Carlos, with his frank, pleasant smile.
+"I have found nothing in my Book but the most Catholic verities, which
+will be useful to all and hurtful to none. But of course I shall be
+prudent, and take due care of my words, lest by any extraordinary
+chance they might be misinterpreted. So that you may keep your mind at
+peace, dear Mother Dolores."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XII.
+
+                 The Light Divided from the Darkness.
+
+  "I felt and feel, what'er befalls,
+  The footsteps of thy life in mine."
+
+                                      TENNYSON.
+
+
+In the glorious autumn weather, Don Carlos rode joyfully through cork
+and chestnut groves, across bare brown plains, and amidst gardens
+of pale olives and golden orange globes shining through dark glossy
+leaves. He had long ago sent back to Seville the guard with which his
+uncle had furnished him, so that his only companion was a country
+youth, trained by Diego to act as his servant. But although he passed
+through the very district afterwards immortalized by the adventures of
+the renowned Don Quixote, no adventure fell to his lot. Unless it may
+count for an adventure that near the termination of his journey the
+weather suddenly changed, and torrents of ruin, accompanied by unusual
+cold, drove him to seek shelter.
+
+"Ride on quickly, Jorge," he said to his attendant, "for I remember
+there is a venta[4] by the roadside not far off. A poor place truly,
+where we are little likely to find a supper. But we shall find a roof
+to shelter us and fire to warm us, and these at present are our most
+pressing needs."
+
+    [4] An inn.
+
+Arrived at the venta, they were surprised to see the lazy landlord
+so far stirred out of his usual apathy as to busy himself in trying
+to secure the fastening of the outer door, that it might not swing
+backwards and forwards in the wind, to the great discomfort of all
+within the house. The proud indifferent Spaniard looked calmly up from
+his task, and remarked that he would do all in his power to accommodate
+his worship. "But unfortunately, senor and your Excellency, a _very_
+great and principal nobleman has just arrived here, with a most
+distinguished train of fine caballeros--his lordship's gentlemen and
+servants; and kitchen, hall, and chamber are as full of them as a hive
+is full of bees."
+
+This was evil news to Carlos. Proud, sensitive, and shy, there could
+be nothing more foreign to his character than to throw himself into
+the society of a person who, though really only his equal in rank, was
+so much his superior in all that lends rank its charm in the eyes of
+the vulgar. "We had better push on to Ecija," said he to his reluctant
+attendant, bravely turning his face to the storm, and making up his
+mind to ten miles more in drenching rain.
+
+At that moment, however, a tall figure emerged from the inner door,
+opening into the long room behind the stable and kitchen, that formed
+the only tolerable accommodation the one-storied venta afforded.
+
+"Surely, senor, you do not intend to go further in this storm," said
+the nobleman, whose fine thoughtful countenance Carlos could not but
+fancy that he had seen before.
+
+"It is not far to Ecija, senor," returned Carlos, bowing. "And 'First
+come first served,' is an excellent proverb."
+
+"The first-comer has certainly one privilege which I am not disposed
+to waive--that of hospitably welcoming the second. Do me the favour to
+come in, senor. You will find an excellent fire."
+
+Carlos could not decline an invitation so courteously given. He was
+soon seated by the wood fire that blazed on the hearth of the inner
+room, exchanging compliments, in true Spanish fashion, with the
+nobleman who had welcomed him so kindly.
+
+Though no one could doubt for an instant the strangers possession of
+the pure "sangre azul,"[5] yet his manners were more frank and easy and
+less ceremonious than those to which Carlos had been accustomed in the
+exclusive and privileged class of Seville society--a fact accounted for
+by the discovery, afterwards made, that he was horn and educated in
+Italy.
+
+    [5] "Blue blood."
+
+"I have the pleasure of recognizing Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Menaya," said he. "I hope the babe about whom his worship showed such
+amiable anxiety recovered from its indisposition?"
+
+This then was the personage whom Carlos had seen in such close
+conversation with the physician Losada. The association of ideas
+immediately brought back the mysterious remark about his father he
+had overheard on that occasion. Putting that aside, however, for the
+present, he answered, "Perfectly, I thank your grace. We attribute the
+recovery mainly to the skill and care of the excellent Dr. Cristobal
+Losada."
+
+"A gentleman whose medical skill cannot be praised too highly,
+except, indeed, it were exalted at the expense of his other excellent
+qualities, and particularly his charity to the poor."
+
+Carlos heartily acquiesced, and added some instances of the physician's
+kindness to those who could not recompense him again. They were new to
+his companion, who listened with interest.
+
+During this conversation supper was laid. As the principal guest had
+brought his own provisions with him, it was a comfortable and plentiful
+repast. Carlos, ere he sat down, left the room to re-arrange his
+dress, and found opportunity to ask the innkeeper if he knew the noble
+strangers name.
+
+"His Excellency is a great noble from Castile," returned mine host,
+with an air of much importance. "His name, as I am informed, is Don
+Carlos de Seso; and his illustrious lady, Dona Isabella, is of the
+blood royal."
+
+"Where does he reside?"
+
+"His gentlemen tell me, principally at one of his fine estates in the
+north, Villamediana they call it. He is also corregidor[6] of Toro.
+He has been visiting Seville upon business of importance, and is now
+returning home."
+
+    [6] Mayor.
+
+Pleased to be the guest of such a man (for in fact he was his guest),
+Carlos took his seat at the table, and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. An
+hour's intercourse with a man who had read and travelled much, but had
+thought much more, was a rare treat to him. Moreover, De Seso showed
+him all that fine courtesy which a youth so highly appreciates from a
+senior, giving careful attention to every observation he hazarded, and
+manifestly bringing the best of his powers to bear on his own share of
+the conversation.
+
+He spoke of Fray Constantino's preaching, with an enthusiasm that made
+Carlos regret that he had been hitherto such an inattentive hearer.
+"Have you seen a little treatise by the Fray, entitled 'The Confession
+of a Sinner'?" he asked.
+
+Carlos having answered in the negative, his new friend drew a tract
+from the pocket of his doublet, and gave it to him to read while he
+wrote a letter.
+
+Carlos, after the manner of eager, rapid readers, plunged at once into
+the heart of the matter, disdaining beginnings.
+
+Almost the first words upon which his eyes fell arrested his attention
+and drew him irresistibly onwards. "Such has been the pride of man,"
+he read, "that he aimed at being God; but so great was thy compassion
+towards him in his fallen state, that thou abasedst thyself to become
+not only of the rank of men, but a true man, and the least of men,
+taking upon thee the form of a servant, that thou mightest set me at
+liberty, and that by means of thy grace, wisdom, and righteousness,
+man might obtain more than he had lost by his ignorance and pride....
+Wast thou not chastised for the iniquity of others? Has not thy blood
+sufficient virtue to wash out the sins of all the human race? Are not
+thy treasures more able to enrich me than all the debt of Adam to
+impoverish me? Lord, although I had been the only person alive, or the
+only sinner in the world, thou wouldst not have failed to die for me.
+O my Saviour, I would say, and say it with truth, that I individually
+stand in need of those blessings which thou hast given to all. What
+though the guilt of all had been mine? thy death is all mine. Even
+though I had committed all the sins of all, yet would I continue to
+trust thee, and to assure myself that thy sacrifice and pardon is all
+mine, though it belong to all."
+
+So far he read in silence, then the tract fell from his hand, and an
+involuntary exclamation broke from his lips--"Passing strange!"
+
+De Seso paused, pen in hand, and looked up surprised. "What find you
+'passing strange,' senor?" he asked.
+
+"That he--that Fray Constantino should have felt precisely what--what
+he describes here."
+
+"That such a holy man should feel so deeply his own utter sinfulness?
+But you are doubtless aware that the holiest saints in all ages have
+shared this experience. St. Augustine, for instance, with whose
+writings so ripe a theological scholar is doubtless well acquainted."
+
+"Such," returned Carlos, "are not worse than others; but they know what
+they are as others do not."
+
+"True. Tried by the standard of God's perfect law, the purest life must
+appear a miserable failure. We may call the marble of our churches and
+dwellings white, until we see God's snow, pure and fresh from heaven,
+upon it."
+
+"Ay, senor," said Carlos, with joyful eagerness; "but the Hand that
+points out the stains can cleanse them. No snow is half so pure as the
+linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints."
+
+It was De Seso's turn to be astonished now. In the look that, half
+leaning over the table, he bent upon the eager face of Carlos, surprise
+and emotion blended. For a moment their eyes met with a flash, like
+that which flint strikes from steel, of mutual intelligence and
+sympathy. But it passed again as quickly. De Seso said, "I suspect
+that I see in you, Senor Don Carlos, one of those admirable scholars
+who have devoted their talents to the study of that sacred language in
+which the words of the holy apostles are handed down to us. You are a
+Grecian?"
+
+Carlos shook his head. "Greek is but little studied at Complutum now,"
+he said, "and I confined myself to the usual theological course."
+
+"In which, I have heard, your success has been brilliant. But it is a
+sore disgrace to us, and a heavy loss to the youth of our nation, that
+the language of St. John and St. Paul should be deemed unworthy of
+their attention."
+
+"Your Excellency is aware that it was otherwise in former years,"
+returned Carlos. "Perhaps the present neglect is owing to the suspicion
+of heresy which, truly or falsely, has attached itself to most of the
+accomplished Greek scholars of our time."
+
+"A miserable misapprehension; the growth of monkish ignorance and envy,
+and popular superstition. Heresy is a convenient stigma with which men
+ofttimes brand as evil the good they are incapable of comprehending."
+
+"Most true, senor. Even Fray Constantino has not escaped."
+
+"His crime has been, that he has sought to turn the minds of men from
+outward acts and ceremonies to the great spiritual truths of which
+these are the symbols. To the vulgar, Religion is nothing but a series
+of shows and postures."
+
+"Yes," answered Carlos; "but the heart that loves God, and truly
+believes in our Lord and Saviour, is taught to put such in their
+proper place. 'These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
+undone.'"
+
+"Senor Don Carlos," said De Seso, with surprise he could no longer
+suppress, "you are evidently a devout and earnest student of the
+Scriptures."
+
+"I search the Scriptures; in them I think I have eternal life. And they
+testify of Christ," promptly responded the less cautious youth.
+
+"I perceive that you do not quote the Vulgate."
+
+Carlos smiled. "No, senor. To a man of your enlightened views I am
+not afraid to acknowledge the truth. I have seen--nay, why should I
+hesitate?--I possess a rare treasure--the New Testament of our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus Christ in our own noble Castilian tongue."
+
+Even through the calm and dignified deportment of his companion Carlos
+could perceive the thrill that this communication caused. There was
+a pause; then he said softly, "And your treasure is also mine." The
+low quiet words came from even greater depths of feeling than the
+eager tremulous tones of Carlos. For _his_ convictions, slowly reached
+and dearly purchased, were "built below" the region of the soul that
+passions agitate,--
+
+  "Based on the crystalline sea
+  Of thought and its eternity."
+
+The heart of Carlos glowed with sudden ardent love towards the man
+who shared his treasure, and, he doubted not, his faith also. He
+could joyfully have embraced him on the spot. But the force of habit
+and the sensitive reserve of his character checked this impetuous
+demonstrativeness. He only said, with a look that was worth an embrace,
+"I knew it. Your Excellency spoke as one who held our Lord and his
+truth in honour."
+
+"_Ella es pues honor a vosotros que creeis._"[7]
+
+    [7] Unto you who believe he is precious," or "an honour."
+
+It would have been hard to begin a verse that Carlos could not at this
+time have instantly completed. He went on: "_Mas para los que no creen,
+la piedra que los edificatores reprobaron_."[8]
+
+    [8] "But unto those that believe not, the stone that the builders
+    reject."
+
+"A sorrowful truth," said De Seso, "which my young friend must needs
+bear in mind. His Word, like himself, is rejected by the many. Its very
+mention may expose to obloquy and danger."
+
+"Only another instance, senor, of those lamentable prejudices about
+heresy about which we spoke anon. I am aware that there are those that
+would brand me (_me_, a scholar too!) with the odious name of heretic,
+merely for reading God's Word in my own tongue. But how utterly absurd
+the charge! The blessed Book has but confirmed my faith in all the
+doctrines of our holy Mother Church."
+
+"Has it?" said De Seso, quietly, perhaps a little drily.
+
+"Most assuredly, senor," Carlos rejoined, with warmth. "In fact I never
+understood, or, I may say, truly believed those holy verities until
+now. Beginning with the Credo itself, and the orthodox Catholic faith
+in our Lord's divinity and atonement."
+
+Here their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the
+attendants, who removed supper, replenished the lamp, and heaped fresh
+chestnut logs on the fire. But as soon as the room was cleared they
+returned eagerly to subjects so interesting to both.
+
+"Our salvation rests," said De Seso, "upon the great cardinal truths
+you have named. By the faith which receives into your heart the
+atonement of Christ as a work done for you, you are justified."
+
+"I am forgiven, and I shall be justified."
+
+"Pardon me, senor; Scripture teaches that your justification is already
+complete. Therefore, _being justified by faith_, we have peace with
+God."
+
+"But that cannot surely be the apostle's meaning," said Carlos, "Ay de
+mi! I know too well that I am not yet completely justified. Far from
+it; evil thoughts throng my heart; and not with heart alone, but with
+lips, eyes, hands, I transgress daily."
+
+"Yet, you see, peace can only be consequent on justification. And peace
+you have."
+
+Carlos looked perplexed. Misled by the teaching of his Church, he
+confused justification with sanctification; consequently he could
+not legitimately enjoy the peace that ought to flow from the one as
+a complete and finished work, because the other necessarily remained
+imperfect.
+
+De Seso explained that the word justify is never used in Scripture in
+its derivative sense, to _make_ righteous; but always in its common and
+universally accepted sense, to _account_ or _declare_ righteous. Quite
+easily and naturally he glided into the teacher's place, whilst Carlos
+gladly took that of the learner; not, indeed, without astonishment at
+the layman's skill in divinity, but with too intense an interest in
+what he said to waste much thought upon his manner of saying it.
+
+Hitherto he had been like an unlearned man, who, without guide or
+companion, explores the trackless shores of a newly-discovered land.
+Should such an one meet in his course a scientific explorer, who has
+mapped and named every mountain, rock, and bay, who has traced out
+the coast-line, and can tell what lies beyond the white hills in the
+distance, it is easy to understand the eagerness with which he would
+listen to his narrative, and the intentness with which he would bend
+over the chart in which the scene of his own journeyings lies portrayed.
+
+Thus De Seso not only taught Carlos the true meaning of Scripture
+terms, and the connection of Scripture truths with each other; he also
+made clear to him the facts of his own experience, and gave names to
+them for him.
+
+"I think I understand now," said Carlos after a lengthened
+conversation, in which, moving from point to point, he had suggested
+many doubts and not a few objections, and these in turn had been taken
+up and answered by his friend. "God be thanked, there is no more
+condemnation, no more punishment for us. Nothing, either in act or
+suffering, can be added to the work of Christ, which is complete."
+
+"Ay, now you have grasped the truth which is the source of our joy and
+strength."
+
+"It must then be our sanctification which suffering promotes, both in
+this life and in purgatory."
+
+"All God's dealings with us in this life are meant to promote our
+sanctification. Joy may do it, by his grace, as well as sorrow. It is
+written, not alone, 'He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger,' but
+also, 'He fed thee with manna, to teach the secret of life in him, from
+him, and by him.'"
+
+"But suffering is purifying--like fire."
+
+"Not in itself. Criminals released from the galleys usually come forth
+hardened in their crimes by the lash and the oar."
+
+Having said this, De Seso rose and extinguished the expiring lamp,
+while Carlos remained thoughtfully gazing into the fire. "Senor,"
+he said, after a long pause, during which the stream of thought ran
+continuously underground, to reappear consequently in an unexpected
+place--"Senor, do you think God's Word, which solves so many mysteries,
+can answer every question for us?"
+
+"Scarcely. Some questions we may ask, of which the answers, in our
+present state, would be beyond our comprehension. And others may
+indeed be answered there, but we may miss the answers, because through
+weakness of faith we are not yet able to receive them."
+
+"For instance?"
+
+"I had rather not name an instance--at present," said De Seso, and
+Carlos thought his face had a sorrowful look as he gazed at it in the
+firelight.
+
+"I would not willingly miss anything my Lord meant to teach. I desire
+to know _all_ his will, and to follow it," Carlos rejoined earnestly.
+
+"It may be that you know not what you desire. Still, name any question
+you wish; and I will tell you freely whether in my judgment God's Word
+contains an answer."
+
+Carlos stated the difficulty suggested by the inquiry of Dolores. Who
+can tell the exact moment when his bark leaves the gently-flowing river
+for the great deep ocean? That of Carlos, on the instant when he put
+this question, was met by the first wave of the mighty sea upon which
+he was to be tossed by many a storm. But he did not know it.
+
+"I agree with you as to the silence of God's Word about purgatory,"
+returned his friend; and for some time both gazed into the fire without
+speaking.
+
+"This and similar discoveries have sometimes given me, I own, a feeling
+of blank disappointment, and even of terror," said Carlos at length.
+For with him it was one of those rare hours in which a man can bear
+to translate into words the "dark misgivings" of the soul, usually
+unacknowledged even to himself.
+
+"I cannot say," was the answer, "that the thought of passing through
+the gate of death into the immediate presence of my glorified Lord
+affects me with 'blank disappointment' or 'terror.'"
+
+"How?--What do you say?" cried Carlos, starting visibly.
+
+"'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' 'To depart and to be
+with Christ is far better.'"
+
+"But it was San Pablo, the great apostle and martyr, who said that. For
+us,--we have the Church's teaching," Carlos rejoined in quick, anxious
+tones.
+
+"Nevertheless, I venture to think that, in the face of all you have
+learned from God's Word, you will find it a task somewhat of the
+hardest to prove purgatory."
+
+"Not at all," said Carlos; and immediately he bounded into the
+arena of controversy, laid his lance in rest, and began an animated
+tilting-match with his new friend, who was willing (of course, thought
+Carlos, for argument's sake alone, and as an intellectual exercise) to
+personate a Lutheran antagonist.
+
+But not a few doughty champions have met the stern reality of a bloody
+death in the mimic warfare of the tilting-field. At every turn Carlos
+found himself answered, baffled, confounded. Yet, how could he, how
+dared he, acknowledge defeat, even to himself, when with the imperilled
+doctrine so much else must fall? What would become of private masses,
+indulgences, prayers for the dead? Nay, what would become of the
+infallibility of Mother Church herself?
+
+So he fought desperately. Fear, ever increasing, quickened his
+preceptions, baptized his lips with eloquence, made his sense acute
+and his memory retentive. Driven at last from the ground of Scripture
+and reason, he took his stand upon that of scholastic divinity. Using
+the weapons with which he had been taught to play so deftly for once
+in terrible earnest, he spun clever syllogisms, in which he hoped to
+entangle his adversary. But De Seso caught the flimsy webs in the naked
+hand of his strong sense, and crushed them to atoms.
+
+Then Carlos knew that the battle was lost. "I can say no more," he
+acknowledged, sorrowfully bowing his head.
+
+"And what I have said--is it not in accordance with the Word of God?"
+
+With a cry of dismay on his lips, Carlos turned and looked at him--"God
+help us! Are we then Lutherans?"
+
+"It may be Christ is asking another question--Are we amongst those who
+follow him _whithersoever_ he goeth?"
+
+"Oh, not _there_--not to _that_!" cried Carlos, rising in his agitation
+and beginning to pace the room. "I abhor heresy--I eschew the thought.
+From my cradle I have done so. Anywhere but that!"
+
+Pausing at last in his walk before the place where De Seso sat, he
+asked, "And you, senor, have you considered whither this would lead?"
+
+"I have. I do not ask thee to follow. But this I say: if Christ bids
+any man leave the ship and come to him upon these dark and stormy
+waters, he will stretch out his own right hand to uphold and sustain
+him."
+
+"To leave the ship--his Church? That would be leaving him. And leaving
+him, I am lost, soul and body--lost--lost!"
+
+"Fear not. At his feet, clinging to him, soul of man was never lost
+yet."
+
+"I will cleave to him, and to the Church too."
+
+"Still, if one must be forsaken, let not that one be Christ."
+
+"Never, _never_--so help me God!" After a pause he added, as if
+speaking to himself, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
+eternal life."
+
+He stood motionless, wrapt in thought; while De Seso rose softly, and
+going to the window, put aside the rude shutter that had been fastened
+across it.
+
+"The night is bright," said Carlos dreamily. "The moon must have risen."
+
+"That is daylight you see," returned his companion with a smile. "Time
+for wayfarers to seek rest in sleep."
+
+"Prayer is better than sleep."
+
+"True, and we who own the same precious faith can well unite in prayer."
+
+With the willing consent of Carlos, his new friend laid their common
+desires and perplexities before God. The prayer was in itself a
+revelation to him; he forgot even to wonder that it came from the lips
+of a layman. For De Seso spoke as one accustomed to converse with the
+Unseen, and to enter by faith to the inner sanctuary, the very presence
+of God himself. And Carlos found that it was good thus to draw nigh
+to God. He felt his troubled soul returning to its rest, to its quiet
+confidence in Him who, he knew, would guide him by his counsel, and
+afterwards receive him into glory.
+
+When they rose, instinctively their right hands sought each other, and
+were locked in that strong grasp which is sometimes worth more than an
+embrace.
+
+"We have confidence each in the other," said De Seso, "so that we need
+exchange no pledge of faithfulness or secrecy."
+
+Carlos bowed his head. "Pray for me, senor," he said. "Pray that God,
+who sent you here to teach me, may in his own time complete the work he
+has begun."
+
+Then both lay down in their cloaks; one to sleep, the other to ponder
+and pray.
+
+In the morning each went his several way. And never was it given to
+Carlos, in this world, to look upon that face or to grasp that hand
+again.
+
+He who had thus crossed his path, as it were for a moment, was perhaps
+the noblest of all the heroic band of Spanish martyrs, that forlorn
+hope of Christ's army, who fought and fell "where Satan's seat was."
+His high birth and lofty station, his distinguished abilities, even
+those more superficial graces of person and manner which are not
+without their strong fascination, were all--like the precious ointment
+with the odour of which the house was filled--consecrated to the
+service of the Lord for whom he lived and died. The eye of imagination
+lingers with special and reverential love upon that grand calm figure.
+But our simple story leads us far away amongst other scenes and other
+characters. We must now turn to a different part of the wide missionary
+harvest-field, in which the lowly muleteer Juliano Hernandez, and the
+great noble Don Carlos de Seso, were both labouring. Was their labour
+in vain?
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIII.
+
+                               Seville.
+
+  "There is a multitude around,
+    Responsive to my prayer;
+  I hear the voice of my desire
+    Resounding everywhere."
+
+                        A.L. WARING.
+
+
+Don Carlos felt surprised, on returning to Seville, to find the circle
+in which he had been wont to move exactly as he left it. His absence
+appeared to him a great deal longer than it really was. Moreover,
+there lurked in his mind an undefined idea that a period so fraught
+with momentous change to him could not have passed without change over
+the heads of others. But the worldly only seemed more worldly, the
+frivolous more frivolous, the vain more vain than ever.
+
+Around the presence of Dona Beatriz there still hung a sweet dangerous
+fascination, against which he struggled, and, in the strength of his
+new and mighty principle of action, struggled successfully. Still, for
+the sake of his own peace, he longed to find some fair pretext for
+making his home elsewhere than beneath his uncle's roof.
+
+One great pleasure awaited his return--a letter from Juan. It was the
+second he had received; the first having merely told of his brother's
+safe arrival at the headquarters of the royal army at Cambray. Don
+Juan had obtained his commission just in time for active service in
+the brief war between France and Spain that immediately followed the
+accession of Philip II. And now, though he said not much of his own
+exploits, it was evident that he had already begun to distinguish
+himself by the prompt and energetic courage which was a part of his
+character. Moreover, a signal piece of good fortune had fallen to his
+lot. The Spaniards were then engaged in the siege of St. Quentin.
+Before the works were quite completed, the French General--the
+celebrated Admiral Coligny--managed to throw himself into the town
+by a brilliant and desperate _coup-de-main_. Many of his heroic band
+were killed or taken prisoners, however; and amongst the latter was a
+gentleman of rank and fortune, a member of the admiral's suite, who
+surrendered his sword into the hands of young Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+Juan was delighted with his prize, as he well might be. Not only was
+the distinction an honourable one for so young a soldier; but the
+ransom he might hope to receive would serve very materially to smooth
+his pathway to the attainment of his dearest wishes.
+
+Carlos was now able to share his brother's joy with unselfish sympathy.
+With a peculiar kind of pleasure, not quite unmixed with superstition,
+he recalled Juan's boyish words, more than once repeated, "When I go
+to the wars, I shall make some great prince or duke my prisoner." They
+had found a fair, if not exactly literal, fulfilment, and that so early
+in his career. And a belief that had grown up with him from childhood
+was strengthened thereby. Juan would surely accomplish everything upon
+which his heart was set. Certainly he would find his father--if that
+father should prove to be after all in the land of the living.
+
+Carlos was warmly welcomed back by his relatives--at least by all of
+them save one. To a mild temper and amiable disposition he united the
+great advantage of rivalling no man, and interfering with no man's
+career. At the same time, he had a well-defined and honourable career
+of his own, in which he bid fair to be successful; so that he was
+not despised, but regarded as a credit to the family. The solitary
+exception to the favourable sentiments he inspired was found in the
+bitter disdain which Gonsalvo, with scarcely any attempt at disguise,
+exhibited towards him.
+
+This was painful to him, both because he was sensitively alive to the
+opinions of others; and also because he actually preferred Gonsalvo,
+notwithstanding his great and glaring faults, to his more calculating
+and worldly-minded brothers. Force of any kind possesses a real
+fascination for an intellectual and sympathetic, but rather weak
+character; and this fascination grows in intensity when the weaker has
+a reason to pity and a desire to help the stronger.
+
+It was not altogether grace, therefore, which checked the proud words
+that often rose to the lips of Carlos in answer to his cousin's sneers
+or sarcasms. He was not ignorant of the cause of Gonsalvo's contempt
+for him. It was Gonsalvo's creed that a man who deserved the name
+always got what he wanted, or died in the attempt; unless, of course,
+absolutely insuperable physical obstacles interfered, as they did in
+his own case. As he knew well enough what Carlos wanted before his
+departure from Seville, the fact of his quietly resigning the prize,
+without even an effort to secure it, was final with him.
+
+One day, when Carlos had returned a forbearing answer to some taunt,
+Dona Inez, who was present, took occasion to apologize for her brother,
+as soon as he had quitted the room. Carlos liked Dona Inez much better
+than her still unmarried sister, because she was more generous and
+considerate to Beatriz. "You are very good, amigo mio," she said,
+"to show so great forbearance to my poor brother. And I cannot think
+wherefore he should treat you so uncourteously. But he is often rude to
+his brothers, sometimes even to his father."
+
+"I fear it is because he suffers. Though rather less helpless than he
+was six months ago, he seems really more frail and sickly."
+
+"Ay de mi, that is too true. And have you heard his last whim? He tells
+us he has given up physicians for ever. He has almost as ill an opinion
+of them as--forgive me, cousin--of priests."
+
+"Could you not persuade him to consult your friend, Doctor Cristobal?"
+
+"I have tried, but in vain. To speak the truth, cousin," she added,
+drawing nearer to Carlos, and lowering her voice, "there is another
+cause that has helped to make him what he is. No one knows or even
+guesses aught of it but myself; I was ever his favourite sister. If I
+tell you, will you promise the strictest secrecy?"
+
+Carlos did so; wondering a little what his cousin would think could she
+surmise the weightier secrets which were burdening his own heart.
+
+"You have heard of the marriage of Dona Juana de Xeres y Bohorques with
+Don Francisco de Vargas?"
+
+"Yes; and I account Don Francisco a very fortunate man."
+
+"Are you acquainted with the young lady's sister, Dona Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"I have met her. A fair, pale, queenly girl. She is not fond of gaiety,
+but very learned and very pious, as I have been told."
+
+"You will scarce believe me, Don Carlos, when I tell you that pale,
+quiet girl is Gonsalvo's choice, his dream, his idol. How she contrived
+to gain that fierce, eager young heart, I know not--but hers it is, and
+hers alone. Of course, he had passing fancies before; but she was his
+first serious passion, and she will be his last."
+
+Carlos smiled. "Red fire and white marble," he said. "But, after all,
+the fiercest fire could not feed on marble. It must die out, in time."
+
+"From the first, Gonsalvo had not the shadow of a chance," Dona Inez
+replied, with an expressive flutter of her fan. "I have not the least
+idea whether the young lady even knows he loves her. But it matters
+not. We are Alvarez de Menaya; still we could not expect a grandee of
+the first order to give his daughter to a younger son of our house.
+Even before that unlucky bull-feast. _Now_, of course, he himself would
+be the first to say, 'Pine-apple kernels are not for monkeys,' nor fair
+ladies for crippled caballeros. And yet--you understand?"
+
+"I do," said Carlos; and in truth he _did_ understand, far better than
+Dona Inez imagined.
+
+She turned to leave the room, but turned back again to say kindly, "I
+trust, my cousin, your own health has not suffered from your residence
+among those bleak inhospitable mountains? Don Garcia tells me he has
+seen you twice, since your return, coming forth late in the evening
+from the dwelling of our good Senor Doctor."
+
+There was a sufficient reason for these visits. Before they parted, De
+Seso had asked Carlos if he would like an introduction to a person in
+Seville who could give him further instruction upon the subjects they
+had discussed together. The offer having been thankfully accepted,
+he was furnished with a note addressed, much to his surprise, to the
+physician Losada; and the connection thus begun was already proving a
+priceless boon to Carlos.
+
+But nature had not designed him for a keeper of secrets. The colour
+mounted rapidly to his cheek, as he answered,--
+
+"I am flattered by my lady cousin's solicitude for me. But, I thank
+God, my health is as good as ever. In truth, Doctor Cristobal is
+a man of learning and a pleasant companion, and I enjoy an hour's
+conversation with him. Moreover, he has some rare and valuable books,
+which he is kind enough to lend me."
+
+"He is certainly very well-bred, for a man of his station," said Dona
+Inez, condescendingly.
+
+Carlos did not resume his attendance upon the lectures of Fray
+Constantino at the College of Doctrine; but when the voice of the
+eloquent preacher was heard in the cathedral, he was never absent.
+He had no difficulty _now_ in recognizing the truths that he loved
+so well, covered with a thin veil of conventional phraseology. All
+mention, not absolutely necessary, of dogmas peculiarly Romish was
+avoided, unless when the congregation were warned earnestly, though
+in terms well-studied and jealously guarded, against "risking their
+salvation" upon indulgences or ecclesiastical pardons. The vanity of
+trusting to their own works was shown also; and in every sermon Christ
+was faithfully held up before the sinner as the one all-sufficient
+Saviour.
+
+Carlos listened always with rapt attention, usually with keen delight.
+Often would he look around him upon the sea of earnest upturned faces,
+saying within himself, "Many of these my brethren and sisters have
+found Christ--many more are seeking him;" and at the thought his heart
+would thrill with thankfulness. But even at that moment some word from
+the preacher's lips might change his joy into a chill of apprehension.
+It frequently happened that Fray Constantino, borne onward by the
+torrent of his own eloquence, was betrayed into uttering some sentiment
+so very nearly heretical as to make his hearer tingle with the peculiar
+sense of pain that is caused by seeing one rush heedlessly to the verge
+of a precipice.
+
+"I often thank God for the stupidity of evil men and the simplicity of
+good ones," Carlos said to his new friend Losada, after one of these
+dangerous discourses.
+
+For by this time, what De Seso had first led him to suspect, had
+become a certainty with him. He knew himself _a heretic_--a terrible
+consciousness to sink into the heart of any man in those days,
+especially in Catholic Spain. Fortunately the revelation had come to
+him gradually; and still more gradually came the knowledge of all that
+it involved. Yet those were sorrowful hours in which he first felt
+himself cut off from every hallowed association of his childhood and
+youth; from the long chain of revered tradition, which was all he knew
+of the past; from the vast brotherhood of the Church visible--that
+mighty organization, pervading all society, leavening all thought,
+controlling all custom, ruling everything in this world, even if not
+in the next. His own past life was shattered: the ambitions he had
+cherished were gone--the studies he had excelled and delighted in were
+proved for the most part worse than vain. It is true that he believed,
+even still, that he might accept priestly ordination from the hands
+of Rome (for the idolatry of the mass was amongst the things not yet
+revealed to him); but he could no longer hope for honour or preferment,
+or what men call a career, in the Church. Joy enough would it be if
+he were permitted, in some obscure corner of the land, to tell his
+countrymen of a Saviour's love; and perpetual watchfulness, extreme
+caution, and the most judicious management would be necessary to
+preserve him--as hitherto they had preserved Fray Constantino--from the
+grasp of the Holy Inquisition.
+
+To us, who read that word in the lurid light that martyr fires kindled
+after this period have flung upon it, it may seem strange that Carlos
+was not more a prey to fear of the perils entailed by his heresy.
+But so slowly did he pass out of the stage in which he believed
+himself still a sincere Catholic into that in which he shudderingly
+acknowledged that he was in very truth a Lutheran, that the shock
+of the discovery was wonderfully broken to him. Nor did he think
+the danger that menaced him either near or pressing, so long as he
+conducted himself with reserve and prudence.
+
+It is true that this reserve involved a degree of secrecy, if not of
+dissimulation, that was fast becoming very irksome. Formerly the kind
+of fencing, feinting, and doubling into which he was often forced,
+would rather have pleased him, as affording scope for the exercise of
+ingenuity. But his moral nature was growing so much more sensitive,
+that he began to recoil from slight departures from truth, in which
+heretofore he would only have seen a proper exercise of the advantage
+which a keen and quick intellect possesses over dull ones. Moreover,
+he longed to be able to speak freely to others of the things which he
+himself found so precious.
+
+Though quite sufficiently afraid of pain and danger, the thought of
+disgrace was still more intolerable to him. Keener than any suffering
+he had yet known--except the pang of renouncing Beatriz--was the
+consciousness that all those amongst whom he lived, and who now
+respected and loved him, would, if they guessed the truth, turn away
+from him with unutterable scorn and loathing.
+
+One day, when walking in the city with his aunt and Dona Sancha, they
+turned down a side-street to avoid meeting the death procession of a
+murderer on his way to the scaffold. The crime for which he suffered
+had been notorious; and with the voluble exclamations of horror and
+congratulations at getting safely out of the way to which the ladies
+gave expression, were mingled prayers for the soul of the miserable
+man. "If they knew all," thought Carlos, as the slight, closely-veiled
+forms clung trustingly to him for protection, "they would think _me_
+worse, more degraded, than yon wretched being. They pity _him_, they
+pray for _him_; _me_ they would only loathe and execrate. And Juan, my
+beloved, my honoured brother--what will he think?" This last thought
+was the one that haunted him most frequently and troubled him most
+deeply.
+
+But had he nothing to counter-balance these pangs of fear and shame,
+these manifold dark misgivings? He had much. First and best, he had
+the peace that passeth all understanding shed abroad in his heart. Its
+light did not grow pale and faint with time; on the other hand, it
+increased in brightness and steadiness, as new truths arose like stars
+upon his soul, every new truth being in itself "a new joy" to him.
+
+Moreover, he found keen enjoyment in the communion of saints. Great was
+his surprise when, after sufficiently instructing him in private, and
+satisfactorily testing his sincerity, Losada cautiously revealed to him
+the existence of a regularly-organized Lutheran Church in Seville, of
+which he himself was actually the pastor. He invited Carlos to attend
+its meetings, which were held, with due precaution, and usually after
+nightfall, in the house of a lady of rank--Dona Isabella de Baena.
+
+Carlos readily accepted the perilous invitation, and with deep emotion
+took his place amongst the band of "called, chosen, and faithful" men
+and women, every one of whom, as he believed, shared the same joys and
+hopes that he did. They were not at all such a "little band" as he
+expected to find them. Nor were they, with very few exceptions, of the
+poor of this world. If that bright southern land, so rich in all that
+kindles the imagination, eventually to her own ruin rejected the truth
+of God, at least she offered upon his altar some of her choicest and
+fairest flowers. Many of those who met in Dona Isabella's upper room
+were "chief men" and "devout and honourable women." Talent, learning,
+excellence of every kind was largely represented there; so also was
+the _sangre azul_, the boast of the proud Spanish grandees. One of
+the first faces that Carlos recognized was the sweet, thoughtful one
+of the young Dona Maria de Bohorques, whose precocious learning and
+accomplishments had often been praised in his hearing, and in whom he
+had now a new and peculiar interest.
+
+There were two noblemen of the first order--Don Domingo de Guzman, son
+of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon, son of the
+Count of Baylen. Carlos had often heard of the munificent charities of
+the latter, who had actually embarrassed his estates by his unbounded
+liberality to the poor. But while Ponce de Leon was thus labouring
+to relieve the sorrows of others, a deep sadness brooded over his
+own spirit. He was wont to go forth by night, and pace up and down
+the great stone platform in the Prado San Sebastian, that bore the
+ghastly name of the Quemadero, or _Burning-place_, while in his heart
+the shadow of death--the darkest shadow of the dreadest death--was
+struggling with the light of immortality.
+
+Did the rest of that devoted band share the agony of apprehension that
+filled those lonely midnight hours with passionate prayer? Some amongst
+them did, no doubt. But with most, the circumstances and occupations
+of daily life wove, with their multitudinous slender threads, a veil
+dense enough to hide, or at least to soften, the perils of their
+situation. The Protestants of Seville contrived to pass their lives
+and to do their work side by side with other men; they moved amongst
+their fellow-citizens and were not recognized; they even married and
+were given in marriage; though all the time there fell upon their daily
+paths the shadow of the grim old fortress where the Holy Inquisition
+held its awful secret court.
+
+But then, at this period the Holy Inquisition was by no means
+exhibiting its usual terrible activity. The Inquisitor-General,
+Fernando de Valdez, Archbishop of Seville, was an old man of
+seventy-four, relentless when roused, but not particularly
+enterprising. Moreover, he was chiefly occupied in amassing enormous
+wealth from his rich and numerous Church preferments. Hitherto, the
+fires of St. Dominic had been kindled for Jews and Moors; only one
+Protestant had suffered death in Spain, and Valladolid, not Seville,
+had been the scene of his martyrdom. Seville, indeed, had witnessed two
+notable prosecutions for Lutheranism--that of Rodrigo de Valer and that
+of Juan Gil, commonly called Dr. Egidius. But Valer had been only sent
+to a monastery to die, while, by a disgraceful artifice, retraction had
+been obtained from Egidius.
+
+During the years that had passed since then, the Holy Office had
+appeared to slumber. Victims who refused to eat pork, or kept Sabbath
+on Saturday, were growing scarce for obvious reasons. And not yet had
+the wild beast "exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron and his
+nails of brass," begun to devour a nobler prey. Did the monster, gorged
+with human blood, really slumber in his den; or did he only assume the
+attitude and appearance of slumber, as some wild beasts are said to do,
+to lure his unwary victims within the reach of his terrible crouch and
+spring?
+
+No one can certainly tell; but however it may have been, we doubt not
+the Master used the breathing-time thus afforded his Church to prepare
+and polish many a precious gem, destined to shine through all ages in
+his crown of glory.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIV.
+
+                       The Monks of San Esodro.
+
+  "The earnest of eternal joy
+    In every prayer I trace;
+  I see the likeness of the Lord
+    In every patient face.
+  How oft, in still communion known,
+    Those spirits have been sent
+  To share the travail of my soul,
+    Or show me what it meant."
+
+                             A.L. WARING.
+
+
+It is amongst the perplexing conditions of our earthly life, that we
+cannot first reflect, then act; first form our opinions, then, and
+not till then, begin to carry them out into practice. Thought and
+action have usually to run beside each other in parallel lines; a
+terrible necessity, and never more terrible than during the progress of
+momentous inward changes.
+
+A man becomes convinced that the star by which he has hitherto been
+steering is not the true pole-star, and that if he perseveres in his
+present course his barque will inevitably be lost. At his peril,
+he must find out the one unerring guide; yet, while he seeks it,
+his hand must not for an instant quit his hold on the helm, for the
+winds of circumstance fill his sails, and he cannot choose whether he
+will go, he can only choose where. This lies at the root of much of
+the apparent inconsistency which has often been made a reproach to
+reformers.
+
+Though Carlos did not feel this difficulty as keenly as some of his
+brethren in the faith, he yet felt it. His uncle was continually
+pressing him to take Orders, and to seek for this or that tempting
+preferment; whilst every day he had stronger doubts as to the
+possibility of his accepting any preferment in the Church, and was even
+beginning to entertain scruples about taking Orders at all.
+
+During this period of deliberation and uncertainty, one of his new
+friends, Fray Cassiodoro, an eloquent Jeromite friar, who assisted
+Losada in his ministrations, said to him, "If you intend embracing a
+religious life, Senor Don Carlos, you will find the white tunic and
+brown mantle of St. Jerome more to your taste than any other habit."
+
+Carlos pondered the hint; and shortly afterwards announced to his
+relatives that he intended to "go into retreat" for a season, at the
+Jeromite Convent of San Isodro del Campo, which was about two miles
+from Seville.
+
+His uncle approved this resolution; and none the less, because he
+thought it was probably intended as a preparation for taking the cowl.
+"After all, nephew, it may turn out that you have the longest head
+amongst us," he said. "In the race for wealth and honours, no man can
+doubt that the Regulars beat the Seculars now-a-days. And there is
+not a saint in all the Spains so popular as St. Jerome. You know the
+proverb,--
+
+  "'He who is a count, and to be a duke aspires,
+  Let him straight to Guadaloupe, and sing among the friars.'"
+
+Gonsalvo, who was present, here looked up from his book and observed
+sharply,--
+
+"No man will ever be a duke who changes his mind three times within
+three months."
+
+"But I only changed my mind once," returned Carlos.
+
+"You have never changed it at all, that I wot of," said Don Manuel.
+"And I would that thine were turned in the same profitable direction,
+son Gonsalvo."
+
+"Oh yes! By all means. Offer the blind and the lame in sacrifice. Put
+Heaven off with the wreck of a man that the world will not condescend
+to take into her service."
+
+"Hold thy peace, son born to cross me!" said the father, losing his
+temper at by no means the worst of the many provocations he had
+recently received. "Is it not enough to look at thee lying there a
+useless log, and to suffer thy vile temper; but thou must set thyself
+against me, when I point out to thee the only path in which a cripple
+such as thou could earn green figs to eat with his bread, not to speak
+of supporting the rank of Alvarez de Menaya as he ought."
+
+Here Carlos, out of consideration for the feelings of Gonsalvo, left
+the room; but the angry altercation between the father and son lasted
+long after his departure.
+
+The next day Don Carlos rode out, by a lonely path amidst the gray
+ruins of old Italica, to the stately castellated convent of San
+Isodro. Amidst all his new interests, the young Castilian noble still
+remembered with due enthusiasm how the building had been reared, more
+than two hundred years ago, by the devotion of the heroic Alonzo Guzman
+the Good, who gave up his own son to death, under the walls of Tarifa,
+rather than surrender the city to the Moors.
+
+Before he left Seville, he placed a copy of Fray Constantino's "Sum of
+Christian Doctrine" between two volumes of Gonsalvo's favourite "Lope
+de Vega." He had previously introduced to the notice of the ladies
+several of the Fray's little treatises, which contained a large amount
+of Scripture truth, so cautiously expressed as to have not only escaped
+the censure, but actually obtained the express approbation of the Holy
+Office. He had also induced them occasionally to accompany him to the
+preachings at the Cathedral. Further than this he dared not go; nor
+did he on other accounts think it advisable, as yet, to permit himself
+much communication with Dona Beatriz.
+
+The monks of San Isodro welcomed him with that strong, peculiar
+love which springs up between the disciples of the same Lord, more
+especially when they are a little flock surrounded by enemies. They
+knew that he was already one of the initiated, a regular member of
+Losada's congregation. Both this fact, and the warm recommendations of
+Fray Cassiodoro, led them to trust him implicitly; and very quickly
+they made him a sharer in their secrets, their difficulties, and their
+perplexities.
+
+To his astonishment, he found himself in the midst of a community,
+Protestant in heart almost to a man, and as far as possible acting out
+their convictions; while at the same time they retained (how could they
+discard them?) the outward ceremonies of their Church and their Order.
+
+He soon fraternized with a gentle, pious young monk named Fray
+Fernando, and asked him to explain this extraordinary state of things.
+
+"I am but just out of my novitiate, having been here little more than
+a year," said the young man, who was about his own age; "and already,
+when I came, the fathers carefully instructed the novices out of the
+Scriptures, exhorting us to lay no stress upon outward ceremonies,
+penances, crosses, holy water, and the like. But I have often heard
+them speak of the manner in which they were led to adopt these views."
+
+"Who was their teacher? Fray Cassiodoro?"
+
+"Latterly; not at first. It was Dr. Blanco who sowed the first seed of
+truth here."
+
+"Whom do you mean? We in the city give the name of Dr. Blanco (the
+white doctor), from his silver hairs, to a man of your holy order,
+certainly, but one most zealous for the old faith. He is a friend
+and confidant of the Inquisitors, if indeed he is not himself a
+Qualificator of Heresy:[9] I speak of Dr. Garcias Arias."
+
+    [9] One of the learned men who were appointed to assist the
+    Inquisitors, and whose duty is was to decide whether doubtful
+    propositions were, or were not, heretical.
+
+"The same man. You are astonished, senor; nevertheless it is true.
+The elder brethren say that when he came to the convent all were sunk
+in ignorance and superstition. The monks cared for nothing but vain
+repetitions of unfelt prayers, and showy mummeries of idle ceremonial.
+But the white doctor told them all these would avail them nothing,
+unless their hearts were given to God, and they worshipped him in
+spirit and in truth. They listened, were convinced, began to study the
+Holy Scriptures as he recommended them, and truly to seek Him who is
+revealed therein."
+
+"'Out of the eater came forth meat,'" said Carlos. "I am truly amazed
+to hear of such teaching from the lips of Garcias Arias."
+
+"Not more amazed than the brethren were by his after conduct," returned
+Fray Fernando. "Just when they had received the truth with joy, and
+were beginning heartily to follow it, their teacher suddenly changed
+his tone, and addressed himself diligently to the task of building up
+the things that he once destroyed. When Lent came round, the burden of
+his preaching was nothing but penance and mortification of the flesh.
+No less would content him than that the poor brethren should sleep on
+the bare ground, or standing; and wear sackcloth and iron girdles. They
+could not tell what to make of these bewildering instructions. Some
+followed them, others clung to the simpler faith they had learned to
+love, many tried to unite both. In fact, the convent was filled with
+confusion, and several of the brethren were driven half distracted.
+But at last God put it into their hearts to consult Dr. Egidius. Your
+Excellency is well acquainted with his history, doubtless?"
+
+"Not so well as I should like to be. Still, for the present, let us
+keep to the brethren. Did Dr. Egidius confirm their faith?"
+
+"That he did, senor; and in many ways he led them into a further
+acquaintance with the truth."
+
+"And that enigma, Dr. Blanco?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Whether his mind was really changed, or
+whether he concealed his true opinions through fear, or through love of
+the present world, I know not. I should not judge him."
+
+"No," said Carlos, softly. "It is not for us, who have never been
+tried, to judge those who have failed in the day of trial. But it must
+be a terrible thing to fail, Fray Fernando."
+
+"As good Dr. Egidius did himself. Ah, senor, if you had but seen him
+when he came forth from his prison! His head was bowed, his hair was
+white; they who spoke with him say his heart was well-nigh broken.
+Still he was comforted, and thanked God, when he saw the progress the
+truth had made during his imprisonment, both in Valladolid and in
+Seville, especially amongst the brethren here. His visit was of great
+use to us. But the most precious boon we ever received was a supply of
+God's Word in our own tongue, which was brought to us some months ago."
+
+Carlos looked at him eagerly. "I think I know whose hand brought it,"
+he said.
+
+"You cannot fail to know, senor. You have doubtless heard of Juliano El
+Chico?"
+
+The colour rose to the cheek of Carlos as he answered, "I shall thank
+God all my life, and beyond it, that I have not heard of him alone, but
+met him. He it was who put this book into my hand," and he drew out his
+own Testament.
+
+"We also have good cause to thank him. And we mean that others
+shall have it through us. For the books he brought we not only use
+ourselves, but diligently circulate far and wide, according to our
+ability."
+
+"It is strange to know so little of a man, and yet to owe him so much.
+Can you tell me anything more than the name, Juliano Hernandez, which I
+repeat every day when I ask God in my prayers to bless and reward him?"
+
+"I only know he is a poor, unlearned man, a native of Villaverda, in
+Campos. He went to Germany, and entered the service of Juan Peres, who,
+as you are aware, translated the Testament, and printed it, Juliano
+aiding in the work as compositor. He then undertook, of his own free
+will, the task of bringing a supply into this country; you well know
+how perilous a task, both the sea-ports and the passes of the Pyrenees
+being so closely watched by the emissaries of the Holy Office. Juliano
+chose the overland journey, since, knowing the mountains well, he
+thought he could manage to make his way unchallenged by some of their
+hazardous, unfrequented paths. God be thanked, he arrived in safety
+with his precious freight early last summer."
+
+"Do you know where he is now?"
+
+"No. Doubtless he is wandering somewhere, perhaps not far distant,
+carrying on, in darkness and silence, his noble missionary work."
+
+"What would I give--rather, what would I not give--to see him once
+more, to take his hand in mine, and to thank him for what he has done
+for me!"
+
+"Ah, there is the vesper bell. You know, senor, that Fray Cristobal is
+to lecture this evening on the Epistle to the Hebrews. That is why I
+love Tuesday best of all days in the week."
+
+Fray Cristobal D'Arellano was a monk of San Isodro, remarkable for his
+great learning, which was consecrated to the task of explaining and
+spreading the Reformed doctrines. Carlos put himself under the tuition
+of this man, to perfect his knowledge of Greek, a language of which he
+had learned very little, and that little very imperfectly, at Alcala.
+He profited exceedingly by the teaching he received, and partially
+repaid the obligation by instructing the novices in Latin, a task which
+was very congenial to him, and which he performed with much success.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XV.
+
+                         The Great Sanbenito.
+
+  "The thousands that, uncheered by praise,
+  Have made one offering of their days;
+  For Truth's, for Heaven's, for Freedom's sake,
+  Resigned the bitter cup to take."
+
+                                            HEMANS.
+
+
+Young as was the Protestant Church in Seville, she already had her
+history. There was one name that Carlos had heard mentioned in
+connection with her first origin, round which there gathered in his
+thoughts a peculiar interest, or rather fascination. He knew now that
+the monks of San Isodro had been largely indebted to the instructions
+of Doctor Juan Gil, or Egidius. And he had been told previously that
+Egidius himself had learned the truth from an earlier and bolder
+witness, Rodrigo de Valer. This was the name that Losada once coupled
+in his hearing with that of his own father.
+
+Why then had he not sought information, which might have proved so
+deeply interesting to him, directly from Losada himself, his friend
+and teacher? Several causes contributed to his reluctance to broach
+the subject. But by far the greatest was a kind of chivalrous, half
+romantic tenderness for that absent brother, whom he could now truly
+say that he loved best on earth. It is very difficult for us to put
+ourselves in the position of Spaniards of the sixteenth century, so
+far as at all to understand the way in which they were accustomed to
+look upon heresy. In their eyes it was not only a crime, infinitely
+more dreadful than that of murder; it was also a horrible disgrace,
+branding a man's whole lineage up and down for generations, and
+extending its baleful influence to his remotest kindred. Carlos asked
+himself, day by day, how would the high-hearted Don Juan Alvarez, whose
+idol was glory, and his dearest pride a noble and venerated name,
+endure to hear that his beloved and only brother was stained with that
+surpassing infamy? But at least it would be anguish enough to stab Juan
+once, as it were, with his own hand, without arming the dead hand of
+the father whose memory they both revered, and then driving home the
+weapon into his brother's heart. Rather would he let the matter remain
+in obscurity, even if (which was extremely doubtful) he could by any
+effort of his own shed a ray of light upon it.
+
+Still he took occasion one day to inquire of his friend Fray Fernando,
+who had received full information on these subjects from the older
+monks, "Was not that Rodrigo de Valer, whose sanbenito hangs in the
+Cathedral, the first teacher of the pure faith in Seville?"
+
+"True, senor, he taught many. While he himself, as I have heard,
+received the faith from none save God only."
+
+"He must have been a remarkable man. Tell me all you know of him."
+
+"Our Fray Cassiodoro has often heard Dr. Egidius speak of him; so that,
+though his lips were silenced long before your time or mine, senor, he
+seems still one of our company."
+
+"Yes, already some of our number have joined the Church triumphant, but
+they are still one with us in Christ."
+
+"Don Rodrigo de Valer," continued the young monk, "was of a noble
+family, and very wealthy. He was born at Lebrixa, but came to reside
+in Seville, a gay, light-hearted, brilliant young caballero, who
+was soon a leader in all the folly and fashion of the great city.
+But suddenly these things lost their charm for him. Much to the
+astonishment of the gay world, to which he had been such an ornament,
+he disappeared from the scenes of amusement and festivity he had been
+wont to love. His companions could not understand the change that came
+over him--but _we_ can understand it well. God's arrows of conviction
+were sharp in his heart. And he led him to turn for comfort, not to
+penance and self-mortification, but to his own Word. Only in one form
+was that Word accessible to him. He gathered up the fragments of
+his old school studies--little cared for at the time, and well-nigh
+forgotten afterwards--to enable him to read the Vulgate. There he
+found justification by faith, and through it, peace to his troubled
+conscience. But he did not find, as I need scarcely say to you, Don
+Carlos, purgatory, the worship of Our Lady and the saints, and certain
+other things our fathers taught us."
+
+"How long since was all this?" asked Carlos, who was listening with
+much interest, and at the same time comparing the narrative with that
+other story he had heard from Dolores.
+
+"Long enough, senor. Twenty years ago or more. When God had thus
+enlightened him, he returned to the world. But he returned to it a
+new man, determined henceforth to know nothing save Christ and him
+crucified. He addressed himself in the first instance to the priests
+and monks, whom, with a boldness truly amazing, he accosted wherever he
+met them, were it even in the most public places of the city, proving
+to them from Scripture that their doctrines were not the truth of God."
+
+"It was no hopeful soil in which to sow the Word."
+
+"No, truly; but it seemed laid upon him as a burden from God to speak
+what he felt and knew, whether men would hear or whether they would
+forbear. He very soon aroused the bitter enmity of those who hate the
+light because their deeds are evil. Had he been a poor man, he would
+have been burned at the stake, as that brave, honest-hearted young
+convert, Francisco de San Romano, was burned at Valladolid not so long
+ago, saying to those who offered him mercy at the last, 'Did you envy
+me my happiness?' But Don Rodrigo's rank and connections saved him from
+that fate. I have heard, too, that there were those in high places who
+shared, or at least favoured his opinions in secret. Such interceded
+for him."
+
+"Then his words were received by some?" Carlos asked anxiously. "Have
+you ever heard the names of any of those who were his friends or
+patrons?"
+
+Fray Fernando shook his head. "Even amongst ourselves, senor," he said,
+"names are not mentioned oftener than is needful. For 'a bird of the
+air will carry the matter;' and when life depends on our silence, it
+is no wonder if at last we become a trifle over-silent. In the lapse
+of years, some names that ought to be remembered amongst us may well
+chance to be forgotten, from this dread of breathing them, even in
+a whisper. Always excepting Dr. Egidius, Don Rodrigo's friends or
+converts are unknown to me. But I was about to say, the Inquisitors
+were prevailed upon, by those who interceded for him, to regard him
+as insane. They dismissed him, therefore, with no more severe penalty
+than the loss of his property, and with many cautions as to his future
+behaviour."
+
+"I hold it scarce likely that he observed them."
+
+"Very far otherwise, senor. For a short time, indeed, his friends
+prevailed on him to express his sentiments more privately; and Fray
+Cassiodoro says that during this interval he confirmed them in the
+faith by expounding the Epistle to the Romans. But he could not long
+hide the light he held. To all remonstrances he answered, that he
+was a soldier sent on a forlorn hope, and must needs press forward
+to the breach. If he fell, it mattered not; in his place God would
+raise up others, whose would be the glory and the joy of victory. So,
+once again, the Holy Office laid its grasp upon him. It was resolved
+that his voice should be heard no more on earth; and he was therefore
+consigned to the living death of perpetual imprisonment. And yet, in
+spite of all their care and all their malice, one more testimony for
+God and his truth was heard from his lips."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"They led him, robed in that great sanbenito you have often seen, to
+the Church of San Salvador, to sit and listen, with the other weeping
+penitents, while some ignorant priest denounced their heresies and
+blasphemies. But he was not afraid after the sermon to stand up in his
+place, and warn the people against the preacher's erroneous doctrine,
+showing them where and how it differed from the Word of God. It is
+marvellous they did not burn him; but God restrained the remainder of
+their wrath. They sent him at last to the monastery of San Lucar, where
+he remained in solitary confinement until his death."
+
+Carlos mused a little. Then he said, "What a blessed change, from
+solitary confinement to the company of just men made perfect; from the
+gloom of a convent prison to the glory of God's house, eternal in the
+heavens!"
+
+"Some of the elder brethren say _we_ may be called upon to pass through
+trials even more severe," remarked Fray Fernando. "I know not. Being
+amongst the youngest here, I should speak my mind with humility; still
+I cannot help looking around me, and seeing that everywhere men are
+receiving the Word of God with joy. Think of the learned and noble men
+and women in the city who have joined our band already, and are eager
+to gain others! New converts are won for us every day; not to speak of
+that great multitude among Fray Constantino's hearers who are really on
+our side, without dreaming it themselves. Moreover, your noble friend,
+Don Carlos de Seso, told us last summer that the signs in the north are
+equally encouraging. He thinks the Lutherans of Valladolid are more
+numerous than those of Seville. In Toro and Logrono also the light is
+spreading rapidly. And throughout the districts near the Pyrenees the
+Word has free course, thanks to the Huguenot traders from Bearn."
+
+"I have heard these things in Seville, and truly my heart rejoices at
+them. But yet--" here Carlos broke off suddenly, and remained silent,
+gazing mournfully into the fire, near which, as it was now winter, they
+had seated themselves.
+
+At last Fray Fernando asked, "What do _you_ think, senor?"
+
+Carlos raised his dark blue eyes and fixed them on the questioner's
+face.
+
+"Of the future," he said slowly, "I think--_nothing_. I dare not think
+of it. It is in God's hand, and he thinks for us. Still, one thing I
+cannot choose but see. Where we are we cannot remain. We are bound to a
+great wheel that is turning--turning--and turn with it, even in spite
+of ourselves, we must and do. But it is the wheel, not of chance, but
+of God's mighty purposes; that is all our comfort."
+
+"And those purposes, are they not mercy and truth unto our beloved
+land?"
+
+"They may be; but I know not. They are not revealed. 'Mercy and truth
+unto such as keep his covenant,' that indeed is written."
+
+"We are they that keep his covenant."
+
+Carlos sighed, and resumed the thread of his own thought,--
+
+"The wheel turns round, and we with it. Even since I came here it has
+turned perceptibly. And how it is to turn one step further without
+bringing us into contact with the solid frame of things as they are,
+and so crushing us, truly I see not. I see not; but I trust God."
+
+"You allude to these discussions about the sacrifice of the mass now
+going on so continually amongst us?"
+
+"I do. Hitherto we have been able to work underground; but if doubt
+must be thrown upon _that_, the thin shell of earth that has concealed
+and protected us, will break and fall in upon our heads. And then?"
+
+"Already we are all asking, 'And then?'" said Fray Fernando. "There
+will be nothing before us but flight to some foreign land."
+
+"And how, in God's name, is that to be accomplished? But God forgive
+me these words; and God keep me, and all of us, from the subtle snare
+of mixing with the question, 'What is his will?' that other question,
+'What will be our fate if we try to do it?' As the noble De Seso said
+to me, all that matters to us is to be found amongst those who 'follow
+the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.' _But he went to Calvary._"
+
+The last words were spoken in so low a tone that Fray Fernando heard
+them not.
+
+"What did you say?" he asked.
+
+"No matter. Time enough to hear if God himself speaks it in our ears."
+
+Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a lay brother,
+who informed Carlos that a visitor awaited him in the convent parlour.
+As it was one of the hours during which the rules of the house
+(which were quite liberal enough, without being lax) permitted the
+entertainment of visitors, Carlos went to receive his without much
+delay.
+
+He knew that if the guest had been one of "their own," their loved
+brethren in the faith, even the attendant would have been well
+acquainted with his person, and would naturally have named him. He
+entered the room, therefore, with no very lively anticipations;
+expecting, at most, to see one of his cousins, who might have paid him
+the compliment of riding out from the city to visit him.
+
+A tall, handsome, sunburnt man, who had his left arm in a sling, was
+standing with his back to the window. But in one moment more the other
+arm was flung round the neck of Carlos, and heart pressed to heart, and
+lip to lip--the brothers stood together.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVI.
+
+                             Welcome Home.
+
+  "We are so unlike each other,
+    Thou and I, that none would guess
+  We were children of one mother,
+    But for mutual tenderness."
