more, and for the last time, I desire you to raise your eyes
towards heaven. We have reason to be thankful to it."

While Don Rafael obeyed the direction, Gertrudis permitted the _reboso_
to fall from her shoulders; and with her fingers she removed the comb
that imprisoned her shining hair, which, coiled up in two long plaited
tresses, encircled her crown like a diadem. These she allowed to drop
down at will, until they hung far below her waist. Then seizing in one
hand the scissors she had just been using at her work, and with the
other covering the crimson blush upon her cheek, she held forth the
instrument, at the same time crying out--

"Now, Don Rafael! aid me in keeping my vow, by cutting for me the hair
from my head."

"I?" exclaimed Don Rafael, in whose ear her voice had sounded like the
voice of an angel. "I?" repeated he, astounded at the proposal.
"Gertrudis! Gertrudis!"

"I have promised it to the Virgin for saving you last night. Now do you
comprehend, Don Rafael--my dearly beloved Rafael?"

"Oh, Gertrudis!" cried the lover, in an ecstasy of joy, "you should have
prepared me more gradually for so much happiness."

And kneeling in front of the young girl, he eagerly took hold of her
hand, which no longer refused to let him touch it, but, on the contrary,
was rather advanced to meet his lips.

"Is it my fault?" said Gertrudis, in a tone of sweet playfulness. "Is
it my fault if men are slow at taking a hint? _Santissima_! for a full
quarter of an hour, shameful as it may appear, have I been endeavouring
to prepare you for what you call your happiness." Then suddenly laying
aside her playful tone, she continued--"But now, my dear Rafael, I must
remember my vow. I have made it, and you must assist me in its
accomplishment."

"But why did you promise your hair?" inquired the lover, with a slight
air of chagrin.

"Because I had nothing more valuable to offer in exchange for your
life--mine perhaps as well. Oh! I am well repaid for the sacrifice by
knowing that you love me. Come, Rafael! take the scissors."

"Oh! I could never manage with that weak instrument," said Don Rafael,
speaking merely to gain time.

"Ah! are you going to complain of the trouble it will give you?"
inquired Gertrudis, bending down towards her lover, who was still
kneeling before her--"Come, my brave Rafael! Use these scissors. I
command you."

Don Rafael took the shining instrument in his trembling hand, but st