the brother Anselmo. "Is this a face," said I, communing
with myself, "to be disfigured with a vile tonsure? are these limbs to
be hid under the repulsive garment of a monk?" Again I surveyed myself,
and it was with difficulty that I could tear myself away from
contemplating my metamorphosis. I was indeed a butterfly. At last, I
determined upon sallying forth. I locked up my monastic dress and
descended the staircase. I must acknowledge, that it was with
trepidation I ventured into the street, but I had soon reason to take
confidence, for I was met by one of my most intimate friends, who looked
in my face, and passed on without the slightest recognition. Overjoyed
at this circumstance, I took courage, and boldly proceeded to the Prado,
where I was greeted with favourable glances from the women, and sneers
from the men, both of which I considered equally flattering. In the
evening, I returned to my lodgings, resumed the habit of my order, and
gained the convent. I now felt that there was no chance of discovery,
and anticipated the happiness which had been denied me. I subsequently
ordered the most fashionable and expensive clothes, hired my lodgings
for six months, assumed the name of Don Pedro, made the acquaintance of
many young men, and amongst others of the officer who had treated me so
ill. He took a fancy to me, which I encouraged to further my views. I
became his confidant, he informed me of his amour with his cousin,
adding that he was tired of the business, and wished to break with her;
also, as an excellent joke, the punishment which he had inflicted upon
the friar Anselmo.

He was a great proficient with the small sword, an accomplishment, which
of course had been neglected in my education, and which I accounted for
by stating that until the death of my elder brother, I had been intended
for the church. I accepted his offer to be my instructor, and my first
rudiments in the science were received from him. Afterwards I applied to
a professor, and, constantly practising, in the course of a few months,
I knew, from occasional trials of skill with the officer, that I was his
superior. My revenge, which hitherto had been controlled was now ripe.

But in narrating my adventures abroad, it must not be supposed that I
neglected every thing that prudence or caution could suggest, to avoid
discovery. On the contrary, now that I had the means of enjoying
myself, I was more careful that I did not by any indiscretion excit