CHAPTERXXVII
　　ACANON'STORTURE
　　“Resignation，resignation！“repeatedDonInocencio。
　　“Resignation，resignation！“repeatedhisniece，dryinghertears。“Ifmydearsonisdoomedtobealwaysabeggar，well，then，beitso。
　　Lawsuitsarebecomingscarce；thedaywillsooncomewhenthepracticeofthelawwillbethesameasnothing。Whatistheuseofallhistalent?Whatistheuseofhistiringhisbrainwithsomuchstudy?Ah！
　　Wearepoor。Adaywillcome，SenorDonInocencio，whenmypoorboywillnothaveapillowonwhichtolayhishead。”
　　“Woman！“
　　“Man！canyoudenyit?Tellme，then，whatinheritanceareyougoingtoleavehimwhenyoucloseyoureyesonthisworld?Acoupleofrooms，halfadozenbigbooks，poverty，andnothingmore。Whattimesarebeforeus，uncle；whattimes！Mypoorboyisgrowingverydelicateinhishealth，andhewon'tbeabletowork——itmakeshimdizzynowtoreadabook；hegetsaheadacheandnauseawheneverheworksatnight！
　　Hewillhavetobegapaltrysituation；Ishallhavetotakeinsewing，andwhoknows，whoknowsbutwemayhavetobegourbread！“
　　“Woman！“
　　“Oh，IknowverywellwhatIamtalkingabout！Finetimesbeforeus！“
　　addedtheexcellentwoman，forcingstillmorethelachrymosenoteinherdiatribe。“MyGod！Whatisgoingtobecomeofus?Ah，itisonlyamother'sheartthatcanfeelthesethings！Onlyamotheriscapableofsufferingsomuchanxietyaboutason'swelfare。Howshouldyouunderstandit?No；itisonethingtohavechildrenandtosufferanxietyontheiraccountandanothertosingthe/gorigori/inthecathedralandtoteachLatinintheinstitute。OfgreatuseisitformysontobeyournephewandtohavetakensomanyhonorsandtobetheprideandornamentofOrbajosa。Hewilldieofstarvation，forwealreadyknowwhatlawbrings；orelsehewillhavetoaskthedeputiesforasituationinHavana，wheretheyellowfeverwillkillhim。”
　　“But，niece——“
　　“No，Iamnotgrieving，Iamsilentnow；Iwon'tannoyyouanymore。I
　　amverytroublesome，alwayscryingandsighing；andIamnottobeenduredbecauseIamafondmotherandIwilllookoutforthegoodofmybelovedson。Iwilldie，yes，Iwilldieinsilence，andstiflemygrief。Iwillswallowmytears，inordernottoannoyhisreverencethecanon。Butmyidolizedsonwillcomprehendmeandhewon'tputhishandstohisearsasyouaredoingnow。Woeisme！PoorJacintoknowsthatIwoulddieforhim，andthatIwouldpurchasehishappinessatthesacrificeofmylife。Darlingchildofmysoul！Tobesodeservingandtobeforeverdoomedtomediocrity，toahumblestation，for——don'tgetindignant，uncle——nomatterwhatairsweputon，youwillalwaysbethesonofUncleTinieblas，thesacristanofSanBernardo，andIshallneverbeanythingmorethanthedaughterofIldefonsoTinieblas，yourbrother，whousedtosellcrockery，andmysonwillbethegrandsonoftheTinieblas——forobscurewewereborn，andweshallneveremergefromourobscurity，norownapieceoflandofwhichwecansay，'Thisismine'；norshallIeverplungemyarmsuptotheelbowsinasackofwheatthreshedandwinnowedonourownthreshing-floor——allbecauseofyourcowardice，yourfolly，yoursoft-heartedness。”
　　“But——but，niece！“
　　Thecanon'svoicerosehighereverytimeherepeatedthisphrase，and，withhishandstohisears，heshookhisheadfromsidetosidewithalookofmingledgriefanddesperation。TheshrillcomplaintofMariaRemediosgrewconstantlyshriller，andpiercedthebrainoftheunhappyandnowdazedpriestlikeanarrow。Butallatoncethewoman'sfacebecametransformed；herplaintivewailwaschangedtoahard，shrillscream；sheturnedpale，herlipstrembled，sheclenchedherhands，afewlocksofherdisorderedhairfelloverherforehead，hereyesglittered，driedbytheheatoftheangerthatglowedinherbreast；
　　sherosefromherseatand，notlikeawoman，butlikeaharpy，cried:
　　“Iamgoingawayfromhere！Iamgoingawayfromherewithmyson！WewillgotoMadrid；Idon'twantmysontofrethimselftodeathinthismiserabletown！Iamtirednowofseeingthatmyson，undertheprotectionofthecassock，neitherisnoreverwillbeanything。Doyouhear，myreverenduncle?MysonandIaregoingaway！Youwillneverseeusagain——never！“
　　DonInocenciohadclaspedhishandsandwasreceivingthethunderboltsofhisniece'swrathwiththeconsternationofacriminalwhomthepresenceoftheexecutionerhasdeprivedofhislasthope。
　　“InHeaven'sname，Remedios，“hemurmured，inapainedvoice；“inthenameoftheHolyVirgin——“
　　Thesefitsofrangeofhisniece，whowasusuallysomeek，wereasviolentastheywererare，andfiveorsixyearswouldsometimespasswithoutDonInocencioseeingRemediostransformedintoafury。
　　“Iamamother！Iamamother！andsincenooneelsewilllookoutformyson，Iwilllookoutforhimmyself！“roaredtheimprovisedlioness。
　　“InthenameoftheVirgin，niece，don'tletyourpassiongetthebestofyou！Rememberthatyouarecommittingasin。LetussaytheLord'sPrayerandanAveMaria，andyouwillseethatthiswillpassaway。”
　　AshesaidthisthePenitentiarytrembled，andtheperspirationstoodonhisforehead。Poordoveinthetalonsofthevulture！Thefuriouswomancompletedhisdiscomfiturewiththesewords:
　　“Youaregoodfornothing；youareapoltroon！MysonandIwillgoawayfromthisplaceforever，forever！Iwillgetapositionformyson，Iwillfindhimagoodposition，doyouunderstand?JustasI
　　wouldbewillingtosweepthestreetswithmytongueifIcouldgainalivingforhiminnootherway，soIwillmoveheavenandearthtofindapositionformyboyinorderthathemayriseintheworldandberich，andapersonofconsequence，andagentleman，andalordandgreat，andallthatthereistobe——all，all！“
　　“Heavenprotectme！“criedDonInocencio，sinkingintoachairandlettinghisheadfallonhisbreast。
　　Therewasapauseduringwhichtheagitatedbreathingofthefuriouswomancouldbeheard。
　　“Niece，“saidDonInocencioatlast，“youhaveshortenedmylifebytenyears；youhavesetmybloodonfire；youhaveputmebesidemyself。
　　GodgivemethecalmnessthatIneedtobearwithyou！Lord，patience——
　　patienceiswhatIask。Andyou，niece，domethefavortosighandcrytoyourheart'scontentforthenexttenyears；foryourconfoundedmaniaofsniveling，greatlyasitannoysme，ispreferabletothesemadfitsofrage。IfIdidnotknowthatyouaregoodatheart——Well，foronewhoconfessedandreceivedcommunionthismorningyouarebehaving——“
　　“Yes，butyouarethecauseofit——you！“
　　“BecauseinthematterofRosarioandJacintoIsaytoyou，resignation?“
　　“BecausewheneverythingisgoingonwellyouturnbackandallowSenordeReytogetpossessionofRosario。”
　　“AndhowamIgoingtopreventit?DonaPerfectaisrightinsayingthatyouhaveanunderstandingofbrick。Doyouwantmetogoaboutthetownwithasword，andinthetwinklingofaneyetomakemincemeatofthewholeregiment，andthenconfrontReyandsaytohim，'LeavethegirlinpeaceorIwillcutyourthroat'?“
　　“No，butwhenIadvisedthesenoratogivehernephewafright，youopposedmyadvice，insteadofsupportingit。”
　　“Youarecrazywithyourtalkaboutafright。”
　　“Becausewhenthedogisdeadthemadnessisatanend。”
　　“Icannotadvisewhatyoucallafright，andwhatmightbeaterriblething。”
　　“Yes；becauseIamacut-throat，amInot，uncle?“
　　“Youknowthatpracticaljokesarevulgar。Besides，doyousupposethatmanwouldallowhimselftobeinsulted?Andhisfriends?“
　　“Atnighthegoesoutalone。”
　　“Howdoyouknowthat?“
　　“Iknoweverything；hedoesnottakeastepthatIamnotawareof；doyouunderstand?ThewidowDeCuzcokeepsmeinformedofeverything。”
　　“There，don'tsetmecrazy。Andwhoisgoingtogivehimthatfright?
