e Calderon smiled) could
ennoble a mushroom itself--your humble servant is an example. Such
letters may be bought or begged; I will undertake to procure them. Your
father, too, may find a dowry accompanying the title, in the shape of a
high and honourable post for yourself. You deserve much; you are beloved
in the army; you have won a high name in the world. I take shame on
myself that your fortunes have been overlooked. 'Out of sight out of
mind;' alas! it is a true proverb. I confess that, when I beheld you in
the ante room, I blushed for my past forgetfulness. No matter--I will
repair my fault. Men say that my patronage is misapplied--I will prove
the contrary by your promotion."

"Generous Calderon!" said Fonseca, falteringly; "I ever hated the
judgments of the vulgar. They calumniate you; it is from envy."

"No," said Calderon, coldly; "I am bad enough, but I am still human.
Besides, gratitude is my policy. I have always found that it is a good
way to get on in the world to serve those who serve us."

"But the duke?"

"Fear not; I have an oil that will smooth all the billows on that
surface. As for the letter, I say, leave it with me; I will show it to
the queen. Let me see you again tomorrow."

CHAPTER III. A RIVAL.

Calderon's eyes were fixed musingly on the door which closed on
Fonseca's martial and noble form.

"Great contrasts among men!" said he, half aloud. "All the classes
into which naturalists ever divided the animal world contained not the
variety that exists between man and man. And yet, we all agree in one
object of our being--all prey on each other! Glory, which is but the
thirst of blood, makes yon soldier the tiger of his kind; other passions
have made me the serpent: both fierce, relentless, unscrupulous--both!
hero and courtier, valour and craft! Hein! I will serve this young
man--he has served me. When all other affection was torn from me, he,
then a boy, smiled on me and bade me love him. Why has he been so long
forgotten? He is not of the race that I abhor; no Moorish blood flows in
his veins; neither is he of the great and powerful, whom I dread; nor of
the crouching and the servile, whom I despise: he is one whom I can aid
without a blush."

While Calderon thus soliloquised, the arras was lifted aside, and a
cavalier, on whose cheek was the first down of manhood, entered the
apartment.

"So, Roderigo, alone! welcome back to Madrid. Nay, seat thyself,
man--seat thyself."

C