visit his
relations and friends, to receive their congratulations on his escape;
nor did he even go to pay his respects to the superior of his order,
but, without a moment's loss of time, he hurried off to the residence of
the marquis. He introduced himself without much ceremony. The marquis
could not at first believe the unwelcome news he brought.

"I have no object in deceiving you, most noble marquis," answered the
priest, with a calm, unruffled brow. "I have ample proofs of the truth
of my statements, and should I bring them forward you could no longer
keep possession of this beautiful mansion, of yonder fertile fields, of
the time-honoured title you hold. But do not be alarmed; far be it from
me to wish to dispossess you; the real heir is the son of a heretic
woman, and will be brought up as a heretic; and I feel that I shall but
be supporting the cause of our Holy Mother Church by saying nothing
about this matter, and by maintaining you in possession of your
property; you, who will, I doubt not, prove yourself one of her most
devoted and zealous sons."

The marquis was a person with a narrow forehead, small grey eyes, and
that peculiar expression of countenance which the vice of indulged
avarice seems generally to produce. Though his lips denoted sensuality,
their total want of firmness showed the astute Father Mendez that he
would be easily moulded to his will. The marquis was perfectly well
aware of the way in which the church was at times apt to bleed those
whom she designated her most devoted sons, and he winced at the thoughts
of having to part with the large portion of his newly-acquired wealth
which would be required.

"I know not what you mean, father," he answered. "I have always been a
devoted son of Holy Mother Church, and shall ever be ready to pay those
dues which she can rightly demand."

The priest fixed his eyes sternly on him.

"It will be as well, Don Anibal, that we come to a right understanding
on the matter," he remarked, in a low firm tone. "Remember, I have the
power of depriving you of every silver piece of the wealth you enjoy; of
stripping you of your title and estates, and reducing you to the state
of poverty from which you have sprung; that is what I have the power of
doing. The heir--the real owner of this superb mansion, of these broad
lands--is a fine healthy child; a word from me would bring him over, and
put him, or his proper guardians, in possession of them. Now, i