"I
cannot give you wealth, but a true heart and a brave hand are solely
yours, now and till death!"
"I know, Luiz dear, and to me that gift is more precious than the
costliest jewels," the girl whispered fondly.
Their happiness was not without its clouds; Luiz was compelled to
leave his betrothed to guard a fort some distance away.
"I will return soon, dearest," he said lovingly, holding the trembling
girl in his strong arms, "and then your father has promised our
marriage shall take place."
"And you will not run into danger, for my sake?" Lianor pleaded,
winding her white arms round his neck. "Think how desolate I should be
without you!"
Don Garcia, having a great liking for the young man, saw him go with
some regret.
"Don't stay away longer than you can help," he said kindly. "God keep
you, my boy."
So Luiz parted from his love, and returned to Diu, carrying in his
heart a cherished memory of Lianor, and a tiny miniature of her in his
breast-pocket.
When he arrived at the governor's palace, he went directly to Manuel
Tonza, to inform him of his departure.
The governor, a tall, dark-looking man of more than thirty, bore on
his fine features a look of haughty sternness, mingled with some
cruelty.
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