Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: September 19, 2025
"Between Pedro Melinza and Orosia de Colis there is at present an armed peace; since each holds a hostage. Not that I care anything for the Englishman, but my husband is undesirous of defying the commands of the Council.
As my eyes fell upon Doña Orosia, I cried out bitterly that I had been a fool to trust even to her hate; for now she had grown weary of her revenge, and would discard her tool without paying the price for it. She covered my mouth with her hand, laughing shortly. "Melinza thinks he has been too sharp for me. He despatched the prisoners in great haste to the English ship without my knowledge.
Oh, my God, these men! are they worth one real heart pang? Tell me," she cried, fiercely, and shook me roughly by the shoulder, "has Melinza made love to you already?" "Never, madame, never!" I answered quickly, frightened by her vehemence. "Indeed, their quarrel did not concern me. 'Twas about two lads that had a wrestling-match upon the galley.
His wife makes of me something between a companion and a plaything: one moment I have to bear with her capricious kindness; the next, I am teased or driven away from her with as little courtesy as she shows to the noble hound that follows her like her own shadow. Until lately I have seen little of Melinza.
Day after day dragged by. We grew aweary of discussing the possibilities of our escape and fell gradually into silence. It was on the first day of June that Don Pedro de Melinza arrived in the galley from San Augustin, and our captivity took on a new phase. He is a handsome man, this Spanish Don, and he bears himself with the airs of a courtier when it so pleases him.
But 'twas not alone for myself that I feared: the thought of my dear love in Melinza's power terrified me more than aught else, yet I dared not put my suspicions into words. I tried hard to control my voice as I implored that I might be taken back to the fort and to Mr. Rivers. "Is it for the Englishman, or Melinza, that you are weeping?" demanded my companion sharply. "Madame!"
"I cannot fathom it as yet; but, as you hope for freedom for yourself and your Englishman, don't fail to play your part to the end. Come quickly! Melinza demands to see you, and the Governor permits it. Don't blame me, child I can do nothing to prevent it. But, I warn you, act the part, whatever it may cost you."
There was a tinkle of broken glass upon the stone pavement, and Melinza wiped the red wine from his cheek. Then he held up the stained kerchief before the eyes of my dear love and spoke a few words in his softest voice. An angry smile flickered over the countenance of my betrothed; he bowed stiffly in response.
Or, perhaps, if thou couldst play Othello to my Desdemona, it might seem a gentler prelude to the grave. How heavy is a lie, good dame? Think you it would drag a soul to hell? If so, I need not to go alone; for if I lied to Melinza, he also lied to me and Doña Orosia also" then a strong shudder shook my frame. "Barbara, Barbara, must I e'en have their company for all eternity?"
As I watched her a great pity overcame me, so that I held my peace. The 20th of March a day never to be forgot! I have seen Mr. Rivers. It is the first time since that night nine months ago. I have seen him and spoken with him in the presence of Melinza, Doña Orosia, and the Governor. Whatever may befall us now, nothing can take away the memory of this last hour.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking