mentable state of
dejection, and I am reminded of the weak and degenerate characters whose
baseness you have painted to me in such strong colors, in order that I
might abhor them. In the state in which I am to-day I am ready for good
or for evil. God have pity upon me! I already know what prayer is--a
solemn and reflexive supplication, so personal that it is not compatible
with formulas learned by heart; an expansion of the soul which dares to
reach out toward its source; the opposite of remorse, in which the
soul, at war with itself, seeks in vain to defend itself by sophisms
and concealments. You have taught me many good things, but now I am
practising; as we engineers say, I am studying on the ground; and in
this way my knowledge will become broadened and confirmed. I begin to
imagine now that I am not so wicked as I myself believe. Am I right?

"I end this letter in haste. I must send it with some soldiers who
are going in the direction of the station at Villahorrenda, for the
post-office of this place is not to be trusted."

"APRIL 14.

"It would amuse you, dear father, if I could make you understand the
ideas of the people of this wretched town. You know already that almost
all the country is up in arms. It was a thing to be anticipated, and
the politicians are mistaken if they imagine that it will be over in a
couple of days. Hostility to us and to the Government is innate in the
Orbajosan's mind, and forms a part of it as much as his religious faith.
Confining myself to the particular question with my aunt, I will tell
you a singular thing--the poor lady, who is penetrated by the spirit of
feudalism to the marrow of her bones, has taken it into her head that
I am going to attack her house and carry off her daughter, as the
gentlemen of the Middle Ages attacked an enemy's castle to consummate
some outrage. Don't laugh, for it is the truth--such are the ideas of
these people. I need not tell you that she regards me as a monster, as
a sort of heretic Moorish king, and of the officers here who are my
friends she has no better opinion. In Dona Perfecta's house it is a
matter of firm belief that the army and I have formed a diabolical and
anti-religious coalition to rob Orbajosa of its treasures, its faith,
and its maidens. I am sure that your sister firmly believes that I am
going to take her house by assault, and there is not a doubt but that
behind the door some barricade has been erected.

"But it could no