　　Letushear。”
　　“Caballuco。”
　　“Sothatheisdisposed——“
　　“No，buthewillbeifyoucommandhim。”
　　“Come，niece，leavemeinpeace。Icannotcommandsuchanatrocity。A
　　fright！Andwhatisthat?Haveyouspokentohimalready?“
　　“Yes，senor；buthepaidnoattentiontome，orratherherefused。
　　ThereareonlytwopeopleinOrbajosawhocanmakehimdowhattheywishbyasimpleorder——youandDonaPerfecta。”
　　“LetDonaPerfectaorderhimtodoitifshewishes，then。Iwillneveradvisetheemploymentofviolentandbrutalmeasures。WillyoubelievethatwhenCaballucoandsomeofhisfollowersweretalkingofrisingupinarmstheycouldnotdrawasinglewordfrommeincitingthemtobloodshed。No，notthat。IfDonaPerfectawishestodoit——“
　　“Shewillnotdoit，either。Italkedwithherfortwohoursthisafternoonandshesaidthatshewouldpreachwar，andhelpitbyeverymeansinherpower；butthatshewouldnotbidonemanstabanotherintheback。Shewouldberightinopposingitifanythingseriouswereintended，butIdon'twantanywounds；allIwantistogivehimafright。”
　　“Well，ifDonaPerfectadoesn'twanttoorderafrighttobegiventotheengineer，Idon'teither，doyouunderstand?Myconscienceisbeforeeverything。”
　　“Verywell，“returnedhisniece。“TellCaballucotocomewithmeto-night——thatisallyouneedsaytohim。”
　　“Areyougoingoutto-night?“
　　“Yes，senor，Iamgoingout。Why，didn'tIgooutlastnighttoo?“
　　“Lastnight?Ididn'tknowit；ifIhadknownitIshouldhavebeenangry；yes，senora。”
　　“AllyouhavetosaytoCaballucoisthis:'MydearRamos，Iwillbegreatlyobligedtoyouifyouwillaccompanymynieceonanerrandwhichshehastodoto-night，andifyouwillprotecther，ifsheshouldchancetobeinanydanger。'“
　　“Icandothat。Toaccompanyyou，toprotectyou。Ah，rogue！youwanttodeceivemeandmakemeyouraccompliceinsomepieceofvillany。”
　　“Ofcourse——whatdoyousuppose?“saidMariaRemediosironically。
　　“BetweenRamosandmewearegoingtoslaughteragreatmanypeopleto-night。”
　　“Don'tjest！ItellyouagainthatIwillnotadviseRamostodoanythingthathastheappearanceofevil——Ithinkheisoutside。”
　　Anoiseatthestreet-doorwasheard，thenthevoiceofCaballucospeakingtotheservant，andalittlelatertheheroofOrbajosaenteredtheroom。
　　“Whatisthenews?Giveusthenews，SenorRamos，“saidthepriest。
　　“Come！Ifyoudon'tgiveussomehopeinexchangeforyoursupperandourhospitality——WhatisgoingoninVillahorrenda?“
　　“Something，“answeredthebravo，seatinghimselfwithsignsoffatigue。
　　“Youshallsoonseewhetherwearegoodforanythingornot。”
　　Likeallpersonswhowishtomakethemselvesappearimportant，Caballucomadeashowofgreatreserve。
　　“To-night，myfriend，youshalltakewithyou，ifyouwish，themoneytheyhavegivenmefor——“
　　“Thereisgoodneedofit。Ifthesoldiersshouldgetscentofit，however，theywon'tletmepass，“saidRamos，withabrutallaugh。
　　“Holdyourtongue，man。Weknowalreadythatyoupasswheneveryouplease。Why，thatwouldbeaprettything！Thesoldiersarenotstrait-
　　lacedgentry，andiftheyshouldbecometroublesome，withacoupleofdollars，eh?Come，Iseethatyouarenotbadlyarmed。Allyouwantnowisaneight-pounder。Pistols，eh?Andadaggertoo。”
　　“Foranythingthatmighthappen，“saidCaballuco，takingtheweaponfromhisbeltanddisplayingitshorribleblade。
　　“InthenameofGodandoftheVirgin！“exclaimedMariaRemedios，closinghereyesandturningherfaceinterror，“putawaythatthing。
　　Theverysightofitterrifiesme。”
　　“Ifyouwon'ttakeitillofme，“saidRamos，shuttingtheweapon，“letushavesupper。”
　　MariaRemediospreparedeverythingquickly，inorderthattheheromightnotbecomeimpatient。
　　“Listentomeamoment，SenorRamos，“saidDonInocenciotohisguest，whentheyhadsatdowntosupper。“Haveyouagreatdealtodoto-night?“
　　“Somethingthereistobedone，“respondedthebravo。“ThisisthelastnightIshallcometoOrbajosa——thelast。Ihavetolookupsomeboyswhoremainedinthetown，andwearegoingtoseehowwecangetpossessionofthesaltpetreandthesulphurthatareinthehouseofCirujeda。”
　　“Iaskedyou，“saidthecurateamiably，fillinghisfriend'splate，“becausemyniecewishesyoutoaccompanyherashortdistance。Shehassomebusinessorothertoattendto，anditisalittlelatetobeoutalone。”
　　“IsshegoingtoDonaPerfecta's?“askedRamos。“Iwasthereafewmomentsago，butIdidnotwanttomakeanydelay。”
　　“Howisthesenora?“
　　“Alittlefrightened。To-nightItookawaythesixyoungmenIhadinthehouse。”
　　“Why！don'tyouthinktheywillbewantedthere?“saidRemedios，withalarm。
　　“TheyarewantedmoreinVillahorrenda。Bravemenchafeatbeingkeptinthehouse；isitnotso，SenorCanon?“
　　“SenorRamos，thathouseoughtnottobeleftunprotected，“saidthePenitentiary。
　　“Theservantsareenough，andmorethanenough。Butdoyousuppose，SenorDonInocencio，thatthebrigadieremployshimselfinattackingthepeople'shouses?“
　　“Yes，butyouknowverywellthatthatdiabolicalengineer——“
　　“Forthat——therearenotwantingbroomsinthehouse，“saidCristobaljovially。“Forintheend，therewillbenohelpforitbuttomarrythem。Afterwhathaspassed——“
　　“SenorRamos，“saidRemedios，withsuddenanger，“Iimaginethatallyouknowaboutmarryingpeopleisverylittle。”
　　“Isaythatbecausealittlewhileago，whenIwasatthehouse，themotheranddaughterseemedtobehavingasortofreconciliation。DonaPerfectawaskissingRosaritooverandoveragain，andtherewasnoendtotheircaressesandendearments。”
　　“Reconciliation！Withallthesepreparationsforthewaryouhavelostyoursenses。But，finally，areyoucomingwithmeornot?“
　　“ItisnottoDonaPerfecta'sshewantstogo，“saidthepriest，“buttothehotelofthewidowDeCuzco。Shewassayingthatshedoesnotdaretogoalone，becausesheisafraidofbeinginsulted。”
　　“Bywhom?“
　　“Itiseasilyunderstood。Bythatinfernalengineer。Lastnightmyniecemethimthere，andshegavehimsomeplaintalk；andforthatreasonsheisnotaltogethereasyinhermindto-night。Theyoungfellowisrevengefulandinsolent。”
　　“Idon'tknowwhetherIcango，“saidCaballuco。“AsIaminhidingnowIcannotmeasuremystrengthagainstDonJosePoquitaCosa。IfIwerenotasIam——withhalfmyfacehidden，andtheotherhalfuncovered——I
　　wouldhavebrokenhisbackforhimalreadytwentytimesover。ButwhathappensifIattackhim?HediscoverswhoIam，hefallsuponmewiththesoldiers，andgood-byetoCaballuco。Asforgivinghimatreacherousblow，thatissomethingIcouldn'tdo；norwouldDonaPerfectaconsenttoit，either。ForastabinthedarkCristobalRamosisnottheman。”
