"Senora," I cried, stung by her scornful words, "I cannot say I know men's hearts; but I do know the heart of one true gentleman; and I believe, when he had won from me the betrothal kiss, I was not less desirable in his eyes!" "So you believe," she said, and shook her head. "_Bueno_, go on believing--while you can. Woman's faith in man's fealty lives just so long----" and she bent forward from her couch, plucked a fragile blossom from the swaying vines, and cast it under foot. I would have spoken again of my trust in the leal true heart that trusted me; but I saw the trembling of the laces on her bosom, I saw the dark eyes growing more angerful, and a slow crimson rising in the rich cheek. She was always "studying her revenge,"--this beautiful, unhappy woman, "keeping her wounds green which otherwise might heal and do well." As I watched her a great pity overcame me, so that I held my peace. CHAPTER XVII. The 20th of March--a day never to be forgot! I have seen Mr. Rivers. It is the first time since that night--nine months ago. I have seen him and spoken with him in the presence of Melinza, Dona Orosia, and the Governor. Whatever may befall us now, nothing can take away the memory of this last hour. If ever we leave these walls together and taste freedom again, it will have been dearly bought. A maid's truth tarnished, and the brave heart of a most loyal gentleman robbed of its faith! Dear God, what a price to pay! 'Twas noon when Dona Orosia came herself to fetch me. "There is some deviltry afoot," she said. "I cannot fathom it as yet; but, as you hope for freedom for yourself and your Englishman, don't fail to play your part to the end. Come quickly! Melinza demands to see you, and the Governor permits it. Don't blame me, child--I can do nothing to prevent it. But, I warn you, act the part, whatever it may cost you." I followed her, as in a dream, along the corridor, into the room where the old Governor sat in his arm-chair beside a carved table, whereon were a decanter of wine, glasses half drained, and a litter of playing-cards. He drummed upon the table with his withered fingers, and looked uneasily, first at his wife's flushed face as she entered the door, and then at the determined countenance of Melinza, who was standing before the heavy arras which divided that room from another in the rear. "Dona Margarita," said the Governor, clearing his throat nervously, "is it so that you are detained within my house against your will?" "Your Excellency," I began, and was thankful I could speak truth, "I, and all the other English, have been held here in San Augustin for many a long month against our will." "Without the orders of the Spanish Council I could not liberate you, senorita; though now we purpose to do so, having authority. But concerning yourself--Melinza assures me that you do not desire to be sent with your countrymen."