low him. He then entered into all the particulars,
and asked me about the delivery of the notes. I took it for granted,
that an explanation had taken place between him and his wife--my only
object was to save Donna Teresa.

"Senor, whether what Donna Emilia says is true, I know not," replied I;
"but, that it was not Donna Teresa who met you, I can certify, for I was
in her room with her that night till she went to bed, playing at piquet
for sugar-plums."

"Then who could it be," observed he.

"I know not, senor, for I did not go downstairs, where my mistress was,
because she had sent me to bed, and I knew that I should have been
scolded for being up. Therefore I cannot say whether Donna Emilia was
with you or not."

Don Perez meditated some time, and then came to the conclusion that his
wife was ashamed of having been too indulgent to him in an unguarded
moment, and would not acknowledge it. Still he was far from being
satisfied. He returned home to explain what he had gathered to his wife,
but found that she had left the house some time before, without stating
whither she was going. As soon as Don Perez left the house, I hastened
to my mistress, to acquaint her with what had passed, and what I had
told him.

"I thank you for your kind intention, Pedro, but I am afraid that all
will be discovered. It is a judgment on me for my folly and
indiscretion."

In the meantime, Donna Emilia, who had taken refuge in a neighbouring
convent, sent for Don Florez. He found her in the convent-parlour in
tears. Convinced by her jealousy, that her sister had an attachment to
Don Perez, and that there had been a mutual understanding, she stated to
Don Florez the whole of the circumstances, and pointing out to him how
treacherously they both had been treated, acquainted him with her
intention to retire from the world.

Don Florez, stirred to madness by the information, exclaimed--"It was
for this, then, that she put me off on that night, and was kind to me
the next. Cursed dupe that I have been; but, thank heaven, it is not too
late to be revenged. Don Perez, you shall pay dearly for this." So
saying, he quitted Donna Emilia, uncertain whether he should first wreak
his vengeance upon Don Perez or his wife. But this point was soon
decided, for at the convent gate he encountered Don Perez, who had been
informed whither his wife had retreated.

"You are the person I have been anxiously wishing to see, Don
Perez--treacherous villai