ning. And though it were not now hung and adorned with damask, as then it was, she knew the form and fashion of it; she saw the window with the iron bars which looked into a garden; and though it were shut, that the air might not offend the wounded child, she did ask whether that window did butt or no upon some garden; and it was told her it did. But that which she most certainly knew was, that that was the very same bed which had been the tombstone to her grave. And moreover, that the very cabinet whereon stood the crucifix which she carried away with her, remained still in the same place. Lastly, the stairs brought to light the truth of all her suspicions, which she had numbered and counted when she was led out of the lodging blindfold; I say, those stairs which were from her going out thence into the street, which with discreet advisement she had told. And when she came home, having taken leave of her son, she fell to counting of them again, and found the number of them to fall out right and just; and comparing some signs with other some, she was fully persuaded that this her imagination was undoubtedly true. Whereof she gave a large account unto her mother, who, like a discreet woman, informed herself whether this gentleman where her nephew now was had any son or no? And she found that he whom we call Rodolpho was his son, and that he was in Italy. And casting up the time, which, as it was told them, he had been absent from Spain, they saw that they jumped just with the same years of the child. She gave notice of all this to her husband, and betwixt them two, and their daughter, they agreed to expect how God would dispose of the wounded child, who, within fifteen days, was out of danger of his receiving hurt, and at the end of thirty was upon his feet, and able to walk up and down the chamber. In all which time he was visited by his mother and grandmother, and made as much of by the owners of the house, as if he had been their own child.

And now and then, Dona Estefania, for so was the gentleman's wife called, talking with Leocadia, told her, that this child did so well resemble a son of hers, who was in Italy, that she never looked upon him but that it seemed unto her that she had her own son in her eye. From these words of hers, Leocadia took occasion on a time to tell her, when she was alone with her, such things as had before been debated, and agreed upon by her parents, to signify unto her; which were these, or the like.

That day, madam, wherein my parents heard their nephew was so grievously hurt, they believed, and verily thought that heaven had been shut against them, and that all the world had fallen upon them; they imagined that they had lost the light of their eyes, whom they loved so dearly, and in such an extraordinary kind of manner, that by many degrees it exceeded that which parents commonly bear to their own children. But as we usually say, that "When God gives the wound, he likewise gives the medicine to cure it;" this child hath found it in this house, and I likewise therein call to mind some things which I shall never forget the longest day of my life. I, dear lady, am noble, because my parents are so, and so have been all my ancestors; who, with a mediocrity of the goods of fortune, have happily upheld their honour and reputation wheresoever they lived.'

Dona Estefania was strucken both with wonder and suspension, hearkening to Leocadia's discourse, and how feeling her words came from her; and could not believe, though she saw it, that so much discretion could be comprehended in so few years, judging her to be but some twenty years of age, little more, or less; and without saying any thing unto her, or replying so much as one word, she stood expecting to hear what she would furthermore say; which was sufficient for the informing her of her son's waggishness and wantonness, and of her own disgrace and dishonour; of his stealing and carrying her away by force, of his blindfolding of her eyes, of his bringing her to that very lodging, and telling her the signs and tokens whereby she certainly knew that the same was the room which so strongly confirmed her suspicion. For further confirmation whereof she took from out her bosom the image of the crucifix which she had taken thence, and spake thus:

me.

Thou, Lord, who wast a witness of the force that was offered me, do thou judge my cause, and make me that amends and reparation of my honour as of right is due unto From the top of that cabinet I took this crucifix with a purpose only to put me still in mind of the wrong I received, but not to crave vengeance thereof, for I pretend no such thing, only I shall entreat and beg of thee, that thou wilt give me some comfort, whereby I may the better be enabled to bear this my disgrace with patience.

This child, lady, on whom you have exercised the utmost of your charity, is your true grandchild. It was God's will

and the permission of heaven, that the horse ran over him, to the end, that, by his being brought to your house, I should find that, therein which I hope to find; and if not the remedy, which is most convenient for the curing of my misfortune, yet at least the means which may help me to bear it the better.'

Having said this, she fell down in a swoon in Dona Estefania's arms; who, like a noble gentlewoman, (in whom compassion and pity is natural, as cruelty in men) had scarce perceived Leocadia's swooning, but she joined her cheeks to hers, shedding thereon so many tears, that there was no need of sprinkling any other water in her face to bring her again to herself. These two being thus glued each to other, it was Dona Estefania's husband's hap to come into the room, bringing Lusico in with him, leading him by the hand; and seeing Estefania weep, and Leocadia lying in a swoon, he was very hasty in inquiring what might be the cause thereof, and whence it proceeded. The child embraced his mother as his cousin, and his grandmother as his benefactress; and did likewise ask, why they did weep? • Great and strange things, Sir, I have to tell you,' said Estefania to her husband, the whole sum whereof shall end in telling you, that I must assure you that this gentlewoman, who fell into a swoon, is your daughter, and this pretty boy your grandchild. This truth which I tell you, was delivered unto me by this good gentlewoman, and the countenance of this sweet child hath confirmed it; wherein we have both of us beheld as in a glass our own son.' • If you tell me no more than this, wife,' replied her husband, 'I do not understand you.* By this time Leocadia was come to herself, and holding fast still the crucifix, she seemed to be turned into a sea of tears. All which had put the gentleman into a great confusion and amazement, from which he was freed by his wife's recounting unto him all that which Leocadia had imparted unto her; and he, by the divine permission of heaven, did believe it as verily as if it had been proved, and made good by many substantial and true witnesses.