+
+                         E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+After the first tumult of greeting, in which affection was expressed
+rather by look and gesture than by word, the brothers sat down and
+talked. Eager questions rose to the lips of both, but especially to
+those of Carlos, whose surprise at Juan's unexpected appearance only
+equalled his delight.
+
+"But you are wounded, my brother," he said. "Not seriously, I hope?"
+
+"Oh no! Only a bullet through my arm. A piece of my usual good luck. I
+got it in The Battle."
+
+No adjective was needed to specify the glorious day of St. Quentin,
+when Flemish Egmont's chivalrous courage, seconded by Castilian
+bravery, gained for King Philip such a brilliant victory over the arms
+of France. Carlos knew the story already from public sources. And it
+did not occur to Juan, nor indeed to Carlos either, that there had
+ever been, or would ever be again, a battle so worthy of being held in
+everlasting remembrance.
+
+"But do you count the wound part of your good luck?" asked Carlos.
+
+"Ay, truly, and well I may. It has brought me home; as you ought to
+have known ere this."
+
+"I received but two letters from you--that written on your first
+arrival, and dated from Cambray; and that which told of your notable
+prize, the French prisoner."
+
+"But I wrote two others: one, I entrusted to a soldier who was coming
+home invalided--I suppose the fellow lost it; the other (written just
+after the great St. Laurence's day) arrived in Seville the night
+before I made my own appearance there. His Majesty will need to look
+to his posts; certes, they are the slowest carriers to be found in any
+Christian country." And Juan's merry laugh rang through the convent
+parlour, little enough used to echo such sounds.
+
+"So I have heard almost nothing of you, brother; save what could be
+gathered from the public accounts," Carlos continued.
+
+"All the better now. I have only such news as is pleasant for me to
+tell; and will not be ill, I think, for thee to hear. First, then, and
+in due order--I am promised my company!"
+
+"Good news, indeed! My brother must have honoured our name by some
+special deed of valour. Was it at St. Quentin?" asked Carlos, looking
+at him with honest, brotherly pride. He was not much changed by his
+campaign, except that his dark cheek wore a deeper bronze, and his face
+was adorned with a formidable pair of _bigotes_.
+
+"That story must wait," returned Juan. "I have so much else to tell
+thee. Dost thou remember how I said, as a boy, that I should take a
+noble prisoner, like Alphonso Vives, and enrich myself by his ransom?
+And thou seest I have done it."
+
+"In a good day! Still, he was not the Duke of Saxony."
+
+"Like him, at least, in being a heretic, or Huguenot, if that be a
+less unsavoury word to utter in these holy precincts. Moreover, he is
+a tried and trusted officer of Admiral Coligny's suite. It was that
+day when the admiral so gallantly threw himself into the besieged town.
+And, for my part, I am heartily obliged to him. But for his presence,
+there would have been no defence of St. Quentin, to speak of, at all;
+but for the defence, no battle; but for the battle, no grand victory
+for the Spains and King Philip. We cut off half of the admiral's
+troops, however, and it fell to my lot to save the life of a brave
+French officer whom I saw fighting alone amongst a crowd. He gave me
+his sword; and I led him to my tent, and provided him with all the
+solace and succour I could, for he was sorely wounded. He was the Sieur
+de Ramenais; a gentleman of Provence, and an honest, merry-hearted,
+valiant man, as it was ever my lot to meet withal. He shared my bed
+and board, a pleasant guest rather than a prisoner, until we took the
+town, making the admiral himself our captive, as you know already. By
+that time, his brother had raised the sum for his ransom, and sent it
+honourably to me. But, in any case, I should have dismissed him on
+parole, as soon as his wounds were healed. He was pleased to give me,
+beside the good gold pistoles, this diamond ring you see on my finger,
+in token of friendship."
+
+Carlos took the costly trinket in his hand, and duly admired it.
+He did not fail to gather from Juan's simple narrative many things
+that he told not, and was little likely to tell. In the time of
+action, chivalrous daring; when the conflict was over, gentleness
+and generosity no less chivalrous, endearing him to all--even to
+the vanquished enemy. No wonder Carlos was proud of his brother!
+But beneath all the pride and joy there was, even already, a secret
+whisper of fear. How could he bear to see that noble brow clouded with
+anger--those bright confiding eyes averted from him in disdain? Turning
+from his own thoughts as if they had been guilty things, he asked
+quickly,--
+
+"But how did you obtain leave of absence?"
+
+"Through the kindness of his Highness."
+
+"The Duke of Savoy?"
+
+"Of course. And a braver general I would never ask to serve."
+
+"I thought it might have been from the King himself, when he came to
+the camp after the battle."
+
+Don Juan's cheek glowed with modest triumph. "His Highness was good
+enough to point me out to His Catholic Majesty," he said. "And the King
+spoke to me himself!"
+
+It is difficult for us to understand how a few formal words of praise
+from the lips of one of the meanest and vilest of men could be looked
+upon by the really noble-hearted Don Juan Alvarez as almost the
+crowning joy of his life. With the enthusiastic loyalty of his age and
+country he honoured Philip the king; Philip the man being all the time
+a personage as utterly unknown to him as the Sultan of Turkey. But
+not choosing to expatiate upon a theme so flattering to himself, he
+continued,--
+
+"The Duke contrived to send me home with despatches, saying kindly
+that he thought my wound required a little rest and care. Though I had
+affairs of importance" (and here the colour mounted to his brow) "to
+settle in Seville, I would not have quitted the camp, with my goodwill,
+had we been about any enterprise likely to give us fair fighting. But
+in truth Carlos, things have been abundantly dull since the fall of St.
+Quentin. Though we have our King with us, and Henry of France and the
+Duke of Guise have both joined the enemy, all are standing at gaze as
+if they were frozen, and doomed to stay there motionless till the day
+of judgment. I have no mind for that kind of sport, not I! I became a
+soldier to fight His Catholic Majesty's battles, not to stare at his
+enemies as if they were puppets paid to make a show for my amusement.
+So I was not sorry to take leave of absence."
+
+"And your important business in Seville. May a brother ask what that
+means?"
+
+"A brother may ask what he pleases, and be answered. Wish me joy,
+Carlos; I have arranged that little matter with Dona Beatriz." And
+his light words half hid, half revealed the great deep joy of his
+own strong heart. "My uncle," he continued, "is favourable to my
+views; indeed, I have never known him so friendly. We are to have our
+betrothal feast at Christmas, when your time of retreat here is over."
+
+Carlos "wished him joy" most sincerely. Fervently did he thank God
+that it was in his power to do it; that the snare that had once wound
+itself so subtly around his footsteps was broken, and his soul escaped.
+He could now meet his brother's eye without self-reproach. Still, this
+seemed sudden. He said, "Certainly you did not lose time."
+
+"Why should I?" asked Juan with simplicity. "'By-and-by is always too
+late,' as thou wert wont to say; and I would they learned that proverb
+at the camp. In truth," he added more gravely, "I often feared, during
+my stay there, that I might have lost all through my tardiness. But
+thou wert a good brother to me, Carlos."
+
+"Mayest thou ever think so, brother mine," said Carlos, not without a
+pang, as his conscience told him how little he deserved the praise.
+
+"But what in the world," asked Juan hastily, "has induced thee to bury
+thyself here, amongst these drowsy monks?"
+
+"The brethren are excellent men, learned and pious. And I am not
+buried," Carlos returned with a smile.
+
+"And if thou wert buried ten fathoms deep, thou shouldst come up out of
+the grave when I need thee to stand beside me."
+
+"Do not fear for that. Now thou art come, I will not prolong my stay
+here, as otherwise I might have done. But I have been very happy here,
+Juan."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," said the merry-hearted, unsuspecting Juan. "I
+am glad also that you are not in too great haste to tie yourself down
+to the Church's service; though our honoured uncle seems to wish you
+had a keener eye to your own interest, and a better look-out for fat
+benefices. But I believe his own sons have appropriated all the stock
+of worldly prudence meant for the whole family, leaving none over for
+thee and me, Carlos."
+
+"That is true of Don Manuel and Don Balthazar, not of Gonsalvo."
+
+"Gonsalvo! he is far the worst of the three," Juan exclaimed, with
+something like anger in his open, sunny face.
+
+Carlos laughed. "I suppose he has been favouring you with his opinion
+of me," he said.
+
+"If he were not a poor miserable weakling and cripple, I should answer
+him with the point of my good sword. However, this is idle talk. Little
+brother" (Carlos being nearly as tall as himself, the diminutive was
+only a term of affection, recalling the days of their childhood, and
+more suited to masculine lips than its equivalent, dear)--"little
+brother, you look grave and pale, and ten years older than when we
+parted at Alcala."
+
+"Do I? Much has happened with me since. I have been very sorrowful and
+very happy."
+
+Don Juan laid his available hand on his brother's shoulder, and looked
+him earnestly in the face. "No secrets from me, little brother," he
+said. "If thou dost not like the service of Holy Church after all,
+speak out, and thou shalt go back with me to France, or to anywhere
+else in the known world that thou wilt. There may be some fair lady in
+the case," he added, with a keen and searching glance.
+
+"No, brother--not that. I have indeed much to tell thee, but not
+now--not to-day."
+
+"Choose thine own time; only remember, no secrets. That were the one
+unbrotherly act I could never forgive."
+
+"But I am not yet satisfied about your wound," said Carlos, with
+perhaps a little moral cowardice, turning the conversation. "Was the
+bone broken?"
+
+"No, fortunately; only grazed. It would not have signified, but for the
+treatment of the blundering barber-surgeon. I was advised to show it to
+some man of skill; and already my cousins have recommended to me one
+who is both physician and surgeon, and very able, they say."
+
+"Dr. Cristobal Losada?"
+
+"The same. Your favourite, Don Gonsalvo, has just been prevailed upon
+to make trial of his skill."
+
+"I am heartily glad of it," returned Carlos. "There is a change of mind
+on his part, equal to any wherewith he can reproach me; and a change
+for the better, I have little doubt."
+
+Thus the conversation wandered on; touching many subjects, exhausting
+none; and never again drawing dangerously near those deep places which
+one of the brothers knew must be thoroughly explored, and that at no
+distant day. For Juan's sake, for the sake of One whom he loved even
+more than Juan, he dared not--nay, he would not--avoid the task. But he
+needed, or thought he needed, consideration and prayer, that he might
+speak the truth wisely, as well as bravely, to that beloved brother.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XVII.
+
+                             Disclosures.
+
+  "No distance breaks the tie of blood;
+  Brothers are brothers evermore;
+  Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood,
+  That magic may o'erpower."
+
+                                    KEBLE.
+
+
+The opportunity for free converse with his brother which Carlos
+desired, yet dreaded, was unexpectedly postponed. It would have been
+in accordance neither with the ideas of the time nor with his own
+feelings to have shortened his period of retreat in the monastery,
+though he would not now prolong it. And though Don Juan did not fail
+to make his appearance upon every day when visitors were admitted,
+he was always accompanied by either of his cousins Don Manuel or Don
+Balthazar, or by both. These shallow, worldly-minded young men were
+little likely to allow for the many things, in which strangers might
+not intermeddle, that brothers long parted might find to say to each
+other; they only thought that they were conferring a high honour on
+their poorer relatives by their favour and notice. In their presence
+the conversation was necessarily confined to the incidents of Juan's
+campaign, and to family matters. Whether Don Balthazar would obtain
+a post he was seeking under Government; whether Dona Sancha would
+eventually bestow the inestimable favour of her hand upon Don Beltran
+Vivarez or Don Alonso de Giron; and whether the disappointed suitor
+would stab himself or his successful rival;--these were questions
+of which Carlos soon grew heartily weary. But in all that concerned
+Beatriz he was deeply interested. Whatever he may once have allowed
+himself to fancy about the sentiments of a very young and childish
+girl, he never dreamed that she would make, or even desire to make,
+any opposition to the expressed wish of her guardian, who destined her
+for Juan. He was sure that she would learn quickly enough to love his
+brother as he deserved, even if she did not already do so. And it gave
+him keen pleasure that his sacrifice had not been in vain; that the
+wine-cup of joy which he had just tasted, then put steadily aside, was
+being drained to the dregs by the lips he loved best. It is true this
+pleasure was not yet unmixed with pain, but the pain was less than a
+few months ago he would have believed possible. The wound which he once
+thought deadly, was in process of being healed; nay, it was nearly
+healed already. But the scar would always remain.
+
+Grand and mighty, but perplexing and mournful thoughts were filling
+his heart every day more and more. Amongst the subjects eagerly and
+continually discussed with the brethren of San Isodro, the most
+prominent just now was the sole priesthood of Christ, with the
+impossibility of his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice being ever
+repeated.
+
+But these truths, in themselves so glorious, had for those who dared
+to admit them one terrible consequence. Their full acknowledgment
+would transform "the main altar's consummation," the sacrifice of the
+mass, from the highest act of Christian worship into a hideous lie,
+dishonouring to God, and ruinous to man.
+
+To this conclusion the monks of San Isodro were drawing nearer slowly
+but surely every day. And Carlos was side by side with the most
+advanced of them in the path of progress. Though timid in action, he
+was bold in speculation. To his keen, quick intellect to think and to
+reason was a necessity; he could not rest content with surface truths,
+nor leave any matter in which he was interested without probing it to
+its depths.
+
+But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now
+imminent was practically a most momentous one. It must transform the
+light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture
+the hands that held and tried to conceal it. They could only guard
+themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting
+it on the candle-stick of a true and faithful profession.
+
+"Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich
+lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison
+to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man? Let us
+go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but
+faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the
+liberty of confessing his name before men." This plan was the most
+popular with the community; though there were some that objected to it,
+not because of the loss of worldly wealth it would entail, but because
+of its extreme difficulty, and the peril in which it would involve
+others.
+
+That the question might be fully discussed and some course of action
+resolved upon, the monks of San Isodro convened a solemn chapter.
+Carlos had not, of course, the right to be present, though his friends
+would certainly inform him immediately afterwards of all that passed.
+So he whiled away part of the anxious hours by a walk in the orange
+grove belonging to the monastery. It was now December, and there had
+been a frost--not very usual in that mild climate. Every blade of
+grass was gemmed with tiny jewels, which were crushed by his footsteps
+as he passed along. He fancied them like the fair and sparkling, but
+unreal dreams of the creed in which he had been nurtured. They must
+perish; even should he weakly turn aside to spare them, God's sun
+would not fail ere long to dissolve them with the warmth of its beams.
+But wherefore mourn them? Would not the sun shine on still, and the
+blue sky, the emblem of eternal truth and love, still stretch above
+his head? Therefore he would look up--up, and not down. Forgetting
+the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those that were
+before, he would fain press forward towards the mark for the prize. And
+then his heart went up in fervent prayer that not only he himself, but
+also all those who shared his faith, might be enabled so to do.
+
+Turning into a path leading back through the grove to the monastery, he
+saw his brother coming towards him.
+
+"I was seeking thee," said Don Juan.
+
+"And always welcome. But why so early? On a Friday too!"
+
+"Wherein is Friday worse than Thursday?" asked Juan with a laugh. "You
+are not a monk, or even a novice, to be bound by rules so strict that
+you may not say, 'Vaya con Dios' to your brother without asking leave
+of my lord Abbot."
+
+Carlos had often noticed, not with displeasure, the freedom which
+Juan since his return assumed in speaking of Churchmen and Church
+ordinances. He answered, "I am only bound by the general rules of the
+house, to which it is seemly that visitors should conform. To-day the
+brethren are holding a Chapter to confer upon matters pertaining to
+their discipline. I cannot well bring you in-doors; but we do not need
+a better parlour than this."
+
+"True. I care for no roof save God's sky; and as for glazed and grated
+windows, I abhor them. Were I thrown into prison, I should die in a
+week. I made an early start for San Isodro, on an unusual day, to get
+rid of the company of my excellent but tiresome cousins; for in truth I
+am sick unto death of their talk and their courtesies. Moreover, I have
+ten thousand things to tell you, brother."
+
+"I have a few for your ear also."
+
+"Let us sit down. Here is a pleasant seat which some of your brethren
+contrived to rest their weary limbs and enjoy the prospect. They know
+how to be comfortable, these monks."
+
+They sat down accordingly. For more than an hour Don Juan was the chief
+speaker; and as he spoke out of the abundance of his heart, it was no
+wonder that the name oftenest on his lips was that of Dona Beatriz. Of
+the long and circumstantial story that he poured into the sympathizing
+ear of Carlos no more than this is necessary to repeat--that Beatriz
+not only did not reject him (no well-bred Spanish girl would behave in
+such a singular manner to a suitor recommended by her guardian), but
+actually looked kindly, nay, even smiled upon him. His exhilaration was
+in consequence extreme; and its expression might have proved tedious to
+any listener not deeply interested in his welfare.
+
+At last, however, the subject was dismissed. "So my path lies clear
+and plain before me," said Juan, his fine determined face glowing with
+resolution and hope. "A soldier's life, with its toils and prizes;
+and a happy home at Nuera, with a sweet face to welcome me when I
+return. And, sooner or later, _that_ voyage to the Indies. But you,
+Carlos--speak out, for I confess you perplex me--what do _you_ wish and
+intend?"
+
+"Had you asked me that question a few months, I might almost say a few
+weeks, ago, I should not have hesitated, as now I do, for an answer."
+
+"You were ever willing, more than willing, for Holy Church's service.
+I know but one cause which could alter your mind; and to the tender
+accusation you have already pleaded not guilty."
+
+"The plea is a true one."
+
+"Certes; it cannot be that you have been seized with a sudden passion
+for a soldier's life," laughed Juan. "That was never your taste,
+little brother; and with all respect for you, I scarce think your
+achievements with sword and arquebus would be specially brilliant. But
+there is something wrong with you," he said in an altered tone, as he
+gazed in his brother's anxious face.
+
+"Not _wrong_, but--"
+
+"I have it!" said Juan, joyously interrupting him. "You are in debt.
+That is soon mended, brother. In fact, it is my fault. I have had far
+too large a share already of what should have been for both of us
+alike. In future--"
+
+"Hush, brother. I have always had enough, more than I needed. And thou
+hast many expenses, and wilt have more henceforward, whilst I shall
+only want a doublet and hosen, and a pair of shoes."
+
+"And a cassock and gown?"
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"I vow it is a harder task to comprehend you than to chase Coligny's
+guard with my single arm! And you so pious, so good a Christian! If
+you were a dull rough soldier like me, and if you had had a Huguenot
+prisoner (and a very fine fellow, too) to share your bed and board for
+months, one could comprehend your not liking certain things over well,
+or even"--and Juan averted his face and lowered his voice--"your having
+certain evil thoughts you would scarcely care to breathe in the ears of
+your father confessor."
+
+"Brother, I too have had thoughts," said Carlos eagerly.
+
+But Juan suddenly tossed off his montero, and ran his fingers through
+his black glossy hair. In old times this gesture used to be a sign that
+he was going to speak seriously. After a moment he began, but with a
+little hesitation, for in fact he held the _mind_ of Carlos in as true
+and unfeigned reverence as Carlos held his _character_. And that is
+enough to say, without mentioning the additional respect with which he
+regarded him, as almost a priest. "Brother Carlos, you are good and
+pious. You were thus from childhood; and therefore it is that you are
+fit for the service of Holy Church. You rise and go to rest, you read
+your books, and tell your beads, and say your prayers, all just as you
+are ordered. It is the best life for you, and for any man who _can_
+live it, and be content with it. You do not sin, you do not doubt;
+therefore you will never come into any grief or trouble. But let me
+tell you, little brother, you have a scant notion what men meet with
+who go forth into the great world and fight their way in it; seeing
+on every side of them things that, take them as they may, will _not_
+always square with the faith they have learned in childhood."
+
+"Brother, I also have struggled and suffered. I also have doubted."
+
+"Oh yes, a Churchman's doubts! You had only to tell yourself doubt
+was a sin, to make the sign of the cross, to say an Ave or two, then
+there was an end of your doubts. 'Twere a different matter if you had
+the evil one in the shape of an angel of light--at least in that of a
+courteous, well-bred Huguenot gentleman, with as nice a sense of honour
+as any Catholic Christian--at your side continually, to whisper that
+the priests are no better than they ought to be, that the Church needs
+reform; and Heaven knows what more, and worse, beside.--Now, my pious
+brother, if thou art going to curse me with bell, book, and candle,
+begin at once. I am ready, and prepared to be duly penitent. Let me
+first put on my cap though, for it is cold," and he suited the action
+to the word.
+
+The voice in which Carlos answered him was low and tremulous with
+emotion. "Instead of cursing thee, brother beloved, I bless thee from
+my heart for words which give me courage to speak. I have doubted--nay,
+why should I shrink from the truth? I have learned, as I believe, from
+God himself that some things which the Church teaches as her doctrines
+are only the commandments of men."
+
+Don Juan started, and his colour changed. His vaguely liberal ideas
+were far from having prepared him for this. "What do you mean?" he
+cried, staring at his brother in amazement.
+
+"That I am now, in very truth, what I think you would call--_a
+Huguenot_."
+
+The die was cast. The avowal was made. Carlos waited its effects in
+breathless silence, as one who has fired a powder magazine might await
+the explosion.
+
+"May all the holy saints have mercy upon us!" cried Juan, in a voice
+that echoed through the grove. But after that one involuntary cry he
+was silent. The eyes of Carlos sought his face, but he turned away from
+him. At last he muttered, striking with his sword at the trunk of a
+tree that was near him, "Huguenot--Protestant--_heretic_!"
+
+"Brother," said Carlos, rising and standing before him--"brother, say
+what thou wilt, only speak to me. Reproach me, curse me, strike me, if
+it please thee, only speak to me."
+
+Juan turned, gazed full in his imploring face, and slowly, very slowly,
+allowed the sword to fall from his hand. There was a moment of doubt,
+of hesitation. Then he stretched out that hand to his brother. "They
+who list may curse thee, but not I," he said.
+
+Carlos strained the offered hand in so close a grasp that his own was
+cut by his brother's diamond ring, and the blood flowed.
+
+For a long time both were silent, Juan in amazement, perhaps in
+consternation; Carlos in deep thankfulness. His confession was made,
+and his brother loved him still.
+
+At last Juan spoke, slowly and as if half bewildered. "The Sieur de
+Ramenais believes in God, and in our Lord and his passion. And you?"
+
+Carlos repeated the Apostles' Creed in the vulgar tongue.
+
+"And in Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God?"
+
+"I believe that she was the most blessed among women, the holiest among
+the holy saints. Yet I ask her intercession no more. I am too well
+assured of His love who says to me; and to all who keep his word, 'My
+brother, my sister, my mother.'"
+
+"I thought devotion to Our Lady was the surest mark of piety," said
+Juan, in utter perplexity. "Then, I am only a man of the world. But oh,
+my brother, this is frightful!" He paused a moment, then added more
+calmly, "Still, I have learned that Huguenots are not beasts with horns
+and hoofs; but, possibly, brave and honourable men enough, as good,
+for this world, as their neighbours. And yet--the disgrace!" His dark
+cheek flushed, then grew pale, as there rose before his mind's eye an
+appalling vision--his brother robed in a hideous sanbenito, bearing a
+torch in the ghastly procession of an _auto-da-fe_! "You have kept your
+secret as your life? My uncle and his family suspect nothing?" he asked
+anxiously.
+
+"Nothing, thank God."
+
+"And who taught you this accursed--these doctrines?"
+
+Carlos briefly told the story of his first acquaintance with the
+Spanish New Testament; suppressing, however, all mention of the
+personal sorrow that had made its teaching so precious to him; nor did
+he think it expedient to give the name of Juliano Hernandez.
+
+"The Church may need reform. I am sure she does," Juan candidly
+admitted. "But Carlos, my brother," he added, while the expression of
+his face softened gradually into mournful, pitying tenderness, "little
+brother, in old times so gentle, so timid, hast thou dreamed--of the
+peril? I speak not now of the disgrace--God wot that is hard enough to
+think of--hard enough," he repeated bitterly. "But the peril?"
+
+Carlos was silent; his hands were clasped, his eyes raised upwards,
+full of thought, perhaps of prayer.
+
+"What is that on thy hand?" asked Juan, with a sudden change of tone.
+"Blood? The Sieur de Ramenais' diamond ring has hurt thee."
+
+Carlos glanced at the little wound, and smiled. "I never felt it," he
+said, "so glad was my heart, Ruy, for that brave grasp of faithful
+brotherhood." And there was a strange light in his eye as he added,
+"Perchance it may be thus with me, if Christ indeed should call me to
+suffer. Weak as I am, he can give, even to me, such blessed assurance
+of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear shall be unfelt, or
+vanish."
+
+Juan could not understand him, but he was awed and impressed. He had
+no heart for many words. He rose and walked towards the gate of the
+monastery grounds, slowly and in silence, Carlos accompanying him. When
+they had nearly reached the spot where they were to part, Carlos said,
+"You have heard Fray Constantino, as I asked you?"
+
+"Yes, and I greatly admire him."
+
+"He teaches God's truth."
+
+"Why can you not rest content with his teaching, then, instead of going
+to look for better bread than wheaten, Heaven knows where?"
+
+"When I return to the city next week I will explain all to thee."
+
+"I hope so. In the meantime, adios." He strode on a pace or two, then
+turned back to say, "Thou and I, Carlos; we will stand together against
+the world."
+
+
+
+
+                                XVIII.
+
+                            The Aged Monk.
+
+  "I will not boast a martyr's might
+    To leave my home without a sigh--
+  The dwelling of my past delight,
+    The shelter where I hoped to die."
+
+                                  ANON.
+
+
+Much was Carlos strengthened by the result of his interview with Don
+Juan. The thing that he greatly feared, his beloved brother's wrath and
+scorn, had not come upon him. Juan had shown, instead, a moderation,
+a candour, and a willingness to listen, which, while it really amazed
+him, inspired him with the happiest hopes. With a glad heart he
+repeated the Psalmist's exulting words: "The Lord is my strength and
+my shield; my heart hath trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my
+heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him."
+
+He soon perceived that the Chapter was over; for figures, robed in
+white and brown, were moving here and there amongst the trees. He
+entered the house, and without happening to meet any one, made his
+way to the deserted Chapter-room. Its sole remaining occupant was a
+very aged monk, the oldest member of the community. He was seated at
+the table, his face buried in his hands, and his frail, worn frame
+quivering as if with sobs.
+
+Carlos went up to him and asked gently, "Father, what ails you?"
+
+The old man slowly raised his head, and gazed at him with sad, tired
+eyes, which had watched the course of more than eighty years. "My son,"
+he said, "if I weep, it is for joy."
+
+Carlos wondered; for he saw no joy on the wrinkled brow or in the
+tearful face. But he merely asked, "What have the brethren resolved?"
+
+"To await God's providence here. Praised be his holy name for that."
+And the old man bowed his silver head, and wept once more.
+
+To Carlos also the determination was a cause for deep gratitude.
+He had all along regarded the proposed flight of the brethren with
+extreme dread, as an almost certain means of awakening the suspicions
+of the Holy Office, and thus exposing all who shared their faith to
+destruction. It was no light matter that the danger was now at least
+postponed, always provided that the respite was purchased by no
+sacrifice of principle.
+
+"Thank God!" reiterated the old monk. "For here I have lived; and here
+I will die and be buried, beside the holy brethren of other days, in
+the chapel of Don Alonzo the Good. My son, I came hither a stripling
+as thou art--no, younger, younger--I know not how many years ago; one
+year is so like another, there is no telling. I could tell by looking
+at the great book, only my eyes are too dim to read it. They have grown
+dim very fast of late; when Doctor Egidius used to visit us, I could
+read my Breviary with the youngest of them all. But no matter how many
+years. They were many enough to change a blooming, black-haired boy
+into an old man tottering on the grave's brink. And I to go forth now
+into that great, wicked world beyond the gate! I to look upon strange
+faces, and to live amongst strange men! Or to die amongst them, for to
+that it would come full soon! No, no, Senor Don Carlos. Here I took
+the cowl; here I lived; and here I will die and lie buried, God and the
+saints helping me!"
+
+"Yet for the Truth's sake, my father, would you not be willing to make
+even this sacrifice, and to go forth in your old age into exile?"
+
+"If the brethren must needs go, so, I suppose, must I. But they are
+_not_ going, St. Jerome be praised," the old man repeated.
+
+"Going or staying, the presence of Him whom they serve and for whom
+they witness will be with them."
+
+"It may be, it may be, for aught I know. But in my young days so many
+fine words were not in use. We sang our matins, our complines, our
+vespers; we said the holy mass and all our offices, and God and St.
+Jerome took care of the rest."
+
+"But you would not have those days back again, would you, my father?
+You did not then know the glorious gospel of the grace of God."
+
+"Gospel, gospel? We always read the gospel for the day. I know my
+Breviary, young sir, just as well as another. And on festival days,
+some one always preached from the gospel. When Fray Domingo preached,
+plenty of great folks used to come out from the city to hear him. For
+he was very eloquent, and as much thought of, in his time, as Fray
+Cristobal is now. But they are forgotten in a little while, all of
+them. So will we, in a few years to come."
+
+Carlos reproached himself for having named the gospel, instead of Him
+whose words and works are the burden of the gospel story. For even to
+that dull ear, heavy with age, the name of Jesus was sweet. And that
+dull mind, drowsy with the slumber of a long lifetime, had half awaked
+at least to the consciousness of his love.
+
+"Dear father," he said gently, "I know you are well acquainted with the
+gospels. You remember what our blessed Lord saith of those who confess
+him before men, how he will not be ashamed to confess them before his
+Father in heaven? And, moreover, is it not a joy for us to show, in any
+way he points out to us, our love to him who loved us and gave himself
+for us?"
+
+"Yes, yes, we love him. And he knows I only wish to do what is right,
+and what is pleasing in his sight."
+
+Afterwards, Carlos talked over the events of the day with the younger
+and more intelligent brethren; especially with his teacher, Fray
+Cristobal, and his particular friend, Fray Fernando. He could but
+admire the spirit that had guided their deliberations, and feel
+increased thankfulness for the decision at which they had arrived. The
+peace which the whole community of Spanish Protestants then enjoyed,
+perilous and unstable as it was, stood at the mercy of every individual
+belonging to that community. The unexplained flight of any obscure
+member of Losada's congregation would have been sufficient to give the
+alarm, and let loose the bloodhounds of persecution upon the Church;
+how much more the abandonment of a wealthy and honourable religious
+house by the greater part of its inmates?
+
+The sword hung over their heads, suspended by a single hair, which a
+hasty or incautious movement, a word, a breath even, might suffice to
+break.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XIX.
+
+                          Truth and Freedom.
+
+      "Man is greater than you thought him;
+  The bondage of long slumber he will break,
+  His just and ancient rights he will reclaim,
+  With Nero and Busiris he will rank
+  The name of Philip."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Never before had it fallen to the lot of Don Juan Alvarez to experience
+such bewilderment as that which his brother's disclosure occasioned
+him. That brother, whom he had always regarded as the embodiment
+of goodness and piety, who was rendered illustrious in his eyes by
+all sorts of academic honours, and sanctified by the shadow of the
+coming priesthood, had actually confessed himself to be--what he had
+been taught to hold in deepest, deadliest abomination--a Lutheran
+heretic. But, on the other hand, from the wise, pious, and in every
+way unexceptionable manner in which Carlos had spoken, Juan could not
+help hoping that what, probably through some unaccountable aberration
+of mind, he himself persisted in styling Lutheranism, might prove in
+the end some very harmless and orthodox kind of devotion. Perhaps,
+eventually, his brother might found some new and holy order of monks
+and friars. Or even (he was so clever) he might take the lead in a
+Reformation of the Church, which, there was no use in an honest man's
+denying, was sorely needed. Still, he could not help admitting that
+the Sieur de Ramenais had sometimes expressed himself with nearly as
+much apparent orthodoxy; and he was undoubtedly a confirmed heretic--a
+Huguenot.
+
+But if the recollection of this man, who for months had been his
+guest rather than his prisoner, served, from one point of view, to
+increase his difficulties, from another, it helped to clear away the
+most formidable of them. Don Juan had never been religious; but he had
+always been hotly orthodox, as became a Castilian gentleman of purest
+blood, and heir to all the traditions of an ancient house, foremost
+for generations in the great conflict with the infidel. He had been
+wont to look upon the Catholic faith as a thing bound up irrevocably
+with the knightly honour, the stainless fame, the noble pride of his
+race, and, consequently, with all that was dearest to his heart.
+Heresy he regarded as something unspeakably mean and degrading. It
+was associated in his mind with Jews and Moors, "caitiffs," "beggarly
+fellows;" all of them vulgar and unclean, some of them the hereditary
+enemies of his race. Heretics were Moslems, infidels, such as "my Cid"
+delighted in hewing down with his good sword Tizona, "for God and Our
+Lady's honour." Heretics kept the passover with mysterious, unhallowed
+rites, into which it would be best not to inquire; heretics killed (and
+perhaps ate) Christian children; they spat upon the cross; they had to
+wear ugly yellow sanbenitos at _autos-da-fe_; and, to sum up all in
+one word, they "smelled of the fire." To give full weight to the last
+allusion, it must be remembered that in the eyes of Don Juan and his
+cotemporaries, death by fire had no hallowed or ennobling associations
+to veil its horrors. The burning pile was to him what the cross was
+to our fore-fathers, and what the gibbet is to us, only far more
+disgraceful. Thus it was not so much his conscience as his honour and
+his pride that were arrayed against the new faith.
+
+But, unconsciously to himself, opposition had been silently undermined
+by his intercourse with the Sieur de Ramenais. It would probably have
+been fatal to Protestantism with Don Juan, had his first specimen of a
+Protestant been an humble muleteer. Fortunately, the new opinions had
+come to him represented by a noble and gallant knight, who
+
+  "In open battle or in tilting field
+   Forbore his own advantage;"
+
+who was as careful of his "pundonor"[10] as any Castilian gentleman,
+and scarcely yielded even to himself in all those marks of good
+breeding, which, to say the truth, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Menaya valued far more than any abstract dogmas of faith.
+
+    [10] Point of honour.
+
+This circumstance produced a willingness on his part to give fair play
+to his brother's convictions. When Carlos returned to Seville, which he
+did about a week after the meeting of the Chapter, he was overjoyed to
+find Juan ready to hear all he had to say with patience and candour.
+Moreover, the young soldier was greatly attracted by the preaching of
+Fray Constantino, whom he pronounced, in language borrowed from the
+camp, "a right good camerado." Using these favourable dispositions
+to the best advantage, Carlos repeated to him passages from the
+New Testament; and with deep and prayerful earnestness explained
+and enforced the truths they taught, taking care, of course, not
+unnecessarily to shock his prejudices.
+
+And, as time passed on, it became every day more and more apparent
+that Don Juan was receiving "the new ideas;" and that with far less
+difficulty and conflict than Carlos himself had done. For with him
+the Reformed faith had only prejudices, not convictions, to contend
+against. These once broken down, the rest was easy. And then it came to
+him so naturally to follow the guidance of Carlos in all that pertained
+to _thinking_.
+
+Unmeasured was the joy of the affectionate brother when at last he
+found that he might safely venture to introduce him privately to Losada
+as a promising inquirer.
+
+In the meantime their outward life passed on smoothly and happily. With
+much feasting and rejoicing, Juan was betrothed to Dona Beatriz. He had
+loved her devotedly since boyhood; he loved her now more than ever.
+But his love was a deep, life-long passion--no sudden delirium of the
+fancy--so that it did not render him oblivious of every other tie, and
+callous to every other impression; it rather stimulated, and at the
+same time softened his whole nature. It made him not less, but more,
+sensitive to all the exciting and ennobling influences which were being
+brought to bear upon him.
+
+In Dona Beatriz Carlos perceived a change that surprised him, while,
+at the same time, it made more evident than ever how great would have
+been his own mistake, had he accepted the passive gratitude of a child
+towards one who noticed and flattered her for the true deep love of a
+woman's heart. Dona Beatriz was a passive child no longer now. On the
+betrothal day, a proud and beautiful woman leaned on the arm of his
+handsome brother, and looked around her upon the assembled family,
+queen-like in air and mien, her cheek rivalling the crimson of the
+damask rose, her large dark eye beaming with passionate, exulting joy.
+Carlos compared her in thought to the fair, carved alabaster lamp that
+stood on the inlaid centre table of his aunt's state receiving-room.
+Love had wrought in her the change which light within always did in
+that, revealing its hidden transparency, and glorifying its pale, cold
+whiteness with tints so warmly beautiful, that the clouds of evening
+might have envied them.
+
+The betrothal of Dona Sancha to Don Beltran Vivarez quickly followed.
+Don Balthazar also succeeded in obtaining the desired Government
+appointment, and henceforth enjoyed, much to his satisfaction, the
+honours and emoluments of an "_empleado_." To crown the family good
+fortune, Dona Inez rejoiced in the birth of a son and heir; while even
+Don Gonsalvo, not to be left out, acknowledged some improvement in
+his health, which he attributed to the judicious treatment of Losada.
+The mind of an intelligent man can scarcely be deeply exercised upon
+one great subject, without the result making itself felt throughout
+the whole range of his occupations. Losada's patients could not
+fail to benefit by his habits of independent thought and searching
+investigation, and his freedom from vulgar prejudices. This freedom,
+so rare in his nation, led him occasionally, though very cautiously,
+even to hazard the adoption of a few remedies which were not altogether
+"_cosas de Espana_."[11]
+
+    [11] Things of Spain.
+
+The physician deserved less credit for his treatment of Juan's wounded
+arm, which nature healed, almost as soon as her beneficent operations
+ceased to be retarded by ignorant and blundering leech-craft.
+
+Don Juan was occasionally heard to utter aspirations for the full
+restoration of his cousin Gonsalvo's health, more hearty in their
+expression than charitable in their motive. "I would give one of my
+fingers he could ride a horse and handle a sword, or at least a good
+foil with the button off, and I would soon make him repent his bearing
+and language to thee, Carlos. But what can a man do with a _thing_
+like that, save let him alone for very shame? Yet he is dastard enough
+to presume on such toleration, and to strike those whom his own
+infirmities hinder from returning the blow."
+
+"If he could ride a horse or handle a sword, brother, I think you would
+find a marvellous change for the better in his bearing and language.
+That bitterness, what is it, after all, but the fruit of pain? Or of
+what is even worse than pain, repressed force and energy. He would be
+in the great world doing and daring; and behold, he is chained to a
+narrow room, or at best toils with difficulty a few hundred paces. No
+wonder that the strong winds, bound in their caverns, moan and shriek
+piteously at times. When I hear them I feel far too much compassion to
+think of anger. And I would give one of my fingers--nay, I would give
+my right hand," he added with a smile, "that he shared our blessed
+hope, Juan, my brother."
+
+"The most unlikely person of all our acquaintance to become a convert."
+
+"So say not I. Do you know that he has given money--he that has so
+little--more than once to Senor Cristobal for the poor?"
+
+"That is nothing," said Juan. "He was ever free-handed. Do you not
+remember, in our childhood, how he would strike us upon the least
+provocation, yet insist on our sharing his sweetmeats and his toys, and
+even sometimes fight us for refusing them? While the others knew the
+value of a ducat before they knew their Angelus, and would sell and
+barter their small possessions like Dutch merchants."
+
+"Which you spared not to call them, bearing yourself in the quarrels
+that naturally ensued with undaunted prowess; while I too often
+disgraced you by tearful entreaties for peace at all costs," returned
+Carlos, laughing. "But, my brother," he resumed more gravely, "I
+often ask myself, are we doing all that is possible in our present
+circumstances to share with others the treasure we have found?"
+
+"I trust it will soon be open to them all," said Juan, who had now come
+just far enough to grasp strongly his right to think and judge for
+himself, and with it the idea of emancipation from the control of a
+proud and domineering priesthood. "Great is truth, and shall prevail."
+
+"Certainly, in the end. But much that to mortal eyes looks like defeat
+may come first."
+
+"I think my learned brother, so much wiser than I upon many subjects,
+fails to read well the signs of the times. Whose Word saith, 'When ye
+see the fig-tree put forth her buds, know ye that summer is nigh, even
+at the door'? Everywhere the fig-trees are budding now."
+
+"Still the frosts may return."
+
+"Hold thy peace, too desponding brother. Thou shouldst have learned
+another lesson yesterday, when thou and I watched the eager thousands
+as they hung breathless on the lips of our Fray Constantino. Are not
+those thousands really for _us_, and for truth and freedom?"
+
+"No doubt Christ has his own amongst them."
+
+"You always think of individuals, Carlos, rather than of our country.
+You forget we are sons of Spain, Castilian nobles. Of course we rejoice
+when even one man here and there is won for the truth. But our Spain!
+our glorious land, first and fairest of all the earth! our land of
+conquerors, whose arms reach to the ends of the world--one hand taming
+the infidel in his African stronghold, while the other crowns her with
+the gold and jewels of the far West! She who has led the nations in the
+path of discovery--whose fleets gem the ocean--whose armies rule the
+land,--shall she not also lead the way to the great city of God, and
+bring in the good coming time when all shall know him from the least to
+the greatest--when they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
+them free? Carlos, my brother, I do not dare to doubt it."
+
+It was not often that Don Juan expressed himself in such a lengthened
+and energetic, not to say grandiloquent manner. But his love for Spain
+was a passion, and to extol her or to plead her cause words were never
+lacking with him. In reply to this outburst of enthusiasm, Carlos only
+said gently, "Amen, and the Lord establish it in his time."
+
+Don Juan looked keenly at him. "I thought you had faith, Carlos?" he
+said.
+
+"Faith?" Carlos repeated inquiringly.
+
+"Such faith," said Juan, "as I have. Faith in truth and freedom!" And
+he rang out the sonorous words, "_Verdad y_ _libertad_," as if he
+thought, as indeed he did, that they had but to go forth through a
+submissive, rejoicing world, "conquering and to conquer."
+
+"I have faith _in Christ_," Carlos answered quietly.
+
+And in those two brief phrases each unconsciously revealed to the other
+the very depths of his soul, and told the secret of his history.
+
+
+
+
+                                  XX.
+
+                  The First Drop of a Thunder Shower.
+
+  "Closed doorways that are folded
+    And prayed against in vain."
+
+                           E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+Meanwhile the happy weeks glided on noiselessly and rapidly. They
+brought full occupation for head and heart, as well as varied and
+intense enjoyment. Don Juan's constant intercourse with Dona Beatriz
+was not the less delightful because already he sought to imbue her mind
+with the truths which he himself was learning every day to love better.
+He thought her an apt and hopeful pupil, but, under the circumstances,
+he was scarcely the best possible judge.
+
+Carlos was not so well satisfied with her attainments; he advised
+reserve and caution in imparting their secrets to her, lest through
+inadvertence she might betray them to her aunt and cousins. Juan
+considered this a mark of his constitutional timidity; yet he so far
+attended to his warnings, that Dona Beatriz was strongly impressed
+with the necessity of keeping their religious conversations a profound
+secret, whilst her sensibilities were not shocked by any mention of
+words so odious as heresy or Lutheranism.
+
+But there could be no doubt as to Juan's own progress under the
+instructions of his brother, and of Losada and Fray Cassiodoro.
+He began, ere long, to accompany Carlos to the meetings of the
+Protestants, who welcomed the new acquisition to their ranks with
+affectionate enthusiasm. All were attracted by Don Juan's warmth and
+candour of disposition, and by his free, joyous, hopeful temperament;
+though he was not beloved by any as intensely as Carlos was by the few
+who really knew him, such as Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and the
+young monk, Fray Fernando.
+
+Partly through the influence of his religious friends, and partly
+through the brilliant reputation he had brought from Alcala, Carlos
+now obtained a lectureship at the College of Doctrine, of which the
+provost, Fernando de San Juan, was a decided and zealous Lutheran. This
+appointment was an honourable one, considered in no way derogatory to
+his social position, and useful as tending to convince his uncle that
+he was "doing something," not idly dreaming his time away.
+
+Occupations of another kind opened out before him also. Amongst the
+many sincere and anxious inquirers who were troubled with perplexities
+concerning the relations of the old faith and the new, were some
+who turned to him, with an instinctive feeling that he could help
+them. This was just the work that best suited his abilities and his
+temperament. To sympathize, to counsel, to aid in conflict as only
+that man can do who has known conflict himself, was God's special gift
+to him. And he who goes through the world speaking, whenever he can,
+a word in season to the weary, will seldom be without some weary one
+ready to listen to him.
+
+Upon one subject, and only one, the brothers still differed. Juan saw
+the future robed in the glowing hues borrowed from his own ardent,
+hopeful spirit. In his eyes the Spains were already won "for truth
+and freedom," as he loved to say. He anticipated nothing less than a
+glorious regeneration of Christendom, in which his beloved country
+would lead the van. And there were many amongst Losada's congregation
+who shared these bright and beautiful, if delusive dreams, and the
+enthusiasm which had given them birth, and in its turn was nourished by
+them.
+
+Again, there were others who rejoiced with much trembling over the
+good tidings that often reached them of the spread of the faith in
+distant parts of the country, and who welcomed each neophyte to their
+ranks as if they were adorning a victim for the sacrifice. They could
+not forget that name of terror, the Holy Inquisition. And from certain
+ominous indications they thought the sleeping monster was beginning to
+stir in his den. Else why had new and severe decrees against heresy
+been recently obtained from Rome? And above all, why had the Bishop
+of Terragona, Gonzales de Munebraga, already known as a relentless
+persecutor of Jews and Moors, been appointed Vice-Inquisitor General at
+Seville?
+
+Still, on the whole, hope and confidence predominated; and strange,
+nay, incredible as it may appear to us, beneath the very shadow of the
+Triana the Lutherans continued to hold their meetings "almost with open
+doors."
+
+One evening Don Juan escorted Dona Beatriz to some festivity from which
+he could not very well excuse himself, whilst Carlos attended a reunion
+for prayer and mutual edification at the usual place--the house of Dona
+Isabella de Baena.
+
+Don Juan returned at a late hour, but in high spirits. Going at once to
+the room where his brother sat awaiting him, he threw off his cloak,
+and stood before him, a gay, handsome figure, in his doublet of crimson
+satin, his gold chain, and well-used sword, now worn for ornament, with
+its embossed scabbard and embroidered belt.
+
+"I never saw Dona Beatriz look so charming," he began eagerly. "Don
+Miguel de Santa Cruz was there, but he could not get so much as a
+single dance with her, and looked ready to die for envy. But save me
+from the impertinence of Luis Rotelo! I shall have to cane him one
+of these days, if no milder measures will teach him his place and
+station. _He_, the son of a simple hidalgo, to dare lift his eyes to
+Dona Beatriz de Lavella? The caitiff's presumption!--But thou art not
+listening, brother. What is wrong with thee?"
+
+No wonder he asked. The face of Carlos was pale; and the deep mournful
+eyes looked as if tears had been lately there. "A great sorrow, brother
+mine," he answered in a low voice.
+
+"_My_ sorrow too, then. Tell me, what is it?" asked Juan, his tone and
+manner changed in a moment.
+
+"Juliano is taken."
+
+"Juliano! The muleteer who brought the books, and gave you that
+Testament?"
+
+"The man who put into my hands this precious Book, to which I owe my
+joy now and my hope for eternity," said Carlos, his lip trembling.
+
+"Ay de mi!--But perhaps it is not true."
+
+"Too true. A smith, to whom he showed a copy of the Book, betrayed him.
+God forgive him--if there be forgiveness for such. It may have been a
+month ago, but we only heard it now. And he lies there--_there_."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"All were talking of it at the meeting when I entered. It is the sorrow
+of all; but I doubt if any have such cause to sorrow as I. For he is my
+father in the faith, Juan. And now," he added, after a long, sad pause,
+"I shall _never_ tell him what he has done for me--at least on this
+side of the grave."
+
+"There is no hope for him," said Juan mournfully, as one that mused.
+
+"_Hope!_ Only in the great mercy of God. Even those dreadful dungeon
+walls cannot shut Him out."
+
+"No; thank God."
+
+"But the prolonged, the bitter, the horrible suffering! I have been
+trying to contemplate, to picture it--but I cannot, I dare not. And
+what I dare not think of, he must endure."
+
+"He is a peasant, you are a noble--that makes some difference," said
+Don Juan, with whom the tie of brotherhood in Christ had not yet
+effaced all earthly distinctions. "But Carlos," he questioned suddenly,
+and with a look of alarm, "does not he know everything?"
+
+"_Everything_," Carlos answered quietly. "One word from his lips, and
+the pile is kindled for us all. But that word will never be spoken.
+To-night not one heart amongst us trembled for ourselves, we only wept
+for him."
+
+"You trust him, then, so completely? It is much to say. They in whose
+hands he is are cruel as fiends. No doubt they will--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Carlos, with a look of such exceeding pain, that
+Juan was effectually silenced. "There are things we cannot speak of,
+save to God in prayer. Oh, my brother, pray for him, that He for whom
+he has risked so much may sustain him, and, if it may be, shorten his
+agony."
+
+"Surely more than two or three will join in that prayer. But, my
+brother," he added, after a pause, "be not so downcast. Do you not
+know that every great cause must have its martyr? When was a victory
+won, and no brave man left dead on the field; a city stormed, and none
+fallen in the breach? Perhaps to that poor peasant may be given the
+glory--the great glory--of being honoured throughout all time as the
+sainted martyr whose death has consecrated our holy cause to victory. A
+grand lot truly! Worth suffering for!" And Juan's dark eye kindled, and
+his cheek glowed with enthusiasm.
+
+Carlos was silent.
+
+"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"
+
+"I think that Christ is worth suffering for," said Carlos at last.
+"And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith,
+can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May
+that--may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and
+comfort are far away."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXI.
+
+                         By the Guadalquivir.
+
+  "There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,
+  Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."
+
+                                         SCHILLER.
+
+
+Next Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Dona
+Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the
+deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there.
+But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and
+death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death
+for all who trust him. Then came prayer--true incense offered on the
+golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil,"
+still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.[12] But
+in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.
+
+    [12] See Exodus XXX. 6.
+
+"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had
+parted with their friends. "The night is fine."
+
+"Whither shall we bend our steps?"
+
+Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of
+the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.
+
+"Why take such a circuit?" said Carlos, showing a disposition to turn
+in an opposite direction. "This is far the shorter way."
+
+"True; but it is less pleasant."
+
+Carlos looked at him gratefully. "My brother would spare my weakness,"
+he said. "But it needs not. Twice of late, when you were engaged with
+Dona Beatriz, I went alone thither, and--to the Prado San Sebastian."
+
+So they passed through the Puerta de Triana, and having crossed the
+bridge of boats, leisurely took their way beneath the walls of the grim
+old castle. As they did so, both prayed in silence for one who was
+pining in its dungeons. Don Juan, whose interest in the fate of Juliano
+was naturally far less intense than his brother's, was the first to
+break that silence. He remarked that the Dominican convent adjoining
+the Triana looked nearly as gloomy as the inquisitorial prison itself.
+
+"I think it looks like all other convents," returned Carlos, with
+indifference.
+
+They were soon in the shadow of the dark, ghostlike olive trees. The
+moon was young, and gave but little light; but the large clear stars
+looked down through the southern air like lamps of fire, hanging not so
+much in the sky as from it. Were those bright watchers charged with a
+message from the land very far off, which seemed so near to _them_ in
+the high places whence they ruled the night? Carlos drank in the spirit
+of the scene in silence. But this did not please his less meditative
+brother. "What art thou pondering?" he asked.
+
+"'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
+they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'"
+
+"Art thinking still of the prisoner in the Triana?"
+
+"Of him, and also of another very dear to both of us, of whom I have
+for some time been purposing to speak to thee. What if thou and I have
+been, like children, seeking for a star on earth while all the time it
+was shining above us in God's glorious heaven?"
+
+"Knowest thou not of old, little brother, that when thy parables begin
+I am left behind at once? I pray thee, let the stars alone, and speak
+the language of earth."
+
+"What was the task to which thou and I vowed ourselves in childhood,
+brother?"
+
+Juan looked at him keenly through the dim light. "I sometimes feared
+thou hadst forgotten," he said.
+
+"No danger of that. But I had a reason--I think a good and sufficient
+one--for not speaking to thee until well and fully assured of thy
+sympathy."
+
+"My sympathy? In aught that concerned the dream, the passion of my
+life!--of both our young lives! Carlos, how couldst thou even doubt of
+this?"
+
+"I had reason to doubt at first whether a gleam of light which has been
+shed upon our father's fate would be regarded by his son as a blessing
+or a curse."
+
+"Do not keep a man in suspense, brother. Speak at once, in Heaven's
+name."
+
+"I doubt no longer _now_. It will be to thee, Juan, as to me, a joy
+exceeding great to think that our venerated father read God's Word for
+himself, and knew his truth and honoured it, as we have learned to do."
+
+"Now, God be thanked!" cried Juan, pausing in his walk and clasping his
+hands together. "This indeed is joyful news. But speak, brother; how do
+you know it? Are you certain, or is it only dream, hope, conjecture?"
+
+Carlos told him in detail, first the hint dropped by Losada to De Seso;
+then the story of Dolores; lastly, what he had heard at San Isodro
+about Don Rodrigo de Valer. And as he proceeded with his narrative, he
+welded the scattered links into a connected chain of evidence.
+
+Juan, all eagerness, could hardly wait till he came to the end. "Why
+did you not speak to Losada?" he interrupted at last.
+
+"Stay, brother, and hear me out; the best is to come. I have done so
+lately. But until assured how thou wouldst regard the matter, I cared
+not to ask questions, the answers to which might wound thy heart."
+
+"You are in no doubt now. What heard you from Senor Cristobal?"
+
+"I heard that Dr. Egidius named the Conde de Nuera as one of those who
+befriended Don Rodrigo. And that he had been present when that brave
+and faithful teacher privately expounded the Epistle to the Romans."
+
+"There!" Juan exclaimed with a start. "There is the origin of my second
+and favourite name, Rodrigo. Brother, brother, these are the best
+tidings I have heard for years." And uncovering his head, he uttered
+fervent and solemn words of thanksgiving.
+
+To which Carlos added a heartfelt "Amen," and resumed,--
+
+"Then, brother, you think we are justified in taking this joy to our
+hearts?"
+
+"Without doubt," cried the sanguine Don Juan.
+
+"And it follows that his crime--"
+
+"Was what in our eyes constitutes the truest glory, the profession of a
+pure faith," said Juan with decision, leaping at once to the conclusion
+Carlos had reached by a far slower path.
+
+"And those mystic words inscribed upon the window, the delight and
+wonder of our childhood--"
+
+"Ah!" repeated Juan--
+
+  "'El Dorado
+    Yo he trovado.'
+
+But what they have to do with the matter I see not yet."
+
+"You see not? Surely the knowledge of God in Christ, the kingdom of
+heaven opened up to us, is the true El Dorado, the golden country,
+which enriches those who find it for evermore."
+
+"That is all very good," said Juan, with the air of a man not quite
+satisfied.
+
+"I doubt not that was our father's meaning," Carlos continued.
+
+"I doubt it, though. Up to that point I follow you, Carlos; but there
+we part. _Something_ in the New World, I think, my father must have
+found."
+
+A lengthened debate followed, in which Carlos discovered, rather to his
+surprise, that Juan still clung to his early faith in a literal land
+of gold. The more thoughtful and speculative brother sought in vain to
+reason him out of that belief. Nor was he much more successful when he
+came to state his own settled conviction that they should never see
+their father's face on earth. Not the slightest doubt remained on his
+own mind that, on account of his attachment to the Reformed faith, the
+Conde de Nuera had been, in the phraseology of the time, quietly "put
+out of the way." But whether this had been done during the voyage, or
+on the wild unknown shores of the New World, he believed his children
+would never know.
+
+On this point, however, no argument availed with Juan. He seemed
+determined _not_ to believe in his father's death. He confessed,
+indeed, that his heart bounded at the thought that he had been a
+sufferer "in the cause of truth and freedom." "He has suffered exile,"
+he said, "and the loss of all things. But I see not wherefore he may
+not after all be living still, somewhere in that vast wonderful New
+World."
+
+"I am content to think," Carlos replied, "that all these years he has
+been at rest with the dead in Christ. And that we shall see his face
+first with Christ when he appears in glory."
+
+"But I am not content. We must learn something more."
+
+"We shall never learn more. How can we?" asked Carlos.
+
+"That is so like thee, little brother. Ever desponding, ever turned
+easily from thy purpose."
+
+"Well; be it so," said Carlos meekly.
+
+"But what _I_ determine, that I do," said Juan. "At least I will make
+my uncle speak out," he continued. "I have ever suspected that he knows
+something."
+
+"But how is that to be done?" asked Carlos. "Nevertheless, do all thou
+canst, and God prosper thee. Only," he added with great earnestness,
+"remember the necessities of our present position; and for the sake of
+our friends, as well as of our own lives, use due prudence and caution."
+
+"Fear not, my too prudent brother.--The best and dearest brother in the
+world," he added kindly, "if he had but a little more courage."
+
+Thus conversing they hastily retraced their steps to the city, the hour
+being already late.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Quiet weeks passed on after this unmarked by any event of importance.
+Winter had now given place to spring; the time of the singing of birds
+was come. In spite of numerous and heavy anxieties, and of _one_ sorrow
+that pressed more or less upon all, it was still spring-time in many
+a brave and hopeful heart amongst the adherents of the new faith in
+Seville. Certainly it was spring-time with Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+One Sunday a letter arrived by special messenger from Nuera, containing
+the unwelcome tidings that the old and faithful servant of the house,
+Diego Montes, was dying. It was his last wish to resign his stewardship
+into the hands of his young master, Senor Don Juan. Juan could not
+hesitate. "I will go to-morrow morning," he said to Carlos; "but rest
+assured I will return hither as soon as possible; the days are too
+precious to be lost."
+
+Together they repaired once more to Dona Isabella's house. Don Juan
+told the friends they met there of his intended departure, and ere
+they separated many a hand warmly grasped his, and many a voice spoke
+kindly the "Vaya con Dios" for his journey.
+
+"It needs not formal leave-takings, senores and my brethren," said
+Juan; "my absence will be very short; not next Sunday indeed, but
+possibly in a fortnight, and certainly this day month I shall meet you
+all here again."
+
+"_God willing_," said Losada gravely. And so they parted.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXII.
+
+                        The Flood-Gates Opened.
+
+  "And they feared as they entered into the cloud."
+
+
+For the first stage of Don Juan's journey Carlos accompanied him. They
+spent the time in animated talk, chiefly about Nuera, Carlos sending
+kind messages to the dying man, to Dolores, and indeed to all the
+household. "Remember, brother," he said, "to give Dolores the little
+books I put into the alforjas, specially the 'Confession of a Sinner.'"
+
+"I shall remember everything, even to bringing thee back tidings of all
+the sick folk in the village. Now, Carlos, here we agreed to part;--no,
+not one step further."
+
+They clasped each other's hands. "It is not like a long parting," said
+Juan.
+
+"No. Vaya con Dios, my Ruy."
+
+"Quede con Dios,[13] brother;" and he rode off, followed by his servant.
+
+    [13] Remain with God.
+
+Carlos watched him wistfully; would he turn for a last look? He _did_
+turn. Taking off his velvet montero, he gaily bowed farewell; thus
+allowing Carlos to gaze once more upon his dark, handsome, resolute
+features, keen, sparkling eyes and curling black hair.
+
+Whilst Juan saw a scholar's face, thoughtful, refined, sensitive; a
+broad pale forehead, from which the breeze had blown the waving fair
+hair (fair to a southern eye, though really a bright soft brown), and
+lips that kept the old sweetness of expression, though, whether from
+the manly fringe that graced them or from some actual change, the
+weakness which marred them once had ceased to be apparent now.
+
+Another moment, and both had turned their horses' heads. Carlos, when
+he reached the city, made a circuit to avoid one of the very frequent
+processions of the Host; since, as time passed on, he felt ever
+more and more disinclined to the absolutely necessary prostration.
+Afterwards he called upon Losada, to inquire the exact address of a
+person whom he had asked him to visit. He found him engaged in his
+character of physician, and sat down in the patio to await his leisure.
+
+Ere long Dr. Cristobal passed through, politely accompanying to the
+gate a canon of the cathedral, for whose ailments he had just been
+prescribing. The Churchman, who was evidently on the best terms with
+his physician, was showing his good-nature and affability by giving him
+the current news of the city; to which Losada listened courteously,
+with a grave, quiet smile, and, when necessary, an appropriate
+question or comment. Only one item made any impression upon Carlos: it
+related to a pleasant estate by the sea-side which Munebraga had just
+purchased, disappointing thereby a relative of the canon's who desired
+to possess it, but could not command the very large price readily
+offered by the Inquisitor.
+
+At last the visitor was gone. In a moment the smile had faded from the
+physician's care-worn face. Turning to Carlos with a strangely altered
+look, he said, "The monks of San Isodro have fled."
+
+"Fled!" Carlos repeated, in blank dismay.
+
+"Yes; no fewer than twelve of them have abandoned the monastery."
+
+"How did you hear it?"
+
+"One of the lay brethren came in this morning to inform me. They held
+another solemn Chapter, in which it was determined that each one should
+follow the guidance of his own conscience, those, therefore, to whom it
+seemed best to go have gone, the rest remain."
+
+For some moments they looked at each other in silence. So fearful was
+the peril in which this rash act involved them all, that it almost
+seemed as if they had heard a sentence of death.
