TheveryacuteandlivelySpanishcriticwhosignshimselfClarin，andisknownpersonallyasDonLeopoldoAlas，saysthepresentSpanishnovelhasnoyesterday，butonlyaday-before-yesterday。Itdoesnotderivefromtheromanticnovelwhichimmediatelyprecededthat:thenovel，largeorlittle，asitwaswithCervantes，HurtadodeMendoza，Quevedo，andthemastersofpicaresquefiction。
　　Clarindatesitsrenascencefromthepoliticalrevolutionof1868，whichgaveSpanishliteraturethefreedomnecessarytothefictionthatstudiestoreflectmodernlife，actualideas，andcurrentaspirations；andthoughitsauthorswerefewatfirst，“theyhaveneverbeenadventurousspirits，friendsofUtopia，revolutionists，orimpatientprogressistsandreformers。”Hethinksthatthemostdaring，themostadvanced，ofthenewSpanishnovelists，andthebestbyfar，isDonBenitoPerezGaldos。
　　IshouldmyselfhavemademylittleexceptioninfavorofDonArmandoPalacioValdes，butClarinspeakswithinfinitelymoreauthority，andIamcertainlyreadytosubmitwhenhegoesontosaythatGaldosisnotasocialorliteraryinsurgent；thathehasnopoliticalorreligiousprejudices；thatheshunsextremes，andischarmedwithprudence；thathisnovelsdonotattacktheCatholicdogmas——thoughtheydealsoseverelywithCatholicbigotry——butthecustomsandideascherishedbysecularfanaticismtotheinjuryoftheChurch。Becausethisissoevident，ourcriticholds，hisnovelsare“foundinthebosomoffamiliesineverycornerofSpain。”TheirpopularityamongallclassesinCatholicandprejudicedSpain，andnotamongfree-
　　thinkingstudentsmerely，bearstestimonytothefactthathisaimandmotiveareunderstoodandappreciated，althoughhisstoriesareapparentlysooftenanti-Catholic。
　　I
　　DonaPerfectais，firstofall，astory，andagreatstory，butitiscertainlyalsoastorythatmustappearattimespotently，andevenbitterly，anti-Catholic。Yetitwouldbeapityandanerrortoreaditwiththepreoccupationthatitwasananti-Catholictract，forreallyitisnotthat。Ifthepersonswerechangedinnameandplace，andmodifiedinpassiontofitacoolerair，itmightequallyseemananti-Presbyterianoranti-Baptisttract；forwhatitshowsinthelightoftheirownhatefulnessandcrueltyareperversionsofanyreligion，anycreed。Itisnot，however，atractatall；itdealsinartisticlargenesswiththepassionofbigotry，asitdealswiththepassionoflove，thepassionofambition，thepassionofrevenge。ButGaldosisSpanishandCatholic，andforhimthebigotrywearsaSpanishandCatholicface。Thatisall。
　　Uptoacertaintime，Ibelieve，Galdoswroteromanticoridealisticnovels，andoneoftheseIhaveread，andittiredmeverymuch。Itwascalled“Marianela，“anditsurprisedmethemorebecauseIwasalreadyacquaintedwithhislaterwork，whichisallrealistic。Butonedoesnotturnrealistinasinglenight，andalthoughthechangeinGaldoswasrapiditwasnotquitealightningchange；perhapsbecauseitwasnotmerelyanoutwardchange，butartisticallyachangeofheart。Hisacceptanceinhisqualityofrealistwasmuchmoreinstantthanhisconversion，andvastlywider；forwearetoldbythecriticwhomIhavebeenquotingthatGaldos'searlierefforts，whichhecalled/EpisodiosNacionales/，neverhadthevoguewhichhisrealisticnovelshaveenjoyed。
　　Thesewere，indeed，tendencious，ifImayAnglicizeaverynecessarywordfromtheSpanish/tendencioso/。Thatis，theydealtwithveryobviousproblems，andhadverydistinctandpoignantsignifications，atleastinthecaseof“DonaPerfecta，““LeonRoch，“and“Gloria。”Instilllaternovels，EmiliaPardo-Bazanthinks，hehascomprehendedthat“thenovelofto-daymusttakenoteoftheambienttruth，andrealizethebeautifulwithfreedomandindependence。”Thisvaliantlady，inthecampaignforrealismwhichshemadeunderthetitleof“LaCuestionPalpitante“——oneofthebestandstrongestbooksonthesubject——countshimfirstamongSpanishrealists，asClarincountshimfirstamongSpanishnovelists。“Withacertainfundamentalhumanity，“
　　shesays，“acertainmagisterialsimplicityinhiscreations，withthenaturaltendencyofhisclearintelligencetowardthetruth，andwiththefranknessofhisobservation，thegreatnovelistwasalwaysdisposedtopassovertorealismwitharmsandmunitions；buthisaestheticinclinationswereidealistic，andonlyinhislatestworkshasheadoptedthemethodofthemodernnovel，fathomedmoreandmorethehumanheart，andbrokenonceforallwiththepicturesqueandwiththetypicalpersonages，toembracetheearthwetread。”
　　Forher，asIconfessforme，“DonaPerfecta“isnotrealisticenough——realisticasitis；forrealismatitsbestisnottendencious。Itdoesnotseektograpplewithhumanproblems，butisrichlycontentwithportrayinghumanexperiences；andIthinkSenoraPardo-Bazanisrightinregarding“DonaPerfecta“astransitional，andofaperiodwhentheauthorhadnotyetassimilatedinitsfullestmeaningthefaithhehadimbibed。
　　II
　　Yetitisagreatnovel，asIsaid；andperhapsbecauseitistransitionalitwillpleasethegreaternumberwhoneverreallyarriveanywhere，andwholiketofindthemselvesingoodcompany/enroute/。
　　Itissofarlikelifethatitisfullofsignificationswhichpassbeyondthepersonsandactionsinvolved，andenvelopthereader，asifhetoowereacharacterofthebook，orratherasifitspersonsweremenandwomenofthisthinking，feeling，andbreathingworld，andhemustrecognizetheirexperiencesasveritablefacts。Fromthefirstmomenttothelastitislikesomepassageofactualeventsinwhichyoucannotwithholdyourcompassion，yourabhorrence，youradmiration，anymorethaniftheytookplacewithinyourpersonalknowledge。Wheretheytranscendallfactsofyourpersonalknowledge，youdonotaccusethemofimprobability，foryoufeeltheirpotentialityinyourself，andeasilyaccountfortheminthealiencircumstance。Iamnotsayingthatthestoryhasnofaults；ithasseveral。Therearetagsofromanticismflutteringaboutithereandthere；andattimestheauthorpermitshimselfcertainold-fashionedliteraryairsandposesandartifices，whichyousimplywonderat。Itisinspiteofthese，andwithallthesedefects，thatitissogreatandbeautifulabook。
　　III
　　Whatseemstobesoveryadmirableinthemanagementofthestoryistheauthor'ssuccessinkeepinghisowncounsel。Thismayseemaveryeasything；but，ifthereaderwillthinkoverthenovelistsofhisacquaintance，hewillfindthatitisatleastveryuncommon。Theymostlygivethemselvesawayalmostfromthebeginning，eitherbytheiranxietytohidewhatiscoming，ortheirvanityinhintingwhatgreatthingstheyhaveinstoreforthereader。Galdosdoesneithertheonenortheother。Hemakesithisbusinesstotellthestoryasitgrows；
　　toletthecharactersunfoldthemselvesinspeechandaction；topermittheeventstohappenunheralded。Hedoesnotprophesytheircourse，hedoesnotforecasttheweatherevenfortwenty-fourhours；
　　theatmospherebecomesslowly，slowly，butwithoccasionalliftsandreliefs，ofsuchabroodingbreathlessness，ofsuchadeepeningdensity，thatyoufeelthewildpassion-stormnearerandnearerathand，tillitburstsatlast；andthenyouareastonishedthatyouhadnotforeseenityourselffromthefirstmoment。