　　“Butareyoucrazy，man?Whatareyouthinkingabout?“saidthePenitentiary，withunmistakablesignsofastonishment。“NoteveninthoughtwouldIadviseyoutodoaninjurytothatgentleman。IwouldcutmytongueoutbeforeIwouldadvisesuchapieceofvillany。Thewickedwillfall，itistrue；butitisGodwhowillfixthemoment，notI。Andthequestionisnottogiveabeating，either。IwouldratherreceiveahundredblowsmyselfthanadvisetheadministrationofsuchamedicinetoanyChristian。OnethingonlywillIsaytoyou，“heended，lookingatthebravooverhisspectacles，“andthatis，thatasmynieceisgoingthere；andasitisprobable，veryprobable，isitnot，Remedios?thatshemayhavetosayafewplainwordstothatman，Irecommendyounottoleaveherunprotected，incasesheshouldbeinsulted。”
　　“Ihavesomethingtodoto-night，“answeredCaballuco，laconicallyanddryly。
　　“Youhearwhathesays，Remedios。Leaveyourbusinessforto-morrow。”
　　“Ican'tdothat。Iwillgoalone。”
　　“No，youshallnotgoalone，niece。Nowletushearnomoreaboutthematter。SenorRamoshassomethingtodo，andhecannotaccompanyyou。
　　Fancyifyouweretobeinsultedbythatrudeman！“
　　“Insulted！Aladyinsultedbythatfellow！“exclaimedCaballuco。“Comethatmustnotbe。”
　　“Ifyouhadnotsomethingtodo——bah！Ishouldbequiteeasyinmymind，then。”
　　“Ihavesomethingtodo，“saidtheCentaur，risingfromthetable，“butifyouwishit——“
　　Therewasapause。ThePenitentiaryhadclosedhiseyesandwasmeditating。
　　“Iwishit，SenorRamos，“hesaidatlast。
　　“Thereisnomoretobesaidthen。Letusgo，SenoraDonaMaria。”
　　“Now，mydearniece，“saidDonInocencio，halfseriously，halfjestingly，“sincewehavefinishedsupperbringmethebasin。”
　　Hegavehisnieceapenetratingglance，andaccompanyingitwiththecorrespondingaction，pronouncedthesewords:
　　“Iwashmyhandsofthematter。”
　　CHAPTERXXVIII
　　FROMPEPEREYTODONJUANREY
　　“ORBAJOSA，April12。
　　“MYDEARFATHER:
　　“ForgivemeifforthefirsttimeinmylifeIdisobeyyouinrefusingtoleavethisplaceortorenouncemyproject。Youradviceandyourentreatyarewhatweretobeexpectedfromakind，goodfather。Myobstinacyisnaturalinaninsensateson；butsomethingstrangeistakingplacewithinme；obstinacyandhonorhavebecomesoblendedandconfoundedinmymindthatthebareideaofdesistingfrommypurposemakesmeashamed。Ihavechangedgreatly。Thefitsofragethatagitatemenowwereformerlyunknowntome。Iregardedtheviolentacts，theexaggeratedexpressionsofhot-temperedandimpetuousmenwiththesamescornasthebrutalactionsofthewicked。Nothingofthiskindsurprisesmeanylonger，forinmyselfIfindatalltimesacertainterriblecapacityforwickedness。IcanspeaktoyouasIwouldspeaktoGodandtomyconscience；IcantellyouthatIamawretch，forheisawretchwhoiswantinginthatpowerfulmoralforcewhichenableshimtochastisehispassionsandsubmithislifetothesternruleofconscience。IhavebeenwantingintheChristianfortitudewhichexaltsthespiritofthemanwhoisoffendedabovetheoffenceswhichhereceivesandtheenemiesfromwhomhereceivesthem。Ihavehadtheweaknesstoabandonmyselftoamadfury，puttingmyselfonalevelwithmydetractors，returningthemblowforblow，andendeavoringtoconfoundthembymethodslearnedintheirownbaseschool。HowdeeplyI
　　regretthatyouwerenotatmysidetoturnmefromthispath！Itisnowtoolate。Thepassionswillnotbrookdelay。Theyareimpatient，anddemandtheirpreywithcriesandwiththeconvulsiveeagernessofafiercemoralthirst。Ihavesuccumbed。Icannotforgetwhatyousooftensaidtome，thatangermaybecalledtheworstofthepassions，since，suddenlytransformingthecharacter，itengendersalltheothers，andlendstoeachitsowninfernalfire。
　　“ButitisnotangeralonethathasbroughtmetothestateofmindwhichIhavedescribed。Amoreexpansiveandnoblesentiment——theprofoundandardentlovewhichIhaveformycousin，hasalsocontributedtoit，andthisistheonethingthatabsolvesmeinmyownestimation。Butiflovehadnotdoneso，pitywouldhaveimpelledmetobravethefuryandtheintriguesofyourterriblesister；forpoorRosario，placedbetweenanirresistibleaffectionandhermother，isatthepresentmomentoneofthemostunhappybeingsonthefaceoftheearth。Thelovewhichshehasforme，andwhichrespondstomine——doesitnotgivemetherighttoopen，inwhateverwayIcan，thedoorsofherhouseandtakeheroutofit；employingthelaw，asfarasthelawreaches，andusingforceatthepointwherethelawceasestosupportme?Ithinkthatyourrigidmoralscrupulositywillnotgiveanaffirmativeanswertothisquestion；butIhaveceasedtobetheuprightandmethodicalcharacterwhoseconsciencewasinexactconformitywiththedictatesofthemorallaw。Iamnolongerthemanwhomanalmostperfecteducationenabledtokeephisemotionsunderstrictcontrol。To-dayIamamanlikeothermen；atasinglestepI
　　havecrossedthelinewhichseparatesthejustandthegoodfromtheunjustandthewicked。Prepareyourselftohearofsomedreadfulactcommittedbyme。Iwilltakecaretonotifyyouofallmymisdeeds。
　　“Buttheconfessionofmyfaultswillnotrelievemefromtheresponsibilityoftheseriousoccurrenceswhichhavetakenplaceandwhicharetakingplace，norwillthisresponsibility，nomatterhowmuchImayargue，fallaltogetheronyoursister。DonaPerfecta'sresponsibilityiscertainlyverygreat。Whatwillbetheextentofmine！Ah，dearfather！believenothingofwhatyouhearaboutme；
　　believeonlywhatIshalltellyou。IftheytellyouthatIhavecommittedadeliberatepieceofvillany，answerthatitisalie。Itisdifficult，verydifficult，formetojudgemyself，inthestateofdisquietudeinwhichIam，butIdareassureyouthatIhavenotdeliberatelygivencauseforscandal。Youknowwelltowhatextremespassioncanleadwhencircumstancesfavoritsfierce，itsall-invadinggrowth。
　　“Whatismostbittertomeisthethoughtofhavingemployedartifice，deceit，andbaseconcealments——Iwhowastruthitself。Iamhumiliatedinmyownestimation。Butisthisthegreatestperversityintowhichthesoulcanfall?AmIbeginningnow，orhaveIended?Icannottell。
　　IfRosariowithherangelichanddoesnottakemeoutofthishellofmyconscience，Idesirethatyoushouldcometotakemeoutofit。Mycousinisanangel，andsuffering，asshehasdone，formysake，shehastaughtmeagreatmanythingsthatIdidnotknowbefore。
　　“DonotbesurprisedattheincoherenceofwhatIwrite。Diverseemotionsinflameme；thoughtsattimesassailmetrulyworthyofmyimmortalsoul；butattimesalsoIfallintoalamentablestateofdejection，andIamremindedoftheweakanddegeneratecharacterswhosebasenessyouhavepaintedtomeinsuchstrongcolors，inorderthatImightabhorthem。InthestateinwhichIamto-dayIamreadyforgoodorforevil。Godhavepityuponme！Ialreadyknowwhatprayeris——asolemnandreflexivesupplication，sopersonalthatitisnotcompatiblewithformulaslearnedbyheart；anexpansionofthesoulwhichdarestoreachouttowarditssource；theoppositeofremorse，inwhichthesoul，atwarwithitself，seeksinvaintodefenditselfbysophismsandconcealments。Youhavetaughtmemanygoodthings，butnowIampractising；asweengineerssay，Iamstudyingontheground；andinthiswaymyknowledgewillbecomebroadenedandconfirmed。IbegintoimaginenowthatIamnotsowickedasImyselfbelieve。AmIright?
