94 



sufficient to execute the mission of the dead. Martin was accordingly or- 

 dered to depart on the following morning, and on that night his master 

 determined to visit Donna Ana. When they arrived, they met with no hin- 

 drance as on the former occasions, and after making the accustomed signal, 

 Teela opened the door, and in silence and darkness they entered the house. 

 On this occasion, as Martin was about to start on a journey of some risk, 

 the duties of centinel were forgotten, and he was introduced into the apart- 

 ment of his mistress, much in the same manner as his master was to that of 

 Donna Ana. 



" Don Juan was overjoyed to meet again the object of his affections, and 

 had already taken her hand, which he pressed fervently to his lips, when he 

 felt himself seized by a powerful grasp, that seemed impossible for him to 

 resist, and was hurled the length of the room against the wall with such vio- 

 lence, that he remained for a moment overcome. At that moment, a voice 

 whispered in his ear " Don Juan, why art not thou gone on my mission ? 

 I have suffered enough by thee, and beware how you trifle with me." 

 Without knowing the cause, Donna Ana felt her lover forcibly snatched from 

 her, and hearing him fall heavily on the floor, not being able to conceal her 

 excessive fear, she screamed aloud for assistance." 



Great confusion followed this supernatural visitation, and Donna 

 Ana was thrown into the utmost perplexity at the absence of her 

 lover, which remained unexplained till he informed her, by a letter, 

 that he was on his way to Valencia, and on what a singular mission 

 he was employed. He succeeded, however, in the object of his 

 journey, and on his return, placed the letter he had obtained from 

 Don Lucindo's former mistress according to the directions which the 

 apparition had given. There was now, therefore, nothing to oppose 

 the consummation of his wishes, and Donna Ana fixed the day of 

 their espousals, which were to be celebrated with great splendour in 

 the cathedral of Toledo. 



" The troubled spirit of Don Lucindo seemed to be hushed into repose ; 

 for during this period, the visits of Don Juan had been uninterrupted by any 

 ghostly agency, and Martin had, in consequence, quite regained his courage. 

 The auspicious day so anxiously awaited by all at length arrived. The re- 

 lations of both families, and a crowd of guests, thronged around the altar to 

 witness the ceremony. The bride and bridegroom were arrived, arid nothing 

 was wanting to delay the performance of the rites, when a loud noise was 

 heard at the gates of the cathedral, which had been closed before the com- 

 mencement of mass. Under the supposition that some friends had arrived 

 late, the doors were opened, and to the surprise of all, two figures clothed in 

 black garments, and their features entirely concealed, slowly walked up the 

 aisle towards the altar. The presence of these strangers seemed to throw a 

 damp on the spirits of the guests, and whispers began to be interchanged as 

 to their quality and errand. Don Juan, wishing to remove the unpleasant- 

 ness that seemed to prevail, when the unknown visitors arrived near the 

 altar, demanded, though in a courteous tone, their name and business. The 

 taller of the strangers immediately threw off his sable garments, and disco- 

 vered to the astonished Juan the person of the deceased Don Lucindo. 

 Donna Ana screamed, and fainted in the arms of her betrothed husband. 

 Martin raised a similar outcry, and made no scruple in declaring it to be the 

 restless spirit of Don Lucindo. Don Juan was firm amidst the disturbance. 

 " Injured shade," he cried, " what have I neglected to perform, that thou 

 shouldst still be unquietly wandering on earth ; what more can I do to in- 

 sure thy repose ?" The figure made no reply, but advanced and seized Don 



