Further delay being unnecessary, the party was again put in motion, Don Luis now riding by the side of the fidalgo's litter, and ever and anon, notwithstanding his previous intentions to the contrary, approaching that of Donna Clara, to inquire if she had recovered from her alarm, and to assure her that she had no further cause for fear; an assurance in which, proceeding from the lips of so handsome a cavalier, and uttered in a tone of respectful courtesy, she could not fail to put implicit confidence. Notwithstanding his words, however, he kept a constant and watchful glance on every side, having also given private instructions to his own people, and to those of Goncalo Christovao to have their arms in readiness for any sudden attack. By insensible degrees he was led to enter more into conversation with his fair companion, and, as he spoke, his words became animated with a new spirit; all thoughts of the past being banished from his mind, while the roses again returned to her cheeks before blanched by fear, her soft eyes beaming with a strange and undefined happiness. While Don Luis rode on to address the fidalgo, the old Nurse began to comment on his appearance. "What a handsome young cavalier is that," she said; "so brave too,--why, the servants say he killed ten of the brigands with his own hand! What a noble countenance he has! with such sparkling black eyes! and how many polite inquiries he made after our health! Oh! mine is sore shaken by the fright.--Is he not handsome?" "Do you think so, good nurse?" answered Donna Clara unconsciously. "I did not look.--He is very brave and very good, I am sure." "That he is; and so gallant, too," said the Nurse. "How few young gentlemen would take the trouble to turn back to protect us. What a pity he is married!" "Married!" exclaimed Donna Clara; and there was a sinking at her heart, and she felt her cheek again grow pale, she knew not why. "If he is not married, he soon is to be, to his cousin Donna Theresa d'Alorna. The moment I heard his name I remembered that I had learned all about it from Senhora Anna, his father's housekeeper, whose birth-place is near Oporto, and who came back to see her kindred some time ago."