+
+The voice of Carlos faltered as he asked at last,--"Have Fray Cristobal
+or Fray Fernando gone?"
+
+"No; they are both amongst those, more generous if not more wise, who
+have chosen to remain and take what God will send them here. Stay, here
+is a letter from Fray Cristobal which the lay brother brought me; it
+will tell you as much as I know myself."
+
+Carlos read it carefully. "It seems," he said, when he had finished,
+"that the consciences of those who fled would not allow them any longer
+to conform, even outwardly, to the rules of their order. Moreover, from
+the signs of the times, they believe that a storm is about to burst
+upon the company of the faithful."
+
+"God grant it may prove that they have saved _themselves_ from its
+violence," Losada answered, with a slight emphasis on "themselves."
+
+"And for us?--God help us!" Carlos almost moaned, the paper falling
+from his trembling hand. "What shall we do?"
+
+"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," returned Losada
+bravely. "No other strength remains for us. But God grant none of us in
+the city may be so unadvised as to follow the example of the brethren.
+The flight of one might be the ruin of all."
+
+"And those noble, devoted men who remain at San Isodro?"
+
+"Are in God's hands, as we are."
+
+"I will ride out and visit them, especially Fray Fernando."
+
+"Excuse me, Senor Don Carlos, but you will do nothing of the kind; that
+were to court suspicion. I will bear any message you choose to send."
+
+"And you?"
+
+Losada smiled, though sadly. "The physician has occasion to go," he
+said; "he is a very useful personage, who often covers with his ample
+cloak the _dogmatizing heretic_."
+
+Carlos recognized the official phraseology of the Holy Office. He
+repressed a shudder, but could not hide the look of terror that dilated
+his large blue eyes.
+
+The older man, the more experienced Christian, could compassionate
+the youth. Losada, himself standing "face to face with death," spoke
+kind words of counsel and comfort to Carlos. He cautioned him strongly
+against losing his self-possession, and thereby running needlessly into
+danger. "Especially would I urge upon you, Senor Don Carlos," he said,
+"the duty of avoiding unnecessary risk, for already you are useful to
+us; and should God spare your life, you will be still more so. If I
+fall--"
+
+"Do not speak of it, my beloved friend."
+
+"It will be as God pleases," said the pastor calmly. "But I need
+not remind you, others stand in like peril with me. Especially Fray
+Cassiodoro, and Don Juan Ponce de Leon."
+
+"The noblest heads, the likeliest to fall," Carlos murmured.
+
+"Then must younger soldiers step forth from the ranks, and take up
+the standards dropped from their hands. Don Carlos Alvarez, we have
+high hopes of you. Your quiet words reach the heart; for you speak
+that which you know, and testify that which you have seen. And the
+good gifts of mind that God has given you enable you to speak with the
+greater acceptance. He may have much work for you in his harvest-field.
+But whether he should call you to work or to suffer, shrink not,
+but 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
+dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'"
+
+"I will try to trust him; and may he make his strength perfect in my
+weakness," said Carlos. "But for the present," he added, "give me any
+lowly work to do, whereby I may aid you or lighten your cares, my loved
+friend and teacher."
+
+Losada gladly gave him, as indeed he had done several times before,
+instructions to visit certain secret inquirers, and persons in distress
+and perplexity of mind.
+
+He passed the next two or three days in these ministrations, and in
+constant prayer, especially for the remaining monks of San Isodro,
+whose sore peril pressed heavily on his heart. He sought, as much
+as possible, to shut out other thoughts; or, when they would force
+an entrance, to cast their burden, which otherwise would have been
+intolerable, upon Him who would surely care for his own Church, his few
+sheep in the wilderness.
+
+One morning he remained late in his chamber, writing a letter to his
+brother; and then went forth, intending to visit Losada. As it was a
+fast-day, and he kept the Church fasts rigorously, it happened that he
+had not previously met any of his uncle's family.
+
+The entrance to the physician's house did not present its usual
+cheerful appearance. The gate was shut and bolted, and there was no
+sign of patients passing in or out. Carlos became alarmed. It was long
+before he obtained an answer to his repeated calls. At last, however,
+some one inside cried, "_Quien es_?"[14]
+
+    [14] Who is there?
+
+Carlos gave his name, well known to all the household.
+
+Then the door was half opened, and a mulatto serving-lad showed a
+terrified face behind it.
+
+"Where is Senor Cristobal?"
+
+"Gone, senor."
+
+"Gone!--whither?"
+
+The answer was a furtive, frightened whisper. "Last night--the
+Alguazils of the Holy Office." And the door was shut and bolted in his
+face.
+
+He stood rooted to the spot, speechless and motionless, in a trance
+of horror. At last he was startled by feeling some one grasp his arm
+without ceremony, indeed rather roughly.
+
+"Are you moonstruck, Cousin Don Carlos?" asked the voice of Gonsalvo.
+"At least you might have had the courtesy to offer me the aid of your
+arm, without putting me to the shame of requesting it, miserable
+cripple that I am!" and he gave vent to a torrent of curses upon his
+own infirmities, using expressions profane and blasphemous enough to
+make Carlos shiver with pain.
+
+Yet that very pain did him real service. It roused him from his stupor,
+as sharp anguish sometimes brings back a patient from a swoon. He said,
+"Pardon me, my cousin, I did not see you; but I hear you now--with
+sorrow."
+
+Gonsalvo deigned no answer, except his usual short, bitter laugh.
+
+"Whither do you wish to go?"
+
+"Home. I am tired."
+
+They walked along in silence; at last Gonsalvo asked, abruptly,--
+
+"Have you heard the news?"
+
+"What news?"
+
+"The news that is in every one's mouth to-day. Indeed, the city has
+well nigh run mad with holy horror. And no wonder! Their reverences,
+the Lords Inquisitors, have just discovered a community of abominable
+Lutherans, a very viper's nest, in our midst. It is said the wretches
+have actually dared to carry on their worship somewhere in the town.
+Ah, no marvel you look horror-stricken, my pious cousin. _You_ could
+never have dreamed that such a thing was possible, could you?" After
+one quick, keen glance, he did not look again in his cousin's face; but
+he might have felt the beating of his cousin's heart against his arm.
+
+"I am told," he continued, "that nearly two hundred persons have been
+arrested already."
+
+"_Two hundred!_" gasped Carlos.
+
+"And the arrests are going on still."
+
+"Who is taken?" Carlos forced his trembling lips to ask.
+
+"Losada; more's the pity. A good physician, though a bad Christian."
+
+"A good physician, and a good Christian too," said Carlos in the voice
+of one who tries to speak calmly in terrible bodily pain.
+
+"An opinion you would do more wisely to keep to yourself, if a
+reprobate such as I may presume to counsel so learned and pious a
+personage."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"One you would never guess. Don Juan Ponce de Leon, of all men. Think
+of the Count of Baylen's son being thus degraded! Also the master of
+the College of Doctrine, San Juan; and a number of Jeromite friars from
+San Isodro. Those are all I know worth a gentleman's taking account
+of. There are some beggarly tradesfolk, such as Medel d'Espinosa, the
+embroiderer; and Luis d'Abrego, from whom your brother bought that
+beautiful book of the Gospels he gave Dona Beatriz. But if only such
+cattle were concerned in it, no one would care."
+
+"Some fools there be," Don Gonsalvo continued after a pause, "who have
+run to the Triana, and informed against themselves, thinking thereby
+to get off more easily. _Fools_, again I say, for their pains." And he
+emphasized his words by a pressure of the arm on which he was leaning.
+
+At length they reached the door of Don Manuel's house. "Thanks for
+your aid," said Gonsalvo. "Now that I remember it, Don Carlos, I hear
+also that we are to have a grand procession on Tuesday with banners and
+crosses, in honour of Our Lady, and of our holy patronesses Justina
+and Rufina, to beg pardon for the sin and scandal so long permitted in
+the midst of our most Catholic city. You, my pious cousin, licentiate
+of theology and all but consecrated priest--you will carry a taper, no
+doubt?"
+
+Carlos would fain have left the question unanswered; but Gonsalvo meant
+to have an answer. "You will?" he repeated, laying his hand on his arm,
+and looking him in the face, though with a smile. "It would be very
+creditable to the family for one of us to appear. Seriously; I advise
+you to do it."
+
+Then Carlos said quietly, "_No_;" and crossed the patio to the
+staircase which led to his own apartment.
+
+Gonsalvo stood watching him, and mentally retracting, at his last word,
+the verdict formerly pronounced against him as "a coward," "not half a
+man."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXIII.
+
+                         The Reign of Terror.
+
+  "Though shining millions around thee stand,
+  For the sake of him at thy right hand
+  Think of the souls he died for here,
+  Thus wandering in darkness, in doubt and fear.
+
+  "The powers of darkness are all abroad--
+  They own no Saviour, and they fear no God;
+  And we are trembling in dumb dismay;
+  Oh, turn not thou thy face away."
+
+                                            HOGG.
+
+
+It was late in the evening when Carlos emerged from his chamber. How
+the intervening hours had been passed he never told any one. But
+this much is certain,--he contended with and overcame a wild, almost
+uncontrollable impulse to seek refuge in flight. His reason told him
+that this would be to rush upon certain destruction: so sedulously
+guarded were all the ways of egress, and so watchful and complete, in
+every city and village of the land, was the inquisitorial organization;
+not to speak of the "Hermandad," or Brotherhood--a kind of civil
+police, always ready to co-operate with the ecclesiastical authorities.
+
+Still, if he could not be saved, Juan might and should. This thought
+was growing gradually clearer and stronger in his bewildered brain and
+aching heart while he knelt in his chamber, finding a relief in the
+attitude of prayer, though few and broken were the words of prayer
+that passed his trembling lips. Indeed, the burden of his cry was this:
+"Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Thou that carest for
+us, forsake us not in our bitter need. For thine is the kingdom; even
+yet thou reignest."
+
+This was all he could find to plead, either on his own behalf or on
+that of his imprisoned brethren; though for them his heart was wrung
+with unutterable anguish. Once and again did he repeat--"_Thine_ is the
+kingdom and the power. Thine, O Father; thine, O Lord and Saviour. Thou
+_canst_ deliver us."
+
+It was well for him that he had Juan to save. He rose at last; and
+added to the letter previously written to his brother a few lines of
+most earnest entreaty that he would on no account return to Seville.
+But then, recollecting his own position, he marvelled greatly at his
+simplicity in purposing to send such a letter by the King's post--an
+institution which, strange to say, Spain possessed at an earlier period
+than any other country in Europe. If he should fall under suspicion,
+his letter would be liable to detention and examination, and might thus
+be the means of involving Juan in the very peril from which he sought
+to deliver him.
+
+A better plan soon occurred to him. That he might carry it out,
+he descended late in the evening to the cool, marble-paved court,
+or _patio_, in the centre of which the fountain ever murmured and
+glistened, surrounded by tropical plants, some of them in gorgeous
+bloom.
+
+As he had hoped, one solitary lamp burned like a star in a remote
+corner; and its light illumined the form of a young girl seated on
+a low chair, before an inlaid ebony table, writing busily. Dona
+Beatriz had excused herself from accompanying the family on an evening
+visit, that she might devote herself in undisturbed solitude to the
+composition of her first love-letter--indeed, her first letter of any
+kind: for short as he intended his absence to be, Juan had stipulated
+for this consolation, and induced her to promise it; and she knew that
+the King's post went northwards the next day, passing by Nuera on his
+way to the towns of La Mancha.
+
+So engrossing was her occupation that she did not hear the step of
+Carlos. He drew near, and stood behind her. Pearls, golden Agni, and
+a scarlet flower or two, were twined with her glossy raven hair; and
+the lamp shed a subdued radiance over her fine features, which glowed
+through their delicate olive with the rosy light of joy. An exquisite
+though not very costly perfume, that Carlos in other days always
+associated with her presence, still continued a favourite with her, and
+filled the place around with fragrance. It brought back his memory to
+the past--to that wild, vain, yet enchanting dream; the brief romance
+of his life. But there was no time now even for "a dream within a
+dream." There was only time to thank God, from the depths of his soul,
+that in all the wide world there was no heart that would break for
+_him_.
+
+"Dona Beatriz," he said gently.
+
+She started, and half turned, a bright flush mounting to her cheek.
+
+"You are writing to my brother."
+
+"And how know you that, Senor Don Carlos?" asked the young lady, with a
+little innocent affectation.
+
+But Carlos, standing face to face with terrible realities, pushed aside
+her pretty arts, as one hastening to succour a dying man might push
+aside a branch of wild roses that impeded his path.
+
+"I most earnestly request of you, senora, to convey to him a message
+from me."
+
+"And wherefore can you not write to him yourself, Senor Licentiate?"
+
+"Is it possible, senora, that you know not what has happened?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos! how you startle one.--Do you mean these
+horrible arrests?"
+
+Carlos found that a few strong, plain words were absolutely necessary
+in order to make Beatriz understand his brother's peril. She had
+listened hitherto to Don Juan's extracts from Scripture, and the
+arguments and exhortations founded thereon, conscious, indeed, that
+these were secrets which should be jealously guarded, yet unconscious
+that they were what the Church and the world branded as heresy.
+Consequently, although she heard of the arrest of Losada and his
+friends with vague regret and apprehension, she was far from distinctly
+associating the crime for which they suffered with the name dearest to
+her heart. She was still very young; and she had not thought much--she
+had only loved. And she blindly followed him she loved, without caring
+to ask whither he was going himself, or whither he was leading her.
+When at last Carlos made her comprehend that it was for reading the
+Scriptures, and talking of justification by faith alone, that Losada
+was thrown into the dungeons of the Triana, a thrilling cry of anguish
+broke from her lips.
+
+"Hush, senora!" said Carlos; and for once his voice was stern. "If even
+your little black foot-page heard that cry, it might ruin all."
+
+But Beatriz was unused to self-control. Another cry followed, and there
+were symptoms of hysterical tears and laughter. Carlos tried a more
+potent spell.
+
+"Hush, senora" he repeated. "We must be strong and silent, if we are to
+save Don Juan."
+
+She looked piteously up at him, repeating, "Save Don Juan?"
+
+"Yes, senora. Listen to me. _You_, at least, are a good Catholic. You
+have not compromised yourself in any way: you say your angelus; you
+make your vows; you bring flowers to Our Lady's shrine. _You_ are
+safe."
+
+She turned round and faced him--her cheek dyed crimson, and her eyes
+flashing,--
+
+"I am safe! Is that all you have to say? Who cares for that? What is
+_my_ life worth?"
+
+"Patience, dear senora! Your safety aids in securing his. Listen.--You
+are writing to him. Tell him of the arrests; for hear of them he must.
+Use the language about heresy which will occur to you, but which--God
+help me!--I could not use. Then pass from the subject. Write aught
+else that comes to your mind; but before closing your letter, say that
+I am well in mind and body, and would be heartily recommended to him.
+Add that I most earnestly request of him, for our common good and the
+better arrangement of our affairs, not to return to Seville, but to
+remain at Nuera. He will understand that. Lay your own commands upon
+him--your _commands_, remember, senora--to the same effect."
+
+"I will do all that.--But here come my aunt and cousins."
+
+It was true. Already the porter had opened for them the gloomy outer
+gate; and now the gilt and filagreed inner door was thrown open also,
+and the returning family party filled the court. They were talking
+together; not quite so gaily as usual, but still eagerly enough. Dona
+Sancha soon drew near to Beatriz, and began to rally her upon her
+occupation, threatening playfully to carry away and read the unfinished
+letter. No one addressed a word to Carlos; but that might have been
+mere accident.
+
+It was, however, scarcely accidental that his aunt, as she passed him
+on her way to an inner room, drew her mantilla closer round her, lest
+its deep lace fringe might touch his clothing. Shortly afterwards Dona
+Sancha dropped her fan. According to custom, Carlos stooped for it,
+and handed it to her with a bow. The young lady took it mechanically,
+but almost immediately dropped it again with a look of scorn, as if
+polluted by its touch. Its delicate carved ivory, the work of Moorish
+hands, lay in fragments on the marble floor; and from that moment
+Carlos knew that he was under the ban, that he stood alone amidst his
+uncle's household--a suspected and degraded man.
+
+It was not wonderful. His intimacy with the monks of San Isodro,
+his friendship with Don Juan Ponce de Leon, and with the physician
+Losada, were all well-known facts. Moreover, had he not taught at the
+College of Doctrine, under the direct patronage of Fernando de San
+Juan, another of the victims? And there were other indications of his
+tendencies which could scarcely escape notice, once the suspicions of
+those who lived under the same roof with him were awakened.
+
+For a time he stood silent, watching his uncle's countenance, and
+marking the frown that contracted his brow whenever his eye turned
+towards him. But when Don Manuel passed into a smaller saloon that
+opened upon the court, Carlos followed him boldly.
+
+They stood face to face, but could hardly see each other. The room was
+darkness, save for a few struggling moonbeams.
+
+"Senor my uncle," said Carlos, "I fear my presence here is displeasing
+to you."
+
+Don Manuel paused before replying.
+
+"Nephew," he said at length, "you have been lamentably imprudent. The
+saints grant you have been no worse."
+
+A moment of strong emotion will sometimes bring out in a man's face
+characteristic lineaments of his family, in calmer seasons not
+traceable there. Thus it is with features of the soul. It was not the
+gentle timid Don Carlos who spoke now, it was Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Menaya. There was both pride and courage in his tone.
+
+"If it has been my misfortune to offend my honoured uncle, to whom I
+owe so many benefits, I am sorry, though I cannot charge myself with
+any fault. But I should be faulty indeed were I to prolong my stay in
+a house where I am no longer what, thanks to your kindness, senor my
+uncle, I have ever been hitherto, a welcome guest." Having spoken thus,
+he turned to go.
+
+"Stay, young fool!" cried Don Manuel, who thought the better of him for
+his proud words. They raised him, in his estimation, from a mark for
+his scorn to a legitimate object for his indignation. "There spoke your
+father's voice. But I tell you, for all that, you shall not quit the
+shelter of my roof."
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"You may spare the pains. I ask you not, for I prefer to remain in
+ignorance, to what perilous and fool-hardy lengths your intimacy with
+heretics may have gone. Without being a Qualificator of heresy myself,
+I can tell that you smell of the fire. And indeed, young man, were you
+anything less than Alvarez de Menaya, I would hardly scorch my own
+fingers to hold you out of it. The Devil--to whom, in spite of all your
+fair appearances, I fear you belong--might take care of his own. But
+since truth is the daughter of God, you shall have it from my lips.
+And the plain truth is, that I have no desire to hear every cur dog in
+Seville barking at me and mine; nor to see our ancient and honourable
+name dragged through the mire and filth of the streets."
+
+"I have never disgraced that name."
+
+"Have I not said that I desire no protestations from you? Whatever
+my private opinion may be, it stands upon our family honour to hold
+that yours is still unstained. Therefore, not from love, as I tell you
+plainly, but from motives that may perchance prove stronger in the
+end, I and mine extend to you our protection. I am a good Catholic, a
+faithful son of Mother Church; but I freely confess I am no hero of
+the Faith, to offer up upon its shrine those that bear my own name.
+I pretend not to such heights of sanctity, not I." And Don Manuel
+shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I entreat of you, senor my uncle, to allow me to explain--"
+
+Don Manuel waved his hand with a forbidding gesture. "None of thy
+explanations for me," he said. "I am no silly cock, to scratch till I
+find the knife. Dangerous secrets had best be let alone. This I will
+say, however, that of all the contemptible follies of these evil times,
+this last one of heresy is the worst. If a man _will_ lose his soul, in
+the name of common sense let him lose it for fine houses, broad lands,
+a duke's title, an archbishop's coffers, or something else good at
+least in this world. But to give all up, and to gain nothing, save fire
+here and fire again hereafter! It is sheer, blank idiocy."
+
+"I _have_ gained something," said Carlos firmly. "I have gained a
+treasure worth more than all I risk, more than life itself."
+
+"What! Is there really a meaning in this madness? Have you and your
+friends a secret?" Don Manuel asked in a gentler voice, and not without
+curiosity. For he was the child of his age; and had Carlos told him
+that the heretics had made the discovery of the philosopher's stone, he
+would have seen nothing worthy of disbelief in the statement; he would
+only have asked him for proofs.
+
+"The knowledge of God in Christ," began Carlos eagerly "gives me joy
+and peace--"
+
+"_Is that all?_" cried Don Manuel with an oath. "Fool that I was, to
+imagine, for half an idle minute, that there might be some grain of
+common sense still left in your crazy brain! But since it is only a
+question of words and names, and mystical doctrines, I have the honour
+to wish you good evening, Senor Don Carlos. Only I command you, as you
+value your life, and prefer a residence beneath my roof to a dungeon
+in the Triana, to keep your insanity within bounds, and to conduct
+yourself so as to avert suspicion. On these conditions we will shelter
+you. Eventually, if it can be done with safety, we may even ship you
+out of the Spains to some foreign country, where heretics, rogues, and
+thieves are permitted to go at large." So saying, he left the room.
+
+Carlos was stung to the quick by his contempt; but remembered at last
+that it was a fragment of the true cross (really the first that had
+fallen to his lot) given him to wear in honour of his Master.
+
+Sleep would not visit his eyes that night. The next day was the
+Sabbath, a day he had been wont to welcome and enjoy. But never again
+should the Reformed Church of Seville meet in the upper room which
+had been the scene of so much happy intercourse. The next reunion was
+appointed for another place, a house not made with hands, eternal in
+the heavens. Dona Isabella de Baena and Losada were in the dungeons
+of the Triana. Fray Cassiodoro de Reyna, singularly fortunate, had
+succeeded in making his escape. Fray Constantino, on the other hand,
+had been amongst the first arrested; but Carlos went as usual to the
+Cathedral, where that eloquent voice would never again be heard. A
+heavy silent gloom, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, seemed to
+fill the crowded aisles.
+
+Yet it was there that the first gleam of comfort reached the breaking
+heart of Carlos. It came to him through the familiar words of the Latin
+service, loved from childhood.
+
+He said afterwards to the trembling children of one of the victims,
+whose desolated home he dared to visit, "For myself, horror took
+hold of me. I dared not to think. I scarce dared to pray, save in
+broken words that were only like cries of pain. The first thing that
+helped me was that grand verse in the Te Deum, chanted by the sweet
+childish voices of the Cathedral choir--'Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
+aperuesti credentibus regna coelorum.' Think, dear friends, not death
+alone, but its sting, its sharpness,--for us and our beloved,--He has
+overcome, and they and we in him. The gates of the kingdom of heaven
+stand open; opened by his hands, and neither men nor fiends can shut
+them again."
+
+Such words as these did Carlos find opportunity to speak to many
+bereaved ones, from whom the desire of their eyes had been taken by
+a stroke far more bitter than death. This ministry of love did not
+greatly increase his own peril, since the less he deviated from his
+ordinary habits of life the less suspicion he was likely to awaken.
+But had it been otherwise, he was not now in a position to calculate.
+Perhaps he was too near heaven; at all events, he had already ventured
+too much for Christ's sake not to be willing, at his call, to venture a
+little more.
+
+Meanwhile, the isolation of his position in his uncle's house grew
+overpowering. No one reproached him, no one taunted him, not even
+Gonsalvo. He often longed for some bitter word, ay, though it were a
+curse, to break the oppressive silence. Every eye looked upon him with
+hatred and scorn; every hand shrank from the slightest, most accidental
+contact with his. Almost he came to consider himself what all others
+considered him,--polluted, degraded--under the ban.
+
+Once and again would he have sought escape by flight from an atmosphere
+in which it seemed more and more impossible to breathe. But flight
+meant arrest; and arrest, besides its overwhelming terrors for himself,
+meant the danger of betraying Juan. His uncle and his uncle's family,
+though they seemed now to scorn and hate him, had promised to save him
+if they could, and so far he trusted them.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIV.
+
+                           A Gleam of Light.
+
+  "It is a weary task to school the heart,
+  Ere years or griefs have tamed its fiery throbbings,
+  Into that still and passive fortitude
+  Which is but learned from suffering."
+
+                                            HEMANS
+
+
+Shortly afterwards, the son and heir of Dona Inez was baptized, with
+the usual amount of ceremony and rejoicing. After the event, the family
+and friends partook of a merienda of fruit, confectionery, and wine, in
+the patio of Don Garcia's house. Much against his inclination, Carlos
+was obliged to be present, as his absence would have occasioned remark
+and inquiry.
+
+When the guests were beginning to disperse, the hostess drew near the
+spot where he stood, near to the fountain, admiring, or seeming to
+admire, a pure white azalia in glorious bloom.
+
+"In good sooth, cousin Don Carlos," she said, "you forget old friends
+very easily. But I suppose it is because you are going so soon to take
+Orders. Every one knows how learned and pious you are. And no doubt
+you are right to wean yourself in good time from the concerns and
+amusements of this unprofitable world."
+
+No word of this little speech was lost upon one of the greatest gossips
+in Seville, a lady of rank, who stood near, leaning on the arm of
+Losada's former patient, the wealthy Canon. And this was what the
+speaker, in her good nature, probably intended.
+
+Carlos raised to her face eyes beaming with gratitude for the friendly
+notice.
+
+"No change of state, senora, can ever make me forget the kindness of my
+fair cousin," he responded with a bow.
+
+"Your cousin's little daughter," said the lady, "had once a place in
+your affections. But with you, as with all the rest, I presume the boy
+is everything. As for my poor little Inez, her small person is of small
+account in the world now. It is well she has her mother."
+
+"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to renew my acquaintance
+with Dona Inez, if I maybe permitted so to do."
+
+This was evidently what the mother desired. "Go to the right then,
+amigo mio," she said promptly, indicating the place intended by a quick
+movement of her fan, "and I will send the child to you."
+
+Carlos obeyed, and for a considerable time paced up and down a cool
+spacious apartment, only separated from the court by marble pillars,
+between which costly hangings were suspended. Being a Spaniard, and
+dwelling among Spaniards, he was neither surprised nor disconcerted by
+the long delay.
+
+At last, however, he began to suspect that his cousin had forgotten
+him. But this was not the case. First a painted ivory ball rolled in
+over the smooth floor; then one of the hangings was hastily pushed
+aside, and the little Dona Inez bounded gaily into the room in search
+of her toy. She was a merry, healthy child, about two years old, and
+really very pretty, though her infantine charms were not set off to
+advantage by the miniature nun's habit in which she was dressed, on
+account of a vow made by her mother to "Our Lady of Carmel," during the
+serious illness for which Carlos had summoned Losada to her aid.
+
+She was followed almost immediately, not by the grave elderly nurse
+who usually waited on her, but by a girl of about sixteen, rather a
+beauty, whose quick dark eyes bestowed, from beneath their long lashes,
+bashful but evidently admiring glances on the handsome young nobleman.
+
+Carlos, ever fond of children, and enjoying the momentary relief from
+the painful tension of his daily life, stooped for the ball and held
+it, just allowing its bright red to appear through his fingers. As the
+child was not in the least shy, he was soon engaged in a game with her.
+
+Looking up in the midst of it, he saw that the mother had come in
+silently, and was watching him with searching anxious eyes that brought
+back in a moment all his troubles. He allowed the ball to slide to the
+ground, and then, with a touch of his foot, sent it rolling into one
+of the farthest corners of the spacious hall. The child ran gleefully
+after it; while the mother and the attendant exchanged glances. "You
+may take the noble child away, Juanita," said the former.
+
+Juanita led off her charge without again allowing her to approach
+Carlos, thus rendering unnecessary the ceremony of a farewell. Was this
+the mother's contrivance, lest by spell of word or gesture, or even by
+a kiss, the heretic might pollute or endanger the innocent babe?
+
+When they were alone together, Dona Inez was the first to speak. "I do
+not think you can be so wicked after all; since you love children, and
+play with them still," she said in a low, half-frightened tone.
+
+"God bless you for those words, senora," answered Carlos with a
+trembling lip. He was learning to steel himself to scorn; but kindness
+tested his self-control more severely.
+
+"Amigo mio," she resumed, drawing nearer and speaking more rapidly,
+"I cannot quite forget the past. It is very wrong, I know, and I am
+weak. Ay de mi! If it be true you really are that dreadful thing I do
+not care to name, I ought to have the courage to stand by and see you
+perish."
+
+"But my kinsfolk," said Carlos, "do not intend me to perish. And for
+the protection they afford me I am grateful. More I could not have
+expected from them; less they might well have done for me. But I would
+to God I could show them and you that I am not the foul dishonoured
+thing they deem me."
+
+"If it had only been something _respectable_," said Dona Inez, with a
+sort of writhe, "such as some youthful irregularity, or stabbing or
+slaying somebody!--but what use in words? I would say, I counsel you to
+look to your own safety. Do you not know my brothers?"
+
+"I think I do, senora. That an Alvarez de Menaya should be defamed of
+heresy would be more than a disgrace--it would be a serious injury to
+them."
+
+"There be more ways than one of avoiding the misfortune."
+
+Carlos looked inquiringly at her. Something in her half-averted face
+and the quick shrug of her shoulders prompted him to ask, "Do you think
+they mean me mischief?"
+
+"Daggers are sharp to cut knots," said the lady, playing with her fan
+and avoiding his eye.
+
+With so many ghastlier terrors had the mind of Carlos grown familiar,
+that this one came to him in the guise of a relief. So "the sharpness
+of death" for him might mean no more than a dagger's thrust, after all!
+One moment here, the next in his Saviour's presence. Who that knew
+aught of the tender mercies of the Holy Office could do less than thank
+God on his bended knees for the prospect of such a fate!
+
+"It is not _death_ that I fear," he answered, looking at her steadily.
+
+"But you may as well live; nay, you had better live. For you may
+repent, may save your unhappy soul. I shall pray for you."
+
+"I thank you, dear and kind senora; but, through the grace of God, my
+soul is saved already. I believe in Jesus Christ--"
+
+"Hush! for Heaven's sake!" Dona Inez interrupted, dropping her fan and
+putting her fingers in her ears. "Hush! or ere I am aware I shall have
+listened to some dreadful heresy. The saints help me! How should I know
+just where the good Catholic words end, and the wicked ones begin? I
+might be caught in the web of the evil one; and then neither saint nor
+angel, no, nor even Our Lady herself, could deliver me. But listen to
+me, Don Carlos, for at all events I would save your life."
+
+"I will listen gratefully to aught from your lips."
+
+"I know that you dare not attempt flight from the city at present.
+But if you could lie concealed in some safe and quiet place within it
+till this storm has blown over, you might then steal away unobserved.
+Don Garcia says that now there is such a keen search made after the
+Lutherans, that every man who cannot give a good account of himself
+is like to be taken for one of the accursed sect. But that cannot
+last for ever; in six months or so the panic will be past. And those
+six months you may spend in safety, hidden away in the lodging of my
+lavandera."[15]
+
+    [15] Washerwoman.
+
+"You are kind--"
+
+"Peace, and listen. I have arranged the whole matter. And once you are
+there, I will see that you lack nothing. It is in the Morrero;[16] a
+house hidden in a very labyrinth of lanes, a chamber in the house which
+a man would need to look for very particularly ere he found it."
+
+    [16] Moorish quarter of the city.
+
+"How shall _I_ succeed in finding it?"
+
+"You noticed the pretty girl who led in my little Inez? Pepe, the
+lavandera's son, is ready to die for the love of her. She will describe
+you to him, and engage his assistance in the adventure, telling him the
+story I have told her, that you wish to conceal yourself for a season,
+having stabbed your rival in a love affair."
+
+"O Dona Inez! _I!_--almost a priest!"
+
+"Well, well; do not look so horror-stricken, amigo mio. What could I
+do? I dared not give them a hint of the truth, or both my hands full
+of double ducats would not have tempted them to stir in the affair. So
+I thought no shame of inventing a crime for you that would win their
+interest and sympathy, and dispose them to aid you."
+
+"Passing strange," said Carlos. "Had I only sinned against the law of
+God and the life of my neighbour, they would gladly help me to escape;
+did they dream that I read his words in my own tongue, they would give
+me up to death."
+
+"Juanita is a good little Christian," remarked Dona Inez; "and Pepe
+also is a very honest lad. But perhaps you may find some sympathy with
+the old crone of a lavandera, who is of Moorish blood, and, it is
+whispered, knows more of Mohammed than she does of her Breviary."
+
+Carlos disclaimed all connection with the followers of the false
+prophet.
+
+"How should I know the difference?" said Dona Inez. "I thought it was
+all the same, heresy and heresy. But I was about to say, Pepe is a
+gallant lad, a regular _majo_; his hand knows its way either amongst
+the strings of a guitar, or on the hilt of a dagger. He has often
+served caballeros who were out of nights serenading their ladies; and
+he will go equipped as if for such an adventure. You, also, bind a
+guitar on your shoulder (you could use one in old times, and to good
+purpose too, if you have not forgotten all Christian accomplishments
+together); bribe old Sancho to leave the gates open, and sally forth
+to-morrow night when the clock strikes the midnight hour. Pepe will
+wait for you in the Calle del Candilejo until one."
+
+"To-morrow night?"
+
+"I would have named to-night, but Pepe has a dance to attend. Moreover,
+I knew not whether I could arrange this interview in sufficient time to
+prepare you. Now, cousin," she added anxiously, "you understand your
+part, and you will not fail in it."
+
+"I understand everything, senora my cousin. From my heart I thank
+you for the noble effort to save me. Whether in its result it shall
+prove successful or no, already it is successful in giving me hope and
+strength, and renewing my faith in old familiar kindness."
+
+"Hush! that step is Don Garcia's. It is best you should go."
+
+"Only one word more, senora. Will my generous cousin add to her
+goodness by giving my brother, when it can be done with safety, a hint
+of how it has fared with me?"
+
+"Yes; that shall be cared for. Now, adios."
+
+"I kiss your feet, senora."
+
+She hastily extended her hand, upon which he pressed a kiss of
+friendship and gratitude. "God bless you, my cousin," he said.
+
+"Vaya con Dios," she responded. "For it is our last meeting," she added
+mentally.
+
+She stood and watched the retreating figure with tears in her bright
+eyes, and in her heart a memory that went back to old times, when she
+used to intercede with her rough brothers for the delicate shrinking
+child, who was younger, as well as frailer, than all the rest. "He was
+ever gentle and good, and fit to be a holy priest," she thought. "Ay de
+mi, for the strange, sad change! Yet, after all, I cannot see that he
+is so greatly changed. Playing with the child, talking with me, he is
+just the same Carlos as of old. But the devil is very cunning. God and
+Our Lady keep us from his wiles!"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXV.
+
+                               Waiting.
+
+  "Our night is dreary, and dim our day,
+  And if thou turn thy face away,
+  We are sinful, feeble, and helpless dust,
+  And have none to look to and none to trust."
+
+                                         HOGG.
+
+
+Thus was Carlos roused from the dull apathy of forced inaction. With
+the courage and energy that are born of hope, he made the few and
+simple preparations for his flight that were in his power. He also
+visited as many as he could of his afflicted friends, feeling that his
+ministry among them was now drawing to a close.
+
+He rejoined his uncle's family as usual at the evening meal. Don
+Balthazar, the empleado, was not present at its commencement, but soon
+came in, looking so much disturbed that his father asked, "What is
+amiss?"
+
+"There is nothing amiss, senor and my father," answered the young man,
+as he raised a large cup of Manzanilla to his lips.
+
+"Is there any news in the city?" asked his brother Don Manuel.
+
+Don Balthazar set down the empty cup. "No great news," he answered. "A
+curse upon those Lutheran dogs that are setting the place in an uproar."
+
+"What! more arrests," said Don Manuel the elder. "It is awful. The
+number reached eight hundred yesterday. Who is taken now?"
+
+"A priest from the country, Doctor Juan Gonzalez, and a friar named
+Olmedo. But that is nothing. They might take all the Churchmen in all
+the Spains, and fling them into the lowest dungeons of the Triana for
+me. It is a different matter when we come to speak of ladies--ladies,
+too, of the first families and highest consideration."
+
+A slight shudder, and a kind of forward movement, as if to catch what
+was coming, passed round the table. But Don Balthazar seemed reluctant
+to say more.
+
+"Is it any of our acquaintances?" asked the sharp, high-pitched voice
+of Dona Sancha at last.
+
+"Every one is acquainted with Don Pedro Garcia de Xeres y Bohorques. It
+is--I tremble to tell you--his daughter."
+
+"_Which?_" cried Gonsalvo, in tones that turned the gaze of all on his
+livid face and fierce eager eyes.
+
+"St. Iago, brother! You need not look thus at me. Is it my fault?--It
+is the learned one, of course, Dona Maria. Poor lady, she may well wish
+now that she had never meddled with anything beyond her Breviary."
+
+"Our Lady and all the saints defend us! Dona Maria in prison for
+heresy--horrible! Who will be safe now?" the ladies exclaimed, crossing
+themselves shudderingly.
+
+But the men used stronger language. Fierce and bitter were the
+anathemas they heaped upon heresy and heretics. Yet it is only just to
+say that, had they dared, they might have spoken differently. Probably
+in their secret hearts they meant the curses less for the victims than
+for their oppressors; and had Spain been a land in which men might
+speak what they thought, Gonzales de Munebraga would have been devoted
+to a lower place in hell than Luther or Calvin.
+
+Only two were silent. Before the eye of Carlos rose the sweet
+thoughtful face of the young girl, as he had seen it last, radiant
+with the faith and hope kindled by the sublime words of heavenly
+promise spoken by Losada. But the sight of another face--still, rigid,
+deathlike--drove that vision away. Gonsalvo sat opposite to him at the
+table. And had he never heard the strange story Dona Inez told him,
+that look would have revealed it all.
+
+Neither curse nor prayer passed the white lips of Gonsalvo. Not one of
+all the bitter words, found so readily on slighter occasions, came now
+to his aid. The fiercest outburst of passion would have seemed less
+terrible to Carlos than this unnatural silence.
+
+Yet none of the others, after the first moment, appeared to notice
+it. Or if they did observe anything strange in the look and manner
+of Gonsalvo, it was imputed to physical pain, from which he often
+suffered, but for which he rejected, and even resented, sympathy, until
+at last it ceased to be offered him. Having given what expression they
+dared to their outraged feelings, they once more turned their attention
+to the unfinished repast. It was not at all a cheerful meal, yet it was
+duly partaken of, except by Gonsalvo and Carlos, both of whom left the
+table as soon as they could without attracting attention.
+
+Willingly would Carlos have endeavoured to console his cousin; but he
+did not dare to speak to him, or even to allow him to guess that he saw
+the anguish of his soul.
+
+One day still remained to him before his flight. In the morning,
+though not very early, he set out to finish his farewell visits to his
+friends. He had not gone many paces from the house, when he observed a
+gentleman in plain black clothing, with sword and cloak, look at him
+regardfully as he passed. A moment afterwards the same person, having
+apparently changed his mind as to the direction in which he wished
+to go, hurried by him at a rapid pace; and with a murmured "Pardon,
+senor," thrust a billet into his hand.
+
+Not doubting that one of his friends had sent an emissary to warn him
+of some danger, Carlos turned into one of the narrow winding lanes with
+which the semi-oriental city abounds, and finding himself safe from
+observation, cast a hasty glance at the billet.
+
+His eye just caught the words, "His reverence the Lord Inquisitor--Don
+Gonsalvo--after midnight--revelations of importance--strict secrecy."
+What did it all mean? Did the writer wish to inform him that his cousin
+intended betraying him to the Inquisition? He did not believe it. But
+the sound of approaching footsteps made him thrust the paper hastily
+away; and in another moment his sleeve was grasped by Gonsalvo.
+
+"Give it to me," said his cousin in a breathless whisper.
+
+"Give you what?"
+
+"The paper that born idiot and marplot put into thy hands, mistaking
+thee for me. Curse the fool! Did he not know I was lame?"
+
+Carlos showed the note, still holding it. "Is this what you mean?" he
+asked.
+
+"You have read it! _Honourable!_" cried Gonsalvo, with a bitter sneer.
+
+"You are unjust to me. It bears no address; and I could not suppose
+otherwise than that it was intended for myself. However, I only read
+the few disconnected words upon which my eye first chanced to fall."
+
+The cousins stood gazing in each other's faces; as those might do that
+meet in mortal combat, ere they close hand to hand. Each was pondering
+whether the other was capable of doing him a deadly injury. Yet, after
+all, each held, at the bottom of his heart, a conviction that the other
+might be trusted.
+
+Carlos, though he had the greater cause for apprehension, was the first
+to come to a conclusion. Almost with a smile he handed the note to
+Gonsalvo. "Whatever yon mysterious billet may mean to Don Gonsalvo,"
+he said, "I am convinced that he means no harm to any one bearing the
+name of Alvarez de Menaya."
+
+"You will never repent that word. And it is true--in the sense you
+speak it," returned Gonsalvo, taking the paper from his hand. At that
+moment he was irresolute whether to confide in Carlos or no. But the
+touch of his cousin's hand decided him. It was cold and trembling. One
+so weak in heart and nerve was obviously unfit to share the burden of a
+brave man's desperate resolve.
+
+Carlos went his way, firmly believing that Gonsalvo intended no ill
+to him. But what then did he intend? Had he solicited the Inquisitor
+for a private midnight interview merely to throw himself at his feet,
+and with impassioned eloquence to plead the cause of Dona Maria? Were
+"important revelations" only a blind to procure his admission?
+
+Impossible! who, past the age of infancy, would kneel to the storm to
+implore it to be still, or to the fire to ask it to subdue its rage?
+Perhaps some dreamy enthusiast, unacquainted with the world and its
+ways, might still be found sanguine enough for such a project, but
+certainly not Don Gonsalvo Alvarez de Menaya.
+
+Or had he a bribe to offer? Inquisitors, like other Churchmen, were
+known to be subject to human frailties; of course they would not touch
+gold, but, according to a well-known Spanish proverb, you were invited
+to throw it into their cowls. And Munebraga could scarcely have fed his
+numerous train of insolent retainers, decked his splendid barge with
+gold and purple, and brought rare plants and flowers from every known
+country to his magnificent gardens, without very large additions to the
+acknowledged income of the Inquisitor-General's deputy. But, again,
+not all the wealth of the Indies would avail to open the gates of the
+Triana to an obstinate heretic, however it might modify the views of
+"his Reverence" upon the merits of a _doubtful_ case. And even to
+procure a few slight alleviations in the treatment of the accused,
+would have required a much deeper purse than Gonsalvo's.
+
+Moreover, Carlos saw that the young man was "bitter of soul;" ready for
+any desperate deed. What if he meant to accuse _himself_. Amidst the
+careless profanity in which he had been too wont to indulge, many a
+word had fallen from his lips that might be contrary to sound doctrine
+in the estimation of Inquisitors, comparatively lenient as they were to
+_blasphemers_. But what possible benefit to Dona Maria would be gained
+by his throwing himself into the jaws of death? And if it were really
+his resolve to commit suicide, by way of ending his own miseries, he
+could surely accomplish the act in a more direct and far less painful
+manner.
+
+Thus Carlos pondered; but in whatever way he regarded the matter, he
+could not escape from the idea that his cousin intended some dangerous
+or fatal step. Gonsalvo was too still, too silent. This was an evil
+sign. Carlos would have felt comparatively easy about him had he made
+him shrink and shudder by an outburst of the fiercest, most indignant
+curses. For the less emotion is wasted in expression, the more remains,
+like pent-up steam, to drive the engine forward in its course.
+Moreover, there was an evil light in Gonsalvo's eye; a gleam like that
+of hope, but hope that was certainly not kindled from above.
+
+Although the very crisis of his own fate was now approaching, and
+every faculty might have had full occupation nearer home, Carlos was
+haunted perpetually by the thought of his cousin. It continued to
+occupy him not only during his visits to his friends, but afterwards in
+the solitude and silence of his own apartment. We all know the strange
+perversity with which, in times of suspense and sorrow, the mind will
+sometimes run riot upon matters irrelevant, and even apparently trivial.
+
+With slow footsteps the hours stole on; miserable hours to Carlos,
+except in so for as he could spend them in prayer, now his only
+resource and refuge. After pleading for himself, for Juan, for his
+dear imprisoned brethren and sisters, he named Gonsalvo; and was led
+most earnestly to implore God's mercy for his unhappy cousin. As he
+thought of his misery, so much greater than his own; his loneliness,
+without God in the world; his sorrow, without hope,--his pleading grew
+impassioned. And when at last he rose from his knees, it was with that
+sweet sense that God would hear--nay, that he _had_ heard--which is
+one of the mysteries of the new life, the precious things that no man
+knoweth save he that receiveth them.
+
+Then, believing it was nearly midnight, he quickly finished his simple
+preparations, took his guitar (which had now lain unused for a long
+time), and sallied forth from his chamber.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXVI.
+
+                        Don Gonsalvo's Revenge.
+
+                "Our God, the all just,
+  Unto himself reserves this royalty,
+  The secret chastening of the guilty heart;
+  The fiery touch, the scourge that purifies--
+  Leave it with him. Yet make not that thy trust;
+  For that strong heart of thine--oh, listen yet!--
+  Must in its depths o'ercome the very wish
+  Of death or torture to the guilty one,
+  Ere it can sleep again."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Don Manuel's house had once belonged to a Moorish Cid, or lord. It
+had been assigned to the first Conde de Nuera, as one of the original
+_conquistadors_ of Seville; and he had bequeathed it to his second son.
+It had a turret, after the Moorish fashion, and the upper chamber of
+this had been given to Carlos on his first arrival in the city; from an
+idea that the theological student would require a solitary place for
+study and devotion, or, at least, that it would be decorous to suppose
+so. The room beneath had been occupied by Don Juan, but since his
+departure it was appropriated by Gonsalvo, who liked solitude, and took
+advantage of his improved health to escape from the ground-floor, to
+which his infirmities had long confined him.
+
+As Carlos stole noiselessly down the narrow winding stair, he noticed a
+light in his cousin's room. This in itself did not surprise him. But
+he certainly felt a little disconcerted when, just as he passed the
+door, Don Gonsalvo opened it, and met him face to face. He also was
+fully equipped in sword and cloak, and carried a torch in his hand.
+
+"Vaya, vaya, Don Carlos," he said reproachfully; "after all, thou
+couldst not trust me."
+
+"Nay, I did trust you."
+
+From fear of being overheard, both entered the nearest room--Don
+Gonsalvo's--and its owner closed the door softly.
+
+"You are stealing away from fear of me, and thereby throwing yourself
+into the fire. Do it not, Don Carlos; be advised, and do it not." He
+spoke earnestly, and without a shadow of the old bitterness and sarcasm.
+
+"Nay, it is not thus. My flight was planned ere yesterday; and in
+concert with one who both can and will provide me with the means of
+safety. It is best I should go."
+
+"Enough said then," returned Gonsalvo, more coldly. "Farewell; I seek
+not to detain you. Farewell; for though we may go forth together, our
+paths divide, and for ever, at the door."
+
+"Your path is perhaps less safe than mine, Don Gonsalvo."
+
+"Talk of what you understand, cousin. My path is safety itself. And now
+that I think of it (if you could be trusted), you might aid me perhaps.
+Did you know all, I dare not doubt that you would rejoice to do it."
+
+"God knows how joyfully I would aid you if I could, Don Gonsalvo. But I
+fear you are bound on a useless, and worse than useless, errand."
+
+"You know not my errand."
+
+"But I know to whom you go this night. Oh, my cousin, is it possible
+you can dream that prayer of yours will soften hearts harder than the
+nether millstone?"
+
+"I know the way to one heart; and though it be the hardest of all, I
+shall reach it."
+
+"Were you to pour the wealth of El Dorado at the feet of Gonzales de
+Munebraga, he neither would nor could unloose one bolt of that prison."
+
+Gonsalvo's wild look changed suddenly into one of wistful earnestness,
+almost of tenderness. He said, lowering his voice,--
+
+"Near as death, the revealer of secrets, may be to me, there are still
+some questions worth the asking. Perchance _you_ can throw a gleam of
+light upon this horrible darkness. We are speaking frankly now, and as
+in God's presence. Tell me, _is that charge true_?"
+
+"Frankly, and in the sense in which you ask--it is."
+
+The last fatal words Carlos only whispered. Gonsalvo made no answer;
+but a kind of momentary spasm passed across his face.
+
+Carlos at length went on in a low voice: "She knew the Evangel long
+before I did, though she is so young--not yet one-and-twenty. She was
+the pupil of Dr. Egidius; but he was wont to say he learned more from
+her than she did from him. Her keen, bright intellect cut through
+sophistries, and reached truth so quickly. And God gave her abundantly
+of his grace; making her willing, for that truth, to endure all things.
+Oft have I seen her sweet face kindle and glow whilst he who taught us
+spoke of the joy and strength given to those that suffer for the name
+of Christ. I am persuaded He is with her now, and will be with her
+even to the end. Could you gain access to her where she is, I think
+she would tell you she possesses a treasure of peace of which neither
+death nor suffering, neither cruelty of fiends nor worse cruelty of
+fiend-like men, can avail to rob her."
+
+"She is a saint--she will be a blessed saint in heaven, let them say
+what they may," murmured Gonsalvo hoarsely. Then the fierce look
+returned to his face again. "But I think the old Christians of Castile,
+the men whose good swords made the infidels bite the dust, and
+planted the cross on their painted towers, are no better than curs and
+dastards."
+
+"In that they suffer these things?"
+
+"Yes; a thousand times, yes. In the name of man's honour and woman's
+loveliness, are there, in our good city of Seville, neither fathers,
+nor brothers, nor lovers left alive? No man who thinks the sweetest
+eyes ever seen worth six inches of steel in five skilful fingers? No
+one man, save the poor forgotten cripple, Don Gonsalvo Alvarez. But he
+thanks God this night that he has spared his life, and left strength
+enough in his feeble limbs to beat him into a murderer's presence."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! what do you mean?" cried Carlos, shrinking from him.
+
+"Lower thy voice, an' it please thee. But why should I fear to tell
+thee--_thee_, who hast good cause to be the death-foe of Inquisitors?
+If thou art not cur and dastard too, thou wilt applaud and pray for me.
+For I suppose heretics pray, at least as well as Inquisitors. I said
+I would reach the heart of Gonzales de Munebraga this night. Not with
+gold. There is another metal of keener temper, which enters in where
+even gold cannot come."
+
+"Then you mean--_murder_?" said Carlos, again drawing near him,
+and laying his hand on his arm. Gonsalvo sank into a seat, half
+mechanically, half from an instinct that led him to spare the strength
+he would need so sorely by-and-by.
+
+In the momentary pause that followed, the clock of San Vicente tolled
+the midnight hour.
+
+"Yes," replied Gonsalvo steadily; "I mean murder--as the shepherd does
+who strangles the wolf with his paw on the lamb."
+
+"Oh, think--"
+
+"I have thought of everything. And mark me, Don Carlos, I have but one
+regret. It is that my weapon deals an instantaneous death. Such revenge
+is poor and flavourless after all. I have heard of poisons whose least
+drop, mingling with the blood, ensures a slow agonizing death--time
+to learn what torture means, and to drain to the dregs the cup filled
+for others--to curse God and man ere he dies. For a phial of such,
+wherewith to anoint my blade, I would sell my soul to-night."
+
+"O Gonsalvo, this is horrible! They are wild, wicked words you speak.
+Pray God to pardon you!"
+
+"I adjure him by his justice to prosper me," said Gonsalvo, raising his
+head defiantly.
+
+"He will not prosper you. And do you dream that such a mad achievement
+(suppose you even succeed in it) will open prison-doors and set
+captives free? Alas! alas! that we are not at the mercy of a tyrant's
+_will_. For tyrants, the worst of them, sometimes relent; and--they are
+mortal. That which is crushing us is not a living being, an organism
+with nerves, and brain, and blood. It is a system, a THING,
+a terrible engine, that moves on in its resistless way, cold and
+lifeless, without will or feeling. Strong as adamant, it kills,
+tortures, destroys; obeying laws far away out of our sight. Were Valdez
+and Munebraga, and all the Board of Inquisitors, dead corpses by the
+morning light, not a single dungeon in the Triana would open its
+pitiless gate."
+
+"I do not believe _that_," replied Gonsalvo, rather more quietly.
+"Surely there must be some confusion, of which advantage may be taken
+by friends of the prisoners. This, indeed, is the motive which now
+induces me to confide in you. _You_ may know those who, if they had the
+chance, could strike a shrewd blow to save their dearest on earth from
+torture and death."
+
+But Gonsalvo read no answer in the sorrowful face of Carlos to the
+searching look of inquiry with which he said this. After a silence he
+went on,--
+
+"Suppose the worst, however. The Holy Office sorely needs a little
+blood-letting, and will be much the better for it. Whoever succeeds,
+Munebraga will have my dagger flashing in his eyes, and will take care
+how he deals with his prisoners, and whom he arrests."
+
+"I implore you to think of yourself," said Carlos.
+
+Gonsalvo smiled. "I know I shall pay the forfeit," he said, "even as
+those who slew the Inquisitor Pedro Arbues before the high altar in
+Saragossa. But"--here the smile faded, and the stern set look returned
+to his face--"I shall not pay more, for a man's triumphant vengeance,
+than those fiends will dare to inflict upon a tender, delicately
+nurtured girl for the crime of a mystic meditation, or a few words of
+prayer not properly rounded off with an Ave."
+
+"True. But then you will suffer alone. She has God with her."
+
+"I _can_ suffer alone."
+
+For that word Carlos envied him. _He_ shrank in terror from loneliness,
+from suffering, shuddering at the very thought of the dungeon and the
+torture-room. And just then the first quarter of his hour of grace
+chimed from the clock of San Vicente. What if he and Pepe should fail
+to meet? He would not think of that now. Whatever happened, Gonsalvo
+_must_ be saved. He went on,--
+
+"Here you can suffer alone and be strong. But how will you endure the
+loneliness of the long hereafter, away from God's presence, from light
+and life and hope? Are you content that you, and she for whom you give
+your life, should be sundered throughout eternity?"
+
+"Nay; I am casting my lot in with hers. If the Church curses her (pure
+and holy as she ever was), its anathema shall fall on me too. If only
+the Church's key opens heaven, she and I will both stand without."
+
+"Yet you know she will enter heaven. Shall _you_?"
+
+Gonsalvo hesitated. "It will not be the blood of a villain that will
+bar my way," he said.
+
+"God says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"
+
+"Then what will he do with Gonzales de Munebraga?"
+
+"He will do that with him of which, if you but dreamed, it would change
+your fiercest hate into saddest, deepest pity. Have you realized what
+a span is our life here compared with the countless ages of eternity?
+Think! For God's chosen a few weeks, or months at most, of solitude and
+fear and pain, ended perhaps by--but that is as he pleases; _ended_, at
+all events. Then add up the million years, fill them with the joy of
+victory, and the presence and love of Christ himself. Can they not, and
+we for them, be content with this?"
+
+"Are you content with it yourself?" Gonsalvo suddenly interrupted. "You
+seek flight."
+
+The glow faded from the face of Carlos, and his eyes sank to the
+ground. "Christ has not called me yet," he answered in a lower tone.
+There was a silence; then he resumed: "Turn now to the other side.
+Would you change, even this hour, with Gonzales de Munebraga? But take
+him from his wealth, and his pomp, and his sinful luxuries, all defiled
+with blood, and what remains for him? Everlasting fire, prepared for
+the devil and his angels."
+
+"Everlasting fire!" Gonsalvo repeated, as if the thought pleased him.
+
+"Leave him in God's hand. It is a stronger hand than yours, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Everlasting fire! I would send him there to-night."
+
+"And whither would you send your own sinful soul?"
+
+"God might pardon, though the Church cursed."
+
+"Possibly. But to enter God's heaven you need something besides pardon."
+
+"What?" asked Gonsalvo, half wearily, half incredulously.
+
+"'Holiness; without which no man can see the Lord.'"
+
+"Holiness?" Gonsalvo questioned, as if the word was strange to him, and
+he attached no meaning to it.
+
+"Yes," Carlos went on, with intense and ever increasing earnestness;
+"unless, even from that passionate heart of yours, revenge and hatred
+are banished, you can _never_ see God, never come where--"
+
+"Hold thy peace, trifler!" Gonsalvo interrupted with angry impatience.
+"Too long have I tarried, listening to thine idle talk. Priests and
+women are content with words; brave men _act_. Farewell to thee!"
+
+"One word more, only one." Carlos drew near and laid his hand on his
+cousin's arm. "Nay, you _shall_ listen to me. Seemeth it to you a thing
+incredible that that heart of yours can be changed and softened to a
+love like His who prayed on the cross for his murderers? Yet it can be.
+_He_ can do it. He gives pardon, holiness, peace. Peace of which you
+dream not now, but which _she_ knows full well. O Don Gonsalvo, better
+join her where she is going, than wildly, rashly, and most uselessly
+peril your soul to avenge her!"
+
+"Uselessly! Were that true indeed--"
+
+"Ay de mi! who can doubt it?"
+
+"Would I had time for thought!"
+
+"Take it, in God's name, and pray him to keep you from a great crime."
+
+For a few moments he sat still--still as the dead. Then he started
+suddenly. "Already the hour is passing," he exclaimed; "I shall be too
+late. Fool that I was, to be almost moved from my purpose by the idle
+words of a--The weakness is past now. Still, ere we part, give me thy
+hand, Don Carlos, for, on my faith, I never liked thee half so well."
+
+Very sorrowfully Carlos extended it, rather wondering as he did so that
+the energetic Gonsalvo failed to spring from his seat and prepare to be
+gone.
+
+Gonsalvo stirred not, even to take the offered hand. A deathlike
+paleness overspread his face, and a cry of terror had well nigh broken
+from his lips. But he choked it back. "Something is strangely wrong
+with me," he faltered. "I cannot move. I feel dead--_dead_--from the
+waist down."
+
+"God has spoken to you from heaven," said Carlos solemnly. He felt as
+if a miracle had been wrought in his presence. His Protestantism had
+not freed him from the superstitions of his age. Had he lived three
+centuries later, he would have seen nothing miraculous in the disease
+with which Gonsalvo was stricken, but rather have called it the natural
+result of intense agitation and excitement, acting upon a frame already
+weakened.
+
+Yet the reckless Gonsalvo was the more superstitious of the two. He was
+at war with the creed in which he had been nurtured; but that older and
+deeper kind of superstition which has its root in human nature had, for
+this very reason, a stronger hold upon him.
+
+"Dead--dead!" he repeated, the words falling from his lips in broken,
+awe-struck whispers. "The limbs I misused! The feet that led me into
+sin! God--God have mercy upon me! It is thy hand!"
+
+"It is his hand; a sign he has not forsaken thee; that he means to
+bring thee back to himself. Oh, my cousin, do not despair. Hope yet in
+his mercy, for it is great."
+
+Carlos knelt down beside him, took his passive hand in his, and spoke
+earnest, loving words of hope and comfort. The last quarter, ere the
+single stroke that should announce that the hour appointed for his own
+flight was past, chimed from the clock on the church tower. Yet he did
+not move--he had forgotten self. At last, however, he said, "But it may
+be something can be done to relieve you. You ought to have medical aid
+without delay. I should have thought of this before. I will rouse the
+household."
+
+"No; that would endanger you. Go on your way, and bid the porter do it
+when you are gone."
+
+It was too late, the household _was_ roused. A loud authoritative
+knocking at the outer gate sent the blood back from the hearts of both
+with sudden and horrible fear.
+
+There was a sound of opening gates, followed by
+footsteps--voices--cries.
+
+Gonsalvo was the first to understand all. "The Alguazils of the Holy
+Office!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I am lost!" cried Carlos, large drops gathering on his brow.
+
+"Conceal yourself," said Gonsalvo; but he knew his words were vain.
+Already his quick ear had caught the sound of his cousin's name; and
+already footsteps were on the stairs.
+
+Carlos glanced round the room. For a moment his eye rested on the
+window, eighty feet above the ground. Better spring from it and perish!
+No, that would be self-murder. In God's name he would await them
+manfully.
+
+"You will be searched," Gonsalvo whispered hurriedly; "have you aught
+about your person that may add to your danger?"
+
+Carlos drew from its place of concealment the heroic Juliano's
+treasured gift.
+
+"I will hide it," said his cousin; and taking it hastily, he slipped it
+beneath his inner vest, where it lay in strange neighbourhood with a
+small, exquisitely tempered poniard, destined never to be used.
+
+The torch-light within, perhaps the voices, guided the Alguazils
+to that room. A hand was placed on the door. "They are coming, Don
+Carlos," cried Gonsalvo; "I am thy murderer."
+
+"No--no fault of thine. Always remember that," said Carlos, in his
+sharpest anguish generous still. Then for one brief moment, that seemed
+an age, he was deaf to all outward things. Afterwards he was himself
+again.
+
+And something more than himself perhaps. Now, as in other moments of
+intense excitement, the spirit of his race descended on him. When the
+Alguazils entered, it was Don Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya
+who met them, with folded arms, with steadfast eye, and pale but
+dauntless forehead.
+
+All was quiet, regular, and most orderly. Don Manuel, roused from his
+slumbers, appeared with the Alguazils, and respectfully requested a
+sight of the warrant upon which they proceeded.
+
+It was produced; and all could see that it was duly signed, and sealed
+with the famous seal--the sword and olive branch, the dog with the
+flaming brand, the sorely outraged, "Justitia et misericordia."
