“Melmoth seemed too intently occupied with his own thoughts to answer even her tears. He added, after a short and sullen pause, “Your betrothed bridegroom is coming with your father--Montilla’s father is dead--the arrangements are all concluded for your nuptials--your bridegroom is coming to wed the wife of another--with him comes your fiery, foolish brother, who has set out to meet his father and his future relative. There will be a feast prepared in the house on the occasion of your future nuptials--you may hear of a strange guest appearing at your festival--I will be there!” “Isidora stood stupified with horror. “Festival!” she repeated--“a bridal festival!--and I already wedded to you, and about to become a mother!” * * * * * “At this moment the trampling of many horsemen was heard as they approached the villa--the tumult of the domestics hurrying to admit and receive them, resounded through the apartments--and Melmoth, with a gesture that seemed to Isidora rather like a menace than a farewell, instantly disappeared; and within an hour, Isidora knelt to the father she had never till then beheld--suffered herself to be saluted by Montilla--and accepted the embrace of her brother, who, in the petulance of his spirit, half rejected the chill and altered form that advanced to greet him. * * * * * “Every thing at the family meeting was conducted in true Spanish formality. Aliaga kissed the cold hand of his withered wife--the numerous domestics exhibited a grave joy at the return of their master--Fra Jose assumed increased importance, and called for dinner in a louder tone. Montilla, the lover, a cold and quiet character, took things as they occurred.