doctor her for imaginary
ailments, and often enough I cure her of real ones. Half the secrets of
Seville are in my hands; did I choose to speak I could set a score of
noble houses to broil and bloodshed. But I do not speak, I am paid to
keep silent; and when I am not paid, still I keep silent for my credit's
sake. Hundreds of women think me their saviour, I know them for my
dupes. But mark you, I do not push this game too far. A love philtre--of
coloured water--I may give at a price, but not a poisoned rose. These
they must seek elsewhere. For the rest, in my way I am honest. I take
the world as it comes, that is all, and, as women will be fools, I
profit by their folly and have grown rich upon it.

* About sixty-three pounds sterling.

'Yes, I have grown rich, and yet I cannot stop. I love the money that is
power; but more than all, I love the way of life. Talk of romances and
adventure! What romance or adventure is half so wonderful as those that
come daily to my notice? And I play a part in every one of them, and
none the less a leading part because I do not shout and strut upon the
boards.'

'If all this is so, why do you seek the help of an unknown lad, a
stranger of whom you know nothing?' I asked bluntly.

'Truly, you lack experience,' the old man answered with a laugh. 'Do you
then suppose that I should choose one who was NOT a stranger--one who
might have ties within this city with which I was unacquainted. And as
for knowing nothing of you, young man, do you think that I have followed
this strange trade of mine for forty years without learning to judge at
sight? Perhaps I know you better than you know yourself. By the way, the
fact that you are deeply enamoured of that maid whom you have left in
England is a recommendation to me, for whatever follies you may commit,
you will scarcely embarrass me and yourself by suffering your affections
to be seriously entangled. Ah! have I astonished you?'

'How do you know?' I began--then ceased.

'How do I know? Why, easily enough. Those boots you wear were made in
England. I have seen many such when I travelled there; your accent also
though faint is English, and twice you have spoken English words when
your Castilian failed you. Then for the maid, is not that a betrothal
ring upon your hand? And when I spoke to you of the ladies of this
country, my talk did not interest you overmuch as at your age it had
done were you heart-whole. Surely also the lady is fair