But we wander to strange matters.
Is that alliance still impossible, Senor ?" Castell looked him straight in the eyes and answered: "Yes." There was something so bold and direct in his utterance of the word that for a moment d'Aguilar seemed to be taken aback.

He had not expected this sharp denial.
"It would be courteous to give a reason," he said presently.
"The reason is simple, Marquis.

My daughter is already betrothed, and will ere long be wedded." D'Aguilar did not seem surprised at this intelligence.
"To that brawler, your kinsman, Peter Brome, I suppose ?" he said interrogatively.

"I guessed as much, and by the saints I am sorry for her, for he must be a dull lover to one so fair and bright; while as a husband--" And he shrugged his shoulders.

"Friend Castell, for her sake you will break off this match." "And if I will not, Marquis ?" "Then I must break it off for you in the interest of all of us, including, of course, myself, who love her, and wish to lift her to a great place, and of yourself, whom I desire should pass your old age in peace and wealth, and not be hunted to your death like a mad dog." "How will you break it, Marquis?
by--" "Oh no, Senor!" answered d'Aguilar, "not by other men's swords--if that is what you mean.