THE TWO CAPTAINS.
Page: 8

and I hope our affair of honor is now settled, as you will grant
under these circumstances that I am only here to show that I fear no
sword-thrust in the world. The bell of the old cathedral is now
ringing twelve o'clock, and I give you my word of honor as a knight
and a soldier that neither is Dona Lucila pleased with my attentions
nor am I pleased with paying them; from henceforth, and were I to
remain a hundred years in Malaga, I would not continue to serenade
her in this spot. So proceed on your journey, and God be with you."
He then once more greeted his conquered adversary with serious and
solemn courtesy, and withdrew. Heimbert followed him, after having
cordially shaken hands with the two youths, saying, "No, dear young
sirs, do not let it ever again enter your heads to interfere in any
honorable contest. Do you understand me?"

He soon overtook his companion, and walked on by his side so full of
ardent expectation, and with his heart beating so joyfully and yet so
painfully, that he could not utter a single word. Don Fadrique
Mendez was also silent; it was not till Heimbert paused before an
ornamented garden-gate, and pointed cheerfully to the pomegranate
boughs richly laden with fruits which overhung it, saying, "This is
the place, dear comrade," that the Spaniard appeared as if about to
ask a question, but turning quickly round he merely said, "I am
pledged to guard this entrance for you till dawn. You have my word
of honor for it." So saying he began walking to and fro before the
gate, with drawn sword, like a sentinel, and Heimbert, trembling with
joy, glided within the gloomy and aromatic shrubberies.




CHAPTER III



He was not long in seeking the bright star, which he indeed felt was
destined henceforth to guide the course of his whole life. The
delicate form approached him not far from the entrance; weeping
softly, it seemed to him, in the light of the full moon which was
just rising, and yet smiling with such infinite grace, that her tears
were rather like a pearly ornament than a veil of sorrow. In deep
and infinite joy and sorrow the two lovers wandered silently together