　　Nexttothisexcellentmethod，whichIcountthesupremecharacteristicofthebookmerelybecauseitrepresentsthewhole，andtheotherfactsareinthenatureofparts，isthemasterlyconceptionofthecharacters。Theyareeachtypicalofacertainsideofhumannature，asmostofourpersonalfriendsandenemiesare；butnotexclusivelyofthissideorthat。Theyareeachofmixedmotives，mixedqualities；noneofthemisquiteamonster；thoughthosewhoarebadlymixeddosuchmonstrousthings。
　　PepeRey，whoissuchagoodfellow——sokind，andbrave，andupright，andgenerous，sofineamind，andsohighasoul——istactlessandimprudent；heevencondescendstothethoughtofintrigue；andthoughherejectshisplotsatlast，hisnaturehasonceharboreddeceit。DonInocencio，thepriest，whosecontrolofDonaPerfecta'sconsciencehasvitiatedtheveryspringsofgoodnessinher，isbynomeansbad，asidefromhispurposes。Heloveshissisterandhersontenderly，andwishestoprovideforthembythemarriagewhichPepe'spresencethreatenstoprevent。Thenephew，thoughselfishandlittle，hasmomentsofalmostbeingagoodfellow；thesister，thoughsheisreallysuchalambofmeekness，becomesacat，andscratchesDonInocenciodreadfullywhenheweakensinhisdesignagainstPepe。
　　Rosario，oneofthesweetestandpurestimagesofgirlhoodthatIknowinfiction，abandonsherselfwithequalpassiontotheloveshefeelsforhercousinPepe，andtotheloveshefeelsforhermother，DonaPerfecta。Sheisreadytoflywithhim，andyetshebetrayshimtohermother'spitilesshate。
　　ButitisDonaPerfectaherselfwhoisthetranscendentfigure，themostpowerfulcreationofthebook。Inher，bigotryanditsfellow-
　　vice，hypocrisy，havedonetheirperfectwork，untilshecomesneartobeingadevil，andreallydoessomedevil'sdeeds。Yetevensheisnotwithoutsomeextenuatingtraits。Herbigotryspringsfromherconscience，andsheistrulydevotedtoherdaughter'seternalwelfare；sheisofsuchanativefranknessthatatacertainpointshetearsasidehermaskofdissimulationandletsPepeseealltheuglinessofherpervertedsoul。Sheiswonderfullymanaged。Atwhatmomentdoesshebegintohatehim，andtowishtoundoherownworkinmakingamatchbetweenhimandherdaughter?Icoulddefyanyonetosay。Alloneknowsisthatatonemomentsheadoresherbrother'sson，andatanothersheabhorshim，andhasalreadysubtlyentereduponhereffortstothwarttheaffectionshehasinvitedinhimforherdaughter。
　　Caballuco，whatshallIsayofCaballuco?Heseemsaltogetherbad，buttheauthorletsoneimaginethatthiscruel，thisruthlessbrutemusthavesomewhereabouthimtraitsoflovableness，ofleniency，thoughheneverletsoneseethem。HisgratitudetoDonaPerfecta，evenhismurderousdevotion，isnotaltogetherbad；andheiscertainlyworsethannaturemadehim，whenwroughtuponbyherfuryandthesuggestionofDonInocencio。Thescenewheretheyworkhimuptorebellionandassassinationisacompendiumofthehistoryofintolerance；asthemeanlittleconceitedcityofOrbajosasisthemicrocosmofbigotedandreactionarySpain。
　　IV
　　Ihavecalled，orhalf-called，thisbooktendencious；butinacertainlargerviewitisnotso。Itistheeternalinterestofpassionworkinguponpassion，notthetemporaryinterestofconditionantagonizingcondition，whichrenders“DonaPerfecta“sopoignantlyinteresting，andwhichmakesitstragedyimmense。Butthereishopeaswellasdespairinsuchatragedy。Thereisthestrangesupportofabereavementinit，theconsolationoffeelingthatforthosewhohavesuffereduntodeath，nothingcanharmthemmore；thatevenforthosewhohaveinflictedtheirsufferingthispeacewillsooncome。
　　“IsPerezGaldosapessimist?“asksthecriticClarin。“No，certainly；
　　butifheisnot，whydoeshepaintussorrowsthatseeminconsolable?
　　Isitfromloveofparadox?Isittoshowthathisgenius，whichcandosomuch，canpainttheshadowlovelierthanthelight?Nothingofthis。Nothingthatisnotserious，honest，andnoble，istobefoundinthisnovelist。Aretheypessimistic，thoseballadsoftheNorth，thatalwaysendwithvagueresonancesofwoe?Aretheypessimists，thosesingersofourownland，whosurpriseuswithtearsinthemidstoflaughter?IsNaturepessimistic，whoissosadatnightfallthatitseemsasifdayweredyingforever?……Thesadnessofart，likethatofnature，isaformofhope。WhyisChristianitysoartistic?
　　Becauseitisthereligionofsadness。”
　　W。D。HOWELLS。
　　DONAPERFECTA
　　CHAPTERI
　　VILLAHORRENDA！FIVEMINUTES！
　　WhenthedowntrainNo。65——ofwhatlineitisunnecessarytosay——
　　stoppedatthelittlestationbetweenkilometres171and172，almostallthesecond-andthird-classpassengersremainedinthecars，yawningorasleep，forthepenetratingcoldoftheearlymorningdidnotinvitetoawalkontheunshelteredplatform。Theonlyfirst-classpassengeronthetrainalightedquickly，andaddressingagroupoftheemployesaskedthemifthiswastheVillahorrendastation。
　　“WeareinVillahorrenda，“answeredtheconductorwhosevoicewasdrownedbythecacklingofthehenswhichwereatthatmomentbeingliftedintothefreightcar。“Iforgottocallyou，SenordeRey。I
　　thinktheyarewaitingforyouatthestationwiththebeasts。”
　　“Why，howterriblycolditishere！“saidthetraveller，drawinghiscloakmorecloselyabouthim。“IstherenoplaceinthestationwhereIcouldrestforawhile，andgetwarm，beforeundertakingajourneyonhorsebackthroughthisfrozencountry?“
　　Beforehehadfinishedspeakingtheconductor，calledawaybytheurgentdutiesofhisposition，wentoff，leavingourunknowncavalier'squestionunanswered。Thelattersawthatanotheremployewascomingtowardhim，holdingalanterninhisrighthand，thatswungbackandforthashewalked，castingthelightontheplatformofthestationinaseriesofzigzags，likethosedescribedbytheshowerfromawatering-pot。
　　“IstherearestaurantorabedroominthestationofVillahorrenda?“
　　saidthetravellertothemanwiththelantern。
　　“Thereisnothinghere，“answeredthelatterbrusquely，runningtowardthemenwhowereputtingthefreightonboardthecars，andassuagingthemwithsuchavolleyofoaths，blasphemies，andabusiveepithetsthattheverychickens，scandalizedbyhisbrutality，protestedagainstitfromtheirbaskets。
　　“ThebestthingIcandoistogetawayfromthisplaceasquicklyaspossible，“saidthegentlementohimself。“Theconductorsaidthatthebeastswerehere。”
　　Justashehadcometothisconclusionhefeltathinhandpullinghimgentlyandrespectfullybythecloak。Heturnedroundandsawafigureenvelopedinagraycloak，andoutofwhosevoluminousfoldspeepedtheshrivelledandastutecountenanceofaCastilianpeasant。Helookedattheungainlyfigure，whichremindedoneoftheblackpoplaramongtrees；heobservedtheshrewdeyesthatshonefrombeneaththewidebrimoftheoldvelvethat；thesinewybrownhandthatgraspedagreenswitch，andthebroadfootthat，witheverymovement，madetheironspurjingle。
　　“AreyouSenorDonJosedeRey?“askedthepeasant，raisinghishandtohishat。
　　“Yes；andyou，Itakeit，“answeredthetravellerjoyfully，“areDonaPerfecta'sservant，whohavecometothestationtomeetmeandshowmethewaytoOrbajosa?“
　　“Thesame。Wheneveryouarereadytostart。Theponyrunslikethewind。AndSenorDonJose，Iamsure，isagoodrider。Forwhatcomesbyrace-?
