when fortunately the object of my search presents himself
in person, a circumstance which I hail with the more pleasure, as I am
assured that Don Rodrigo is particularly anxious we should renew an old
interchange of tokens of our mutual regard."

"Senor Don Lope Gomez Arias," replied Don Rodrigo, sorely incensed at
the tone of levity in which he was addressed by his rival, "I likewise
congratulate myself in thus accidentally meeting with Don Lope sooner
than I was led to expect, and though the mock courtesy of his style
plainly indicates the reliance he places on the constant good fortune
that protects him, yet he shall find me more solicitous than ever for
the immediate interchange of the tokens to which he so facetiously
alludes."

"Senor Don Rodrigo de Cespedes," returned Gomez Arias, "I cannot but
greatly admire that laudable ambition which stimulates you to deeds of
noble daring, and an unworthy individual like myself cannot feel
sufficiently grateful for the honor you wish to confer upon him."

These words and the sarcastic sneer that accompanied them, exasperated
Don Rodrigo to such a degree, that turning to his rival, he pointed to
the door, and without further reply intimated to him to follow. Gomez
Arias was about to comply, when Monteblanco interposing, exclaimed,

"Forbear, _caballeros_, forbear; this is my house, and though I am far
from desiring to withhold any gentlemen from the calls of honor, yet let
it not be said that my mansion was made a scene of violence and
bloodshed."

"_Valgame Dios!_" cried Roque, "Don Manuel speaks like an oracle. Nor do
I think myself, this hour of night the most fit to decide such important
matters. Broad day-light is certainly preferable to the glimmer of the
moon and stars, for business like this."

Theodora was ready to sink with emotion and fear, but the very imminence
of the danger inspired her with a sort of desperate tranquillity. She
knew that her interposition would only increase the perplexities of her
situation, without preventing the accomplishment of their design.
Besides, she placed much confidence in her lover's courage and superior
skill in the management of arms, and ultimately she possessed that
nobleness of mind that shrinks from the imputation of cowardice in the
object of its admiration.

Monteblanco's remonstrances were vain. Don Rodrigo rushed to the door
with desperate haste, and Gomez Arias followed with the coolness of one
to whom such scen