+
+Had Don Manuel Alvarez been king of all the Spains, and Carlos his
+heir-apparent, he dared not have offered the least resistance then. He
+had no wish to resist, however; he bowed obsequiously, and protested
+his own and his family's devotion to the Faith and the Holy Office.
+But he added (perhaps merely as a matter of form), that he could bring
+many witnesses of unimpeachable character to testify to his nephew's
+orthodoxy, and hoped to succeed in clearing him from whatever odious
+imputation had induced their Reverences to order his arrest.
+
+Meanwhile Gonsalvo gnashed his teeth in impotent rage and despair. He
+would have bartered his life for two minutes of health and strength
+in which to rush suddenly on the Alguazils, and give Carlos time to
+escape, let the consequences of such frantic audacity be what they
+might. But the bands of disease, stronger than iron, made the body a
+prison for the indignant, tortured spirit.
+
+Carlos spoke for the first time. "I am ready to go with you," he said
+to the chief of the Alguazils. "Do you wish to examine my apartment?
+You are welcome. It is the chamber over this."
+
+Having gone over every detail of such a scene a thousand times in
+imagination, he knew that the examination of papers and personal
+effects usually formed a part of it. And he had no fears for the
+result, as, in preparation for his flight, he had carefully destroyed
+everything that he thought could implicate himself or any one else.
+
+"Don Carlos--cousin!" cried Gonsalvo suddenly, as surrounded by the
+officers he was about to leave the room. "Vaya con Dios! A braver man
+than you have I never seen."
+
+Carlos turned on him one long, sorrowful gaze. "_Tell Ruy_," he said.
+That was all.
+
+Then there was trampling of footsteps overhead, and the sound of
+voices, not excited or angry, but cool, business-like, even courteous.
+
+Then the footsteps descended, passed the door of Gonsalvo's room,
+sounded along the corridor, grew fainter on the great staircase, died
+away in the court.
+
+Less than an hour afterwards, the great gate of the Triana opened to
+receive a new victim. The grave familiar held it, bowing low, until the
+prisoner and his guard had passed through. Then it was swung to again,
+and barred and bolted, shutting out from Don Carlos Alvarez all help
+and hope, all charity and all mercy--save only the mercy of God.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVII.
+
+                         My Brother's Keeper.
+
+  "Since she loved him, he went carefully,
+  Bearing a thing so precious in his hand."
+
+                                       GEORGE ELIOT.
+
+
+About a week afterwards, Don Juan Alvarez dismounted at the door of his
+uncle's mansion. His shout soon brought the porter, a "pure and ancient
+Christian," who had spent nearly all his life in the service of the
+family.
+
+"God save you, father," said Juan. "Is my brother in the house?"
+
+"No, senor and your worship,"--the old man hesitated, and looked
+confused.
+
+"Where shall I find him, then?" cried Juan; "speak at once, if you
+know."
+
+"May it please your noble Excellency, I--I know nothing. At least--the
+Saints have mercy on us!" and he trembled from head to foot.
+
+Juan thrust him aside, nearly knocking him down in his haste, and
+dashed breathless into his uncle's private room, on the right hand side
+of the patio.
+
+Don Manuel was there, seated at a table, looking over some papers.
+
+"Where is my brother?" asked Juan sternly and abruptly, searching his
+face with his keen dark eyes.
+
+"Holy Saints defend us!" cried Don Manuel, nearly startled out of his
+ordinary decorum. "And what madness brings _you_ here?"
+
+"Where is my brother?" Juan repeated, in the same tone, and without
+moving a muscle.
+
+"Be quiet--be reasonable, nephew Don Juan. Do not make a disturbance;
+it will be worse for all of us. We did all we could--"
+
+"For Heaven's sake, senor, will you answer me?"
+
+"Have patience. We did all we could for him, I was about to say; and
+more than we ought. The Guilt was his own, if he was suspected and
+taken--"
+
+"_Taken!_ Then I come too late." Sinking into the nearest seat, he
+covered his face with both hands, and groaned aloud.
+
+Don Manuel Alvarez had never learned to reverence the sacredness of a
+great sorrow. "Rushing in" where such as he might well fear to tread,
+he presumed to offer consolation. "Come, then, nephew Don Juan," he
+said, "you know as well as I do that 'water that has run by will turn
+no mill,' and that 'there is no good in throwing the rope after the
+bucket.' No man can alter that which is past. All we can do is to avoid
+worse mischief in future."
+
+"When was it?" asked Juan, without looking up.
+
+"A week agone."
+
+"Seven days and nights!"
+
+"Thereabouts. But _you_--are you in love with destruction yourself,
+that, when you were safe and well at Nuera, you must needs comes hither
+again?"
+
+"I came to save him."
+
+"Unheard of folly! If _you_ have been meddling with these matters--and
+it is but too likely, seeing you were always with him (though, the
+Saints forbid I should suspect an honourable soldier like you of
+anything worse than imprudence)--do you not know they will wring the
+whole truth out of _him_ with very little trouble, and your life is not
+worth a brass maravedi?"
+
+Juan started to his feet, and glared scorn and defiance in his uncle's
+face. "Whoever dares to hint so vile a slander," he cried, "by my faith
+he shall repent it, were he my uncle ten times over. Don Carlos Alvarez
+never did, and never will, betray a trust, let those wretches deal with
+him as they may. But I know him; he will die, or worse,--they will make
+him mad." Here Juan's voice failed, and he stood in silent horror,
+gazing on the dread vision that rose before his mind.
+
+Don Manuel was daunted by his vehemence. "You are the best judge
+yourself of what amount of danger you may be incurring," he said. "But
+let me tell you, Senor Don Juan, that I hold you rather a dangerous
+guest to harbour under the circumstances. To have the Alguazils of the
+Holy Office twice in my house would be enough to cost me all my places,
+not to mention the disgrace of it."
+
+"You shall not lose a real by me or mine," returned Juan proudly.
+
+"I did not mean, however, to refuse you hospitality," said Don Manuel,
+relieved, yet a little uneasy, perhaps even remorseful.
+
+"But I mean to decline it, senor. I have only two favours to ask
+of you," he continued: "one, to allow me free intercourse with my
+betrothed; the other, to permit me"--his voice faltered, stopped. With
+a great effort he resumed--"to permit me to examine my brother's room,
+and whatever effects he may have left there."
+
+"Now you speak more rationally," said his uncle, mistaking the
+self-control of indignant pride for genuine calmness. "But as to your
+brother's effects, you may spare your pains; for the Alguazils set
+the seal of the Holy Office upon them on the night of his arrest, and
+they have since carried them away. As to the other matter, what Dona
+Beatriz may think of the connection, after the infamy in which your
+branch of the family is involved, I cannot tell."
+
+A burning flush mounted to Juan's cheek as he answered, "I trust my
+betrothed; even as I trust my brother."
+
+"You can see the lady herself. She may be better able than I to
+persuade you to consult for your own safety. For if you are not a
+madman, you will return at once to Nuera, which you ought never to have
+quitted; or you will take the earliest opportunity of rejoining the
+army."
+
+"I shall not stir from Seville till I obtain my brother's deliverance;
+or--" Juan did not name the other alternative. Involuntarily he placed
+his hand on his belt, in which he had concealed certain old family
+jewels, which he believed would produce a considerable sum of money;
+for his last faint hope for Carlos lay in a judicious appeal to the
+all-powerful "Don Dinero."[17]
+
+    [17] The Lord Dollar.
+
+"You will _never_ leave it, then," said Don Manuel. "And you must
+hold me excused from aiding and abetting your folly. Your brother's
+business has cost me and mine more than enough already. I had rather
+ten thousand times that a man had died of the plague in my house, were
+it for the scandal's sake alone! Nor, bad as it is, is the scandal all.
+Since that miserable night, my unhappy son Gonsalvo, in whose apartment
+the arrest took place, has been sick unto death, and out of his mind."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo! What brought my brother to his room?"
+
+"The devil, whose servant he is, may know; I do not. He was found
+there, in his sword and cloak, as if ready to go forth, when the
+officers came."
+
+"Did he leave no message--no word for me?"
+
+"Not one word. I know not if he spoke at all, save to offer to show the
+Alguazils his personal effects. To do him justice, nothing suspicious
+was found amongst them. But the less said on the subject the better. I
+wash my hands of it, and of him. I thought he would have done honour to
+the family; but he has proved its sorest disgrace."
+
+"Senor, what you say of him you say of me also," said Juan, growing
+white with anger. "And already I have heard quite enough."
+
+"That is as you please, Senor Don Juan."
+
+"I shall only trespass upon you for the favour you have promised
+me--permission to wait upon Dona Beatriz."
+
+"I shall apprise her of your presence, and give her leave to act as she
+sees fit." And glad to put an end to the interview, Don Manuel left the
+room.
+
+Juan sank into a seat once more, and gave himself up to an agony of
+grief for his brother.
+
+So absorbed was he in his sorrow, that a light footstep entered and
+approached unheard by him. At last a small hand touched his arm. He
+started and looked up. Whatever his anguish of heart might be, he was
+still the loyal lover of Dona Beatriz. So the next moment found him on
+his knees saluting that hand with his lips. And then followed certain
+ceremonies abundantly interesting to those who enact them, but apt to
+prove tedious when described.
+
+"My lady's devoted slave," said Don Juan, using the ordinary language
+of the time, "bears a breaking heart to-day. We knew neither father nor
+mother; there were but the two of us."
+
+"Did you not receive my letter, praying you to remain at Nuera?" asked
+the lady.
+
+"Pardon me, queen of my heart, in that I dared to disregard a wish of
+yours. But I knew _his_ danger, and I came to save him. Alas! too late."
+
+"I am not sure that I do pardon you, Don Juan."
+
+"Then, I presume so far as to say, that I know Dona Beatriz better than
+she knows herself. Indeed, had I acted otherwise, she would scarce have
+pardoned me. How would it have been possible for me to consult for my
+own safety, leaving him, alone and unaided, in such fearful peril?"
+
+"You acknowledge there is peril--_to you_?"
+
+"There may be, senora."
+
+"Ay de mi! Why, in Heaven's name, have you thus involved yourself? O
+Don Juan, you have dealt very cruelly with me!"
+
+"Light of my eyes, life of my life, what mean you by these words?"
+
+"Was it not cruel to allow your brother, with his gentle, winning ways,
+and his soft specious words, to lead you step by step from the faith
+of our fathers, until he had you entangled in I know not what horrible
+heresies, and made you put in peril your honour, your liberty, your
+life--everything?"
+
+"We only sought Truth."
+
+"Truth!" echoed the lady, with a contemptuous stamp of her small foot
+and twirl of her fan. "What is Truth? What good will Truth do me if
+those cruel men drag you from your bed at midnight, take you to that
+dreadful place, stretch you on the rack?" But that last horror was too
+much to bear; Dona Beatriz hid her face in her hands, and wept and
+sobbed passionately.
+
+Juan soothed her with every tender, lover-like art. "I will be very
+prudent, dearest lady," he said at last; adding, as he gazed on her
+beautiful face, "I have too much to live for not to hold life very
+precious."
+
+"Will you promise to fly--to leave the city _now_, before suspicions
+are awakened which may make flight impossible?"
+
+"My first and my only love, I would die to fulfil your slightest wish.
+But this thing I cannot do."
+
+"And wherefore not, Senor Don Juan?"
+
+"Can you ask? I must hazard everything, spend everything, in the
+chance--if there be a chance--of saving him, or, at least, of softening
+his fate."
+
+"Then God help us both," said Dona Beatriz.
+
+"Amen! Pray to him day and night, senora. Perhaps he may have pity on
+us."
+
+"There is no chance of saving Don Carlos. Know you not that of all the
+prisoners the Holy House receives, scarce one in a thousand goes forth
+again to take his place in the world?"
+
+Juan shook his head. He knew well that his task was almost hopeless;
+yet, even by Dona Beatriz, he was not to be moved from his
+determination.
+
+But he thanked her in strong, passionate words for her faith in him and
+her truth to him. "No sorrow can divide us, my beloved," he said, "nor
+even what they call shame, falsely as they speak therein. You are my
+star, that shines on me throughout the darkness."
+
+"I have promised."
+
+"My uncle's family may seek to divide us, and I think they will. But
+the lady of my heart will not heed their idle words?"
+
+Dona Beatriz smiled. "I am a Lavella," she said. "Do you not know our
+motto?--'True unto death.'"
+
+"It is a glorious motto. May it be mine too."
+
+"Take heed what you do, Don Juan. If you love me, you will look well to
+your footsteps, since, wherever they lead, mine are bound to follow."
+Saying this, she rose, and stood gazing in his face with flushed cheek
+and kindling eyes.
+
+The words were such as might thrill any lover's heart with joy and
+gratitude. Yet there was something in the look which accompanied them
+that changed joy and gratitude into vague fear and apprehension. The
+light in that dark eye seemed borrowed from the fire of some sublime
+but terrible resolve within. Juan's heart quailed, though he knew not
+why, as he said, "My queen should never tread except through flowery
+paths."
+
+Dona Beatriz took up a little golden crucifix that, attached to a
+rosary of coral beads, hung from her girdle. "You see this cross, Don
+Juan?"
+
+"Yes, senora mia."
+
+"On that horrible night when they dragged your brother to prison, I
+swore a sacred oath upon it. You esteemed me a child, Don Juan, when
+you read me chapters from your book, and talked freely to me about God,
+and faith, and the soul's salvation. Perchance I was a child in some
+things. For I supposed them good words; how could they be otherwise,
+since you spoke them? I listened and believed, after a fashion; half
+thinking all the time of the pretty fans and trinkets you brought me,
+or of the pattern of such and such an one's mantilla that I had seen
+at mass. But your brother tore the veil from my eyes at last, and made
+me understand that those specious words, with which a child played
+childishly, were the crime that finds no pardon here or hereafter.
+Of the hereafter I know not; of the here I know too much, God help
+me! There be fair ladies, not more deeply involved than I, who have
+changed their gilded saloons for the dungeons of the Triana. But then
+it matters not so much about me. For I am not like other girls, who
+have fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers to care for them. Saving
+Don Carlos (who was good to me for your sake), no one ever gave me
+more than the half-sorrowful, half-pitying kindness one might give a
+pet parrot from the Indies. Therefore, thinking over all things, and
+knowing well your reckless nature, Senor Don Juan, I swore that night
+upon this holy cross, that if by evil hap _you_ were attainted for
+heresy, _I_ would go next day to the Triana and accuse myself of the
+same crime."
+
+Juan did not for a moment doubt that she would do it; and thus a chain,
+light as silk but strong as adamant, was flung around him.
+
+"Dona Beatriz, for my sake--" he began to plead.
+
+"For _my_ sake, Don Juan will take care of his life and liberty," she
+interrupted, with a smile that, if it had a little sadness, had very
+far more of triumph in it. She knew the power her resolve gave her over
+him: she had bought it dearly, and she meant to use it. "Is it _still_
+your wish to remain here," she continued; "or will you go abroad, and
+wait for better times?"
+
+Juan paused for a moment.
+
+"No choice is left me while Carlos pines uncomforted in a dungeon," he
+said at last, firmly, though very sorrowfully.
+
+"Then you know what you risk, that is all," answered the lady, whose
+will was a match for his.
+
+In a marvellously short time had love and sorrow transformed the young
+and childish girl into a passionate, determined woman, with all the
+fire of her own southern skies in her heart.
+
+Ere he departed, Juan pleaded for permission to visit her frequently.
+But here again she showed a keen-sighted apprehensiveness for _him_,
+which astonished him. She cautioned him against their cousins, Manuel
+and Balthazar; who, if they thought him in danger of arrest, were quite
+capable of informing against him themselves, to secure a share of
+his patrimony. Or they might gain the same end, without the disgrace
+of such a baseness, by putting him quietly out of the way with their
+daggers. On all accounts, his frequent presence at the house would be
+undesirable, and might be dangerous; but she agreed to inform him, by
+means of certain signals (which they arranged together), when he might
+pay a visit to her with safety. Then, having bidden her farewell, Don
+Juan turned his back on his uncle's house with a heavy heart.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXVIII.
+
+                        Reaping the Whirlwind.
+
+  "All is lost, except a little life."
+
+                                BYRON.
+
+
+Nearly a fortnight passed away before a tiny lace kerchief, fluttering
+at nightfall through the jealous grating of one of the few windows of
+Don Manuel's house that looked towards the street, told Juan that he
+was at liberty to seek admission the next day. He was permitted to
+enter; but he explored the patio and all the adjacent corridors and
+rooms without seeing the face of which he was in search. He did not,
+indeed, meet any one, not even a domestic; for it was the eve of the
+Feast of the Ascension, and nearly all the household had gone to see
+the great tabernacle carried in state to the Cathedral and set up
+there, in preparation for the solemnities of the following day.
+
+He thought this a good opportunity for satisfying his longing to visit
+the apartment his brother had been wont to occupy. In spite of what his
+uncle had said to the contrary, and indeed of the dictates of his own
+reason, he could not relinquish the hope that something which belonged
+to him--perhaps even some word or line traced by his hand--might reward
+his careful search.
+
+He ascended the stairs; not stealthily, or as if ashamed of his
+errand, for no one had the right to forbid him. He reached the turret
+without meeting any one, but had hardly placed his foot upon the stair
+that led to its upper apartment, when a voice called out, not very
+loudly,--
+
+"Chien va?"
+
+It was Gonsalvo's. Juan answered,--
+
+"It is I--Don Juan."
+
+"Come to me, for Heaven's sake!"
+
+A private interview with a madman is not generally thought particularly
+desirable. But Juan was a stranger to fear. He entered the room
+immediately, and was horror-stricken at the change in his cousin's
+appearance. A tangled mass of black hair mingled with his beard, and
+fell neglected over the pillow; while large, wild, melancholy eyes
+lit up the pallor of his wasted face. He lay, or rather reclined, on
+a couch, half covered by an embroidered quilt, but wearing a loose
+doublet, very carelessly thrown on.
+
+Of late the cousins had been far from friendly. Still Juan from
+compassion stretched out his hand. But Gonsalvo would not touch it.
+
+"Did you know all," he said, "you would stab me where I lie, and thus
+make an end at once of the most miserable life under God's heaven."
+
+"I fear you are very ill, my cousin," said Juan, kindly; for he thought
+Gonsalvo's words the offspring of his wandering fancy.
+
+"From the waist downwards I am dead. It is God's hand; and he is just."
+
+"Does your physician give hope of your recovery from this seizure?"
+
+With something like his old short, bitter laugh, Gonsalvo answered--"I
+have no physician."
+
+"This must be one of his delusions," thought Juan; "or else, since he
+cannot have Losada, he has refused, with his usual obstinacy, to see
+any one else."
+
+He said aloud,--"That is not right, cousin Don Gonsalvo. You ought
+not to neglect lawful means of cure. Senor Sylvester Areto is a very
+skilful physician; you might safely place yourself in his hands."
+
+"Only there is one slight objection--my father and my brothers would
+not permit me to see him."
+
+Juan was in no doubt how to regard this statement; but hoping to
+extract from him some additional information respecting his brother, he
+turned the conversation.
+
+"When did this malady seize you?" he asked.
+
+"Close the door gently, and I will tell you all. And oh! tread softly,
+lest my mother, who lies asleep in the room beneath, worn out with
+watching, should wake and separate us. Then must I bear my guilt and my
+anguish unconfessed to the grave."
+
+Juan obeyed, and took a seat beside his cousin's couch.
+
+"Sit where I can see your face," said Gonsalvo; "I will not shrink even
+from _that_. Don Juan, I am your brother's murderer."
+
+Juan started, and his colour changed rapidly.
+
+"If I did not think you were mad--"
+
+"I am no more mad than you are," Gonsalvo interrupted. "I _was_ mad,
+indeed; but that horrible night, when God smote my body, I regained my
+reason. I see all things clearly now--too late."
+
+"Am I to understand, then," said Juan, rising from his seat, and
+speaking in measured tones, though his eye was like a tiger's--"am I to
+understand that you--_you_--denounced my brother? If so, thank God that
+you are lying helpless there."
+
+"I am not quite so vile a thing as that. I did not intend to harm a
+hair of his head; but I detained him here to his ruin. He had the means
+of escape provided, and but for me would have been in safety ere the
+Alguazils came."
+
+"Well for both of us your guilt was not greater. Still, you cannot
+expect me--just yet--to forgive you."
+
+"I expect no forgiveness from man," said Gonsalvo, who perhaps
+disdained to plead in his own exculpation the generous words of Carlos.
+
+Juan had by this time changed his tone towards his cousin, and assumed
+his perfect sanity; though, engrossed by the thought of his brother, he
+was quite unconscious of the mental process by which he had arrived at
+this conclusion. He asked,--
+
+"But why did you detain him? How did you come to know at all of his
+intended flight?"
+
+"He had a safe asylum provided for him by some friend--I know not
+whom," said Gonsalvo, in reply. "He was going forth at midnight to seek
+it. At the same hour I also"--(for a moment he hesitated, but quickly
+went on)--"was going forth--to plunge a dagger in my enemy's heart. We
+met face to face; and each confided his errand to the other. He sought,
+by argument and entreaty, to move me from a purpose which seemed to
+him a great crime. But ere our debate was ended, God laid his hand in
+judgment upon me; and whilst Don Carlos lingered, speaking words of
+comfort--brave and kind, though vain--the Alguazils came, and he was
+taken."
+
+Juan listened in gloomy silence.
+
+"Did he leave no message, not one word, for me?" he asked at last, in a
+low voice.
+
+"Yes; one word. Filled with wonder at the calmness with which he met
+his terrible fate, I cried out, as they led him from the room, 'Vaya
+con Dios, Don Carlos, a braver man than you have I never seen!' With
+one long mournful look, that haunts me still, he said, '_Tell Ruy!_'"
+
+Strong man as he was, Don Juan Alvarez bowed his head and wept. They
+were the first tears the great sorrow had wrung from him--almost the
+first that he ever remembered shedding. Gonsalvo saw no shame in them.
+
+"Weep on," he said--"weep on; and thank God that thy tears are for
+sorrow only, not for remorse."
+
+Hoarse and heavy sobs shook the strong frame. For some time they were
+the only sounds that broke the stillness. At length Gonsalvo said,
+slowly,--
+
+"He gave me something to keep, which in right should belong to thee."
+
+Juan looked up. Gonsalvo half raised himself, and drew a cushion
+from beneath his head. First he took off its outer cover of fine
+holland; then he inserted his hand into an opening that seemed like
+an accidental rip, and, not without some trouble, drew out a small
+volume. Juan seized it eagerly: well did he know his brother's Spanish
+Testament.
+
+"Take it," said Gonsalvo; "but remember it is a dangerous treasure."
+
+"Perhaps you are not sorry to part with it?"
+
+"I deserve that you should say so," answered Gonsalvo, with unwonted
+gentleness. "But the truth is," he added, with a wan, sickly smile,
+"nothing can part me from it now, for I have learned almost every word
+of it by heart."
+
+"How could you, in so short a time, accomplish such a task?" asked
+Juan, in surprise.
+
+"Easily enough. I was alone long hours of the day, when I could read;
+and in the silent, sleepless nights I could recall and repeat what I
+read during the day. But for that I should be in truth what they call
+me--mad."
+
+"Then you love its words?"
+
+"I _fear_ them," cried Gonsalvo, with strange energy, flinging out
+his wasted arm over the counterpane. "They are words of life--words
+of fire. They are, to the Church's words, the priest's threatenings,
+the priest's pardons, what your limbs, throbbing with healthy
+vigorous life, are to mine--cold, dead, impotent; or what the living
+champion--steel from head to heel, the Toledo blade in his strong right
+hand--is to the painted San Cristofro on the Cathedral door. Because
+I dare to say so much, my father pretends to think me mad; lest,
+wrecked as I am in mind and body, I should still find one terrible
+consolation,--that of flinging the truth for once in the face of the
+scribes and Pharisees, and then suffering for it--like Don Carlos."
+
+He was silent from exhaustion, and lay with closed eyes and deathlike
+countenance. After a long pause, he resumed, in a low, weak voice,--
+
+"Some words are good--perhaps. There was San Pablo, who was a
+blasphemer, and injurious."
+
+"Don Gonsalvo, my brother once said he would give his right hand that
+you shared his faith."
+
+"Oh, did he?" A quick flush overspread the wan face. "But hark! a step
+on the stairs! My mother's."
+
+"I am neither afraid nor ashamed to be found here," said Don Juan.
+
+"My poor mother! She has shown me more tenderness of late than I
+deserved at her hands. Do not let us involve her in trouble."
+
+Juan greeted his aunt with due courtesy, and even attempted some words
+of condolence upon his cousin's illness. But he saw that the poor lady
+was terribly disconcerted, and indeed frightened, by his presence
+there. And not without cause, since mischief, even to bloodshed, might
+have followed had Don Manuel or either of his sons found Juan in
+communication with Gonsalvo. She conjured him to go, adding, by way of
+inducement,--
+
+"Dona Beatriz is taking the air in the garden."
+
+"Availing myself of your gracious permission, senora my aunt, I shall
+offer her my homage there; and so I kiss your feet.--Adios, Don
+Gonsalvo."
+
+"Adios, my cousin."
+
+Dona Katarina followed him out of the room.
+
+"He is not sane," she whispered anxiously, laying her hand on his arm;
+"he is out of his mind. You perceive it clearly, Don Juan?"
+
+"Certainly I shall not dispute it, senora," Juan answered, prudently.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXIX.
+
+                          A Friend at Court.
+
+  "I have a soul and body that exact
+  A comfortable care in many ways."
+
+                                R. BROWNING.
+
+
+Don Juan's peril was extreme. Well known as he was to many of the
+imprisoned Lutherans, it seemed a desperate chance that, amongst the
+numerous confessions wrung from them, no mention of his name should
+occur. He knew himself deeply implicated in the crime for which they
+were suffering--the one unpardonable crime in the eyes of Rome.
+Moreover, unlike his brother, whose temperament would have led him to
+avoid danger by every lawful means, he was by nature brave even to
+rashness, and bold even to recklessness. It was his custom to wear
+his heart on his lips; and though of late stern necessity had taught
+him to conceal what he thought, it was neither his inclination nor
+his habit to disguise what he felt. Probably, not even his desire to
+aid Carlos would have prevented his compromising himself by some rash
+word or deed, had not the soft hand of Dona Beatriz, strong in its
+weakness, held him back from destruction. Not for one instant could
+he forget her terrible vow. With this for ever before his eyes, it is
+little marvel if he was willing to do anything, to bear anything--ay,
+almost to feign anything--rather than involve her he loved in a fate
+inconceivably horrible.
+
+And--alas for the brave, honest-hearted, truthful Don Juan Alvarez!--it
+was often necessary to feign. If he meant to remain in Seville,
+and to avoid the dungeons of the Inquisition, he must obviate--or
+remove--suspicion by protesting, both by word and action, his devotion
+to the Catholic Church, and his hatred of heresy.
+
+Could he stoop to this? Gradually, and more and more, as each day's
+emergency made it more and more necessary, he _did_ stoop to it. He
+told himself it was all for his brother's sake. And though such a
+line of conduct was intensely repugnant to his character, it was not
+contrary to his principles. To conceal an opinion is one thing, to deny
+a friend quite another. And while Carlos had found a Friend, Juan had
+only embraced an opinion.
+
+He himself would have said that he had found Truth--had devoted himself
+to the cause of Freedom. But where were truth and freedom now, with all
+the bright anticipations of their ultimate triumph which he had been
+wont to indulge? As far as his native land was concerned (and it must
+be owned that his native eye scarcely reached beyond "the Spains"),
+a single day had blotted out his glowing visions for ever. Almost at
+the same moment, as if by some secret preconcerted signal, the leading
+Protestants in Seville, in Valladolid, all over the kingdom, had been
+arrested and thrown into prison. Swiftly, silently, with the utmost
+order and regularity, had the whole thing been accomplished. Every name
+that Juan had heard Carlos mention with admiration and sympathy was now
+the name of a helpless captive. The Reformed Church of Spain existed no
+longer, or existed only in dungeons.
+
+In what quarter the storm had first arisen, that burst so suddenly upon
+the community of the faithful, Don Juan never knew. It is probable the
+Holy Office had long been silently watching its prey, waiting for the
+moment of action to arrive. In Seville, it is said, a spy had been set
+upon some of Losada's congregation, who revealed their meeting to the
+Inquisitors. While in Valladolid, the foul treachery of the wife of one
+of the Protestants furnished the Holy Office with the means of bringing
+her husband and his friends to the stake.
+
+Don Juan, whose young heart had lately beat so high with hope, now
+bowed his head in despair. And despairing of freedom, he lost his
+confidence in truth also. In opinion he was still a decided Lutheran.
+He accepted every doctrine of the Reformed as against the Roman
+Catholic creed. But the hold he once had upon these doctrines as living
+realities was slackened. He did not doubt that justification by faith
+was a scriptural dogma, but he did not think it necessary to die for
+it. Compared with the tremendous interest of the fate of Carlos and the
+peril of Beatriz, and amidst his desperate struggles to aid the one and
+shield the other, doctrinal questions grew pale and faint to him.
+
+Nor had he yet learned to throw himself, in utter weakness, upon a
+strength greater than his own, and a love that knows no limits. He did
+not feel his weakness: he felt strong, in the strength of a brave heart
+struggling against cruel wrong; strong to resist, and, if it might be,
+to conquer his fate.
+
+At first he cherished a hope that his brother was not actually in the
+secret dungeons of the Inquisition. For so great was the number of the
+captives, that the public gaols of the city and the convent prisons
+were full of them; and some had to be lodged even in private houses.
+As Carlos had been one of the last arrested, there seemed reason to
+suppose that he might be amongst those thus accommodated; in which case
+it would be much easier both to communicate with him, and to alleviate
+his fate, than if he were within the gloomy walls of the Triana; there
+might be, moreover, the possibility of forming some plan for his
+deliverance.
+
+But Juan's diligent and persevering search resulted at last in the
+conviction that his brother was in the "Santa Casa" itself. This
+conviction sent a chill to his heart. He shuddered to think of his
+present suffering, whilst he feared the worst for the future, supposing
+that the Inquisitors would take care to lodge in their own especial
+fortress those whom they esteemed the most heinous transgressors.
+
+He engaged a lodging in the Triana suburb, which the river, spanned by
+a bridge of boats, separated from the city. There were several reasons
+for this choice of residence; but by far the greatest was, that those
+who lingered beneath the walls of the grim old castle could sometimes
+see, behind its grated windows, spectral faces raised to catch the few
+scanty gleams of daylight which fell to their lot. Long weary hours did
+Juan watch there, hoping to recognize the face he loved. But always in
+vain.
+
+When he went into the city, it was sometimes for other purposes than
+to visit Dona Beatriz. It was as often to seek the precincts of the
+magnificent Cathedral, and to pace up and down that terrace whose
+massive truncated pillars, raised when the Romans founded a heathen
+temple on the spot, had stood throughout the long ages of Moslem
+domination. Now the place was consecrated to Christian worship, and yet
+it was put to no hallowed use. Rich merchants, in many a varying garb,
+that told of different nations, trod the stately colonnade, and bought
+and sold and made bargains there. For in those days (strange as seems
+to us the irreverence of the so-called "ages of faith") that terrace
+was the royal exchange of Seville, then a mercantile city of great
+importance. Don Juan Alvarez diligently resorted thither, and held many
+a close and earnest conversation with a keen-eyed, hawk-nosed Jew, whom
+he met there.
+
+Isaac Osorio, or more properly, Isaac ben Osorio, was a notorious
+money-lender, who had often "obliged" Don Manuel's sons, not unfairly
+requiring heavy interest to counter-balance the hazardous nature of his
+investments. Callings branded as unlawful are apt to prove particularly
+gainful. The Jew was willing to "oblige" Don Juan also, upon certain
+conditions. He was not by any means ignorant of the purpose for which
+his money was needed. Of course he was himself a Christian in name,
+for none other would have been permitted to live upon Spanish ground.
+But by what wrongs, tortures, agonies worse than death, he and those
+like him had been forced to accept Christian baptism, will never be
+known until Christ comes again to judge the false Church that has
+slandered him. Will it be nothing in his sight that millions of the
+souls for whom he died have been driven to hate his Name--that Name so
+unutterably precious?
+
+Osorio derived grim satisfaction from the thought that the Christians
+were now imprisoning, torturing, burning each other. It reminded him
+of the grand old days in his people's history, when the Lord of hosts
+was wont to stretch forth his mighty arm and trouble the armies of the
+aliens, turning every man's hand against his brother. Let the Gentiles
+bite and devour one another, the child of Abraham could look upon
+their quarrels with calm indifference. But if he had any sympathy, it
+was for the weaker side. He was rather disposed to help a Christian
+youth who was trying to save his brother from the same cruel fangs
+in which so many sons of Israel had writhed and struggled. Don Juan,
+therefore, found him accommodating, and even lenient. From time to time
+he advanced to him considerable sums, first upon the jewels he brought
+with him from Nuera, and then, alas! upon his patrimony itself.
+
+Not without a keen pang did Juan thus mortgage the inheritance of his
+fathers. But he began to realize the bitter truth that a flight from
+Spain, and a new career in some foreign land, would eventually be the
+only course open to him--if indeed he escaped with life.
+
+Nor would the armies of Spain henceforth be more free to him than her
+soil. Fortunately, the necessity for rejoining his regiment had not
+arisen. For the brief war in which he served was over now; and as the
+promised captaincy had not yet been assigned to him, he was at liberty
+for the present to remain at home.
+
+He largely bribed the head-gaoler of the inquisitorial prison, besides
+supplying him liberally with necessaries and comforts for his brother's
+use. Gaspar Benevidio bore the worst of characters, both for cruelty
+and avarice; still, Juan had no resource but to trust implicitly to his
+honour, in the hope that at least some portion of what he gave would be
+allowed to reach the prisoner. But not a single gleam of information
+about him could be gained from Benevidio, who, like all other servants
+of the Inquisition, was bound by a solemn oath to reveal nothing that
+passed within its walls.
+
+He also bribed some of the attendants and satellites of the
+all-powerful Inquisitor, Munebraga. It was his desire to obtain a
+personal interview with the great man himself, that he might have the
+opportunity of trying the intercession of Don Dinero, to whose advances
+he was known to be not altogether obdurate.
+
+For the purpose of soliciting an audience, he repaired one evening to
+the splendid gardens belonging to the Triana, to await the Inquisitor,
+who was expected shortly to return from a sail for pleasure on the
+Guadalquivir. He was sick at heart of the gorgeous tropical plants that
+surrounded him, of the myrtle-blossoms that were showered on his path;
+of all that told of the hateful pomp and luxury in which the persecutor
+lived, while his victims pined unpitied in loathsome dungeons. Yet
+neither by word, look, nor sign dared he betray the rage that was
+gnawing his heart.
+
+At length the shouts of the populace, who thronged the river's side,
+announced the approach of their idol; for such Munebraga was for the
+time. Clad in costly silks and jewels, and surrounded by a brilliant
+little court, composed both of churchmen and laymen, the "Lord
+Inquisitor" stepped from his splendid purple-decked barge. Don Juan
+threw himself in his way, and modestly requested an audience. His
+bearing, though perfectly respectful, was certainly less obsequious
+than that to which Munebraga had been accustomed of late. So the
+minister of the Holy Office turned from him haughtily, though, as Juan
+bitterly thought, "his father would have been proud to hold the stirrup
+for mine." "This is no fitting time to talk of business, senor," he
+said. "We are weary to-night, and need repose."
+
+At that moment a Franciscan friar advanced from the group, and with his
+lowest bow and most reverent manner approached the Inquisitor. "With
+the gracious permission of my very good lord, I shall address myself
+to the caballero, and report his errand to your sanctity. I have the
+honour of some acquaintance with his Excellency's noble family."
+
+"As you please, Fray," said the voice accustomed to speak the terrible
+words that doomed to the rack and the pulley, though no one would have
+suspected this from the bland, careless good-nature of its tones. "But
+see that you tarry not so as to lose your supper. Howbeit, there is
+little need to caution you, or any other son of St. Francis, against
+undue neglecting of the body."
+
+The son of St. Francis made no answer, either because it was not
+worth while, or because those who take the crumbs from the rich man's
+table must ofttimes take his taunts therewith. He disengaged himself
+from the group, and turned towards Juan a broad, good-humoured, not
+unintelligent face, which his former pupil recognized immediately.
+
+"Fray Sebastian Gomez!" he exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+"And very much at the service of my noble Senor Don Juan. Will your
+Excellency deign to bear me company for a little time? In yonder walk
+there are some rare flowers of rich colouring, which it were worth your
+while to observe."
+
+They turned into the path he indicated, while the Lord Inquisitor's
+silken train swept towards that half of the Triana where godless luxury
+bore sway; the other half being consecrated to the twin demon, cruelty.
+
+"Will it please your worship to look at these Indian pinks?" said the
+friar. "You will not see that flower elsewhere in all the Spains, save
+in the royal gardens. His Imperial Majesty brought it first from Tunis."
+
+Juan all but cursed the innocent flowers; but recollected in time that
+God made them, though they belonged to Gonzales de Munebraga. "In
+Heaven's name, what brings you here, Fray Sebastian?" he interrupted
+impatiently. "I thought to see only the black cowls of St. Dominic
+about the--the minister of the Holy Office."
+
+"A little more softly, may I implore of your Excellency? Yonder
+casement is open.--Pues,[18] senor, I am here in the capacity of a
+guest. Nothing more."
+
+    [18] Well, or well then
+
+"Every man to his taste," said Juan, drily, as with a heedless foot he
+kicked off the beautiful scarlet flower of a rare cactus.
+
+"Have a care, senor and your Excellency; my lord is very proud of his
+cactus flowers."
+
+"Then come with me to some spot of God's free earth where we can talk
+together, out of sight of him and his possessions."
+
+"Nay, rest content, senor; and untire yourself in this fair arbour
+overlooking the river."
+
+"At least, God made the river," said Juan, flinging himself, with
+a sigh of irritation and impatience, on the cushioned seat of the
+summer-house.
+
+Fray Sebastian seated himself also. "My lord," he began to explain,
+"has received me with all courtesy, and is good enough to desire my
+continual attendance. The fact is, senor, his reverence is a man of
+literary taste."
+
+Juan allowed himself the solace of a quiet sneer. "Oh, is he? Very
+creditable to him, no doubt."
+
+"Especially he is a great lover of the divine art of poesy."
+
+No _genuine_ love of the gentle art, whose great lesson is sympathy,
+did or could soften the Inquisitor's hard heart. Nor, had his wealth
+been doubled, could he have hired one real poet to sing his praise
+in strains worthy the ear of posterity. In an atmosphere so cold,
+the most ethereal spirit would have frozen. But it was in his power
+to buy flattery in rhyme, and it suited his inclination so to do.
+He liked the trick of rhyme, at once so easy and so charming in the
+sonorous Castilian tongue--it was a pleasure of the ear which he keenly
+appreciated, as he did also those of the eye and the palate.
+
+"I addressed to him," Fray Sebastian continued with becoming modesty,
+"a little effort of my Muse--really a mere trifle--on the suppression
+of heresy, comparing the Lord Inquisitor to Michael the archangel, with
+the dragon beneath his feet. You understand, senor?"
+
+Juan understood so well that it was with difficulty he refrained from
+flinging the unlucky rhymester into the river. But of late he had
+learned many a lesson in prudence. Still, his words sounded almost
+fierce in their angry scorn. "I suppose he gave you in return--a good
+dinner."
+
+But Fray Sebastian would not take offence. He answered mildly, "He was
+pleased to express his approval of my humble effort, and to admit me
+into his noble household; where, except my poor exertions to amuse and
+untire him by my conversation may be accounted a service, I am of no
+service to him whatever."
+
+"So you are clad in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every
+day," said Juan, with contempt that he cared not to conceal.
+
+"As to purple and fine linen, senor, I am an unworthy son of St.
+Francis; and it is well known to your Excellency that by the rules of
+our Order not even one scrap of holland---- But you are laughing at me,
+as you used in old times, Senor Don Juan."
+
+"God knows, I have little heart to laugh. In those old times you speak
+of, Fray, there was no great love between you and me; and no marvel,
+for I was a wild and idle lad. But I think you loved my gentle brother,
+Don Carlos!"
+
+"That I did, senor, as did every one. Has any evil come upon him? St.
+Francis forbid!"
+
+"Worse evil than I care to name. He lies in yonder tower."
+
+"The blessed Virgin have pity on us!" cried Fray Sebastian, crossing
+himself.
+
+"I thought you would have heard of his arrest," Juan continued, sadly.
+
+"I, senor! Never a breath. Holy Saints defend us! How could I, or any
+one, dream that a young gentleman of noblest race, well learned, and
+of truly pious disposition, would have had the ill luck to fall under
+so foul a suspicion? Doubtless it is the work of some personal enemy.
+And--ah, woe is me! 'the clattering horse-shoe ever wants a nail'--here
+have I been naming heresy, 'talking of halters in the house of the
+hanged?'"
+
+"Hold thy tongue about hanging," said Juan, testily, "and listen to me,
+if thou canst."
+
+Fray Sebastian indicated, by a respectful gesture, his profound
+attention.
+
+"It has been whispered to me that the door of his reverence's heart may
+be unlocked by a golden key."
+
+Fray Sebastian assured him this was a foul slander; concluding a
+panegyric on the purity of the Inquisitor's administration with the
+words, "You would forfeit his favour for ever by presuming so far as to
+offer a bribe."
+
+"No doubt," answered Juan with a sneer, and a hard, worldly look in
+his face that of late was often seen there. "I should deserve to pay
+that penalty were I the fool to approach him with a bow, and, 'Here is
+a purse of gold for your sanctity.' But 'one take is worth two I give
+you's,' and there is a way of saying 'take' to every man. And I ask
+you, for old kindness, to show me how to say it to his lordship."
+
+Fray Sebastian pondered. After an interval he said, with some
+hesitation, "May I venture to inquire, senor, what means you possess of
+clearing the character of your noble brother?"
+
+Juan only answered by a sorrowful shake of the head.
+
+Darker and darker grew the friar's sensual but good-natured face.
+
+"His excellent reputation, his brilliant success at college, his
+blameless life should tell in his favour," Juan said at length.
+
+"Have you nothing more direct? If not, I fear it is a bad business. But
+'silence is called holy,' so I hold my peace. Still, if indeed (which
+the Saints forbid) he has fallen inadvertently into error, it is a
+comfort to reflect that there will be little difficulty in reclaiming
+him."
+
+Juan made no reply. Did he expect his brother to retract? Did he _wish_
+him to do it? These were questions he scarcely dared to ask himself.
+From any reply he could give to them he shrank in shuddering dread.
+
+"He was ever gentle and tractable," Fray Sebastian continued, "and
+ofttimes but too easy to persuade."
+
+Juan rose, took up a stone, and threw it into the river. When the
+circles it made in the water had died away, he turned back to the
+friar. "But what can _I_ do for him?" he asked, with an undertone of
+helpless sadness, touching from the lips of one so strong.
+
+Fray Sebastian put his hand to his forehead, and looked as if he were
+composing another poem. "Let me see, your Excellency. There is my
+lord's nephew and pet page, Don Alonzo (where he has got the 'Don' I
+know not, but Don Dinero makes many a noble); I dare say it would not
+hurt the Donzelo's soft white hand to finger a purse of gold ducats,
+and those same ducats might help your brother's cause not a little."
+
+"Manage the matter for me, and I will thank you heartily. Gold, to
+any extent that will serve _him_, shall be forthcoming; and, my good
+friend, see that you spare it not."
+
+"Ah, Senor Don Juan, you were always generous."
+
+"My brother's life is at stake," said Juan, softening a little. But the
+hard look returned as he added, "Those who live in great men's houses
+have many expenses, Fray. Always remember that I am your friend, and
+that my ducats are very much at your service also."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him with his lowest bow. Juan's look changed
+again; this time more rapidly. "If it were possible," he added, in low,
+hurried tones--"if you could only bring me the least word of tidings
+from him--even one word to say if he lives, if he is well, how he is
+entreated. Three months it is now since he was taken, and I have heard
+no more than if they had carried him to his grave."
+
+"It is a difficult matter, a _very_ difficult matter that you ask of
+me. Were I a son of St. Dominic, I might indeed accomplish somewhat.
+For the black cowls are everything now. Still, I will do all I can,
+senor."
+
+"I trust you, Fray. If under cover of seeking his conversion, of
+anything, you could but see him."
+
+"Impossible, senor--utterly impossible."
+
+"Why? They sometimes send friars to reason with the--the prisoners."
+
+"Always Dominicans or Jesuits--men well-known and trusted by the Board
+of the Inquisition. However, senor, nothing that a man may do shall be
+wanting on my part. Will not that content your Excellency?"
+
+"_Content_ me? Well, as far as you are concerned, yes. But, in truth,
+I am haunted day and night by one horrible dread. What if--if they
+should _torture_ him? My gentle brother, frail in mind and body,
+tender and sensitive as a woman! Terror and pain would drive him mad."
+The last words were a quick broken whisper. But outward expressions
+of emotion with Don Juan were always speedily repressed. Recovering
+apparent calmness, he stretched out his hand to Fray Sebastian,
+saying, with a faint smile, "I have kept you too long from my lord's
+supper-table--pardon me."
+
+"Your Excellency's condescension in conversing with me deserves my
+profound gratitude," replied the monk, in true Castilian fashion. His
+residence at the Inquisitor's Court had certainly improved his manners.
+
+Don Juan gave him his address, and it was agreed that he should call on
+him in a few days. Fray Sebastian then offered to bring him on his way
+through the garden and court of that part of the Triana which formed
+the Inquisitor's residence. But Juan declined the favour. He could not
+answer for himself when brought face to face with the impious pomp and
+luxury of the persecutor of the saints. He feared that, by some wild
+word or deed, he might imperil the cause he had at heart. So he hailed
+a waterman who was guiding his little boat down the tranquil stream
+in the waning light. The boat was soon brought to the place where the
+Inquisitor had landed from his barge; and Juan, after shaking the dust
+from his feet, both literally and metaphorically, sprang into it.
+
+The popular ideal of a persecutor is very far from the truth. At the
+word there rises before most minds the vision of a lean, pale-faced,
+fierce-eyed monk, whose frame is worn with fasting, and his scourge
+red with his own blood. He is a fanatic--pitiless, passionate,
+narrow-minded, perhaps half insane--but penetrated to the very core of
+his being with intense zeal for his Church's interest, and prepared in
+her service both to inflict and to endure all things.
+
+Very unlike this ideal were _most_ of the great persecutors who
+carried out the behests of Antichrist. They were generally able men.
+But they were pre-eminently men wise in their generation, men _of_
+their generation, men who "loved this present world." They gave the
+Church the service of strong hand and skilful brain that she needed;
+and she gave _them_, in return, "gold, and silver, and precious stones,
+and pearls; and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and
+all sweet wood; and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of
+vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and marble;
+and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense; and wine, and
+oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and beasts, and sheep, and horses and
+chariots, and slaves and souls of men." It was for these things, not
+for abstract ideas, not for high places in heaven, that they tortured
+and murdered the saints of God. Whilst the cry of the oppressed reached
+the ears of the Most High, those who were "wearing them out" lived in
+unhallowed luxury, in degrading sensuality. Gonzales de Munebraga was a
+good specimen of the class to which he belonged--he was no exceptional
+case.
+
+Nor was Fray Sebastian anything but an ordinary character. He was
+amiable, good-natured, free from gross vices--what is usually called
+"well disposed." But he "loved wine and oil," and to obtain what he
+loved he was willing to become the servant and the flatterer of worse
+men than himself, at the terrible risk of sinking to their level.
+
+With all the force of his strong nature, Don Juan Alvarez loathed
+Munebraga, and scorned Fray Sebastian. Gradually a strange alteration
+appeared to come over the little book he constantly studied--his
+brother's Spanish Testament. The words of promise, and hope, and
+comfort, in which he used to delight, seemed to be blotted from its
+pages; while ever more and more those pages were filled with fearful
+threatenings and denunciations of doom--against hypocritical scribes
+and Pharisees, false teachers and wicked high priests--against great
+Babylon, the mother of abominations. The peace-breathing, "Father,
+forgive them, for they know not what they do," grew fainter and more
+faint, until at last it faded completely from his memory; while there
+stood out before him night and day, in characters of fire, "Serpents,
+generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXX.
+
+                             The Captive.
+
+  "Ay, but for _me_--my name called--drawn
+  Like a conscript's lot from the lap's black yawn
+  He has dipped into on the battle dawn.
+  Bid out of life by a nod, a glance,
+  Stumbling, mute mazed, at Nature's chance
+  With a rapid finger circling round,
+  Fixed to the first poor inch of ground
+  To fight from, where his foot was found,
+  Whose ear but a moment since was free
+  To the wide camp's hum and gossipry--
+  Summoned, a solitary man,
+  To end his life where his life began,
+  From the safe glad rear to the awful van."
+
+                                  R. BROWNING.
+
+
+On the night of his arrest, when Don Carlos Alvarez was left alone in
+his dungeon, he stood motionless as one in a dream. At length he raised
+his head, and began to look around him. A lamp had been left with him;
+and its light illumined a cell ten feet square, with a vaulted roof.
+Through a narrow grating, too high for him to reach, one or two stars
+were shining; but these he saw not. He only saw the inner door sheathed
+with iron; the mat of rushes on which he was to sleep; the stool that
+was to be his seat; the two earthen pitchers of water that completed
+his scanty furniture. From the first moment these things looked
+strangely familiar to him.
+
+He threw himself on the mat to think and pray. He comprehended his
+situation perfectly. It seemed as if he had been all his life expecting
+this hour; as if he had been born for it, and led up to it gradually
+through all his previous experience. As yet he did not think that his
+fate was terrible; he only thought that it was inevitable--something
+that was to come upon him, and that in due course had come at last. It
+was his impression that he should always remain there, and never more
+see anything beyond that grated window and that iron door.
+
+There was a degree of unreality about this mood. For the past
+fortnight, or more, his mind had been strained to its utmost tension.
+Suspense, more wearing even than sorrow, had held him on the rack.
+Sleep had seldom visited his eyes; and when it came, it had been broken
+and fitful.
+
+Now the worst had befallen him. Suspense was over; certainty had come.
+This brought at first a kind of rest to the overtaxed mind and frame.
+He was as one who hears a sentence of death, but who is taken off
+the rack. No dread of the future could quite overpower the present
+unreasoning sense of relief.
+
+Thus it happened that an hour afterwards he was sleeping the
+dreamless sleep of exhaustion. Well for him if, instead of "death's
+twin-brother," the angel of death himself had been sent to open the
+prison doors and set the captive free! And yet, after all, _would_ it
+have been well for him?
+
+So utter was his exhaustion, that when food was placed in his cell
+the next morning, he only awaked for a moment, then slept again as
+soundly as before. Not till some hours later did he finally shake off
+his slumber. He lay still for some time, examining with a strange kind
+of curiosity the little bolted aperture which was near the top of
+his door, and watching a solitary broken sunbeam which had struggled
+through the grating that served him for a window, and threw a gleam of
+light on the opposite wall.
+
+Then, with a start, he asked himself, "_Where am I?_" The answer
+brought an agony of fear, of horror, of bitter pain. "Lost! lost! God
+have mercy on me! I am lost!" As one in intense bodily anguish, he
+writhed, moaned--ay, even cried aloud.
+
+No wonder. Hope, love, life--alike in its noblest aims and its
+commonest joys--all were behind him. Before him were the dreary dungeon
+days and nights--it might be months or years; the death of agony and
+shame; and, worst of all, the unutterable horrors of the torture-room,
+from which he shrank as any one of us would shrink to-day.
+
+Slowly and at last came the large burning tears. But very few of them
+fell; for his anguish was as yet too fierce for many tears. All that
+day the storm raged on. When the alcayde brought his evening meal, he
+lay still, his face covered with his cloak. But as night drew on he
+rose, and paced his narrow cell with hasty, irregular steps, like those
+of a caged wild animal.
+
+How should he endure the horrible loneliness of the present, the
+maddening terror of all that was to come? And this life was to _last_.
+To last, until it should be succeeded by worse horrors and fiercer
+anguish. Words of prayer died on his lips. Or, even when he uttered
+them, it seemed as if God heard not--as if those thick walls and grated
+doors shut him out too.
+
+Yet one thing was clear to him from the beginning. Deeper than all
+other fears within him lay the fear of denying his Lord. Again and
+again did he repeat, "When called in question, I will at once confess
+all." For he knew that, according to a law recently enacted by the Holy
+Office, and sanctioned by the Pope, no subsequent retraction could save
+a prisoner who had once confessed--he must die. And he desired finally
+and for ever to put it out of his own power to save his life and lose
+it.
+
+As every dreary morning dawned upon him, he thought that ere its sun
+set he might be called to confess his Master's name before the solemn
+tribunal. At first he awaited the summons with a trembling heart. But
+as time passed on, the delay became more dreadful than the anticipated
+examination. At last he began to long for _any_ change that might break
+the monotony of his prison-life.
+
+The only person, with the exception of his gaoler, that ever entered
+his cell, was a member of the Board of Inquisitors, who was obliged
+by their rules to make a fortnightly inspection of the prisons. But
+the Dominican monk to whom this duty was relegated merely asked the
+prisoner a few formal questions: such as, whether he was well, whether
+he received his appointed provision, whether his warder used him with
+civility. To these Carlos always answered prudently that he had no
+complaint to make. At first he was wont to inquire, in his turn, when
+his case might be expected to come on. To this it would be answered,
+that there was no hurry about the matter. The Lords Inquisitors had
+much business on hand, and many more important cases than his to attend
+to; he must await their leisure and their pleasure.
+
+At length a kind of lethargy stole over him; though it was broken
+frequently by sharp bursts of anguish. He ceased to take note of time,
+ceased to make fruitless inquiries of his gaoler, who would never tell
+him anything. Upon one occasion he asked this man for a Breviary, since
+he sometimes found it difficult to recall even the gospel words that
+he knew so well. But he was answered in the set terms the Inquisitors
+taught their officials, that the book he ought now to study was the
+book of his own heart, which he should examine diligently, in order to
+the confession and repentance of his sins.
+
+During the morning hours the outer door of his cell (there were two)
+was usually left open, in order to admit a little fresh air. At such
+times he often heard footsteps in the corridors, and doors opening
+and shutting. With a kind of sick yearning, not unmixed with hope, he
+longed that some visitant would enter his cell. But none ever came.
+Some of the Inquisitors were keen observers and good students of
+character. They had watched Carlos narrowly before his arrest, and they
+had arrived at the conclusion that utter and prolonged solitude was the
+best remedy for his disease.
+
+Such solitude has driven many a weary tortured soul to insanity. But
+that divine compassion which no dungeon walls or prison bars avail to
+shut out, saved Carlos from such a fate.
+
+One morning he knew from the stir outside that some of his
+fellow-captives had received a visit. But the deep stillness that
+followed the dying away of footsteps in the corridor was broken by a
+most unwonted sound. A loud, clear, and even cheerful voice sang out,--
+
+  "Vencidos van los frailes; vencidos van!
+  Corridos van los lobos; corridos van!"
+
+  [There go the friars; there they run!
+  there go the wolves, the wolves are done!][19]
+
+    [19] Everything related of Juliano Hernandez is strictly true.
+
+Every nerve and fibre of the lonely captive's heart thrilled responsive
+to that strain. Evidently the song was one of triumph. But from whose
+lips? Who could dare to triumph in the abode of misery, the very seat
+of Satan?
+
+Carlos Alvarez had heard that voice before. A striking peculiarity in
+the dialect rivetted this fact upon his mind. The words were neither
+the pure sonorous Castilian that he spoke himself, nor the soft gliding
+sibilant Andaluz that he heard in Seville, nor yet the patois of the
+Manchegan peasants around his mountain home. In such accents one, and
+one alone, had ever spoken in his hearing. And that was the man who
+said, "For the joy of bringing food to the perishing, water to the
+thirsty, light to those that sit in darkness, rest to the weary and
+heavy-laden, I have counted the cost, and I shall pay the price right
+willingly."
+
+Whatever men had done to the body, it was evident that Juliano
+Hernandez was still unbroken in heart, strong in hope and courage. A
+fettered, tortured captive, he was yet enabled, not only to hold his
+own faith fast, but actually to minister to that of others. His rough
+rhyme intimated to his fellow-captives that "the wolves" of Rome were
+leaving his cell, vanquished by the sword of the Spirit. And that, as
+he overcame, so might they also.
+
+Carlos heard, understood, and felt from that hour that he was not
+alone. Moreover, the grace and strength so richly given to his
+fellow-sufferer seemed to bring Christ nearer to himself. "Surely God
+is in this place--even here," he said, "and I knew it not." And then,
+bowing his head, he wept--wept such tears as bring help and healing
+with them.
+
+Up to this time he had held Christ's hand indeed, else had he "utterly
+fainted." But he held it in the dark. He clung to him desperately, as
+if for mere life and reason. Now the light began to dawn upon him. He
+began to see the face of Him to whom he had been clinging. His good and
+gracious words--such words as, "Let not your heart be troubled," "My
+peace I give unto you"--became again, as in old times, full of meaning,
+instinct with life. He "remembered the years of the right hand of the
+Most High;" he thought of those days that now seemed so long ago, when,
+with such thrilling joy, he received the truth from Juliano's book.
+And he knew that the same joy might be his even in that dreary prison,
+because the same God was above him, and the same Lord was "rich unto
+all that call upon him."
+
+On the next occasion when Juliano raised his brave song of victory,
+Carlos had the courage to respond, by chanting in the vulgar tongue,
+"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
+defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out
+of Zion."
+
+But this brought him a visit from the alcayde, who commanded him to
+"forbear that noise."
+
+"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.
+
+"No matter. Prisoners are not permitted to disturb the Santa Casa,"
+said Gasper Benevidio, as he quitted the cell.
+
+The "Santa Casa," or Holy House, was the proper style and title of
+the prison of the Holy Inquisition. At first sight the name appears
+a hideous mockery. We seem to catch in it an echo of the laughter of
+fiends, as in that other kindred name, "The Society of Jesus." Yet,
+just then, the Triana was truly a holy house. Precious in the sight
+of the Lord were those who crowded its dismal cells. Many a lonely
+captive wept and prayed and agonized there, who, though now forgotten
+on earth, shall one day shine with a brightness eclipsing kings and
+conquerors--"a star for ever and ever."
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXI.
+
+                          Ministering Angels.
+
+  "Thou wilt be near, and not forsake,
+    To turn the bitter pool
+  Into a bright and breezy lake,
+    The throbbing brow to cool;
+  Till, left awhile with Thee alone,
+    The wilful heart be fain to own
+  That he, by whom our bright hours shone,
+    Our darkness best may rule."
+
+                                      KEBLE.
+
+
+The overpowering heat of an Andalusian summer aggravated the physical
+sufferings of the captives. And so did the scanty and unwholesome
+provisions, which were all that reached them through the hands of the
+avaricious Benevidio.
+
+But this last hardship was little felt by Carlos. Small as were the
+rations he received, they usually proved more than enough for him;
+indeed, the coarse food sometimes lay almost untasted in his cell.
+
+One morning, however, to his extreme surprise, something was pushed
+through the grating in the lower part of his inner door, the outer door
+being open, as was usual at that hour. The mysterious gift consisted
+of white bread and good meat, of which he partook with mingled
+astonishment and thankfulness. But the relief to the unvaried monotony
+of his life, and the occupation the little circumstance gave his
+thoughts, was much more to him than the welcome novelty of a wholesome
+meal.
+
+The act of charity was repeated often, indeed almost daily. Sometimes
+bread and meat, sometimes fruit--the large luscious grapes or purple
+figs of that southern climate--were thus conveyed to him. Endless
+were the speculations these gifts awakened in his mind. He longed
+to discover his benefactor, not only to express his gratitude,
+but to supplicate that the same favours might be extended to his
+fellow-sufferers, especially to Juliano. Moreover, would not one so
+kindly disposed be willing to give him what he longed for far more than
+meat or drink--some word of tidings from the world without, or from his
+dear imprisoned brethren?
+
+At first he suspected the under-gaoler, whose name was Herrera. This
+man was far more gentle and compassionate than Benevidio. Carlos often
+thought he would have shown him some kindness, or at least have spoken
+to him, if he dared. But dire would have been the penalty even the
+slightest transgression of the prison rules would have entailed. Carlos
+naturally feared to broach the matter, lest, if Herrera really had
+nothing to do with it, the unknown benefactor might be betrayed.
+
+The same motive prevented his hazarding a question or exclamation at
+the time the little gifts were thrust in. How could he tell who might
+be within hearing? If it were safe to speak, surely the person outside
+would try the experiment.
+
+It was generally very early in the morning, at the hour when the outer
+door was first opened, that the gifts came. Or, if delayed a little
+later, he would often notice something timid and even awkward in the
+way they were pushed through the grating, and the approaching and
+retreating footsteps, for which he used to listen so eagerly, would be
+quick and light, like those of a child.
+
+At last a day came, marked indeed with white in the dark chronicle of
+prison life. Bread and meat were conveyed to him as usual; then there
+was a low knock upon the door. Carlos, who was standing close to it,
+responded by an eager "_Chien es?_"
+
+"A friend. Kneel down, senor, and put your ear to the grating."
