Dolores, "I shall think that you have not come for
me; I shall think it is for the English maiden. And now, come; I will
show you the way."

Once more Dolores appeared through the gloom.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

IN WHICH "HIS MAJESTY" FALLS IN LOVE.

Mrs. Russell's position was a very peculiar and a very trying one.
From the remarks of "His Majesty" she had reason to believe that her
beloved, yet unfortunate, husband had been found guilty of treason
against that august monarch, and had been executed. At the same time,
"His Most Sacred Majesty" had evinced what appeared to be a devoted
attachment to her humble self. Now, what was a high-toned woman to do
under such circumstances? Mourn over the departed one? Most
certainly; that she would ever do. But what about "His Majesty" and
the royal attentions? Should she turn a deaf ear to that too, too
eloquent tongue, dash down the crown of Spain, and busy herself in
unavailing regrets for the lost one? Before doing so it would be well
to pause.

And then there were other considerations. It was not the man who must
be considered, but the King. It was not her own feelings which she
must regard, but the well-being of Spain, the good of Europe, and the
interests of humanity. Would it not be better that the throne of
Spain should be filled by a virtuous Englishwoman than by some
frivolous Continental princess? Would it not be better that the Queen
of Spain should emulate the domestic graces of a Victoria than the
corrupt follies of an Isabella? Should she now, out of selfish
private grief, deprive Spain of such an inestimable boon? Would Spain
forgive her? Would England? Nay, would the world? Could she forgive
herself?

"Nay, nay," she said to herself, "this is not a time for weakness. My
heart must ever lie entombed in the grave of my dear lost Johnny; yet
State reasons compel me to bestow my hand. I cannot resist the cry of
stricken Spain. Yes, thou royal wooer! take my hand--it is thine; and
my only sorrow is that I cannot yet give thee all this stricken
heart. Yet patience, fond one; it may all be thine in
time--all--all."

Katie was surprised to observe an unwonted dignity suddenly come over
Mrs. Russell.

She informed that young person that she needn't call her "Auntie"
now, but "Madame," or "Senora," and proceeded to drop mysterious
hints, from which Katie's quick wit soon gathered the whole of the
facts of the case.

Katie exulted so in this discovery that