　　“Whichisthewayout?“askedthetraveller，withimpatience。“Come，letusstart，senor?Whatisyourname?“
　　“MynameisPedroLucas，“answeredthemanofthegraycloak，againmakingamotiontotakeoffhishat；“buttheycallmeUncleLicurgo。
　　Whereistheyounggentleman'sbaggage?“
　　“Thereitis?thereunderthecloak。Therearethreepieces?twoportmanteausandaboxofbooksforSenorDonCayetano。Hereisthecheck。”
　　Amomentlatercavalierandsquirefoundthemselvesbehindthebarrackscalledadepot，andfacingaroadwhich，startingatthispoint，disappearedamongtheneighboringhills，onwhosenakedslopescouldbevaguelydistinguishedthemiserablehamletofVillahorrenda。
　　Therewerethreeanimalstocarrythemenandtheluggage。Anotill-
　　lookingnagwasdestinedforthecavalier；UncleLicurgowastorideavenerablehack，somewhatlooseinthejoints，butsure-footed；andthemule，whichwastobeledbyastoutcountryboyofactivelimbsandfieryblood，wastocarrytheluggage。
　　Beforethecaravanhadputitselfinmotionthetrainhadstarted，andwasnowcreepingalongtheroadwiththelazydeliberationofawaytrain，awakening，asitrecededinthedistance，deepsubterraneanechoes。Asitenteredthetunnelatkilometre172，thesteamissuedfromthesteamwhistlewithashriekthatresoundedthroughtheair。
　　Fromthedarkmouthofthetunnelcamevolumesofwhitishsmoke，asuccessionofshrillscreamsliketheblastsofatrumpetfollowed，andatthesoundofitsstentorianvoicevillages，towns，thewholesurroundingcountryawoke。Hereacockbegantocrow，furtheronanother。Daywasbeginningtodawn。
　　CHAPTERII
　　AJOURNEYINTHEHEARTOFSPAIN
　　WhentheyhadproceededsomedistanceontheirwayandhadleftbehindthemthehovelsofVillahorrenda，thetraveller，whowasyoungandhandsomespokethus:
　　“Tellme，SenorSolon-?
　　“Licurgo，atyourservice。”
　　“SenorLicurgo，Imean。ButIwasrightingivingyouthenameofawiselegislatorofantiquity。Excusethemistake。Buttocometothepoint。Tellme，howismyaunt?“
　　“Ashandsomeasever，“answeredthepeasant，pushinghisbeastforwardalittle。“TimeseemstostandstillwithSenoraDonaPerfecta。TheysaythatGodgiveslonglifetothegood，andifthatissothatangeloftheLordoughttoliveathousandyears。Ifalltheblessingsthatareshoweredonherinthisworldwerefeathers，thesenorawouldneednootherwingstogouptoheavenwith。”
　　“Andmycousin，SenoritaRosario?“
　　“Thesenoraoveragain！“saidthepeasant。“WhatmorecanItellyouofDonaRosaritobutthatthatsheisthelivingimageofhermother?Youwillhaveatreasure，SenorDonJose，ifitistrue，asIhear，thatyouhavecometobemarriedtoher。Shewillbeaworthymateforyou，andtheyoungladywillhavenothingtocomplainof，either。BetweenPedroandPedrothedifferenceisnotverygreat。”
　　“AndSenorDonCayetano?“
　　“Buriedinhisbooksasusual。Hehasalibrarybiggerthanthecathedral；andherootsuptheearth，besides，searchingforstonescoveredwithfantasticalscrawls，thatwerewritten，theysay，bytheMoors。”
　　“HowsoonshallwereachOrbajosa?“
　　“Bynineo'clock，Godwilling。Howdelightedthesenorawillbewhensheseeshernephew！Andyesterday，SenoritaRosariowasputtingtheroomyouaretohaveinorder。Astheyhaveneverseenyou，bothmotheranddaughterthinkofnothingelsebutwhatSenorDonJoseislike，orisnotlike。Thetimehasnowcomeforletterstobesilentandtonguestotalk。Theyoungladywillseehercousinandallwillbejoyandmerry-making。IfGodwills，allwillendhappily，asthesayingis。”
　　“Asneithermyauntnormycousinhasyetseenme，“saidthetravellersmiling，“itisnotwisetomakeplans。”
　　“That'strue；forthatreasonitwassaidthatthebayhorseisofonemindandhewhosaddleshimofanother，“answeredthepeasant。“Butthefacedoesnotlie。Whatajewelyouaregetting！andshe，whatahandsomeman！“
　　TheyoungmandidnothearUncleLicurgo'slastwords，forhewaspreoccupiedwithhisownthoughts。Arrivedatabendintheroad，thepeasantturnedhishorse'sheadinanotherdirection，saying:
　　“Wemustfollowthispathnow。Thebridgeisbroken，andtherivercanonlybefordedattheHilloftheLilies。”
　　“TheHilloftheLilies，“repeatedthecavalier，emergingfromhisrevery。“Howabundantbeautifulnamesareintheseunattractivelocalities！SinceIhavebeentravellinginthispartofthecountrytheterribleironyofthenamesisaconstantsurprisetome。SomeplacethatisremarkableforitsbarrenaspectandthedesolatesadnessofthelandscapeiscalledValleamenoPleasantValley。Somewretchedmud-walledvillagestretchedonabarrenplainandproclaimingitspovertyindiversewayshastheinsolencetocallitselfVillaricaRichTown；andsomearidandstonyravine，wherenoteventhethistlescanfindnourishment，callsitself，nevertheless，ValdefloresValeofFlowers。ThathillinfrontofusistheHilloftheLilies?
　　Butwhere，inHeaven'sname，arethelilies?Iseenothingbutstonesandwitheredgrass。CallitHillofDesolation，andyouwillberight。
　　WiththeexceptionofVillahorrenda，whoseappearancecorrespondswithitsname，allisironyhere。Beautifulwords，aprosaicandmeanreality。Theblindwouldbehappyinthiscountry，whichforthetongueisaParadiseandfortheeyesahell。”
　　SenorLicurgoeitherdidnotheartheyoungman'swords，or，hearing，hepaidnoattentiontothem。Whentheyhadfordedtheriver，which，turbidandimpetuous，hurriedonwithimpatienthaste，asiffleeingfromitsownhands，thepeasantpointedwithoutstretchedarmtosomebarrenandextensivefieldsthatweretobeseenontheleft，andsaid:
　　“ThosearethePoplarsofBustamante。”
　　“Mylands！“exclaimedthetravellerjoyfully，gazingatthemelancholyfieldsilluminedbytheearlymorninglight。“Forthefirsttime，IseethepatrimonywhichIinheritedfrommymother。Thepoorwomanusedtopraisethiscountrysoextravagantly，andtellmesomanymarvellousthingsaboutitwhenIwasachild，thatIthoughtthattobeherewastobeinheaven。Fruits，flowers，game，largeandsmall；mountains，lakes，rivers，romanticstreams，pastoralhills，allweretobefoundinthePoplarsofBustamante；inthisfavoredland，thebestandmostbeautifulontheearth。Butwhatistobesaid?Thepeopleofthisplaceliveintheirimaginations。IfIhadbeenbroughthereinmyyouth，whenIsharedtheideasandtheenthusiasmofmydearmother，I
　　supposethatI，too，wouldhavebeenenchantedwiththesebarehills，thesearidormarshyplains，thesedilapidatedfarmhouses，thesericketynorias，whosebucketsdripwaterenoughtosprinklehalfadozencabbages，thiswretchedandbarrendesolationthatsurroundsme。”
　　“Itisthebestlandinthecountry，“saidSenorLicurgo；“andforthechick-pea，thereisnootherlikeit。”
　　“Iamdelightedtohearit，forsincetheycameintomypossessionthesefamouslandshaveneverbroughtmeapenny。”
　　ThewiselegislatorofSpartascratchedhisearandgaveasigh。
　　“ButIhavebeentold，“continuedtheyoungman，“thatsomeoftheneighboringproprietorshaveputtheirploughsintheseestatesofmine，andthat，littlebylittle，theyarefilchingthemfromme。Herethereareneitherlandmarksnorboundaries，norrealownership，SenorLicurgo。”
　　Thepeasant，afterapause，duringwhichhissubtleintellectseemedtobeoccupiedinprofounddisquisitions，expressedhimselfasfollows:
