was in danger in a few moments of being made miserable for ever."

"And on this slight foundation, on a silly girl's report," said
Manfred, "thou didst hazard my displeasure?"

"I fear no man's displeasure," said Theodore, "when a woman in
distress puts herself under my protection."

During this examination, Matilda was going to the apartment of
Hippolita. At the upper end of the hall, where Manfred sat, was a
boarded gallery with latticed windows, through which Matilda and
Bianca were to pass. Hearing her father's voice, and seeing the
servants assembled round him, she stopped to learn the occasion.
The prisoner soon drew her attention: the steady and composed
manner in which he answered, and the gallantry of his last reply,
which were the first words she heard distinctly, interested her in
his flavour. His person was noble, handsome, and commanding, even
in that situation: but his countenance soon engrossed her whole
care.

"Heavens! Bianca," said the Princess softly, "do I dream? or is
not that youth the exact resemblance of Alfonso's picture in the
gallery?"

She could say no more, for her father's voice grew louder at every
word.

"This bravado," said he, "surpasses all thy former insolence. Thou
shalt experience the wrath with which thou darest to trifle. Seize
him," continued Manfred, "and 'bind him--the first news the