was
young, he hoped in spite of himself. He prayed--for he was not old
enough to have lost faith--and he planned. Besides, he was too brave a
soldier to kill himself, and she was not yet married. She was not
formally betrothed, even; although it was well known that her father
looked favorably upon de Tobar's suit, no formal announcement had been
made of it as yet. So in spite of his judgment he dreamed--the thoughts
of youth and love are long, long thoughts, indeed.

That morning the young captain, engrossed in his emotions, was not aware
of the approach of a messenger, until the clank of the man's sword upon
the stone flags of the plaza caused him to lift his head. He was a
soldier, an officer of the bodyguard of the Viceroy, and he bore in his
hand a letter sealed with the de Lara coat of arms. The messenger
saluted and handed the packet to the captain.

"Yesterday evening, His Excellency, the Viceroy, charged me to deliver
this letter to you to-day."

"Fadrique," called Alvarado, to a servitor, "a flagon of wine for the
cavalier. By your leave, sir," he continued with formal politeness,
opening the packet and reading the message:

"TO THE CAPTAIN ALVARADO, COMMANDANTE OF LA GUAYRA.

GREETING:

As one faithful to the fortunes of our family we would crave your
honorable presence at our palace in Santiago to-morrow evening. In
view of your service and devotion, we have done you the honor to
appoint you as one of the witnesses to the formal betrothal of our
daughter, Donna Mercedes, to your friend, Don Felipe de Tobar. After
that, as we have received appeals for help from the Orinoco country,
we propose to lead His Most Catholic Majesty's Imperial troops
thither in person to overawe the natives; and, reposing full trust
in your fidelity and honor, we deign to commit the Donna Mercedes to
your safe keeping in our city of La Guayra, until we return.
Therefore make your preparations accordingly.

Given under our hand and seal,

DE LARA, _Viceroy_."

It had come! The old man, as a last token of his respect, had nominated
him as a witness to the contract which robbed him forever of hope and
happiness. The young man went white before the keen eye of the
messenger, who, in common with other officers of the Viceroy's court,
suspected what was, indeed, concealed from no one save the father and
lover. The world swam before his vision. The blue sea seemed to ris