　　“Iendthisletterinhaste。ImustsenditwithsomesoldierswhoaregoinginthedirectionofthestationatVillahorrenda，forthepost-
　　officeofthisplaceisnottobetrusted。”
　　“APRIL14。
　　“Itwouldamuseyou，dearfather，ifIcouldmakeyouunderstandtheideasofthepeopleofthiswretchedtown。Youknowalreadythatalmostallthecountryisupinarms。Itwasathingtobeanticipated，andthepoliticiansaremistakeniftheyimaginethatitwillbeoverinacoupleofdays。HostilitytousandtotheGovernmentisinnateintheOrbajosan'smind，andformsapartofitasmuchashisreligiousfaith。Confiningmyselftotheparticularquestionwithmyaunt，Iwilltellyouasingularthing——thepoorlady，whoispenetratedbythespiritoffeudalismtothemarrowofherbones，hastakenitintoherheadthatIamgoingtoattackherhouseandcarryoffherdaughter，asthegentlemenoftheMiddleAgesattackedanenemy'scastletoconsummatesomeoutrage。Don'tlaugh，foritisthetruth——sucharetheideasofthesepeople。Ineednottellyouthatsheregardsmeasamonster，asasortofhereticMoorishking，andoftheofficersherewhoaremyfriendsshehasnobetteropinion。InDonaPerfecta'shouseitisamatteroffirmbeliefthatthearmyandIhaveformedadiabolicalandanti-religiouscoalitiontorobOrbajosaofitstreasures，itsfaith，anditsmaidens。IamsurethatyoursisterfirmlybelievesthatIamgoingtotakeherhousebyassault，andthereisnotadoubtbutthatbehindthedoorsomebarricadehasbeenerected。
　　“Butitcouldnotbeotherwise。Heretheyhavethemostantiquatedideasrespectingsociety，religion，thestate，property。ThereligiousexaltationwhichimpelsthemtoemployforceagainsttheGovernment，todefendafaithwhichnoonehasattacked，andwhich，besides，theydonotpossess，revivesintheirmindthefeudalsentiment；andastheywouldsettleeveryquestionbybruteforce，withtheswordandwithfire，killingallwhodonotthinkastheydo，theybelievethatnooneintheworldemploysothermethods。
　　“Farfromintendingtoperformquixoticdeedsinthislady'shouse，I
　　haveinrealitysavedhersomeannoyancesfromwhichtherestofthetownhavenotescaped。Owingtomyfriendshipwiththebrigadiershehasnotbeenobligedtopresent，aswasordered，alistofthoseofthemeninherservicewhohavejoinedtheinsurgents；andifherhousewassearchedIhavecertainknowledgethatitwasonlyforform'ssake；andifthesixmenthereweredisarmed，theyhavebeenreplacedbysixothers，andnothinghasbeendonetoher。Youseetowhatmyhostilitytothatladyisreduced。
　　“ItistruethatIhavethesupportofthemilitarychiefs，butImakeuseofitsolelytoescapebeinginsultedorill-usedbytheseimplacablepeople。Theprobabilitiesofmysuccessconsistinthefactthattheauthoritiesrecentlyappointedbythecommanderofthebrigadeareallmyfriends。Iderivefromthemthemoralforcewhichenablesmetointimidatethesepeople。Idon'tknowwhetherIshallfindmyselfcompelledtocommitsomeviolentaction；butdon'tbealarmed，fortheassaultandthetakingofthehouseisaltogetherawild，feudalideaofyoursister。Chancehasplacedmeinanadvantageousposition。Rage，thepassionthatburnswithinme，willimpelmetoprofitbyit。I
　　don'tknowhowfarImaygo。”
　　“APRIL17。
　　“Yourletterhasgivenmegreatconsolation。Yes；Icanattainmyobject，employingonlytheresourcesofthelaw，whichwillbecompletelyeffectualforit。Ihaveconsultedtheauthoritiesofthisplace，andtheyallapproveofthecourseyouindicate。Iamverygladofit。SinceIhaveputintomycousin'smindtheideaofdisobedience，letitatleastbeundertheprotectionofthelaw。Iwilldowhatyoubidme，thatistosayIwillrenouncethesomewhatunworthycollaborationofPinzon；IwillbreakuptheterrorizingsolidaritywhichIestablishedwiththesoldiers；IwillceasetomakeadisplayofthepowerIderivedfromthem；Iwillhavedonewithadventures，andatthefittingmomentIwillactwithcalmness，prudence，andallthebenignitypossible。Itisbetterso。Mycoalition，half-serious，half-
　　jesting，withthearmy，hadforitsobjecttoprotectmeagainsttheviolenceoftheOrbajosansandoftheservantsandtherelationsofmyaunt。Fortherest，Ihavealwaysdisapprovedoftheideaofwhatwecallarmedintervention。
　　“Thefriendwhoaidedmehasbeenobligedtoleavethehouse；butIamnotentirelycutofffromcommunicationwithmycousin。Thepoorgirlshowsheroicvalorinthemidstofhersufferings，andwillobeymeblindly。
　　“Setyourmindatrestaboutmypersonalsafety。Formypart，IhavenofearandIamquitetranquil。”
　　“APRIL20。
　　“To-dayIcanwriteonlyafewlines。Ihaveagreatdealtodo。Allwillbeendedwithintwoorthreedays。Don'twritetomeagaintothismiserabletown。Ishallsoonhavethehappinessofembracingyou。
　　“PEPE。”
　　CHAPTERXXIX
　　FROMPEPEREYTOROSARITOPOLENTINOS
　　“GiveEstebanillothekeyofthegardenandchargehimtotakecareaboutthedog。Theboyismine，bodyandsoul。Fearnothing！Ishallbeverysorryifyoucannotcomedownstairsasyoudidtheothernight。
　　Doallyoucantomanageit。Iwillbeinthegardenalittleaftermidnight。IwillthentellyouwhatcourseIhavedecidedupon，andwhatyouaretodo。Tranquillizeyourmind，mydeargirl，forIhaveabandonedallimprudentorviolentexpedients。IwilltellyoueverythingwhenIseeyou。Thereismuchtotell；anditmustbespoken，notwritten。Icanpicturetomyselfyourterrorandanxietyatthethoughtofmybeingsonearyou。ButitisaweeksinceIhaveseenyou。Ihaveswornthatthisseparationfromyoushallsoonbeended，anditwillbeended。MyhearttellsmethatIshallseeyou。IswearthatIwillseeyou。”
　　CHAPTERXXX
　　BEATINGUPTHEGAME
　　AmanandawomanenteredthehotelofthewidowDeCuzcoalittleafterteno'clock，andleftitathalf-pasteleven。
　　“Now，SenoraDonaMaria，“saidtheman，“Iwilltakeyoutoyourhouse，forIhavesomethingtodo。”
　　“Wait，SenorRamos，fortheloveofGod！“sheanswered。“Whydon'twegototheCasinotoseeifhecomesout?YouheardjustnowthatEstebanillo，theboythatworksinthegarden，wastalkingwithhimthisafternoon。”
　　“ButareyoulookingforDonJose?“askedtheCentaur，withill-humor。
　　“Whathavewetodowithhim?ThecourtshipwithDonaRosarioendedasitwasboundtoend，andnowthereisnothingforitbutformymothertomarrythem。Thatismyopinion。”
　　“Youareafool！“saidRemediosangrily。
　　“Senora，Iamgoing。”
　　“Why，yourudeman，areyougoingtoleavemealoneinthestreet?“
　　“Yes，senora，unlessyougohomeatonce。”
　　“That'sright——leavemealone，exposedtobeinsulted！Listentome，SenorRamos。DonJosewillcomeoutoftheCasinoinamoment，asusual。Iwanttoseewhetherhegoesintohishotelorgoespastit。Itisafancyofmine，onlyafancy。”
　　“WhatIknowisthatIhavesomethingtodo，andthatitisneartwelveo'clock。”
　　“Silence！“saidRemedios。“Letushideourselvesaroundthecorner。A
　　maniscomingdowntheCalledelaTriperiaAlta。Itishe！“
　　“DonJose！Iknowhimbyhiswalk。”
　　“Letusfollowhim，“saidMariaRemedioswithanxiety。“Letusfollowhimatalittledistance，Ramos。”
