ty Luiz
Falcam, who, tall and handsome, stood before him.

"You wish to ask me something, is it not so? Well, speak out, and be
sure if it is in my power I will grant it."

"I hardly like to ask. It is, I know, daring. I am but a captain, and
you are one of the wealthiest men in India; yet I love your daughter,
and that is what I wished to tell you," earnestly.

Don Garcia smiled indulgently, and he gazed kindly at the young
fellow's flushed face.

"I told you I would give you what you wished, and I will not break my
word. I could safely trust Lianor to you. No other man I know has won
so large a place in my esteem. But I dare not speak until I know what
my daughter thinks. She will answer for herself touching so delicate a
subject. Tell Donna Lianor to come here," he said to Toki.

After what seemed an anxious age to poor Luiz, Lianor entered, leaning
lightly on Savitre, somewhat astonished.

"Lianor, may I speak before Savitre?" the don asked gravely.

"Of course, papa. I have no secrets from her."

"My child," drawing her nearer to him, "Luiz Falcam has asked your
hand in marriage; what answer shall I give him?"

Lianor blushed divinely, and her dark eyes shyly drooped before the
eager glance from those loving blue ones fixed upon her.

"He saved my life, father. I will give it gladly to him," she
murmured.

"You love him, child?"

"Dearly. I shall be proud and happy to become the wife of Luiz,"
gaining courage.

"You have my answer, Falcam. May you be content always. I give her to
you with pleasure."

In spite of the don's presence and Savitre's, Luiz could not refrain
from drawing the girl into his arms and pressing fervent kisses on her
smooth brow, and soft cheeks.

"You shall never repent your choice, darling," he said tenderly. "I
cannot give you wealth, but a true heart and a brave hand are solely
yours, now and till death!"

"I know, Luiz dear, and to me that gift is more precious than the
costliest jewels," the girl whispered fondly.

Their happiness was not without its clouds; Luiz was compelled to
leave his betrothed to guard a fort some distance away.

"I will return soon, dearest," he said lovingly, holding the trembling
girl in his strong arms, "and then your father has promised our
marriage shall take place."

"And you will not run into danger, for my sake?" Lianor pleaded,
winding her white arms round his neck. "Think how desolate I should be
without you!"

Don Garcia, havi