Truxillo regarded Stuart with no pleasant eye as he carried off his donna. However, he endeavoured to dissemble, and said with a smile, "I congratulate you, senor, on obtaining the highest order of knighthood that a Spanish king can confer. You will find it easy work to protect the pilgrims who visit Compostella from the insults of the Moors in the nineteenth century. I am myself a commander of the order," he added, displaying a richer cross, around which was the motto,—_Sanguine Arabum_. "I am again to be the rival of this fiery condé. I am always in some confounded scrape," thought Ronald, as he led his partner to her place. "_Santa Anna_, senor! these rooms are suffocating," said the lady. "As soon as the dance is ended, permit me to have the honour of leading you to the garden." "Pray relieve me of my scarf." The thin gauze screen was transferred from the white shoulders of Olivia to Ronald’s arm. "See, senor,—the Condessa; how well she is looking. Ah! had she only worn her tiara on her black curls, she would have been matchless." "Impossible, while Donna Olivia is present." "Look at that officer of Villamur’s regiment,—a handsome cavalier; he bows. How do you do, Pedro? What can that old knight of Calatrava be whispering to the rich widow of the Calle Mayor. Ah, I would give the world to know! How they smile at each other. Love must be very agreeable. _Santos_! I have dropped my fan. Quick, senor; pick it up, before the feet of the dancers—— A thousand thanks," she added, as Ronald restored it to her. "I would not have it destroyed for the universe,—’tis a present from Don Carlos Avallo: he, too, is looking this way. How d’ye do, Carlos?" and thus did Olivia run on during all the intervals between the figures of the dance. No sooner was the quadrille over, than the galopade was proposed. "_Viva la galopade!_ cavaliers," cried Cameron, striking his hands together. Lisle still kept Virginia, and Ronald her gay sister, and all the cavaliers of Old and New Castile grew hot with indignation and jealousy. Away flew the dancers to the crash of music from the orchestra. The scene was indeed glorious. A hundred couples went round hand in hand, plumes waving, ear-rings trembling, jewels and epaulets, stars and medals flashing and glittering, spurs and poniards clanking, the light feet and muslin drapery of the graceful Spanish girls flying about and mingling with the buckled shoes and dark green tartans of the Highlanders. Bravo! It was beautiful.