Page:Romance & Reality 3.pdf/150

148 "Have you friends you could trust there? You are very young, and"— "I should find my father there." "Very well—very good indeed. We may get to the coast; but to cross the wide sea, we know not whither, is a dreary look-out. Now, Senhora, you and Minora are of a height; her clothes will suit you, and you must pass as my daughter for two days. I will go and see you on board myself. The neighbours trouble their heads very little about my outward journeyings. We will be off to-morrow." "The kindness you have shown me will, I hope, never be needed by your own child. Nothing can be better than your plan. I will not speak to you of trouble: I take your assistance as frankly as it is offered." "You will have but a rough journey." "Oh, never fear me! I am mountain-bred." "We will return home as fast as we can, Minora; you must come back with what the Donna Beatrice can best wear on her journey—no fine colours—the dark-feathered bird flies safest. The saints keep you, Senhora! Will you be ready to start by daybreak to-morrow?" "One word, good Alvarez. You see"—