　　“UnclePasoLargo，whom，forhisgreatforesight，wecallthePhilosopher，sethisploughinthePoplars，abovethehermitage，andbitbybit，hehasgobbledupsixfanegas。”
　　“Whatanincomparableschool！“exclaimedtheyoungman，smiling。“I
　　wagerthathehasnotbeentheonly——philosopher?“
　　“Itisatruesayingthatoneshouldtalkonlyaboutwhatoneknows，andthatifthereisfoodinthedove-cote，doveswon'tbewanting。Butyou，SenorDonJose，canapplytoyourowncausethesayingthattheeyeofthemasterfattenstheox，andnowthatyouarehere，tryandrecoveryourproperty。”
　　“Perhapsthatwouldnotbesoeasy，SenorLicurgo，“returnedtheyoungman，justastheywereenteringapathborderedoneithersidebywheat-fields，whoseluxurianceandearlyripenessgladdenedtheeye。
　　“Thisfieldappearstobebettercultivated。IseethatallisnotdrearinessandmiseryinthePoplars。”
　　Thepeasantassumedamelancholylook，and，affectingsomethingofdisdainforthefieldsthathadbeenpraisedbythetraveller，saidinthehumblestoftones:
　　“Senor，thisismine。”
　　“Ibegyourpardon，“repliedthegentlemanquickly；“nowIwasgoingtoputmysickleinyourfield。Apparentlythephilosophyofthisplaceiscontagious。”
　　Theynowdescendedintoacanebrake，whichformedthebedofashallowandstagnantbrook，and，crossingit，theyenteredafieldfullofstonesandwithouttheslightesttraceofvegetation。
　　“Thisgroundisverybad，“saidtheyoungman，turningroundtolookathiscompanionandguide，whohadremainedalittlebehind。“Youwillhardlybeabletoderiveanyprofitfromit，foritisallmudandsand。”
　　Licurgo，fullofhumility，answered:
　　“Thisisyours。”
　　“Iseethatallthepoorlandismine，“declaredtheyoungman，laughinggood-humoredly。”
　　Astheywerethusconversing，theyturnedagainintothehigh-road。Themorningsunshine，pouringjoyouslythroughallthegatesandbalconiesoftheSpanishhorizon，hadnowinundatedthefieldswithbrilliantlight。Thewidesky，undimmedbyasinglecloud，seemedtogrowwiderandtorecedefurtherfromtheearth，inordertocontemplateit，andrejoiceinthecontemplation，fromagreaterheight。Thedesolate，treelessland，straw-coloredatintervals，atintervalsofthecolorofchalk，andallcutupintotrianglesandquadrilaterals，yelloworblack，grayorpalegreen，boreafancifulresemblancetoabeggar'scloakspreadoutinthesun。OnthatmiserablecloakChristianityandIslamismhadfoughtwitheachotherepicbattles。Gloriousfields，intruth，butthecombatsofthepasthadleftthemhideous！
　　“Ithinkweshallhaveascorchingday，SenorLicurgo，“saidtheyoungman，looseninghiscloakalittle。“Whatadrearyroad！Notasingletreetobeseen，asfarastheeyecanreach。Hereeverythingisincontradiction。Theironydoesnotcease。Why，whentherearenopoplarshere，eitherlargeorsmall，shouldthisbecalledThePoplars?“
　　UncleLicurgodidnotanswerthisquestionbecausehewaslisteningwithhiswholesoultocertainsoundswhichweresuddenlyheardinthedistance，andwithanuneasyairhestoppedhisbeast，whileheexploredtheroadandthedistanthillswithagloomylook。
　　“Whatisthematter?“askedthetraveller，stoppinghishorsealso。
　　“Doyoucarryarms，DonJose?“
　　“Arevolver——ah！nowIunderstand。Arethererobbersabout?“
　　“Perhaps，“answeredthepeasant，withvisibleapprehension。“IthinkI
　　heardashot。”
　　“Weshallsoonsee。Forward！“saidtheyoungman，puttingspurstohisnag。“Theyarenotveryterrible，Idaresay。”
　　“Keepquiet，SenorDonJose，“exclaimedthepeasant，stoppinghim。
　　“ThosepeopleareworsethanSatanhimself。Theotherdaytheymurderedtwogentlemenwhowereontheirwaytotakethetrain。Letusleaveoffjesting。GasparonelFuerte，PepitoChispillas，Merengue，andAhorcaSuegrasshallnotseemyfacewhileIlive。Letusturnintothepath。”
　　“Forward，SenorLicurgo！“
　　“Back，SenorDonJose，“repliedthepeasant，indistressedaccents。
　　“Youdon'tknowwhatkindofpeoplethoseare。Theyarethesamemenwhostolethechalice，theVirgin'scrown，andtwocandlesticksfromthechurchoftheCarmenlastmonth；theyarethemenwhorobbedtheMadridtraintwoyearsago。”
　　DonJose，hearingthesealarmingantecedents，felthiscouragebegintogiveway。
　　“Doyouseethatgreathighhillinthedistance?Well，thatiswherethoserascalshidethemselves；thereinsomecaveswhichtheycalltheRetreatoftheCavaliers。”
　　“OftheCavaliers?“
　　“Yes，senor。Theycomedowntothehigh-roadwhentheCivilGuardsarenotwatching，androballtheycan。Doyouseeacrossbeyondthebendoftheroad?Well，thatwaserectedinremembranceofthedeathoftheAlcaldeofVillahorrenda，whomtheymurderedthereatthetimeoftheelections。”
　　“Yes，Iseethecross。”
　　“Thereisanoldhousethere，inwhichtheyhidethemselvestowaitforthecarriers。TheycallthatplaceThePleasaunce。”
　　“ThePleasaunce?“
　　“Ifallthepeoplewhohavebeenmurderedandrobbedthereweretoberestoredtheywouldformanarmy。”
　　Whiletheywerethustalkingshotswereagainheard，thistimenearerthanbefore，whichmadethevaliantheartsofthetravellersquakealittle，butnotthatofthecountrylad，who，jumpingaboutforjoy，askedSenorLicurgo'spermissiontogoforwardtowatchtheconflictwhichwastakingplacesonearthem。ObservingthecourageoftheboyDonJosefeltalittleashamedofhavingbeenfrightened，oratleastalittledisturbed，bytheproximityoftherobbers，andcried，puttingspurstohisnag:
　　“Wewillgoforward，then。Perhapswemaybeabletolendassistancetotheunluckytravellerswhofindthemselvesinsoperilousasituation，andgivealessonbesidestothosecavaliers。”
　　Thepeasantendeavoredtoconvincetheyoungmanoftherashnessofhispurpose，aswellasoftheprofitlessnessofhisgenerousdesign，sincethosewhohadbeenrobbedwererobbedandperhapsdeadalso，andnotinaconditiontoneedtheassistanceofanyone。
　　Thegentlemaninsisted，inspiteofthesesagecounsels；thepeasantreiteratedhisobjectionsmorestronglythanbefore；whentheappearanceoftwoorthreecarters，comingquietlydowntheroaddrivingawagon，putanendtothecontroversy。Thedangercouldnotbeverygreatwhenthesemenwerecomingalongsounconcernedly，singingmerrysongs；andsuchwasinfactthecase，fortheshots，accordingtowhatthecarterssaid，hadnotbeenfiredbytherobbers，butbytheCivilGuards，whodesiredinthiswaytopreventtheescapeofhalfadozenthieveswhomtheyweretaking，boundtogether，tothetownjail。
　　“Yes，Iknownowwhatitwas，“saidLicurgo，pointingtoalightcloudofsmokewhichwastobeseensomedistanceoff，totherightoftheroad。“Theyhavepepperedthemthere。Thathappenseveryotherday。”
　　Theyoungmandidnotunderstand。
　　“Iassureyou，SenorDonJose，“addedtheLacedaemonianlegislator，withenergy，“thatitwasverywelldone；foritisofnousetotrythoserascals。Thejudgecross-questionsthemalittleandthenletsthemgo。Ifattheendofatrialdraggedoutforhalfadozenyearsoneofthemissenttojail，atthemomentleastexpectedheescapes，andreturnstotheRetreatoftheCavaliers。Thatisthebestthingtodo——shootthem！Takethemtoprison，andwhenyouarepassingasuitableplace——Ah，dog，soyouwanttoescape，doyou?pum！pum！Theindictmentisdrawnup，thewitnessessummoned，thetrialended，thesentencepronounced——allinaminute。Itisatruesayingthatthefoxisverycunning，buthewhocatcheshimismorecunningstill。”
　　“Forward，then，andletusridefaster，forthisroad，besidesbeingalongone，isnotatallapleasantone，“saidRey。
　　AstheypassedThePleasaunce，theysaw，alittleinfromtheroad，theguardswhoafewminutesbeforehadexecutedthestrangesentencewithwhichthereaderhasbeenmadeacquainted。Thecountryboywasinconsolablebecausetheyrodeonandhewasnotallowedtogetanearerviewofthepalpitatingbodiesoftherobbers，whichcouldbedistinguishedformingahorriblegroupinthedistance。Buttheyhadnotproceededtwentypaceswhentheyheardthesoundofahorsegallopingafterthematsorapidapacethathegaineduponthemeverymoment。Ourtravellerturnedroundandsawaman，orratheraCentaur，forthemostperfectharmonyimaginableexistedbetweenhorseandrider。Thelatterwasofarobustandplethoricconstitution，withlargefieryeyes，ruggedfeatures，andablackmustache。Hewasofmiddleageandhadageneralairofrudenessandaggressiveness，withindicationsofstrengthinhiswholeperson。Hewasmountedonasuperbhorsewithamuscularchest，likethehorsesoftheParthenon，caparisonedinthepicturesquefashionofthecountry，andcarryingonthecrupperagreatleatherbagonthecoverofwhichwastobeseen，inlargeletters，thewordMail。
　　“Hello！Good-day，SenorCaballuco，“saidLicurgo，salutingthehorsemanwhenthelatterhadcomeupwiththem。“Howisitthatwegotsofaraheadofyou?Butyouwillarrivebeforeus，ifyousetyourmindtoit。”
　　“Iwillrestalittle，“answeredSenorCaballuco，adaptinghishorse'spacetothatofourtravellers'beasts，andattentivelyobservingthemostdistinguishedofthethree，“sincethereissuchgoodcompany。”
　　“Thisgentleman，“saidLicurgo，smiling，“isthenephewofDonaPerfecta。”
　　“Ah！Atyourservice，senor。”
　　Thetwomensalutedeachother，itbeingnoticeablethatCaballucoperformedhiscivilitieswithanexpressionofhaughtinessandsuperioritythatrevealed，attheveryleast，aconsciousnessofgreatimportance，andofahighstandinginthedistrict。WhenthearroganthorsemanrodeasidetostopandtalkforamomentwithtwoCivilGuardswhopassedthemontheroad，thetravelleraskedhisguide:
　　“Whoisthatoddcharacter?“
　　“Whoshoulditbe?Caballuco。”
　　“AndwhoisCaballuco?“
　　“What！HaveyouneverheardofCaballuco?“saidthecountryman，amazedatthecrassignoranceofDonaPerfecta'snephew。“Heisaverybraveman，afinerider，andthebestconnoisseurofhorsesinallthesurroundingcountry。WethinkagreatdealofhiminOrbajosa；andheiswellworthyofit。Justasyouseehim，heisapowerintheplace，andthegovernoroftheprovincetakesoffhishattohim。”
　　“Whenthereisanelection！“
　　“AndtheGovernorofMadridwritesofficialletterstohimwithagreatmanytitlesinthesuperscription。HethrowsthebarlikeaSt。
　　Christopher，andhecanmanageeverykindofweaponaseasilyaswemanageourfingers。Whentherewasmarketinspectionhere，theycouldnevergetthebestofhim，andshotsweretobeheardeverynightatthecitygates。Hehasafollowingthatisworthanymoney，fortheyarereadyforanything。Heisgoodtothepoor，andanystrangerwhoshouldcomehereandattempttotouchsomuchasahairoftheheadofanynativeofOrbajosawouldhavehimtosettlewith。ItisveryseldomthatsoldierscomeherefromMadrid，butwhenevertheydocome，notadaypasseswithoutbloodbeingshed，forCaballucowouldpickaquarrelwiththem，ifnotforonethingforanother。Atpresentitseemsthatheisfallenintopovertyandheisemployedtocarrythemail。ButheistryinghardtopersuadetheTownCounciltohaveamarket-
　　inspector'sofficehereagainandtoputhiminchargeofit。Idon'tknowhowitisthatyouhaveneverheardhimmentionedinMadrid，forheisthesonofafamousCaballucowhowasinthelastrebellion，andwhowashimselfthesonofanotherCaballuco，whowasalsointherebellionofthatday。Andasthereisarumornowthatthereisgoingtobeanotherinsurrection——forthewholecountryisinaferment——weareafraidthatCaballucowilljointhatalso，followingintheillustriousfootstepsofhisfatherandhisgrandfather，who，toourglorybeitsaid，wereborninourcity。”
　　Ourtravellerwassurprisedtoseethespeciesofknight-errantrythatstillexistedintheregionswhichhehadcometovisit，buthehadnoopportunitytoputfurtherquestions，forthemanwhowastheobjectofthemnowjoinedthem，sayingwithanexpressionofill-humor:
　　“TheCivilGuarddespatchedthree。Ihavealreadytoldthecommandertobecarefulwhatheisabout。To-morrowwewillspeaktothegovernoroftheprovince，andI——“
　　“AreyougoingtoX。?“
　　“No；butthegovernoriscominghere，SenorLicurgo；doyouknowthattheyaregoingtosendusacoupleofregimentstoOrbajosa?“
　　“Yes，“saidthetravellerquickly，withasmile。“IhearditsaidinMadridthattherewassomefearofarisinginthisplace。Itiswelltobepreparedforwhatmayhappen。”
　　“TheytalknothingbutnonsenseinMadrid，“exclaimedtheCentaurviolently，accompanyinghisaffirmationwithastringoftongue-
　　blisteringvocables。“InMadridthereisnothingbutrascality。Whatdotheysendussoldiersfor?Tosqueezemorecontributionsoutofusandacoupleofconscriptionsafterward。Byallthat'sholy！ifthereisn'tarisingthereoughttobe。Soyou“——heended，lookingbanteringlyattheyoungman——“soyouareDonaPerfecta'snephew?“
　　Thisabruptquestionandtheinsolentglanceofthebravoannoyedtheyoungman。
　　“Yes，senor，atyourservice。”
　　“Iamafriendofthesenora's，andIloveherasIdotheappleofmyeye，“saidCaballuco。“AsyouaregoingtoOrbajosaweshallseeeachotherthere。”
　　Andwithoutanotherwordheputspurstohishorse，which，settingoffatagallop，soondisappearedinacloudofdust。
　　Afterhalfanhour'sride，duringwhichneitherSenorDonJosenorSenorLicurgomanifestedmuchdispositiontotalk，thetravellerscameinsightofanancient-lookingtownseatedontheslopeofahill，fromthemidstofwhosecloselyclusteredhousesarosemanydarktowers，and，onaheightaboveit，theruinsofadilapidatedcastle。Itsbasewasformedbyamassofshapelesswalls，ofmudhovels，grayanddustylookingasthesoil，togetherwithsomefragmentsofturretedwalls，inwhoseshelteraboutathousandhumblehutsraisedtheirmiserableadobefronts，likeanaemicandhungryfacesdemandinganalmsfromthepasser-by。Ashallowriversurroundedthetown，likeagirdleoftin，refreshing，initscourse，severalgardens，theonlyvegetationthatcheeredtheeye。Peopleweregoingintoandcomingoutofthetown，onhorsebackandonfoot，andthehumanmovement，althoughnotgreat，gavesomeappearanceoflifetothatgreatdwellingplacewhosearchitecturalaspectwasratherthatofruinanddeaththanofprogressandlife。Theinnumerableandrepulsive-lookingbeggarswhodraggedthemselvesoneithersideoftheroad，askingtheobolusfromthepasser-by，presentedapitifulspectacle。Itwouldbeimpossibletoseebeingsmoreinharmonywith，orbettersuitedtothefissuresofthatsepulchreinwhichacitywasnotonlyburiedbutgonetodecay。Asourtravellersapproachedthetown，adiscordantpealofbellsgavetoken，withtheirexpressivesound，thatthatmummyhadstillasoul。
　　ItwascalledOrbajosa，acitythatfigures，notintheChaldeanorCopticgeography，butinthatofSpain，with7324inhabitants，atown-
