his simple parting gift. It was a small nosegay of sweet marjoram, gathered from the convent garden; and though bestowed in conformity with ancient usages, was no mere formal act, but accompanied with earnest wishes and fervent prayers for their safety and well-doing. The last blessing having been breathed, the travellers went on their way; and for many a mile, the backward, lingering glance could descry the white walls of the monastery reflecting the beams of the morning sun.

And now safely past the rugged frontier, and escaped the power of Spain, a feeling of security gave cheerfulness to the little party. With renovated strength, and bounding hopes, they for the most part deemed all dangers at an end.

Don Sebastain was (with the exception of his head, which wore the light amuce) still clad in steel, but no longer cumbered with lance or mace. The ample road permitted him to continue by his daughter's side, whilst

Perez, no longer needed as a scout, rode beside Sanchiza; and the way was enlivened by such light and cheerful converse, as is inspired by the pleasure of easy travelling through a delightful country.

For several leagues thus rode they on, the few persons they met, indicating by their costume and manners,-what the fair face of nature, or the observances of religion had failed to remind them of,-that they had entered a foreign land. But the intimation was neither repulsive nor unkind, for the trimly boddiced dames who dozed within their supporting albardos, looked up as they passed with a smiling "God speed ye!" whilst every pedestrian doffed his narrow cap, and even such peasants as they found seated, invariably arose to salute the travellers. Now and then children were seen roaming in the meadows, or intent on some light occupation near the solitary casel, or clustered cottages. Often a merry

*Farm-house.

imp would approach the lady, and bright with rosy smiles, present a nosegay of wild flowers as a welcome offering; and though a single garment was usually their only covering, the strangers remarked that no symptom of privation appeared in their round, sunburnt limbs, or careless countenances.

To Donna Inez, the scenes of simplicity and peace which surrounded her were a source of tranquil pleasure; yet she sometimes regarded with wistful earnestness some far-off object, until its more near approach distinctly revealed it. Often, too, she glanced at the golden bugle which hung at her girdle,-it may be half wishing to make trial of its potency, and wondering if on some distant height, or concealed in some impervious grove, their promised guardian was even now watching their footsteps.

As noon approached, the travellers turned a little from the road, and halted within a grove of cork trees, the interlaced branches of which permitted no stray beam to scorch the way

side flowers, or deprive the narrow rill that strayed among them of its delicious coolness. There spread they the wide capote, there opened the condessa, which had been added to their baggage by the monks, and drew from its recesses poultry, and wine, and a few firm fruits, Nor less acceptable than these were some small loaves of the far-famed guest-bread of the monastery, which was sweet and porous, and white as snow. "Benito sea tal pan!"* exclaimed Perez, as he laid the delicate loaves before his companions; "the good brothers did not forget that we must perforce take one meal on our way, and they knew that the poor had what provisions remained in our alforgas when we arrived at their monastery."

After enjoying their sylvan meal, to the pleasure of which the pure waters of the brook that murmured beside them was no trifling addition, they yet deferred pursuing their journey until the sultry heat had some

* Blessed be such bread.

what abated.

Some slumbered on the short turf; while the rest, with, half closed eyes, languidly listened to the busy hum of the insect world, which alone, of all living things, appeared to enjoy the fervid rays of noon, and hovering with endless gyrations over the countless flowers, inhaled their faint perfume, or buried themselves deep in their honied recesses. Save such faint murmurs, no sound was heard;

-no cheerful voice, no ringing laugh, no joyous shout of merry infancy. The peasant reposed beside his cattle, beneath the embowering trees, -the housewife rested in the coolest chamber of her dwelling, and the glowing cheek of the little wearied child, lay on the turf, whereon was scattered his playthings, the fainting flowers. The very birds were slumbering in the thickest recesses of the grove, or silently conning over the triumphal or melancholy harmonies with which ere long to make the welkin ring.

Suddenly the breathless stillness was lessened, though not broken, by the toll of a distant

VOL. I.

I