I  will  be  true  to  you;  confide  in  me."
I  trembled  as  he  spoke ;  not  that  rich  voice,
So  musical,  could  reassure  my  mind ;
I  trembled  as  I  leant  on  him.     The  tree
Sustains  the  leaf,  but  the  first  biting  blast
Shall  sever  it,  and  it  shall  be  the  sport
Of  every  vengeful  storm.     I  clung  to  him.
The  office  was  concluded.     He  embraced  me,
And  led  me  to  the  door.
As  we  approached

Arroya,  we  were  met  by  a  procession —
A  gay  procession  of  the  peasantry,
With  torches.    But  how  little  joy  of  heart
Had  I,  who  thus  had  given  my  hand  and  heart
Under  the  cloud  of  night.     To  hide  my  tears,
I  tried  in  vain.     So,  to  divert  my  mind,
Anselmo  asked  me  if  I  had  remarked
The  beauty  of  the  horse  that  carried  me.
I  stroked  his  neck — his  neck  he  proudly  arched.
It  was  Campeador !     I  had  regained

I  2


116  MARIQUITA.
A  long  lost  friend,  and  gratefully  expressed

My  thanks.     "  Nay,  thank  me  not,"  Anselmo  said.
"  It  is  enough  to  see  you  smile  again ;

'Tis  the  best  light,  and  the  most  beautiful,

E'en  through  these  tears,  that  Heaven  hath  to  give."

And  at  Arroya  there  awaited  us

A  cordial  welcome  from  the  host  and  hostess.
They  had  preceded  us,  and  now  insisted

That  we  should  take  possession  of  their  house,

As  if  it  were  our  own,  and  they  our  servants.
They  waited  on  us  as  we  sat  at  supper.
Pressing  us  to  partake  of  everything

Their  kindness  had  provided  for  our  comfort.
But  after  supper,  I  retired  with  Ines.
She  wished  to  see  me  ;  and  she  said  to  me,

"  Believe  me,  we  have  acted  for  the  best.
