lia." I did so, and he gave me a
quarter-doubloon as before. "I thank you, senor," replied I; what with
the doubloons of Don Florez and your quarter-doubloons, I shall soon be
a rich man."

"How say you," replied he, "Don Florez give you doubloons--then he
spoils the market; but I must not allow him to pay you better than I do,
or I shall not be served so faithfully.--Here's a doubloon and a half,
which, with what you have already received, will make the accounts
square." I made my bow, and with many thanks withdrew.

Young as I was, I had an idea that something had occurred at the
mistaken meeting of last night, which seriously affected Donna Teresa.
As I was much more partial to her than to her sister, I resolved not to
deliver the note of Don Perez to Emilia, until I had consulted Donna
Teresa. On my return, I beckoned her into her chamber, and told her the
answer of Don Florez, with his observation, "that he hoped he should be
as fortunate as Don Perez was last night." She coloured with shame and
vexation; and I then told her how I had met Don Perez, and what had
passed. I then gave her the note, and asked whether I should deliver it
or not. She hastily tore it open--it ran as follows:--"How can I
sufficiently express my gratitude to my adored Emilia, for her kindness
to me last night? Tell me, dearest angel, when am I to have the pleasure
of meeting you again in the saloon? Till you once more grant me the
favour, life will be a blank."

"Pedro," said she, "you have indeed done me a service--you have been my
preserver. How can I ever repay you?"

"Give me a double allowance of kisses, this time," replied I.

"I will give you a thousand," answered she, and she kissed and blessed
me while tears ran down her cheeks; she then took some paper, and
imitating the hand-writing, wrote as follows:--"I must submit to your
wishes, Donna Emilia; and while your sister blesses Don Florez, must
yield to the severity of your disposition. Still I hope that you will
relent--I am very miserable; write to me, if you have any love still
remaining for your adorer.----Perez."

"Take this to Emilia, my sweet child.--What can I do to reward you?"

"Why you must take care of my money," said I, "for if my mistress finds
it out, I shall never be able to tell how I came by it." She smiled
mournfully as she received my doubloons, and locked them up in a
trinket-box. "I will add to your wealth, Pedro," said she.

"No," replied I, "only ki