Yes, his face showed that he was happy, and Betty, noting it, felt remorse stirring in her breast.

Low he bowed before her, while she curtseyed to him, bending her tall and graceful form till her knee almost touched the ground.

Then he came to her and whispered in her ear: "Most sweet, most beloved," he said, "I thank heaven that has led me to this joyous hour by many a rough and dangerous path.

Most dear, again I beseech you to forgive all the sorrow and the ill that I have brought upon you, remembering that it was done for your adored sake, that I love you as woman has been seldom loved, you and you only, and that to you, and you only, will I cling until my death's day.

Oh! do not tremble and shrink, for I swear that no woman in Spain shall have a better or a more loyal lord.