　　hall，anepiscopalseat，acourt-house，aseminary，astockfarm，ahighschool，andotherofficialprerogatives。
　　“Thebellsareringingforhighmassinthecathedral，“saidUncleLicurgo。“WehavearrivedsoonerthanIexpected。”
　　“Theappearanceofyournativecity，“saidtheyoungman，examiningthepanoramaspreadoutbeforehim，“couldnotbemoredisagreeable。ThehistoriccityofOrbajosa，whosenameisnodoubtacorruptionofUrbsAugusta，lookslikeagreatdunghill。”
　　“Allthatcanbeseenfromhereisthesuburbs，“saidtheguide，inanoffendedtone。“WhenyouentertheCalleRealandtheCalledeCondestable，youwillseehandsomebuildings，likethecathedral。”
　　“Idon'twanttospeakillofOrbajosabeforeseeingit，“saidtheyoungman。“AndyoumustnottakewhatIhavesaidasamarkofcontempt，forwhetherhumbleandmean，orstatelyandhandsome，thatcitywillalwaysbeverydeartome，notonlyisitmymother'snativeplace，butbecausetherearepersonslivinginitwhomIlovewithoutseeingthem。Letusentertheaugustcity，then。”
　　Theywerenowascendingaroadontheoutskirtsofthetown，andpassingclosetothewallsofthegardens。
　　“Doyouseethatgreathouseattheendofthislargegardenwhosewallwearenowpassing?“saidUncleLicurgo，pointingtoamassive，whitewashedwallbelongingtotheonlydwellinginviewwhichhadtheappearanceofacheerfulandcomfortablehabitation。
　　“Yes；thatismyaunt'shouse?“
　　“Exactlyso！Whatwearelookingatistherearofthehouse。ThefrontfacestheCalledelCondestable，andithasfiveironbalconiesthatlooklikefivecastles。Thefinegardenbehindthewallbelongstothehouse，andifyouriseupinyourstirrupsyouwillbeabletoseeitallfromhere。”
　　“Why，weareatthehouse，then！“criedtheyoungman。“Canwenotenterfromhere?“
　　“Thereisalittledoor，butthesenorahaditcondemned。”
　　Theyoungmanraisedhimselfinhisstirrupsand，stretchinghisneckasfarashecould，lookedoverthewall。
　　“Icanseethewholeofthegarden，“hesaid。“There，underthetrees，thereisawoman，agirl，ayounglady。”
　　“ThatisSenoritaRosario，“answeredLicurgo。
　　Andatthesametimehealsoraisedhimselfinhisstirrupstolookoverthewall。
　　“Eh！SenoritaRosario！“hecried，makingenergeticsignswithhisrighthand。“Hereweare；Ihavebroughtyourcousinwithme。”
　　“Shehasseenus，“saidtheyoungman，stretchingouthisneckasfaraswaspossible。“ButifIamnotmistaken，thereisanecclesiasticwithher——apriest。”
　　“ThatisthePenitentiary，“answeredthecountryman，withnaturalness。
　　“Mycousinhasseenus——shehasleftthepriest，andisrunningtowardthehouse。Sheisbeautiful。”
　　“Asthesun！“
　　“Shehasturnedredderthanacherry。Come，come，SenorLicurgo。”
　　CHAPTERIII
　　PEPEREY
　　Beforeproceedingfurther，itwillbewelltotellwhoPepeReywas，andwhatweretheaffairswhichhadbroughthimtoOrbajosa。
　　WhenBrigadierReydiedin1841，histwochildren，JuanandPerfecta，hadjustmarried:thelattertherichestland-ownerofOrbajosa，theformerayounggirlofthesamecity。ThehusbandofPerfectawascalledDonManuelMariaJosedePolentinos，andthewifeofJuan，MariaPolentinos；butalthoughtheyhadthesamesurname，theirrelationshipwassomewhatdistantandnotveryeasytomakeout。JuanReywasadistinguishedjurisconsultwhohadbeengraduatedinSevilleandhadpractisedlawinthatcityforthirtyyearswithnolesshonorthanprofit。In1845hewasleftawidowerwithasonwhowasoldenoughtoplaymischievouspranks；hewouldsometimesamusehimselfbyconstructingviaducts，mounds，ponds，dikes，andtrenchesofearth，intheyardofthehouse，andthenfloodingthosefragileworkswithwater。Hisfatherlethimdoso，saying，“Youwillbeanengineer。”
　　PerfectaandJuanhadceasedtoseeeachotherfromthetimeoftheirmarriage，becausethesisterhadgonetoMadridwithherhusband，thewealthyPolentinos，whowasasrichashewasextravagant。PlayandwomenhadsocompletelyenslavedManuelMariaJosethathewouldhavedissipatedallhisfortune，ifdeathhadnotbeenbeforehandwithhimandcarriedhimoffbeforehehadhadtimetosquanderit。Inanightoforgythelifeoftherichprovincial，whohadbeensuckedsovoraciouslybytheleechesofthecapitalandtheinsatiablevampireofplay，cametoasuddentermination。Hissoleheirwasadaughterafewmonthsold。WiththedeathofPerfecta'shusbandtheterrorsofthefamilywereatanend，butthegreatstrugglebegan。ThehouseofPolentinoswasruined；theestateswereindangerofbeingseizedbythemoney-lenders；allwasinconfusion:enormousdebts，lamentablemanagementinOrbajosa，discreditandruininMadrid。
　　Perfectasentforherbrother，who，comingtothedistressedwidow'sassistance，displayedsomuchdiligenceandskillthatinashorttimethegreaterpartofthedangersthatthreatenedherhaddisappeared。HebeganbyobliginghissistertoliveinOrbajosa，managingherselfhervastestates，whilehefacedtheformidablepressureofthecreditorsinMadrid。Littlebylittlethehousefreeditselffromtheenormousburdenofitsdebts，fortheexcellentDonJuanRey，whohadthebestwayintheworldformanagingsuchmatters，pleadedinthecourt，madesettlementswiththeprincipalcreditorsandarrangedtopaythembyinstalments，theresultofthisskilfulmanagementbeingthattherichpatrimonyofPolentinoswassavedfromruinandmightcontinue，formanyyearstocome，tobestowsplendorandgloryonthatillustriousfamily。
　　Perfecta'sgratitudewassoprofoundthatinwritingtoherbrotherfromOrbajosa，whereshedeterminedtoresideuntilherdaughtershouldbegrownup，shesaidtohim，amongotheraffectionatethings:“Youhavebeenmorethanabrothertome，morethanafathertomydaughter。
　　Howcaneitherofuseverrepayyouforservicessogreat?Ah，mydearbrother?fromthemomentinwhichmydaughtercanreasonandpronounceanameIwillteachhertoblessyours。Mygratitudewillendonlywithmylife。Yourunworthysisterregretsonlythatshecanfindnoopportunityofshowingyouhowmuchshelovesyouandofrecompensingyouinamannersuitedtothegreatnessofyoursoulandtheboundlessgoodnessofyourheart。”
　　AtthesametimewhenthesewordswerewrittenRosaritowastwoyearsold。PepeRey，shutupinaschoolinSeville，wasmakinglinesonpaper，occupiedinprovingthat“thesumofalltheinterioranglesofanypolygonisequaltotwiceasmanyrightangles，wantingfour，asthefigurehassides。”Thesevexatiouscommonplacesoftheschoolkepthimverybusy。Yearafteryearpassed。Theboygrewup，stillcontinuingtomakelines。Atlast，hemadeonewhichiscalled“FromTarragonatoMontblanch。”Hisfirstserioustoywasthebridge，120
　　metresinlength，overtheRiverFrancoli。
　　DuringallthistimeDonaPerfectacontinuedtoliveinOrbajosa。AsherbrotherneverleftSeville，severalyearspassedwithouttheirseeingeachother。Aquarterlyletter，aspunctuallywrittenasitwaspunctuallyanswered，keptincommunicationthesetwohearts，whoseaffectionneithertimenordistancecouldcool。In1870，whenDonJuanRey，satisfiedwithhavingfulfilledhismissioninsociety，retiredfromitandwenttoliveinhisfinehouseinPuertoReal，Pepe，whohadbeenemployedforseveralyearsintheworksofvariousrichbuildingcompanies，setoutonatourthroughGermanyandEngland，forthepurposeofstudy。Hisfather'sfortune，aslargeasitispossibleforafortunewhichhasonlyanhonorablelaw-officeforitssourcetobeinSpain，permittedhimtofreehimselfinashorttimefromtheyokeofmateriallabor。Amanofexaltedideasandwithanardentloveforscience，hefoundhispurestenjoymentintheobservationandstudyofthemarvelsbymeansofwhichthegeniusoftheagefurthersatthesametimethecultureandmaterialcomfortandthemoralprogressofman。
