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Rh "Is she not afraid, now that the nights are so long and dark—has nothing occurred to alarm the Senhora lately?" "We have nothing to lose—we leave fear to the rich—besides, I am a soldier's daughter; do you allow Minora to tremble at either robbers or ghosts?" "But, lady, have you seen no one about the house whose appearance was calculated to excite suspicion?" "I have seen no one to excite dread," replied Beatrice, with a slight accent on the last word. "Pardon, lady, but was there a stranger about your house last night?" Beatrice started—had her father's messenger been seen? to-day it could be of no avail, and distrust might bring on the very danger she would fain avoid. "There was, Alvarez; from you I need not hide that he came from my father." "My brave captain!—is he safe?" "Safe, but now watching for an opportunity for flight." "Now, the saints help us, not in this neighbourhood?" "Far away, but where, even I know not." "I will tell you all, Senhora. Pedro rushed in