r writing, and was
confounded at the apparent mystery. She stated that Teresa had agreed
to meet Don Florez in the saloon that night.

"On the contrary," replied Don Perez, "he received a letter from Donna
Teresa, refusing him a meeting, at the same time that I received this
from you, giving me the assignation."

Donna Emilia burst into tears. "I see how it is," replied she, "the
page by mistake has given the note which I wrote you to Don Florez, and
Teresa's note fell into your hands. You have taken an unworthy
advantage of the circumstance, and have met my sister. Never make me
believe, Don Perez, that you were not aware of the mistake, when she
received you in the saloon--or that she could not distinguish you from
Don Florez. Cruel sister, thus to rob me of my happiness! Treacherous
Don Perez, thus to betray your friend and me!"

Don Perez tried all he could to pacify his wife, but in vain. Her
jealousy, her pride, and her conscientious scruples were roused, and she
would not listen to any reasoning or protestations. Although he was
almost certain, that the fact was as his wife had stated, he determined
to make sure by referring to me. He came to Don Florez's house, and
after staying a little while with him and his wife, during which he
appeared so uneasy that they asked him whether he was unwell, he went
away making a sign for me to follow 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.

"Senhor, 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, senhor, for I did not go down stairs, 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
stati