　　Onreturningfromhistourhisfatherinformedhimthathehadanimportantprojecttocommunicatetohim。Pepesupposedthatitconcernedsomebridge，dockyard，or，attheleast，thedrainingofsomemarsh，butDonJuansoondispelledhiserror，disclosingtohimhisplaninthefollowingwords:
　　“ThisisMarch，andPerfecta'squarterlyletterhasnotfailedtocome。
　　Readit，mydearboy，andifyoucanagreetowhatthatholyandexemplarywoman，mydearsister，saysinit，youwillgivemethegreatesthappinessIcoulddesireinmyoldage。Iftheplandoesnotpleaseyou，rejectitwithouthesitation，for，althoughyourrefusalwouldgrieveme，thereisnotinittheshadowofconstraintonmypart。Itwouldbeunworthyofusboththatitshouldberealizedthroughthecoercionofanobstinatefather。Youarefreeeithertoacceptortorejectit，andifthereisinyourmindtheslightestrepugnancetoit，arisingeitherfromyourinclinationsorfromanyothercause，Idonotwishyoutodoviolencetoyourfeelingsonmyaccount。”
　　Pepelaidtheletteronthetableafterhehadglancedthroughit，andsaidquietly:
　　“MyauntwishesmetomarryRosario！“
　　“Shewritesacceptingjoyfullymyidea，“saidhisfather，withemotion。
　　“Fortheideawasmine。Yes，itisalongtime，averylongtimesinceitoccurredtome；butIdidnotwishtosayanythingtoyouuntilI
　　knewwhatyoursistermightthinkaboutit。Asyousee，Perfectareceivesmyplanwithjoy；shesaysthatshetoohadthoughtofit，butthatshedidnotventuretomentionittome，becauseyouare——youhaveseenwhatshesays——becauseyouareayoungmanofveryexceptionalmeritandherdaughterisacountrygirl，withouteitherabrillianteducationorworldlyattractions。Thoseareherwords。Mypoorsister！
　　Howgoodsheis！Iseethatyouarenotdispleased；Iseethatthisprojectofmine，resemblingalittletheofficiousprevisionofthefathersofformertimeswhomarriedtheirchildrenwithoutconsultingtheirwishesinthematter，andmakinggenerallyinconsiderateandunwisematches，doesnotseemabsurdtoyou。Godgrantthatthismaybe，asitseemstopromise，oneofthehappiest。Itistruethatyouhaveneverseenyourcousin，butwearebothawareofhervirtue，ofherdiscretion，ofhermodestandnoblesimplicity。Thatnothingmaybewanting，sheisevenbeautiful。Myopinionis，“headdedgayly，“thatyoushouldatoncestartforthatout-of-the-wayepiscopalcity，thatUrbsAugusta，andthere，inthepresenceofmysisterandhercharmingRosarito，decidewhetherthelatteristobesomethingmoretomeornot，thanmyniece。”
　　Pepetookuptheletteragainandreaditthroughcarefully。Hiscountenanceexpressedneitherjoynorsorrow。Hemighthavebeenexaminingsomeplanforthejunctionoftworailroads。
　　“Intruth，“saidDonJuan，“inthatremoteOrbajosa，where，bytheway，youhavesomelandthatyoumighttakealookatnow，lifepasseswiththetranquillityandthesweetnessofanidyl。Whatpatriarchalcustoms！Whatnoblesimplicity！WhatruralandVirgilianpeace！If，insteadofbeingamathematician，youwereaLatinist，youwouldrepeat，asyouenterit，the/ergotuaruramanebunt/。Whatanadmirableplaceinwhichtocommunewithone'sownsoulandtoprepareone'sselfforgoodworks。Therealliskindnessandgoodness；therethedeceitandhypocrisyofourgreatcitiesareunknown；theretheholyinclinationswhichtheturmoilofmodernlifestiflesspringintobeingagain；theredormantfaithreawakensandonefeelswithinthebreastanimpulse，vaguebutkeen，liketheimpatienceofyouth，thatfromthedepthsofthesoulcriesout:'Iwishtolive！'“
　　AfewdaysafterthisconferencePepeleftPuertoReal。Hehadrefused，somemonthsbefore，acommissionfromthegovernmenttosurvey，initsmineralogicalaspects，thebasinoftheRiverNahara，inthevalleyofOrbajosa；buttheplanstowhichtheconferenceaboverecordedgaverise，causedhimtosaytohimself:“Itwillbeaswelltomakeuseofthetime。Heavenonlyknowshowlongthiscourtshipmaylast，orwhathoursofwearinessitmaybringwithit。”Hewent，then，toMadrid，solicitedthecommissiontoexplorethebasinoftheNahara，whichheobtainedwithoutdifficulty，althoughhedidnotbelongofficiallytotheminingcorps，setoutshortlyafterward，and，afterasecondchangeoftrains，themixedtrainNo。65borehim，aswehaveseen，tothelovingarmsofUncleLicurgo。
　　Theageofourherowasaboutthirty-fouryears。Hewasofarobustconstitution，ofathleticbuild，andsoadmirablyproportionedandofsocommandinganappearancethat，ifhehadwornauniform，hewouldhavepresentedthemostmartialairandfigurethatitispossibletoimagine。Hishairandbeardwereblondincolor，butinhiscountenancetherewasnoneofthephlegmaticimperturbabilityoftheSaxon，but，onthecontrary，somuchanimationthathiseyes，althoughtheywerenotblack，seemedtobeso。Hisfigurewouldhaveservedasaperfectandbeautifulmodelforastatue，onthepedestalofwhichthesculptormightengravethewords:“Intellect，strength。”Ifnotinvisiblecharacters，heborethemvaguelyexpressedinthebrilliancyofhisglance，inthepotentattractionwithwhichhispersonwaspeculiarlyendowed，andinthesympathywhichhiscordialmannersinspired。
　　Hewasnotverytalkative——onlypersonsofinconstantideasandunstablejudgmentarepronetoverbosity。Hisprofoundmoralsensemadehimsparingofwordsinthedisputesinwhichthemenofthedayarepronetoengageonanyandeverysubject，butinpoliteconversationhedisplayedaneloquencefullofwitandintelligence，emanatingalwaysfromgoodsenseandatemperateandjustappreciationofworldlymatters。Hehadnotolerationforthosesophistries，andmystifications，andquibblesoftheunderstandingwithwhichpersonsofintelligence，imbuedwithaffectedculture，sometimesamusethemselves；
　　andindefenceofthetruthPepeReyemployedattimes，andnotalwayswithmoderation，theweaponofridicule。Thiswasalmostadefectintheeyesofmanypeoplewhoesteemedhim，forourherothusappearedwantinginrespectforamultitudeofthingscommonlyacceptedandbelieved。Itmustbeacknowledged，althoughitmaylessenhimintheopinionofmany，thatReydidnotsharethemildtolerationofthecompliantagewhichhasinventedstrangedisguisesofwordsandofactstoconcealwhattothegeneraleyemightbedisagreeable。
　　Suchwastheman，whateverslanderoustonguesmaysaytothecontrary，whomUncleLicurgointroducedintoOrbajosajustasthecathedralbellswereringingforhighmass。When，lookingoverthegardenwall，theysawtheyounggirlandthePenitentiary，andthentheflightoftheformertowardthehouse，theyputspurstotheirbeastsandenteredtheCalleReal，whereagreatmanyidlersstoodstilltogazeatthetraveller，asifhewereastrangerandanintruderinthepatriarchalcity。Turningpresentlytotherightandridinginthedirectionofthecathedral，whosemassivebulkdominatedthetown，theyenteredtheCalledelCondestable，inwhich，beingnarrowandpaved，thehoofsoftheanimalsclatterednoisily，alarmingthepeopleoftheneighborhood，whocametothewindowsandtothebalconiestosatisfytheircuriosity。Shuttersopenedwithagratingsoundandvariousfaces，almostallfeminine，appearedaboveandbelow。BythetimePepeReyhadreachedthethresholdofthehouseofPolentinosmanyanddiversecommentshadbeenalreadymadeonhisperson。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　THEARRIVALOFTHECOUSIN
