Indeed I would pay much to be far away
to-night. I ask only that I may be allowed to speak with this girl
before she dies.'
'What!' he said, starting, 'surely you are not that wicked man? If so,
you are bold indeed to risk the sharing of her fate.'
'No, father, I am not that man. I never saw Isabella de Siguenza except
once, and I have never spoken to her. I am not the man who tricked her
but I know him; he is named Juan de Garcia.'
'Ah!' he said quickly, 'she would never tell his real name, even under
threat of torture. Poor erring soul, she could be faithful in her
unfaith. Of what would you speak to her?'
'I wish to ask her whither this man has gone. He is my enemy, and I
would follow him as I have already followed him far. He has done worse
by me and mine than by this poor girl even. Grant my request, father,
that I may be able to work my vengeance on him, and with mine the
Church's also.'
'"Vengeance is mine," saith the Lord; "I will repay." Yet it may be,
son, that the Lord will choose you as the instrument of his wrath.
An opportunity shall be given you to speak with her. Now put on this
dress'--and he handed me a white Dominican hood and robe--'and follow
me.'
'First,' I said, 'let me give this medicine to the abbess, for I will
have no hand in its administering. Take it, mother, and when the time
comes, pour the contents of the phial into a cup of water.
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