what was most irksome to me was that I could not practise these self-inflictions at all hours in consequence of my father’s presence.  In fine, that I might be free to indulge my woe without impediment, I resolved to quit my home.  It would seem that the execution of a bad purpose never fails for want of opportunity.  I boldly purloined a suit of clothes belonging to one of my father’s pages, and from himself a considerable sum of money; then leaving the house by night I travelled some leagues on foot, and reached a town called Osuna, where I hired a car.  Two days afterwards I entered Seville, where I was quite safe from all pursuit.

“There I bought other clothes, and a mule, and set out with some cavaliers who were travelling with all speed to Barcelona, that they might be in time for some galleys that were on their way to Italy.  I continued my journey until yesterday, when the robbers took everything from me, and among the rest, that precious thing which sustained my soul and lightened my toils, the written engagement given me by Marco Antonio.  I had intended to carry it with me to Italy, find Marco Antonio there, and present it to him as an evidence of his faithlessness and my constancy, and constrain him to fulfil his promise.  At the same time I am conscious that he may readily deny the words written on this paper, since he has made nought of the obligations that should have been engraved on his soul; besides, it is plain that if he is accompanied by the incomparable Teodosia he will not deign to look upon the unfortunate Leocadia.  But happen what may, I am resolved to die or present myself before the pair, that the sight of me may trouble their joy.  This Teodosia, this enemy of my peace, shall not so cheaply enjoy what is mine.  I will seek her out, I will find her, and will take her life if I can.”

“But how is Teodosia in fault,” said Teodoro, “if, as is very probably the case, she too has been deluded by Marco Antonio, as you, senora, have been?”

“How can that be so,” returned Leocadia, “if he has her with him?  Being with the man she loves, what question can there be of delusion?  They are together, and therefore they are happy, and would be so, though they were in the burning deserts of Lybia, or the dreary wastes of Scythia.  She is blest in his arms wherever she is, and therefore she shall pay for all I shall suffer till I find her.”

“It is very likely you are mistaken,” said Teodoro; “I am very well acquainted with this enemy of yours, as you call her, and I know her prudence and modesty to be such, that she never would venture to quit her father’s house and go away with Marco Antonio.  And even had she done so, not knowing you, nor being aware of any claim you had on him, she has not wronged you at all, and where there is no wrong, vengeance is out of place.”

“Tell me not of her modesty, senor; for I was as modest and as virtuous as any maiden in the world, and yet I have done what I have told you.  That he has carried her off there is no doubt.  I acknowledge, looking on the matter dispassionately, that she has not wronged me; but the pangs of jealousy which she occasions me make me abhor her.  If a sword were thrust through my vitals, should I not naturally strive to pluck it out and break it to pieces?”