Chapter 6

A REGULAR SET-TO, IN WHICH THE PARTIES BEATEN ARE NOT KNOCKED DOWN, BUT RISE HIGHER AND HIGHER AT EACH DISCOMFITURE—NOTHING BUT THE TROOPS COULD HAVE PREVENTED THEM FROM GOING UP TO HEAVEN

Don Rebiera and his two sons quitted the room, Gascoigne entered into conversation with the senora, while Easy took this opportunity of addressing Agnes. He had been too much occupied with the consultation to pay her much attention before. He had spoken, with his eyes fixed upon her, and had been surprised at the improvement which had taken place in less than a year. He now went to her, and asked her, in a low voice, “whether she had received his letter.”

“Oh yes!” replied she, colouring.

“And were you angry with what I said, Agnes?” in a low tone.

“No,” replied she, casting her eyes down on the floor.

“I repeat now what I said, Agnes—I have never forgotten you.”

“But—”

“But what?”

“Father Thomaso.”

“What of him?”

“He never will—”

“Will what?”

“You are a heretic, he says.”

“Tell him to mind his own business.”

“He has great influence with my father and mother.”

“Your brothers are on our side.”

“I know that, but there will be great difficulty. Our religion is not the same. He must talk to you—he will convert you.”

“We’ll argue that point, Agnes. I will convert him if he has common sense; if not, it’s no use arguing with him. Where is he?”

“He will soon be at home.”

“Tell me, Agnes, if you had your own will, would you marry me?”

“I don’t know; I have never seen any one I liked so well.”

“Is that all?”

“Is it not enough for a maiden to say?” replied Agnes, raising her eyes, and looking reproachfully. “Signor, let me go; here comes my father.”