having agreed upon the exact time at which it should be delivered, he
departed; when I rose from my bed, I resumed my monastic dress and
tonsure, and returned to the convent.

During the whole of the time occupied by these transactions, I had been
assiduous in laying up money, which before I had squandered as fast as I
obtained it, and had realised a considerable sum. I could not help
comparing myself to a chrysalis previous to its transformation. I had
before been a caterpillar, I was now all ready to burst my confinement,
and flit about as a gaudy butterfly. Another week I continued my
prudent conduct, at the end of which I was admitted to my superior, in
whose hands I placed a sum of money which I could very conveniently
spare, and received his benediction and commendations for having weaned
myself from my former excesses. With a quickened pulse I hastened to my
lodgings, and throwing off my hateful gown and tonsure, dressed myself
in my new attire.

The transformation was complete. I could not recognise myself. I
hardly could believe that the dashing young cavalier that confronted me
in the mirror was the brother Anselmo. "Is this a face," said I,
communing with myself, "to be disfigured with a vile tonsure? are these
limbs to be hid under the repulsive garment of a monk?" Again I
surveyed myself, and it was with difficulty that I could tear myself
away from contemplating my metamorphosis. I was indeed a butterfly. At
last I determined upon sallying forth. I locked up my monastic dress
and descended the staircase. I must acknowledge that it was with
trepidation I ventured into the street, but I had soon reason to take
confidence, for I was met by one of my most intimate friends, who looked
in my face and passed on without the slightest recognition. Overjoyed
at this circumstance, I took courage, and boldly proceeded to the Prado,
where I was greeted with favourable glances from the women, and sneers
from the men, both of which I considered equally flattering. In the
evening I returned to my lodgings, resumed the habit of my order, and
gained the convent. I now felt that there was no chance of discovery,
and anticipated the happiness which had been denied me. I subsequently
ordered the most fashionable and expensive clothes, hired my lodgings
for six months, assumed the name of Don Pedro, made the acquaintance of
many young men, and amongst others of the officer who had treated me so
ill. He took a