for this morning, so I beg you to close your arguments, unless you
really wish that I should honor them with a most unanswerable reply."

Here to illustrate his meaning, he very expressively shook the cane, and
Roque as prudently retreated; for he knew his master strictly adhered to
his word on occasions of this nature.

"With respect to your quitting my service," continued Don Lope, "I have
no sort of objection, provided that when you part with me, you are
likewise disposed to part with your ears, for I have taken such a fancy
to you, my dear Roque, that I cannot possibly allow you to quit me,
without leaving me behind a token of remembrance. And now," he added in
a more serious tone, "withdraw immediately, and mind your business."

Roque made an humble bow and retired. Gomez Arias in this instance, as
well as in many others, took advantage of that uncontrollable authority
which strong minds generally assume over their inferiors. The valet had
indeed resolved several times to leave his master, for it happened that
this same Roque had no particular relish for canings, and other favors
of the kind which were liberally administered to him, as a remuneration
for his master's achievements. Moreover, he had the nicest sense of
justice, and he could not but feel the shocking impropriety of accepting
a reward that was unquestionably due to his superiors. Indeed, it is but
fair to add, he never acquiesced in the obligation, until it was
actually forced upon him.

Roque was moreover blessed with a conscience--that sort of prudential
conscience which must be considered as a most valuable acquisition. He
certainly was not so unreasonable as to expect a spirited nobleman to
lead the life of a sequestered monk, nor could he object to his master's
intrigues, but he nevertheless found it extremely objectionable that
these should not be kept within the bounds of common prudence. Now,
could Gomez Arias have limited his gallantries to the seduction of
farmers' daughters, or debauching trademen's wives, Roque would most
implicitly have approved of the practice, inasmuch as in this case, his
master would only be asserting a sort of hereditary right attached to
those of his class. But to be deceiving two ladies of distinction was
really too much for the delicate feelings of the conscientious menial.

Again, Roque could not urge anything against the courage of his master;
he only objected to the effects of its superabundance; for this
s