Favilla

Sue Favilla, who lives in Houlton, Wis., and has been married for 41 years, spoke for many readers when she wrote: No 'ledger' is ever going to help or work in a marriage.

Readers Weigh In—and Have Lots to Say Katherine Rosman 2011

“Fly then,” cried Favilla, “fly to assist him; Pedro can protect me.”

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

“I cannot,” said the duke, with ardour, “run any further risk; she must be mine before I again enter a field of battle;” and turning to don Palayo, “Fear not that so much happiness will enervate my arm; no, it will render me invincible against the Moors: who would not try to render himself worthy of such a brother as don Palayo, and such a wife as Favilla?”

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

“I shall,” thought Favilla, “get rid of this horrible creature for the night, and may with safety receive Alonzo.”

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

Favilla anxiously wished to know something of Cava, but the fear of distressing Alonzo, who she saw was in general overwhelmed with melancholy, kept her silent.

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

They then returned to Favilla, assuring her all was still quiet at the castle; and they had no doubt, when the guard were drunk, the cavaliers would take them all prisoners, with scarcely any loss or danger.

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

Favilla, lost in astonishment at the cruelty of her keeper, and the story of Fernando, to which she gave not the smallest credit, placed herself on the sofa, and fixed her eyes on the door, dreading the return of the man she had seen.

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

“They are at it,” cried the soldier, that with Pedro attended on Favilla; “would I was with my brave leader — I might be of use — he has but few with him.”

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

Favilla; but where she is I know not; I doubt her being with her brother, and I am certain she did not remain with the unhappy queen.

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812

We were also unattended; Valasquez and I alone had explored the passage; we have been fortunate, and must seize the lucky moment — to-night we can deliver Favilla, provided you return to the fortress in the same way you reached it last night.

Cava of Toledo; or, the Gothic Princess 1812