He talked perpetually of Blanche, he talked without gloom; he reverted to her sweet manners and virtues, he repeated the anecdotes of her childhood, (anecdotes, which a mother never ceases to hear with interest) he drew various imaginary pictures of her future destiny, and he took care to make those pictures pleasing. By degrees Kara Aziek learnt to associate the prospect of happiness with this temporary privation; she learnt to believe the sanguine fortunes he foretold, and her mind, permitted to dwell on one dear object, readily took the only way he chose should lead to it. If tears sometimes trickled down her cheek at the name of her far-distant treasure, they were tender tears, full of gratitude and hope. The tedious months at length wore away, and letters arrived from Sicily. What were the emotions of the parents when they saw the writing of their daughter, and were thus assured of her safety! for some time they could not read her letter; but they opened not any other, their child’s sentiments and situation absorbed all their interest. Having recovered himself, Sebastian read the letter aloud, though his voice and his hand yet betrayed signs of remaining agitation. The letter contained an account of Blanche’s voyage, a warm acknowledgement of Gaspar’s cares, description of her reception by the Duchess of Medina Sidonia, and a confession of her pleasurable emotions on witnessing the customs and refinements of Europe. To these details was added the most affecting expressions of love for her parents, and of sorrow at their wide separation: it was evident that the simple enjoyments of her native village yet held their place in her uncorrupted heart; the amusements of Sicily could not displace them, for these amusements only gratified her senses. Charmed with the Duke and Duchess of Medina Sidonia, she described their kindness in glowing language: her delineation of their sentiments relieved Kara Aziek from many fears; with such noble persons she could trust her daughter’s heart. The packets from De Castro and Gaspar were chiefly on business: Sebastian perused them attentively. They informed him that Queen Elizabeth’s favorable disposition yet remained unimpaired, but that being desirous of acting on certainties, and avoiding indiscreet reliance on her good faith, De Castro thought it expedient to return to London with his credentials from Sebastian, for the settlement of a final treaty between them; of which Princess Blanche should be the pledge on the side of Portugal, and an immediate loan of money, (for the furtherance of their schemes,) the guarantee on the part of England. This arranged, he would instantly send for Blanche, who might be safely committed to Gaspar, and would be permitted to retain this watchful friend about her person, at the court of London.