ordinary feat excited universal applause, and
some even vociferated that Don Antonio was deservedly entitled to the
prize. However, as Garcilaso had likewise succeeded in carrying away the
ring, the candidates were obliged to refer to another trial, which was
decided in favor of young de Leyva, who was immediately escorted by the
triumphant party to receive the reward amidst the exhilarating strains
of the music, and the acclamation of the vast concourse.

As soon as the victorious cavalcade arrived near the queen, Don Antonio
and the chief of the quadrille vaulted nimbly from their horses, when
the conqueror knelt at the feet of his gracious sovereign, who, with a
condescending smile, threw the portrait round his neck.

"Wear this," she then said, "in commemoration of thy skill, and the
regard of Isabella. Remember that this gift is a gage of my royal word
to accord to the bearer any boon he may have to demand. Upon the
presentation of this token it shall be granted. My royal word is
passed."

Don Antonio humbly kissed the hand of his queen, and mingling again with
his party, they paraded the place in ceremonial triumph, previous to
their departure. The feats of De Leyva, both in the tourney and the game
of the ring, had secured for him the admiration of all the spectators,
and more particularly amongst the fairer part. Many were the glances
bestowed upon him by sparkling eyes and many a gentle bosom beat high
with emotion as he inclined towards them his handsome figure in graceful
salutations.--Even the proud Leonor could not entirely conceal the
inward satisfaction she felt at the triumph of the young Don Antonio;
for, notwithstanding her efforts, she could but ill disguise a latent
feeling of interest and delight. Certainly it was not love; for,
according to general opinion, she had irretrievably fixed her affections
on another object. But yet she was in that state of mind which is more
easily felt than described; a state too glowing to be called mere
friendship--too cold to be denominated love; it was something between
both--a tender sentiment of regard towards one whom she was taught to
consider her inferior in point of rank and fortune.

Leonor de Aguilar had inherited from her warlike father that pride and
loftiness of spirit which in some measure spurned the softer sensations
of the heart. She scarcely believed in the existence of unbounded,
unconquerable passion; her ideas were too much engrossed in the daz