drive me to invent falsehoods in reply. But all this was suddenly

brought to an end, for the time came when all such considerations were

disregarded, and there was no further question of honour, when my

patience gave way and the secret of my heart became known abroad.

The reason was, that a few days later it was reported in the town that

Don Fernando had been married in a neighbouring city to a maiden of

rare beauty, the daughter of parents of distinguished position, though

not so rich that her portion would entitle her to look for so