CHAPTER XXX

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THE GARDEN OF SPAIN.

Charms of Tarragona--Dream of the past--Quasimodo comes not--Of another world--Host's offer--Francisco inconsolable--A mixed sorrow--No more holidays--List of grievances--Fair scene--Luxuriance of the South--Hospitalet--Pilgrims of the Middle Ages--Amposta--Centre of lost centuries--Historical past--Here worked St. Paul--Our fellow-travellers--Undertones--Enter old priest--Draws conclusions--Love's young dream--Impressions and appearances--Not always a priest--Fool's paradise--Youth and age--Awaking to realities--Driven out of paradise--Was it a judgment?--Calmness returns--Judging in mercy--Nameless grave--"Writ in water"--Withdrawing from the world--Entering the Church--Busy life--Romances of the Confessional--"To Eve in Paradise"--Tortosa--Garden of Spain--Vinaroz--Wise mermen--Cradle of history and romance--Gibraltar of the West--a race apart--Benicarlo--Flourishing vineyards--"If the English only knew"--Eve recognises priest--"I am that charming daughter"--Lovely cousin engaged--Count Pedro de la Torre--Mutual recognitions--Congratulations--Breaking news to H. C.--Despair--"To Adam in Hades"--Gallant priest--Saved from temptation 447

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