"My child," drawing her nearer to him, "Luiz Falcam has asked your hand in marriage; what answer shall I give him?" Lianor blushed divinely, and her dark eyes shyly drooped before the eager glance from those loving blue ones fixed upon her. "He saved my life, father. I will give it gladly to him," she murmured. "You love him, child?" "Dearly. I shall be proud and happy to become the wife of Luiz," gaining courage. "You have my answer, Falcam. May you be content always. I give her to you with pleasure." In spite of the don's presence and Savitre's, Luiz could not refrain from drawing the girl into his arms and pressing fervent kisses on her smooth brow, and soft cheeks. "You shall never repent your choice, darling," he said tenderly. "I cannot give you wealth, but a true heart and a brave hand are solely yours, now and till death!" "I know, Luiz dear, and to me that gift is more precious than the costliest jewels," the girl whispered fondly. Their happiness was not without its clouds; Luiz was compelled to leave his betrothed to guard a fort some distance away. "I will return soon, dearest," he said lovingly, holding the trembling girl in his strong arms, "and then your father has promised our marriage shall take place." "And you will not run into danger, for my sake?" Lianor pleaded, winding her white arms round his neck. "Think how desolate I should be without you!" Don Garcia, having a great liking for the young man, saw him go with some regret. "Don't stay away longer than you can help," he said kindly. "God keep you, my boy." So Luiz parted from his love, and returned to Diu, carrying in his heart a cherished memory of Lianor, and a tiny miniature of her in his breast-pocket. When he arrived at the governor's palace, he went directly to Manuel Tonza, to inform him of his departure. The governor, a tall, dark-looking man of more than thirty, bore on his fine features a look of haughty sternness, mingled with some cruelty. He glanced coldly at the young captain, and listened in silence to his explanations; but, as Luiz drew from his breast a sealed packet, given him by Don Garcia, Lianor's miniature fell with a crash to the ground, the jeweled case flying open. Manuel picked it up from the floor with sudden swiftness, and gazed admiringly at the pictured face. "Who is this?" he asked abruptly. "Lianor de Sa, Don Garcia's daughter. "Lianor de Sa, and so beautiful as this!" the governor muttered inaudibly. "I forgot she had grown from a child to a woman; I must see her. How comes 'it, though, her miniature is in his hands? Surely they could not have betrothed her to a captain!" With a gesture of disdain he flung the miniature on the table, and told Luiz his presence was no longer needed. Once alone, and a singular smile crossed the governor's face.