　　“Senora——“
　　“Onlyaminute，then，DonaRemedios。AfterthatImustgo。”
　　Theywalkedonaboutthirtypaces，keepingatamoderatedistancebehindthemantheywerewatching。ThePenitentiary'sniecestoppedthenandsaid:
　　“Heisnotgoingintohishotel。”
　　“Hemaybegoingtothebrigadier's。”
　　“Thebrigadierlivesupthestreet，andDonPepeisgoingdowninthedirectionofthesenora'shouse。”
　　“Ofthesenora'shouse！“exclaimedCaballuco，quickeninghissteps。
　　Buttheyweremistaken。ThemanwhomtheywerewatchingpassedthehouseofPolentinosandwalkedon。
　　“Doyouseethatyouwerewrong?“
　　“SenorRamos，letusfollowhim！“saidRemedios，pressingtheCentaur'shandconvulsively。“Ihaveaforeboding。”
　　“Weshallsoonknow，forweareneartheendofthetown。”
　　“Don'tgosofast——hemayseeus。ItisasIthought，SenorRamos；heisgoingintothegardenbythecondemneddoor。”
　　“Senora，youhavelostyoursenses！“
　　“Comeon，andweshallsee。”
　　Thenightwasdark，andthewatcherscouldnottellpreciselyatwhatpointSenordeReyhadentered；butagratingofrustyhingeswhichtheyheard，andthecircumstanceofnotmeetingtheyoungmaninthewholelengthofthegardenwall，convincedthemthathehadenteredthegarden。Caballucolookedathiscompanionwithstupefaction。Heseemedbewildered。
　　“Whatareyouthinkingabout?Doyoustilldoubt?“
　　“WhatoughtItodo?“askedthebravo，coveredwithconfusion。“Shallwegivehimafright?Idon'tknowwhatthesenorawouldthinkaboutit。IsaythatbecauseIwasatherhousethisevening，anditseemedtomethatthemotheranddaughterhadbecomereconciled。”
　　“Don'tbeafool！Whydon'tyougoin?“
　　“NowIrememberthatthearmedmenarenotthere；Itoldthemtoleavethisevening。”
　　“Andthisblockofmarblestilldoubtswhatheoughttodo！Ramos，gointothegardenanddon'tbeacoward。”
　　“HowcanIgoinifthedoorisclosed?“
　　“Getoverthewall。Whatasnail！IfIwereaman——“
　　“Well，then，up！Therearesomebrokenbricksherewheretheboysclimboverthewalltostealthefruit。”
　　“Upquickly！Iwillgoandknockatthefrontdoortowakenthesenora，ifsheshouldbeasleep。”
　　TheCentaurclimbedup，notwithoutdifficulty。Hesatastrideonthewallforaninstant，andthendisappearedamongthedarkfoliageofthetrees。MariaRemediosrandesperatelytowardtheCalledelCondestable，and，seizingtheknockerofthefrontdoor，knocked——knockedthreetimeswithallherheartandsoul。
　　CHAPTERXXXI
　　DONAPERFECTA
　　SeewithwhattranquillitySenoraDonaPerfectapursuesheroccupationofwriting。Enterherroom，and，notwithstandingthelatenessofthehour，youwillsurpriseherbusilyengaged，herminddividedbetweenmeditationandthewritingofseverallongandcarefullywordedepistlestracedwithafirmhand，everyhair-strokeofeveryletterinwhichiscorrectlyformed。Thelightofthelampfallsfulluponherfaceandbustandhands，itsshadeleavingtherestofherpersonandalmostthewholeoftheroominasoftshadow。Sheseemslikealuminousfigureevokedbytheimaginationfromamidthevagueshadowsoffear。
　　Itisstrangethatweshouldnothavemadebeforethisaveryimportantstatement，whichisthatDonaPerfectawashandsome，orratherthatshewasstillhandsome，herfacepreservingtheremainsofformerbeauty。
　　Thelifeofthecountry，hertotallackofvanity，herdisregardfordressandpersonaladornment，herhatredoffashion，hercontemptforthevanitiesofthecapital，wereallcauseswhyhernativebeautydidnotshineorshoneverylittle。Theintenseshallownessofhercomplexion，indicatingaverybiliousconstitution，stillfurtherimpairedherbeauty。
　　Hereyesblackandwell-opened，hernosefinelyanddelicatelyshaped，herforeheadbroadandsmooth，shewasconsideredbyallwhosawherasafinishedtypeofthehumanfigure；butthererestedonthosefeaturesacertainhardandproudexpressionwhichexcitedafeelingofantipathy。Assomepersons，althoughugly，attract；DonaPerfectarepelled。Herglance，evenwhenaccompaniedbyamiablewords，placedbetweenherselfandthosewhowerestrangerstohertheimpassabledistanceofamistrustfulrespect；butforthoseofherhouse——thatistosay，forherrelations，admirers，andallies——shepossessedasingularattraction。Shewasamistressingoverning，andnoonecouldequalherintheartofadaptingherlanguagetothepersonwhomshewasaddressing。
　　Herbilioustemperamentandanexcessiveassociationwithdevoutpersonsandthings，whichexcitedherimaginationwithoutobjectorresult，hadagedherprematurely，andalthoughshewasstillyoungshedidnotseemso。Itmightbesaidofherthatwithherhabitsandmanneroflifeshehadwroughtasortofrind，astony，insensiblecoveringwithinwhichsheshutherself，likethesnailwithinhisportablehouse。DonaPerfectararelycameoutofhershell。
　　Herirreproachablehabits，andthatoutwardamiabilitywhichwehaveobservedinherfromthemomentofherappearanceinourstory，werethecausesofthegreatprestigewhichsheenjoyedinOrbajosa。Shekeptuprelations，besides，withsomeexcellentladiesinMadrid，anditwasthroughtheirmeansthatsheobtainedthedismissalofhernephew。Atthemomentwhichwehavenowarrivedinourstory，wefindherseatedatherdesk，whichisthesoleconfidantofherplansandthedepositoryofhernumericalaccountswiththepeasants，andofhermoralaccountswithGodandwithsociety。Thereshewrotetheletterswhichherbrotherreceivedeverythreemonths；thereshecomposedthenotesthatincitedthejudgeandthenotarytoembroilPepeReyinlawsuits；thereshepreparedtheplotthroughwhichthelatterlosttheconfidenceoftheGovernment；theresheheldlongconferenceswithDonInocencio。Tobecomeacquaintedwiththesceneofothersofheractionswhoseeffectswehaveobserved，itwouldbenecessarytofollowhertotheepiscopalpalaceandtothehousesofvariousofherfriends。
　　WedonotknowwhatDonaPerfectawouldhavebeen，loving。Hating，shehadthefieryvehemenceofanangelofhatredanddiscordamongmen。
　　Suchistheeffectproducedonacharacternaturallyhard，andwithoutinborngoodness，byreligiousexaltation，whenthis，insteadofdrawingitsnourishmentfromconscienceandfromtruthrevealedinprinciplesassimpleastheyarebeautiful，seeksitssapinnarrowformulasdictatedsolelybyecclesiasticalinterests。Inorderthatreligiousfanaticismshouldbeinoffensive，theheartinwhichitexistsmustbeverypure。Itistruethateveninthatcaseitisunproductiveofgood。ButtheheartsthathavebeenbornwithouttheseraphicpuritywhichestablishesaprematureLimboontheearth，arecarefulnottobecomegreatlyinflamedwithwhattheyseeinretables，inchoirs，inlocutoriesandsacristies，unlesstheyhavefirsterectedintheirownconsciencesanaltar，apulpit，andaconfessional。
　　DonaPerfectaleftherwritingfromtimetotime，togointotheadjoiningroomwhereherdaughterwas。Rosaritohadbeenorderedtosleep，but，alreadyprecipitateddowntheprecipiceofdisobedience，shewasawake。
