1831. J A Tale of the Inquisition. 27 



filled up the dreadful chasm in my heart, left by Isabella, whom I some- 

 times thought of with the utmost anguish. I had no other idea than that 

 of always keeping the girl with me, and contemplated with trembling 

 the moment of the gipsy's return. This made me form the resolution to 

 make her irrevocably mine, and to hide her from the world till a fit 

 period should arrive. In a retired spot I have brought her up, where 

 the heart I have moulded is now being cultivated, and in which I yet 

 hope to find that peace and happiness which is the principal object ot 

 my life." 



" And yet you have a second time left all that is dear to you," said 

 Henrico, "to follow the-tumults of a noisy camp !" 



" The love of glory, I confess, has again roused my dormant passion for 

 a soldier's life. I cannot lose the opportunity of acquiring fame. She 

 whom I adore will not regret to see me return covered with honours. I 

 will then make her mine for ever, and to peace and tranquillity conse- 

 crate the remainder of my days. Could I but destroy the recollection 

 of the past, my happiness would be without alloy ; but the gipsy who 

 infests our camp has got possession of a secret of mine. She comes from 

 Spain to be a spy upon my actions, and she will cause my ruin ; but the 

 spectre shall be driven away before ray nuptials." 



Henrico promised to see the gipsy, and to endeavour to make her 

 give an account of herself. 



" Good," said Miranda, " but to my purpose, and I shall go into battle 

 with a lighter heart. You are rich and independent, and will most 

 likely, when the war is over, retire from the service ; promise me then, by 

 the friendship you bear me, at the conclusion of the campaign, to en- 

 deavour to find out Isabella, and to make my peace with her. I can 

 never return to Spain more ! — promise me this, and you will restore 

 peace to my mind. Take this ring the gipsy gave me — it was once 

 Isabella's ; wear it on your finger, 'twill remind you of your promise. 

 And now touch cups, corai'ade ; here's to a happy meeting after the vic- 

 tory !" 



Henrico slowly placed Isabella's ring on his finger. At this moment 

 the gipsy peeped through the curtains of the tent. 



" Welcome ! hag," cried IMiranda, " you come in right time !" The 

 tent was quickly opened, and the gipsy dragged in. 



" Now," cried IMiranda, " I will penetrate the inmost recesses of your 

 heart, or tear your secret from your bosom !" 



" That would help you little," replied the old woman, " but what do 

 you wish to know from me .''" 



" Where got you the ring you slipped on my finger yesterday, and 

 wherefore pronounced ye a certain name so earnestly ?" 



" Sir !" replied she, " I stole neither ; they were, however, lost, and 

 I think that I have brought both jewels back to the right master." 



" I want not your presents," said JMiranda, '' but do not drive me to 

 extremities ; tell me who you are, and what you know of me ?" 



" We will exchange inquiries," said Zagurina, " confess to me, and I 

 will then answer you. What have you done with my daughter?" 



" Juggler, she is nothing more to you, — she is mine ! nor shall you 

 ever initiate her into your scandalous profession I" 



" That is no business of yours," said the old woman, " I earnestly 

 request you will deliver to me my daughter. — I, her mother, reclaim 

 her from you." 



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