He comforted and embraced Leocadia, and kissed his grandchild Lusico; and that very day despatched a post to Naples, advising his son to come home with all possible speed, because he had concluded a marriage for him, with a marvellous fair and beautiful gentlewoman, and such a one as was most fit and convenient for him. Nor would they by any means consent and give way, that Leocadia or her child

should go back again to her father's house; who, resting beyond measure contented with this good success of their daughter, gave infinite thanks therefore unto God. The post returned from Naples, and Rodolpho, out of greediness to enjoy so fair a wife as his father had signified unto him, within two days after that he had received his father's letters, occasion of passage being offered unto him for his coming into Spain-taking hold thereof, he embarked himself with his two comrades who had never left him, and with a prosperous wind, in twelve days he arrived at Barcelona; and thence taking post horses, in seven more he came to Toledo, and entered into his father's house in such a brave and gallant fashion as did exceed; for in him were met together the extremes of both. His parents were very much joyed with the welfare and arrival of their son.

Leocadia, who, unseen, from a private place had a full view and sight of him, that she might not trangress the order given her by Dona Estefania, was in a quandary, and in great doubt and suspension what would be the issue of this business. Rodolpho's comrades would needs go presently home to their own houses; but Estefania would by no means let them, because she had need of them for the effecting of lier design. It was near night when Rodolpho arrived; and whilst that supper was making ready, Estefania called her son's comrades aside, being verily persuaded that these must needs be two of those three, who, as Leocadia told her, accompanied Rodolpho that night when they stole her away; and with great and earnest entreaties, she besought them that they would tell her, whether they did not remember that their son, on such a night, so many years since, stole away such a woman? For to know the truth thereof much concerned the honour and peace of not only his parents, but of all their alliance and kindred. And with such and so great endearments, she knew how to crave this courtesy of them, and in such sort to assure them, that from the discovering of this stealth there should no damage follow thereupon, that, in conclusion, they held it fit to confess the truth, and so told her that they two, and another friend of Rodolpho's, on a summer's night, the very same which she had named unto them, had stolen away a young gentlewoman, and that Rodolpho carried her away with him, whilst they detained the rest of their company, who with outcries sought to defend her from that violence. And that the next day following Rodolpho told them, that he carried

her to his lodgings; and that this was all that they could say in answer to her demand.

The confession of those two was the key which opened the door to all the doubts, which in such a case could offer themselves; and therefore she resolved with herself, to bring that good purpose which she had entertained to a good end. The hour of supper being come, they went forth to supper, and the father and mother, and Rodolpho and his comrades, being already sat down at table, Dona Estefania, as if she had forgotten herself, O Lord,' quoth she, where was my mind? Have I not used my guest kindly, think you, to sit down before she comes? Go one of you presently, and tell Leocadia, that, without using any nicety, or excusing herself that here are strangers, she come presently hither to honour my table; and that they who sit at it, are all of them my children, and her servants.' This was her plot, and of all that was to be done, Leocadia had been before advertised. It was not long ere Leocadia came and entered the room, presenting on a sudden in her person the fairest show that either artificial or natural beauty could afford. She came in clad, it being then winter, in a gown of black velvet, set with buttons of gold and pearl; a girdle and chain of diamonds; her own hairs, which were long, and of an auburn colour, did serve her instead of her head-dressings, whose invention of ribands, tufts of feathers, and glitterings of diamonds, which were interwoven with them, did dazzle the eyes of the beholders.

Leocadia was of a gentle disposition, and of a quick and lively spirit; she brought her son along with her, leading him by the hand, two damsels going before her, lighting her in with two wax lights, in two silver candlesticks. They all arose up to do her reverence, as if she had been some deity sent down from heaven, which had thus miraculously appeared unto them. None of those that were there but stood astonished, beholding so rare a lady; and the more they looked on her, the more they were amazed, insomuch that they were not able to speak unto her; such power hath beauty to impose silence.

Leocadia, with a graceful behaviour, and discreet carriage, made lowly courtesy and obeisance to them all; and Estefania taking her by the hand, set her next unto herself, right over-against Rodolpho. The little boy he sat by his grandfather. Rodolpho, who, now at a nearer distance, had beheld the incomparable beauty of Leocadia, said with