　　“Whydon'tyousleep?“hermotheraskedher。“Idon'tintendtogotobedto-night。YouknowalreadythatCaballucohastakenawaywithhimthemenwehadhere。Somethingmighthappen，andIwillkeepwatch。IfIdidnotwatchwhatwouldbecomeofusboth?“
　　“Whattimeisit?“askedthegirl。
　　“Itwillsoonbemidnight。Perhapsyouarenotafraid，butIam。”
　　Rosaritowastrembling，andeverythingaboutherdenotedthekeenestanxiety。Sheliftedhereyestoheavensupplicatingly，andthenturnedthemonhermotherwithalookoftheutmostterror。
　　“Why，whatisthematterwithyou?“
　　“Didyounotsayitwasmidnight?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Then——Butisitalreadymidnight?“
　　Rosariomadeanefforttospeak，thenshookherhead，onwhichtheweightofaworldwaspressing。
　　“Somethingisthematterwithyou；youhavesomethingonyourmind，“
　　saidhermother，fixingonherdaughterherpenetratingeyes。
　　“Yes——Iwantedtotellyou，“stammeredthegirl，“Iwantedtosay——
　　Nothing，nothing，Iwillgotosleep。”
　　“Rosario，Rosario！yourmothercanreadyourheartlikeanopenbook，“
　　exclaimedDonaPerfectawithseverity。“Youareagitated。IhavetoldyoualreadythatIamwillingtopardonyouifyouwillrepent；ifyouareagoodandsensiblegirl。”
　　“Why，amInotgood?Ah，mamma，mamma！Iamdying！“
　　Rosarioburstintoafloodofbitteranddisconsolatetears。
　　“Whatarethesetearsabout?“saidhermother，embracingher。“Iftheyaretearsofrepentance，blessedbethey。”
　　“Idon'trepent，Ican'trepent！“criedthegirl，inaburstofsublimedespair。
　　Sheliftedherheadandinherfacewasdepictedasuddeninspiredstrength。Herhairfellindisorderoverhershoulders。Neverwasthereseenamorebeautifulimageofarebelliousangel。
　　“Whatisthis?Haveyoulostyoursenses?“saidDonaPerfecta，layingbothherhandsonherdaughter'sshoulders。
　　“Iamgoingaway，Iamgoingaway！“saidthegirl，withtheexaltationofdelirium。
　　Andshesprangoutofbed。
　　“Rosario，Rosario——Mydaughter！ForGod'ssake，whatisthis?“
　　“Ah，mamma，senora！“exclaimedthegirl，embracinghermother；“bindmefast！“
　　“Intruthyouwoulddeserveit。Whatmadnessisthis?“
　　“Bindmefast！Iamgoingaway——Iamgoingawaywithhim！“
　　DonaPerfectafeltafloodoffiresurgingfromherheartuptoherlips。Shecontrolledherself，however，andansweredherdaughteronlywithhereyes，blackerthanthenight。
　　“Mamma，mamma，Ihateallthatisnothe！“exclaimedRosario。“Hearmyconfession，forIwishtoconfessittoeveryone，andtoyoufirstofall。”
　　“Youaregoingtokillme；youarekillingme！“
　　“Iwanttoconfessit，sothatyoumaypardonme。Thisweight，thisweightthatispressingmedown，willnotletmelive。”
　　“Theweightofasin！AddtoitthemaledictionofGod，andseeifyoucancarrythatburdenaboutwithyou，wretchedgirl！OnlyIcantakeitfromyou。”
　　“No，notyou，notyou！“criedRosario，withdesperation。“Buthearme；
　　Iwanttoconfessitall，all！Afterward，turnmeoutofthishousewhereIwasborn。”
　　“Iturnyouout！“
　　“Iwillgoaway，then。”
　　“Stillless。Iwillteachyouadaughter'sduty，whichyouhaveforgotten。”
　　“Iwillfly，then；hewilltakemewithhim！“
　　“Hashetoldyoutodoso?hashecounselledyoutodothat?hashecommandedyoutodothat?“askedthemother，launchingthesewordslikethunderboltsagainstherdaughter。
　　“Hehascounselledmetodoit。Wehaveagreedtobemarried。Wemustbemarried，mamma，dearmamma。Iwillloveyou——IknowthatIoughttoloveyou——IshallbeforeverlostifIdonotloveyou。”
　　Shewrungherhands，andfallingonherkneeskissedhermother'sfeet。
　　“Rosario，Rosario！“criedDonaPerfecta，inaterriblevoice，“rise！“
　　Therewasashortpause。
　　“Thisman——hashewrittentoyou?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Andhaveyouseenhimagainsincethatnight?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Andyouhavewrittentohim！“
　　“Ihavewrittentohimalso。Oh，senora！whydoyoulookatmeinthatway?Youarenotmymother。
　　“WouldtoGodthatIwerenot！Rejoiceintheharmyouaredoingme。
　　Youarekillingme；youhavegivenmemydeath-blow！“criedDonaPerfecta，withindescribableagitation。“Yousaythatthisman——“
　　“Ismyhusband——Iwillbehiswife，protectedbythelaw。Youarenotawoman！Whydoyoulookatmeinthatway?Youmakemetremble。Mother，mother，donotcondemnme！“
　　“Youhavealreadycondemnedyourself——thatisenough。Obeyme，andI
　　willforgiveyou。Answerme——whendidyoureceivelettersfromthatman?“
　　“To-day。”
　　“Whattreachery！Whatinfamy！“criedhermother，roaringratherthanspeaking。“Hadyouappointedameeting?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“When?“
　　“To-night。”
　　“Where?“
　　“Here，here！Iwillconfesseverything，everything！Iknowitisacrime。Iamawretch；butyouwhoaremymotherwilltakemeoutofthishell。Giveyourconsent。Sayonewordtome，onlyoneword！“
　　“Thatmanhereinmyhouse！“criedDonaPerfecta，springingbackseveralpacesfromherdaughter。
　　Rosariofollowedheronherknees。Atthesameinstantthreeblowswereheard，threecrashes，threereports。ItwastheheartofMariaRemediosknockingatthedoorthroughtheknocker。Thehousetrembledwithawfuldread。Motheranddaughterstoodmotionlessasstatues。
　　Aservantwentdownstairstoopenthedoor，andshortlyafterwardMariaRemedios，whowasnotnowawomanbutabasiliskenvelopedinamantle，enteredDonaPerfecta'sroom。Herface，flushedwithanxiety，exhaledfire。
　　“Heisthere，heisthere！“shesaid，assheentered。“Hegotintothegardenthroughthecondemneddoor。”
　　Shepausedforbreathateverysyllable。
　　“Iknowalready，“returnedDonaPerfecta，withasortofbellow。
　　Rosariofellsenselessonthefloor。
　　“Letusgodownstairs，“saidDonaPerfecta，withoutpayinganyattentiontoherdaughter'sswoon。
　　Thetwowomenglideddownstairsliketwosnakes。Themaidsandtheman-servantwereinthehall，notknowingwhattodo。DonaPerfectapassedthroughthedining-roomintothegarden，followedbyMariaRemedios。
　　“FortunatelywehaveCa-Ca-Ca-ballucothere，“saidthecanon'sniece。
　　“Where?“
　　“Inthegarden，also。Hecli-cli-climbedoverthewall。”
　　DonaPerfectaexploredthedarknesswithherwrathfuleyes。Ragegavethemthesingularpowerofseeinginthedarkpeculiartothefelinerace。
　　“Iseeafigurethere，“shesaid。“Itisgoingtowardtheoleanders。”
　　“Itishe！“criedRemedios。“ButtherecomesRamos——Ramos！“
　　ThecolossalfigureoftheCentaurwasplainlydistinguishable。
　　“Towardtheoleanders，Ramos！Towardtheoleanders！“
　　DonaPerfectatookafewstepsforward。Herhoarsevoice，vibratingwithaterribleaccent，hissedforththesewords:
　　“Cristobal，Cristobal——killhim！“
　　Ashotwasheard。Thenanother。
　　CHAPTERXXXII
　　CONCLUSION
　　FromDonCayetanoPolentinostoafriendinMadrid:
　　“ORBAJOSA，April21。
　　“MYDEARFRIEND:
