War draws near, Margaret; this city and all its rich territories will fall into the hands of Spain, and afterwards I shall be their governor, almost their king." "And if I refuse ?" asked Margaret.
"Then," he answered sternly, "you bide here, and that false lover of yours bides here, and your father bides here to take the chance of war as Christian captives with a thousand others who languish in the dungeons of the Alhambra, while, my mission ended, I go hence to play my part in battle amongst my peers, as one of the first captains of their Most Catholic Majesties.

Yet it is not to your fears that I would appeal, but to your heart, for I seek your love and your dear companionship through life, and, if I can help it, desire to work you and yours no harm." "You desire to work them no harm.

Then, if I were to fall in with your humour, would you let them go in safety ?--I mean my father and the Senor Brome and my cousin Betty, whom, if you were as honest as you pretend to be, you should ask to bide with you as your wife, and not myself." "The last I cannot do," he answered, flushing.

"God knows I meant her no hurt, and only used her to keep near to and win news of you, thinking her, to tell truth, somewhat other than she is." "Are no women honest here in Spain, then, my lord Marquis ?" "A few, a very few, Dona Margaret.

But I erred about Betty, whom I took for a simple serving-girl, and to whom, if need be, I am ready to make all amends." "Except that which is due to a woman you have asked to be your wife, and who in our country could claim the fulfilment of your promise, or declare you shamed.