!"

"Strike, if it please you. I want nothing but death," answered Alvarado,
making no effort whatever to defend himself.

"Hast deserved it at my hands, then?" exclaimed the now infuriated de
Tobar.

"Stay!" interrupted the Viceroy re-entering the room. "What means this
assault upon my captain? Donna Mercedes?"

"She revives," said the duenna.

"Is it thou, Senora?" said the Viceroy. "I sought thee unavailingly."

"Your Highness," said the old woman, "I missed the senorita and found
her here."

"And how came you unbidden into my private cabinet, Don Felipe?"

"Your Excellency, Senora Agapida found me in the corridor. She was
distraught over her lady's absence. We knocked. There was no answer. We
entered. I crave your pardon, but it was well I came, for I found my
betrothed and my best friend alone, together, here," he pointed
gloomily. "A Spanish gentleman alone at this hour of the night with----"

"Silence!" thundered the Viceroy. "Would'st asperse my daughter's name?
Darest thou--By heaven, you hold a weapon in your hand. I am old
but--Guard thyself!" he called, whipping out his sword with astonishing
agility.

"I can not fight with you," said de Tobar lowering his point, "but for
God's sake, explain!"

"The Donna Mercedes is as pure as heaven," asserted Alvarado.

"Then why did you bid me strike and stand defenseless a moment since?"

"Because I love her and she is yours."

"Death!" shouted de Tobar. "Take up thy sword!"

"Stay," broke in the old Viceroy quickly, "keep silent, Alvarado, let me
tell it all. I am her father. I would consult with the captain upon the
journey of the morrow and other matters of state. With us here was my
daughter. Is there aught to provoke thy jealousy or rage in this?
Overcome by--er--the events of the day she fainted. One of us had to go
for aid. 'Twas not meet that the young man should go to the women's
apartments, I left them together."

"Alone?" queried de Tobar.

"Ay, alone. One was my daughter, a de Lara, and she was senseless. The
other was almost my son, I knew him. He had proved himself. I could
trust him."

"Your Excellency, I thank you," cried Alvarado, seizing the hand of the
old nobleman and carrying it to his lips.

"You said you loved her," said de Tobar turning to Alvarado.

"And so I do," answered Alvarado, "but who could help it? It is an
infection I have caught from my friend."

"Have you spoken words of love to her? Have you pleaded with he