"I'm not so sure of that. Papa never refuses me anything, and when he sees it is necessary to my happiness I should go, he will consent. Anyhow, I will try," jumping eagerly to her feet. "Come, Leone." Her cousin rose, and took the white, outstretched hand; then like two children they crossed the beautiful marble hall, until, arriving before a door draped with rich curtains, Lianor paused and softly knocked. "Come in!" rather impatiently. With a smile Lianor opened the door, and entered, followed by Pantaleone. In the room, handsomely fitted up as a study, sat a fine-looking, middle-aged man, busily wilting; his dark face wore an expression of severity as he glanced toward the intruders. It quickly faded, however, on seeing the pretty figure standing there; instead, a gentle smile wreathed his lips. "Well, Lianor, dearest, what is it?" "Papa," and the girl stole noiselessly behind his chair, winding her arms around his neck. "I am so miserable, I have nothing to amuse me, and unless you do something to make me happier, I shall go melancholy mad!" "My dearest child, what is the matter? Are you ill?" anxiously turning to peer into the lovely face. "No, papa; but I am so tired of this life." "That is not like my little girl. And I have tried hard to make you happy. Nothing in reason have I refused you--jewels, such as a queen might envy; priceless stuffs to deck your pretty form, and other things which no girl of your age ever possessed," reproachfully. Lianor bent down, and kissed his brow, lovingly--repentingly. "You have been a great deal too good to me. But there is something more I wish to ask; it will make me happy if you will grant my request." "We shall see. Tell me first what it is." Lianor briefly related her wish to visit the old temple which lay beyond Goa, to search with Panteleone the curious old ruins she had so often read of in her studies. Don Gracia looked grave; evidently this project did not find much favor in his eyes. A Portuguese by birth, but sent to Goa as Viceroy, Don Garcia de Sa had lived there long enough to know the treacherous natures of the Brahmins who dwelt near, and feared to let his child run the risk of being found and captured. But as Lianor had truly remarked, he loved his daughter so passionately that he very rarely refused her anything, even though he doubted the wisdom of complying with her wishes. "Papa"--the sweet voice was very coaxing, and the red lips close to his cheek--"say yes, darling; it will make me so happy." "But suppose any danger should threaten you?" "I should be there to defend my cousin with my life!" Leone cried, fervently. Don Gracia smiled. "You speak bravely, my boy; but as yet you are very young. However, as Lianor has set her heart upon this expedition, I suppose I must say yes. In case of danger, I will send some soldiers to escort you." "Oh, thank you, papa! I am so glad! Come, Leone, we will make haste, so as to set off ere the day gets more advanced."