+
+The captive obeyed, and a woman's voice whispered, "Do not lose heart,
+your worship. Friends outside are thinking of you."
+
+"One friend is with me, even here," Carlos answered. "But," he added,
+"I entreat of you to tell me your name, that I may know whom to thank
+for the daily kindnesses which lighten my captivity."
+
+"I am only a poor woman, senor, the alcayde's servant. And what I have
+brought you is your own, and but a small part of it."
+
+"My own! How?"
+
+"Robbed from you by my master, who defrauds and spoils the poor
+prisoners even of their necessary food. And if any one dares to
+complain to the Lords Inquisitors, he throws him into the Masmurra."
+
+"The--what?"
+
+"A deep, horrible cistern which he hath in his house." This was spoken
+in a still lower voice.
+
+Carlos was not yet sufficiently naturalized to horrors to repress a
+shudder. He said, "Then I fear it is at great risk to yourself that you
+show kindness to me."
+
+"It is for the dear Lord's sake, senor."
+
+"Then _you_--you too--love his Name!" said Carlos, tears of joy
+starting to his eyes.
+
+"_Chiton_,[20] senor! _chiton!_ But as far as a poor woman may, I _do_
+love him," she added in a frightened whisper. "What I want now to tell
+you is, that the noble lord, your brother--"
+
+    [20] Hush.
+
+"My brother!" cried Carlos; "what of him? Oh, tell me, for Christ's
+dear sake!"
+
+"Let your Excellency speak lower. We may be overheard. I know he has
+seen my master once and again, and has given him much money to provide
+your worship with good food and other conveniences, which he, however,
+not having the fear of God before his eyes--" The rest of the sentence
+did not reach the ear of Carlos; but he could easily guess its import.
+
+"That is little matter," he said. "But oh, kind friend, if I could send
+him a message, were it only one word."
+
+Perhaps the wistful earnestness of his tone awakened latent mother
+instincts in the poor woman's heart. She knew that he was very young;
+that he had lain there for dreary months alone, away from the bright
+world into which he was just entering, and which was now shut to him
+for ever.
+
+"I will do all I can for your Excellency," she said, in a tone that
+betrayed some emotion.
+
+"Then," said Carlos, "tell him it is well with me. 'The Lord is my
+shepherd'--all that psalm, bid him read it. But, above all things, say
+unto him to leave this place--to fly to Germany or England. For I fear,
+I fear--no, do not tell him _what_ I fear. Only implore of him to go.
+You promise?"
+
+"I promise, young sir, to do all I can. God comfort him and you."
+
+"And God reward you, brave and kind friend. But one word more, if
+it may be without risk to you. Tell me of my dear fellow-prisoners.
+Especially of Dr. Cristobal Losada, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, Fray
+Constantino, and Juliano Hernandez, called Juliano El Chico."
+
+"I do not know anything of Fray Constantino. I think he is not here.
+The others you name have--_suffered_."
+
+"Not death!--surely not death!" said Carlos, in terror.
+
+"There be worse things than death, senor," the poor woman answered.
+"Even my master, whose heart is iron, is astonished at the fortitude
+of Senor Juliano. He fears nothing--seems to feel nothing. No tortures
+have wrung from him a word that could harm any one."
+
+"God sustain him! Oh, my friend," Carlos went on with passionate
+earnestness, "if by any deed of kindness, such as you have shown me,
+you could bring God's dear suffering servant so much comfort as a cup
+of cold water, truly your reward would be rich in heaven. For the day
+will come when that poor man will take his station in the court of the
+King of kings, and at the right hand of Christ, in great glory and
+majesty."
+
+"I know it, senor. I have tried--"
+
+Just then an approaching footstep made Carlos start; but the poor woman
+said, "It is only the child, God bless her. But I must go, senor; for
+she comes to tell me her father has arisen, and is making ready to
+begin his daily rounds."
+
+"Her father! Does Benevidio's own child help you to comfort his
+prisoners?"
+
+"Even so, thank the good God. I am her nurse. But I must not linger
+another moment. Adios, senor."
+
+"Vaya con Dios, good mother. And God repay your kindness, as he surely
+will."
+
+And surely he did repay it; but not on earth, unless the honour
+of being accounted worthy to suffer shame and stripes and cruel
+imprisonment for his sake be called a reward.[21]
+
+    [21] The story of the gaoler's servant and his little daughter is
+    historical.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXII.
+
+                  The Valley of the Shadow of Death.
+
+  "And shall I fear the coward fear of standing all alone
+  To testify of Zion's King and the glory of his throne?
+  My Father, O my Father, I am poor and frail and weak,
+  Let me not utter of my own, for idle words I speak;
+  But give me grace to wrestle now, and prompt my faltering tongue,
+  And name thy name upon my soul, and so shall I be strong."
+
+                                          MRS. STUART MENTEITH.
+
+
+Many a weary hour did Carlos shorten by chanting the psalms and hymns
+of the church in low voice for himself. At first he sang them loudly
+enough for his fellow-prisoners to hear; but the commands of Benevidio,
+which were accompanied even by threats of personal violence, soon made
+him forbear. Not a few kindly deeds and words of comfort came to him
+through the ministrations of the poor servant Maria Gonsalez, aided by
+the gaoler's little daughter. On the whole, he was growing accustomed
+to his prison life. It seemed as though it would last for ever; as
+though every other kind of life lay far away from him in the dim
+distance. There were slow and weary hours, more than he could count;
+there were bitter hours--of passionate regret, of dark foreboding,
+of unutterable fear. But there were also quiet hours, burdened by no
+special pain or sorrow; there were sometimes even happy hours, when
+Christ seemed very near, and his consolations were not small with his
+prisoner.
+
+It was one of the quiet hours, when thoughts of the past, not full of
+the anguish of vain yearning, as they often were, but calm and even
+pleasant, were occupying his mind. He had been singing the Te Deum
+for himself; and thinking how sweetly the village choristers used to
+chant it at Nuera; not in the time of Father Tomas, but in that of his
+predecessor, a gentle old man with a special taste for music, whom he
+and his brother, then little children, loved, but used to tease. He was
+so deeply engaged in feeling over again his poignant distress upon one
+particular occasion when Juan had offended the aged priest, that all
+his present sorrows were forgotten for the moment, when he heard the
+large key grate harshly in the strong outer door of his cell.
+
+Benevidio entered, bearing some articles of dress, which he ordered the
+prisoner to put on immediately.
+
+Carlos obeyed in silence, though not without surprise, perhaps even
+a passing feeling of indignation. For the very form and fashion of
+the garments he was thus obliged to assume (a kind of jacket without
+sleeves, and long loose trowsers), meant to the Castilian noble keen
+insult and degradation.
+
+"Take off your shoes," said the alcayde. "Prisoners always come before
+their reverences with uncovered head and feet. Now follow me."
+
+It was, then, the summons to stand before his judges. A thrilling dread
+took possession of his soul. Heedless of the alcayde's presence, he
+threw himself for one brief moment on his knees. Then, though his cheek
+was pale, he could speak calmly. "I am ready," he said.
+
+He followed his conductor through several long and gloomy corridors. At
+length he ventured to ask, "Whither are you leading me?"
+
+"_Chiton!_" said Benevidio, placing his finger on his lips. Speech was
+not permitted there.
+
+At last they drew near an open door. The alcayde quickened his pace,
+entered first, made a very low reverence, then drew back again, and
+motioned Carlos to go forward alone.
+
+He did so; and found himself in the presence of his judges--the Board,
+or "Table of the Inquisition." He bowed, though rather from the habit
+of courtesy, than from any special respect to the tribunal, and stood
+silent.
+
+Before any one addressed him, he had ample leisure for observation. The
+room was large, lofty, and surrounded by pillars, between which there
+were handsome hangings of gilt leather. At one end, the furthest from
+him, stood a great crucifix, larger than life. Around the long table
+on the estrada six or seven persons were seated. Of these, one alone
+was covered, he who sat nearest the door by which Carlos had entered,
+and facing the crucifix. He knew that this was Gonzales de Munebraga,
+and the thought that he had once pleaded earnestly for that man's life,
+helped to give him boldness in his presence.
+
+At Munebraga's right hand sat a stern and stately man, whom Carlos,
+though he had never seen him before, knew, from his dress and the
+position he occupied, to be the prior of the Dominican convent
+adjoining the Triana. One or two of the subordinate members of the
+Board he had met occasionally in other days, and he had then considered
+them very far his own inferiors, both in education and in social
+position.
+
+At length Munebraga, half turning, motioned him to approach the table.
+He did so, and a person who sat at the opposite end, and appeared
+by his dress to be a notary, made him lay his hand on a missal, and
+administered an oath to him.
+
+It bound him to speak the truth, and to keep everything secret which he
+might see or hear; and he took it without hesitation. A bench at the
+Inquisitor's left hand was then pointed out to him, and he was desired
+to be seated.
+
+A member of the Board, who bore the title of the Promoter-fiscal,
+conducted the examination. After some merely formal questions, he
+asked him whether he knew the cause of his present imprisonment? Carlos
+answered immediately, "I do."
+
+This was not the course usually taken by prisoners of the Holy
+Office. They commonly denied all knowledge of any offence that could
+have induced "their reverences" to order their arrest. With a slight
+elevation of the eyebrows, perhaps expressive of surprise, his examiner
+continued, gently enough, "Are you then aware of having erred from the
+faith, and by word or deed offended your own soul, and the consciences
+of good Christians? Speak boldly, my son; for to those who acknowledge
+their faults the Holy Office is full of tenderness and mercy."
+
+"I have not erred, consciously, from the true faith, since I knew it."
+
+Here the Dominican prior interposed. "You can ask for an advocate,"
+he said; "and as you are under twenty-five years of age, you can also
+claim the assistance of a curator.[22] Furthermore, you can request a
+copy of the deposition against you, in order to prepare your defence."
+
+    [22] Guardian.
+
+"Always supposing," said Munebraga himself, "that he formally denies
+the crime laid to his charge.--Do you?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.
+
+"We understand you so to do," said the prior, looking earnestly at
+Carlos. "You plead not guilty?"
+
+Carlos rose from his seat, and advanced a step or two nearer to the
+table where sat the men who held his life in their hands. Addressing
+himself chiefly to the prior, he said, "I know that by taking the
+course your reverence recommends to me, as I believe out of kindness,
+I may defer my fate for a little while. I may beat the air, fighting
+in the dark with witnesses whom you would refuse to name to me, still
+more to confront with me. Or, I may make you wring out the truth from
+me slowly, drop by drop. But what would that avail me? Neither for
+the truth, nor yet for any falsehood I might be base enough to utter,
+would you loose your hand from your prey. I prefer that straight road
+which is ever the shortest way. I stand before your reverences this
+day a professed Lutheran, despairing of mercy from man, but full of
+confidence in the mercy of God."
+
+A movement of surprise ran around the Board at these daring words. The
+prior turned away from the prisoner with a pained, disconcerted look;
+but only to meet a half-triumphant, half-reproachful glance from his
+superior, Munebraga. But Munebraga was not displeased; far from it.
+It did not grieve him that the prisoner, a mere youth, "was throwing
+himself into the fire." That was his own concern. He was saving "their
+reverences" a great deal of trouble. Thanks to his hardihood, his
+folly, or his despair, a good piece of work was quickly and easily
+accomplished. For it was the business of the Inquisitors first to
+convict; retractations were an after consideration.
+
+"Thou art a bold heretic, and fit for the fire," he said. "We know how
+to deal with such." And he placed his hand on the bell that was to
+signal the termination of the interview.
+
+But the prior, recovering from his astonishment, once more interposed.
+"My lord and your reverence, be pleased to allow me a few minutes, in
+which I may set plainly before the prisoner both the wonted mercy and
+lenity of the Holy Office to the repentant, and the fatal consequences
+of obstinacy."
+
+Munebraga acquiesced by a nod, then leant back carelessly in his seat;
+this was not a part of the proceedings in which he felt much interest.
+
+No one could doubt the sincerity with which the prior warned Carlos of
+the doom that awaited the impenitent heretic. The horrors of the death
+of fire, the deeper, darker horror of the fire that never dies, these
+were the theme of his discourse. If not actually eloquent, it had at
+least the earnestness of intense conviction. "But to the penitent," he
+added, and the hard face softened a little, "God is ever merciful, and
+his Church is merciful too."
+
+Carlos listened in silence, his eyes bent on the ground. But when the
+Dominican concluded, he looked up again, glanced first at the great
+crucifix, then fixed his eyes steadily on the prior's face. "I cannot
+deny my Lord," he said. "I am in your hands, and you can do with me as
+you will. But God is mightier than you."
+
+"Enough!" said Munebraga, and he rang the hand-bell. After a very short
+delay, the alcayde reappeared, and led Carlos back to his cell.
+
+As soon as he was gone, Munebraga turned to the prior. "My lord," he
+said, "your wonted penetration is at fault for once. Is this the youth
+whom you assured us a few months of solitary confinement would render
+pliant as a reed and plastic as wax? Whereas we find him as bold a
+heretic as Losada, or D'Arellano, or that imp of darkness, little
+Juliano."
+
+"Nay, my lord, I do not despair of him. Far from it. He is much less
+firm than he seems. Give him time, with a due mixture of kindness and
+severity, and, I trust in our Lord and St. Dominic, we will see him a
+hopeful penitent."
+
+"I am of your mind, reverend father," said the Promoter-fiscal. "It is
+probable he confessed only to avoid the Question. Many of them fear it
+more than death."
+
+"You are right," answered Munebraga quickly.
+
+The notary looked up from his papers. "Please your lordships," he said,
+"I think it is the _sangre azul_ that makes him so bold. He is Alvarez
+de Menaya."
+
+"Keep to thy quires and thine ink-horn, man of law," interposed
+Munebraga angrily. "Thy part is to write down what wiser men say, not
+to prate thyself." It was well known that the Inquisitor, far from
+boasting the _sangre azul_ himself, had not even what the Spaniards
+call "good red blood" flowing in his veins; hence his irritation at the
+notary's speech.
+
+There is often a great apparent similarity in the effects of quite
+opposite causes. That which results from a degree of weakness of
+character may sometimes wear the aspect of transcendent courage. A
+bolder man than Don Carlos Alvarez might, in his circumstances, have
+made a struggle for life. He might have fought over every point as it
+arose; have availed himself of every loophole for escape; have thrown
+upon his persecutors the onus of proving his crime. But such a course
+would not have been possible to Carlos. As a running leap is far more
+easy than a standing one, so to sensitive temperaments it is easier to
+rush forward to meet pain or danger than to stand still and fight it
+off, knowing all the time that it must come at last.
+
+He would have been astonished had he guessed the impression made upon
+his examiners. To himself it seemed that he had confessed his Lord in
+much weakness. Still, he had confessed him. And shut out as he was from
+all ordinary "means of grace," the act of confession became a kind of
+sacrament to him. It was a token and an evidence of Christ's presence
+with him, and Christ's power working in him. He could say now, "In the
+day that I called upon thee thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
+with strength in my soul." And from that hour he seemed to live in
+greater nearness to Christ, and more intimate communion with him, than
+he had ever done before.
+
+It was well that he had strong consolation, for his need was great.
+Two other examinations followed after a short interval; and in both of
+these Munebraga took a far more active part than he had done in the
+first. The Inquisitors were at that time extremely anxious to procure
+evidence upon which to condemn Fray Constantino, who up to this point
+had steadily resisted every effort they had made to induce him to
+criminate himself. They thought it probable that Don Carlos Alvarez
+could assist them if he would, especially since there had been found
+amongst his papers a highly laudatory letter of recommendation from the
+late Canon Magistral.
+
+Still, his assistance was needed even more in other matters. It is
+scarcely necessary to say that Munebraga, who forgot nothing, had not
+forgotten the mysterious appointment made with him, but never kept, by
+a cousin of the prisoner's, who was now stated to be hopelessly insane.
+What did that mean? Was the story true; or were the family keeping back
+evidence which might compromise one or more of its remaining members?
+
+But Carlos was expected to resolve a yet graver question; or, at least,
+one that touched him more nearly. His own arrest had been decreed in
+consequence of two depositions against him. First, a member of Losada's
+congregation had named him as one of the habitual attendants; then a
+monk of San Isodro had fatally compromised him under the torture. The
+monk's testimony was clear and explicit, and was afterwards confirmed
+by others. But the first witness had deposed that _two_ gentlemen of
+the name of Menaya had been wont to attend the conventicle. Who was the
+second? Hitherto this problem had baffled the Inquisitors. Don Manuel
+Alvarez and his sons were noted for orthodoxy; and the only other
+Menaya known to them was the prisoner's brother. But in his favour
+there was every presumption, both from his character as a gallant
+officer in the army of the most Catholic king, and from the fact of his
+voluntary return to Seville; where, instead of shunning, he seemed to
+court observation, by throwing himself continually in the Inquisitor's
+way, and soliciting audience of him.
+
+Still, of course, his guilt was possible. But, in the absence of
+anything suspicious in his conduct, some clearer evidence than the
+vague deposition alluded to was absolutely necessary, in order to
+warrant proceedings against him. According to the inquisitorial laws,
+what they styled "full half proof" of a crime must be obtained before
+ordering the arrest of the supposed criminal.
+
+And the key to all these perplexities had now to be wrung from the
+unwilling hands of Carlos. This needed "half proof" could, and must,
+be furnished by him. "He _must_ speak out," said those stern, pitiless
+men, who held him in their hands.
+
+But here he was stronger than they. Neither arts, persuasions, threats,
+nor promises, availed to unseal those pale, silent lips. Would torture
+do it? He was told plainly, that unless he would answer every question
+put to him freely and distinctly, he must undergo its worst horrors.
+
+His heart throbbed wildly, then grew sick and faint. A dread far keener
+than the dread of death prompted one short sharp struggle against the
+inevitable. He said, "It is against your own law to torture a confessed
+criminal for information concerning others. For the law presumes that
+a man loves himself better than his neighbour; and, therefore, that
+he who has informed against himself would more readily inform against
+other heretics if he knew them."
+
+He was right. His early studies had enabled him to quote correctly one
+of the rules laid down by the highest authority for the regulation of
+the inquisitorial proceedings. But what mattered rules and canons to
+the members of a secret and irresponsible tribunal?
+
+Munebraga covered his momentary embarrassment with a sneer. "That rule
+was framed for delinquents of another sort," he said. "You Lutheran
+heretics have the command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,'
+so deeply rooted in your hearts, that the very flesh must needs be
+torn from your bones ere you will inform against your brethren.[23] I
+overrule your objection as frivolous."
+
+    [23] Words actually used by this monster.
+
+And then a sentence, more dreaded than the terrible death-sentence
+itself, received the formal sanction of the Board.
+
+Once more alone in his cell, Carlos flung himself on his knees, and
+pressing his burning brow against the cold damp stone, cried aloud in
+his anguish, "Let this cup--only this--pass from me!"
+
+His was just the nature to which the thought of physical suffering
+is most appalling. Keenly sensitive in mind and body, he shrank in
+unspeakable dread from what stronger characters might brave or defy.
+His vivid imagination intensified every pang he felt or feared. His
+mind was like a room hung round with mirrors, in which every terrible
+thing, reflected a hundred times, became a hundred terrors instead of
+one. What another would have endured once, he endured over and over
+again in agonized anticipation.
+
+At times the nervous horror grew absolutely insupportable. Fearfulness
+and trembling took hold upon him. He felt ready to pray that God in his
+great mercy would take away his life, and let the bearer of the dreaded
+summons find him beyond all their malice.
+
+One thought haunted him like a demon, whispering words of despair. It
+had begun to haunt him from the hour when poor Maria Gonsalez told him
+she had seen his brother. What if they dragged that loved name from his
+lips! What if, in his weakness, he became Juan's betrayer! Once it had
+been in his heart to betray him from selfish love; perhaps in judgment
+for that sin he was now to betray him through sharp bodily anguish.
+Even if his will were kept firm all through (which he scarcely dared to
+hope), would not reason give way, and wild words be wrung from his lips
+that would too surely ruin all?
+
+He tried to think of his Saviour's death and passion; tried to pray for
+strength and patience to drink of _his_ cup. Sometimes he prayed that
+prayer with strong crying and tears; sometimes with cold mute lips, too
+weary to cry any longer. If he was heard and answered, he knew it not
+then.
+
+Days of suspense wore on. They were only less dreary than the nights,
+when sleep fled from his eyes, and horrible visions (which yet he knew
+were less horrible than the truth) rose in quick succession before his
+mind.
+
+One evening, seated on his bench in the twilight, he fell into an
+uneasy slumber. The dark dread that never left him, mingling with the
+sunny gleam of old memories, wove a vivid dream of Nuera, of that
+summer morning when the first great conflict of his life found an
+ending in the strong resolve, "Juan, brother! I will never wrong thee,
+so help me God!"
+
+The grating of the key in the door and the sudden flash of the lamp
+aroused him. He started to his feet at the alcayde's entrance. This
+time no change of dress was prescribed him. He knew his doom. He cried,
+but to no human ear. From the very depths of his being the prayer
+arose, "Father, save--sustain me; _I am thine_!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIII.
+
+                          On the Other Side.
+
+  "Happy are they who learn at last,--
+    Though silent suffering teach
+  The secret of enduring strength,
+    And praise too deep for speech,--
+  Peace that no pressure from without,
+    No storm within can reach.
+
+  "There is no death for me to fear,
+    For Christ my Lord hath died:
+  There is no curse in all my pain,
+    For he was crucified;
+  And it is fellowship with him
+    That keeps me near his side."
+
+                              A.L. WARING.
+
+
+When the light of the next morning streamed in through the narrow
+grating of his cell, Carlos was there once more, lying on his bed of
+rushes. But was it indeed the next morning, or was it ten years, twenty
+years afterwards? Without a painful effort of thought and memory, he
+himself could scarcely have told. That last night was like a great
+gulf, fixed between his present and all his past. The moment when he
+entered that torch-lit subterranean room seemed a sharp, black dividing
+line, sundering his life into two halves. And the latter half seemed
+longer than that which had gone before.
+
+Nor could years of suffering have left a sadder impress on the young
+face, out of which the look of youth had passed, apparently for ever.
+Brow and lips were pale; but two crimson spots, still telling of
+feverish pain, burned on the hollow cheeks, while the large lustrous
+eyes beamed with even unnatural brilliance.
+
+The poor woman, who was doing the work of God's bright angels in
+that dismal prison, came softly in. How she obtained entrance there
+Carlos did not know, and was far too weak to ask, or even to wonder.
+But probably she was sent by Benevidio, who knew that, in his present
+condition, some human help was indispensable to the prisoner.
+
+Maria Gonsalez was too well accustomed to scenes of horror to be
+over-much surprised or shocked by what she saw. Silently, though with a
+heart full of compassion, she rendered the few little services in her
+power. She placed the broken frame in as easy a position as she could,
+and once and again she raised to the parched lips the "cup of cold
+water" so eagerly desired.
+
+He roused himself to murmur a word of thanks; then, as she prepared to
+leave him, his eyes followed her wistfully.
+
+"Can I do anything more for you, senor?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, mother. Tell me--have you spoken to my brother?"
+
+"Ay de mi! no, senor," said the poor woman, whose ability was not equal
+to her goodwill. "I have tried, God wot; but I could not get from my
+master the name of the place where he lives without making him suspect
+something, and never since have I had the good fortune to see his face."
+
+"I know you have done--what you could. My message does not matter now.
+Not so much. Still, best he should go. Tell him so, when you find him.
+But, remember, tell him nought of this. You promise, mother? He must
+never know it--_never_!"
+
+She spoke a few words of pity and condolence.
+
+"It _was_ horrible!" he faltered, in faint, broken tones. "Worst of
+all--the return to life. For I thought all was over, and that I should
+awake face to face with Christ. But--I cannot speak of it."
+
+There was a long silence; then his eye kindled, and a look of joy--ay,
+even of triumph--flashed across the wasted, suffering face. "But _I
+have overcome_! No; not I. Christ has overcome in me, the weakest of
+his members. Now I am beyond it--on the other side."
+
+To the poor tortured captive there had been given a foretaste, strange
+and sweet, of what they feel who stand on the sea of glass, having
+the harps of God in their hands. Men had done their worst--their very
+worst. He knew now all "the dread mystery of pain;" all that flesh
+could accomplish in its fiercest conflict with spirit. Yet not one word
+that could injure any one he loved had been wrung from his lips.
+
+_All_ was over now. In that there was mercy--far more mercy than was
+shown to others. He had been permitted to drain the cup at a single
+draught. _Now_ he could feel grateful to the physicians, who with truly
+kind cruelty (and not without some risk to themselves) had prevented,
+in his case, that fiendish device, "the suspension of the torture."
+Even according to the execrable laws of the Inquisition, he had won his
+right to die in peace.
+
+As time passed on, a blessed sense that he was now out of the hands of
+man, and in those of God alone, sank like balm upon his weary spirit.
+Fear was gone; grief had passed away; even memory had almost ceased to
+give him a pang. For how could he long for the loved faces of former
+days, when day and night Christ himself was near him? So strangely
+near, so intimately present, that he sometimes thought that if, through
+some wonderful relenting of his persecutors, Juan were permitted to
+come and stand beside him, that loved brother would still seem further
+away, less real, than the unseen Friend who was keeping watch by his
+couch. And even the bodily pain, that so seldom left him, was not hard
+to hear, for it was only the touch of His finger.
+
+He had passed into the clear air upon the mountain top, where the sun
+shines ever, and the storm winds cannot come. Nothing hurt him; nothing
+disturbed him now. He had visitors; for what had really placed him
+beyond the reach of his enemies was, not unnaturally, supposed by them
+to have brought him into a fitting state to receive their exhortations.
+So Inquisitors, monks, and friars--"persons of good learning and honest
+repute"--came in due course to his lonely cell, armed with persuasions
+and arguments, which were always weighted with threats and promises.
+
+Their voices seemed to reach him faintly, from a great distance. Into
+"the secret place of the Lord," where he dwelt now, they could not
+enter. Threats and promises fell powerless on his ear. What more could
+they do to him? As far as the mere facts of the case were concerned,
+this security may have been misplaced--nay, it _was_ misplaced; but it
+saved him from much suffering. And as for promises, had they thrown
+open the door of his dungeon and bid him go forth free, only that one
+intense longing to see his brother's face would have nerved him to make
+the effort.
+
+Arguments he was glad to answer when permitted. It was a joy to speak
+for his Lord, who had done, and was doing, such great things for him.
+As far as he could, he made use of those Scripture words with which his
+memory was so richly stored. But more than once it happened that he
+was forced to take up the weapons which he had learned in the schools
+to use so skilfully. He tore sophisms to pieces with the dexterity of
+one who knew how they were constructed, and astonished the students of
+Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas by vanquishing them on their own ground.
+
+Reproach and insult he met with a fearless meekness that nothing could
+ruffle. Why should he feel anger? Rather did he pity those who stood
+without in the darkness, not seeing the Face he saw, not hearing the
+Voice he heard. Usually, however, those who visited him yielded to the
+spell of his own sweet and perfect courtesy, and were kinder than they
+intended to be to the "professed impenitent heretic."
+
+His heart, now "at leisure from itself," was filled with sympathy for
+his imprisoned brethren and sisters. But, except to Maria Gonsalez,
+he dared not speak of them, lest the simplest remark or question
+might give rise to some new suspicion, or supply some link, hitherto
+missing, in the chain of evidence against them. But those who came
+to visit him sometimes gave him unasked intelligence about them. He
+could not, however, rely upon the truth of what reached him in this
+way. He was told that Losada had retracted; he did not believe it.
+Equally did he disbelieve a similar story of Don Juan Ponce de Leon,
+in which, unhappily, there was some truth. The constancy of that
+gentle, generous-hearted nobleman had yielded under torture and cruel
+imprisonment, and concessions had been wrung from him that dimmed the
+brightness of his martyr crown. On the other hand, the waverer, Garcias
+Arias, known as the "White Doctor," had come forward with a hardihood
+truly marvellous, and not only confessed his own faith, but mocked and
+defied the Inquisitors.
+
+Of Fray Constantino, the most contradictory stories were told him.
+At one time he was assured that the great preacher had not only
+admitted his own guilt, but also, on the rack, had informed against
+his brethren. Again he was told, and this time with truth, that the
+Emperor's former chaplain and favourite had been spared the horrors of
+the Question, but that the eagerly desired evidence against him had
+been obtained by accident. A lady of rank, one of his chief friends,
+was amongst the prisoners; and the Inquisitors sent an Alguazil
+to her house to demand possession of her jewels. Her son, without
+waiting to ascertain the precise object of the officer's visit,
+surrendered to him in a panic some books which Fray Constantino had
+given his mother to conceal. Amongst them was a volume in his own
+handwriting, containing the most explicit avowal of the principles of
+the Reformation. On this being shown to the prisoner, he struggled no
+longer. "You have there a full and candid confession of my belief,"
+he said. And he was now in one of the dark and loathsome subterranean
+cells of the Triana.
+
+Amongst those who most frequently visited Carlos was the prior of the
+Dominican convent. This man seemed to take a peculiar interest in the
+young heretic's fate. He was a good specimen of a character oftener
+talked about than met with in real life,--the genuine fanatic. When he
+threatened Carlos, as he spared not to do, with the fire that is never
+quenched, at least he believed with all his heart that he was in danger
+of it. Carlos soon perceived this, and accepting his honest intention
+to benefit him, came to regard him with a kind of friendliness.
+Besides, the prior listened to what he said with more attention than
+did most of the others, and even in the prison of the Inquisition a man
+likes to be listened to, especially when his opportunities of speaking
+are few and brief.
+
+Many weeks passed by, and still Carlos lay on his mat, in weakness and
+suffering of body, though in calm gladness of spirit. Surgical and
+medical aid had been afforded him in due course. And it was not the
+fault of either surgeon or physician that he did not recover. They
+could stanch wounds and set dislocated joints, but when the springs of
+life were sapped, how could they renew them? How could they quicken the
+feeble pulse, or send back life and energy into the broken, exhausted
+frame? At this time Carlos himself felt certain--even more certain than
+did his physician--that never again would his footsteps pass the limits
+of that narrow cell.
+
+Once, indeed, there came to him a brief and fleeting pang of regret.
+It was in the spring-time; everywhere else so bright and fair,
+but making little change in those gloomy cells. Maria Gonsalez now
+sometimes obtained access to him, partly through Benevidio's increased
+inattention to all his duties, partly because, any attempt at escape
+on the part of the captive being obviously out of the question, he was
+somewhat less jealously watched. And more than once the gaoler's little
+daughter stole in timidly beside her nurse, bearing some trifling gift
+for the sick prisoner. To Carlos these visits came like sunbeams; and
+in a very short time he succeeded in establishing quite an intimate
+friendship with the child.
+
+One morning she entered his cell with Maria, carrying a basket, from
+which she produced, with shy pleasure, a few golden oranges. "Look,
+senor," she said, "they are good to eat now, for the blossoms are
+out.[24] I gathered some to show you;" and filling both her hands with
+the luscious wealth of the orange flowers, she flung them carelessly
+down on the mat beside him. In her eyes they were of no value compared
+with the fruit.
+
+    [24] The people of Seville do not think the oranges fit to eat
+    until the new blossoms come out in spring.
+
+With Carlos it was far otherwise. The rich perfume that filled the cell
+filled his heart also with sweet sad dreams, which lasted long after
+his kindly visitors had left him. The orange-trees had just been in
+flower last spring when all God's free earth and sky were shut out from
+his sight for ever. Only a year ago! What a long, long year it seemed!
+And only one year further back he was walking in the orange gardens
+with Dona Beatriz, in all the delicious intoxication of his first and
+last dream of youthful love. "Better here than there, better now than
+then," he murmured, though the tears gathered in his eyes. "But oh, for
+one hour of the old free life, one look at orange-trees in flower, or
+blue skies, or the grassy slopes and cork-trees of Nuera! Or"--and more
+painfully intense the yearning grew--"one familiar face, belonging to
+the past, to show me it was not all a dream, as I am sometimes tempted
+to think it. Thine, Ruy, if it might be--O Ruy, Ruy!--But, thank God, I
+have not betrayed thee!"
+
+In the afternoon of that day visitors were announced. Carlos was not
+surprised to see the stern narrow face and white hair of the Dominican
+prior. But he was a little surprised to observe that the person who
+followed him wore the gray cowl of St. Francis. The prior merely
+bestowed the customary salutation upon him, and then, stepping aside,
+allowed his companion to approach.
+
+But as soon as Carlos saw his face, he raised himself eagerly, and
+stretching out both his hands, grasped those of the Franciscan. "Dear
+Fray Sebastian!" he cried; "my good, kind tutor!"
+
+"My lord the prior has been graciously pleased to allow me to visit
+your Excellency."
+
+"It is truly kind of you, my lord. I thank you heartily," said Carlos,
+frankly and promptly turning towards the Dominican, who looked at him
+with somewhat the air of one who is trying to be stern with a child.
+
+"I have ventured to allow you this indulgence," he said, "in the hope
+that the counsels of one whom you hold in honour may lead you to
+repentance."
+
+Carlos turned once more to Fray Sebastian, whose hand he still held.
+"It is a great joy to see you," he said. "Only to-day I had been
+longing for a familiar face. And you are changed never a whit since you
+used to teach me my humanities. How have you come hither? Where have
+you been all these years?"
+
+Poor Fray Sebastian vainly tried to frame an answer to these simple
+questions. He had come to that prison straight from Munebraga's
+splendid patio, where, amidst the gleam of azulejos and of
+many-coloured marbles, the scent of rare exotics and the music of
+rippling fountains, he had partaken of a sumptuous mid-day repast.
+In this dark foul dungeon there was nothing to please the senses, not
+even God's free air and light. Everything on which his eye rested was
+coarse, painful, loathsome. By the prisoner's side lay the remains of
+a meal, in great contrast to his. And the sleeve, fallen back from the
+hand that held his own, showed deep scars on the wrist. He knew whence
+they were. Yet the face that was looking in his, with kindling eyes,
+and a smile on the parted lips, might have been the face of the boy
+Carlos, when he praised him for a successful task, only for the pain
+in it, and, far deeper than pain, a look of assured peace that boyhood
+could scarcely know.
+
+Repressing a choking sensation, he faltered, "Senor Don Carlos, it
+grieves me to the heart to see you here."
+
+"Do not grieve for me, dear Fray Sebastian, for I tell you truly, I
+have never known such happy hours as since I came here. At first,
+indeed, I suffered; there was storm and darkness. But then"--here for
+a moment his voice failed, and his flushed cheek and quivering lip
+betrayed the anguish a too hasty movement cost the broken frame. But,
+recovering himself quickly, he went on: "Then He arose and rebuked
+the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. That calm lasts
+still. And oftentimes this narrow room seems to me the house of God,
+the very gate of heaven. Moreover," he added, with a smile of strange
+brightness, "there is heaven itself beyond."
+
+"But, senor and your Excellency, consider the disgrace and sorrow
+of your noble family--that is, I mean"--here the speaker paused
+in perplexity, and met the keen eye of the prior, fixed somewhat
+scornfully, as he thought, upon him. He was quite conscious that the
+Dominican was thinking him incapable, and incompetent to the task
+he had so earnestly solicited. He had sedulously prepared himself
+for this important interview, had gone through it in imagination
+beforehand, laying up in his memory several convincing and most
+pertinent exhortations, which could not fail to benefit his old pupil.
+But these were of no avail now; in fact, they all vanished from his
+recollection. He had just begun something rather vague and incoherent
+about Holy Church, when the prior broke in.
+
+"Honoured brother," he said, addressing with scrupulous politeness
+the member of a rival fraternity, "the prisoner may be more willing
+to listen to your pious exhortations, and you may have more freedom
+in addressing him, if you are left for a brief space alone together.
+Therefore, though it is scarcely regular, I will visit a prisoner in a
+neighbouring apartment, and return hither for you in due time."
+
+Fray Sebastian thanked him, and he withdrew, saying as he did so, "It
+is not necessary for me to remind my reverend brother that conversation
+upon worldly matters is strictly forbidden in the Holy House."
+
+Whether the prior visited the other prisoner or no, it is not for
+us to inquire; but if he did, his visit was a short one; for it is
+certain that for some time he paced the gloomy corridor with troubled
+footsteps. He was thinking of a woman's face, a fair young face, to
+which that of Don Carlos Alvarez bore a startling likeness. "Too harsh,
+needlessly harsh," he murmured; "for, after all, _she_ was no heretic."
+But which of us is always in the right? Ave Maria Sanctissima, ora pro
+me! But if I can, I would fain make some reparation--to _him_. If ever
+there was a true and sincere penitent, he is one."
+
+After a little further delay, he summoned Fray Sebastian by a
+peremptory knock at the inner door, the outer one of course remaining
+open. The Franciscan came, his broad, good-humoured face bathed in
+tears, which he scarcely made an effort to conceal.
+
+The prior glanced at him for a moment, then signed to Herrera, who was
+waiting in the gallery, to come and make the door fast. They walked
+on together in silence, until at length Fray Sebastian said, in a
+trembling voice, "My lord, you are very powerful here; can _you_ do
+nothing for him?"
+
+"I _have_ done much. At my intercession he had nine months of solitude,
+in which to recollect himself and ponder his situation, ere he was
+called on to make answer at all. Judge my amazement when, instead of
+entering upon his defence, or calling witnesses to his character, he
+at once confessed all. Judge my greater amazement at his continued
+obstinacy since. When a man has broken a giant oak in two, he may feel
+some surprise at being battled by a sapling."
+
+"He will not relent," said Fray Sebastian, hardly restraining his sobs.
+"He will die."
+
+"I see one chance to save him," returned the prior; "but it is a
+hazardous experiment. The consent of the Supreme Council is necessary,
+as well as that of my Lord Vice-Inquisitor, and neither may be very
+easy to obtain."
+
+"To save his body or his soul?" Fray Sebastian asked anxiously.
+
+"Both, if it succeeds. But I can say no more," he added rather
+haughtily; "for my plan is bound up with a secret, of which few living
+men, save myself, are in possession."
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIV.
+
+                       Fray Sebastian's Trouble.
+
+                          "Now, with fainting frame,
+  With soul just lingering on the flight begun,
+  To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one,
+  I bless thee. Peace be on thy noble head,
+  Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead!
+  I bid this prayer survive me, and retain
+  Its power again to bless thee, and again.
+  Thou hast been gathered into my dark fate
+  Too much; too long for my sake desolate
+  Hath been thine exiled youth; but now take back
+  From dying hands thy freedom."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+It was late in August. All day long the sky had been molten fire, and
+the earth brass. Every one had dozed away the sultry noontide hours
+in the coolest recesses of dwellings made to exclude heat, as ours
+to exclude cold. But when at last the sun sank in flame beneath the
+horizon, people began to creep out languidly to woo the refreshment of
+the evening breeze.
+
+The beautiful gardens of the Triana were still deserted, save by
+two persons. One of these, a young lad--we beg pardon, a young
+gentleman--of fifteen or sixteen, sat, or rather reclined, by the
+river-side, eating slices from an enormous melon, which he cut with a
+small silver-hilted dagger. A plumed cap, and a gay velvet jerkin lined
+with satin, had been thrown aside for coolness sake, and lay near him
+on the ground; so that his present dress consisted merely of a mass
+of the finest white holland, delicately starched and frilled, velvet
+hosen, long silk stockings, and fashionable square-toed shoes. Curls
+of scented hair were thrown back from a face beautiful as that of a
+girl, but bold and insolent in its expression as that of a spoiled and
+mischievous boy.
+
+The other person was seated in the arbour mentioned once before, with
+a book in his hand, of which, however, he did not in the course of
+an hour turn over a single leaf. A look of chronic discontent and
+dejection had replaced the good-humoured smiles of Fray Sebastian
+Gomez. Everything was wrong with the poor Franciscan now. Even the
+delicacies of his patron's table ceased to please him; and he, in his
+turn, was fast ceasing to please his patron. How could it be otherwise,
+when he had lost not only his happy art of indirect ingenious flattery,
+but his power to be commonly agreeable or amusing? No more poems--not
+so much as the briefest sonnet--on the suppression of heresy were to be
+had from him; and he was fast becoming incapable of turning a jest or
+telling a story.
+
+It is said that idiots often manifest peculiar pain and terror at the
+sound of music, because it awakens within them faint stirrings of that
+higher life from which God's mysterious dispensation has shut them out.
+And it is true that the first stirrings of higher life usually come
+to all of us with pain and terror. Moreover, if we do not crush them
+out, but cherish and foster them, they are very apt to take away the
+brightness and pleasantness of the old lower life altogether, and to
+make it seem worthless and distasteful.
+
+A new and higher life had begun for Fray Sebastian. It was not his
+conscience that was quickened, only his heart. Hitherto he had
+chiefly cared for himself. He was a good-natured man, in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term; yet no sympathy for others had ever spoiled
+his appetite or hindered his digestion. But for the past three months
+he had been feeling as he had not felt since he clung weeping to the
+mother who left him in the parlour of the Franciscan convent--a child
+of eight years old. The patient suffering face of the young prisoner in
+the Triana had laid upon him a spell that he could not break.
+
+To say that he would have done anything in his power to save Don
+Carlos, is to say little. Willingly would he have lived for a month
+on black bread and brackish water, if that could have even mitigated
+his fate. But the very intensity of his desire to help him was fast
+making him incapable of rendering him the smallest service. Munebraga's
+flatterer and favourite might possibly, by dint of the utmost
+self-possession and the most adroit management, have accomplished some
+little good. But Fray Sebastian was now consciously forfeiting even the
+miserable fragment of power that had once been his. He thought himself
+like the salt that had lost its savour, and was fit neither for the
+land nor yet for the dunghill.
+
+Absorbed in his mournful reflections, he continued unconscious of the
+presence of such an important personage as Don Alonzo de Munebraga, the
+Lord Vice-Inquisitor's favourite page. At length, however, he was made
+aware of the fact by a loud angry shout, "Off with you, varlets, scum
+of the people! How dare you put your accursed fishing-smack to shore in
+my lord's garden, and under his very eyes?"
+
+Fray Sebastian looked up, and saw no fishing-boat, but a decent
+covered barge, from which, in spite of the page's remonstrance, two
+persons were landing: an elderly female clad in deep mourning, and her
+attendant, apparently a tradesman's apprentice, or serving-man.
+
+Fray Sebastian knew well how many distracted petitioners daily sought
+access to Munebraga, to plead (alas, how vainly!) for the lives of
+parents, husbands, sons, or daughters. This was doubtless one of them.
+He heard her plead, "For the love of Heaven, dear young gentleman,
+hinder me not. Have you a mother? My only son lies--"
+
+"Out upon thee, woman!" interrupted the page; "and the foul fiend take
+thee and thy only son together."
+
+"Hush, Don Alonzo!" Fray Sebastian interposed, coming forward towards
+the spot; and perhaps for the first time in his life there was
+something like dignity in his tone and manner. "You must be aware,
+senora," he said, turning to the woman, "that the right of using
+this landing-place is restricted to my lord's household. You will be
+admitted at the gate of the Triana, if you present yourself at a proper
+hour."
+
+"Alas! good father, once and again have I sought admission to my lord's
+presence. I am the unhappy mother of Luis D'Abrego, he who used to
+paint and illuminate the church missals so beautifully. More than a
+year agone they tore him from me, and carried him away to yonder tower,
+and since then, so help me the good God, never a word of him have I
+heard. Whether he is living or dead, this day I know not."
+
+"Oh, a Lutheran dog! Serve him right," cried the page. "I hope they
+have put him on the pulley."
+
+Fray Sebastian turned suddenly, and dealt the lad a stinging blow
+on the side of his face. To the latest hour of his life this act of
+passion remained incomprehensible to himself. He could only ascribe it
+to the direct agency of the evil one. "I was tempted by the Devil," he
+would say with a sigh, "Vade retro me, Satana."
+
+Crimson to the roots of his perfumed hair, the boy sought his dagger.
+"Vile caitiff! beggarly trencher-scraping Franciscan!" he cried, "you
+shall repent of this."
+
+But apparently changing his mind the next moment, he allowed the dagger
+to drop from his hand, and snatching up his jerkin, ran at full speed
+towards the house.
+
+Fray Sebastian crossed himself, and gazed after him bewildered; his
+unwonted passion dying as suddenly as it had flamed up, and giving
+place to fear.
+
+Meanwhile the mother of Abrego, to whom it did not occur that the
+buffet bestowed on the page could have any serious consequences,
+resumed her pleadings. "Your reverence seems to have a heart that can
+feel for the unhappy," she said. "For Heaven's sake refuse not the
+prayer of the most unhappy woman in the world. Only let me see his
+lordship--let me throw myself at his feet and tell him the whole truth.
+My poor lad had nothing at all to do with the Lutherans; he was a good,
+true Christian, and an old one, like all his family."
+
+"Nay, nay, my good woman; I fear I can do nothing to help you. And I
+entreat of you to leave this place, else some of my lord's household
+are sure to come and compel you. Ay, there they are."
+
+It was true enough. Don Alonzo, as he ran through the porch, shouted to
+the numerous idle attendants who were lounging about, and some of them
+immediately rushed out into the garden.
+
+In justice to Fray Sebastian, it must be recorded, that before he
+consulted for his personal safety, he led the poor woman back to the
+barge, and saw her depart in it. Then he made good his own retreat,
+going straight to the lodging of Don Juan Alvarez.
+
+He found Juan lying asleep on a settle. The day was hot; he had nothing
+to do; and, moreover, the fiery energy of his southern blood was dashed
+by the southern taint of occasional torpor. Starting up suddenly, and
+seeing Fray Sebastian standing before him with a look of terror, he
+asked in alarm, "Any tidings, Fray? Speak--tell me quickly."
+
+"None, Senor Don Juan. But I must leave this place at once." And the
+friar briefly narrated the scene that had just taken place, adding
+mournfully, "Ay de mi! I cannot tell what came over me--_me_, the
+mildest tempered man in all the Spains!"
+
+"And what of all that?" asked Juan rather contemptuously. "I see
+nothing to regret, save that you did not give the insolent lad what he
+deserved, a sound beating."
+
+"But, Senor Don Juan, you don't understand," gasped the poor friar. "I
+must fly immediately. If I stay here over to-night I shall find myself
+before the morning--_there_." And with a significant gesture he pointed
+to the grim fortress that loomed above them.
+
+"Nonsense. They cannot suspect a man of heresy, even _de levi_,[25] for
+boxing the ear of an impudent serving-lad."
+
+    [25] Lightly.
+
+"Ay, and can they not, your worship? Do you not know that the gardener
+of the Triana has lain for many a weary month in one of those dismal
+cells; and all for the grave offence of snatching a reed out of the
+hand of one of my lord's lackeys so roughly as to make it bleed?"[26]
+
+    [26] A fact.
+
+"Truly? Now are things come to a strange pass in our free and royal
+land of Spain! A beggarly upstart, such as this Munebraga, who could
+not, to save himself from the rack, tell you the name of his own
+great-grandfather, drags the sons and brothers--ay, and God help us!
+the wives and daughter--of our knights and nobles to the dungeon and
+the stake before our eyes. And it is not enough for him to set his
+own heel on our necks. His minions--his very grooms and pages--must
+lord it over us, and woe to him who dares to chastise their insolence.
+Nathless, I would feel it a comfort to make every bone in that urchin's
+body ache soundly. I have a mind--but this is folly. I believe you are
+right, Fray. You should go."
+
+"Moreover," said the friar mournfully, "I am doing no good here."
+
+"No one can do good now," returned Juan, in a tone of deep dejection.
+"And to-day the last blow has fallen. The poor woman who showed him
+kindness, and sometimes told us how he fared, is herself a prisoner."
+
+"What! she has been discovered?"
+
+"Even so: and with those fiends mercy is the greatest of all crimes.
+The child met me to-day (whether by accident or design, I know not),
+and told me, weeping bitterly."
+
+"God help her!"
+
+"Some would gladly endure her punishment if they might commit her
+crime," said Don Juan. There was a pause; then he resumed, "I had been
+about to ask you to apply once more to the prior."
+
+Fray Sebastian shook his head. "That were of no use," he said; "for it
+is certain that my lord the Vice-Inquisitor and the prior have had a
+misunderstanding about the matter. And the prior, so far from obtaining
+permission to deal with him as he desired, is not even allowed to see
+him now."
+
+"And yourself?--whither do you mean to go?" asked Juan, rather abruptly.
+
+"In sooth, I know not, senor. I have had no time to think. But go I
+must."
+
+"I will tell you what to do. Go to Nuera. There for the present you
+will be safe. And if any man inquire your business, you have a fair and
+ready answer. _I_ send you to look after my affairs. Stay; I will write
+by you to Dolores. Poor, true-hearted Dolores!" Don Juan seemed to fall
+into a reverie, so long did he sit motionless, his face shaded by his
+hand.
+
+His mournful air, his unwonted listlessness, his attenuated frame--all
+struck Fray Sebastian painfully. After musing a while in silence, he
+said at last, very suddenly, "Senor Don Juan!"
+
+Juan looked up.
+
+"Have you ever thought since on the message _he_ sent you by me?"
+
+Don Juan looked as though that question were worse than needless. Was
+not every word of his brother's message burned into his heart? This
+it was: "My Ruy, thou hast done all for me that the best of brothers
+could. Leave me now to God, unto whom I am going quickly, and in peace.
+Quit the country as soon as thou canst; and God's best blessings
+surround thy path and guard thee evermore."
+
+One fact Carlos had most earnestly entreated Fray Sebastian to withhold
+from his brother. Juan must never know that he had endured the horrors
+of the Question. The monk would have promised almost anything that
+could bring a glow of pleasure to that pale, patient face. And he had
+kept his promise, though at the expense of a few falsehoods, that did
+not greatly embarrass his conscience. He had conveyed the impression
+to Don Juan that it was merely from the effects of his long and cruel
+imprisonment that his brother was sinking into the only refuge that
+remained to him--a quiet grave.
+
+After a pause, he resumed, looking earnestly at Juan--"_He_ wished you
+to go."
+
+"Do you not know that next month they say there will be--_an Auto_?"
+
+"Yes; but it is not likely--"
+
+They gazed at each other in silence, neither saying _what_ was not
+likely.
+
+"Any horror is _possible_," said Juan at last. "But no more of this.
+Until after the Auto, with its chances of _some_ termination to this
+dreadful suspense, I stir not from Seville. Now, we must think for you.
+I know where to find a boat, the owner of which will take you some
+miles on your way up the river to-night. Then you can hire a horse."
+
+Fray Sebastian groaned. Neither the journey itself, its cause, nor its
+manner were anything but disagreeable to the poor friar. But there was
+no help for him. Juan gave him some further directions about his way;
+then set food and wine before him.
+
+"Eat and drink," he said. "Meanwhile I will secure the boat. When I
+return, I can write to Dolores."
+
+All was done as he planned; and ere the morning broke, Fray Sebastian
+was far on his way to Nuera, with the letter to Dolores stitched into
+the lining of his doublet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XXXV.
+
+                         The Eve of the Auto.
+
+  "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth
+  He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon
+     him.
+  He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope."
+
+                                       LAMENTATIONS iii, 27-29.
+
+
+On the 21st of September 1559, all Seville wore a festive appearance.
+The shops were closed, and the streets were filled with idle loiterers
+in their gay holiday apparel. For it was the eve of the great
+Auto, and the preliminary ceremonies were going forward amidst the
+admiration of gazing thousands. Two stately scaffolds, in the form of
+an amphitheatre, had been erected in the great square of the city,
+then called the Square of St. Francis; and thither, when the work was
+completed, flags and crosses were borne in solemn procession, with
+music and singing.
+
+But a still more significant ceremonial was enacted in another place.
+Outside the walls, on the Prado San Sebastian, stood the ghastly
+Quemadero--the great altar upon which, for generations, men had offered
+human sacrifices to the God of peace and love. Thither came long files
+of barefooted friars, carrying bushes and faggots, which they laid in
+order on the place of death, while, in sweet yet solemn tones, they
+chanted the "Miserere" and "De Profundis."
+
+Very close together on those festive days were "strong light and deep
+shadow." But our way leads us, for the present, into the light. Turning
+away from the Square of St. Francis, and the Prado San Sebastian, we
+enter a cool upper room in the stately mansion of Don Garcia Ramirez.
+There, in the midst of gold and gems, and of silk and lace, Dona Inez
+is standing, busily engaged in the task of selecting the fairest
+treasures of her wardrobe to grace the grand festival of the following
+day. Dona Beatriz de Lavella, and the young waiting-woman who had been
+employed in the vain though generous effort to save Don Carlos, are
+both aiding her in the choice.
+
+"Please your ladyship," said the girl, "I should recommend rose colour
+for the basquina. Then, with those beautiful pearls, my lord's late
+gift, my lady will be as fine as a duchess; of whom, I hear, many will
+be there.--But what will Senora Dona Beatriz please to wear?"
+
+"I do not intend to go, Juanita," said Dona Beatriz, with a little
+embarrassment.
+
+"Not intend to go!" cried the girl, crossing herself in surprise. "Not
+go to see the grandest sight there has been in Seville for many a year!
+Worth a hundred bull-feasts! Ay de mi! what a pity!"
+
+"Juanita," interposed her mistress, "I think I hear the senorita's
+voice in the garden. It is far too hot for her to be out of doors.
+Oblige me by bringing her in at once."
+
+As soon as the attendant was gone, Dona Inez turned to her cousin. "It
+is really most unreasonable of Don Juan," she said, "to keep you shut
+up here, whilst all Seville is making holiday."
+
+"I am glad--I have no heart to go forth," said Dona Beatriz, with a
+quivering lip.
+
+"Nor have I too much, for that matter. My poor brother is so weak
+and ill to-day, it grieves me to the heart. Moreover, he is still so
+thoughtless about his poor soul. That is the worst of all. I never
+cease praying Our Lady to bring him to a better mind. If he would only
+consent to see a priest; but he was ever obstinate. And if I urge the
+point too strongly, he will think I suppose him dying."
+
+"I thought his health had improved since you had him brought over here."
+
+"Certainly he is happier here than he was in his father's house. But
+of late he seems to me to be sinking, and that quickly. And now, the
+Auto--"
+
+"What of that?" asked Dona Beatriz, with a quick look, half suspicious
+and half frightened.
+
+Dona Inez closed the door carefully, and drew nearer to her cousin.
+"They say _she_ will be amongst the relaxed,"[27] she whispered.
+
+    [27] Those delivered over to the secular arm--that is, to death.
+
+"Does he know it?" asked Beatriz.
+
+"I fear he suspects something; and what to tell him, or not to tell
+him, I know not--Our Lady help me! Ay de mi! 'Tis a horrible business
+from beginning to end. And the last thing--the arrest of the sister,
+Dona Juana! A duke's daughter--a noble's bridge. But--best be silent.
+
+  'Con el re e la Inquisicion,
+   Chiton! Chiton!'"[28]
+
+    [28]
+
+    "With the King or the Inquisition,
+     Hush! Hush!"
+
+    _A Spanish Proverb._
+
+Thus, only in a few hurried words, spoken with 'bated breath, did Dona
+Inez venture to allude to the darkest and saddest of the horrible
+tragedies in that time of horrors. Nor shall we do more.
+
+"Still, you know, amiga mia," she continued, "one must do like one's
+neighbours. It would be so ridiculous to look gloomy on a festival day.
+Besides, every one would talk."
+
+"That is why I say I am glad Don Juan made it his prayer to me that I
+would not go. For not to look sorrowful, when thy father, Don Manuel,
+and my aunt, Dona Katarina, are both doing their utmost to drive me out
+of my senses, would be past my power."
+
+"Have they been urging the suit of Senor Luis upon thee again? My poor
+Beatriz, I am truly sorrow for thee," said Dona Inez, with genuine
+sympathy.
+
+"Urging it again!" Beatriz repeated with flashing eyes. "Nay; but they
+have never ceased to urge it. And they spare not to say such wicked,
+cruel words. They tell me Don Juan is dishonoured by his brother's
+crime. Dishonoured, forsooth! Think of dishonour touching him! After
+the day of St. Quentin, the Duke of Savoy was not of that mind, nor our
+Catholic King himself. And they have the audacity to say that I can
+easily get absolved of my troth to him. Absolved of a solemn promise
+made in the sight of God and of Our Lady, and all the holy Saints! If
+_that_ be not heresy, as bad as--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Dona Inez. "These are dangerous subjects. Moreover,
+I hear some one knocking at the door."
+
+It proved to be a page bearing a message.
+
+"If it please Dona Beatriz de Lavella, Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos
+y Menaya kisses the senora's feet, and most humbly desires the favour
+of an audience."
+
+"I go," said Beatriz.
+
+"Request Senor Don Juan to have the goodness to untire himself a
+little, and bring his Excellency fruit and wine," added Dona Inez. "My
+cousin," she said, turning to Beatriz as soon as the page left the
+room, "do you not know your cheeks are all aflame? Don Juan will think
+we have quarrelled. Rest you here a minute, and let me bathe them for
+you with this water of orange-flowers."
+
+Beatriz submitted, though reluctantly, to her cousin's good offices.
+While she performed them she whispered, "And be not so downcast, amiga
+mia. There is a remedy for most troubles. And as for yours, I see not
+why Don Juan himself should not save you out of them once for all." She
+added, in a whisper, two or three words that more than undid all the
+benefit which the cheeks of Beatriz might otherwise have derived from
+the application of the fragrant water.
+
+"No use," was the agitated reply. "Even were it possible, _they_ would
+not permit it."
+
+"You can come to visit me. Then trust me to manage the rest. The truth
+is, amiga mia," Dona Inez continued hurriedly, as she smoothed her
+cousin's dark glossy hair, "what between sickness, and quarrelling, and
+the Faith, and heresy, and prisons, there is so much trouble in the
+world that no one can help, it seems a pity not to help all one can. So
+you may tell Don Juan that if Dona Inez can do him a good turn she will
+not be found wanting. There, I despair of your cheeks. Yet I must allow
+that their crimson becomes you well. But you would rather hear that
+from Don Juan's lips than from mine. Go to him, my cousin." And with a
+parting kiss Beatriz was dismissed.
+
+But if she expected any flattery that day from the lips of Don Juan,
+she was disappointed. His heart was far too sorrowful. He had merely
+come to tell his betrothed what he intended to do on the morrow--that
+dreadful morrow! "I have secured a station," he said, "from whence
+I can watch the whole procession, as it issues from the gate of the
+Triana. If _he_ is there, I shall dare everything for a last look and
+word. And a desperate man is seldom baffled. If even his dust is there,
+I shall stand beside it till all is over. If not--" Here he broke off,
+leaving his sentence unfinished, as if in that case it did not matter
+what he did.
+
+Just then Dona Inez entered. After customary salutations, she said, "I
+have a request to make of you, my cousin, on the part of my brother,
+Don Gonsalvo. He desires to see you for a few moments."
+
+"Senora my cousin, I am very much at your service, and at his."
+
+Juan was accordingly conducted to the upper room where Gonsalvo lay.
+And at the special request of the sick man, they were left alone
+together.
+
+He stretched out a wasted hand to his cousin, who took it in silence,
+but with a look of compassion. For it needed only a glance at his face
+to show that death was there.
+
+"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.
+
+"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."
+
+"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask.
+Tell me the names of any of the--the _victims_ that have come to your
+knowledge."
+
+"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I
+succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst
+them."
+
+"Tell me--has rumour named in your hearing--Dona Maria de Xeres y
+Bohorques?"
+
+Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Dona Inez had but recently
+confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation,
+though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."
+
+Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great
+silence.
+
+Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth,
+he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."
+
+"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well--for
+her."
+
+"A brave word, bravely spoken."
+
+"Nigh upon eighteen months--long slow months of grief and pain. All
+ended now. To-morrow night she will see the glory of God."
+
+There was another long pause. At last Juan said,--
+
+"Perhaps, if you could, you would gladly share her fate?"
+
+Gonsalvo half raised himself, and a flush overspread the wan face that
+already wore the ashy hue of approaching death. "Share _that_ fate?" he
+cried, with an eagerness contrasting strangely with his former slow and
+measured utterance. "Change with _them_? Ask the beggar, who sits all
+day at the King's gate, waiting for his dole of crumbs, would he gladly
+change with the King's children, when he sees the golden gate flung
+open before them, and watches them pass in robed and crowned, to the
+presence-chamber of the King himself."
+
+"Your faith is greater than mine," said Juan in surprise.
+
+"In one way, yes," replied Gonsalvo, sinking back, and resuming his
+low, quiet tone. "For the beggar dares to hope that the King has looked
+with pity even on _him_."
+
+"You do well to hope in the mercy of God."
+
+"Cousin, do you know what my life has been?"
+
+"I think I do."
+
+"I am past disguise now. Standing on the brink of the grave, I dare
+speak the truth, though it be to my own shame. There was no evil, no
+sin--stay, I will sum up all in one word. _One_ pure, blameless life--a
+man's life, too--I have watched from day to day, from childhood to
+manhood. All that your brother Don Carlos was, I was not; all he was
+not, I was."
+
+"Yet you once thought that life incomplete, unmanly," said Juan,
+remembering the taunts that in past days had so often aroused his wrath.
