ion for some time, when the old lady fell
sick and died. She divided her fortune between her two nieces, and as
they were now independent, they married their respective lovers; but the
old lady forgot to mention me in her will, and I should have been turned
adrift on the world had it not been for Donna Teresa, who immediately
appointed me as her own attendant. I was as happy as before, although no
more doubloons fell into my hands, after the marriages took place. It
appears that Don Perez was so much afraid of offending Donna Emilia,
that he never ventured to speak of the meeting, which he supposed he had
had with her in the saloon, until after marriage: then, feeling himself
quite at liberty, he had laughed at her on the subject. Donna Emilia was
all astonishment, declared most positively that it had not taken place;
and although he at first ridiculed the idea of her denial, yet
recollecting that he still had her notes in his possession, he brought
them out, and showed her the one in which she had prohibited him from
speaking on the subject. Donna Emilia protested that it was not her
writing, and was confounded at the apparent mystery. She stated that
Teresa had agreed to meet Don Florez in the saloon that night.

"On the contrary," replied Don Perez, "he received a letter from Donna
Teresa, refusing him a meeting, at the same time that I received this
from you, giving me the assignation."

Donna Emilia burst into tears. "I see how it is," replied she, "the page
by mistake has given the note which I wrote you to Don Florez, and
Teresa's note fell into your hands. You have taken an unworthy advantage
of the circumstance, and have met my sister. Never make me believe, Don
Perez, that you were not aware of the mistake, when she received you in
the saloon--or that she could not distinguish you from Don Florez. Cruel
sister, thus to rob me of my happiness! Treacherous Don Perez, thus to
betray your friend and me!"

Don Perez tried all he could to pacify his wife, but in vain. Her
jealousy, her pride, and her conscientious scruples were roused, and she
would not listen to any reasoning or protestations. Although he was
almost certain, that the fact was as his wife had stated, he determined
to make sure by referring to me. He came to Don Florez' house, and after
staying a little while with him and his wife, during which he appeared
so uneasy that they asked him whether he was unwell, he went away making
a sign for me to fol