　　“Sendmewithoutdelaytheeditionof1562thatyousayyouhavepickedupattheexecutor'ssaleofthebooksofCorchuelo。Iwillpayanypriceforthatcopy。Ihavebeenlongsearchingforitinvain，andI
　　shallesteemmyselfthemostenviableofvirtuososinpossessingit。
　　Yououghttofindinthecolophonahelmetwithamottoovertheword'Tractado，'andthetailoftheXofthedateMDLXIIoughttobecrooked。Ifyourcopyagreeswiththesesignssendmeatelegraphicdespatchatonce，forIshallbeveryanxiousuntilIreceiveit。ButnowIrememberthat，onaccountofthesevexatiousandtroublesomewars，thetelegraphisnotworking。Ishallawaityouranswerbyreturnofmail。
　　“IshallsoongotoMadridforthepurposeofhavingmylongdelayedwork，the'GenealogiesofOrbajosa，'printed。Iappreciateyourkindness，mydearfriend，butIcannotacceptyourtooflatteringexpressions。Myworkdoesnotindeeddeservethehighencomiumsyoubestowuponit；itisaworkofpatienceandstudy，arudebutsolidandmassivemonumentwhichIshallhaveerectedtothepastgloriesofmybelovedcountry。Plainandhumbleinitsform，itisnobleintheideathatinspiredit，whichwassolelytodirecttheeyesofthisproudandunbelievinggenerationtothemarvellousdeedsandthepurevirtuesofourforefathers。WouldthatthestudiousyouthofourcountrymighttakethesteptowhichwithallmystrengthIincitethem！Wouldthattheabominablestudiesandmethodsofreasoningintroducedbyphilosophiclicenseanderroneousdoctrinesmightbeforevercastintooblivion！Wouldthatourlearnedmenmightoccupythemselvesexclusivelyinthecontemplationofthosegloriousages，inorderthat，thisgenerationbeingpenetratedwiththeiressenceandtheirbeneficentsap，itsinsaneeagernessforchange，anditsridiculousmaniaforappropriatingtoitselfforeignideaswhichconflictwithourbeautifulnationalconstitution，mightdisappear。I
　　feargreatlythatamongthecrowdofmadyouthwhopursuevainUtopiasandheathenishnovelties，mydesiresarenotdestinedtobefulfilled，andthatthecontemplationoftheillustriousvirtuesofthepastwillremainconfinedwithinthesamenarrowcircleasto-day。Whatistobedone，myfriend?IamafraidthatverysoonourpoorSpainisdoomedtobesodisfiguredthatshewillnotbeabletorecognizeherself，evenbeholdingherselfinthebrightmirrorofherstainlesshistory。
　　“Idonotwishtoclosethisletterwithoutinformingyouofadisagreeableevent——theunfortunatedeathofanestimableyoungman，wellknowninMadrid，thecivilengineerDonJosedeRey，anephewofmysister-in-law。Thismelancholyeventoccurredlastnightinthegardenofourhouse，andIhavenotyetbeenabletoformacorrectjudgmentregardingthecausesthatmayhaveimpelledtheunfortunateReytothishorribleandcriminalact。AccordingtowhatPerfectatoldmethismorning，onmyreturnfromMundoGrande，PepeReyatabouttwelveo'clocklastnightenteredthegardenofthehouseandshothimselfintherighttemple，expiringinstantly。Imaginetheconsternationandalarmwhichsuchaneventwouldproduceinthispeaceableandvirtuousmansion。PoorPerfectawassogreatlyaffectedthatwewereforatimealarmedabouther；butsheisbetternow，andthisafternoonwesucceededininducinghertotakealittlebroth。Weemployeverymeansofconsolingher，andassheisagoodChristian，sheknowshowtosupportwithedifyingresignationevensogreatamisfortuneasthis。
　　“Betweenyouandme，myfriend，IwillsayherethatinyoungRey'sfatalattemptuponhislife，Ibelievethemovingcausestohavebeenanunfortunateattachment，perhapsremorseforhisconduct，andthestateofhypochondriasmintowhichhehadfallen。Iesteemedhimgreatly；Ithinkhewasnotlackinginexcellentqualities；buthewasheldinsuchdisreputeherethatneveroncehaveIheardanyonespeakwellofhim。Accordingtowhattheysay，hemadeaboastofthemostextravagantideasandopinions；hemockedatreligion，enteredthechurchsmokingandwithhishaton；herespectednothing，andforhimtherewasneithermodesty，norvirtue，norsoul，norideal，norfaith——
　　nothingbuttheodolites，squares，rules，engines，pick-axes，andspades。Whatdoyouthingofthat?Tobejust，Imustsaythatinhisconversationswithmehealwaysconcealedtheseideas，doubtlessthroughfearofbeingutterlyroutedbythefireofmyarguments；butinpublicinnumerablestoriesaretoldofhishereticalideasandhisstupendousexcesses。
　　“Icannotcontinue，mydearfriend，foratthismomentIhearfiring。
　　AsIhavenoloveforfighting，andasIamnotasoldier，mypulsetremblesalittle。InduetimeIwillgiveyoufurtherparticularsofthiswar。
　　“Yoursaffectionately，etc。，etc。”
　　“APRIL22。
　　“MYEVER-REMEMBEREDFRIEND:
　　“To-daywehavehadabloodyskirmishontheoutskirtsofOrbajosa。ThelargebodyofmenraisedinVillahorrendawereattackedbythetroopswithgreatfury。Therewasgreatlossinkilledandwoundedonbothsides。Afterthecombatthebraveguerillasdispersed，buttheyaregreatlyencouraged，anditispossiblethatyoumayhearofwonderfulthings。CristobalCaballuco，thesonofthefamousCaballucowhomyouwillrememberinthelastwar，thoughsufferingfromawoundinthearm，howorwhenreceivedisnotknown，commandedthem。Thepresentleaderhaseminentqualificationsforthecommand；andheis，besides，anhonestandsimple-heartedman。Aswemustfinallycometoafriendlyarrangement，IpresumethatCaballucowillbemadeageneralintheSpanisharmy，wherebybothsideswillgaingreatly。
　　“Ideplorethiswar，whichisbeginningtoassumealarmingproportions；
　　butIrecognizethatourvaliantpeasantsarenotresponsibleforit，sincetheyhavebeenprovokedtotheinhumanconflictbytheaudacityoftheGovernment，bythedemoralizationofitssacrilegiousdelegates；bythesystematicfurywithwhichtherepresentativesofthestateattackwhatismostveneratedbythepeople——theirreligiousfaithandthenationalspiritwhichfortunatelystillexistsinthoseplacesthatarenotyetcontaminatedbythedesolatingpestilence。Whenitisattemptedtotakeawaythesoulofapeopletogiveitadifferentone；whenitissoughttodenationalizeapeople，sotosay，pervertingitssentiments，itscustoms，itsideas——itisnaturalthatthispeopleshoulddefenditself，likethemanwhoisattackedbyhighwaymenonasolitaryroad。Letthespiritandthepureandsalutiferoussubstanceofmyworkonthe'Genealogies'——excusetheapparentvanity——oncereachthesphereoftheGovernmentandtherewillnolongerbewars。
　　“To-daywehavehadhereaverydisagreeablequestion。Theclergy，myfriend，haverefusedtoallowReytobeburiedinconsecratedground。I
　　interferedinthematter，entreatingthebishoptoremovethisheavyanathema，butwithoutsuccess。Finally，weburiedthebodyoftheyoungmaninagravemadeinthefieldofMundoGrande，wheremypatientexplorationshavediscoveredthearchaeologicaltreasuresofwhichyouknow。Ispentsomeverysadhours，andthepainfulimpressionwhichI
　　receivedhasnotyetaltogetherpassedaway。DonJuanTafetanandourselvesweretheonlypersonswhoaccompaniedthefuneralcortege。A
