Is it not a splendid castle?
You know, it was built by the Moors." "I don't care who it was built by," said Peter, "and it looks to me like any other castle, only larger.

All I know about it is that I am to be tried there for knocking that ruffian on the head--and that perhaps this is the last we shall see of each other, as probably they will send me to the galleys, if they don't do worse." "Oh! say no such thing.

I never thought of it; it is not possible!" answered Margaret, her dark eyes filling with tears.
"Wait till your marquis appears, pleading the case against us, and you will see what is or is not possible," replied Peter with conviction.
"Still, we have come through some storms, so let us hope for the best." At that moment they reached the gate of the Alcazar, which they had approached from their prison through gardens of orange-trees, and soldiers came up and separated them.

Next they were led across a court, where many people hurried to and fro, into a great marble-columned room glittering with gold, which was called the Hall of Justice.

At the far end of this place, seated on a throne set upon a richly carpeted dais and surrounded by lords and counsellors, sat a magnificently attired lady of middle age.