We parted; our hands trembled as we locked our
fingers through the grating; our tears fell, but could not be mingled;
our lips quivered, but could not meet; our hearts were beating with
excess of love; but I could not strain her in my embrace. "In three
months more, Rosina!" exclaimed I, as I walked backward from the
grating, my eyes still fixed upon her. "Till then, farewell, Henrique!
Relying upon your faith and honour, I shall not hesitate to cherish your
dear image in my heart;"--and, overcome by her feelings, Rosina burst
into tears, and hurried from my sight.
I sailed with prosperous gales, and arrived safely at my own country.
My ventures were disposed of: I realised a large sum of money, had
completed all my arrangements, and in a few days intended to return to
Cadiz, to fulfil my engagement with Rosina. I was in the metropolis,
impatiently waiting for the remainder of the freight to be put on board
of the vessel in which I had taken my passage, when, one evening, as I
was sauntering in the Park, anticipating the bliss of rejoining the
object of my affection, I was rudely pushed aside by a personage richly
attired, who was escorting two of the ladies of the court. Fired at the
insult, and, as usual, acting upon the first impulse, I struck him in
the face, and drew my sword--forgetting, at the time that I was in the
precincts of the Palace. I was seized and imprisoned: my offence was
capital; my adversary a relation of the king's. I offered a large sum
for my release; but when they found out that I was wealthy, they
rejected, as I increased, my offers, until I was compelled to sacrifice
one half of my worldly possessions to escape from the severity of the
Star Chamber.
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