Page:Cross, or, The Spanish champion.pdf/19

17 he knew not whither. Thus urged by the wild impulse of his mind, he hastened through the wood, till its rugged surface impeded his further progress. Raging with despair at his loss, he sat down; and while a deep sigh heaved from the most inward recesses of his aching bosom, he cried—“Alas! all hope is now fled! She is lost to me for ever!" Then suddenly starting up, and gazing wildly around him, he groaned: “Yet through the world will I seek thee! this heart shall be dead to all comfort till thou art found!” Then with melancholy step he proceeded, and eagerly passed each obstruction that came in his way.

Meantime Seraphina, after Alvar's departure complaining of a sudden sickness, fainted in Roderigo's arms, who, during her insensibility, flew with her across the wood, accompanied by Perez. On her recovery she stared wildly around, but seeing no appearance of Alvar, in a tone of command she bade Roderigo release her, which he refused.

Seraphina, in the utmost terror, filled the air with her cries, which were answered by the rough voice of Roderigo commanding her to be silent, or her instant destruction would ensue; while Perez, on the other hand, gazed around him in fear, or the alarm which her screams might occasion, brandished his sword over her head, with threatening looks, he trembling followed the footsteps of the base Roderigo.

They had advanced, heedless of the path, until thoroughly bewildered; they then gazed around them in perplexity which way to proceed; while the terrified Seraphina, beholding the sword constantly suspended over her, with agonized thoughts, deplored her wretched fate and her lost Alvar.

It was now evening, and the two villains were