e influenced her
determination. But I do not despair; she may yet be brought to a sense
of her duty; if not," he added despondingly, "the happiness of my
declining age is blasted, and heartily shall I wish to be numbered with
the dead."

Monteblanco by these means sought a medium between accusing his daughter
of downright criminality, and confessing to young de Leyva that his
suspicions concerning Theodora's aversion to the intended wedding were
not entirely groundless.

He was unwilling also to relinquish the thought of having so excellent a
son-in-law, and he believed Don Antonio to be possessed of all those
qualities which are capable of enslaving the affections of women, even
the most fastidious. He, therefore, prudently resolved, in case of his
child's return, to allow her due time to consider the proposal, which he
had been so anxious to carry by parental authority, hoping that she
would at last be brought to acquiesce in his wishes, by the constant
assiduity and numberless accomplishments of her suitor.

Under this impression, he readily accepted the services proffered by Don
Antonio, for the recovery of Theodora, and for speedily concerting the
means.

"Don Manuel," exclaimed the gallant de Leyva, "spite of your kind and
courteous asseverations, I cannot but consider myself the cause of your
daughter's leaving her home. This reflection and that tender sentiment
which Theodora was as capable of inspiring as I am susceptible of
feeling, makes me perhaps a principal in this melancholy event. It is
with heartfelt sincerity, therefore, that I offer my assistance. Let us
first endeavour to restore the lovely fugitive to her deserted home, and
then let not the shadow of compulsion actuate her future determination."

"I shall be happy," replied Don Manuel, "to profit by advice dictated at
once by affection and prudence. Theodora," he added after a short pause,
"cannot have departed from this city, and we shall probably find her
either in a convent, or at the abode of one of her relatives. However,
to insure all precaution, I shall forthwith send despatches to Granada,
and the neighbouring towns."

Saying this, Monteblanco made a movement to retire with his young
friend, and casting a look of anger on the duenna, he said as he
passed--"Thou mayest well tremble, miserable sinner that thou art!"

"Tremble, forsooth!" returned the stately dame, with great dignity of
manner. "Innocence has no occasion to tremble; and