reatly admire and
applaud your discretion. Never ought so worthy, so valuable a matron to
be lost to the world. No, thou wert born to be the consolation of
gallant knights and amorous damsels; it would be really unpardonable to
permit thy seclusion, whilst thou mayest yet tend thy services to
lovers. No, no, God forbid thou shouldst go to a nunnery."

"The Lord bless you, good Senor," returned Martha with humility; "but
you over-rate my poor deserts."

"By my sword! that modesty becomes thee mightily. But we must lose no
time. Attend vespers this afternoon, there thou shalt find my
conscientious valet, who will give thee proper directions and assistance
to effect thy escape, and ample means to pass the remainder of thy
precious life in some distant city of Spain, free from the blessed idea
of conventual retirement."

"That will I do, most generous Don Lope, and be thankful withal."

"But stay," added Gomez Arias with mock gravity; "there is one objection
to this arrangement."

"_Virgen de las Angustias!_--What is it, Senor?" demanded the duenna, in
visible alarm.

"Why!" answered Gomez Arias, "only that thou must sacrifice somewhat of
that dear, unsullied reputation by following such a course."

"Alas, Senor!" exclaimed she of the nice reputation--"That is too true;
willingly would I preserve it entire, but feeble mortals are not bound
to do more than their strength can compass."

"True," rejoined Gomez Arias; "thine argument, most venerable Martha, is
a very plausible argument, and very consoling withal."

At this moment a noise was heard. The duenna started. "It is my master,
and Don Antonio," cried she. "Hence! begone, Don Lope, they must not see
us together."

"Fear not, most respected dame," said Gomez Arias; "I am no college
gallant, no unskilful tyro in the affairs of love; I depart but to
return in due time."

"Return!" echoed Martha; "to what purpose?"

"To cover thy threadbare reputation," said he laughing; "it appears of
so tender a texture, that it is likely to be torn piece-meal, if not
remedied in time. Besides, I must protect my own, should it be
necessary: a good pilot, even in a calm, must prepare against foul
weather."

"Our Lady's blessing be upon your head!" said Martha, "for a right
prudent _caballero_."

"Well, mind to give thy assistance at vespers."

"Ah, my good Senor; my devotion requires no stimulus."

Gomez Arias made his exit, just in time to prevent a meeting with the