h release."

The noble syllables floated outward and upward, and Antonia and Lopez
softly intoned the last line together, letting them fall slowly and
softly into the sensitive atmosphere.

"And as for trouble coming from the devil," said Lopez, "I think,
Senora, that Fray Ignatius is wrong. Trouble is not the worst thing that
can come to a man or woman. On the contrary, our Lady of Prosperity is
said to do, them far greater harm. Let me repeat to you what the ever
wise Don Francisco de Quevedo Villegas says about her:

"'Where is the virtue prosperity has not staggered? Where the folly she
has not augmented? She takes no counsel, she fears no punishment. She
furnishes matter for scandal, experience, and for story. How many souls,
innocent while poor, have fallen into sin and impiety as soon as they
drank of the enchanted cup of prosperity? Men that can bear prosperity,
are for heaven; even wise devils leave them alone. As for the one who
persecuted and beggared job, how foolish and impertinent he was! If
he had understood humanity, he would have multiplied his riches, and
possessed him of health, and honors, and pleasures: THAT is the trial it
cannot bear.'"

"Oh, to be sure! Quevedo was a wise man. But even wise men don't know
everything. However, WE ARE GOING HOME! I thank the saints for this
immeasurable favor. It is a prosperity that is good for women. I will
stake my Santiguida on that! And will you observe that it is Sunday
again? Just before sunset I heard the vesper bells clearly. Remember
that we left San Antonio on Sunday also! I have always heard that Sunday
was a good day to begin a journey on."

"If it had been on a Friday--"

"Friday! Indeed, Luis, I would not have gone one hundred yards upon a
Friday. How can you suppose what is so inconceivably foolish?"

"I think much of the right hour to undertake anything," said Lopez. "The
first movements are not in the hands of men; and we are subject to more
influences than we comprehend. There is a ripe time for events, as well
as for fruits: but the hour depends upon forces which we cannot control
by giving to them the name of the day; and our sage Quevedo has made a
pleasant mockery thereon. It is at my lips, if your ears care to hear
it."

"Quevedo, again! No, it is not proper, Senor. Every day has its duties
and its favors, Senor. That man actually said that fasting on Friday was
not a special means of grace! Quevedo was almost a heretic. I have he