+
+"I was a fool. It is just retribution that I--I who called him
+coward--should see him march in there triumphant, with the palm of
+victory in his hand. But let me end; for I think it is the last time
+I shall speak of myself in any human ear. I sowed to the flesh, and
+of the flesh I have reaped--_corruption_. It is an awful word, Don
+Juan. All the life in me turned to death; all the good in me (what God
+meant for good, such as force, fire, passion) turned to evil. What
+availed it me that I loved a star in heaven--a bright, lonely, distant
+star--while I was earthy, of the earth? Because I could not (and thank
+God for that!) pluck down my star from the sky and hold it in my hand,
+even that love became corruption too. I fulfilled my course, the
+earthly grew sensual, the sensual grew devilish. And then God smote me,
+though not then for the first time. The stroke of his hand was heavy.
+My heart was crushed, my frame left powerless." He paused for a while,
+then slowly resumed. "The stroke of his hand, your brother's words,
+your brother's book--by these he taught me. There is deliverance even
+from the bondage of corruption, through him who came to call not the
+righteous, but sinners. One day--and that soon--I, even I, shall kneel
+at his feet, and thank him for saving the lost. And then I shall see my
+star, shining far above me in his glorious heaven, and be content and
+glad."
+
+"God has been very gracious to you, my cousin," said Juan in a tone
+of emotion. "And what he has cleansed I dare not call common. Were my
+brother here to-day, I think he would stretch out to you the right
+hand, not of forgiveness, but of fellowship. I have told you how he
+longed for your soul."
+
+"God can fulfil more desires of his than that, Don Juan, and I doubt
+not he will. What know we of his dealings? we who all these dreary
+months have been mourning for and pitying his prisoners, to-morrow to
+be his crowned and sainted martyrs? It were a small thing with him
+to flood the dungeon's gloom with light, and give--even here, even
+now--all their hearts long for to those who suffer for him."
+
+Juan was silent. Truly the last was first, and the first last now.
+Gonsalvo had reached some truths which were still far beyond _his_ ken.
+He did not know how their seed had been sown in his heart by his own
+brother's hand. At length he answered, in a low and faltering voice,
+"There is much in what you say. Fray Sebastian told me--"
+
+"Ay," cried Gonsalvo eagerly, "what did Fray Sebastian tell you of
+_him_?"
+
+"That he found him in perfect peace, though ill and weak in body. It is
+my hope that God himself has delivered him ere now out of their cruel
+hands. And I ought to tell you that he spoke of all his relatives with
+affection, and made special inquiry after your health."
+
+Gonsalvo said quietly, "It is likely I shall see him before you."
+
+Juan sighed. "To-morrow will reveal something," he said.
+
+"Many things, perhaps," Gonsalvo returned. "Well--Dona Beatriz waits
+you now. There is no poison in that wine, though it be of an earthly
+vintage; and God himself puts the cup in your hand; so take it, and be
+comforted. Yet stay; have you patience for one word more?"
+
+"For a thousand, if you will, my cousin."
+
+"I know that in heart you share his--_our_ faith."
+
+Juan shrank a little from his gaze.
+
+"Of course," he replied, "I have been obliged to conceal my opinions;
+and, indeed, of late all things have seemed to grow dim and uncertain
+with me. Sometimes, in my heart of hearts, I cannot tell what truth is."
+
+"'He came not to call the righteous, but sinners,'" said Gonsalvo. "And
+the sinner who has heard his call _must_ believe, let others doubt as
+they may. Thank God, the sinner may not only believe, but love. Yes;
+in that the beggar at the gate may take his stand beside the king's
+children unreproved. Even I dare to say, 'Lord, thou knowest all
+things; thou knowest that I love thee.' Only to them it is given to
+prove it; while I--ay, there was the bitter thought. Long it haunted
+me. At last I prayed that if indeed he deigned to accept me, all sinful
+as I was, he would give me for a sign something to do, to suffer, or to
+give up, whereby I might prove my love."
+
+"And did he hear you?"
+
+"Yes. He showed me one thing harder to give up than life; one thing
+harder to do than to brave the torture and the death of fire."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+Once more Gonsalvo veiled his face. Then he murmured--"Harder to give
+up--vengeance, hatred; harder to do--to pray for _their_ murderers."
+
+"_I_ could never do it," said Juan, starting.
+
+"And if at last--at last--_I_ can,--I, whose anger was fierce, and
+whose wrath was cruel, even unto death,--is not that His own work in
+me?"
+
+Juan half turned away, and did not answer immediately. In his heart
+many thoughts were struggling. Far, indeed, was he from praying for his
+brother's murderers; almost as far from wishing to do it. Rather would
+he invoke God's vengeance upon them. Had Gonsalvo, in the depths of his
+misery, remorse, and penitence, actually found something which Don Juan
+Alvarez still lacked? He said at last, with a humility new and strange
+to him,--
+
+"My cousin, you are nearer heaven than I."
+
+"As to time--yes," said Gonsalvo, with a faint smile. "Now farewell,
+cousin; and thank you."
+
+"Can I do nothing more for you?"
+
+"Yes; tell my sister that I know all. Now, God bless you, and deliver
+you from the evils that beset your path, and bring you and yours to
+some land where you may worship him in peace and safety."
+
+And so the cousins parted, never to meet again upon earth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVI.
+
+             "The Horrible and Tremendous Spectacle."[29]
+
+                                    "All have passed:
+  The fearful, and the desperate, and the strong.
+  Some like the barque that rushes with the blast;
+  Some like the leaf borne tremblingly along;
+  And some like men who have but one more field
+  To fight, and then may slumber on their shield--
+  Therefore they arm in hope."
+
+                                                  HEMANS.
+
+
+At earliest dawn next morning, Juan established himself in an upper
+room of one of the high houses which overlooked the gate of the Triana.
+He had hired it from the owners for the purpose, stipulating for sole
+possession and perfect loneliness.
+
+    [29] So called by the Inquisitor, De Pegna.
+
+At sunrise the great Cathedral bell tolled out solemnly, and all the
+bells in the city responded. Through the crowd, which had already
+gathered in the street, richly dressed citizens were threading their
+way on foot. He knew they were those who, out of zeal for the faith,
+had volunteered to act as _patrinos_, or god-fathers, to the prisoners,
+walking beside them in the procession. Amongst them he recognized his
+cousins, Don Manuel and Don Balthazar. They were all admitted into the
+castle by a private door.
+
+Ere long the great gate was flung open. Juan's eyes were rivetted to
+the spot. There was a sound of singing, sweet and low, as of childish
+voices; for the first to issue from those gloomy portals were the
+boys of the College of Doctrine, dressed in white surplices, and
+chanting litanies to the saints. Clear and full at intervals rose from
+their lips the "Ora pro nobis" of the response; and tears gathered
+unconsciously in the eyes of Juan at the old familiar words.
+
+In great contrast with the white-robed children came the next in
+order. Juan drew his breath hard, for here were the penitents:
+pale, melancholy faces, "ghastly and disconsolate beyond what can
+be imagined;"[30] forms clothed in black, without sleeves, and
+barefooted--hands carrying extinguished tapers.
+
+    [30] Report of De Pegna.
+
+Those who walked foremost in the procession had only been convicted
+of such _minor_ offences as blasphemy, sorcery, or polygamy. But
+by-and-by there came others, wearing ugly sanbenitos--yellow, with red
+crosses--and conical paper mitres on their heads. Juan's eye kindled
+with intenser interest; for he knew that these were Lutherans. Not
+without a wild dream--hope, perhaps--that the near approach of death
+might have subdued his brother's fortitude, did he scan in turn every
+mournful face. There was Luis D'Abrego, the illuminator of church
+books; there, walking long afterwards, as far more guilty, was Medel
+D'Espinosa, the dealer in embroidery, who had received the Testaments
+brought by Juliano. There were many others of much higher rank, with
+whom he was well acquainted. Altogether more than eighty in number, the
+long and melancholy train swept by, every man or woman attended by two
+monks and a patrino. But Carlos was not amongst them.
+
+Then came the great Cross of the Inquisition; the face turned towards
+the penitent, the back to the _impenitent_--those devoted to the death
+of fire. And now Juan's breath came and went--his lips trembled; all
+his soul was in his eager, straining eyes. Now first he saw the hideous
+zamarra--a black robe, painted all over with saffron-coloured flames,
+into which devils and serpents, rudely represented, were thrusting
+the impenitent heretic. A paper crown, or carroza, similarly adorned,
+covered the victim's head. But the face of the wearer was unknown
+to Juan. He was a poor artizan--Juan de Leon by name--who had made
+his escape by flight, but had been afterwards apprehended in the
+Low Countries. Torture and cruel imprisonment had almost killed him
+already; but his heart was strong to suffer for the Lord he loved, and
+though the pallor of death was on his cheek, there was no fear there.
+
+But the countenances of those that followed Juan knew too well. Never
+afterwards could he exactly recall the order in which they walked; yet
+every individual face stamped itself indelibly on his memory. He would
+carry those looks in his heart until his dying hour.
+
+No less than four of the victims wore the white tunic and brown mantle
+of St. Jerome. One of these was an old man--leaning on his staff for
+very age, but with joy and confidence beaming in his countenance. The
+white locks, from which Garcias Arias had gained the name of Doctor
+Blanco, had been shorn away; but Juan easily recognized the waverer of
+past days, now strengthened with all might, according to the glorious
+power of Him whom at last he had learned to trust. The accomplished
+Cristobal D'Arellano, and Fernando de San Juan, Master of the College
+of Doctrine, followed calm and dauntless. Steadfast, too, though not
+without a little natural shrinking from the doom of fire, was a mere
+youth--Juan Crisostomo.
+
+Then came one clad in a doctor's robe, with the step of at conqueror
+and the mien of a king. As he issued from the Triana he chanted, in a
+clear and steady voice, the words of the Hundred and ninth Psalm: "Hold
+not thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the ungodly, yea,
+the mouth of the deceitful, is opened upon me: and they have spoken
+against me with false tongues. They compassed me about also with words
+of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.... Help me, O Lord
+my God: O save me according to thy mercy; and they shall know how that
+this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it. Though they
+curse, yet bless thou." So died away the voice of Juan Gonsalez, one of
+the noblest of Christ's noble band of witnesses in Spain.
+
+All these were arrayed in the garments of their ecclesiastical
+orders, to be solemnly degraded on the scaffold in the Square of St.
+Francis. But there followed one already in the full infamy, or glory,
+of the zamarra and carroza, with painted flames and demons;--with a
+thrill of emotion, Juan recognized his friend and teacher, Cristobal
+Losada--looking calm and fearless--a hero marching to his last battle,
+conquering and to conquer.
+
+Yet even that face soon faded from Juan's thoughts. For there walked
+in that gloomy death procession _six_ females--persons of rank; nearly
+all of them young and beautiful, but worn by imprisonment, and more
+than one amongst them maimed by torture. Yet if man was cruel, Christ,
+for whom they suffered, was pitiful. Their countenances, calm and
+even radiant, revealed the hidden power by which they were sustained.
+Their names--which deserve a place beside those of the women of old
+who were last at his cross and first beside his open sepulchre--were,
+Dona Isabella de Baena, in whose house the church was wont to meet;
+the two sisters of Juan Gonsalez; Dona Maria de Virves; Dona Maria de
+Cornel; and, last of all, Dona Maria de Bohorques, whose face shone
+as the first martyr's, looking up into heaven. She alone, of all the
+female martyr band, appeared wearing the gag, an honour due to her
+heroic efforts to console and sustain her companions in the court of
+the Triana.
+
+Juan's brave heart well-nigh burst with impotent, indignant anguish.
+"Ay de mi, my Spain!" he cried; "thou seest these things, and endurest
+them. Lucifer, son of the morning, thou art fallen--fallen from thy
+high place amongst the nations."
+
+It was true. From the man, or nation, "that hath not," shall be taken
+"even that which he seemeth to have." Had the spirit of chivalry,
+Spain's boast and pride, been faithful to its own dim light, it might
+even then have saved Spain. But its light became darkness; its trust
+was betrayed into the hand of superstition. Therefore, in the just
+judgment of God, its own degradation quickly followed. Spain's chivalry
+lost gradually all that was genuine, all that was noble in it; until it
+became only a faint and ghastly mockery, a sign of corruption, like the
+phosphoric light that flickers above the grave.
+
+Absorbed in his bitter thoughts, Juan well-nigh missed the last of the
+doomed ones--last because highest in worldly rank. Sad and slow, with
+eyes bent down, Don Juan Ponce de Leon walked along. The flames on his
+zamarra were reversed; poor symbol of the poor mercy for which he sold
+his joy and triumph and dimmed the brightness of his martyr crown. Yet
+surely he did not lose the glad welcome that awaited him at the close
+of that terrible day; nor the right to say, with the erring restored
+apostle, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."
+
+All the living victims had passed now. And Don Carlos Alvarez was not
+amongst them. Juan breathed a sigh of relief; but not yet did his
+straining eyes relax their gaze. For Rome's vengeance reached even to
+the grave. Next, there were borne along the statues of those who had
+died in heresy, robed in the hideous zamarra, and followed by black
+chests containing their bones to be burned.
+
+Not there!--No--not there! At last Juan's trembling hands let go the
+framework of the window to which they had been clinging; and, the
+intense strain over, he fell back exhausted.
+
+The stately pageant swept by, unwatched by him. He never saw, what
+all Seville was gazing on with admiration, the grand procession of
+the judges and counsellors of the city, in their robes of office; the
+chapter of the Cathedral; the long slow train of priests and monks that
+followed. And then, in a space left empty out of reverence, the great
+green standard of the Inquisition was borne aloft, and over it a gilded
+crucifix. Then came the Inquisitors themselves, in their splendid
+official dresses. And lastly, on horseback and in gorgeous apparel, the
+familiars of the Inquisition.
+
+It was well that Juan's eyes were turned from that sight. What avails
+it for lips white with passion to heap wild curses on the heads of
+those for whom God's curse already "waits in calm shadow," until
+the day of reckoning be fully come? Curses, after all, are weapons
+dangerous to use, and apt to pierce the hand that wields them.
+
+His first feeling was one of intense relief, almost of joy. He had
+escaped the maddening torture of seeing his brother dragged before
+his eyes to the death of anguish and shame. But to that succeeded the
+bitter thought, growing soon into full, mournful conviction, "I shall
+see his face no more on earth. He is dead--or dying."
+
+Yet that day the deep, strong current of his brotherly love was crossed
+by another tide of emotion. Those heroic men and women, whom he
+watched as they passed along so calmly to their doom, had he no bond
+of sympathy with them? Was it so long since he had pressed Losada's
+hand in grateful friendship, and thanked Dona Isabella de Baena for the
+teaching received beneath her roof? With a thrill of keen and sudden
+shame the gallant soldier saw himself a recreant, who had flaunted his
+gay uniform on the parade and at the field-day, but when the hour of
+conflict came, had stepped aside, and let the sword and the bullet find
+out braver and truer hearts.
+
+_He_ could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him
+but little to conceal it, to live in every respect like an orthodox
+Catholic. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled
+his young brother--the boy who used to weep for a blow--to stand and
+look fearless in the face of a horrible death. Something that enabled
+even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the
+murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXVII.
+
+                 Something Ended and Something Begun.
+
+  "O sweet and strange it is to think that ere this day is done,
+  The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun;
+  For ever and for ever with those just souls and true--
+  And what is life that we should mourn, why make we such ado?"
+
+                                                     TENNYSON.
+
+
+Late in the afternoon of that day, Dona Inez entered her sick brother's
+room. A glitter of silk, rose-coloured and black, of costly lace and
+of gems and gold, seemed to surround her. But as she threw aside the
+mantilla that partially shaded her face, and almost sank on a seat
+beside the bed, it was easy to see that she was very faint and weary,
+if not also very sick at heart.
+
+"Santa Maria! I am tired to death," she murmured. "The heat was
+killing; and the whole business interminably long."
+
+Gonsalvo gazed at her with eager eyes, as a man dying of thirst might
+gaze on one who holds a cup of water; but for a while he did not
+speak. At last he said, pointing to some wine that lay near, beside an
+untasted meal,--
+
+"Drink, then."
+
+"What, my brother!" said Dona Inez, reproachfully, "you have not
+touched food to-day! You--so ill and weak!"
+
+"I am a man--even still," said Gonsalvo with a little bitterness in his
+tone.
+
+Dona Inez drank, and for a few moments fanned herself in silence,
+distress and embarrassment in her face.
+
+At last Gonsalvo, who had never withdrawn his eager gaze, said in a low
+voice,--
+
+"Sister, remember your promise."
+
+"I am afraid--for you."
+
+"You need not," he gasped. "Only tell me _all_."
+
+Dona Inez passed her hand wearily across her brow.
+
+"Everything floats before me," she said. "What with the music, and
+the mass, and the incense; and the crosses, and banners, and gorgeous
+robes; and then the taking of the oaths, and the sermon of the faith."
+
+"Still--you kept my charge?"
+
+"I did, brother." She lowered her voice. "Hard as it was, I looked at
+_her_. If it comforts you to know that, all through that long day, her
+face was as calm as ever I have seen it listening to Fray Constantino's
+sermons, you may take that comfort to your heart. When her sentence had
+been read, she was asked to recant; and I heard her answer rise clear
+and distinct, 'I neither can nor will recant.' Ave Maria Sanctissima!
+it is all a great mystery."
+
+There was a silence, then she resumed,--
+
+"And Senor Cristobal Losada--" but the thought of the kind and skilful
+physician who had watched beside her own sick-bed, and brought back her
+babe from the gates of the grave, almost overcame her. Turning quickly
+to other victims, she went on--
+
+"There were four monks of St. Jerome. Think of the White Doctor, that
+every one believed so good a man, so pious and orthodox! Another of
+them, Fray Cristobal D'Arellano, was accused in his sentence of some
+wicked words against Our Lady which, it would seem, he never said. He
+cried out boldly, before them all, 'It is false! I never advanced such
+a blasphemy; and I am ready to prove the contrary with the Bible in my
+hand.' Every one seemed too much amazed even to think of ordering him
+to be gagged: and, for my part, I am glad the poor wretch had his word
+for the last time. I cannot help wishing they had equally forgotten
+to silence Doctor Juan Gonzales; for it does not appear that he was
+speaking any blasphemy, but merely a word of comfort to a poor pale
+girl, his sister, as they told me. Two of them are to die with him--God
+help them!--Holy Saints forgive me; I forgot we were told not to pray
+for them," and she crossed herself.
+
+"Does my sister really believe that compassionate word a sin in God's
+sight?"
+
+"How am I to know? I believe whatever the Church says, of course. And
+surely there is enough in these days to inspire us with a pious horror
+of heresy. _Pues_," she resumed, "there was that long and terrible
+ceremony of degrading from the priesthood. And yet that Gonsalez passed
+through it all as calm and unmoved as though he were but putting on
+his robes to say mass. His mother and his two brothers are still in
+prison, it is said, awaiting their doom. Of all the relaxed, I am told
+that only Don Juan Ponce de Leon showed any sign of penitence. For the
+sake of his noble house, one is glad to think he is not so hardened as
+the rest. Ay de mi! Whether it be right or wrong, I cannot help pitying
+their unhappy souls."
+
+"Pity your own soul, not theirs," said Gonsalvo. "For I tell you Christ
+himself, in all his glory and majesty, at the right hand of the Father,
+will _stand up_ to receive them this night, as he did to welcome St.
+Stephen long ago."
+
+"Oh, my poor brother, what dreadful words you speak! It is a mortal
+sin even to listen to you. Take thought, I implore you, of your own
+situation."
+
+"I _have_ taken thought," interrupted Gonsalvo, faintly. "But I can
+bear no more--just now. Leave me, I pray you, alone with God."
+
+"If you would even try to say an Ave!--But I fear you are
+ill--suffering. I do not like to leave you thus."
+
+"Do not heed me; I shall be better soon. And a vow is upon me that I
+must keep to-day." Once more he flung the wasted hand across his face
+to conceal it.
+
+Irresolute whether to go or stay, she stood for some minutes watching
+him silently. At length she caught a low murmur, and hoping that he
+prayed, she bent over him to hear. Only three words reached her ear.
+They were these--"Father, forgive them."
+
+After an interval, Gonsalvo looked up again. "I thought you were gone,"
+he said. "Go now, I entreat of you. But so soon as you know _the end_,
+spare not to come and tell me. For I wait for that."
+
+Thus entreated, Dona Inez had no choice but to leave him alone, which
+she did.
+
+Evening had worn to night, and night was beginning to wear towards
+daybreak, when at last Don Garcia Ramirez, and those of his servants
+who had accompanied him to the Prado San Sebastian to see the end,
+returned home.
+
+Dona Inez sat awaiting her husband in the patio. She looked pale and
+languid; apparently the great holiday of Seville had been anything but
+a joyful day to her.
+
+Don Garcia divested himself of his cloak and sword, and dismissed
+the servants to their beds. But when his wife invited him to partake
+of the supper she had prepared, he turned upon her with very unusual
+ill-humour. "It is little like thy wonted wit, senora mia, to bid a
+man to his breakfast at midnight," he said. Yet he drank deeply of the
+Xeres wine that stood on the board beside the venison pasty and the
+manchet bread.
+
+At last, after long patience, Dona Inez won from his lips what she
+desired to hear. "Oh yes; all is over. Our Lady defend us! I have never
+seen such obstinacy; nor could I have believed it possible unless I
+had seen it. The criminals encouraged each other to the very last.
+Those girls, the sisters of Gonsalez, repeated their Credo at the
+stake; whereupon the attendant Brethren entreated them to have so much
+pity on their own souls as to say, 'I believe in the _Roman_ Catholic
+Church.' They answered, 'We will do as our brother does.' So the gag
+was removed, and Doctor Juan cried aloud, 'Add nothing to the good
+confession you have made already.' But for all that, order was given
+to strangle them; and one of the friars told us they died in the true
+faith. I suppose it is not a sin to hope they did."
+
+After a pause, he continued, in a deeper tone, "Senor Cristobal amazed
+me as much as any of them. At the very stake, some of the Brethren
+undertook to argue with him. But seeing that we were all listening,
+and might hear somewhat to the hurt of our souls, they began to speak
+in the Latin tongue. Our physician immediately did the same. I am no
+scholar myself; but there were learned men there who marked every word,
+and one of them told me afterwards that the doomed man spoke with
+as much elegance and propriety as if he had been contending for an
+academic prize, instead of waiting for the lighting of the fire which
+was to consume him. This unheard-of calmness and composure, whence is
+it? The devil's own work, or"----he broke off suddenly and resumed
+in a different tone, "Senora mia, have you thought of the hour? In
+Heaven's name, let us to our beds!"
+
+"I cannot go to rest until you tell me one thing more. Dona Maria de
+Bohorques?"
+
+"Vaya, vaya! have we not had enough of it all?"
+
+"Nay; I have made a promise. I must entreat you to tell me how Dona
+Maria de Bohorques met her doom."
+
+"With unflinching hardihood. Don Juan Ponce tried to urge her to yield
+somewhat. But she refused, saying it was not now a time for reasoning,
+and that they ought rather to meditate on the Lord's death and passion.
+(They believe in _that_, it seems.) When she was bound to the stake,
+the monks and friars crowded round her, and pressed her only to repeat
+the Credo. She did so; but began to add some explanations, which, I
+suppose, were heretical. Then immediately the command was given to
+strangle her; and so, in one moment, while she was yet speaking, death
+came to her."
+
+"Then she did not suffer? She escaped the fire! Thank God!"
+
+Five minutes afterwards, Dona Inez stood by her brother's bed. He lay
+in the same posture, his face still shaded by his hand.
+
+"Brother," she said gently--"brother, all is over. She did not suffer.
+It was done in one moment."
+
+There was no answer.
+
+"Brother, are you not glad she did not feel the fire? Can you not thank
+God for it? Speak to me."
+
+Still no answer.
+
+He could not be asleep! Impossible!--"Speak to me,
+Gonsalvo!--_Brother!_"
+
+She drew close to him; she touched his hand to remove it from his face.
+The next moment a cry of horror rang through the house. It brought the
+servants and Don Garcia himself to the room.
+
+"He is dead! God and Our Lady have mercy on his soul!" said Don Garcia,
+after a brief examination.
+
+"If only he had had the Holy Sacrament, I could have borne it!" said
+Dona Inez; and then, kneeling down beside the couch, she wept bitterly.
+
+So passed the beggar with the King's sons, through the golden gate into
+the King's own presence-chamber. His wrecked and troublous life over,
+his passionate heart at rest for ever, the erring, repentant Gonsalvo
+found entrance into the same heaven as D'Arellano, and Gonsalez, and
+Losada, with their radiant martyr-crowns. In the many mansions there
+was a place for him, as for those heroic and triumphant ones. He wore
+the same robe as they--a robe washed and made white, not in the blood
+of martyrs, but in the blood of the Lamb.
+
+
+
+
+                               XXXVIII.
+
+                             Nuera Again.
+
+  "Happy places have grown holy;
+    If ye went where once ye went,
+  Only tears would fall down slowly,
+    As at solemn Sacrament.
+  Household names, that used to flutter
+    Through your laughter unawares,
+  God's divine one ye can utter
+    With less troubling in your prayers."
+
+                                E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+A chill and dreary torpor stole over Juan's fiery spirit after the
+Auto. The settled conviction that his brother was dead took possession
+of his mind. Moreover, his soul had lost its hold upon the faith which
+he once embraced so warmly. He had consciously ceased to be true to his
+best convictions, and those convictions, in turn, had ceased to support
+him. His confidence in himself, his trust in his own heart, had been
+shaken to its foundations. And he was very far from having gained in
+its stead that strong confidence in God which would have infinitely
+more than counterbalanced its loss.
+
+Thus two or three slow and melancholy months wore away. Then,
+fortunately for him, events happened that forced him, in spite of
+himself, to the exertion that saves from the deadly slumber of despair.
+It became evident, that if he did not wish to see the last earthly
+treasure that remained to him swept out of his reach for ever, he must
+rouse himself from his lethargy so far as to grasp and hold it; for
+now Don Manuel _commanded_ his ward to bestow her hand upon his rival,
+Senor Luis Rotelo.
+
+In her anguish and dismay, Beatriz fled for refuge to her kind-hearted
+cousin, Dona Inez.
+
+Dona Inez received her into her house, where she soothed and comforted
+her; and soon found means to despatch an "esquelita," or billet, to Don
+Juan, to the following effect:--"Dona Beatriz is here. Remember, my
+cousin, 'that a leap over a ditch is better than another man's prayer.'"
+
+To which Juan replied immediately:--
+
+"Senora and my cousin, I kiss your feet. Lend me a helping hand, and I
+take the leap."
+
+Dona Inez desired nothing better. Being a Spanish lady, she loved an
+intrigue for its own sake; being a very kindly disposed lady, she loved
+an intrigue for a benevolent object. With her active co-operation and
+assistance, and her husband's connivance, it was quickly arranged
+that Don Juan should carry off Dona Beatriz from their house to a
+little country chapel in the neighbourhood, where a priest would be
+in readiness to perform the solemn rite which should unite them for
+ever. Thence they were to proceed at once to Nuera, Don Juan disguising
+himself for the journey as the lady's attendant. Dona Inez did not
+anticipate that her father and brothers would take any hostile steps
+after the conclusion of the affair--glad though they might have been
+to prevent it--since there was nothing which they hated and dreaded so
+much as a public scandal.
+
+All Juan's latent fire and energy woke up again to meet the peril and
+to secure the prize. He was successful in everything; the plan had been
+well laid, and was well and promptly carried out. And thus it happened,
+that amidst December snows he bore his beautiful bride home to Nuera in
+triumph. If triumph it could be called, overcast by the ever-present
+memory of the one who "was not," which rested like a deep shadow upon
+all joy, and subdued and chastened it. Few things in life are sadder
+than a great, long-expected blessing coming thus;--like a friend from
+a foreign land whose return has been eagerly anticipated, but who,
+after years of absence, meets us changed in countenance and in heart,
+unrecognizing and unrecognized.
+
+Dolores welcomed her young master and his bride with affection and
+thankfulness. But he noticed that the dark hair, at the time of his
+last visit still only threaded with silver, had grown white as the
+mountain snows. In former days Dolores could not have told which of the
+noble youths, her lady's gallant sons, had been the dearer to her. But
+now she knew full well. Her heart was in the grave with the boy she had
+taken a helpless babe from his dying mother's arms. But, after all,
+_was_ he in the grave? This was the question which she asked herself
+day by day, and many times a day. She was not quite so sure of the
+answer as Senor Don Juan seemed to be. Since the day of the Auto, he
+had assumed all the outward signs of mourning for his brother.
+
+Fray Sebastian was also at Nuera, and proved a real help and comfort to
+its inmates. His very presence served to shield the household from any
+suspicions that might have been awakened with regard to their faith.
+For who could doubt the orthodoxy of Don Juan Alvarez, while he not
+only contributed liberally to the support of his parish church, but
+also kept a pious Franciscan in his family, in the capacity of private
+chaplain? Though it must be confessed that the Fray's duties were
+anything but onerous; now, as in former days, he showed himself a man
+fond of quiet, who for the most part held his peace, and let every one
+do what was right in his own eyes.
+
+He was now on far more cordial terms with Dolores than he had ever been
+before. This was partly because he had learned that worse physical
+evils than ollas of lean mutton, or cheese of goat's milk, _might_ be
+borne with patience, even with thankfulness. But partly also because
+Dolores now really tried to consult his tastes and to promote his
+comfort. Many a savoury dish "which the Fray used to like" did she
+trouble herself to prepare; many a flask of wine from their diminishing
+store did she gladly produce, "for the kind words that he spake to
+_him_ in his sorrow and loneliness."
+
+In spite of the depressing influences around her, Dona Beatriz could
+not but be very happy. For was not Don Juan hers, all her own, her own
+for ever? And with the zeal love inspires, and the skill love imparts,
+she applied herself to the task of brightening his darkened life. Not
+quite without effect. Even from that stern and gloomy brow the shadows
+at length began to roll away.
+
+Don Juan could not speak of his sorrow. For weeks indeed after his
+return to Nuera his brother's name did not pass his lips. Better had
+it been otherwise, both for himself and for Dolores. Her heart, aching
+with its own lonely anguish and its vague, dark surmisings, often
+longed to know her young master's true innermost thought about his
+brother's fate. But she did not dare to ask him.
+
+At last, however, this painful silence was partially broken through.
+One morning the old servant accosted her master with an air of some
+displeasure. It was in the inner room within the hall. Holding in her
+hand a little book, she said,--"May it please your Excellency to pardon
+my freedom, but it is not well done of you to leave this lying open on
+your table. I am a simple woman; still I am at no loss to know what and
+whence it is. If you will not destroy it, and cannot keep it safe and
+secret, I implore of your worship to give it to me."
+
+Juan held out his hand for it. "It is dearer to me than any earthly
+possession," he said briefly.
+
+"It had need to be dearer than your life, senor, if you mean to leave
+it about in that fashion."
+
+"I have lost the right to say so much," Juan answered.
+
+"And yet, Dolores--tell me, would it break your heart if I sold this
+place--you know it is mortgaged heavily already--and quitted the
+country?"
+
+Juan expected a start, if not a cry of surprise and dismay. That
+Alvarez de Menaya should sell the inheritance of his fathers seemed
+indeed a monstrous proposal. In the eyes of the world it would be an
+act of insanity, if not a crime. What then would it appear to one who
+loved the name of Santillanos y Menaya far better than her life?
+
+But the still face of Dolores never changed. "Nothing would break my
+heart _now_," she said calmly.
+
+"You would come with us?"
+
+She did not even ask _whither_. She did not care: all her thoughts were
+in the past.
+
+"That is of course, senor," she answered. "If I had but first assurance
+of _one_ thing."
+
+"Name it; and if I can assure you, I will."
+
+Instead of naming it she turned silently away. But presently turning
+again, she asked, "Will your Excellency please to tell me, is it that
+book that is driving you into exile?"
+
+"It is. I am bound to confess the truth before men; and that is
+impossible here."
+
+"But are you sure then that it is the truth?"
+
+"Sure. I have read God's message both in the darkness and in the light.
+I have seen it traced in characters of blood--and fire."
+
+"But--forgive the question, senor--does it make you happy?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Because, Senor Don Juan"--she spoke with an effort, but firmly, and
+fixing her eyes on his face--"he who gave you yon book found therein
+that which made him happy. I know it; he was here, and I watched him.
+When he came first, he was ill, or else very sorrowful, I know not
+why. But he learned from that book that God Almighty loved him, and
+that the Lord and Saviour Christ was his friend; and then his sorrow
+passed away, and his heart grew full of joy, so full that he must needs
+be telling me--ay, and even that poor dolt of a cura down there in
+the village--about the good news. And I think"--but here she stopped,
+frightened at her own boldness.
+
+"What think you?" asked Juan, with difficulty restraining his emotion.
+
+"Well, Senor Don Juan, I think that if that good news be true, it would
+not be so hard to suffer for it. Blessed Virgin! Could it be aught
+but joy to me, for instance, to lie in a dark dungeon, or even to be
+hanged or burned, if that could work out _his_ deliverance? There be
+worse things in the world than pain or prisons. For where there's
+love, senor---- Moreover, it comes upon me sometimes that the Lords
+Inquisitors may have mistaken his case. Wise and learned they may he,
+and good and holy they are, of course--'twere sin to doubt it--yet they
+_may_ mistake sometimes. 'Twas but the other day, my old eyes growing
+dim apace, that I took a blessed gleam of sunlight that had fallen on
+yon oak table for a stain, and set to work to rub it off; the Lord
+forgive me for meddling with one of the best of his works! And, for
+aught we know, just so may they be doing, mistaking God's light upon
+the soul for the devil's stain of heresy. But the sunlight is stronger
+than they, after all."
+
+"Dolores, you are half a Lutheran already yourself," answered Juan in
+surprise.
+
+"I, senor! The Lord forbid! I am an old Christian, and a good Catholic,
+and so I hope to die. But if you must hear all the truth, I would
+walk in a yellow sanbenito, with a taper in my hand, before I would
+acknowledge that _he_ ever said one word or thought one thought that
+was not Catholic and Christian too. All his crime was to find out that
+the good Lord loved him, and to be happy on account of it. If that
+be your religion also, Senor Don Juan, I have nothing to say against
+it. And, as I have said, God granting me, in his great mercy, one
+assurance first, I am ready to follow you and your lady to the world's
+end."
+
+With these words on her lips she left the room. For a time Juan sat
+silent in deep thought. Then he opened the Testament, and turned over
+its leaves until he found the parable of the sower. "'Some fell upon
+stony places,'" he read, "'where they had not much earth; and forthwith
+they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the
+sun was up, they were scorched; and, because they had no root, they
+withered away.' There," he said within himself, "in those words is
+written the history of my life, from the day my brother confessed his
+faith to me in the garden of San Isodro. God help me, and forgive my
+backsliding! But at least it is not too late to go humbly back to the
+beginning, and to ask him who alone can do it to break up the fallow
+ground."
+
+He closed the book, walked to the window and looked out. Presently his
+eye was attracted to those dear mystic words on the pane, which both
+the brothers had loved and dreamed over from their childhood,--
+
+  "El Dorado
+   Yo he trovado."
+
+And at that moment the sun was shining on them as brightly as it used
+to do in those old days gone by for ever.
+
+No vague dream of any good, foreshadowed by the omen to him or to his
+house, crossed the mind of the practical Don Juan. But he seemed to
+hear once more the voice of his young brother saying close beside him,
+"Look, Ruy, the light is on our father's words." And memory bore him
+back to a morning long ago, when some slight boyish quarrel had been
+ended thus.
+
+Over his stern, handsome face there passed a look that shaded and
+softened it, and his eyes grew dim--dim with tears.
+
+But just then Dona Beatriz, radiant from a morning walk, and with
+her hands full of early spring flowers, tripped in, singing a Spanish
+ballad,--
+
+  "Ye men that row the galleys,
+    I see my lady fair;
+  She gazes at the fountain
+    That leaps for pleasure there."
+
+Beatriz was a child of the city; and, moreover, her life hitherto had
+been an unloved and unloving one. Now her nature was expanding under
+the wholesome influences of home life and home love, and of simple
+healthful pleasures. "Look, Don Juan, what pretty things grow in your
+fields here! I have never seen the like," she said, breaking off in her
+song to exhibit her treasures.
+
+Don Juan looked carelessly at them, lovingly at her. "I would fain hear
+a morning hymn from those sweet, tuneful lips," he pleaded.
+
+"Most willingly, amigo mio,--
+
+  'Ave Sanctissima--'"
+
+"Hush, my beloved; hush, I entreat of you." And laying his hand lightly
+on her shoulder, he gazed in her face with a mixture of fond and tender
+admiration and of gentle reproach difficult to describe. "_Not that._
+For the sake of all that lies between us and the old faith, not that.
+Rather let us sing together,--
+
+  'Vexilla Regis prodeunt.'
+
+For you know that between us and our King there stands, and there needs
+to stand, no human mediator. Do you not, my beloved?"
+
+"I know that _you_ are right," answered Beatriz, still reading her
+faith in Don Juan's eyes. "But we can sing afterwards, whatever you
+like, and as much as you will. I pray you let us come forth now into
+the sunshine together. Look, what a glorious morning it is!"
+
+
+
+
+                                XXXIX.
+
+                             Left Behind.
+
+  "They are all gone into a world of light,
+  And I alone am lingering here."
+
+                                   HENRY VAUGHAN.
+
+
+The change of seasons brought little change to those dark cells in the
+Triana, where neither the glory of summer nor the breath of spring
+could come. While the world, with its living interests, its hopes and
+fears, its joys and sorrows, kept surging round them, not even an echo
+of its many voices reached the doomed ones within, who lay so near, yet
+so far from all, "fast bound in misery and iron."
+
+Not yet had the Deliverer come to Carlos. More than once he had seemed
+very near. During the summer heats, so terrible in that prison, fever
+had wasted the captive's already enfeebled frame; but this was the
+means of prolonging his life, for the eve of the Auto found him unable
+to walk across his cell. Still he heard without very keen sorrow the
+fate of his beloved friends, so soon did he hope to follow them.
+
+And yet, month after month, life lingered on. In his circumstances
+restoration to health was simply impossible. Not that he endured more
+than others, or even as much as some. He was not loaded with fetters,
+or buried in one of the frightful subterranean cells where daylight
+never entered. Still, when to the many physical sufferings his
+position entailed was added the weight of sickness, weakness, and utter
+loneliness, they formed together a burden heavy enough to have crushed
+even a strong heart to despair.
+
+Long ago the last gleam of human sympathy and kindness had faded from
+him. Maria Gonsalez was herself a prisoner, receiving such payment as
+men had to give her for her brave deeds of charity. God's payment,
+however, was yet to come, and would be of another sort. Herrera, the
+under-gaoler, was humane, but very timid; moreover, his duties seldom
+led him to that part of the prison where Carlos lay. So that he was
+left dependent upon the tender mercies of Gaspar Benevidio, which were
+indeed cruel.
+
+And yet, in spite of all, he was not crushed, not despairing. The lamp
+of patient endurance burned on steadily, because it was continually fed
+with oil by an unseen Hand.
+
+It has been beautifully said, "The personal love of Christ to you,
+felt, delighted in, returned, is actually, truly, simply, without
+exaggeration, the deepest joy and the deepest feeling that the heart of
+man or woman can know. It will absolutely satisfy your heart. It would
+satisfy your heart if it were his will that you should spend the rest
+of your life alone in a dungeon."
+
+Just this, nothing else, nothing less, sustained Carlos throughout
+those long slow months of suffering, which had now come to "add
+themselves and make the years." It proved sufficient for him. It has
+proved sufficient for thousands--God's unknown saints and martyrs,
+whose names we shall learn first in heaven.
+
+Those who still occasionally sought access to him, in the hope of
+transforming the obstinate heretic into a penitent, marvelled greatly
+at the cheerful calm with which he was wont to receive them and to
+answer their arguments.
+
+Sometimes he would even brave all the wrath of Benevidio, and raising
+his voice as loud as he could, he would make the gloomy vaults re-echo
+to such words as these: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
+shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
+afraid?" Or these: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
+upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth;
+but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
+
+But still it was not in Christ's promise, nor was it to be expected,
+that his prisoner should never know hours of sorrow, weariness, and
+heart-sinking. Such hours came sometimes. And on the very morning when
+Don Juan and Dona Beatriz were going forth together into the spring
+sunshine through the castle gate of Nuera, Carlos, in his dungeon, was
+passing through one of the darkest of these. He lay on his mat, his
+face covered with his wasted hands, through which tears were slowly
+falling. It was but very seldom that he wept now; tears had grown rare
+and scarce with him.
+
+The evening before, he had received a visit from two Jesuits, bound
+on the only errand which would have procured their admission there.
+Irritated by his bold and ready answers to the usual arguments, they
+had recourse to declamation. And one of them bethought himself of
+mentioning the fate of the Lutherans who suffered at the two great
+Autos of Valladolid. "Most of the heretics," said the Jesuit, "though
+when they were in prison they were as obstinate as thou art now, yet
+had their eyes opened in the end to the error of their ways, and
+accepted reconciliation at the stake. At the last great Act of Faith,
+held in the presence of King Philip, only Don Carlos de Seso--" Here
+he stopped, surprised at the agitation of the prisoner, who had heard
+their threatenings against himself so calmly.
+
+"De Seso! De Seso! Have they murdered him too?" moaned Carlos, and
+for a few brief moments he gave way to natural emotion. But quickly
+recovering himself he said, "I shall only see him the sooner."
+
+"Were you acquainted with him?" asked the Jesuit.
+
+"I loved and honoured him. My avowing that cannot hurt him _now_,"
+answered Carlos, who had grown used to the bitter thought that any name
+would be disgraced and its owner imperilled, by _his_ mentioning it
+with affection.
+
+"But if you will do me so much kindness," he added, "I pray you to tell
+me anything you know of his last hours. Any word he spoke."
+
+"He could speak nothing," said the younger of his two visitors. "Before
+he left the prison he had uttered so many horrible blasphemies against
+Holy Church and Our Lady that he was obliged to wear the gag during the
+whole ceremony, 'lest he should offend the little ones.'"[31]
+
+    [31] A genuine inquisitorial expression.
+
+This last cruel wrong--the refusal of leave to the dying to speak one
+word in defence of the truths he died for--stung Carlos to the quick.
+It wrung from lips so patient hitherto words of indignant threatening.
+"God will judge your cruelty," he said. "Go on, fill up the measure
+of your guilt, for your time is short. One day, and that soon, there
+will be a grand spectacle, grander than your Autos. Then shall you,
+torturers of God's saints, call upon the mountains and rocks to cover
+you, and to hide you from the wrath of the Lamb."
+
+Once more alone, his passionate anger died away. And it was well.
+Surrounded as he was on every side by strong, cold, relentless wrong
+and cruelty, if his spirit had beaten its wings against those bars of
+iron, it would soon have fallen to the ground faint and helpless, with
+crushed pinions. It was not in such vain strivings that he could find,
+or keep, the deep calm peace with which his heart was filled; it was in
+the quiet place at his Saviour's feet, from whence, if he looked at his
+enemies at all, it was only to pity and forgive them.
+
+But though anger was gone, a heavy burden of sorrow remained. De Seso's
+noble form, shrouded in the hideous zamarra, his head crowned with the
+carroza, his face disfigured by the gag,--these were ever before his
+eyes. He well-nigh forgot that all this was over now--that for him the
+conflict was ended and the triumph begun.
+
+Could he have known even as much as we know now of the close of that
+heroic life, it might have comforted him.
+
+Don Carlos de Seso met his doom at the second of the two great Autos
+celebrated at Valladolid during the year 1559. At the first, the most
+steadfast sufferers were Francisco de Vibero Cazalla, one of a family
+of confessors; and Antonio Herezuelo, whose pathetic story--the most
+thrilling episode of Spanish martyrology--would need an abler pen than
+ours.
+
+During his lingering imprisonment of a year and a half, De Seso never
+varied in his own clear testimony to the truth, never compromised any
+of his brethren. Informed at last that he was to die the next day, he
+requested writing materials. These being furnished him, he placed on
+record a confession of his faith, which Llorente, the historian of the
+Inquisition, thus describes:--"It would be difficult to convey an idea
+of the uncommon vigour of sentiment with which he filled two sheets of
+paper, though he was then in the presence of death. He handed what he
+had written to the Alguazil, with these words: 'This is the true faith
+of the gospel, as opposed to that of the Church of Rome, which has been
+corrupted for ages. In this faith I wish to die, and in the remembrance
+and lively belief of the passion of Jesus Christ, to offer to God my
+body, now reduced so low.'"
+
+All that night and the next morning were spent by the friars in vain
+endeavours to induce him to recant. During the Auto, though he could
+not speak, his countenance showed the steadfastness of his soul--a
+steadfastness which even the sight of his beloved wife amongst those
+condemned to perpetual imprisonment failed to disturb. When at last, as
+he was bound to the stake, the gag was removed, he said to those who
+stood around him, still urging him to yield, "I could show you that
+you ruin yourselves by not following my example; but there is no time.
+Executioners, light the fire that is to consume me."
+
+Even in the act of death it was given him, though unconsciously,
+to strengthen the faith of another. In the martyr band was a poor
+man, Juan Sanchez, who had been a servant of the Cazallas, and was
+apprehended in Flanders with Juan de Leon. He had borne himself bravely
+throughout; but when the fire was kindled, the ropes that bound him
+to the stake having given way, the instinct of self-preservation made
+him rush from the flames, and, not knowing what he did, spring upon
+the scaffold where those who yielded at the last were wont to receive
+absolution. The attendant monks at once surrounded him, offering him
+the alternative of the milder death. Recovering self-possession, he
+looked around him. At one side knelt the penitents, at the other,
+motionless amidst the flames, De Seso stood,
+
+  "As standing in his own high hall."
+
+His choice was made. "I will die like De Seso," he said calmly; and
+then walked deliberately back to the stake, where he met his doom with
+joy.
+
+Another brave sufferer at this Auto, Don Domingo de Roxas, ventured to
+make appeal to the justice of the King, only to receive the memorable
+reply, never to be read without a shudder,--"I would carry wood to burn
+my son, if he were such a wretch as thou!"
+
+All these circumstances Carlos never heard on this side of the grave.
+But in the quiet Sabbath-keeping that remaineth for the people of
+God, there will surely be leisure enough to talk over past trials and
+triumphs. At present, however, he only saw the dark side--only knew
+the bare and bitter facts of suffering and death. He had not merely
+loved De Seso as his instructor; he had admired him with the generous
+enthusiasm of a young man for a senior in whom he recognizes his
+ideal--all that he himself would fain become. If the Spains had but
+known the day of their visitation, he doubted not that man would have
+been their leader in the path of reform. But they knew it not; and so,
+instead, the chariot of fire had come for him. For him, and for nearly
+all the men and women whose hands Carlos had been wont to clasp in
+loving brotherhood. Losada, D'Arellano, Ponce de Leon, Dona Isabella
+de Baena, Dona Maria de Bohorques,--all these honoured names, and many
+more, did he repeat, adding after each one of them, "At rest with
+Christ." Somewhere in the depths of those dreary dungeons it might be
+that the heroic Juliano, his father in the faith, was lingering still;
+and also Fray Constantino, and the young monk of San Isodro, Fray
+Fernando. But the prison walls sundered them quite as hopelessly from
+him as the River of Death itself.
+
+Earlier ties sometimes seemed to him only like things he had read
+or dreamed of. During his fever, indeed, old familiar faces had
+often flitted round him. Dolores sat beside him, laying her hand on
+his burning brow; Fray Sebastian taught him disjointed, meaningless
+fragments from the schoolmen; Juan himself either spoke cheerful words
+of hope and trust, or else talked idly of long-forgotten trifles.
+
+But all this was over now: neither dream nor fancy came to break his
+utter, terrible loneliness. He knew that he was never to see Juan
+again, nor Dolores, nor even Fray Sebastian. The world was dead to him,
+and he to it. And as for his brethren in the faith, they had gone "to
+the light beyond the clouds, and the rest beyond the storms," where he
+would so gladly be. Why, then, was he left so long, like one standing
+without in the cold? Why did not the golden gate open for him as well
+as for them? What was he doing in this place?--what _could_ he do for
+his Master's cause or his Master's honour? He did not murmur. By this
+time his Saviour's prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done," had been
+wrought into the texture of his being with the scarlet, purple, and
+golden threads of pain, of patience, and of faith. But it is well for
+His tried ones that He knows longing is not murmuring. Very full of
+longing were the words--words rather of pleading than of prayer--that
+rose continually from the lips of Carlos that day,--"And now, Lord,
+_what wait I for_?"
+
+
+
+
+                                  XL.
+
+                      "A Satisfactory Penitent."
+
+  "How long in thraldom's grasp I lay
+  I knew not; for my soul was black,
+  And knew no change of night or day."
+
+                                CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Carlos was sleeping tranquilly in his dungeon on the following night,
+when the opening of the door aroused him. He started with sickening
+dread, the horrors of the torture-room rising in an instant before his
+imagination. Benevidio entered, followed by Herrera, and commanded
+him to rise and dress immediately. Long experience of the Santa Casa
+had taught him that he might as well make an inquiry of its doors and
+walls as of any of its officials. So he obeyed in silence, and slowly
+and painfully enough. But he was soon relieved from his worst fear by
+seeing Herrera fold together the few articles of clothing he had been
+allowed to have with him, preparatory to carrying them away. "It is
+only, then, a change of prison," he thought; "and wherever they bring
+me, heaven will be equally near."
+
+His limbs, enfeebled by two years of close confinement, and lame
+from the effects of one terrible night, were sorely tried by what he
+thought an almost interminable walk through corridors and down narrow
+winding stairs. But at last he was conducted to a small postern door,
+which, greatly to his surprise, Benevidio proceeded to unlock. The
+kind-hearted Herrera took advantage of the moment when Benevidio was
+thus occupied to whisper,--
+
+"We are bringing you to the Dominican prison, senor; you will be better
+used there."
+
+Carlos thanked him by a grateful look and a pressure of the hand. But
+an instant afterwards he had forgotten his words. He had forgotten
+everything save that he stood once more in God's free air, and that
+God's own boundless heaven, spangled with ten thousand stars, was
+over him, no dungeon roof between. For one rapturous moment he gazed
+upwards, thanking God in his heart. But the fresh air he breathed
+seemed to intoxicate him like strong wine. He grew faint, and leaned
+for support on Herrera.
+
+"Courage, senor; it is not far--only a few paces," said the
+under-gaoler, kindly.
+
+Weak as he was, Carlos wished the distance a hundred times greater.
+But it proved quite long enough for his strength. By the time he was
+delivered over into the keeping of a couple of lay brothers, and
+locked by them into a cell in the Dominican monastery, he was scarcely
+conscious of anything save excessive fatigue.
+
+The next morning was pretty far advanced before any one came to him;
+but at last he was honoured with a visit from the prior himself. He
+said frankly, and with perfect truth,--
+
+"I am glad to find myself in your hands, my lord."
+
+To one accustomed to feel himself an object of terror, it is a new and
+pleasant sensation to be trusted. Even a wild beast will sometimes
+spare the weak but fearless creature that ventures to play with it: and
+Don Fray Ricardo was not a wild beast; he was only a stern, narrow,
+conscientious man, the willing and efficient agent of a terrible
+system. His brow relaxed visibly as he said,--
+
+"I have always sought your true good, my son."
+
+"I am well aware of it, father."
+
+"And you must acknowledge," the prior resumed, "that great forbearance
+and lenity have been shown towards you. But your infatuation has been
+such that you have deliberately and persistently sought your own ruin.
+You have resisted the wisest arguments, the gentlest persuasions,
+and that with an obstinacy which time and discipline seem only to
+increase. And now at last, as another Auto-da-fe may not be celebrated
+for some time, my Lord Vice-Inquisitor-General, justly incensed at
+your contumacy, would fain have thrown you into one of the underground
+dungeons, where, believe me, you would not live a month. But I have
+interceded for you."
+
+"I thank your kindness, my lord. But I cannot see that it matters much
+how you deal with me now. Sooner or later, in one form or other, it
+must be death; and I thank God it can be no more."
+
+While a man might count twenty, the prior looked silently in that
+steadfast sorrowful young face. Then he said,--
+
+"My son, do not yield to despair; for I come to thee this day with
+a message of hope. I have also made intercession for thee with the
+Supreme Council of the Holy Office; and I have succeeded in obtaining
+from that august tribunal a great and unusual grace."
+
+Carlos looked up, a sudden flush on his cheek. He hoped this unusual
+grace might be permission to see some familiar face ere he died; but
+the prior's next words disappointed him. Alas! it was only the offer
+of escape from death on terms that he might not accept. And yet such
+an ofter really deserved the name the prior gave it--a great and
+unusual grace. For, as has been already intimated, by the laws of the
+Inquisition at that time in force, the man who had _once_ professed
+heretical doctrines, however sincerely he might have retracted them,
+was doomed to die. His penitence would procure him the favour of
+absolution--the mercy of the garotte instead of the stake: that was all.
+
+The prior went on to explain to Carlos, that upon the ground of his
+youth, and the supposition that he had been led into error by others,
+his judges had consented to show him singular favour. "Moreover," he
+added, "there are other reasons for this course of action, upon which
+it would be needless, and might be inexpedient, to enter at present;
+but they have their weight, especially with me. For the preservation,
+therefore, both of your soul and your body--upon which I take more
+compassion than you do yourself--I have, in the first place, obtained
+permission to remove you to a more easy and more healthful confinement,
+where, besides other favours, you will enjoy the great privilege of a
+companion, constant intercourse with whom can scarcely fail to benefit
+you."
+
+Carlos thought this last a doubtful boon; but as it was kindly
+intended, he was bound to be grateful. He thanked the prior
+accordingly; adding, "May I be permitted to ask the name of this
+companion?"
+
+"You will probably find out ere long, if you conduct yourself so as to
+deserve it,"--an answer Carlos found so enigmatical, that after several
+vain endeavours to comprehend it, he gave up the task in despair, and
+not without some apprehension that his long imprisonment had dulled his
+perceptions. "Amongst us he is called Don Juan," the prior continued.
+"And this much I will tell you. He is a very honourable person, who had
+many years ago the great misfortune to be led astray by the same errors
+to which you cling with such obstinacy. God was pleased, however, to
+make use of my poor instrumentality to lead him back to the bosom of
+the Church. He is now a true and sincere penitent, diligent in prayer
+and penance, and heartily detesting his former evil ways. It is my last
+hope for you that his wise and faithful counsels may bring you to the
+same mind."
+
+Carlos did not particularly like the prospect. He feared that this
+vaunted penitent would prove a noisy apostate, who would seek to obtain
+the favour of the monks by vilifying his former associates. Nor, on the
+other hand, did he think it honest to accept without protest kindnesses
+offered him on the supposition that he might even yet be induced to
+recant. He said,--
+
+"I ought to tell you, senor, that my mind will never change, God
+helping me. Rather than lead you to imagine otherwise, I would go at
+once to the darkest cell in the Triana. My faith is based on the Word
+of God, which can never be overthrown."
+
+"The penitent of whom I speak used such words as these, until God
+and Our Lady opened his eyes. Now he sees all things differently.
+So will you, if God is pleased to give you the inestimable benefit
+of his divine grace; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
+that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," said the Dominican,
+who, like others of his order, ingeniously managed to combine strong
+predestinarian theories with the creed of Rome.
+
+"That is most true, senor," Carlos responded.
+
+"But to resume," said the prior; "for I have yet more to say. Should
+you be favoured with the grace of repentance, I am authorized to hold
+out to you a well-grounded hope, that, in consideration of your youth,
+your life may even yet be spared."
+
+"And then, if I were strong enough, I might live out ten or twenty
+years--like the last two," Carlos answered, not without a touch of
+bitterness.
+
+"It is not so, my son," returned the prior mildly. "I cannot promise,
+indeed, under any circumstances, to restore you to the world. For
+that would be to promise what could not be performed; and the laws of
+the Holy Office expressly forbid us to delude prisoners with false
+hopes.[32] But this much I will say, your restraint shall be rendered
+so light and easy, that your position will be preferable to that of
+many a monk, who has taken the vows of his own free will. And if you
+like the society of the penitent of whom I spoke anon, you shall
+continue to enjoy it."
+
+    [32] But these laws were often broken or evaded.
+
+Carlos began to feel a somewhat unreasonable antipathy to this
+penitent, whose face he had never seen. But what mattered the
+antipathies of a prisoner of the Holy Office? He only said, "Permit
+me again to thank you, my lord, for the kindness you have shown me.
+Though my fellow-men cast out my name as evil, and deny me my share of
+God's free air and sky, and my right to live in his world, I still take
+thankfully every word or deed of pity and gentleness they give me by
+the way. For they know not what they do."
+
+The prior turned away, but turned back again a moment afterwards, to
+ask--what for the credit of his humanity he ought to have asked a year
+before--"Do you stand in need of any thing? or have you any request you
+wish to make?"
+
+Carlos hesitated a moment. Then he said, "Of things within your power
+to grant, my lord, there is but one that I care to ask. Two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus visited me the day before yesterday. I spoke
+hastily to one of them, who was named Fray Isodor, I think. Had I the
+opportunity, I should be glad to offer him my hand."
+
+"Now, of all mysterious things in heaven or earth," said the prior, "a
+heretic's conscience is the most difficult to comprehend. Truly you
+strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. But as for Fray Isodor, you may
+rest content. For good and sufficient reasons, he cannot visit you
+here. But I will repeat to him what you have said. And I know well that
+his own tongue is a sharp weapon enough when used in the defence of the
+faith."
+
+The prior withdrew; and shortly afterwards one of the monks appeared,
+and silently conducted Carlos to a cell, or chamber, in the highest
+story of the building. Like the cells in the Triana, it had two
+doors--the outer one secured by strong bolts and bars, the inner one
+furnished with an aperture through which food or other things could be
+passed.
+
+But here the resemblance ceased. Carlos found himself, on entering,
+in what seemed to him more like a hall than a cell; though, indeed,
+it must be remembered that his eye was accustomed to ten feet square.
+It was furnished as comfortably as any room needed to be in that warm
+climate; and it was tolerably clean, a small mercy which he noted with
+no small gratitude. Best perhaps of all, it had a good window, looking
+down on the courtyard, but strongly barred, of course. Near the window
+was a table, upon which stood an ivory crucifix, and a picture of the
+Madonna and child.
+
+But even before his eye took in all these objects, it turned to the
+penitent, whose companionship had been granted him as so great a boon.
+He was utterly unlike all that he had expected. Instead of a fussy,
+noisy pervert, he saw a serene and stately old man, with long white
+hair and beard, and still, clearly chiselled, handsome features. He
+was dressed in a kind of mantle, of a nondescript colour, made like
+a monk's cowl without the hood, and bearing two large St. Andrew's
+crosses, one on the breast and the other on the back; in fact, it was a
+compromised sanbenito.
+
+As Carlos entered, he rose (showing a tall, spare figure, slightly
+stooped), and greeted his new companion with a courteous and elaborate
+bow, but did not speak.
+
+Shortly afterwards, food was handed through the aperture in the
+door; and the half-starved prisoner from the Triana sat down with
+his fellow-captive to what he esteemed a really luxurious repast. He
+had intended to be silent until obliged to speak, but the aspect and
+bearing of the penitent quite disarranged his preconceived ideas.
+During the meal, he tried once and again to open a conversation by some
+slight courteous observation.
+
+All in vain. The penitent did the honours of the table like a prince
+in disguise, and never failed to bow and answer, "Yes, senor," or "No,
+senor," to everything Carlos said. But he seemed either unable or
+unwilling to do more.
+
+As the day wore on, this silence grew oppressive to Carlos; and he
+marvelled increasingly at his companion's want of ordinary interest in
+him, or curiosity about him. Until at length a probable solution of the
+mystery dawned upon his mind. As he considered the penitent an agent
+of the monks deputed to convert him, very likely the penitent, on his
+side, regarded _him_ in the light of a spy commissioned to watch his
+proceedings.
+
+But this, if it was true at all, was only a small part of the truth.
+Carlos failed to take into account the terrible effect of long years
+of solitude, crushing down all the faculties of the mind and heart.
+It is told of some monastery, where the rules were so severe that the
+brethren were only allowed to converse with each other during one hour
+in the week, that they usually sat for that hour in perfect silence:
+they had nothing to say. So it was with the penitent of the Dominican
+convent. He had nothing to say, nothing to ask; curiosity and interest
+were dead within him--dead long ago, of absolute starvation.
+
+Yet Carlos could not help observing him with a strange kind of
+fascination. His face was too still, too coldly calm, like a white
+marble statue; and yet it was a noble face. It was, although not a
+thoughtful face, the face of a thoughtful man asleep. It did not lack
+expressiveness, though it lacked expression. Moreover, there was in it
+a look that awakened dim, undefined memories--shadowy things, that fled
+away like ghosts whenever he tried to grasp them, yet persistently rose
+again, and mingled with all his thoughts.
+
+He told himself many times that he had never seen the man before. Was
+it, then, an accidental likeness to some familiar face that so fixed
+and haunted him? Certainly there was something which belonged to his
+past, and which, even while it perplexed and baffled, strangely soothed
+and pleased him.
