Ronald’s eyes at that moment encountered those of the Condé de Truxillo. Both bowed, and the condé placing his arm around Olivia, wheeled her into the circle of the waltzers, where they were seen only for a moment now and then. Fassifern led away the duke to one of the refreshment-tables in the garden; while Lisle, followed by the sharp eyes of many a jealous cavalier, advanced towards Stuart and Macdonald, with Virginia leaning on his arm. "I wish one of you would find a partner," said he; "we want a _vis-a-vis_ for the next quadrille." "With pleasure." "I am engaged to dance with Donna Isabel de Campo," said Alister; "but pray introduce me, Louis." "And me," added Ronald. "A most lucky dog you are!" These observations passed in English; but the formal introduction was gone through in choice Castilian. "I have surely had the happiness of seeing Donna Virginia before," said Ronald. "It is impossible I could ever forget." "Holy Mother! _Senor Officiale_," exclaimed the young lady with an air of pretty surprise, as she raised her fine eye-brows; "is it possible that you recognise me, arrayed as I now am in a garb so different from that which I wore in the convent of Santa Cruz?" "Do I behold the Madre Santa Martha of Jarciejo in Donna Virginia? What riddle is this, senora?" "A strange one truly, senor, and a very agreeable transformation," replied the lady, blushing and smiling as she glanced at her figure, which was fully reflected in an opposite mirror. "What is all this?" asked Lisle in surprise. "Then you are acquainted with each other, it seems?" "O yes, Don Louis; quite old friends indeed," replied the lady, with a vivacity which piqued Don Louis a little. "We met on a sad occasion—a very sad one, truly,—of which I will give you the history when we are at leisure. ’Tis quite a romance, and Cervantes of Esquivas,[*] or Juan de Valencia,[**] have never written any thing like it." [*] Cervantes is said to have been born at Esquivas, near Toledo. [**] Author of _El Patranuelo_, and other old-fashioned works. "Allow me to lead you, Donna Virginia; the dancers are arranging themselves. Had we not better take our places?" "Certainly, senor; but our _vis-a-vis_, remember. Shall I introduce your friend to the Condessa Estremera.—she waltzes beautifully." "The Condessa is engaged; she appears resolved to make quite a conquest of Bevan of ours." "Are we to look all night for a _vis-a-vis_? Oh! here comes my sister Olivia; she is beautiful enough to make him die of love, and I shall introduce him, if it was only to make Truxillo jealous."