ARREST OF FUGITIVE LOVERS. 



265 



whether the care of his cash or his heiresses gave him most 

 anxiety. The eldest, who bore her father's title, was celebrated 

 for beauty of an uncommon kind in those regions. She had blue 

 eyes, brilliant complexion, and golden hair, and was every where 

 known as the fair haired marquesa. Her sister who, on the con- 

 trary, was very dark, with eyes like the gazelle and raven hair, 

 was called the pretty brunette. But, different as they were in looks 

 and perhaps in character, there was one trait in which they per- 

 fectly agreed, for they were remarkable coquettes ! It is unknown 

 how many offers of the wealthiest grandees and most gallant cava- 

 liers about court they had refused ; and the poor marques, who was 

 by no means a domestic tyrant and desired to govern his family 

 only by kindness, was quite worn out in persuading them to know 

 there own minds. One night he was roused from his sleep by a 

 message from the viceroy, who awaited him in the palace. Not 

 for his best estate would the loyal marques have kept the represen- 

 tative of his sovereign waiting a moment longer than necessary. 

 Wondering what reason of state could require his presence at that 

 unusual hour, he dressed himself hastily, and hurried to the palace. 

 The viceroy was in his cabinet, surrounded by several of his house- 

 hold, and all in a state of painful curiosity. " Marques, " said the 

 viceroy, as soon as the nobleman entered, " my lieutenant of police 

 here, complains that you did not take proper care to secure the 

 doors of your mansion last evening." " I assure your highness," 

 replied the marques in great surprise, " that my steward locked 

 both the great gate and the outer door, according to the invariable 

 custom of my mansion, before retiring for the night. " " But have 

 you not a postern opening into the next street?" returned the 

 count, " and are you equally heedful in regard to it? But, in 

 short," he continued, "you must know, that this watchful lieu- 

 tenant of mine has saved you to-night from robbery." "Robbery! 

 your excellency, is it possible?" ejaculated the marques, startled 

 for a moment out of his habitual composure. " Yes, — and of the 

 worst kind " replied the viceroy, " the felons were in the act of 

 carrying off your most exquisite treasures which are now restored 

 to you. " At these words, a door at the side of the cabinet flew 

 open, and the astonished marques beheld his two daughters, dressed 

 for travelling, and locked in each other's arms. They seemed over- 

 whelmed with confusion ; the fair hair all dishevelled and the 

 black eyes drowned in tears. " And these are the robbers, " 

 added the viceroy pointing to a door on the opposite side, which 

 also flew open. The marques turned mechanically, and saw two 