+
+At each of the canonical hours (which were announced to them by the
+tolling of the convent bells), the penitent did not fail to kneel
+before the crucifix, and, with the aid of a book and a rosary, to read
+or repeat long Latin prayers, in a half audible voice. He retired
+to rest early, leaving his fellow-prisoner supremely happy in the
+enjoyment of his lamp and his Book of Hours. For it was two years
+since the eyes of the once enthusiastic young scholar had rested on a
+printed page, or since the kindly gleam of lamp or fire had cheered
+his solitude. The privilege of refreshing his memory with the passages
+of Scripture contained in the Romish book of devotion now appeared an
+unspeakable boon to him. And although, accustomed as he was to a life
+of unbroken monotony, the varied impressions of the day had produced
+extreme weariness of mind and body, it was near midnight before he
+could prevail upon himself to close the volume, and lie down to rest on
+the comfortable pallet prepared for him.
+
+He was just falling asleep, when the midnight bell tolled out heavily.
+He saw his companion rise, throw his mantle over his shoulders, and
+betake himself to his devotions. How long these lasted he could
+not tell, for the stately kneeling figure soon mingled with his
+dreams--strange dreams of Juan as a penitent, dressed in a sanbenito,
+and with white hair and an old man's face, kneeling devoutly before the
+altar in the church at Nuera, but reciting one of the songs of the Cid
+instead of _De Profundis_.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLI.
+
+                       More about the Penitent.
+
+             "Ay, thus thy mother looked,
+  With such a sad, yet half-triumphant smile,
+  All radiant with deep meaning."
+
+                                          HEMANS.
+
+
+A slight incident, that occurred the following morning, partially
+broke down the barrier of reserve between the two prisoners. After his
+early devotions, the penitent laid aside his mantle, took up a besom
+made of long slips of cane, and proceeded, with great deliberation and
+gravity, to sweep out the room. The contrast that his stately figure,
+his noble air, and the dignity of all his movements, offered to the
+menial occupation in which he was engaged, was far too pathetic to
+be ludicrous. Carlos could not but think that he wielded the lowly
+implement as if it were a chamberlain's staff of office, or a grand
+marshal's baton.
+
+He himself was well accustomed to such tasks; for every prisoner of
+the Santa Casa, no matter what his rank might be, was his own servant.
+And it spoke much for the revolution that had taken place in his ideas
+and feelings, that though taught to look on all servile occupations as
+ineffably degrading, he had never associated a thought of degradation
+with anything laid upon him to do or to suffer as the prisoner of
+Christ.
+
+And yet he could not endure to see his aged and stately fellow-prisoner
+thus occupied. He rose immediately, and earnestly entreated to be
+allowed to relieve him of the task, pleading that all such duties ought
+to devolve on him as the younger. At first the penitent resisted,
+saying that it was part of his penance. But when Carlos continued to
+urge the point, he yielded; perhaps the more readily because his will,
+like his other faculties, was weakened for want of exercise. Then,
+with more apparent interest than he had shown in any of his previous
+proceedings, he watched the rather slow and difficult movements of his
+young companion.
+
+"You are lame, senor," he said, a little abruptly, when Carlos, having
+finished his work, sat down to rest.
+
+"From the pulley," Carlos answered quietly; and then his face beamed
+with a sudden smile, for the secret of the Lord was with him, and he
+tasted the sweet, strange joy that springs out of suffering borne for
+Him.
+
+That look was the wire that drew an electric flash of memory from the
+clouds that veiled the old man's soul. What that sudden flash revealed
+was a castle gate, at which stood a stately yet slender form robed in
+silk. In the fair young face tears and smiles were contending; but a
+smile won the victory, as a little child was held up, and made to kiss
+a baby-hand in farewell to its father.
+
+In a moment all was gone; only a vague trouble and uneasiness remained,
+accompanied by that strange sense of having seen or felt just the same
+thing before, with which we are most of us familiar. Accustomed to
+solitude, the penitent spoke aloud, perchance unconsciously.
+
+"Why did they bring you here?" he said, in a half fretful tone. "You
+hurt me. I have done very well alone all these years."
+
+"I am sorry to incommode you, senor," returned Carlos. "But I did
+not come here of my own will; neither, unhappily, can I go. I am a
+prisoner like yourself; but, unlike you, I am a prisoner under sentence
+of death."
+
+For several minutes the penitent did not answer. Then he rose, and
+taking a step or two towards the place where Carlos sat, gravely
+extended his hand. "I fear I have spoken uncourteously," he said. "So
+many years have passed since I have conversed with my fellows, that I
+have well-nigh forgotten how I ought to address them. Do me the favour,
+senor and my brother, to grant me your pardon."
+
+Carlos warmly assured him no offence had been given; and taking the
+offered hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. From that moment he
+loved his fellow-prisoner in his heart.
+
+There was an interval of silence, then the penitent of his own accord
+resumed the conversation. "Did I hear you say you are under sentence of
+death?" he asked.
+
+"I am so actually, though not formally," Carlos replied. "In the
+language of the Holy Office, I am a professed impenitent heretic."
+
+"And you so young!"
+
+"To be a heretic?"
+
+"No; I meant so young to die."
+
+"Do I look young--even yet? I should not have thought it. To me the
+last two years seem like a long lifetime."
+
+"Have you been two years, then, in prison? Poor boy! Yet I have been
+here ten, fifteen, twenty years--I cannot tell how many. I have lost
+the account of them."
+
+Carlos sighed. And such a life was before him, should he be weak enough
+to surrender his hope. He said, "Do you really think, senor, that these
+long years of lonely suffering are less hard to bear than a speedy
+though violent death?"
+
+"I do not think it matters, as to that," was the penitent's not very
+apposite reply. In fact, his mind was not capable, at the time, of
+dealing with such a question; so he turned from it instinctively.
+But in the meantime he was remembering, every moment more and more
+clearly, that a duty had been laid upon him by the authority to
+which his soul held itself in absolute subjection. And that duty had
+reference to his fellow-prisoner.
+
+"I am commanded," he said at last, "to counsel you to seek the
+salvation of your soul, by returning to the bosom of the one true
+Catholic and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no peace and no
+salvation."
+
+Carlos saw that he spoke by rote; that his words echoed the thought
+of another, not his own. It seemed to him, under the circumstances,
+scarcely generous to argue. He spared to put forth his mental powers
+against the aged and broken man, as Juan in like case would have spared
+to use his strong right arm.
+
+After a moment's thought, he replied,--
+
+"May I ask of your courtesy, senor and my father, to bear with me for a
+little while, that I may frankly disclose to you my real belief?"
+
+Appeal could never be made in vain to that penitent's courtesy. No
+heresy, that could have been proposed, would have shocked him half
+so much as the supposition that one Castilian gentleman could be
+uncourteous to another, upon any account. "Do me the favour to state
+your opinions, senor," he responded, with a bow, "and I will honour
+myself by giving them my best attention."
+
+Carlos was little used to language such as this. It induced him to
+speak his mind more freely than he had been able to do for the last two
+years. But, mindful of his experience with old Father Bernardo at San
+Isodro, he did not speak of doctrines, he spoke of a Person. In words
+simple enough for a child to understand, but with a heart glowing with
+faith and love, he told of what He was when he walked on earth, of what
+He is at the right hand of the Father, of what He has done and is doing
+still for every soul that trusts him.
+
+Certainly the faded eye brightened; and something like a look of
+interest began to dawn in the mournfully still and passive countenance.
+For a time Carlos was aware that his listener followed every word, and
+he spoke slowly, on purpose to allow him so to do. But then there came
+a change. The _listening_ look passed out of the eyes; and yet they did
+not wander once from the speaker's face. The expression of the whole
+countenance was gradually altered, from one of rather painful attention
+to the dreamy look of a man who hears sweet music, and gives free
+course to the emotions it is calculated to awaken. In truth, the voice
+of Carlos _was_ sweet music in his fellow-captive's ear; and he would
+willingly have sat thus for ever, gazing at him and enjoying it.
+
+Carlos thought that if this was their reverences' idea of "a
+satisfactory penitent," they were not difficult to satisfy. And he
+marvelled increasingly that so astute a man as the Dominican prior
+should have put the task of his conversion into such hands. For the
+piety so lauded in the penitent appeared to him mere passiveness--the
+submission of a soul out of which all resisting forces had been
+crushed. "It is only life that resists," he thought; "the dead they can
+move whithersoever they will."
+
+Intolerance always sets a premium on mental stagnation. Nay, it
+actually produces it; it "makes a desert, and calls it peace." And what
+the Inquisition did for the penitent, that it has done also for the
+penitent's fair fatherland. Was the resurrection of dead and buried
+faculties possible for _him_? Is such a resurrection possible for _it_?
+
+And yet, in spite of the deadness of heart and brain, which he doubted
+not was the result of cruel suffering, Carlos loved his fellow-prisoner
+every hour more and more. He could not tell why; he only knew that "his
+soul was knit" to his.
+
+When Carlos, for fear of fatiguing him, brought his explanations to a
+close, both relapsed into silence; and the remainder of the day passed
+without much further conversation, but with a constant interchange of
+little kindnesses and courtesies. The first sight that greeted the eyes
+of Carlos when he awoke the next morning, was that of the penitent
+kneeling before the pictured Madonna, his lips motionless, his hands
+crossed on his breast, and his face far more earnest with feeling--it
+might be thought with devotion--than he had ever seen it yet.
+
+Carlos was moved, but saddened. It grieved him sore that his aged
+fellow-prisoner should pour out the last costly libation of love and
+trust left in his desolated heart before the shrine of that which was
+no god. And a great longing awoke within him to lead back this weary
+and heavy-laden one to the only Being who could give him true rest.
+
+"If, indeed, he is one of God's chosen, of his loved and redeemed ones,
+he will be led back," thought Carlos, who had spent the past two years
+in thinking out many things for himself. Certain aspects of truth,
+which may be either strong cordials or rank poisons, as they are used,
+had grown gradually clear to him. Opposed to the Dominican prior upon
+most subjects, he was at one with him upon that of predestination. For
+he had need to be assured, when the great water floods prevailed, that
+the chain which kept him from drifting away with them was a strong
+one. And therefore he had followed it up, link by link, until he came
+at last to that eternal purpose of God in which it was fast anchored.
+Since the day that he first learned it, he had lived in the light of
+that great centre truth, "I have loved thee"--_thee_ individually.
+But as he lay in the gloomy prison, sentenced to die, something more
+was revealed to him. "I have loved thee _with an everlasting love,
+therefore_ with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." The value of this
+truth, to him as to others, lay in the double aspect of that word
+"everlasting;" its look forward to the boundless future, as well as
+backward on the mysterious past. The one was a pledge and assurance of
+the other. And now he was taking to his heart the comfort it gave,
+for the penitent as well as for himself. But it made him, not less,
+but more anxious to be God's fellow-worker in bringing him back to the
+truth.
+
+In the meantime, however, he was quite mistaken as to the feelings
+with which the old man knelt before the pictured Virgin and Child. His
+heart was stirred by no mystic devotion to the Queen of Heaven, but by
+some very human feelings, which had long lain dormant, but which were
+now being gradually awakened there. He was thinking not of heaven,
+but of earth, and of "earth's warm beating joy and dole." And what
+attracted him to that spot was only the representation of womanhood and
+childhood, recalling, though far off and faintly, the fair young wife
+and babe from whom he had been cruelly torn years and years ago.
+
+A little later, as the two prisoners sat over the bread and fruit that
+formed their morning meal, the penitent began to speak more frankly
+than he had done before. "I was quite afraid of you, senor, when you
+first came," he said.
+
+"And perhaps I was not guiltless of the same feeling towards you,"
+Carlos answered. "It is no marvel. Companions in sorrow, such as we
+are, have great power either to help or to hurt one another."
+
+"You may truly say that," returned the penitent. "In fact, I once
+suffered so cruelly from the treachery of a fellow-prisoner, that it is
+not unnatural I should be suspicious."
+
+"How was that, senor?"
+
+"It was very long ago, soon after my arrest. And yet, not soon. For
+weary months of darkness and solitude, I cannot tell how many, I held
+out--I mean to say, I continued impenitent."
+
+"Did you?" asked Carlos with interest. "I thought as much."
+
+"Do not think ill of me, I entreat of you, senor," said the penitent
+anxiously. "I am _reconciled_. I have returned to the bosom of the
+true Church, and I belong to her. I have confessed and received
+absolution. I have even had the Holy Sacrament; and if ill, or in
+danger of death, it is promised I shall receive 'su majestad'[33] at
+any time. And I have abjured and detested all the heresies I learned
+from De Valero."
+
+    [33] "His Majesty," the ordinary term applied by Spaniards to the
+    Host.
+
+"From De Valero! Did you learn from him?" The pale cheek of Carlos
+crimsoned for a moment, then grew paler than before. "Tell me, senor,
+if I may ask it, how long have you been here?"
+
+"That is just what I cannot tell. The first year stands out clearly;
+but all the after years are like a dream to me. It was in that first
+year that the caitiff I spoke of anon, who was imprisoned with me--you
+observe, senor, I had already asked for reconciliation. It was promised
+me. I was to perform penance; to be forgiven; to have my freedom.
+_Pues_, senor, I spoke to that man as I might to you, freely and from
+my heart. For I supposed him a gentleman. I dared to say that their
+reverences had dealt somewhat hardly with me, and the like. Idle words,
+no doubt--idle and wicked. God knows, I have had time enough to repent
+them since. For that man, my fellow-prisoner, he who knew what prison
+was, went forth straightway and delated me to the Lords Inquisitors for
+those idle words--God in heaven forgive him! And thus the door was shut
+upon me--shut--shut for ever. Ay de mi! Ay de mi!"
+
+Carlos heard but little of this speech. He was gazing at him with
+eager, kindling eyes. "Were there left behind in the world any that it
+wrung your heart to part from?" he asked, in a trembling voice.
+
+"There were. And since you came, their looks have never ceased to
+haunt me. Why, I know not. My wife, my child!" And the old man shaded
+his face, while in his eyes, long unused to tears, there rose a mist,
+like the cloud in form as a man's hand, that foretold the approach of
+the beneficent rain, which should refresh and soften the thirsty soil,
+making all things young again.
+
+"Senor," said Carlos, trying to speak calmly, and to keep down the
+wild tumultuous throbbing of his heart--"senor, a boon, I entreat of
+you. Tell me the name you bore amongst men. It was a noble one, I know."
+
+"True. They promised to save it from disgrace. But it was part of my
+penance not to utter it; if possible, to forget it."
+
+"Yet, this once. I do not ask idly--this once--have pity on me, and
+speak it," pleaded Carlos, with intense tremulous earnestness.
+
+"Your face and your voice move me strangely; it seems to me that I
+could not deny you anything. I am--I ought to say, I _was_--Don Juan
+Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya."
+
+Before the sentence was concluded, Carlos lay senseless at his feet.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLII.
+
+                              Quiet Days.
+
+  "I think that by-and-by all things
+    Which were perplexed a while ago
+  And life's long, vain conjecturings,
+    Will simple, calm, and quiet grow.
+  Already round about me, some
+    August and solemn sunset seems
+  Deep sleeping in a dewy dome,
+    And bending o'er a world of dreams."
+
+                              OWEN MEREDITH.
+
+
+The penitent laid Carlos gently on his pallet (he still possessed a
+measure of physical strength, and the worn frame was easy to lift);
+then he knocked loudly on the door for help, as he had been instructed
+to do in any case of need. But no one heard, or at least no one heeded
+him, which was not remarkable, since during more than twenty years he
+had not, on a single occasion, thus summoned his gaolers. Then, in
+utter ignorance what next to do, and in very great distress, he bent
+over his young companion, helplessly wringing his hands.
+
+Carlos stirred at last, and murmured, "Where am I? What is it?" But
+even before full consciousness returned, there came the sense, taught
+by the bitter experience of the last two years, that he must look
+within for aid--he could expect none from any fellow-creature. He tried
+to recollect himself. Some bewildering, awful joy had fallen upon him,
+striking him to the earth. Was he free? Was he permitted to see Juan?
+
+Slowly, very slowly, all grew clear to him. He half raised himself,
+grasped the penitent's hand, and cried aloud, "_My father!_"
+
+"Are you better, senor?" asked the old man with solicitude. "Do me the
+favour to drink this wine."
+
+"Father, my father! I am your son. I am Carlos Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Menaya. Do you not understand me, father?"
+
+"I do not understand you, senor," said the penitent, moving a little
+away from him, with a mixture of dignified courtesy and utter amazement
+in his manner strange to behold. "Who is it that I have the honour to
+address?"
+
+"O my father, I am your son--your very son Carlos."
+
+"I have never seen you till--ere yesterday."
+
+"That is quite true; and yet--"
+
+"Nay, nay," interrupted the old man; "you are speaking wild words to
+me. I had but one boy--Juan--Juan Rodrigo. The heir of the house of
+Alvarez de Menaya was always called Juan."
+
+"He lives. He is Captain Don Juan now, the bravest soldier, and the
+best, truest-hearted man on earth. How you would love him! Would you
+could see him face to face! Yet no; thank God you cannot."
+
+"My babe a captain in His Imperial Majesty's army!" said Don Juan, in
+whose thoughts the great Emperor was reigning still.
+
+"And I," Carlos continued, in a broken, agitated voice--"I, born when
+they thought you dead--I, who opened my young eyes on this sad world
+the day God took my mother home from all its sin and sorrow--I am
+brought here, in his mysterious providence, to comfort you, after your
+long dreary years of suffering."
+
+"Your mother! Did you say your mother? My wife, _Costanza mia_. Oh, let
+me see your face!"
+
+Carlos raised himself to a kneeling attitude, and the old man laid his
+hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him long and earnestly. At length
+Carlos removed the hand, and drawing it gently upwards, placed it on
+his head. "Father," he said, "you will love your son? you will bless
+him, will you not? He has dwelt long amongst those who hated him, and
+never spoke to him save in wrath and scorn, and his heart pines for
+human love and tenderness."
+
+Don Juan did not answer for a while; but he ran his fingers through
+the soft fine hair. "So like hers," he murmured dreamily. "Thine eyes
+are hers too--_zarca_.[34] Yes, yes; I do bless thee--But who am I to
+bless? God bless thee, my son!"
+
+    [34] Blue; a word applied by the Spaniards only to blue eyes.
+
+In the long, long silence that followed, the great convent bell rang
+out. It was noon. For the first time for twenty years the penitent did
+not hear that sound.
+
+Carlos heard it, however. Agitated as he was, he yet feared the
+consequences that might follow should the penitent omit any part of the
+penance he was bound by oath to perform. So he gently reminded him of
+it. "Father--(how strangely sweet the name sounded!)--"father, at this
+hour you always recite the penitential psalms. When you have finished,
+we will talk together. I have ten thousand things to tell you."
+
+With the silent, unreasoning submission that had become a part of his
+nature, the penitent obeyed; and, going to his usual station before the
+crucifix, began his monotonous task. The fresh life newly awakened in
+his heart and brain was far from being strong enough, as yet, to burst
+the bonds of habit. And this was well. Those bonds were his safeguard;
+but for their wholesome restraint, mind or body, or both, might have
+been shattered by the tumultuous rush of new thoughts and feelings.
+But the familiar Latin words, repeated without thought, almost without
+consciousness, soothed the weary brain like a slumber.
+
+Meanwhile, Carlos thanked God with a full heart. Here, then--_here_,
+in the dark prison, the very abode of misery--had God given him the
+desire of his heart, fulfilled the longing of his early years. Now the
+wilderness and the solitary place were glad; the desert rejoiced and
+blossomed as the rose. Now his life seemed complete, its end answering
+its beginning; all its meaning lying clear and plain before him. He was
+satisfied.
+
+"Ruy, Ruy, I have found our father!--Oh, that I could but tell thee,
+my Ruy!"--was the cry of his heart, though he forced his lips to
+silence. Nor could the tears of joy, that sprang unbidden to his eyes,
+be permitted to overflow, since they might perplex and trouble his
+fellow-captive--_his father_.
+
+He had still a task to perform; and to that task his mind soon bent
+itself; perhaps instinctively taking refuge in practical detail from
+emotions that might otherwise have proved too strong for his weakened
+frame. He set himself to consider how best he could revive the past,
+and make the present comprehensible to the aged and broken man, without
+overpowering or bewildering him.
+
+He planned to tell him, in the first instance, all that he could about
+Nuera. And this he accomplished gradually, as he was able to bear the
+strain of conversation. He talked of Dolores and Diego; described both
+the exterior and interior of the castle; in fact, made him see again
+the scenes to which his eye had been accustomed in past days. With
+special minuteness did he picture the little room within the hall, both
+because it was less changed since his father's time than the others,
+and because it had been his favourite apartment. "And on the window,"
+he said, "there were some words, written with a diamond, doubtless
+by your hand, my father. My brother and I used to read them in our
+childhood; we loved them, and dreamed many a wondrous dream about
+them. Do you not remember them?"
+
+But the old man shook his head.
+
+Then Carlos began,--
+
+  "'El Dorado--'"
+
+  "'Yo he trovado.'
+
+Yes, I remember now," said Don Juan promptly.
+
+"And the golden country you had discovered--was it not the truth as
+revealed in Scripture?" asked Carlos, perhaps a little too eagerly.
+
+The penitent mused a space; grew bewildered; said at last sorrowfully,
+"I know not. I cannot now recall what moved me to write those lines, or
+even when I wrote them."
+
+In the next place, Carlos ventured to tell all he had heard from
+Dolores about his mother. The fact of his wife's death had been
+communicated to the prisoner; but this was the only fragment of
+intelligence about his family that had reached him during all these
+years. When she was spoken of, he showed emotion, slight in the
+beginning, but increasing at every succeeding mention of her name,
+until Carlos, who had at first been glad to find that the slumbering
+chords of feeling responded to his touch, came at last to dread laying
+his hands upon them, they were apt to moan so piteously. And once and
+again did his father say, gazing at him with ever-increasing fondness,
+"Thy face is hers, risen anew before me."
+
+Carlos tried hard to awaken Don Juan's interest in his first-born. It
+is true that he cherished an almost passionate love for Juanito the
+babe, but it was such a love as we feel for children whom God has taken
+to himself in infancy. Juan the youth, Juan the man, seemed to him a
+stranger, difficult to conceive of or to care about. Yet, in time,
+Carlos did succeed in establishing a bond between the long-imprisoned
+father and the brave, noble, free-hearted son, who was so like what
+that father had been in his early manhood. He was never weary of
+telling of Juan's courage, Juan's truthfulness, Juan's generosity;
+often concluding with the words, "_He_ would have been your favourite
+son, had you known him, my father."
+
+As time wore on, he won from his father's lips the principal facts of
+his own story. His past was like a picture from which the colouring,
+once bright and varied, has faded away, leaving only the bare outlines
+of fact, and here and there the shadows of pain still faintly visible.
+What he remembered, that he told his son; but gradually, and often in
+very disjointed fragments, which Carlos carefully pieced together in
+his thoughts, until he formed out of them a tolerably connected whole.
+
+Just three-and-twenty years before, on his arrival in Seville, in
+obedience to what he believed to be a summons from the Emperor, the
+Conde de Nuera had been arrested and thrown into the secret dungeons
+of the Inquisition. He well knew his offence: he had been the friend
+and associate of De Valero; he had read and studied the Scriptures; he
+had even advocated, in the presence of several witnesses, the doctrine
+of justification by faith alone. Nor was he unprepared to pay the
+terrible penalty. Had he, at the time of his arrest, been led at once
+to the rack or the stake, it is probable he would have suffered with
+a constancy that might have placed his name beside that of the most
+heroic martyrs.
+
+But he was allowed to wear out long months in suspense and solitude,
+and in what his eager spirit found even harder to bear, absolute
+inaction. Excitement, motion, stirring occupation for mind and body,
+had all his life been a necessity to him. In the absence of these he
+pined--grew melancholy, listless, morbid. His faith was genuine, and
+would have been strong enough to enable him for anything _in the line
+of his character_; but it failed under trials purposely and sedulously
+contrived to assail that character through its weak points.
+
+When already worn out with dreary imprisonment, he was beset by
+arguments, clever, ingenious, sophistical, framed by men who made
+argument the business of their lives. Thus attacked, he was like a
+brave but unskilful man fencing with adepts in the noble science. He
+_knew_ he was right; and with the Vulgate in his hand, he thought he
+could have proved it. But they assured him they proved the contrary;
+nor could he detect a flaw in their syllogisms when he came to
+examine them. If not convinced, then surely he ought to have been.
+They conjured him not to let pride and vain-glory seduce him into
+self-opinionated obstinacy, but to submit his private judgment to that
+of the Holy Catholic Church. And they promised that he should go forth
+free, only chastised by a suitable and not disgraceful penance, and by
+a pecuniary fine.
+
+The hope of freedom burned in his heart like fire; and by this time
+there was sufficient confusion in his brain for his will to find
+arguments there against the voice of his conscience. So he yielded,
+though not without conflict, fierce and bitter. His retractation was
+drawn up in as mild a form as possible by the Inquisitors, and duly
+signed by him. No public act of penance was required, as strict secrecy
+was to be observed in the whole transaction.
+
+But the Inquisitor-General, Valdez, felt a well-grounded distrust of
+the penitent's sincerity, which was quickened perhaps by a desire
+to appropriate to the use of the Holy Office a larger share of his
+possessions than the moderate fine alluded to. Probably, too, he
+dreaded the disclosures that might have followed had the Count been
+restored to the world. He had recourse, therefore, to an artifice
+often employed by the Inquisitors, and seriously recommended by their
+standard authorities. The "fly" (for such traitors were common enough
+to have a technical name as well as a recognized existence) reported
+that the Conde de Nuera railed at the Holy Office, blasphemed the
+Catholic faith, and still adhered in his heart to all his abominable
+heresies. The result was a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.
+
+Don Juan's condition was truly pitiable then. Like Samson, he was
+shorn of the locks in which his strength lay, bound hand and foot, and
+delivered over to his enemies. Because he could not bear perpetual
+imprisonment he had renounced his faith, and denied his Lord. And now,
+without the faith he had renounced, without the Lord he had denied,
+he _must_ bear it. It told upon him as it would have told on nine men
+out of ten, perhaps on ninety-nine out of a hundred. His mind lost its
+activity, its vigour, its tone. It became, in time, almost a passive
+instrument in the hands of others.
+
+And then the Dominican monk, Fray Ricardo, brought his powerful
+intellect and his strong will to bear upon him. He had been sent by
+his superiors (he was not prior until long afterwards) to impart
+the terrible story of her husband's arrest to the Lady of Nuera,
+with secret instructions to ascertain whether her own faith had been
+tampered with. In his fanatical zeal he performed a cruel task cruelly.
+But he had a conscience, and its fault was not insensibility. When he
+heard the tale of the lady's death, a few days after his visit, he was
+profoundly affected. Accustomed, however, to a religion of weights and
+balances, it came naturally to him to set one thing against another, by
+way of making the scales even. If he could be the means of saving the
+husband's soul, he would feel, to say the least, much more comfortable
+about his conduct to the wife.
+
+He spared no pains upon the task he had set himself; and a measure
+of success crowned his efforts. Having first reduced the mind of the
+penitent to a cold, blank calm, agitated by no wave of restless thought
+or feeling, he had at length the delight of seeing his own image
+reflected there, as in a mirror. He mistook that spectral reflection
+for a reality, and great was his triumph when, day by day, he saw it
+move responsive to every motion of his own.
+
+But the arrest of his penitent's son broke in upon his
+self-satisfaction. It seemed as though a dark doom hung over the
+family, which even the father's repentance was powerless to avert. He
+wished to save the youth, and he had tried to do it after his fashion;
+but his efforts only resulted in bringing up before him the pale
+accusing face of the Lady of Nuera, and in interesting him more than
+he cared to acknowledge in the impenitent heretic, who seemed to him
+such a strange mixture of gentleness and obstinacy. Surely the father's
+influence would prevail with the son, originally a much less courageous
+and determined character, and now already wrought upon by a long period
+of loneliness and suffering.
+
+Perhaps also--monk, fanatic, and inquisitor though he was--the
+pleasantness of trying the experiment, and cheering thereby the last
+days of the pious and docile penitent, his own especial convert,
+weighed a little with him; for he was still a man. Moreover, like
+many hard men, he was capable of great kindness towards those whom
+he liked. And, with the full approbation of his conscience, he liked
+his penitent; whilst, rather in spite of his conscience, he liked his
+penitent's son.
+
+Carlos did not trouble himself over-much about the prior's motives. He
+was too content in his new-found joy, too engrossed in his absorbing
+task--the concern and occupation of his every hour, almost of his every
+moment. He was as one who toils patiently to clear away the moss and
+lichen that has grown over a memorial stone; that he may bring out once
+more, in all their freshness, the precious words engraven upon it.
+The inscription was there, and there it had been always (so he told
+himself); all that he had to do was to remove that which covered and
+obscured it.
+
+He had his reward. Life returned, first through love for him, to the
+heart; then, through the heart, to the brain. Not rapidly and with
+tingling pain, as it returns to a frozen limb, but gradually and
+insensibly, as it comes to the dry trees in spring.
+
+But, in the trees, life shows itself first in the extremities; it
+is slowest in appearing in those parts which are really nearest the
+sources of all life. So the penitent's interest in other subjects,
+and his care for them, revived; yet in one thing, the greatest of
+all, these seemed lacking still. There did _not_ return the spiritual
+light and life, which Carlos could not doubt he had enjoyed in past
+days. Sometimes, it is true, he would startle his son by unexpected
+reminiscences, disjointed fragments of the truth for which he had
+suffered so much. He would occasionally interrupt Carlos, when he was
+repeating to him passages from the Testament, to tell him "something
+Don Rodrigo said about that, when he expounded the Epistle to the
+Romans." But these were only like the rich flowers that surprise the
+explorer amidst the tangled weeds of a waste ground, showing that a
+carefully tended garden has flourished there once--very long ago.
+
+"It is not that I desire him above all things to hold this doctrine
+or that," thought Carlos; "I desire him to find Christ again, and to
+rejoice in his love, as doubtless he did in the old days. And surely
+he will, since Christ found him--chose him for his own even before the
+foundation of the world."
+
+But in order to bring this about, perhaps it was necessary that the
+faded colours of his soul should be steeped in the strong and bitter
+waters of a great agony, that they might regain thereby their full
+freshness.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLIII.
+
+                        El Dorado Found Again.
+
+  "And every power was used, and every art,
+  To bend to falsehood one determined heart;
+  Assailed, in patience it received the shock,
+  Soft as the wave, unbroken as the rock."
+
+                                       CRABBE.
+
+
+What are you doing, my father?" Carlos asked one morning.
+
+Don Juan had produced from some private receptacle a small ink-horn,
+and was moistening its long-dried contents with water.
+
+"I was thinking that I should like to write down somewhat," he said.
+
+"But whereto will ink serve us without pen and paper?"
+
+The penitent smiled; and presently pulled out from within his pallet
+a little faded writing-book, and a pen that looked--what it was--more
+than twenty years old.
+
+"Long ago," he said, "I used to be weary, weary of sitting idle all the
+day; so I bribed one of the lay brothers with my last ducat to bring
+me this, only that I might set down therein whatever happened, for
+pastime."
+
+"May I read it, my father?"
+
+"And welcome, if thou wilt;" and he gave the book into the hand of his
+son. "At first, as you see, there be many things written therein.
+I cannot tell what they are now; I have forgotten them all;--but I
+suppose I thought them, or felt them--once. Or sometimes the brethren
+would come to visit me, and talk, and afterwards I would write what
+they said. But by degrees I set down less and less in it. Many days
+passed in which I wrote nothing, because nothing was to write. Nothing
+ever happened."
+
+Carlos was soon absorbed in the perusal of the little book. The records
+of his father's earlier prison life he scanned with great interest and
+with deep emotion; but coming rather suddenly upon the last entry, he
+could not forbear a smile. He read aloud:
+
+"'A feast day. Had a capon for dinner, and a measure of red wine.'"
+
+"Did I not judge well," asked the father, "that it was time to give
+over writing, when I could stoop low enough to record such trifles?
+Yes; I think I can recall the bitterness of heart with which I laid the
+book aside. I despised myself for what I wrote therein; and yet I had
+nothing else to write--would never have anything else, I thought. But
+now God has given me my son. I will write that down."
+
+Looking up, after a little while, from his self-imposed task, he asked,
+with an air of perplexity,--
+
+"But when was it? How long is it since you came here, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos in his turn was perplexed. The quiet days had glided on swiftly
+and noiselessly, leaving no trace behind.
+
+"To me it seems to have been all one long Sabbath," he said. "But let
+me think. The summer heats had not come; I suppose it must have been
+March or April--April, perhaps. I remember thinking I had been just two
+years in prison."
+
+"And now it is growing cool again. I suppose it may have been four
+months--six months ago. What think you?"
+
+Carlos thought it nearer the latter period than the former.
+
+"I believe we have been visited six times by the brethren," he said.
+"No; only five times."
+
+These visits of inspection had been made by command of the
+prior--himself absent from Seville on important business during most
+of the time--and the result had been duly reported to him. The monks
+to whom the duty had been deputed were aged and respectable members
+of the community; in fact, the only persons in the monastery who were
+acquainted with Don Juan's real name and history. It was their opinion
+that matters were progressing favourably with the prisoners. They found
+the penitent as usual--docile, obedient, submissive, only more inclined
+to converse than formerly; and they thought the young man very gentle
+and courteous, grateful for the smallest kindness, and ready to listen
+attentively, and with apparent interest, to everything that was said.
+
+For more definite results the prior was content to wait: he had great
+faith in waiting. Still, even to him six months seemed long enough for
+the experiment he was trying. At the end of that time--which happened
+to be the day after the conversation just related--he himself made a
+visit to the prisoners.
+
+Both most warmly expressed their gratitude for the singular grace he
+had shown them. Carlos, whose health had greatly improved, said that he
+had not dreamed so much earthly happiness could remain for him still.
+
+"Then, my son," said the prior, "give evidence of thy gratitude in the
+only way possible to thee, or acceptable to me. Do not reject the mercy
+still offered thee by Holy Church. Ask for reconciliation."
+
+"My lord," replied Carlos, firmly, "I can but repeat what I told you
+six months agone--that is impossible."
+
+The prior argued, expostulated, threatened--in vain. At length he
+reminded Carlos that he was already condemned to death--the death of
+fire; and that he was now putting from him his last chance of mercy.
+But when he still remained steadfast, he turned away from him with an
+air of deep disappointment, though more in sorrow than in anger, as one
+pained by keen and unexpected ingratitude.
+
+"I speak to thee no more," he said. "I believe there is in thy father's
+heart some little spark, not only of natural feeling, but of the grace
+of God. I address myself to him."
+
+Whether Don Juan had never fully comprehended the statement of Carlos
+that he was under sentence of death, or whether the tide of emotion
+caused by finding in him his own son had swept the terrible fact from
+his remembrance, it is impossible to say; but it certainly came to him,
+from the lips of the prior, as a dreadful, unexpected blow. So keen
+was his anguish that Fray Ricardo himself was moved; and the rather,
+because it was impossible to the aged and broken man to maintain the
+outward self-restraint a younger and stronger person might have done.
+
+More touched, at the moment, by his father's condition than by all the
+horrors that menaced himself, Carlos came to his side, and gently tried
+to soothe him.
+
+"Cease!" said the prior, sternly. "It is but mockery to pretend
+sympathy with the sorrow thine own obstinacy has caused. If in truth
+thou lovest him, save him this cruel pain. For three days still," he
+added, "the door of grace shall stand open to thee. After that term has
+expired, I dare not promise thy life." Then turning to the agitated
+father--"If _you_ can make this unhappy youth hear the voice of divine
+and human compassion," he said, "you will save both his body and his
+soul alive. You know how to send me a message. God comfort you, and
+incline his heart to repentance." And with these words he departed,
+leaving Carlos to undergo the sharpest trial that had come upon him
+since his imprisonment.
+
+All that day, and the greater part of the night that followed it, the
+two wills strove together. Prayers, tears, entreaties, seemed to the
+agonized father to fall on the strong heart of his son like drops of
+rain on the rock. He did not know that all the time they were falling
+on that heart like sparks of living fire; for Carlos, once so weak,
+had learned now to endure pain, both of mind and body, with brow and
+lip that "gave no sign." Passing tender was the love that had sprung
+up between those two, so strangely brought together. And now Carlos,
+by his own act, must sever that sweet bond--must leave his newly-found
+father in a solitude doubly terrible, where the feeble lamp of his life
+would soon go out in obscure darkness. Was not this bitterness enough,
+without the anguish of seeing that father bow his white head before
+him, and teach his aged lips words of broken, passionate entreaty that
+his son--his one earthly treasure--would not forsake him thus?
+
+"My father," Carlos said at last, as they sat together in the
+moonlight, for their light had gone out unheeded--"my father, you have
+often told me that my face is like my mother's."
+
+"Ay de mi!" moaned the penitent--"and truly it is. Is that why it must
+leave me as hers did? Ay de mi, Costanza mia! Ay de mi, my son!"
+
+"Father, tell me, I pray you, to escape what anguish of mind or body
+would you set your seal to a falsehood told to her dishonour?"
+
+"Boy, how can you ask? Never!--nothing could force me to that." And
+from the faded eye there shot a gleam almost like the fire of old days.
+
+"Father, there is One I love better than ever you loved her. Not to
+save myself, not even to save you, from this bitter pain, can I deny
+him or dishonour his name. Father, I cannot!--Though this is worse than
+the torture," he added.
+
+The anguish of the last words pierced to the very core of the old
+man's heart. He said no more; but he covered his face, and wept long
+and passionately, as a man weeps whose heart is broken, and who has no
+longer any power left him to struggle against his doom.
+
+Their last meal lay untasted. Some wine had formed part of it; and this
+Carlos now brought, and, with a few gentle, loving words, offered to
+his father. Don Juan put it aside, but drew his son closer, and looked
+at him in the moonlight long and earnestly.
+
+"How can I give thee up?" he murmured.
+
+As Carlos tried to return his gaze, it flashed for the first time
+across his mind that his father was changed. He looked older, feebler,
+more wan than he had done at his coming. Was the newly-awakened spirit
+wearing out the body? He said,--
+
+"It may be, my father, that God will not call you to the trial. Perhaps
+months may elapse before they arrange another Auto."
+
+How calmly he could speak of it;--for he had forgotten himself.
+Courage, with him, always had its root in self-forgetting love.
+
+Don Juan caught at the gleam of hope, though not exactly as Carlos
+intended. "Ay, truly," he said, "many things may happen before then."
+
+"And nothing _can_ happen save at the will of Him who loves and cares
+for us. Let us trust him, my beloved father. He will not allow us
+to be tempted above that we are able to bear. For he is good--oh,
+how good!--to the soul that seeketh him. Long ago I believed that;
+but since he has honoured me to suffer for him, once and again have
+I proved it true, true as life or death. Father, I once thought
+the strongest thing on earth--that which reached deepest into our
+nature--was pain. But I have lived to learn that his love is stronger,
+his peace is deeper, than all pain."
+
+With many such words--words of faith, and hope, and tenderness--did he
+soothe his weary, broken-hearted father. And at last, though not till
+towards morning, he succeeded in inducing him to lie down and seek the
+rest he so sorely needed.
+
+Then came his own hour; the hour of bitter, lonely conflict. He
+had grown accustomed to the thought, to the _expectation_, of a
+silent, peaceful death within the prison walls. He had hoped, nay,
+certainly believed, that in the slow hours of some quiet day or night,
+undistinguished from other days and nights, God's messenger would steal
+noiselessly to his gloomy cell, and heart and brain would thrill with
+rapture at the summons, "The Master calleth thee."
+
+Now, indeed, it was true that the Master called him. But he called him
+to go to Him through the scornful gaze of ten thousand eyes; through
+reproach, and shame, and mockery; the hideous zamarra and carroza; the
+long agony of the Auto, spun out from daybreak till midnight; and, last
+of all, through the torture of the doom of fire. How could he bear it?
+Sharp were the pangs of fear that wrung his heart, and dread was the
+struggle that followed.
+
+It was over at last. Raising to the cold moonlight a steadfast though
+sorrowful face, Carlos murmured audibly, "What time I am afraid I will
+put my trust in thee. Lord, I am ready to go with thee, whithersoever
+thou wilt; only--with thee."
+
+He woke, late the following morning, from the sleep of exhaustion to
+the painful consciousness of something terrible to come upon him. But
+he was soon roused from thoughts of self by seeing his father kneel
+before the crucifix, not quietly reciting his appointed penance, but
+uttering broken words of prayer and lamentation, accompanied by bitter
+weeping. As far as he could gather, the burden of the cry was this,
+"God help me! God forgive me! _I have lost it!_" Over and over again
+did he moan those piteous words, "I have lost it!" as if they were the
+burden of some dreary song. They seemed to contain the sum of all his
+sorrow.
+
+Carlos, yearning to comfort him, still did not feel that he could
+interrupt him then. He waited quietly until they were both ready for
+their usual reading or repetition of Scripture; for Carlos, every
+morning, either read from the Book of Hours to his father, or recited
+passages from memory, as suited his inclination at the time.
+
+He knew all the Gospel of John by heart. And this day he began with
+those blessed words, dear in all ages to the tried and sorrowing, "Let
+not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
+my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
+told you. I go to prepare a place for you." He continued without pause
+to the close of the sixteenth chapter, "These things I have spoken
+unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
+tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
+
+Then once more Don Juan uttered that cry of bitter pain, "Ay de mi! I
+have lost it!"
+
+Carlos thought he understood him now. "Lost that peace, my father?" he
+questioned gently.
+
+The old man bowed his head sorrowfully.
+
+"But it is in Him. 'In me ye might have peace.' And Him you have," said
+Carlos.
+
+Don Juan drew his hand across his brow, was silent for a few moments,
+then said slowly, "I will try to tell you how it is with me. There is
+one thing I could do, even yet; one path left open to my footsteps
+in which none could part us.--What hinders my refusing to perform my
+penance, and boldly taking my stand beside thee, Carlos?"
+
+Carlos started, flushed, grew pale again with emotion. He had not
+dreamed of this, and his heart shrank from it in terror. "My beloved
+father!" he exclaimed in a trembling voice. "But no--God has not called
+you. Each one of us must wait to see his guiding hand."
+
+"Once I could have done it bravely, nay, joyfully," said the penitent.
+"_Not now._" And there was a silence.
+
+At last Don Juan resumed, "My boy, thy courage shames my weakness. What
+hast thou seen, what dost thou see, that makes this thing possible to
+thee?"
+
+"My father knows. I see Him who died for me, who rose again for me,
+who lives at the right hand of God to intercede for me."
+
+"_For me?_"
+
+"Yes; it is this thought that gives strength and peace."
+
+"Peace--which I have lost for ever."
+
+"Not for ever, my honoured father. No; you are his, and of such it is
+written, 'Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' Though your
+tired hand has relaxed its grasp of him, his has never ceased to hold
+you, and never can cease."
+
+"I was at peace and happy long ago, when I believed, as Don Rodrigo
+said, that I was justified by faith in him."
+
+"Once justified, justified for ever," said Carlos.
+
+"Don Rodrigo used to say so too, but--I cannot understand it now," and
+a look of perplexity passed over his face.
+
+Carlos spoke more simply. "No! Then come to him now, my father, just as
+if you had never come before. You may not know that you are justified;
+you know well that you are weary and heavy laden. And to such he says,
+'Come. He says it with outstretched arms, with a heart full of love and
+tenderness. He is as willing to save you from sin and sorrow as you are
+this hour to save me from pain and death. Only, you cannot, and he can."
+
+"Come--that is--believe?"
+
+"It is believe, and more. Come, as your heart came out to me, and mine
+to you, when we knew the great bond between us. But with far stronger
+trust and deeper love; for he is more than son or father. He fulfils
+all relationships, satisfies all wants."
+
+"But then, what of those long years in which I forgot him?"
+
+"They were but adding to the sum of sin; sin that he has pardoned, has
+washed away for ever in his blood."
+
+At that point the conversation dropped, and days passed ere it was
+renewed. Don Juan was unusually silent; very tender to his son, making
+no complaint, but often weeping quietly. Carlos thought it best to
+leave God to deal with him directly, so he only prayed for him and with
+him, repeated precious Scripture words, and sometimes sang to him the
+psalms and hymns of the Church.
+
+But one evening, to the affectionate "Good-night" always exchanged by
+the son and father with the sense that many more might not be left to
+them, Don Juan added, "Rejoice with me, my son; for I think that I have
+found again the thing that I lost--
+
+  'El Dorado
+   Yo he trovado.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIV.
+
+                        One Prisoner Set Free.
+
+  "All was ended now, the hope and the fear, and the sorrow;
+  All the aching of heart, the restless unsatisfied longing,
+  All the dull deep pain, and constant anguish of patience."
+
+                                                  LONGFELLOW.
+
+
+The winter rain was pouring down in a steady continuous torrent. It
+was long since a gleam of sunshine had come through the windows of the
+prison-room. But Don Juan Alvarez did not miss the sunlight. For he lay
+on his pallet, weak and ill, and the only sight he greatly cared to
+look upon was the loving face that was ever beside him.
+
+It is possible, by means of the embalmer's art, to enable buried forms
+to retain for ages a ghastly outward similitude to life. Tombs have
+been opened, and kings found therein clothed in their royal robes,
+stern and stately, the sceptre in their cold hands, and no trace of
+the grave and its corruption visible upon them. But no sooner did the
+breath of the upper air and the finger of light touch them than they
+crumbled away, silently and rapidly, and dust returned to dust again.
+Thus, buried in the chill dark tomb of his seclusion, Don Juan might
+have lived for years--if life it could be called--or, at least, he
+might have lingered on in the outward similitude of life. But Carlos
+brought in light and air upon him. His mind and heart revived; and,
+just in proportion, his physical nature sank. It proved too weak to
+bear these powerful influences. He was dying.
+
+Tender and thoughtful as a woman, Carlos, who himself knew so well
+all the bitterness of unpitied pain and sickness, ministered to his
+father's wants. But he did not request their gaolers to afford him any
+medical aid, though, had he done so, it would have been readily granted.
+
+He had good reason for seeking no help from man. The daily penance was
+neglected now; the rosary lay untold; and never again would "Ave Maria
+Sanctissima" pass the lips of Don Juan Alvarez. Therefore it was that
+Carlos, after much thought and prayer, said quietly to him one day, "My
+father, are you afraid to lie here, in God's hands, and in his alone,
+and to take whatever he pleases to send us?"
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+"Do you desire _any_ help they can give, either for your soul or for
+your body?"
+
+"_No_," said the Conde de Nuera, with something like the spirit of
+other days. "I would not confess to them; for Christ is my only priest
+now. And they should not anoint me while I retained my consciousness."
+
+A look of resolution, strange to see, passed over the gentle face of
+Carlos. "It is well said, my father," he responded. "And, God helping
+me, I will let no man trouble you."
+
+"My son," said Don Juan one evening, as Carlos sat beside him in the
+twilight, "I pray you, tell me a little more of those who learned to
+love the truth since I walked amongst men. For I would fain be able to
+recognize them when we meet in heaven."
+
+Then Carlos told him, not indeed for the first time, but more fully
+than ever before, the story of the Reformed Church in Spain. Almost
+every name that he mentioned has come down to us surrounded by the
+mournful halo of martyr glory. With special reverential love, he told
+of Don Carlos de Seso, of Losada, of D'Arellano, and of the heroic
+Juliano Hernandez, who, as he believed, was still waiting for his
+crown. "For him," he said, "I pray even yet; for the others I can
+only thank God. Surely," he added, after a pause, "God will remember
+the land for which these, his faithful martyrs, prayed and toiled and
+suffered! Surely he will hear their voices, that cry under the altar,
+not for vengeance, but for forgiveness and mercy; and one day he will
+return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him!"
+
+"I know not," said the dying man despondingly. "The Spains have had
+their offer of God's truth, and have rejected it. What is there that is
+said, somewhere in the Scriptures, about Noah, Daniel, and Job?"
+
+Carlos repeated the solemn words, "'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were
+in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither
+son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their
+righteousness.' Do you fear that such a terrible doom has gone forth
+over our land, my father? I dare to hope otherwise. For it is not the
+Spains that have rejected the truth. It is the Inquisition that is
+crushing it out."
+
+"But the Spains must answer for its deeds, since they consent to them.
+They heed not. There are brave men enough, with weapons in their
+hands," said the soldier of former days, with a momentary return to old
+habits of thought and feeling.
+
+"Yet God may give our land another trial," Carlos continued. "His truth
+is sometimes offered twice to individuals, why not to nations?"
+
+"True; it was offered twice to me, praised be his name." After an
+interval of silence, he resumed, "My son always speaks of others, never
+of himself. Not yet have I learned how it was that you came to receive
+the Word of God so readily from Juliano."
+
+Then in the dark, with his father's hand in his, Carlos told, for the
+first and last time, the true story of his life.
+
+Before he had gone far, Don Juan started, half-raised himself, and
+exclaimed in surprise, "What, and you!--_you_ too--once loved?"
+
+"Ay, and bitter as the pain has been, I am glad now of all except the
+sin. I am glad that I have tasted earth's very best and sweetest;
+that I know how the wine is red and gives its colour in the cup of
+life he honours me to put aside for him." His voice was low and full
+of feeling as he said this. Presently he resumed. "But the sin, my
+father! Especially my treachery in heart to Juan; that rankled long
+and stung deeply. Juan, my brave, generous brother, who would have
+struck down any man who dared to hint that I could do, or think,
+aught dishonourable! He never knew it; and had he known it, he would
+have forgiven me; but I could not forgive myself. I do not think the
+self-scorn passed away until--_that_ which happened after I had been
+nigh a year in prison. O my father, if God had not interposed to save
+me by withholding me from that crime, I shudder to think what my life
+might have been. I am persuaded I should have sunk lower, lower, and
+ever lower. Perhaps, even, I might have ended in the purple and fine
+linen, and the awful pomp and luxury of the oppressors and persecutors
+of the saints."
+
+"Nay," said Don Juan, "that would _never_ have been possible to thee,
+Carlos. But there is a question I have often longed to ask thee. Does
+Juan, my Juan Rodrigo, know and love the Word of God?"
+
+He had asked that question before; but Carlos had contrived, with tact
+and gentleness, to evade the answer. Up to this hour he had not dared
+to tell his father the truth upon this important subject. Besides the
+terrible risk that in some moment of fear or forgetfulness the prior or
+his agents might draw an incautious word from the old man's lips, there
+was a haunting dread of listeners at key-holes, or secret apertures,
+quite natural in one who knew the customs of the Holy Office. But now
+he bent down close to the dying man, and spoke to him in a long earnest
+whisper.
+
+"Thank God," murmured Don Juan. "I would have no earthly wish
+unsatisfied now--if only _you_ were safe. But still," he added, "it
+seemeth somewhat hard to me that Juan should have _all_, and you
+nothing."
+
+"I _nothing_!" Carlos exclaimed; and had not the room been in darkness
+his father would have seen that his eye kindled, and his whole
+countenance lighted up. "My father, mine has been the best lot, even
+for earth. Were it to do again, I would not change the last two years
+for the deepest love, the brightest hope, the fairest joy life has
+to offer. For the Lord himself has been the portion of my cup, my
+inheritance in the land of the living."
+
+After a silence, he continued, "Moreover, and beside all, I have thee,
+my father. Therefore to me it is a joy to think that my beloved brother
+has also something precious. How he loved her! But the strangest thing
+of all, as I ponder over it now, is the fulfilment of our childhood's
+dream. And in me, the weak one who deserved nothing, not in Juan the
+hero who deserved everything. It is the lame who has taken the prey. It
+is the weak and timid Carlos who has found our father."
+
+"Weak--timid?" said Don Juan, with an incredulous smile. "I marvel who
+ever joined such words with the name of my heroic son. Carlos, have we
+any wine?"
+
+"Abundance, my father," answered Carlos, who carefully treasured for
+his father's use all that was furnished for both of them. Having given
+him a little, he asked, "Do you feel pain to-night?"
+
+"No--no pain. Only weary; always weary."
+
+"I think my beloved father will soon be where the weary are at
+rest"--"and where the wicked cease from troubling," he added mentally,
+not aloud.
+
+He would fain have dropped the conversation then, fearing to exhaust
+his father's strength. But the sick man's restlessness was soothed by
+his talk. Ere long he questioned, "Is it not near Christmas now?"
+
+Well did Carlos know that it was; and keenly did he dread the return
+of the season which ought to bring "peace upon earth." For it would
+certainly bring the prisoners a visit; and almost certainly there would
+be the offer of special privileges to the penitent, perhaps sacramental
+consolation, perhaps permission to hear mass. He shuddered to think
+what a refusal to avail himself of these indulgences might entail. And
+once and again did he breathe the fervent prayer, that whatever came
+upon _him_, neither violence, insult, nor reproach might be allowed to
+touch his father.
+
+Moreover, amongst the great festivities of the season, it was more than
+likely that a solemn Auto-da-fe might find place. But this was a secret
+inner thought, not often put into words, even to himself. Only, if it
+were God's will to call his father first!
+
+"It is December," he said, in answer to Don Juan's question; "but
+I have lost account of the day. It may be perhaps the twelfth or
+fourteenth. Shall I recite the evening psalms for the twelfth, 'Te
+dicet hymnus'?"
+
+As he did so, the old man fell asleep, which was what he desired. Half
+in the sleep of exhaustion, half in weary restlessness, the next day
+and the next night wore on. Once only did Don Juan speak connectedly.
+
+"I think you will see my mother soon," said Carlos, as he bore to his
+lips wine mingled with water.
+
+"True," breathed the dying man; "but I am not thinking of that now. Far
+better--I shall see Christ."
+
+"My father, are you still in peace, resting on him?"
+
+"In perfect peace."
+
+And Carlos said no more. He was content; nay, he was exceeding glad.
+He who in all things will have the pre-eminence, had indeed taken his
+rightful place in the heart of the dying, when even the strong earthly
+love that was "twisted with the strings of life" had paled before the
+love of him.
+
+And in the last watch of the night, when the day was breaking, he sent
+his angel to loose the captive's bonds. So gentle was the touch that
+freed him, that he who sat holding his hand in his, and watching his
+face as we watch the last conscious looks of our beloved, yet knew not
+the exact moment when the Deliverer came. Carlos never said "He is
+going!" he only said "He is gone!" And then he kissed the pale lips and
+closed the sightless eyes--in peace.
+
+None ever thanked God for bringing back their beloved from the gates
+of the grave more fervently than Carlos thanked him that hour for
+so gently opening unto his those gates that "no man can shut." "My
+father, thy rest is won!" he said, as he gazed on the calm and noble
+countenance. "They cannot touch thee now. Not all the malice of men
+or of fiends can give one pang. A moment since so fearfully in their
+power; now so completely beyond it! Thank God! thank God!"
+
+The rain was over, and ere long the sun arose, in his royal robes of
+crimson and purple and gold--to the prisoner from the dungeon of the
+Triana an ever fresh wonder and joy. Yet not even that sight could win
+his eyes to-day from the deeper beauty of the still and solemn face
+before him. And as the soft crimson light fell on the pallid cheek and
+brow, the watcher murmured, with calm thankfulness,--"'To him sun and
+daylight are as nothing, for he sees the glory of God.'"
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLV.
+
+                              Triumphant.
+
+  "For ever with the Lord!
+    Amen! so let it be!"
+
+                      MONTGOMERY.
+
+
+Carlos was still sitting beside that couch, with scarcely more sense of
+time than if he had been already where time exists no longer, when the
+door of his cell was opened to admit two distinguished visitors. First
+came the prior; then another member of the Table of the Inquisition.
+
+Carlos rose up from beside his dead, and said calmly, addressing the
+prior, "My father is free!"
+
+"How? what is this?" cried Fray Ricardo, his brow contracting with
+surprise.
+
+Carlos stood aside, allowing him to approach and look. With real
+concern in his stern countenance, he stooped for a few moments over the
+motionless form. Then he asked,--
+
+"But why was I not summoned? Who was with him when he departed?"
+
+"I,--his son," said Carlos.
+
+"But who besides thee?" Then, in a higher key and with more hurried
+intonation,--"Who gave him the last rites of the Church?"
+
+"He did not receive them, my lord, for he did not desire them. He said
+that Christ was his priest; that he would not confess; and that they
+should not anoint him while he retained consciousness."
+
+The Dominican's face grew white with anger, even to the lips.
+
+"_Liar!_" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "How darest thou tell me
+that he for whom I watched, and prayed, and toiled, after years and
+years of faithful penance, has gone down at last, unanointed and
+unassoiled, to hell with Luther and Calvin?"
+
+"I tell thee that he has gone home in peace to his Father's house."
+
+"Blasphemer! liar, like thy father the devil! But I understand all now.
+Thou, in thy hatred of the Faith, didst refuse to summon help--didst
+let his spirit pass without the aid and consolations of the Church.
+Murderer of his soul--thy father's soul! Not content even with that,
+thou canst stand there and slander his memory, bidding us believe that
+he died in heresy! But that, at least, is false--false as thine own
+accursed creed!"
+
+"It is true; and you believe it," said Carlos, in calm, clear, quiet
+tones, that contrasted strangely with the Dominican's outburst of
+unwonted rage.
+
+And the prior did believe it--there was the sharpest sting. He knew
+perfectly well that the condemned heretic was incapable of falsehood:
+on a matter of fact he would have received his testimony more readily
+than that of the stately "Lord Inquisitor" now standing by his side.
+In the momentary pause that followed, that personage came forward and
+looked upon the face of the dead.
+
+"If there be really any proof that he died in heresy," he said, "he
+ought to be proceeded against according to the laws of the Holy Office
+provided for such cases."
+
+Carlos smiled--smiled in calm triumph.
+
+"You cannot hurt him now," he said. "Look there, senor. The King
+immortal, invisible, has set his own signet upon that brow, that the
+decree may not be reversed nor the purpose changed concerning him."
+
+And the peace of the dead face seemed to have passed into the living
+face that had gazed on it so long. Carlos was as really beyond the
+power of his enemies as his father was that hour. They felt it; or at
+least one of them did. As for the other, his strong heart was torn with
+rage and sorrow: sorrow for the penitent, whom he truly loved, and whom
+he now believed, after all his prayers and efforts, a lost soul; rage
+against the obstinate heretic, whom he had sought to befriend, and who
+had repaid his kindness by snatching his convert from his grasp at the
+very gate of heaven, and plunging him into hell.
+
+"I will _not_ believe it," he reiterated, with pale lips, and eyes
+that gleamed beneath his cowl like coals of fire. Then, softening a
+little as he turned to the dead--"Would that those silent lips could
+utter, were it only one word, to say that death found thee true to the
+Catholic faith!--Not one word! So end the hopes of years. But at least
+thy betrayer shall be with thee amongst the dead to-morrow.--Heretic!"
+he said, turning fiercely to Carlos, "we are here to announce thy doom.
+I came, with a heart full of pity and relenting, to offer counsel
+and comfort, and such mercy as Holy Church still keeps for those
+who return to her bosom at the eleventh hour. But now, I despair of
+thee. Professed, impenitent, dogmatizing heretic, go thine own way to
+everlasting fire!"
+
+"To-morrow! Did you say to-morrow?" asked Carlos, standing motionless,
+as one lost in thought.
+
+The other Inquisitor took up the word.
+
+"It is true," he said. "To-morrow the Church offers to God the
+acceptable sacrifice of a solemn Act of Faith. And we come to announce
+to thee thy sentence, well merited and long delayed--to be relaxed to
+the secular arm as an obstinate heretic. But if even yet thou wilt
+repent, and, confessing and deploring thy sins, supplicate restoration
+to the bosom of the Church, she will so effectually intercede for thee
+with the civil magistrate that the doom of fire will be exchanged for
+the milder punishment of death by strangling."
+
+Something like a faint smile played round the lips of Carlos; but he
+only repeated, "To-morrow!"
+
+"Yes, my son," said the Inquisitor, promptly; for he was a man who knew
+his business well. He had come there to improve the occasion; and he
+meant to do it. "No doubt it seems to thee a sudden blow, and but a
+brief space left thee for preparation. But, at the best, our life here
+is only a span; 'Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to
+live, and is full of misery.'"
+
+Carlos did not look as if he heard; he still stood lost in thought, his
+head sunk upon his breast. But in another moment he raised it suddenly.
+
+"To-morrow I shall be with Christ in glory!" he exclaimed, with a
+countenance as radiant as if that glory were already reflected there.
+
+Some faint feeling of awe and wonder touched the Inquisitor's heart,
+and silenced him for an instant. Then, recovering himself, and falling
+back for help upon wonted words of course, he said,--
+
+"I entreat of you to think of your soul."
+
+"I have thought of it long ago. I have given it into the safe keeping
+of Christ my Lord. Therefore I think no more of it; I only think of
+him."
+
+"But have you no fear of the anguish--the doom of fire?"
+
+"I have no fear," Carlos answered. And this was a great mystery, even
+to himself. "Christ's hand will either lift me over it or sustain me
+through it; which, I know not yet. And I am not careful; he will care."
+
+"Men of noble lineage, such as you are--of high honour and stainless
+name, such as you _were_," said the Inquisitor--"ofttimes dread shame
+more than agony. You, who were called Alvarez de Menaya, what think
+_you_ of the infamy, the loathing of all men, the scorn and mockery of
+the lowest rabble--the zamarra, the carroza?"
