Her hand would be a shield against fate, and protect him from the fantastic power which pursued him. Oh joy! he would be rich at last, for Ernestina was very wealthy, while her fortune was so secure it would never suffer shipwreck.
Ernestina desired a quiet wedding, and Simon agreed with her, for he did not yet feel quite sure of his prize. They were married quietly, and only the priest, their witnesses and the notary were present when they signed the marriage contract. Ernestina wrote her name with a languid air, and then heaved a sigh; while Simon, with a firm step, went up to the table, signed his name, and then breathed freely, as though now he were sure of his happiness. As they had no Gothic chapel, the marriage ceremony was performed in the boudoir, which was richly adorned with white Satin draperies.
Ernestina was so pale that she looked more like a corpse than a bride, though a beautiful corpse, it is only fair to add.
After the wedding Señor Albamonte issued invitations for a dinner-party of twelve covers, in order to present his son-in-law to some of his friends. He was well received by all, who congratulated him on his good fortune. When Ernestina entered the room radiant with beauty, they all crowded around her, to praise her loveliness. Her father was impatient for his dinner, so they all filed into the dining-room. While Ernestina was eating her soup her maid came and whispered to her.
"Oh, certainly, let her come in," said the
