rigid course of penance was prescribed for
her, and after its performance she was told that she would be set free,
and allowed to join her husband, who, as had been some others, would be
banished the kingdom, though possibly a milder punishment might be
awarded him.

Could it be possible that her husband would abjure his principles? Her
faith wavered. If she remained obstinate, he might, she was assured, be
brought out to witness her death. She was meditating on these things in
her solitary cell when the door opened, and the Archbishop Munebrega
stood before her. He spoke to her gently and kindly, as an old family
friend. He would urge her to take his advice, and conform at once.
Long she thought on the subject, but she could not pray for guidance.
Why? Her conscience revolted against the act she contemplated. In a
husky voice she told the Archbishop that she would yield.

"We will endeavour, then, to induce the advocate Herezuelo to yield
also, lovely Leonor," said the Archbishop, taking her hand and pressing
it to his lips.

"Why, you told me that my husband had already yielded!" exclaimed
Leonor, scarcely conscious of the act.

"I surely could not have said so, as I am not cognisant of the fact,"
answered Munebrega blandly. "Be assured that for your sake I will
endeavour to win him over to the truth." Much more was urged by the
Archbishop, but poor Leonor's mind was in too great a whirl to
understand the meaning of what he said. Cruel indeed was the conflict
going on within her. "For the sake of appearances you will have to
undergo some penances; but I will take care that they shall be as light
as possible, that your health may be in no way injured," he remarked;
and with a treacherous smile the tempter left her.

No words can describe the unhappy Leonor's feelings at seeing her
husband among those condemned to the stake. It had been hoped by
Munebrega, from the position in which she was placed, that she would not
have discovered him. The effect has been described. On being conducted
back to the convent to which she had been removed, she at once refused
to continue the penances which had been prescribed. No persuasions
could make her alter her determination; and therefore, as an obstinate
heretic, she was returned to a cell in the Inquisition. Munebrega was
soon in her presence. He reminded her that she was a widow and
helpless--that he had the power of setting her at liberty. He entreated
he