the conduct of inferiors
and dependants should never be lauded, even when they are most
successful in their services.

Acting upon this charitable principle, he would on no account interfere
to prevent the taunts and abuse with which the luckless valet was
assailed on all sides. Thus poor Roque had a fresh opportunity of
discovering the little a man is likely to gain by following the impulse
of a good heart, and the very extraordinary way men have of
acknowledging a service, even when they are internally well pleased
therewith.

"Begone, thou graceless dog!" exclaimed Don Manuel. "Thy impertinence
justly deserves most exemplary punishment from thy master."

Saying this, he took his daughter by the hand, made a slight bow to
Gomez Arias, and was about to retire, when Don Lope stept forward as
though he wished to detain him.

"Stay, Don Manuel," said he; "I cannot leave your house, without again
expressing my regret for the disturbance I have caused. I sincerely
offer you my apologies as an honorable cavalier, and as such I am
confident Don Manuel de Monteblanco will accept them. Moreover, I shall
make all the atonement in my power; and as it is obvious that my servant
is the primary cause of all the mischief, you may rest assured, Sir, the
culprit shall not escape without condign and adequate punishment."

Don Manuel expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the apology of
Gomez Arias, and most graciously accepted the atonement proposed; then
making another bow, not quite so slight as the former, left the _Zaguan_
accompanied by his beautiful daughter, who had already caught the
eloquent parting look of her lover, and treasured in her bosom all the
tender sentiments it conveyed.

Meantime, Don Lope, well contented with himself, haughtily called to
poor Roque--the faithful valet was in a moment ready to lead the way.
His master then very composedly returned to his apartments to muse over
the adventures of the evening, and form plans for the successful
accomplishment of his ulterior projects.

CHAPTER VII.

Pariome a drede mi Madre
Oxala no me pariera!--

_Quevedo._

No ill luck stirring, but what lights on my shoulders.

_Shakespeare._

"_Better be born fortunate than rich_," says an old proverb, and the
correctness of this saying was fully exemplified in the life of Don
Rodrigo de Cespedes. Indeed, his whole existence had been