+
+"I shall joyfully go forth with Him without the camp, bearing his
+reproach."
+
+"And stand at the stake beside a vile caitiff, a miserable muleteer,
+convicted of the same crimes?"
+
+"A muleteer? Juliano Hernandez?" Carlos questioned eagerly.
+
+"The same."
+
+A softer light played over the features of Carlos. Then he should see
+that face once more--perhaps even grasp that hand! Truly God was giving
+him everything he desired of him. He said,--
+
+"I am glad to stand, here to the last, at the side of that faithful
+soldier and servant of Christ. For when we go in there together, I dare
+not hope to be so highly honoured as to take a place beside him."
+
+At this point the prior broke in. "Senor and my brother, your words
+are wasted. He is given over to the power of the evil one. Let us
+leave him." And drawing his mantle round him, he turned to go, without
+looking again towards Carlos.
+
+But Carlos came forward. "Pardon me, my lord; I have a few words
+yet to say to you;" and, stretching out his hand to detain him, he
+unconsciously touched his arm with it.
+
+The prior flung it off with a gesture of angry scorn. There was
+contamination in that touch. "I have heard too many words from your
+lips already," he said.
+
+"To-morrow night my lips will be dust, my voice silent for ever. So you
+may well bear with me for a little while to-day."
+
+"Speak then; but be brief."
+
+"It gives me the last pang I think to know on earth, to part thus from
+you; for you have shown me true kindness. I owe you, not forgiveness as
+an enemy, but gratitude as a sincere though mistaken friend. I shall
+pray for you--"
+
+"An impenitent heretic's prayers--"
+
+"Will do my lord the prior no harm; and there may come a day when he
+will not be sorry he had them."
+
+There was a short pause. "Have you anything else to say?" asked the
+prior rather more gently.
+
+"Only one word, senor." He turned and looked at the dead. "I know you
+loved him well. You will deal gently with his dust, will you not? A
+grave is not much to ask for him. You will give it; I trust you."
+
+The stern set face relaxed a little before that pleading look. "It is
+_you_ who have sought to rob him of a grave," said the prior--"you who
+have defamed him of heresy. But your testimony is invalid; and, as I
+have said, I believe you not."
+
+With this declaration of purely official disbelief, he left the room.
+
+His colleague lingered a moment. "You plead for the senseless dust that
+can neither feel nor suffer," he said; "you can pity that. How is it
+you cannot pity yourself?"
+
+"That which you destroy to-morrow is not myself. It is only my garment,
+my tent. Yet even over that Christ watches. He can raise it glorious
+from the ashes of the Quemadero as easily as from the church where the
+bones of my fathers sleep. For I am his, soul and body--the purchase of
+his blood. And why should it be a marvel in your eyes that I rejoice to
+give my life for him who gave his own for me?"
+
+"God grant thee even yet to die in his grace!" answered the Inquisitor,
+somewhat moved. "I do not despair of thee. I will pray for thee, and
+visit thee again to-night." So saying, he hastened after the prior.
+
+For a season Carlos sat motionless, his soul filled to overflowing with
+a calm, deep tide of awed and wondering joy. No room was there for any
+thought save one--"I shall see His face; I shall be with Him for ever."
+Over the Thing that lay between he could spring as joyously as a child
+might leap across a brook to reach his father's outstretched hand.
+
+At length his eye fell, perhaps by accident, on the little writing-book
+which lay near. He drew it towards him, and having found out the place
+where the last entry was made, wrote rapidly beneath it,--
+
+    "To depart and to be with Christ is far better. My beloved father
+    is gone to him in peace to-day. I too go in peace, though by a
+    rougher path, to-morrow. Surely goodness and mercy have followed me
+    all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
+    for ever.
+
+    "CARLOS ALVAREZ DE SANTILLANOS Y MENAYA."
+
+And with a strange consciousness that he had now signed his name for
+the last time, he carefully affixed to it his own especial "rubrica,"
+or sign-manual.
+
+Then came one thought of earth--only one--the last. "God, in his great
+mercy, grant that my brother may be far away! I would not that he saw
+my face to-morrow. For the pain and the shame can be seen of all; while
+that which changes them to glory no man knoweth, save he that receiveth
+it. But, wherever thou art, God bless thee, my Ruy!" And drawing the
+book towards him again, he added, as if by a sudden impulse, to what he
+had already written, "God bless thee, my Ruy!"
+
+Soon afterwards the Alguazils arrived to conduct him back to the
+Triana. Then, turning to his dead once more, he kissed the pale
+forehead, saying, "Farewell, for a little while. Thou didst never taste
+death; nor shall I. Instead of thee and me, Christ drank that cup."
+
+And then, for the second time, the gate of the Triana opened to
+receive Don Carlos Alvarez. At sunrise next morning its gloomy portals
+were unlocked, and he, with others, passed forth from beneath their
+shadow. Not to return again to that dark prison, there to linger
+out the slow and solitary hours of grief and pain. His warfare was
+accomplished, his victory was won. Long before the sun had arisen again
+upon the weary blood-stained earth, a brighter sun arose for him who
+had done with earth. All his desire was granted, all his longings were
+fulfilled. He saw the face of Christ, and he was with Him for ever.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLVI.
+
+                            Is it too Late?
+
+  "Death upon his face
+  Is rather shine than shade;
+  A tender shine by looks beloved made:
+  He seemeth dying in a quiet place."
+
+                                 E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+The mountain-snow lay white around the old castle of Nuera; but
+within there was light and warmth. Joy and gladness were there also,
+"thanksgiving and the voice of melody;" for Dona Beatriz, graver and
+paler than of old, and with the brilliant lustre of her dark eyes
+subdued to a kind of dewy softness, was singing a cradle-song beside
+the cot where her first-born slept.
+
+The babe had just been baptized by Fray Sebastian. With a pleading,
+wistful look had Dolores asked her lord, the day before, what name he
+wished his son to bear. But he only answered, "The heir of our house
+always bears the name of Juan." Another name was far dearer to memory;
+but not yet could he accustom his lips to utter it, or his ear to bear
+the sound.
+
+Now he came slowly into the room, holding in his hand an unsealed
+letter. Dona Beatriz looked up. "He sleeps," she said.
+
+"Then let him sleep on, senora mia."
+
+"But will you not look? See, how pretty he is! How he smiles in his
+sleep! And those dear small hands--"
+
+"Have their share in dragging me further than you wot of, my Beatriz."
+
+Nay; what dost thou mean? Do not be grave and sad to-day--not to-day,
+Don Juan."
+
+"My beloved, God knows I would not cloud thy brow with a single care
+if I could help it. Nor am I sad. Only we must think. Here is a letter
+from the Duke of Savoy (and very gracious and condescending too),
+inviting me to take my place once more in His Catholic Majesty's army."
+
+"But you will not go? We are so happy together here."
+
+"My Beatriz, I _dare_ not go. I would have to fight"--(here he broke
+off, and cast a hasty glance round the room, from the habit of dreading
+listeners)--"I would have to fight against those whose cause is just
+the cause I hold dearest upon earth. I would have to deny my faith
+by the deeds of every day. But yet, how to refuse and not stand
+dishonoured in the eyes of the world, a traitor and a coward, I know
+not."
+
+"No dishonour could ever touch thee, my brave and noble Juan."
+
+Don Juan's brow relaxed a little. "But that men should even _think_ it
+did, is what I could not bear," he said. "Besides"--and he drew nearer
+the cradle, and looked fondly down at the little sleeper--"it does not
+seem to me, my Beatriz, that I dare bring up this child God has given
+me to the bitter heritage of a slave."
+
+"A slave!" repeated Dona Beatriz, almost with a cry. "Now Heaven help
+us, Don Juan; are you mad? You, of noblest lineage--you, Alvarez de
+Menaya--to call your own first-born a slave!"
+
+"I call any one a slave who dares not speak out what he thinks, and act
+out what he believes," returned Don Juan sadly.
+
+"And what is it that you would do then?"
+
+"Would to God that I knew! But the future is all dark to me. I see not
+a single step before me."
+
+"Then, amigo mio, do not look before you. Let the future alone, and
+enjoy the present, as I do."
+
+"Truly that baby face would charm many a care away," said Juan, with
+another fond glance at the sleeping child. "But a man _must_ look
+before him, and a Christian man must ask what God would have him to do.
+Moreover, this letter of the duke demands an answer, Yea or Nay."
+
+"Senor Don Juan. I desire to speak with your Excellency," said the
+voice of Dolores at the door.
+
+"Come in, Dolores."
+
+"Nay, senor, I want you here." This peremptory sharpness was very
+unlike the wonted manner of Dolores.
+
+Don Juan came forth immediately. Dolores signed to him to shut the
+door. Then, not till then, she began,--"Senor Don Juan, two brethren
+of the Society of Jesus have come from Seville, and are now in the
+village."
+
+"What then? Surely you do not fear that they suspect anything with
+regard to us?" asked Juan, in some alarm.
+
+"No; but they have brought tidings."
+
+"You tremble, Dolores. You are ill. Speak--what is it?"
+
+"They have brought tidings of a great Act of Faith, to be held at
+Seville, upon a day not yet fixed when they left the city, but towards
+the end of this month."
+
+For a moment the two stood silent, gazing in each other's faces. Then
+Dolores said, in an eager breathless whisper, "You will go, senor?"
+
+Juan shook his head. "What you are thinking of Dolores, is a dream--a
+vain, wild dream. Long since, I doubt not, he rests with God."
+
+"But if we had the proof of it, rest might come to us," said Dolores,
+large tears gathering slowly in her eyes.
+
+"It is true," Juan mused; "they may wreak their vengeance on the dust."
+
+"And for the assurance that would give that nothing more was left them,
+I, a poor woman, would joyfully walk barefoot from this to Seville and
+back again."
+
+Juan hesitated no longer. "_I go_" he said. "Dolores, seek Fray
+Sebastian, and send him to me at once. Bid Jorge be ready with the
+horses to start to-morrow at daybreak. Meanwhile, I will prepare Dona
+Beatriz for my sudden departure."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of that hurried winter journey, Don Juan was never afterwards heard
+to speak. No one of its incidents seemed to have made the slightest
+impression on his mind, or even to have been remembered by him.
+
+But at last he drew near Seville. It was late in the evening, however,
+and he had told his attendant they should spend the night at a village
+eight or nine miles from their destination.
+
+Suddenly Jorge cried out. "Look there, senor, the city is on fire."
+
+Don Juan looked. A lurid crimson glow paled the stars in the southern
+sky. With a shudder he bowed his head, and veiled his face from the
+awful sight.
+
+"That fire is _without the gate_," he said at last. "Pray for the souls
+that are passing in anguish now."
+
+Noble, heroic souls! Probably Juliano Hernandez, possibly Fray
+Constantino, was amongst them. These were the only names that occurred
+to Don Juan's mind, or were breathed in his fervent, agitated prayer.
+
+"Yonder is the posada, senor," said the attendant presently.
+
+"Nay, Jorge, we will ride on. There will be no sleepers in Seville
+to-night."
+
+"But, senor," remonstrated the servant, "the horses are weary. We have
+travelled far to-day already."
+
+"Let them rest afterwards," said Juan briefly. Motion, just then, was
+an absolute necessity to him. He could not have rested anywhere, within
+sight of that awful glare.
+
+Two hours afterwards he drew the rein of his weary steed before
+the house of his cousin Dona Inez. He had no scruple in asking for
+admission in the middle of the night, as he knew that, under the
+circumstances, the household would not fail to be astir. His summons
+was speedily answered, and he was conducted to a hall opening on the
+patio.
+
+Thither, after a brief interval, came Juanita, bearing a lamp in
+her hand, which she set down on the table. "My lady will see your
+Excellency presently," said the girl, with a shy, frightened air, which
+was very unlike her, but which Juan was too preoccupied to notice. "But
+she is much indisposed. My lord was obliged to accompany her home from
+the Act of Faith before it was half over."
+
+Juan expressed the concern he felt, and desired that she would not
+incommode herself upon his account. Perhaps Don Garcia, if he had not
+yet retired to rest, would converse with him for a few moments.
+
+"My lady said she must speak with you herself," answered Juanita, as
+she left the room.
+
+After a considerable time Dona Inez appeared. In that southern climate
+youth and beauty fade quickly; and yet Juan was by no means prepared
+for the changed, worn, haggard face that gazed on him now, There was
+no pomp of apparel to carry off the impression. Dona Inez wore a loose
+dark dressing-robe; and a hasty careless hand seemed to have untwined
+the usual ornaments from her black hair. Her eyes were like those of
+one who has wept for hours, and then only ceased for very weariness.
+
+She stretched out both her hands to Juan--"O Don Juan, I never meant
+it! I never meant it!"
+
+"Senora and my cousin, I have but just arrived here. I do not
+understand you," said Juan, rising to greet her.
+
+"Santa Maria! Then you know not!--Horrible!"
+
+She sank into a seat. Juan stood gazing at her eagerly, almost wildly.
+"Yes; I understand all now," he said at last. "I suspected it."
+
+_He_ saw in imagination a black chest, with a little lifeless dust
+within it; a rude shapeless figure, robed in the hideous zamarra, and
+bearing in large letters the venerated name, "Alvarez de Santillanos y
+Menaya." While _she_ saw a living face, that would never cease to haunt
+her memory until death shadowed all things.
+
+"Let me speak," she gasped; "and I will try to be calm. I did not wish
+to go. It was the day of the last Auto, you remember, that my poor
+brother died, and altogether---- But Don Garcia insisted. He said
+everybody would talk, and especially when the taint had touched our own
+house. Besides, Dona Juana de Bohorques, who died in prison, was to be
+publicly declared innocent, and her property restored to her heirs. Out
+of regard to the family, it was thought we ought to be present. O Don
+Juan, if I had but known! I would rather have put on a sanbenito myself
+than have gone there. God grant it did not hurt him!"
+
+"How could it possibly hurt him, my tender-hearted cousin?"
+
+"Hush! Let me go on now, while I can speak of it; or I shall never,
+never tell you. And I must. _He_ would have wished---- Well, we were
+seated in what they called good places; very near the condemned; in
+fact, the scaffold opposite was plain to us as you are to me now. But
+that last time, and Dona Maria's look, and Dr. Cristobal's, haunted
+me, so that I did not dare to raise my eyes to where _they_ sat;--not
+until long after the mass had begun. And I knew besides there were
+so many women there--eight on that dreadful top bench, doomed to
+die. But at last a lady who sat near me bade me look at one of the
+relaxed, a little man, who was pointing upwards and making signs to his
+companions to encourage them. 'Do not look, senora,' said Don Garcia,
+quickly--but too late. O Don Juan, I saw his face!"
+
+"His LIVING face? Not his living face?" cried Juan, with a
+shudder that convulsed his strong frame from head to foot. And the
+Name--the one awful Name that rises to all human lips in moments of
+supreme emotion--broke from his in a wail of anguish.
+
+Dona Inez tried to speak; but in vain. Thoroughly broken down, she wept
+and sobbed aloud. But the sight of the rigid, tearless face before
+her checked her tears at last. She gained power to go on. "I saw him.
+Worn and pale, of course; yet not changed so greatly, after all. The
+same dear, kind, familiar face I had seen last in this room, when he
+caressed and played with my child. Not sad, not as though he suffered.
+Rather as though he had suffered long ago; but was beyond it all, even
+then. A still, patient, fearless look, eyes that saw everything; and
+yet nothing seemed to trouble him. I bore it until they were reading
+the sentences, and came to his. But when I saw the Alguazil strike
+him--the blow that relaxed to the secular arm--I could endure no more.
+I believe I cried aloud. But in fact I know not what I did. I know
+nothing more till Don Garcia and my brother Don Manuel were carrying me
+through the crowd."
+
+"No word? Was there no word spoken?" asked Juan wildly.
+
+"_No_; but I heard some one near me say that he talked with that
+muleteer in the court of the Triana, and spoke words of comfort to a
+poor woman amongst the penitents, whom they called Maria Gonsalez."
+
+All was told now. Maddened with rage and anguish, Juan rushed from
+the room, from the house; and, without being conscious of any settled
+purpose, in five minutes found himself far on his way to the Dominican
+convent adjoining the Triana.
+
+His servant, who was still waiting at the gate, followed him to ask
+for orders, and with difficulty overtook him, and arrested his steps.
+
+Juan sternly silenced his faltering, agitated question as to what was
+wrong with his lord. "Go to rest," he said, "and meet me in the morning
+by the great gate of Sun Isodro." Nothing was clear to him; but that he
+must shake off as soon as possible the dust of the wicked, cruel city
+from his feet. And San Isodro was the only trysting-place without its
+walls that happened at the moment to occur to his bewildered brain.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVII.
+
+                         The Dominican Prior.
+
+  "Oh, deep is a wounded heart, and strong
+  A voice that cries against mighty wrong!
+  And full of death as a hot wind's blight,
+  Doth the ire of a crushed affection light."
+
+                                           HEMANS.
+
+
+Tell the prior Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya desires to
+speak with him, and that instantly," said Juan to the drowsy lay
+brother who at last answered his impatient summons, lantern in hand.
+
+"My lord has but just retired to rest, and cannot now be disturbed,"
+answered the attendant, looking with some curiosity, not to say
+surprise, at the visitor, who seemed to think three o'clock of a winter
+morning a proper and suitable hour to demand instant audience of a
+great man.
+
+"I will wait," said Juan, walking into the court.
+
+The attendant led him to a parlour; then, holding the door ajar, he
+said, "Let his Excellency pardon me, I did not hear distinctly his
+worship's honourable name."
+
+"Don Juan Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya. The prior knows it--too
+well."
+
+It was evident from his face that the poor lay brother knew it also.
+And so that night did every man, woman, and child in Seville. It had
+become a name of infamy.
+
+With a hasty "Yes, yes, senor," the door was closed, and Juan was left
+alone.
+
+What had brought him there? Did he mean to accuse the Dominican of
+his brother's murder, or did he only intend to reproach him--him who
+had once shown some pity to the captive--for not saving him from that
+horrible doom? He himself scarcely knew. He had been driven thither by
+a wild, unreasoning impulse, an instinct of passionate rage, prompting
+him to grasp at the only shadow of revenge that lay within his reach.
+If he could not execute God's awful judgments against the persecutors,
+at least he could denounce them. A poor substitute, but all that
+remained to him. Without it his heart must break.
+
+Yet that unreasoning impulse had a kind of unconscious reason in it,
+since it led him to seek the presence of the Dominican prior, and not
+that of the far more guilty Munebraga. For who would accuse a tiger,
+reproach a wolf? Words would be wasted upon such. For them there is no
+argument but the spear and the bullet. A man can only speak to men.
+
+To do Fray Ricardo justice, he was so much of a man that sleep did not
+visit his eyes that night. When at length his attendants thought fit
+to inform him that Don Juan desired to see him, he was still kneeling,
+as he had knelt for hours, before the crucifix in his private oratory.
+"Saviour of the world, so much didst thou suffer," this was the
+key-note of his thoughts; "and shall I weakly pity thine enemies, or
+shrink from seeing them suffer what they have deserved at thy hands and
+those of thy holy Church?"
+
+"Alvarez de Santillanos y Menaya waits below!" Just then Don Fray
+Ricardo would rather have held his right hand in the fire than have
+gone forth to face one bearing that name. But, for that very reason, no
+sooner did he hear that Don Juan awaited him than he robed himself in
+his cowl and mantle, took a lamp in his hand (for it was still dark),
+and went down to meet the visitor. For that morning he was in the mood
+to welcome any form of self-torture that came in his way, and to find
+a strange but real relief in it.
+
+"Peace be with thee, my son," was his grave but courteous salutation,
+as he entered the parlour. He looked upon Juan with mournful
+compassion, as the last of a race over which there hung a terrible doom.
+
+"Let your peace be with murderers like yourselves, or with slaves like
+those that work your will; I fling it back to you in scorn," was the
+fierce reply.
+
+The Dominican recoiled a step--only a step, for he was a brave man, and
+his face, pale with conflict and watching, grew a shade paler.
+
+"Do you think I mean to harm you?" cried Juan in yet fiercer scorn.
+"Not a hair of your tonsured head. See there!" He unbuckled his sword,
+and threw it from him, and it fell with a clang on the floor.
+
+"Young man, you would consult your own safety as well as your own
+honour by adopting a different tone," said the prior, not without
+dignity.
+
+"My safety is little worth consulting. I am a bold, rough soldier,
+used to peril and violence. Would it were such, and such alone, that
+you menaced. But, fiends that you are, would no one serve you for a
+victim save my young, gentle, unoffending brother; he who never harmed
+you nor any one? Would nothing satisfy your malice but to immure him
+in your hideous dungeons for two-and-thirty long slow months, in what
+suffering of mind and body God alone can tell; and then, at last, to
+bring him forth to that horrible death? I curse you! I curse you! Nay,
+that is nothing; who am I to curse? I invoke God's curse upon you! I
+give you up into God's hands this hour! When He maketh inquisition for
+blood--another inquisition than yours--I pray him to exact from you,
+murderers of the innocent, torturers of the just, every drop of blood,
+every tear, every pang of which he has been the witness, as he shall be
+the avenger."
+
+At last the prior found a voice. Hitherto he had listened spell-bound,
+as one oppressed by nightmare, powerless to free himself from the
+hideous burden. "Man!" he cried, "you are raving; the Holy Office--"
+
+"Is the arch-fiend's own contrivance, and its ministers his favourite
+servants," interrupted Juan, reckless in his rage, and defying all
+consequences.
+
+"Blasphemy! This may not be borne," and Fray Ricardo stretched out his
+hand towards a bell that lay on the table.
+
+But Juan's strong grasp prevented his touching it. He could not shake
+off that as easily as he had shaken off a pale thin hand two days
+before. "I shall speak forth my mind this once," he said. "After that,
+what you please.--Go on. Fill your cup full to the brim. Immure,
+plunder, burn, destroy. Pile up, high as heaven, your hecatomb of
+victims, offered to the God of love. At least there is one thing that
+may be said in your favour. In your cruelties there is a horrible
+impartiality. It can never be spoken of you that you have gone out into
+the highways and hedges, taken the blind and the lame, and made of them
+your burnt sacrifice. No. You go into the closest guarded homes; you
+take thence the gentlest, the tenderest, the fairest, the best, and of
+such you make your burnt-offering. And you--are your hearts human, or
+are they not? If they are, stifle them, crush them down into silence
+while you can; for a day will come when you can stifle them no longer.
+That will begin your punishment. You will feel remorse."
+
+"Man, let me go!" interrupted the indignant yet half-frightened
+prior, struggling vainly to free himself from his grasp. "Cease your
+blasphemies. Men only feel remorse when they have sinned; and I serve
+God and the Church."
+
+"Yet, servant of the Church (for God's servant I am not profane enough
+to call you), speak to me this once as man to man, and tell me, did a
+victim's pale face never haunt you, a victim's agonized cry never ring
+in your ears?"
+
+For just an instant the prior winced, as one who feels a sharp, sudden
+pain, but determines to conceal it.
+
+"There!" cried Juan--and at last he released his arm and flung it from
+him--"I read an answer in your look. You, at least, are capable of
+remorse."
+
+"You are false there," the prior broke in. "Remorse is not for me."
+
+"No? Then all the worse for you--infinitely the worse. Yet it may be.
+You may sleep and rise, and go to your rest again untroubled by an
+accusing conscience. You may sit down to eat and drink with the wail
+of your brother's anguish ringing in your ears, like Munebraga, who
+sits feasting yonder in his marble hall, with the ashes yet hot on the
+Quemadero. Until you go down quick into hell, and the pit shuts her
+mouth upon you. Then, THEN shall you drink of the wine of the
+wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
+indignation; and you shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
+presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."
+
+"Thou art beside thyself," cried the prior; "and I, scarce less mad
+than thou, to listen to thy ravings. Yet hear me a moment, Don Juan
+Alvarez. I have not merited these insane reproaches. To you and yours I
+have been more a friend than you wot of."
+
+"Noble friendship! I thank you for it, as it deserves."
+
+"You have given me, this hour, more than cause enough to order your
+instant arrest."
+
+"You are welcome. It were shame indeed if I could not bear at your
+hands what my gentle brother bore."
+
+The last of his race! The father dead in prison; the mother dead long
+ago (Fray Ricardo himself best knew why); the brother burned to ashes.
+"I think you have a wife, perhaps a child?" asked the prior hurriedly.
+
+"A young wife, and an infant son," said Juan, softening a little at the
+thought.
+
+"Wild as your words have been, I am yet willing, for their sakes, to
+show you forbearance. According to the lenity which ministers of the
+Holy Office--"
+
+"Have learned from their father the devil," interrupted Juan, the flame
+of his wrath blazing up again. "After what the stars looked down on
+last night, dare to mock me with thy talk of lenity!"
+
+"You are in love with destruction," said the prior. "But I have heard
+you long enough. Now hear me. You have been, ere this, under grave
+suspicion. Indeed, you would have been arrested, only that your brother
+endured the Question without revealing anything to your disadvantage.
+That saved you."
+
+But here he stopped, struck with astonishment at the sudden change his
+words had wrought.
+
+A man stabbed to the heart makes no outcry, he does not even moan or
+writhe. Nor did Juan. Mutely he sank on the nearest seat, all his rage
+and defiance gone now. A moment before he stood over the shrinking
+Inquisitor like a prophet of doom or an avenging angel; now he cowered
+crushed and silent, stricken to the soul. There was a long silence.
+Then he raised a changed, sad look to the prior's face. "He bore _that_
+for me," he said, "and I never knew it."
+
+In the cold gray morning light, now filling the room, he looked
+utterly forlorn and broken. The prior could even afford to pity him.
+He questioned, mildly enough, "How was it you did not know it? Fray
+Sebastian Gomez, who visited him in prison, was well aware of the fact."
+
+In Juan's present mood every faculty was stimulated to unnatural
+activity. This perhaps enabled him to divine a truth which in calmer
+moments might have escaped him. "My brother," he said, in a low tone of
+deep emotion, "my heroic, tender-hearted brother must have bidden him
+conceal it from me."
+
+"It was strange," said the prior, and his thoughts ran back to other
+things which were strange also--to the uniform patience and gentleness
+of Carlos; to the fortitude with which, whilst acknowledging his own
+faith, he had steadily refused to compromise any one else; to the
+self-forgetfulness with which he had shielded his father's last hours
+from disturbance. Granted that the heretic was a wild beast, "made to
+be taken and destroyed," even the hunter may admire unblamed the grace
+and beauty of the creature who has just fallen beneath his relentless
+weapon. Something like a mist rose to the eyes of Fray Ricardo, taking
+him by surprise.
+
+Still, the interests of the Faith were paramount with him. All that had
+been done had been well done; he would not, if he could, undo any part
+of it. But did his duty to the Faith and to Holy Church require that he
+should hunt the remaining brother to death, and thus "quench the coal
+that was left"? He hoped not; he thought not. And, although he would
+not have allowed it to himself, the words that followed were really a
+peace-offering to the shade of Carlos.
+
+"Young man, I am willing, for my own part, to overlook the wild words
+you have uttered, regarding them as the outpourings of insanity, and
+making moreover due allowance for your natural fraternal sorrow.
+Still you must be aware that you have laid yourself open, and not for
+the first time, to grave suspicion of heresy. I should not only sin
+against my own conscience, but also expose myself to the penalties of a
+grievous irregularity, did I take no steps for the vindication of the
+Faith and your just and well-merited punishment. Therefore give ear to
+what I say. _This day week_ I bring the matter before the Table of the
+Holy Office, of which I have the honour to be an unworthy member. And
+God grant you the grace of repentance, and his forgiveness."
+
+Having said this, Fray Ricardo left the room. He disappears also from
+our pages, where he occupied a place as a type of the less numerous
+and less guilty class of persecutors--those who not only thought they
+were doing God service (Munebraga may have thought that, but he was
+only willing to do God such service as cost him nothing), but who were
+honestly anxious to serve him to the best of their ability. His future
+is hidden from our sight. We cannot even undertake to say whether, when
+death drew near,--if the name of Alvarez de Menaya occurred to him at
+all,--he reproached himself for his sternness to the brother whom he
+had consigned to the flames, or for his weakness to the brother to whom
+he had generously given a chance of life and liberty.
+
+It is not usually the most guilty who hear the warning voice that
+denounces their crimes and threatens their doom. Such words as Don Juan
+spoke to Fray Ricardo could not, by any conceivable possibility, have
+been uttered in the presence of Gonzales de Munebraga.
+
+Soon afterwards a lay brother, the same who had admitted Don Juan,
+entered the room and placed wine on the table before him. "My lord the
+prior bade me say your Excellency seemed exhausted, and should refresh
+yourself ere you depart," he explained.
+
+Juan motioned it away. He could not trust himself to speak. But did
+Fray Ricardo imagine he would either eat bread or drink water beneath
+the roof that sheltered _him?_
+
+Still the poor man lingered, standing before him with the air of one
+who had something to say which he did not exactly know how to bring out.
+
+"You may tell your lord that I am going," said Juan, rising wearily,
+and with a look that certainly told of exhaustion.
+
+"If it please your noble Excellency--" and the lay brother stopped and
+hesitated.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Let his Excellency pardon me. Could his worship have the misfortune to
+be related, very distantly no doubt, to one of the heretics who--"
+
+"Don Carlos Alvarez was my brother," said Juan proudly.
+
+The poor lay brother drew nearer to him, and lowered his voice to a
+mysterious whisper. "Senor and your Excellency, he was here in prison
+for a long time. It was thought that my lord the prior had a kindness
+for him, and wished him better used than they use the criminals in the
+Santa Casa. It happened that the prisoner whose cell he shared died the
+day before his--_removal_. So that the cell was empty, and it fell to
+my lot to cleanse it. Whilst I was doing it I found this; I think it
+belonged to him."
+
+He drew from beneath his serge gown a little book, and handed it to
+Juan, who seized it as a starving man might seize a piece of bread.
+Hastily taking out his purse, he flung it in exchange to the lay
+brother; and then, just as the matin bells began to ring, he buckled on
+his sword and went forth.
+
+
+
+
+                                XLVIII.
+
+                         San Isodro Once More.
+
+  "And if with milder anguish now I bear
+  To think of thee in thy forsaken rest;
+  If from my heart be lifted the despair,
+  The sharp remorse with healing influence pressed,
+  It is that Thou the sacrifice hast blessed,
+  And filled my spirit, in its inmost cell,
+  With a deep chastened sense that all at last is well."
+
+                                                   HEMANS.
+
+
+The cloudless sky above him, the fresh morning air on his cheek, the
+dew-drops on his feet, Don Juan walked along. The river--his own bright
+Guadalquivir--glistened in the early sunshine; and soon his pathway
+led him amidst the gray ruins of old Italica, while among the brambles
+that half hid them, glittering lizards, startled by his footsteps,
+ran in and out. But he saw nothing, felt nothing, save the passionate
+pain that burned in his heart. During his interview with Fray Ricardo
+he had been, practically and for the time, what the prior called him,
+insane--mad with rage and hate. But now rage was dying out for the
+present, and giving place to anguish.
+
+Is the worst pang earth has to give that of witnessing the sufferings
+of our beloved? Or is there yet one keener, more thrilling? That they
+should suffer alone; no hand near to help, no voice to speak sympathy,
+no eye to look "ancient kindness" on their pain. That they should
+die--die in anguish--and still alone,--
+
+  "With eyes turned away,
+  And no last word to say."
+
+Don Juan was now drinking that bitter cup to its very dregs. What the
+young brother, his one earthly tie, had been to him, need not here be
+told; and assuredly he could not have told it. He had been all his
+life a thing to protect and shield--as the strong protect the weak, as
+manhood shields womanhood and childhood. Had God but taken him with his
+own right hand, Juan would have thought it a light matter, a sorrow
+easily borne. But, instead, He stood afar off--He did not help; whilst
+men, cruel as fiends from the bottomless pit, did their worst, their
+very worst, upon him. And with refined self-torture he went through all
+the horrible details, as far as he knew or could guess them. Nor did he
+spare to stab his own heart with that keenest weapon of all--"It was
+_for me_; for me he endured the Question." The cry of his brother's
+anguish--anguish borne for him--seemed to sound in his ears and to
+haunt him: he felt that it would haunt him evermore.
+
+Of course, there was a well of comfort near, which a child's hand might
+have pointed out to him: "All is over now; he suffers no longer--he is
+at rest." But who ever stoops to drink from that well in the parching
+thirst of the first hour of such a grief as his? In truth, all was over
+for Carlos; but all was _not_ over for Juan. He had to pass through his
+dark hour as really as Carlos had passed through his.
+
+Again the agony almost maddened him; again wild hatred and rage against
+his brother's torturers rose and surged like a flood within him. And
+with these were mingled thoughts, too nearly rebellious, of Him whom
+that brother trusted so firmly and served so faithfully; as if he had
+used his servant hardly, and forsaken him in his hour of sorest need.
+
+He shrank with horror from every wayfarer he chanced to meet,
+imagining that his eyes might have looked on his brother's suffering.
+But at last he came unawares upon the gate of San Isodro. Left unbarred
+by some accident, it yielded to his touch, and he entered the monastery
+grounds. At that very spot, three years ago, the brothers parted, on
+the day that Carlos avowed his change of faith. Yet not even that
+remembrance could bring a tear to the hot and angry eyes of Juan. But
+just then he happened to recollect the book he had received from the
+lay brother. He took it from its place of concealment, and eagerly
+began to examine it. It was almost filled with writing; but not, alas!
+from that beloved hand. So he flung it aside in bitter disappointment.
+Then becoming suddenly conscious of bodily weakness, he half sat down,
+half threw himself on the ground. His vigorous frame and his strong
+nerves saved him from swooning outright: he only lay sick and faint,
+the blue sky looking black above him, and a strange, indistinct sound,
+as of many voices, murmuring in his ears.
+
+By-and-by he became conscious that some one was holding water to his
+lips, and trying, though with an awkward, trembling hand, to loose his
+doublet at the throat. He drank, shook off his weakness, and looked
+about him. A very old man, in a white tunic and brown mantle, was
+bending over him compassionately. In another moment he was on his feet;
+and having briefly thanked the aged monk for his kindness, he turned
+his face to the gate.
+
+"Nay, my son," the old man interposed; "San Isodro is changed--changed!
+Still the sick and weary never left its gates unaided; and they shall
+not begin now--not now. I pray you come with me to the house, and
+refresh and rest yourself there."
+
+Juan was not reckless enough to refuse what in truth he sorely needed.
+He entered the monastery under the guidance of poor old Fray Bernardo,
+who had been passed by, perhaps in scorn, by the persecutors: and so,
+after all, he had his wish--he should die and be buried in peace where
+he had passed his life from boyhood to extreme old age. Yet there was
+something sad in the thought that the storm that swept by had left
+untouched the poor, useless, half-withered tree, while it tore down the
+young and strong and noble oaks, the pride of the now desolated forest.
+
+The few cowed and terrified monks who had been allowed to remain in
+the convent received Don Juan with great kindness. They set food and
+wine before him: food he could not touch, but wine he accepted with
+thankfulness. And they almost insisted on his endeavouring to take some
+rest; assuring him that when his servant and horses should arrive, they
+would see them properly cared for, until such time as he might be able
+to resume his journey.
+
+His journey would not brook delay, as he knew full well. That his young
+wife might not be a widow and his babe an orphan, he "charged his soul
+to hold his body strengthened" for the work that both had to do. Back
+to Nuera for these dear ones as swiftly as the fleetest horses would
+bear him, then to Seville again, and on board the first ship he could
+meet with bound for any foreign port,--would the term of grace assigned
+him by the Inquisitor suffice for all this? Certainly not a moment
+should be lost.
+
+"I will rest for an hour," he said. "But I pray you, my fathers, do me
+one kindness first. Is there a man here who witnessed--what was done
+yesterday?"
+
+A young monk came forward. Juan led him into the cell which had been
+prepared for him to rest in, and leaning against its little window,
+with his face turned away, he murmured one agitated question. Three
+words comprised the answer,--
+
+"_Calmly_, _silently_, _quickly_."
+
+Juan's breast heaved and his strong frame trembled. After a long
+interval he said, still without looking,--
+
+"Now tell me of the others. Name him no more."
+
+"No less than _eight_ ladies died the martyr's death," said the monk,
+who cared not, before _this_ auditor, to conceal his own sentiments.
+"One of them was Senora Maria Gomez; your Excellency probably knows her
+story. Her three daughters and her sister died with her. When their
+sentences were read, they embraced on the scaffold, and bade each other
+farewell with tears. Then they comforted each other with holy words
+about our Lord and his passion, and the home he was preparing for them
+above."
+
+Here the young monk paused for a few moments; then went on, his voice
+still trembling: "There were, moreover, two Englishmen and a Frenchman,
+who all died bravely. Lastly, there was Juliano Hernandez."
+
+"Ah! tell me of him."
+
+"He died as he had lived. In the morning, when brought out into the
+court of the Triana, he cried aloud to his fellow-sufferers,--'Courage,
+comrades! Now must we show ourselves valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ.
+Let us bear faithful testimony to his truth before men, and in a
+few hours we shall receive the testimony of his approbation before
+angels, and triumph with him in heaven.' Though silenced, he continued
+throughout the day to encourage his companions by his gestures. On the
+Quemadero, he knelt down and kissed the stone upon which the stake was
+erected; then thrust his head among the fagots to show his willingness
+to suffer. But at the end, having raised his hands in prayer, one of
+the attendant priests--Dr. Rodriguez--mistook the attitude for a sign
+that he would recant, and made intercession with the Alguazils to give
+him a last opportunity of speaking. He confessed his faith in a few
+strong, brief words; and knowing the character of Rodriguez, told him
+he thought the same himself, but hid his true belief out of fear. The
+angry priest bade them light the pile at once. It was done; but the
+guards, with kind cruelty, thrust the martyr through with their lances,
+so that he passed, without much pain, into the presence of the Lord
+whom he served as few have been honoured to do."
+
+"And--Fray Constantino?" Juan questioned.
+
+"He was not, for God took him. They had only his dust to burn. They
+have sought to slander his memory, saying he raised his hand against
+his own life. But we knew the contrary. It has reached our ears--I dare
+not tell you how--that he died in the arms of one of our dear brethren
+from this place--poor young Fray Fernando, who closed his eyes in
+peace. It was from one of the dark underground cells of the Triana that
+he passed straight to the glory of God."[35]
+
+    [35] At the Auto they produced his effigy, of the size of life,
+    clad in his canon's robe, and with the arms stretched out in the
+    gesture he had been wont to use in preaching; but it caused such a
+    demonstration of feeling among the people, that they were obliged
+    hastily to withdraw it.
+
+It was at this Auto that Maria Gonsalez was sentenced to receive two
+hundred lashes, and to be imprisoned for ten years, for the kindnesses
+she had shown the prisoners. An equally severe punishment was awarded
+to the under-gaoler Herrera for the offence of having allowed a
+mother and three daughters, who were imprisoned in separate cells, an
+interview of half an hour; while the many cruelties and peculations of
+the infamous Benevidio were only chastised by the loss of his situation
+and its advantages, and banishment from Seville.
+
+"I thank you for your tidings," said Juan, slowly and faintly. "And now
+I pray of you to leave me."
+
+After a considerable time, one of the monks softly opened the door of
+their visitor's cell. He sat on the pallet prepared for him, his head
+buried in his hands.
+
+"Senor," said the monk, "your servant has arrived, and begs you to
+excuse his delay. It may be there are some instructions you wish him to
+receive."
+
+Juan roused himself with an effort.
+
+"Yes," he said; "and I thank you. Will you add to your kindness by
+bidding him immediately procure for us fresh horses, the best and
+fleetest that can be had?" He sought his purse; but, remembering in a
+moment what had become of it, drew a ring from his finger to supply
+its loss. It was the diamond ring that the Sieur de Ramenais had given
+him. A keen pang shot through his heart. "No, not that; I cannot part
+with it." He took two others instead--old family jewels. "Bid him bring
+these," he said, "to Isaac Ozorio, who dwells in La Juderia[36]--any
+man there will show him the house; take for them whatever he will give
+him, and therewith hire fresh horses--the best he can--from the posada
+where he rested, leaving our own in pledge. Let him also buy provisions
+for the way; for my business requires haste. I will explain all to you
+anon."
+
+    [36] The Jewish quarter of Seville.
+
+While the monk did the errand, Don Juan sat still, gazing at the
+diamond ring. Slowly there came back upon his memory the words spoken
+by Carlos on the day when the sharp facets cut his hand, unfelt by
+him: "If He calls me to suffer for him, he may give me such blessed
+assurance of his love, that in the joy of it pain and fear will vanish."
+
+Could it be possible He _had_ done this? Oh, for some token, to relieve
+his breaking heart by the assurance that thus it had been! And yet,
+wherefore seek a sign? Was not the heroic courage, the calm patience,
+given to that young brother, once so frail and timid, as plain a token
+of the sunlight of God's peace and presence as is the bow in the cloud
+of the sun shining in the heavens? True; but not the less was his soul
+filled with passionate longing for one word--only one word--from the
+lips that were dust and ashes now. "If God would give me _that_," he
+moaned, "I think I could weep for him."
+
+It occurred to him then that he might examine the book more carefully
+than he had done before. Don Juan, of late, had been no great reader,
+except of the Spanish Testament. Instead of glancing rapidly through
+the volume with a practised eye, he carefully began at the beginning
+and perused several pages with diligence, and with a kind of compelled
+and painful attention.
+
+The writer of the diary with which the book seemed filled had not
+prefixed his name. Consequently Juan, who was without a clue to the
+authorship, saw in it merely the effusions of a penitent, with whose
+feelings he had but little sympathy. Still, he reflected that if the
+writer had been his brother's fellow-prisoner, some mention of his
+brother would probably reward his persevering search. So he read on;
+but he was not greatly interested, until at length he came to one
+passage which ran thus:--
+
+"Christ and Our Lady forgive me, if it be a sin. Ofttimes, even by
+prayer and fasting, I cannot prevent my thoughts from wandering to the
+past. Not to the life I lived, and the part I acted in the great world,
+for that is dead to me and I to it; but to the dear faces my eyes shall
+never see again. My Costanza!"--("Costanza!" thought Juan with a start,
+"that was my mothers name!")--"my wife! my babe! O God, in thy great
+mercy, still this hungering and thirsting of the heart!"
+
+Immediately beneath this entry was another. "_May 21._ My Costanza, my
+beloved wife, is in heaven. It is more than a year ago, but they did
+not tell me till to-day. Does death only visit the free?"
+
+Yet another entry caught the eye of Juan. "Burning heat to-day. It
+would be cool enough in the halls of Nuera, on the breezy slope of the
+Sierra Morena. What does my orphaned Juan Rodrigo there, I wonder?"
+
+"Nuera! Sierra Morena! Juan Rodrigo!" reiterated the astonished reader.
+What did it all mean? He was stunned and bewildered, so that he had
+scarcely power left even to form a conjecture. At last it occurred
+to him turn to the other end of the book, if perchance some name,
+affording a clue to the mystery, might be inscribed there.
+
+And then he read, in another, well-known hand, a few calm words,
+breathing peace and joy, "quietness and assurance for ever."
+
+He pressed the loved handwriting to his lips, to his heart. He sobbed
+over it and wept; blistering it with such burning tears as scarcely
+come from a strong man's eyes more than once in a lifetime. Then,
+flinging himself on his knees, he thanked God--God whom he had doubted,
+murmured against, almost blasphemed, and who yet had been true to his
+promise--true to his tried and suffering servant in the hour of need.
+
+When he rose, he took up the book again, and read and re-read those
+precious words. All but the first he thought he could comprehend. "My
+beloved father is gone to Him in peace." Would the preceding entries
+throw any light upon _that_ saying?
+
+Once more, with changed feelings and quickened perceptions, he turned
+back to the records of the penitent's long captivity. Slowly and
+gradually the secret they revealed unfolded itself before him. The
+history of the last nine months of his brother's life lay clearly
+traced; and the light it shed illumined another life also, longer,
+sadder, less glorious than his.
+
+One entry, almost the last, and traced with a trembling hand, he read
+over and over, till his eyes grew too dim to see the words.
+
+"He entreats of me to pray for my absent Juan, and to bless him. My
+son, my first-born, whose face I know not, but whom he has taught me
+to love, I do bless thee. All blessings rest upon thee--blessings of
+heaven above, blessings of the earth beneath, blessings of the deep
+that lieth under! But for _thee_, Carlos, what shall I say? I have no
+blessing fit for thee--no word of love deep and strong enough to join
+with that name of thine. Doth not He say, of whose tenderness thou
+tellest me ours is but the shadow, 'He will _be silent_ in his love'?
+But may he read my heart in its silence, and bless thee, and repay thee
+when thou comest to thy home, where already thy heart is."
+
+It might have been two hours afterwards, when the same friendly monk
+who had narrated to Don Juan the circumstances of the Auto-da-fe, came
+to apprise him that his servant had fulfilled his errand, and was
+waiting with the horses.
+
+Don Juan rose and met him. His face was sad; it would be a sad face
+always; but there was in it a look as of one who saw the end, and
+who knew that, however dark the way might be, the end was light
+everlasting. "Look here, my friend," he said, for no concealment was
+necessary there; truth could hurt no one. "See how wondrously God has
+dealt with me and mine. Here is the record of the life and death of my
+honoured father. For three-and-twenty years he lay in the Dominican
+monastery, a prisoner for Christ's sake. And to my heroic martyr
+brother God has given the honour and the joy of unravelling the mystery
+of his fate, and thus fulfilling our youthful dream. Carlos has found
+our father!"
+
+He went forth into the hall, and bade the other monks a grateful
+farewell. Old Fray Bernardo embraced and blessed him with tears, moved
+by the likeness, now discerned for the first time, between the stately
+soldier and the noble and gentle youth, whose kindness to him, during
+his residence at the monastery three years before, he well remembered.
+
+Then Don Juan set his face towards Nuera, with patient endurance,
+rather sad than stern, upon his brow, and in his heart "a grief as deep
+as life or thought," but no rebellion, and no despair. Something like
+resignation had come to him; already he could say, or at least try to
+say, "Thy will be done." And he foresaw, as in the distance, far off
+and faintly, a time when he might even be able to share in spirit the
+joy of the crowned and victorious one, to whom, in the dark prison,
+face to face with death, God had so wondrously given the desire of his
+heart, and not denied him the request of his lips.
+
+
+
+
+                                 XLIX.
+
+                               Farewell.
+
+                            "My country is there;
+  Beyond the star pricked with the last peak of snow."
+
+                                               E.B. BROWNING.
+
+
+About a fortnight afterwards, a closely veiled lady, dressed in deep
+mourning, leaned over the side of a merchant vessel, and gazed into the
+sapphire depths of the Bay of Cadiz. A respectable elderly woman was
+standing near her, holding her pretty dark-eyed babe. They seemed to be
+under the protection of a Franciscan friar; and of a stately, handsome
+serving-man, whose bearing and appearance were rather out of keeping
+with his supposed rank. It was said amongst the crew that the lady
+was the widow of a rich Sevillian merchant, who during a residence in
+London some years before had married an Englishwoman. She was now going
+to join her kindred in the heretical country, and much compassion was
+expended on her, as she was said to be very Catholic and very pious.
+It was a signal proof of these dispositions that she ventured to bring
+with her, as private chaplain, the Franciscan friar, who, the sailors
+thought, would probably soon fall a martyr to his attachment to the
+Faith.
+
+But a few illusions might have been dispelled, if the conversation
+of the party, when for a brief space they had the deck to themselves,
+could have been overheard.
+
+"Dost thou mourn that the shores of our Spain are fading from us?" said
+the lady to the supposed servant.
+
+"Not as I should once have done, my Beatriz; though it is still my
+fatherland, dearest and best of all lands to me. And you, my beloved?"
+
+"Where thou art is my country, Don Juan. Besides," she added softly,
+"God is everywhere. And think what it will be to worship him in peace,
+none making us afraid."
+
+"And you, my brave, true-hearted Dolores?" asked Don Juan.
+
+"Senor Don Juan, my country is _there_; with those that I love best,"
+said Dolores, with an upward glance of the large wistful eyes, which
+had yet, in their sorrowful depths, a look of peace unknown in past
+days. "What is Spain to me--Spain, that would not give to the noblest
+of them all a few feet of her earth for a grave?"
+
+"Do not let us stain with one bitter thought our last look at those
+shores," said Don Juan, with the gentleness that was growing upon him
+of late. "Remember that they who denied a grave to our beloved, are
+powerless to rob us of one precious memory of him. His grave is in our
+hearts; his memorial is the faith which every one of us now standing
+here has learned from him."
+
+"That is true." said Dona Beatriz. "I think that not all thy teaching,
+Don Juan, made me understand what 'precious faith' is, until I learned
+it by his death."
+
+"He gave up all for Christ, freely and joyfully," Juan continued.
+"While I gave up nothing, save as it was wrenched from my unwilling
+hand. Therefore for him there is the 'abundant entrance,' the 'crown of
+glory.' For me, at the best, 'Seekest thou great things for thyself,
+seek them not. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all
+places whither thou goest.'"
+
+Fray Sebastian drew near at the moment, and happening to overhear the
+last words, he asked, "Have you any plan, senor, as to whither you will
+go?"
+
+"I have no plan," Don Juan answered. "But I think God will guide us. I
+have indeed a dream," he added, after a pause, "which may, or may not,
+come true eventually. My thoughts often turn to that great New World,
+where, at least, there should be room for truth and liberty. It was
+our childhood's dream, to go forth to the New World and to find our
+father. And the lesser half of it, comparatively worthless as it is,
+may fitly fall to my lot to fulfil, another worthier than I having done
+the rest." His voice grew gentler, his whole countenance softened as
+he continued,--"That the prize was his, not mine, I rejoice. It is but
+an earnest of the nobler victory, the grander triumph, he enjoys now,
+amongst those who stand evermore before the King of kings--CALLED,
+CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL."
+
+
+                           Historical Note.
+
+It may be asked by some thoughtful reader who has followed the
+narrative of the foregoing pages, How much is fact, how much fiction?
+As the writers sole object is to reveal, to enforce, and to illustrate
+Truth, an answer to the question is gladly supplied. All is fact,
+except what concerns the personal history of the Brothers and their
+family. Whatever relates to the rise, progress, and downfall of the
+Protestant Church in Spain, is strictly historical. Especially may be
+mentioned the story of the two great Autos at Seville. But much of
+interest on the subject remains untold, as nothing was taken up but
+what would naturally amalgamate with the narrative; and it was not
+designed to supersede history, only to stimulate to its study. Except
+in the instance of a conversation with Juliano Hernandez, another with
+Don Carlos de Seso, and a few words required by the exigencies of the
+tale from Losada, the glorious martyr names have been left untouched
+by the hand of fiction. It was a sense of their sacredness which led
+the writer to choose for hero a character not historical, but typical
+and illustrative. But nothing is told of him which did not occur over
+and over again, if we except the act of mercy which is supposed to have
+shed a brightness over his last days. He is merely a given example, a
+specimen of the ordinary fate of such prisoners of the Inquisition as
+were enabled to remain faithful to the end; and, thank God, these were
+numerous. He is even a favourable specimen; for the conditions of art
+require that in a work of fiction a veil should be thrown over some of
+the worst horrors of persecution. Those who accuse Protestant writers
+of exaggeration in these matters, little know what they say. Easily
+could we show greater abominations than these; but we forbear.
+
+As for the joy and triumph ascribed to the steadfast martyr at the
+close of his career, we have a thousand well-authenticated instances
+that such has been really given. These embrace all classes and ages,
+and all varieties of character, and range throughout all time, from the
+day that Stephen saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God, until the
+martyrs of Madagascar sang hymns in the fire, and "prayed as long as
+they had any life; and then they died, softly, gently."
+
+It is not fiction, but truest truth, that He repays his faithful
+servants an hundred-fold, even in this life, for anything they do or
+suffer for his name's sake.
+
+
+
+
+                     Library of Historical Tales.
+
+    =The City and the Castle.= A Story of the Reformation in
+      Switzerland. By ANNIE LUCAS, Author of "Leonie," etc. Crown 8vo,
+      cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming
+      connected by circumstances, the relation of which faithfully
+      portrays the state and character of society at the time of the
+      Reformation (in Switzerland)._
+
+    =Leonie=; or, Light out of Darkness: and =Within Iron Walls=, a
+      Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the Franco-German War.
+      By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country
+      life in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged
+      capital. These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches
+      of French life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful
+      description of the leading events of the Franco-German War._
+
+    =Wenzel's Inheritance=; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of Bohemia
+      in the Fifteenth Century. By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra.
+      Price 4s.
+
+      _Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social conditions
+      of Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering
+      and martyrdom borne for faith's sake._
+
+    =Helena's Household.= A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With
+      Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the
+      primitive ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the
+      Spirit of God, to the promulgation of the faith._
+
+    =The Spanish Brothers.= A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the
+      Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee." Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+      4s.
+
+      _A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of
+      the cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition._
+
+    =The Czar.= A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812-13;
+      the characters partly French, partly Russian._
+
+    =Arthur Erskine's Story.= A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of
+      the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time
+      are vividly described, and the story of Scotland's Reformation is
+      effectively re-told._
+
+    =Under the Southern Cross.= A Tale of the New World. By the Author
+      of "The Spanish Brothers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A thrilling and fascinating story, most exciting in incident, and
+      most instructive in its accurate reproduction of the manners and
+      customs in Peru during the later years of the sixteenth century._
+
+    =Pendower.= A Story of Cornwall in the Reign of Henry the Eighth.
+      By M. FILLEUL. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
+
+      _A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English
+      history previous to the Reformation._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                        WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF
+
+              "Chronicles of the Schoenberg-Cotta Family."
+
+    =Chronicles of the Schoenberg-Cotta Family.= Crown 8vo, cloth, red
+      edges. Price 5s.
+
+      _An intensely interesting tale of German family-life in the times
+      of Luther, including much of the personal history of the great
+      Reformer._
+
+    =On Both Sides of the Sea.= A Story of the Commonwealth and the
+      Restoration. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 5s.
+
+      _Two tales, the one being the sequel to the other, of English
+      families on opposite sides during the great Civil Wars._
+
+    =Watchwords for the Warfare of Life.= From Dr. MARTIN LUTHER. Crown
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. 5s.
+
+    =Joan the Maid:= Deliverer of England and France. A Story of the
+      Fifteenth Century. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 4s.
+
+      _A story of the career and death of Joan of Arc, professedly
+      narrated by those who witnessed some of her achievements, and who
+      believed in her purity and sincerity._
+
+    =Winifred Bertram, and the World She Lived in.= Post 8vo, cloth,
+      red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+    _A Tale for young people, the scene chiefly in London. Wealth and
+      poverty are contrasted, and the happiness shown of living, not for
+      selfish indulgence, but in the service of Christ, and doing good
+      to others._
+
+    =Diary of Mrs. Kitty Trevylyan.= A Story of the Times of Whitefield
+      and the Wesleys. Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _This Diary forms a charming tale; introducing the lights and
+      shades, the trials and pleasures, of that most interesting revival
+      period that occurred in the middle of last century._
+
+    =The Bertram Family.= A Sequel to "Winifred Bertram." Post 8vo,
+      cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of English family life and experience in modern times._
+
+    =The Draytons and the Davenants.= A Story of the Civil Wars. Post
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of the times of Charles I. and Cromwell: records kept by
+      two English families--one Royalist, the other Puritan--of public
+      events and domestic experiences._
+
+    =The Ravens and the Angels.= With other Stories and Parables. Post
+      8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A volume of interesting stories and sketches, many of them in the
+      allegorical form._
+
+    =The Victory of the Vanquished.= Post 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price
+      3s. 6d.
+
+      _The struggles and trials of the early Christians are graphically
+      described in this volume._
+
+    =Wanderings over Bible Lands and Seas.= Post 8vo, cloth, red edges.
+      Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A lady's notes of a tour in the Holy Land, returning home by
+      Damascus and the coast of Asia Minor._
+
+    =Songs Old and New.= By the Author of "Chronicles of the
+      Schoenberg-Cotta Family," etc. _Collected Edition_. Square 16mo,
+      cloth antique, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _The many readers who have been charmed by the prose writings of
+      this well-known and much-admired writer, will no doubt be glad to
+      see a collection of poems from the same pen._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                     Library of Tales and Stories.
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+    =Thankful Rest.= A Tale. By ANNIE S. SWAN, Author of "Aldersyde,"
+      "Carlowrie," "Shadowed Lives," etc. Large foolscap 8vo, cloth
+      extra. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting story for young people. The scene an American
+      township and farmstead; the principal characters an orphan brother
+      and sister, with the relatives who ungraciously give them a home
+      in "Thankful Rest."_
+
+    =Willie's Choice=; or, All is not Gold that Glitters. By M.A.
+      PAULL. Foolscap 8vo. 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale for young people, of life-lessons and experience dearly
+      bought._
+
+    =At the Pastor's.= By the Author of "The Swedish Twins," etc. Royal
+      18mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A charming Swedish story, describing domestic life, with its
+      usual vicissitudes, in a Swedish rural parsonage._
+
+    =The Adventures of Mark Willis.= By Mrs. GEORGE CUPPLES, Author of
+      "The Little Captain," etc. With 45 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price
+      1s. 6d.
+
+      _A young sailor's story of adventures on the West Coast of Africa,
+      in China, etc._
+
+    =The Boy Artist.= A Tale. By the Author of "Hope On." With Coloured
+      Frontispiece and numerous Engravings. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _The trials and success at last of a youthful artist._
+
+    =Tempered Steel=; or, Tried in the Fire. By the Rev. E.N. HOARE,
+      M.A., Author of "Roe Carson's Enemy," etc. Foolscap 8vo. Price 1s.
+      6d.
+
+      _"A well-written story, with a good purpose. It is likely to
+      impress the reader at once with the earnestness of the writer, and
+      with a sense of his ability."_--SCOTSMAN.
+
+    =Brother Reginald's Golden Secret.= By the Author of "Hope On,"
+      etc. With Coloured Frontispiece and Vignette, and numerous
+      Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A Christmas tale for children,--the best way of securing a truly
+      happy Christmas._
+
+    =Christian Principle in Little Things.= A Book for the Young. With
+      Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A tale of home life for the young, to illustrate how self-will
+      and other faults of temper may be corrected and subdued by the
+      power of Christian motives and influence._
+
+    =Emily Herbert=; or, The Happy Home. By MARIA M'INTOSH, Author of
+      "Praise and Principle," etc. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A story of family life, inculcating the lesson that a cheerful
+      performance of the duties assigned to us makes a home happy._
+
+    =Father's Coming Home.= A Tale. By the Author of "Under the
+      Microscope." Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _A family preparing for their father's return from India, by
+      seeking to please him by improvement in character and conduct; and
+      the various incidents which help or hinder them._
+
+    =Under the Microscope=; or, "Thou Shalt Call Me My Father." By the
+      Author of "Village Missionaries." With Coloured Frontispiece and
+      17 Engravings. Royal 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.
+
+      _"Our Father which art in heaven," read by children in
+      photographic letters under the microscope; and the lesson of divine
+      love giving comfort afterwards under the trials of daily life._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+         T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+                        Prize Temperance Tales.
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Frank Oldfield=; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. T.P. WILSON, M.A.
+      With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in
+      Lancashire, partly in Australia._
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Sought and Saved.= By M.A. PAULL, Author of "Tim's Troubles; or,
+      Tried and True." With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price
+      3s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative
+      engravings._
+
+
+ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Through Storm to Sunshine.= By WILLIAM J. LACEY, Author of "A
+      Life's Motto," "The Captain's Plot," etc. With Illustrations. Post
+      8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.
+
+      _This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last
+      year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the L100 prize.
+      It now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations._
+
+
+FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Tim's Troubles=; or, Tried and True. By M.A. PAULL. With Five
+      Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy,
+      who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope
+      in boyhood._
+
+
+FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Lionel Franklin's Victory.= By E. VAN SOMMER. With Six Engravings.
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with
+      illustrative engravings._
+
+
+SEVENTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =The Naresborough Victory.= A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev. T.
+      KEYWORTH, Author of "Dick the Newsboy," "Green and Grey," etc.,
+      etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.
+
+      _"In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and
+      it is certain to be a general favourite."_--MANCHESTER EXAMINER.
+
+      _"Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its
+      lessons."_--LIVERPOOL ALBION.
+
+
+SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Owen's Hobby=; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By ELMER
+      BURLEIGH. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing
+      incidents._
+
+
+SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
+
+    =Every-Day Doings.= By HELLENA RICHARDSON. With Six Illustrations.
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+      _A prize temperance tale, "written for an earnest purpose," and
+      consisting almost entirely of facts._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+    =By Uphill Paths=; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to be
+      Done. By E. VAN SOMMER, Author of "Lionel Franklin's Victory."
+      Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
+
+    =True to His Colours=; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the Rev.
+      T.P. WILSON, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of "Frank Oldfield,"
+      etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+      _An interesting tale--the scene laid in England--illustrating the
+      influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and
+      temperance advocate._
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+          T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+There were a number of printing errors in this book. These have been
+corrected silently. The following errors in spelling have been changed.
+
+  desengano is now desengano
+  persume is now presume.
+
+The oe ligature has been expanded.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spanish Brothers, by Deborah Alcock
+
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