　　WhenRosaritolefthimsoabruptlythePenitentiarylookedtowardthegardenwall，andseeingthefacesofLicurgoandhiscompanion，saidtohimself:
　　“Sotheprodigyisalreadyhere，then。”
　　Heremainedthoughtfulforsomemoments，hiscloak，graspedwithbothhands，foldedoverhisabdomen，hiseyesfixedontheground，hisgold-
　　rimmedspectaclesslippinggentlytowardthepointofhisnose，hisunder-lipmoistandprojecting，andhisiron-grayeyebrowsgatheredinaslightfrown。Hewasapiousandholyman，ofuncommonlearningandofirreproachableclericalhabits，alittlepasthissixtiethyear，affableinhismanners，courteousandkind，andgreatlyaddictedtogivingadviceandcounseltobothmenandwomen。FormanyyearspasthehadbeenmasterofLatinandrhetoricintheInstitute，whichnobleprofessionhadsuppliedhimwithalargefundofquotationsfromHoraceandoffloridmetaphors，whichheemployedwithwitandopportuneness。
　　Nothingmoreneedbesaidregardingthispersonage，butthat，assoonasheheardthetrotoftheanimalsapproachingtheCalledelCondestable，hearrangedthefoldsofhiscloak，straightenedhishat，whichwasnotaltogethercorrectlyplaceduponhisvenerablehead，and，walkingtowardthehouse，murmured:
　　“Letusgoandseethisparagon。”
　　MeanwhilePepewasalightingfromhisnag，andDonaPerfecta，herfacebathedintearsandbarelyabletoutterafewtremblingwords，thesincereexpressionofheraffection，wasreceivinghimatthegateitselfinherlovingarms。
　　“Pepe——buthowtallyouare！Andwithabeard。Why，itseemsonlyyesterdaythatIheldyouinmylap。Andnowyouareaman，agrown-upman。Well，well！Howtheyearspass！ThisismydaughterRosario。”
　　Asshesaidthistheyreachedtheparloronthegroundfloor，whichwasgenerallyusedasareception-room，andDonaPerfectapresentedherdaughtertoPepe。
　　Rosariowasagirlofdelicateandfragileappearance，thatrevealedatendencytopensivemelancholy。Inherdelicateandpurecountenancetherewassomethingofthesoft，pearlypallorwhichmostnovelistsattributetotheirheroines，andwithoutwhichsentimentalvarnishitappearsthatnoEnriquietaorJuliacanbeinteresting。ButwhatchieflydistinguishedRosariowasthatherfaceexpressedsomuchsweetnessandmodestythattheabsenceoftheperfectionsitlackedwasnotobserved。Thisisnottosaythatshewasplain；but，ontheotherhand，itistruethatitwouldbeanexaggerationtocallherbeautifulinthestrictestmeaningoftheword。TherealbeautyofDonaPerfecta'sdaughterconsistedinaspeciesoftransparency，differentfromthatofpearl，alabaster，marble，oranyoftheothersubstancesusedindescriptionsofthehumancountenance；aspeciesoftransparencythroughwhichtheinmostdepthsofhersoulwereclearlyvisible；depthsnotcavernousandgloomy，likethoseofthesea，butlikethoseofaclearandplacidriver。Butthematerialwaswantingthereforacompletepersonality。Thechannelwaswanting，thebankswerewanting。Thevastwealthofherspiritoverflowed，threateningtowashawaythenarrowborders。Whenhercousinsalutedhersheblushedcrimson，andutteredonlyafewunintelligiblewords。
　　“Youmustbefaintingwithhunger，“saidDonaPerfectatohernephew。
　　“Youshallhaveyourbreakfastatonce。”
　　“Withyourpermission，“respondedthetraveller，“Iwillfirstgoandgetridofthedustofthejourney。”
　　“Thatisasensibleidea，“saidthesenora。“Rosario，takeyourcousintotheroomthatwehavepreparedforhim。Don'tdelay，nephew。Iamgoingtogivethenecessaryorders。”
　　Rosariotookhercousintoahandsomeapartmentsituatedonthegroundfloor。ThemomentheentereditPeperecognizedinallthedetailsoftheroomthediligentandlovinghandofawoman。Allwasarrangedwithperfecttaste，andthepurityandfreshnessofeverythinginthischarmingnestinvitedtorepose。Theguestobservedminutedetailsthatmadehimsmile。
　　“Hereisthebell，“saidRosario，takinginherhandthebell-rope，thetasselofwhichhungovertheheadofthebed。“Allyouhavetodoistostretchoutyourhand。Thewriting-tableisplacedsothatyouwillhavethelightfromtheleft。See，inthisbasketyoucanthrowthewastepapers。Doyousmoke?“
　　“Unfortunately，yes，“respondedPepeRey。
　　“Well，then，youcanthrowtheendsofyourcigarshere，“shesaid，touchingwiththetipofhershoeautensilofgilt-brassfilledwithsand。“Thereisnothinguglierthantoseethefloorcoveredwithcigar-ends。Hereisthewashstand。Foryourclothesyouhaveawardrobeandabureau。Ithinkthisisabadplaceforthewatch-case；itwouldbebetterbesidethebed。Ifthelightannoysyou，allyouhavetodoistolowertheshadewiththiscord；see，thisway。”
　　Theengineerwasenchanted。
　　Rosaritoopenedoneofthewindows。
　　“Look，“shesaid，“thiswindowopensintothegarden。Thesuncomesinhereintheafternoon。Herewehavehungthecageofacanarythatsingsasifhewascrazy。Ifhissingingdisturbsyouwewilltakeitaway。”
　　Sheopenedanotherwindowontheoppositesideoftheroom。
　　“Thisotherwindow，“shecontinued，“looksoutonthestreet。Look；
　　fromhereyoucanseethecathedral；itisveryhandsome，andfullofbeautifulthings。AgreatmanyEnglishpeoplecometoseeit。Don'topenbothwindowsatthesametime，becausedraughtsareverybad。”
　　“Mydearcousin，“saidPepe，hissoulinundatedwithaninexplicablejoy；“inallthatisbeforemyeyesIseeanangel'shandthatcanbeonlyyours。Whatabeautifulroomthisis！ItseemstomeasifIhadlivedinitallmylife。Itinvitestopeace。”
　　Rosaritomadenoanswertotheseaffectionateexpressions，andlefttheroom，smiling。
　　“Makenodelay，“shesaidfromthedoor；“thedining-roomtooisdownstairs——inthecentreofthishall。”
　　UncleLicurgocameinwiththeluggage。Peperewardedhimwithaliberalitytowhichthecountrymanwasnotaccustomed，andthelatter，afterhumblythankingtheengineer，raisedhishandtohisheadwithahesitatingmovement，andinanembarrassedtone，andmumblinghiswords，hesaidhesitatingly:
　　“WhenwillitbemostconvenientformetospeaktoSenorDonJoseabouta——alittlematterofbusiness?“
　　“Alittlematterofbusiness?Atonce，“respondedPepe，openingoneofhistrunks。
　　“Thisisnotasuitabletime，“saidthecountryman。“WhenSenorDonJosehasresteditwillbetimeenough。Therearemoredaysthansausages，asthesayingis；andafteronedaycomesanother。Restnow，SenorDonJose。Wheneveryouwanttotakearide——thenagisnotbad。
　　Well，good-day，SenorDonJose。Iammuchobligedtoyou。Ah！Ihadforgotten，“headded，returningafewmomentslater。“Ifyouhaveanymessageforthemunicipaljudge——Iamgoingnowtospeaktohimaboutourlittleaffair。”
　　“Givehimmycompliments，“saidPepegayly，nobetterwayofgettingridoftheSpartanlegislatoroccurringtohim。
　　“Good-by，then，SenorDonJose。”
　　“Good-by。”