　　littlelater，strangetosay，thegirlswhomtheycallheretheTroyaswenttothefield，andprayedforalongtimebesidetherustictombofthemathematician。Althoughthisseemedaridiculouspieceofofficiousnessittouchedme。
　　“WithrespecttothedeathofRey，therumorcirculatesthroughoutthetownthathewasassassinated，butbywhomisnotknown。Itisassertedthathedeclaredthistobethecase，forhelivedforaboutanhourandahalf。Accordingtowhattheysay，herefusedtorevealthenameofhismurderer。Irepeatthisversion，withouteithercontradictingorsupportingit。Perfectadoesnotwishthismattertobespokenof，andshebecomesgreatlydistressedwheneverIalludetoit。
　　“Poorwoman！nosoonerhadonemisfortuneoccurredthanshemetwithanother，whichhasgrievedusalldeeply。Myfriend，thefatalmaladythathasbeenforsomanygenerationsconnaturalinourfamilyhasnowclaimedanothervictim。PoorRosario，who，thankstoourcares，wasimprovinggraduallyinherhealth，hasentirelylostherreason。Herincoherentwords，herfrenzy，herdeadlypallor，bringmymotherandmysisterforciblytomymind。ThisisthemostseriouscasethatIhavewitnessedinourfamily，forthequestionhereisnotoneofmaniabutofrealinsanity。Itissad，terriblysadthatoutofsomanyIshouldbetheonlyonetoescape，preservingasoundmindwithallmyfacultiesunimpairedandentirelyfreefromanysignofthatfatalmalady。
　　“IhavenotbeenabletogiveyourremembrancestoDonInocencio，forthepoormanhassuddenlyfallenillandrefusestoseeevenhismostintimatefriends。ButIamsurethathewouldreturnyourremembrances，andIdonotdoubtthathecouldlayhishandinstantlyonthetranslationofthecollectionofLatinepigramswhichyourecommendtohim。Ihearfiringagain。Theysaythatweshallhaveaskirmishthisafternoon。Thetroopshavejustbeencalledout。”
　　“BARCELONA，June1。
　　“IhavejustarrivedhereafterleavingmynieceinSanBaudiliodeLlobregat。Thedirectoroftheestablishmenthasassuredmethatthecaseisincurable。Shewill，however，havethegreatestcareinthatcheerfulandmagnificentsanitarium。Mydearfriend，ifIalsoshouldeversuccumb，letmebetakentoSanBaudilio。Ihopetofindtheproofsofmy'Genealogies'awaitingmeonmyreturn。Iintendtoaddsixpagesmore，foritwouldbeagreatmistakenottopublishmyreasonsformaintainingthatMateoDiezCoronel，authorofthe'MetricoEncomio，'isdescended，onthemother'sside，fromtheGuevaras，andnotfromtheBurguillos，astheauthorofthe'FlorestaAmena'
　　erroneouslymaintains。
　　“Iwritethisletterprincipallyforthepurposeofgivingyouacaution。IhaveheardseveralpersonsherespeakingofPepeRey'sdeath，andtheydescribeitexactlyasitoccurred。Thesecretofthemannerofhisdeath，whichIlearnedsometimeaftertheevent，I
　　revealedtoyouinconfidencewhenwemetinMadrid。Ithasappearedstrangetomethathavingtoldittonoonebutyourself，itshouldbeknownhereinallitsdetails——howheenteredthegarden；howhefiredonCaballucowhenthelatterattackedhimwithhisdagger；howRamosthenfiredonhimwithsosureanaimthathefelltothegroundmortallywounded。Inshort，mydearfriend，incaseyoushouldhaveinadvertentlyspokenofthistoanyone，Iwillremindyouthatitisafamilysecret，andthatwillbesufficientforapersonasprudentanddiscreetasyourself。
　　“Joy！joy！IhavejustreadinoneofthepapersherethatCaballucohaddefeatedBrigadierBatalla。”
　　“ORBAJOSA，December12。
　　“Ihaveasadpieceofnewstogiveyou。ThePenitentiaryhasceasedtoexistforus；notpreciselybecausehehaspassedtoabetterlife，butbecausethepoormanhasbeen，eversincelastApril，sogrief-
　　stricken，somelancholy，sotaciturnthatyouwouldnotknowhim。ThereisnolongerinhimevenatraceofthatAttichumor，thatdecorousandclassicjovialitywhichmadehimsopleasing。Heshunseverybody；heshutshimselfupinhishouseandreceivesnoone；hehardlyeatsanything，andhehasbrokenoffallintercoursewiththeworld。Ifyouweretoseehimnowyouwouldnotrecognizehim，forheisreducedtoskinandbone。Thestrangestpartofthematteristhathehasquarreledwithhisnieceandlivesalone，entirelyalone，inamiserablecottageinthesuburbofBaidejos。TheysaynowthathewillresignhischairinthechoirofthecathedralandgotoRome。Ah！
　　OrbajosawilllosemuchinlosinghergreatLatinist。Iimaginethatmanyayearwillpassbeforeweshallseesuchanother。OurgloriousSpainisfallingintodecay，declining，dying。”
　　“ORBAJOSA，December23。
　　“TheyoungmanwhowillpresenttoyoualetterofintroductionfrommeisthenephewofourdearPenitentiary，alawyerwithsomeliteraryability。Carefullyeducatedbyhisuncle，hehasverysensibleideas。
　　Howregrettableitwouldbeifheshouldbecomecorruptedinthatsinkofphilosophyandincredulity！Heisupright，industrious，andagoodCatholic，forwhichreasonsIbelievethatinanofficelikeyourshewillrisetodistinctioninhisprofession。Perhapshisambitionmayleadhimforhehasambition，toointothepoliticalarena，andI
　　thinkhewouldnotbeabadacquisitiontothecauseoforderandtradition，nowthatthemajorityofouryoungmenhavebecomepervertedandhavejoinedtheranksoftheturbulentandthevicious。Heisaccompaniedbyhismother，acommonplacewomanwithoutanysocialpolish，butwhohasanexcellentheart，andwhoistrulypious。
　　Maternalaffectiontakesinherthesomewhatextravagantformofworldlyambition，andshedeclaresthathersonwillonedaybeMinister。Itisquitepossiblethathemay。
　　“Perfectadesirestoberememberedtoyou。Idon抰knowpreciselywhatisthematterwithher；butthefactis，shegivesusgreatuneasiness。
　　Shehaslostherappetitetoanalarmingdegree，and，unlessIamgreatlymistakeninmyopinionofhercase，sheshowsthefirstsymptomsofjaundice。ThehouseisverysadwithoutRosarito，whobrighteneditwithhersmilesandherangelicgoodness。Ablackcloudseemstorestnowoverusall。PoorPerfectaspeaksfrequentlyofthiscloud，whichisgrowingblackerandblacker，whileshebecomeseverydaymoreyellow。Thepoormotherfindsconsolationforhergriefinreligionandindevotionalexercises，whicheachdayshepractiseswithamoreexemplaryandedifyingpiety。Shepassesalmostthewholeofthedayinchurch，andshespendsherlargeincomeinnovenasandinsplendidreligiousceremonies。Thankstoher，religiousworshiphasrecoveredinOrbajosaitsformersplendor。Thisissomeconsolationinthemidstofthedecayanddissolutionofournationality。
　　“To-morrowIwillsendtheproofs。Iwilladdafewpagesmore，forI
　　havediscoveredanotherillustriousOrbajosan——BernardoAmadordeSota，whowasfootmantotheDukeofOsuna，whomheservedduringtheperiodofthevice-royaltyofNaples；andthereisevengoodreasontobelievethathehadnocomplicitywhateverintheconspiracyagainstVenice。”
　　Ourstoryisended。Thisisallwehavetosayforthepresentconcerningpersonswhoseem，butarenotgood。
　　End