hour by the clock: not a moment more."

So it was settled.

Soon after this all the church towers and steeples of Valencia came into
view. Across a stretch of country, we saw the blue sea sparkling in the
evening sunshine. In the air, above the rush of the train, there was a
sound of ringing bells.

"It must be a gala day," said Madame de la Torre, listening for a moment
to the swelling clamour.

"It is for your arrival, madame," returned the priest gallantly. "They
wish to do you honour."

Our fair Eve laughed. "Monsieur de Nevada," she cried, "you were never
intended for a priest. It was a mistaken vocation. You ought to have
married, and your wife would have been your idol."

Under the circumstances it was a somewhat unfortunate speech. The drama
in de Nevada's life had taken place long before her birth. She evidently
knew nothing of the story. But the priest had outlived his sorrow, and
was of an age to sit loosely to the things of earth. A momentary shadow
passed over his face, gone as soon as seen.

"Madame," he laughed in clear tones, "if I were forty years younger and
Mademoiselle de Costello were not Madame de la Torre, she would almost
induce me to forget my vows. As it is, all is well. I am saved from
temptation. Valencia at last! Never did journey pass so quickly and
pleasantly."

A well-appointed omnibus was in waiting. We filled it comfortably, and
in a few moments found ourselves at the Hotel Espana. The manager
settled us in admirable quarters, and having some time to spare before
dinner we went out to survey the fair city by evening light.

CHAPTER XXXI.

LOVE'S YOUNG DREAM.

First impressions--Devoted to pleasure--Peace-loving--Climate makes
gay and lively--New element--Few traces of the past--Old
palaces--Steals into the affections--City of the
Cid--Ecclesiastical attractions--Archbishopric--University--Homer
must nod sometimes--Comparative repose--De Nevada carries us
off--Admirable host--Conversational--Grave and gay--Mercy, not
sacrifice--Library--At Puzol--Exacting a promise--The hour
sounds--Count Pedro appears--Fragrant coffee--Served by
magic--Specially prepared temptation--Perverting facts--Land
flowing with milk and honey--Inquiring mind--Mighty man of
valour--Cid likened to Cromwell--Retribution--Ibn Jehaf the
murderer--Reign of terror--The faithful Ximena--Cid's
death-blow--Priest turns schoolmaster--"Bewa