is
man, Roque, suddenly burst upon him with a look full of information.

"Well, Sirrah!" cried Don Lope, "what means this intrusion?--Do you
still stick to the wise determination of quitting my service? Are you
willing to comply with the conditions?"

"No, Senor," answered Roque, with conscious importance; "I come loaded
with fresh proofs of my inclination to serve you."

"Upon my honor," exclaimed Gomez Arias, "thou art marvellously
complaisant, friend--thou hast seen the duenna, I suppose?"

"Yes, Sir, and I have seen some one else, besides."

"Let us hear first of the duenna."

"We must go to night--her master is engaged with a guest from Granada. I
saw them leave the house myself."

Gomez Arias lost no time in preparing for the interview; and as night
was now coming on, he girded on his sword, and, flinging his cloak
carelessly round him, sallied out accompanied by his valet, on his
nocturnal expedition.

"Art thou sure, good Roque," he demanded, "that you really saw the old
gentleman leave his mansion?"

"Quite sure, Don Lope--my eyes seldom deceive me; indeed I feel
perfectly satisfied with their capability. Never was there a more trusty
pair, in descrying afar off a father, or brother, or any other kind of
unwelcome intruder upon moonlight meetings. Argus, they say, had a
hundred eyes, and yet was found at fault, whereas I have only two
and----"

"They are sometimes as watchful," interrupted Don Lope.

"Seldom," replied Roque--"and when they unfortunately deceive me, I
sorely feel for the deception. I am a man of very tender feelings."

"Argus," observed his master, "was punished for his negligence, and it
is meet thou shouldst experience the same treatment, under similar
circumstances."

"Aye," quoth Roque, "he was changed into a peacock--I wonder into what
animal I shall be changed, since this sort of transformation is the
retribution attendant on negligent scouts--I think the character of a
jackal would suit me best, for I certainly lead the lion to his prey.
But now, Sir, leaving jesting aside, I have a little piece of serious
information for your ear. Do you know whom I saw in close converse with
Don Manuel de Monteblanco when he left his house?"

"No, nor do I care."

"Don't you, indeed?--Well, it is very fortunate, for it happened to be
no other than your rival, Don Rodrigo."

"Now, Roque," cried his master jocosely, "here's a convincing proof of
the failure of thy boasted eye-sight."