Don Rodrigo left the Calle de
Ataud better pleased with the world than he had been since
morning.
On the morrow he went openly to visit her; but he was denied, a
servant announcing her indisposed. This fretted him, damped his
hopes, and thereby increased his longing. But on the next day he
received from her a letter which made him the most ample amends:
"Rodrigo,--There is a matter on which we must come early to an
understanding. Should my poor father be convicted of heresy and
sentenced, it follows that his property will be confiscated,
since as the daughter of a convicted heretic I may not inherit.
For myself I care little; but I am concerned for you, Rodrigo,
since if in spite of what has happened you would still wish to
make me your wife, as you declared on Monday, it would be my wish
to come to you well cowered. Now the inheritance which would be
confiscated by the Holy Office from the daughter of a heretic
might not be so confiscated from the wife of a gentleman of
Castile. I say no more. Consider this well, and decide as your
heart dictates. I shall receive you to-morrow if you come to me.
"Isabella."
She bade him consider well. But the matter really needed little
consideration.
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