essed herself in deep
mourning, and, desiring me to follow her, knocked at the convent gate,
and requesting to see the superior, was admitted. The superior came out
of the parlour to receive her, not wishing that any one should enter,
while Donna Emilia was in such a state of misery and despair.

"It is my sister that I come to see, madam, and I must not be refused;
lead me to her, and be witness of the scene, if you please."

The superior, who was not aware that Emilia would have refused to see
Donna Teresa, led the way, and we were ushered into the presence of
Emilia, who, looking up as Donna Teresa entered, turned away from her as
if in abhorrence.

"Emilia," said my mistress, "we are born of the same mother, we have
lived as children, and we have grown up together; never did we have a
secret from each other, till this unfortunate mistake occurred. On my
knees, I request you to listen to me, and to believe what I say."

"Plead your cause with your husband, Teresa; it is more necessary to
pacify him than me."

"I have no husband, Emilia; he is now pleading his own cause with
God--for he has fallen by the sword of yours."

Donna Emilia started.

"Yes, Emilia, dear, dear sister, it is but too true, and still more
true, that you have caused his death. Do not kill me too, Emilia, by
refusing to believe what I declare, as I hope for eternal
salvation,--that I never was aware of the mistake, until the boy
discovered it to me, on the ensuing day. If you knew the shame, the
vexation, the fear of discovery which racked my frame, when I was but
too sure of it, you would forgive my having tried to hide a fault, the
knowledge of which would make others miserable, as well as me. Say you
believe me--say you forgive me, Emilia. Oh! Emilia, cannot you forgive a
sister?"

Emilia answered not, and Teresa, clinging to her knees, and embracing
them, sobbed hysterically. At this moment, Don Perez, who had obtained
admittance to see his wife, came into the room, and walking up to the
part in which the two unfortunate ladies remained in the attitudes
described, said,--"You, Teresa, who have been the original cause of this
unhappy business, I mean not to reproach again. Your punishment has been
greater than your offence. It is to you, madam, I must address myself,
who, by not believing in the words of truth, have caused me to slay my
dearest friend and brother, and, after having unwittingly wounded him in
the tenderest point, add t